Solar panels have advanced greatly over the decades, with new designs and technologies being added to improve their productivity and efficiency. Two such innovations are Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) technology and bifacial design. Both have contributed significantly to improving panel efficiency and output, but they do this in different ways. Keep reading to learn more about how these 2 technologies work, and how they can impact your system’s performance.
What Is PERC Technology?
PERC technology improves solar panel performance by adding a passivation layer to the back side of the solar cells. This added layer reflects unused sunlight back into the cell, giving it a second chance to convert that light into electricity. The result is improved light absorption and, ultimately, higher panel efficiency. PERC panels are especially effective in low-light conditions and high-temperature environments.
What Is Bifacial Technology?
Bifacial solar panels differ from traditional panels because they’re designed to capture sunlight from both the front and back sides. While the front side collects direct sunlight, the rear side absorbs the light that reflects off of rooftops, ground coverings, or bodies of water.
This can sound very similar to PERC technology, but it’s important to note that bifacial designs capture additional light after it’s reflected off a surface behind the panel; PERC technology, on the other hand, captures extra light as it’s passing through the cell, before it hits any other surfaces. This dual-sided collection ability can lead to an increase of 10% to 30% in energy production, depending on the exact installation and reflectivity of surrounding surfaces.
Similarities between PERC and Bifacial Panels
Both PERC and bifacial technologies are designed to boost solar panel production beyond what standard panels can achieve. They are often used with monocrystalline solar cells for maximum efficiency. Both options can improve the return on your investment, especially for larger solar projects.
Key Differences between PERC and Bifacial Panels
The primary distinction between these 2 technologies is in how they boost performance. PERC panels improve efficiency internally by improving how light is absorbed and converted. Bifacial panels increase energy collection externally by capturing extra light from the back side when it reflects off other surfaces.
In terms of productivity, bifacial panels generally outperform PERC panels—but only when installed in optimal conditions. Such conditions (including being mounted on an elevated racking system over a light-colored or reflective surface—can be difficult to achieve in traditional solar installations, especially roof-mounted residential systems. In such cases, PERC Mission Solar energy panels are usually a more sensible choice.
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