Large-scale deployment of innovative bifacial photovoltaic (PV) systems, oriented east and west instead of the conventional south-facing setup, could significantly help fix energy price swings, cut fossil fuel use, and strengthen Europe's clean energy path, new research finds.
Can vertical bifacial photovoltaics be used in Europe?
The study investigates the potential of vertical bifacial photovoltaics (PV) adoption in the European electricity market. It shows that with up to 50% deployment, curtailment levels could be reduced, system costs lowered by around 3.8 billion Euros, and gas consumption decreased by nearly 12%.
Why are vertical bifacial solar panels important?
Their south-facing orientation causes a midday power surge, leading to price swings that push down wholesale prices during peak production times. Deploying different types of PV systems, like the vertical bifacial PV panels, can help reduce fluctuation in solar power production and value and stabilise the energy market.
Could bifacial photovoltaic systems help fix energy prices?
Large-scale deployment of innovative bifacial photovoltaic (PV) systems, oriented east and west instead of the conventional south-facing setup, could significantly help fix energy price swings, cut fossil fuel use, and strengthen Europe's clean energy path, new research finds.
East-west facing bifacial solar panels could boost solar power's economic value and help stabilise electricity prices across the EU.
How bifacial PV technology will evolve in EU27?
Electricity generation mix and total electricity consumption in EU27 for 2021, and its Evolution with variable share of vertical bifacial PV technology deployment (0 and 50%) by 2030 and 2040.
How much bifacial PV can be installed in the EU?
A recent study 5 calculated a conservative benchmark of over 1 TWp for the PV capacity potential in the EU on rooftops (560 GWp), vertical bifacial PV along roads and rails (403 GWp) and floating PV (157 GWp) on reservoirs (which can also be bifacial).