An experimental comparison between view factor and ray tracing models for energy estimation of bifacial modules

Assessment of energy gain in SPV Tree structure with bifacial PV modules in Rajasthan

“…The energy generation can be optimized further by using bifacial PV modules in the SPV Tree structure. Hugo Sánchez, et al [7] has described a comparative analysis on the effect of ground clearance, albedo, tilt, and azimuth angle in bifacial PV energy estimation using various algorithms, concluding that accuracy of view factor models is higher as compared to ray tracing models. Hugo Sánchez, et al [7] describes that usage of estimation model also affects the computation of rear-side irradiance.…”

“…Hugo Sánchez, et al [7] has described a comparative analysis on the effect of ground clearance, albedo, tilt, and azimuth angle in bifacial PV energy estimation using various algorithms, concluding that accuracy of view factor models is higher as compared to ray tracing models. Hugo Sánchez, et al [7] describes that usage of estimation model also affects the computation of rear-side irradiance. Variables that affect energy production in bifacial models are Albedo, Rear/front-side irradiance ratio, clearance height, tilt angle, module mounting height, azimuth.…”

Evaluation of the impact of the main parameters affecting energy performance in bifacial photovoltaic modules in a tropical location.

“…On the other hand, estimating the performance of bifacial modules is more complex than doing it for their counterpart monofacial modules, since the incident irradiation at the back of the bifacial module varies depending on several parameters, such as: inclination, pitch, albedo, and height with respect to the ground [6]. To estimate the incident irradiation at the back of the bifacial module, different models have been developed, such as empirical models, ray tracing mode and the sight factor model, these models have been discussed in different investigations [8][9][10][11][12][13][14].…”

“…The growth that bifacial technology has had in recent years and the little knowledge we have about its performance has led to different studies being carried out in the world to understand how parameters such as albedo, inclination, height, and separation between sheds (pitch) affect its energy performance. The results of these studies [14][15][16][17][18][19] have shown that bifacial technology can obtain up to 30% more energy compared to monofacial technology. However, in tropical sites bifacial technology has not been well studied and it is unknown under which parameters bifacial technology can perform better, therefore, this research focuses on evaluating and comparing the energy performance of bifacial technology with respect to monofacial technology according to 4 main parameters of affectation: 1) inclination, 2) pitch, 3) albedo and 4) height from the ground, in a tropical location.…”