Abstract
Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) technology holds considerable promises for reducing the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) globally by leveraging light on both module surfaces, while maintaining low manufacturing, installation, and operational costs. However, the exploitation of rear-side energy generation potential depends on various factors, including climate conditions, plant geometry, mounting structures, ground albedo, and string configuration. Notably, our study emphasizes the detrimental impact of poor tracker installations, where torque tube width and distance from PV modules often diverge from recommended guidelines, resulting in significant energy and financial losses. Through a detailed analysis using a physics-based energy yield simulation framework, we explore how tracker torque tube width, shape and distance from PV modules affect rear-irradiance and energy yield. Our findings reveal that the effect of the characteristics of the torque tube is more pronounced when the albedo is higher, especially under elevated irradiance levels. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of adhering to recommended guidelines in tracker installations to optimize bifacial PV performance and mitigate potential financial risks. As a first step in this study, we have proposed a simple model to quantify changes in rear-POA, and bifacial gain, facilitating optimization of tube width and distance from the module. By providing valuable insights into PV design and installation practices, particularly for bifacial PV systems, our research aims to address prevalent deficiencies in current installation practices and prevent associated energy and financial losses. Future investigations will focus on further examining location-specific factors and PV cell technologies to enhance our understanding of bifacial energy losses due to bad installation practices.