Bifacial solar panels?

[FlowerPower]

Amazon had Renogy 100W panels on sale for $64 and I bought two. Due to their size/weight, I'm looking at buying 150W bifacial panel to use instead. Way lighter and I can live with 25% less capacity for now.

Has anyone had experience using bifacial solar panels?

[Bill]

Interesting question. I never heard of bifacial panels, so I've learned something. A little research suggests what you might expect from the name - the panel can generate power from both front and back faces. This is a good thing, and you can think of it like two conventional panels mounted back-to-back. But the problem is that in order to generate power from one face or the other, that face must be exposed to light, and it must be reasonably strong light. Mounted on a TM roof, the front face will get direct sunlight, but the back face is shadowed by the front face, so it will generate little if any power.

Solar Power World, apparently a trade magazine, says that the light reaching the back face doesn't have to be direct sunlight, and can be sunlight light reflected from a wall or the ground. But "Bifacial modules mounted flush to a rooftop block any reflected light from reaching the backside of the cells." It goes on to say that if the panel is tilted, light can reach the back of the panel, and will generate extra power. But tiltable panels on an RV are rare.

My conclusion is that bifacial modules are not particularly helpful when mounted flat on a TM roof.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/04/what-are-bifacial-solar-modules/

Bill

[FlowerPower]

It won't be mounted on the roof, it will be portable and set out/hooked to the trailer at ground level with a reflector underneath. I already struggle to raise the ends so didn't want to add any more weight.

And if I do decide to mount it to the roof, it would be much lighter than traditional panels.

Originally, I had planned on making a suitcase out of the two panels, but again, too heavy and unwieldy to take in and out of the camper.

6lbs for 150W or 35lbs for 200W -- that's a no brainer for me. :-D

[Bill]

In that case, you are probably a GO! Remember that I have no first hand knowledge, but if the panel is tilted up to, say 45 degrees, you would get nearly perpendicular sun on the front panel for max power. And with a reflector behind, illuminating the rear side, it should be great. When you get some results, please let us know.

Bill

[tentcamper]

I installed a semi-flexible 160 watt panel. (Eco-worthy panel) Weight less than 10 lbs, height 3/16 inch except where the wires are connected.

Installed using good quality naturally curing caulk.