Understanding Bifacial vs Monofacial Solar Panels: Which is Best for You?
When you’re using solar power for home or business, the type of panel you employ can be a deciding factor in your system performance, price, and return on investment. The most talked-about comparison in the world of solar today is bifacial vs monofacial solar panels. As bifacial technology becomes more affordable and available, many are asking if it’s finally time to move away from the old monofacial systems.
But wait a minute, let’s pause for a second, what is a bifacial solar panel, anyway? And how, exactly, does it compare to a monofacial one? Which one is more efficient? Which one is cheaper? Most importantly, which is best for you?
Whether you are a solar newbie or seriously considering a system upgrade, this comprehensive guide will assist you in making the most informed decision possible.
What is a Monofacial Solar Panel?
Monofacial solar panels are the most prevalent and used form of solar panels in the world today. They are the panels you find on most residential rooftops, commercial structures, as well as remotely located off-grid installations.
They’re also known as “monofacial” since they consume sunlight from one face, the front face. The back of the panel is often covered by an opaque backsheet that protects the contents within and directs stray light away.
Key Features:
- Single-sided power generation
- Manufactured from monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon cells
- Compatible with use in all conventional mounting systems
- High quality and rigorously tested under all climatic conditions
Monofacial panels have long been the preferred solution merely because they are:
- Reliable
- Affordable
- Easy to install
However, in terms of the bifacial vs monofacial solar panel efficiency, monofacial panels are slightly hindered since they employ direct sunlight only.
What is a Bifacial Solar Panel?
A bifacial solar panel is built to collect light from both front and back (rear) sides. In contrast to monofacial panels with opaque back layers, bifacial panels are made with glass or transparent back layers such that the sunlight reflected by the ground or other surfaces may come in through the back side and generate more electricity.
The back side may not yield as much as the front, but a 5-20% increase in energy generation can make a significant difference in the long term, especially in high-reflectivity conditions.
Common Applications for Bifacial Panels:
- Ground-mounted solar farms
- Solar pergolas and carports
- White or reflective roof structures that are elevated
- Floating solar installations
- High-sun-exposure commercial spaces
Why is this dual design important?
Consider bifacial panels similar to solar panels with a “bonus engine.” Not only do they work harder, they work smarter, making use of every stray sunbeam that they can catch, even the ones reflecting off the ground.
Pros and Cons of Monofacial and Bifacial Panels
Let’s dissect the strengths and weaknesses of both technologies so you can better see where each excels.
Monofacial Solar Panels:
Pros:
- Lower initial cost: Less expensive on the wallet and more suitable for budget-friendly projects.
- Proven track record: Tested and implemented for decades.
- Easier installation: Suitable for all rooftop configurations and standard mounting systems.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Comes in sleek black designs for residential applications.
Cons:
- Single surface power generation: Loses out on reflected or ambient light.
- Lower overall efficiency in ideal conditions than bifacial panels.
410W-435W Bifacial Module (54) Mono Cell Solar Panel | 182 N-Type | 1 Pallet (36 Panels)
450W Bifacial Solar Panel | High Efficiency | 120 Half-Cut PERC Cells | Wholesale Solar Panels | 1 Pallet (31 Panels)
550W Bifacial Solar Panel | High Efficiency | 144 Half-Cut PERC Cells | Wholesale Solar Panels | 1 Pallet (36 Panels)
555W-585W Bifacial Module (54) Mono Cell Solar Panel | 182 N-Type | 1 Pallet (36 Panels)
Bifacial Solar Panels:
Pros:
- Increased energy harvest: Creates extra electricity from the back side.
- Improved operation in diffused and indirect light: Particularly applicable in cloudy or snowy climates.
- Streamlined, frameless glass-on-glass look: Provides aesthetic value for commercial or architectural applications.
- Enhanced long-term return on investment: Higher energy production can reduce payback periods in the appropriate context.
Cons:
- More costly upfront: The panels themselves and the customized racking can be more costly.
- Installation reliant: Needs space, height, and surface reflectivity for peak performance.
- Not suitable for classic rooftops: Usually doesn’t pay off unless rear-side exposure is maximized.
Bifacial vs Monofacial Solar Panel Efficiency
Here’s the performance aspect everyone’s interested in: efficiency.
Monofacial Panels:
- Efficiency is between 18%-22%, varying by silicon type.
- Monocrystalline versions are at the high end of this and have better low-light performance.
Bifacial Panels:
- Base (front-side) efficiency is comparable, 19%-22%.
- With bifacial gain, total output is increased by another 5%-20%, sometimes higher in controlled settings (e.g., white gravel or snow).
In brief:
Monofacial = stable and reliable.
Bifacial = more intelligent and more opportunistic, with greater upside and PERC cells.
So when it comes to comparing bifacial vs monofacial solar panel efficiency, bifacial panels win, but only if your installation allows for it.
Cost Difference Between Monofacial and Bifacial Solar Panels
One of the most significant buying decisions is the cost difference between monofacial and bifacial solar panels.
Monofacial Panels:
- Lower initial cost
- Simpler racking and labor = lower installation cost
- Great for rapid ROI in typical residential applications
Bifacial Panels:
- 10%-20% more panel cost
- Will require specialty mounting for tilt and exposure
- Higher long-term savings if the situation allows for dual exposure
Bottom line?
If your site doesn’t provide rear-side exposure, you’re paying more for an advantage you won’t use.
Are Bifacial Solar Panels Worth It?
Let’s come full circle to a question that likely led you here:
YES, if:
- You’re designing a ground-mounted installation.
- Your area has a reflective surface (e.g., white roof, light-colored ground, snow).
- You desire top-tier long-term ROI and can afford the space and budget for a raised system.
NO, if:
- You’re mounting on a standard dark residential roof.
- Budget is your number one concern.
- You lack sufficient clearance or rear-side exposure.
Bifacial vs Monofacial Solar Panels
In most residential applications, monofacial panels continue to offer the optimum combination of performance, price, and installation convenience.
| Criteria | Monofacial Panel | Bifacial Panels |
| Ideal Application | Rooftop installations, limited space | Ground mounts, carports, elevated arrays |
| Efficiency | 18%-22% | 20%-27% (with bifacial gain) |
| Installation | Simple, standard mounts | Requires space, reflection, and special mounts |
| Cost | Lower panel and installation costs | Higher upfront cost |
| Design Aesthetic | Traditional black/blue look | Frameless, modern, glass-on-glass |
| Durability | Backed with a protective layer | Double glass = stronger, weather-resistant |
| Best ROI For | Homes, compact areas | Businesses, solar farms, and optimized landscapes |
Wrap Up
Deciding between bifacial vs monofacial solar panels isn’t a matter of which panel is “better”; it’s a matter of which is best for you.
- Need cheap, easy, and dependable? Use monofacial panels.
- Need high-efficiency, sleek design, and long-term savings (and the right environment)? Look at bifacial panels.
Either way, solar is an awesome investment. But the wiser your decision, the better your savings, performance, and sustainability outcomes will be.
Still not convinced? A solar professional can assist you for variables such as albedo (ground reflectivity), height, and shade to suggest the most economical solution. For more details about any solar products, feel free to contact us. Our team will get in touch with you shortly to assist with your needs.
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