Advanced Modelling and Performance Evaluation of Really large-scale bifacial solar Energy systems

"Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules were patented in the 1970s but have only recently become available on a commercial scale. Such modules are sensitive to the light that hits the rear-side of the modules, and thus, they can ensure a higher power production per area than conventional monofacial PV modules. In order to ensure the highest possible power production, the active rear-side makes it necessary to think differently about the layout, design, operation and maintenance (O&M) of PV power plants. How much more power can be produced using the active rear-side is closely related to the reflective properties, or albedo, of the ground beneath the modules. The albedo is strongly dependent on the ground's moisture content, vegetation and the angle-of-incidence of the solar irradiance. Thus, it can vary significantly both through the area occupied by the PV power plant and throughout the year. As the first large plants are only a few years old today, it is unclear how the technology is exposed to various climatic stressors such as a high degree of UV radiation, relative humidity and strong fluctuations in temperature. The AMPERE project is tailored to provide more information on the design, planning, and O&M of PV power plants with bifacial PV modules. In the project, we will study three PV power plants with bifacial PV modules constructed with the same design that are in three different climate zones. Among other things, the project will examine how the performance of bifacial PV power plants can be measured in the best possible way. It will also determine best-practice for estimating the albedo and the degree of soiling on the modules in the design-phase of bifacial PV power plants. The project will also provide unique information on how different climates affect degradation and failure rates on the power plants' various components."

AMPERE is designed around 3 bifacial assets currently under construction, with a total capacity of 1.2 GWp. A bifacial solar module can produce more electricity than a traditional module by harvesting sunlight from both sides, thereby also taking advantage of light reflected from the ground and its surroundings. The plants adapt state-of-the-art technology including the new advances in module technology, trackers and string inverters. The identical design of the three assets located in different climate zones provide a unique basis for investigating how climatic stressors impact PV performance. The project will investigate raytracing modelling tools optimized for computational efficiency to model the complex rear irradiance scene, which will both go into a digital twin and as a basis to establish best practices for implementing the new IEC standard for bifacial PV. The project will further establish robust methodologies for assessing important parameters going into the design phase, including pre-assessment of albedo and validation of models for soiling dependent on ground conditions and environmental parameters. By limiting uncertainty of future investments, thus reducing both financing costs and project development time, Scatec Solar will remain a highly competitive bidder in the utility-scale PV market. This will give Scatec Solar an important competitive edge and an opportunity to continue growing into the demanding global PV market.