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What are bifacial solar panels?

Christopher McFadden
Written By
Tamara Birch, senior writer, The Eco Experts
Reviewed By
Updated on 15 May 2025
  • Bifacial solar panels generate power from both front and rear surfaces
  • Studies suggest they generate as much as 45% more electricity than ‘monofacial’ panels
  • They are more expensive than conventional panels
RECOM Technologies

It’s no secret now that solar panels can cut your energy bills and your carbon footprint, but what you might not know is that bifacial solar panels can make far more electricity than normal solar panels, with some studies suggesting they can increase output by as much as 45%. 

The technology used with bifacial solar panels is similar to regular solar panels, but the key difference is they generate power from both front and rear surfaces, helping you get even cheaper energy bills. 

If you’re still on the fence about bifacial solar panels, we’ve put together this guide to walk you through what they are and how they can help you make larger savings. 

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Bifacial solar panels have a layer of protective glass on the front and a transparent polymer sheet on the back through which sunlight can pass through. They also have PV cells on the front and rear, allowing them to generate more energy than monofacial panels

From here, the PV cells on the front will absorb light and generate power in the same way a monofacial panel does, but the difference is that the cells on the back of bifacial solar panels absorb light reflected on the ground, generating more electricity. 

Finally, most bifacial solar panel designs also have dual glass at the rear, which means they can transmit light more efficiently and are also more resilient to the weather and moisture.

Yes, bifacial solar panels generate anywhere from 5%-45% more electricity per panel  than conventional solar PV panels, according to a 2023 summary of 12 studies from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

A different study in India, also in 2023, narrowed that down to 31%-35% more electricity generated than a traditional solar panel. 

How much money you’ll save depends on the size of the system, where and how it is installed, and the fluctuating cost of grid-supplied electricity over time.

The same is true for bifacial solar panels, perhaps more so as these units generate, relatively speaking, more electricity per panel (estimates are between 10-20% more) than conventional solar PV panels.

However, they are generally more expensive than monofacial solar panels, with upfront costs roughly between £4,000 to £12,000. What you pay will depend on the location, the size of your home and which system you choose.

According to WhatCost, a medium home of two-to-three bedrooms will need a 4kW system, which will cost anywhere from £5,500 and £6,600. 

Like their monofacial counterparts, bifacial solar panels typically have a lifespan of at least 25 years. However, like any technology, this relies on proper maintenance and care over time, attracting ongoing costs throughout the system’s lifetime.

Recom technologies project with Lynx
A vertical type involves installing the panels at an angle, enabling them to receive the maximum sunlight during the day.

Install bifacial solar panels on a ground-mounted or elevated racking system so the backsheet can absorb light, and they tend to fall into two main types: vertical and horizontal.

But what does this mean specifically? 

A vertical type involves installing the panels at an angle, enabling them to receive the maximum sunlight during the day. This method is typically reserved for ground-mounted PV farms or installations in open areas like fields. 

A horizontal installation generally involves installing the panels at a flatter angle, with light reflected onto them by surfaces from gravel, sand, light stone or highly-reflected materials. 

Sun tracking options can also be installed to boost the efficiency of PV installation as they can track (and change tilt angle) in response to the motion of the Sun throughout the day.

Jon Camp, former managing director of solar panel manufacturer RECOM Technologies said bifacial solar panels offer several advantages.

“Firstly, they can generate electricity from both sides, capturing sunlight reflected from the ground or surrounding surfaces,” Camp explained.

“This increased energy yield can result in higher overall power output compared to monofacial panels. Their versatility allows for installation in various orientations, maximising energy production in different environments”.

Like regular solar PV panels, bifacial panels can be installed in multiple places, but there are few things to think about before you get to do so.

These include height, reflectivity, and anything around that might get in the way, or cause shading.

Because they can generate electricity from both sides, bifacial solar panels are ideal for flat roofs and large utility space, such as industrial parks and farms.

To ensure your bifacial solar panels last as long as possible, you’ll want to make sure you’re doing the following: 

  • Use a trained professional – Make sure you constantly hire the services of a trained professional to inspect and service your solar panels and ancillary equipment regularly. Just like other things in your home, like your boiler, this will significantly extend the life of the panels and may be a condition of the warranty, too.
  • Clean them regularly – This keeps their surfaces free of dirt and grime, enabling as much sunlight as possible to reach the solar cells. Also, when cleaning them, make sure this is when they are cold to reduce the risk of damaging them from things like thermal stress.
  • Inspect them regularly – If any is found, get a professional to make the necessary repairs.
  • Look for condensation – Another often overlooked consideration with solar panels is shading. This is when something casts a shadow or otherwise impedes sunlight hitting a solar panel’s surface. Tree branches and surrounding buildings can reduce the power output of solar panels, so think carefully about where you choose to install them.

Make sure to shop around for the best deal, but also, the right installer for you. The best deal will be a combination of price, the building you want to install the panels on and how much sunlight they’ll receive. 

You also want to consider the company you choose. Look at reviews, customer recommendations or even recommendations from neighbours, friends or families. You can also ask questions, get quotes and make a decision from there. 

The advice from RECOM Technologies is to first assess space and surroundings to make sure the bifacial solar panels will get enough sunlight. This includes potential shading issues and how to maximise energy production.

“It’s crucial to consider the cost-effectiveness of bifacial panels compared to monofacial options and inquire about warranties and product reliability,” the company said.

  • Bifacial panels are dual-faced, meaning you get more bang for your buck when installed.
  • They could potentially generate as much as 45% more electricity than conventional solar panels.
  • These panels also tend to last longer, with expected lifespans of 30 or more years.
  • They are more expensive, but the higher efficiencies offset the additional cost handsomely.
  • They are relatively uncommon in the UK, so you’ll want to do more research to find the best fit for you.

Written by

Christopher McFadden

Christopher is an Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) specialist with extensive experience advising consumer and trade clients on energy efficiency and sustainability.

With a Master’s in Earth Sciences from Cardiff University, Christopher has attained professional energy and sustainability auditing qualifications and various postgraduate certificates and diplomas. He is a qualified and accredited Level 3 and Level 4 non-domestic and domestic energy assessor, a Green Deal assessor, and a Practitioner member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). He also recently qualified as a level 5 Retrofit coordinator.

In addition to his day job, Christopher has also honed his skills as a STEM writer for several well-known online publishers, sharing his knowledge and passion for science, engineering, and dinosaurs with millions of readers around the world.

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Reviewed By

Tamara Birch, senior writer, The Eco Experts

Tamara is a London-based journalist and has written about environmental topics for more than four years. This includes advising small business owners on cost-effective ways, like solar panels and energy-efficient products, to help them become more sustainable.

She has used her journalist and research skills to become highly knowledgeable on sustainable initiatives, issues, and solutions to help consumers do their bit for the environment – all while reducing monthly costs.

In addition to adopting sustainable practices in her personal life, Tamara has worked in the retail B2B space to help independent retailers think about their environmental choices and how they can help improve their business. She now uses this knowledge to help consumers do the same.

Her passion for sustainability and eco-friendly solutions stems from a long obsession with nature and animals and ensuring they feel looked after. In her free time, Tamara enjoys reading fantasy novels, visiting the gym, and going on long walks in new areas.

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