Bifacial Photovoltaic Module Research Experiment. Part 1: Design and Construction

The present study concerns the construction of a bifacial photovoltaic module research experiment in Bucharest, as well as the reporting of the first monitoring results. This paper presents a comparative study of monofacial and bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules, with a focus on the role of the reflective surface materials (albedo) in enhancing the backside irradiance and overall system performance. The research was conducted at the Technical University of Construction Bucharest (UTCB) and combines numerical simulations performed with Dialux Evo and PV Sol with real experimental measurements. The results demonstrate that bifacial panels outperform conventional monofacial panels under diffuse irradiance conditions, with energy gains of up to 34% on certain measurement days and a cumulative monthly surplus of 4.43%. The study also addresses critical installation parameters, such as tilt angle, mounting height and selection of reflective surface materials, providing practical guidelines for integrating bifacial systems into passive and energy-efficient buildings.