Frequently Asked Questions: Bifacial Solar Panels
What is a bifacial solar panel and how does it work?
Unlike traditional standard solar panels that only have photovoltaic cells on the front, bifacial solar panels are designed to generate electricity from both sides. They feature a transparent, dual-glass design that allows sunlight to pass through the panel. While the front side captures direct sunlight as normal, the rear side absorbs ambient, reflected light bouncing off the ground or roof surface behind it. This dual-action design can significantly increase your overall energy yield.
Are bifacial solar panels worth it in the UK?
Yes, highly. UK weather often brings overcast and cloudy days where light is heavily diffused rather than direct. Bifacial panels excel in these conditions because they capture scattered ambient light from multiple angles. When paired with the advanced cell technology featured in this collection—such as N-Type, TOPCon, and HPBC cells—they provide outstanding low-light performance, helping your battery storage system charge faster during the UK winter.
How should I mount bifacial panels to get the most power?
To maximize the "bifacial gain" (the extra power generated by the rear side), these panels require clearance behind them so light can reflect onto the back. They are best suited for:
- Ground-Mounted Arrays: Where light reflects off the grass, gravel, or pale ground beneath them.
- Flat Commercial Roofs: Especially those coated in white or light-coloured reflective materials (a high "albedo" surface).
- Tilted A-Frames: Angling them up from the roof allows light to bounce in behind the module.
(Note: You can still install them flush on a standard pitched residential roof, but the rear-side energy gain will be minimal as there is no space for light to reflect.)
What brands of bifacial panels do you supply?
We stock industry-leading panels designed for extreme durability and high efficiency. Our collection features:
- AIKO (Neostar 2P+ & 3P+): Premium N-Type dual-glass panels renowned for their sleek appearance and massive power outputs (up to 540W per panel).
- LONGi (Hi-MO X6 & X10): Featuring advanced HPBC (High-Performance Back Contact) technology, available up to a massive 650W per panel.
- Photonic Universe: Excellent individual bifacial panels (from 200W to 400W), perfect for smaller off-grid setups, outbuildings, or bespoke DIY arrays.
Can I buy bifacial panels in bulk for a large installation?
Yes. For residential solar upgrades, commercial arrays, or professional installers, buying in bulk is the most cost-effective method. We supply Installer Pallets of our AIKO and LONGi bifacial panels in flexible sizes (8, 16, 36, or 37 panels per pallet). This drastically reduces your cost-per-watt and ensures you receive a perfectly matched batch of panels for your hybrid inverter.
Will bifacial panels work with my existing inverter and battery storage?
Absolutely. Bifacial panels output standard Direct Current (DC) electricity just like standard panels. They are universally compatible with standard single-phase and three-phase hybrid inverters, as well as MPPT charge controllers for off-grid battery systems. Simply ensure that the total voltage and combined wattage of your array do not exceed the maximum input ratings of your specific inverter.
