An experimental investigation of photovoltaic array with mixed mono-facial and bi-facial modules

Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) panels are widely favoured for their higher energy yield and improved power generation capability. However, their high-cost limits large-scale deployment. To achieve a balance between enhanced power output and economic feasibility, a hybrid PV array integrating mono-facial and bifacial modules is proposed in this work. The proposed scheme consists of a 3 × 3 PV array composed of six mono-facial and three bifacial panels, where the bifacial modules are strategically positioned within the array. The performance of the hybrid array is evaluated in terms of maximum power, voltage, and current under twelve distinct partial shading scenarios. Various bifacial placement configurations, including diagonal, first row, first column, and grouped arrangements such as (2 × 2), (3 × 1), and (3 × 3), are systematically analyzed. The results are compared using double-hybrid and triple-hybrid configurations to identify the most effective arrangement. A switching matrix circuit is incorporated to dynamically select the optimal hybrid configuration, enabling maximum power extraction across multiple shading conditions. The proposed approach achieves higher power output in 11 out of 12 shading cases, compared to only five cases in conventional configurations. The power output ranges from 95 W under no-shading conditions to 26 W under severe shading, with first-row and first-column bifacial placements, specifically (2 × 2), (3 × 1), and (3 × 3) delivering superior performance in the majority of shading scenarios. The proposed hybrid configuration demonstrates a cost-effective and robust solution for maximizing power generation under partial shading conditions.