Design and implementation of an optimized solar home system for urban areas using bifacial photovoltaic panel

Abstract

This study offers a PV system consisting of bifacial PV modules with a single-axis tracking mechanism to address the energy requirements of residential buildings. A customized net metering system is also implemented to monitor the system's power flow. In addition, the proposed system is referred to as a Hybrid Bidirectional Grid-tied system with a single-axis tracking. Furthermore, due to the unavailability of bifacial PV panels and the high cost of the module, a cheaper alternative utilizing two monofacial PV panels was developed. This innovative module was known as a custom-made bifacial PV. Moreover, the experimental setting compared the custom-made bifacial PV to the monofacial PV of identical dimensions. During a one-month period of data gathering, it was found that custom-made bifacial PV were around 20% more efficient than monofacial PV. Moreover, during midday, the efficiency of custom-made bifacial PV was as much as 40% higher than that of monofacial PV.