Revealing the impact of albedo on solar panel power generation potential in various installation patterns: Case study of Italy

Abstract

The implementation of solar panels is expanding, and several kinds of solar panels can be integrated into building shells. Within this context, the current study explores the performance of monofacial and bifacial solar panels on various roof typologies with variable installation patterns and albedos. In this regard, the comparison will aid in comprehending how roof albedo affects yearly energy production, the most suitable way to set up solar panels on the roof, and the distinction between monofacial and bifacial solar panels. The evaluation is specifically based on a set of 160 simulations in North and South Italy. Therefore, in an effort to provide a thorough understanding of their function while taking into account the frequency of shadowing of solar panel surfaces on roof surfaces, other panel surfaces, and radiation reflection from solar panel surfaces to adjacent modules. The findings indicate that the impact of shade frequency appears dominant when solar panels cover more than 40 % of the roof's surface, and there is a noticeable decline in the electricity production of both monofacial and bifacial solar panels. Furthermore, it turns out that the enhanced bifacial output at this rate appears to be triggered by radiation reflection from solar panel surfaces to the rear of other adjacent modules rather than the roof's albedo. In a nutshell, these factors make the current study a valuable addition to the field, particularly with regard to building structures situated in Italy.