access icon openaccess Value of bifacial photovoltaics used with highly reflective ground materials on single-axis trackers and fixed-tilt systems: a Danish case study

The energy produced by bifacial photovoltaic (PV) arrays can be augmented via albedo enhancements. However, the value of the additional energy must outweigh the costs for such modifications to be economically viable. In this work, the electrical performance and economic value of six 13 kWp crystalline-silicon (c-Si) PV arrays with distinct configurations are evaluated. The system designs include horizontal single axis trackers (HSAT) and 25° fixed-tilt structures, monofacial and bifacial PV panels, and low and high ground albedo. The value of the system designs is assessed using onsite electrical measurements and spot prices from the Nord Pool electricity market. We find that HSAT systems increase the annual value factor (VF) by 4% and decrease levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by 3.5 EUR/MWh relative to fixed-tilt systems. The use of bifacial panels can increase the VF by 1% and decrease LCOE by 4.0 EUR/MWh. However, a negligible VF increase and modest LCOE decrease was found in systems with bifacial panels and ground albedo enhancements. Although our results show that albedo enhancements result in lower LCOE than designs without, the uncertainty in upfront and ongoing costs of altering the ground in utility-scale PV parks makes the solution presently unadvisable.

Inspec keywords: solar power stations; solar cells; sunlight; pricing; silicon; photovoltaic power systems; power generation economics; power markets; solar power

Other keywords: annual VF; economic value; electrical performance; decrease LCOE; bifacial photovoltaic arrays; levelised cost; single side active surface; hourly spot market prices; low ground reflectance; highly reflective ground materials; utility-scale PV parks; Danish case study; albedo; bifacial panels; bifacial designs; on-site minute-resolution electrical measurements; ground reflectance enhancements; ongoing costs; single-axis trackers; upfront costs; crystalline silicon PV arrays; system designs; high ground reflectance; additional energy; HSAT systems; fixed-tilt systems; Nord Pool electricity market; high reflectance surfaces; lower LCOE

Subjects: Solar power stations and photovoltaic power systems; Solar cells and arrays; Power system management, operation and economics

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