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ENERGIX-Stort program energi

Energy yield modelling for bifacial PV power plants

Alternative title: Produksjonsmodellering for solkraftverk basert på tosidige (bifacial) solcellepaneler

Awarded: NOK 3.0 mill.

Bifacial solar (PV) modules have recently emerged as a commercially relevant choice for utility-scale PV power plants. This is a direct consequence of the ongoing shift of the PV industry to high efficiency PERC solar cell architectures, which has eroded the cost difference between bifacial and monofacial modules. By harvesting also the irradiance on the rear side of the module at little added cost, higher energy yield and lower energy prices can be achieved. Bifacial modules are therefore on track to become the new standard. By 2030 more than 1/3 of all new PV modules will be bifacial according to the International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics. Bifacial PV technology is expected to be a key factor for further cost reduction of solar electricity and companies that can utilize bifacial modules effectively will have a competitive advantage. However, bifacial PV technology is currently hampered by greater uncertainties with respect to yield predictions due to more complex irradiance models, large spatial production variations even within one power plant, new design considerations unique to bifacial plants and new reliability concerns following the introduction of new materials and design of both modules and mounting structures. The uncertainty introduced is detrimental for the bankability, available interest rates and willingness to invest. In this project, we will target key knowledge gaps in the energy yield modelling for bifacial power plants, with a special focus on locations and climates relevant to Statkraft. The project will develop a toolbox that allows for more precise energy yield assessment with a particular focus on models and databases for project development at northern latitudes, including so-called agri-PV projects, and models and databases with high temporal resolution for integration into hybrid power plants. Statkraft partners with the IFE Department for Solar Power Systems in this project.

Bifacial solar (PV) modules have recently emerged as a commercially relevant choice for utility-scale PV power plants. This is a direct consequence of the ongoing shift of the PV industry to high efficiency PERC solar cell architectures, which has eroded the cost difference between bifacial and monofacial modules. By harvesting also the irradiance on the rear side of the module at little added cost, higher energy yield and lower energy prices can be achieved. Bifacial modules are therefore on track to become the new standard. By 2030 more than 1/3 of all new PV modules will be bifacial according to the International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics. Bifacial PV technology is expected to be a key factor for further cost reduction of solar electricity and companies that can utilize bifacial modules effectively will have a competitive advantage. However, bifacial PV technology is currently hampered by greater uncertainties with respect to yield predictions due to more complex irradiance models, large spatial production variations even within one power plant, new design considerations unique to bifacial plants and new reliability concerns following the introduction of new materials and design of both modules and mounting structures. The uncertainty introduced is detrimental for the bankability, available interest rates and willingness to invest. In this project, we will target key knowledge gaps in the energy yield modelling for bifacial power plants, with a special focus on locations and climates relevant to Statkraft. The project will develop a toolbox that allows for more precise energy yield assessment with a particular focus on: - Models and databases for project development at northern latitudes, as well as agri-PV projects - Models and databases with high temporal resolution for hybrid power plants Statkraft partners with the IFE Department for Solar Power Systems in this project.

Funding scheme:

ENERGIX-Stort program energi