Monitoring, modelling and simulation of bifacial PV modules over normal and high albedos

Abstract

This paper explains the modelling and simulation of we modeled and simulate the power output of bifacial PV modules installed over different albedos using monofacial PV performance models (analytical and empirical). The analytical model and empirical models were evaluated using experimental data obtained from the testbed consisting of three bifacial PV arrays mounted in the same configuration but with different rear irradiance conditions: (1) backside covered by white plastic, (2) over normal albedo, and (3) over high albedo. The models use the measured effective solar irradiances and the PV module temperatures to simulate the power output in a healthy condition; they were adapted to bifacial modules by introducing the irradiance bifacial gain in the models' equations. The results of the comparison showed that both models achieved good performance to simulate the instantaneous output of the PV arrays. Daily energy relative errors during sunny days were much less than overcast days, or about 1% for both models, excluding the shading effect. However, compared to the empirical model, the analytical model achieved better performances considering the bifaciality of the PV modules. In addition, the error for the entire monitored period (74 days during March, April, and May 2020) was less than 1.5% for the analytical model, including sunny and cloudy days; such high accuracy in the energy output forecast shows that the analytical model can accurately predict the generation of bifacial PV modules under different skies conditions.