%0 Journal Article
%T Characterizing Electrical Output of Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules by Altering Reflective Materials
%A Steven Sciara
%A Sung Joon Suk
%A George Ford
%J Journal of Building Construction and Planning Research
%P 41-55
%@ 2328-4897
%D 2016
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/jbcpr.2016.41003
%X Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules offer potentially enhanced power output over conventional
modules due to their reported ability to harvest reflected radiation, increasing output up to an
additional 30%. However, this enhancement has yet to be confirmed in the literature. This paper
reports on a study comparing the power output of two nominally identical 700 W photovoltaic arrays
utilizing equivalent system components and data logging equipment with varying configurations
of reflecting geometries and materials. This study was undertaken at the Appalachian State
University Solar Research Laboratory in Boone, NC, which houses two Class 1 pyranometers and
pyrheliometer. PV power was reported under well-quantified irradiance conditions, including direct
beam fraction. Six trials over six months (November-April) with varying reflective materials
and geometries revealed that different reflecting materials did not significantly change power
output. Mounting an array at 0<span style=\"white-space:normal;\">กใ</span> did adversely affect power output compared to the array at a 36กใ
angle relative to horizontal using the same reflective material. Additional studies with varied materials,
panel locations and geometries different from those tested may improve the power output.
%K Photovoltaic
%K Bifacial Photovoltaic
%K Solar Energy
%K Electrical Output
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=64345