Bifacial modules produce electricity from both sides of the panel by harnessing energy from sunlight on the front of the panel and the reflected rays from the surface below, in this case grass.
The bifacial test site was delivered by Elgin Energy in partnership with panel manufacturer, LONGi, and inverter manufacturer, SolarEdge.The modules and associated equipment were installed by Irish renewable company Enerpower. Each panel will be monitored individually using SolarEdge’s optimizers and monitoring software.
Elgin Energy
The research project will examine the production profile of bifacial panels in Ireland and conduct a direct comparison of energy output from monofacial (one-sided) and bifacial panels. Based on research carried out in other markets, bifacial panels have been reported to provide an uplift of 5-10% in comparison to monofacial panels.
Elgin Energy
Speaking about the test site, Ronan Kilduff, Managing Director at Elgin Energy said: “We are very excited to launch this local research project in collaboration with LONGi and SolarEdge. This test site is the first of its kind in Ireland and will provide data that will help to inform the Irish solar industry and our development across Ireland and the UK.”
800 MW solar projects in the first RESS auction
Recently substantial progress has been made in the Irish solar industry with the first auction of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) being successfully completed in July. Provisional results show that 63 solar projects / 800 megawatts (MW) were successful, included in that were two of Elgin Energy’s projects. Installation of RESS solar projects are estimated to begin from Q4 2021 onwards. (hcn)
