Bifacial Solar Module Reflective Tape Layout for Light Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bifacial solar panels face limitations in power output due to light loss through the panel, shading effects from frames and mounting elements, and inefficient diffuse light collection, leading to reduced energy yield.
Innovation Solution
The use of micro-structured reflective tapes with prisms on the back surface of bifacial solar modules to redirect light from blank regions between cells back to active cell surfaces, enhancing light collection and absorption, and the application of transparent support layers with gaps to increase the concentration ratio of light onto solar cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard white backsheets are used in monofacial modules to reflect light back to front cells, then light is recovered through total internal reflection, but in bifacial modules this light energy is lost because the backside is transparent to allow rear cell light reception
Solution Approach 1:
A light management film is introduced as an intermediary layer between the transparent backsheet and the environment. This film selectively manages light paths: it allows visible light to pass through to the rear cells while reflecting infrared light back to the front cells, thus resolving the conflict between enabling bifacial operation and maintaining front side power
Solution Approach 2:
The light management film applies different optical properties to different wavelength ranges. It is designed to be transparent to visible light (for rear cell operation) while being reflective to infrared light (for front cell power recovery), creating localized quality differences in light interaction
2Strength
If frames with profiles extending beyond the module backsheet are used to reduce breakage and enable durable long-term operation, then structural strength is improved, but cell columns near the edge receive less light due to partial shading
Solution Approach 1:
The light management film acts as an intermediary that redirects light paths around the frame shadow zones. By reflecting infrared light at specific angles, it enables light to reach edge cells that would otherwise be shaded by the frame profile
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the two-dimensional shading problem by utilizing the third dimension - light reflection angles. The film creates alternative light paths that bypass the frame obstruction, effectively adding a vertical dimension to light management
3Use of energy by moving object
If tracking systems are used to direct panels normal to incident sun rays to reduce cosine losses, then angular displacement losses are reduced, but self-shading necessitates placement of panels in arrays with dead spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the previously wasted diffuse reflected light in dead spaces into a beneficial resource. The light management film captures infrared light that would have been lost in the dead spaces between tracking rows and redirects it to generate power, turning the harm of self-shading into a benefit
4Productivity
If bifacial solar modules are used to recapture light falling between system rows via diffuse collection of ground reflected light, then some power losses are recovered, but diffuse reflections from surrounding ground area are much less than optimal due to absorption and randomly directed rays
Solution Approach 1:
The light management film serves as an intermediary that captures the weak diffuse reflected light from ground areas and redirects it toward the panel. This intermediary function amplifies the already weak diffuse reflection signal, making it sufficiently intense to generate meaningful power in dead spaces
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly increases the power output of bifacial solar modules by up to 30-50 watts, reducing costs and improving energy efficiency by maximizing light absorption across the panel, including areas shaded by frames and at the center rows, while maintaining durability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
one or more micro-structured reflective tapes positioned coincidentally with the gaps and attached to a surface of the second support layer such that light passing through the second support layer is reflected back into the second support layer
Implementation Method 2
the application of transparent support layers with gaps to increase the concentration ratio of light onto solar cells
Data Source
AI summary
A bifacial solar module with enhanced power output including first and second transparent support layers, a plurality of electrically interconnected bifacial solar cells arranged between the transparent support layers with gaps between one or more of the interconnected solar cells and edges of the first and second transparent support layers, the bifacial solar cells having a first side directly exposed to solar radiation and a second side opposite the first. The bifacial solar module further includes one or more micro-structured reflective tapes positioned coincidentally with the gaps and attached to a surface of the second support layer such that light passing through the second support layer is reflected back into the second support layer at angles such that light reflecting from the tape is absorbed by either the first or second side of the bifacial solar cells.