Solar technology in India is entering a new era where traditional mono-facial panels are giving way to bi-facial solar systems—panels capable of absorbing sunlight from both sides. In 2025, this innovation is gaining major momentum in India’s renewable energy ecosystem, driven by its higher power generation capabilities, falling prices, and strong government incentives. Efficiency tests and real-world performance studies from across India confirm that bi-facial modules are outperforming conventional systems by 10–20%, making them a practical choice for both rooftop and utility-scale projects.
Introduction: The Rise of Bi-Facial Solar Technology
India’s solar power journey, from poly-crystalline to mono-crystalline PERC modules, has culminated in the adoption of bi-facial solar panels. These panels harness sunlight on both the front and back sides using a transparent back sheet or dual-glass design, allowing reflected light (albedo) to be captured and converted into electricity.
Their performance aligns perfectly with India’s climatic and geographical advantages—plentiful sunlight, varied terrain, and high dust reflectivity in regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
What Are Bi-Facial Solar Panels?
A bi-facial solar module is designed to generate electricity from both sides:
- Front side: Captures direct sunlight.
- Rear side: Utilizes diffused and reflected sunlight from surfaces like sand, concrete, or white-painted rooftops.
This dual-surface exposure improves overall performance, allowing each panel to produce 10–25% more energy than conventional mono-facial panels, depending on ground reflectivity and installation setup.
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How They Work: The Science Behind Higher Yield
Construction & Working:
- Cells Used: High-efficiency monocrystalline cells (Mono-PERC, TOPCon, or HJT).
- Transparent Encapsulation: Glass-to-glass or transparent back sheet for rear light absorption.
- Mounting Height: Typically installed 1–2.5 meters above ground for optimal albedo gain.
- Tracking Systems: Often paired with single-axis trackers to maximize sun exposure.
Example of Bifacial Gain:
Studies conducted across northern India show bifacial gains (percent increase compared to monofacial) ranging between 10–18%, depending on installation type and ground reflectivity.
| Surface Type | Height | Reflectivity Factor | Energy Gain (%) |
| Sandy Ground (Rajasthan) | 2.0 m | 0.35 | 18% |
| Concrete Roof | 1.5 m | 0.25 | 12% |
| White Polymer Sheet (Test Bed) | 2.5 m | 0.50 | 20% |
| Agricultural Field | 2.0 m | 0.20 | 9% |
Efficiency Tests: Laboratory and Field Results in India
Recent test studies in 2025 conducted under real conditions, including those analyzed by Kiwa PVEL’s Top Performer Program and Indian research institutions, have revealed tangible gains from bifacial technology.
Key Findings:
- Bifacial PERC Modules: Average efficiency of 22–22.5% under STC (Standard Test Conditions).
- TOPCon & HJT Bifacial Modules: Lab-tested efficiency up to 26.5–27%, though these remain premium products.
- Energy Yield: 12–20% higher output than monofacial, depending on tilt, height, and reflectivity.
- Degradation: Lower degradation rates, averaging 0.3%/year, compared to 0.5–0.7% in traditional systems.
- Payback Period: 3–4 years compared to 5–6 years for standard panels due to higher yield.
Real-World Performance: Field Data Across India
Several large solar parks across India and rooftop installations have been evaluated for performance across climate zones:
1. Adani Solar Park – Rajasthan (Bhadla Region)
- Type: Utility-scale farm with bifacial Mono-PERC panels.
- Setup: Ground-mounted with 2.2 m height, single-axis tracking.
- Result: Bifacial gain of 17.8%, capacity utilization factor (CUF) of 24.3%.
- Key Takeaway: High albedo from desert terrain optimized reflection, proving ideal for bifacial use.
2. Vikram Solar Test Facility – Tamil Nadu
- Type: Rooftop array test on concrete and painted reflective roofs.
- Measured rear-side contribution: 10.2% additional energy yield on average.
- Condition: High humidity and mild cloud cover—still demonstrated stable performance over a year.
3. Waaree Energies Pilot Project – Gujarat
- Application: Industrial users under open-access model.
- Result: Annual gain of 15.1%, with Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) reduced by 4.3%.
4. Floating Bi-Facial PV in Kerala (Research Phase)
A study by Nature Publishing’s 2024–2025 journal noted that floating bifacial panels achieved higher cooling efficiency and an 11.5% gain in output over similar monofacial float setups.
Factors Influencing Bi-Facial Efficiency
- Ground Reflectivity (Albedo):
Surfaces like white gravel or sandy soil enhance rear irradiance. - Mounting Height and Tilt:
Elevated installations (1.8 m or higher) with optimal tilt angles capture better diffused light. - Geographical Conditions:
States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Ladakh offer superior reflectivity and sunlight intensity. - Tracking Technology:
Single-axis tracking increases annual energy yield by 15–20% when coupled with bifacial panels. - Panel Orientation:
Vertical bifacial setups can serve as fencing arrays that generate energy on both east-facing and west-facing sides, offering space-efficient design options.
Indian Market Overview: Demand and Growth
According to Markets and Data Research 2025, India’s bifacial solar panel market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.6% from 2025 to 2032, reaching USD 1.35 billion by FY2032.
Key Growth Drivers:
- PLI Scheme Support: Under India’s Production Linked Incentive scheme, local bifacial panel production receives dedicated financial support.
- Utility Adoption: Large solar developers like Azure Power, Adani Green, and ReNew Power are deploying bifacial systems on new projects.
- Hybrid Energy Systems: Telecom and EV charging networks now integrate bifacial roof structures for compact land use.
Market Prices (as of 2025):
| Panel Type | Efficiency | Price (₹/Watt) | Use Case |
| Bifacial Mono-PERC | 21.5–22.5% | ₹35–₹42 | Rooftop and commercial |
| TOPCon Bifacial | 24–26% | ₹45–₹50 | Industrial and large solar parks |
| HJT Bifacial | 26–27% | ₹50–₹55 | R&D and export projects |
Efficiency Comparison: Bi-Facial vs Mono-facial
| Parameter | Monofacial | Bi-Facial |
| Efficiency Range | 19–20% | 21–22.5% |
| Degradation Rate | 0.6%/year | 0.3–0.4%/year |
| Energy Gain | — | +12–20% |
| Cost per Watt | ₹30–₹35 | ₹35–₹45 |
| Maintenance | Standard Cleaning | Minimal, self-cleaning glass options |
| ROI Period | 5–6 years | 3–4 years |
These improvements make bifacial panels increasingly preferred for India’s solar parks and rooftop projects, particularly in commercial or industrial zones.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite the advantages, bifacial panels face a few challenges:
- Higher Initial Cost: 10–15% more expensive than standard panels.
- Design Complexity: Requires optimized height, tilt, and albedo-based modelling using tools like PVSyst and Helioscope.
- Shading Sensitivity: Partial shading can disproportionately affect rear-side yield.
- Maintenance: Dust or snow accumulation on the back reduces efficacy in poorly maintained systems.
However, these are being mitigated through efficient design systems, drone-based cleaning innovations, and localised manufacturing that cut logistics and installation costs.
Future Prospects: Smarter Bi-Facial Systems
AI-Based System Optimisation:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms are being applied to track sunlight direction, adjust tilt angles, and predict cleaning cycles for maximizing gains.
Tandem and Perovskite Advancements:
Emerging Perovskite-Tandem Bifacial Modules demonstrate potential efficiencies beyond 30%, expected to become commercially viable in India within the next five years.
Integration with Floating and Agrivoltaic Systems:
Bi-facial panels’ adaptability allows dual-use of land—like agricultural plots and water reservoirs—enhancing return on investment and environmental sustainability simultaneously.
Read Also: The Status of Large-Scale Solar Projects in the UK 2025: Growth, Challenges & Future Outlook
Conclusion
The journey of bi-facial solar panels in India reflects the country’s larger transition toward smarter, more efficient renewable technologies. Real-world results confirm the promise—to generate more power using less land, less degradation, and greater returns.
With improving domestic manufacturing, AI-based optimisation tools, and financial incentives such as the PLI scheme, bifacial panels are set to become the new benchmark for solar installations. Their dual-sided advantage—literally and figuratively—is illuminating India’s goal to produce greener, more resilient energy systems.
FAQs
Q1. What makes bifacial solar panels more efficient than conventional panels?
They capture sunlight from both sides using dual-glass technology, improving energy yield by 10–20%.
Q2. Are bifacial solar panels worth it for Indian climatic conditions?
Yes, especially in high-irradiation regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, where strong sunlight and sandy terrain enhance rear-side reflectivity.
Q3. How long do bifacial panels last?
Typically, between 25–30 years, with lower annual degradation (0.3%–0.4%).
Q4. Are bifacial solar panels compatible with rooftop systems?
Yes. They can be easily integrated with on-grid or hybrid rooftop setups, provided installation height and tilt optimize rear-side exposure.
Q5. Which companies lead India’s bifacial market in 2025?
Leading players include Waaree, Vikram Solar, Adani Solar, and Tata Power Solar, all offering Mono-PERC and TOPCon-based bifacial panels.