Science & Technology, Australia (Commonwealth Union) – The rise of solar panels has been nothing short of revolutionary in the field of renewable energy. As a clean, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels, solar power has emerged as a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications.
The solar industry is expected to continue its rapid growth in the coming years, driven by technological advancements, increased government support, and a growing awareness of the need for clean energy solutions. As costs continue to decrease and efficiency increases, solar panels are poised to become an even more attractive option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills.
While there are some drawbacks to consider, such as initial costs and weather dependence, the future prospects for the solar industry are bright. As technology continues to advance and costs continue to decrease, solar panels are well-positioned to play a significant role in the global shift towards clean, sustainable energy.
New research from The Australian National University (ANU) reveals that when properly implemented on residential rooftops, dual-sided solar panels have the capacity to generate 20% more energy than traditional single-sided systems. The study, led by Dr. Marco Ernst from ANU, emphasizes the underutilization of dual-sided, or bifacial, solar cells in the residential solar market, where monofacial modules are more commonly employed. Bifacial panels enable both the front and back of the solar panel to produce power, with the back collecting energy reflected from the roof. The research conducted detailed optical and electrical modeling, highlighting the significant advantages of dual-sided systems and addressing a critical knowledge gap regarding the viability of bifacial technology in residential settings. Dr. Ernst emphasized the study’s focus on assessing the potential energy gains of bifacial rooftop PV systems in comparison to monofacial arrays.
“Bifacial solar modules on flat rooftops have demonstrated the potential to generate up to 22.6 per cent more energy compared to monofacial solar modules.”
The study revealed that the color of the rooftop surface, influencing its sunlight reflectivity, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of a bifacial solar power system. It underscores the necessity for thoughtful consideration of both system and module design. Generally, lighter colors exhibit higher solar reflectivity, according to researchers of the study.
Dr. Ernst emphasized the crucial role of rooftop reflectivity in maximizing the potential of bifacial solar panels, highlighting the significance of taking into account the unique characteristics of rooftop surfaces.
“For example, light-coloured roofing is crucial for creating optimal reflectivity and is in line with NetZeroCities approaches.”
Amidst the surge of unprecedented heatwaves across the world, cities are addressing the issue through creative, large-scale initiatives, such as the application of white roof paint to mitigate soaring temperatures.
In an effort to combat heat and lower energy expenses, the New South Wales Government implemented a prohibition on dark roofs for new homes in 2021. However, this regulatory policy faced opposition from property developers, leading to its abandonment just a year later.
Dr. Ernst emphasized the efficacy of utilizing cool materials, like light-colored roofing, which enables the radiation of heat rather than its absorption.
“Mainstream adoption of light-coloured roofs would reduce heat in our urban areas and energy consumption and costs, and help Australia achieve its goal of net zero emissions by 2050.”
According to the International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV), it is projected that bifacial modules will constitute 70 percent of the global market share by the year 2033.
“It would be in Australia’s best interest to act quickly and incentivise the use of light roofs to fight climate change and to futureproof the industry for what’s coming,” added Dr Ernst.
