Stay informed about the latest developments in skid-mounted PV systems, prefabricated photovoltaic containers, containerized energy solutions, and renewable energy innovations across Africa.
Vertical solar panels, east to west orientation, with bifacial modules near Donaueschingen, Germany. A bifacial solar cell (BSC) is a photovoltaic solar cell that can produce electrical energy from both front and rear side. In contrast, monofacial solar cells produce electrical energy only when photons are incident on their front side.
Traditional solar panels, known as monofacial panels, only use one side of the module for this process. The light that isn’t absorbed by the panel is reflected away. Bifacial solar panels are different. These types of panels have solar cells on both sides, enabling them to absorb light from the front and the back.
The technology behind solar panels continues to evolve and improve. Manufacturers are now able to produce bifacial panels, which feature energy-producing solar cells on both sides of the panel. With two faces capable of absorbing sunlight, bifacial solar panels can be more efficient than traditional monofacial panels – if used appropriately.
Efficiency of solar cells, defined as the ratio of incident luminous power to generated electrical power under one or several suns (1 sun = 1000W/m 2), is measured independently for the front and rear surfaces for bifacial solar cells.
Vertical solar panels, east to west orientation, with bifacial modules near Donaueschingen, Germany. A bifacial solar cell (BSC) is a photovoltaic solar cell that can produce electrical energy from both front and rear side. In contrast, monofacial solar cells produce electrical energy only when photons are incident on their front side.
In contrast, monofacial solar cells produce electrical energy only when photons are incident on their front side. Bifacial solar cells and solar panels (devices that consist of multiple solar cells) can improve the electric energy output and modify the temporal power production profile compared with their monofacial counterparts.
When choosing between bifacial and monofacial solar panels for your home, several key factors should guide your decision. Bifacial panels offer superior energy generation potential, especially in areas with highly reflective surfaces or when installed on flat roofs with optimal tilt angles.
These panels are often mounted at an angle to maximize front-to-back energy absorption. Key difference: Single-sided panels are better suited for narrow or traditional setups, while bifacial panels are better suited for spacious, reflective environments where more energy can be captured.
Vertical solar panels, east to west orientation, with bifacial modules near Donaueschingen, Germany. A bifacial solar cell (BSC) is a photovoltaic solar cell that can produce electrical energy from both front and rear side. In contrast, monofacial solar cells produce electrical energy only when photons are incident on their front side.
While traditional solar panels only harvest light from one side, bifacial technology transforms previously wasted reflected light into valuable energy, potentially increasing power generation by up to 30%.
In contrast, monofacial solar cells produce electrical energy only when photons are incident on their front side. Bifacial solar cells and solar panels (devices that consist of multiple solar cells) can improve the electric energy output and modify the temporal power production profile compared with their monofacial counterparts.
Bifacial solar panels are a smart upgrade for anyone looking to get more energy from the same space. Since they can capture sunlight from both sides, they often produce more electricity than regular panels. They’re also built to last longer and look sleeker.
PV array made of cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar panels Cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaics is a photovoltaic (PV) technology based on the use of cadmium telluride in a thin semiconductor layer designed to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity.
Cadmium telluride solar cells are the world’s leading thin-film photovoltaic technology. As of 2023, global installed capacity has surpassed 30 GWp, with about 40% of that capacity located in the United States. Their architecture can be simplified into several stacked layers, from bottom to top:
SETO released the Cadmium Telluride PV Perspective Paper in January 2025, outlining the state of CdTe PV technology and SETO’s priorities to reduce costs, address materials availability, and support the scale-up of CdTe within the domestic utility-scale PV market. A large-scale solar array in Colorado with CdTe modules.
Cadmium telluride photovoltaic cells have negative impacts on both workers and the ecosystem. When inhaled or ingested the materials of CdTe cells are considered to be both toxic and carcinogenic by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
