Enhancing Energy Generation of Bifacial Photovoltaic Systems with Permeable Albedo Enhancement Composite

This work is addressed to ground-mounted PV installations utilizing bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules, which offer enhanced energy generation potential without substantial cost increases. In order to further improve the energy yield, we propose an innovative Reflective – Weed Suppression (RWS) composite material that acts both as Albedo Enhancement Material (AEM) and as a weed suppressor. The material is showing around 69% of reflectance within the - useful to the PV modules - spectrum range and excellent mechanical properties. In addition, the new composite has been developed featuring permeable and recyclable fabrics respecting environmental-friendly commitments and Circular Economy practices towards PV community. This system was evaluated in a 1 MW ground-mounted PV installation in Northern Greece, consistently enhancing energy yield across all months, resulting in a total annual energy increase of around 5 % by comparing energy generation with modules operating in “enhanced” ground albedo conditions versus uncovered ground in “standard” ground albedo conditions. In particular, the application of RWS composite material offers, annually, more than 80 kWh per kWp installed capacity combining both the benefits of the improved albedo and the suppression of the weeds.