The Winter Advantage: Why Vertical Bifacial Solar Panels Shine in Snow Season

Jan 10

3 min read

When winter sets in, most solar panel owners watch their production plummet as snow blankets their arrays. But there's a fascinating solution that actually thrives in these conditions: vertical bifacial solar panels. Let me share why these innovative panels are revolutionizing winter solar production.

Picture this: While traditional south-facing panels lie dormant under inches of snow, vertical bifacial panels stand tall, their dual-sided surfaces clear and ready to capture every available photon. These remarkable panels can increase electricity generation by up to 27% compared to traditional installations [Scientific Reports, 2024], and their benefits are even more pronounced in winter conditions.

The Magic of Snow Reflection

Here's where things get interesting. Snow actually becomes an ally for vertical bifacial panels. The bright white ground cover acts like a natural mirror, reflecting sunlight onto the rear side of these double-duty panels. Research from Linköping, Sweden demonstrated that during snowy conditions, vertical bifacial panels can outperform traditional panels by up to 48% - a game-changing advantage when winter energy demands are highest [Molin et al., 2018].

The Self-Cleaning Advantage

One of the most elegant benefits of vertical mounting is gravity's helping hand. Snow simply can't accumulate on vertical panels the way it does on tilted arrays [Bhaduri & Kottantharayil, 2019]. This means no more waiting for snow to slide off or climbing up to clear your panels. They stay naturally clear and productive throughout the winter season.

Low-Angle Light Optimization

In northern latitudes, winter sun travels a low arc across the sky. Traditional panels, optimized for summer sun, struggle to capture this low-angle light effectively. But vertical bifacial panels excel in these conditions, capturing direct morning light on one side and afternoon light on the other, with reflected light bouncing off the snow throughout the day [Jouttijärvi et al., 2022].

The Production Profile Advantage

Perhaps most importantly, vertical bifacial panels offer a unique daily production profile that better matches typical household energy usage. They produce more power during morning and evening hours - exactly when most homes need it most [Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2022]. This improved alignment between production and consumption can lead to better economics for homeowners, especially in areas with time-of-use electricity rates.

Real-World Performance

Studies have shown that in winter conditions, vertical bifacial panels can maintain up to 95% of their rated output, while traditional panels might drop to 13% when snow-covered [Projects with Everyday Dave, 2024]. That's not just an improvement - it's a transformation in winter solar reliability.

Looking Ahead

As we face increasingly unpredictable winter weather patterns, the ability to maintain consistent solar production becomes more valuable. Vertical bifacial panels aren't just an alternative to traditional installations - they're a compelling solution for anyone serious about year-round solar production, especially in northern climates.

References:

1. Badran, G., & Dhimish, M. (2024). Comprehensive study on the efficiency of vertical bifacial photovoltaic systems: a UK case study. Scientific Reports, 14(18380).

2. Jouttijärvi, S., Lobaccaro, G., Kamppinen, A., & Miettunen, K. (2022). Benefits of bifacial solar cells combined with low voltage power grids at high latitudes. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 161.

3. Molin, E., Stridh, B., Molin, A., & Wackelgard, E. (2018). Experimental yield study of bifacial PV modules in nordic conditions. IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics.

4. Bhaduri, S., & Kottantharayil, A. (2019). Mitigation of soiling by vertical mounting of bifacial modules. IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics.

5. Projects with Everyday Dave (2024). Vertical Bifacial Solar Panel Performance Results [YouTube Video].

Want to learn more about how vertical bifacial panels could transform your winter solar production? Let's continue the conversation in the comments below.