Analysis of Electrical Safety Design Variables and Applicability of IEC 62548-1 to Vertical Bifacial Photovoltaic Systems

Vertical bifacial photovoltaic (PV) systems differ from conventional tilted PV systems in irradiance on the front and rear sides, orientation-dependent output profiles, and thermal conditions. Although these characteristics have been widely studied, their implications for electrical design values and the applicability of current safety-related design standards have received relatively limited attention. This study reviews previous studies on vertical bifacial PV systems to identify installation and operating characteristics relevant to electrical safety and to derive key electrical design variables. Based on their direct linkage to current design standards, maximum current and maximum system voltage are selected for the applicability analysis. The study then examines the applicability of IEC 61215-1 and IEC 62548-1 together with relevant domestic requirements. For maximum system voltage, low-temperature and available-irradiance conditions relevant to voltage determination are reviewed. The results indicate that the current standards are generally applicable to vertical bifacial PV systems, while consideration of site-specific irradiance and installation conditions is important for their practical application. These findings provide a technical basis for electrical safety design and subsequent field validation of vertical bifacial PV systems.