Experimental and numerical comparative analysis of fixed, tracker and bifacial photovoltaic panels

Hasan D. Yıldızay

Experimental and numerical comparative analysis of fixed, tracker and bifacial photovoltaic panels

Abstract

Today, the increasing energy demand forces countries to obtain economical energy at a competitive level. This situation brings with it environmental problems. For this reason, it has become a necessity to benefit from renewable energy. Especially due to its low installation costs and wide range of applications, the trend towards electricity generation from solar energy comes to the fore. Since this orientation also means domestic energy production, incentive and investment support mechanisms are being developed by many countries. However, since photovoltaic panels have different structures, it should be determined before installation which one should be preferred. For this reason, in the study, the application performances of monofacial fixed, monofacial tracker and bifacial fixed panels and their energy performance analysis with the help of PVsyst software were compared. While the theoretical efficiency of the monofacial fixed panel was in the range of 13.8%–16%, 14.9% efficiency was obtained in the application under field conditions. In the monofacial tracker panel, an efficiency of approximately 16.2% was observed in practice against the theoretical range of 16%-18%, and in bifacial fixed panels, which were theoretically given an efficiency range of 16%-18.5%, an efficiency value of approximately 17.4% was achieved in field applications. In addition, the consistency of the experimental data was verified by checking their relationships with each other using the standard deviation method and the Pearson correlation coefficient, and field measurement errors were also examined. The results obtained show that the experimental data are compatible with the theoretical values and support the accuracy of the modeling used. In addition, in the results of the PVsyst program, the bifacial fixed system provided higher energy efficiency than monofacial fixed and monofacial tracker systems in terms of annual energy production and overall performance. Thus, it has been revealed that it is advantageous to prefer bifacial panels in photovoltaic applications in the region where field application is made.

Keywords

References

[1] I. V Oner, M.K. Yesilyurt, E.C. Yilmaz, G. Omeroglu, Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Solar Panels, International Journal of New Technology and Research (IJNTR) 2 (2016) 13–16.
[2] Postoglu D, Oner I V, A Comparison Between Fixed Solar Panel and Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System in Menderes District, International Journal of Innovative Research and Reviews 5 (2021) 32–38.
[3] G. Badran, M. Dhimish, A comparative study of bifacial versus monofacial PV systems at the UK’s largest solar plant, Clean Energy 8 (2024) 248–260. https://doi.org/10.1093/ce/zkae043.
[4] A. Desai, I. Mukhopadhyay, A. Ray, Feasibility Assessment of Bifacial Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems in the State of Gujarat in India, Front. Energy Res. 10 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2022.869890.
[5] R. Guerrero-Lemus, R. Vega, T. Kim, A. Kimm, L.E. Shephard, Bifacial solar photovoltaics – A technology review, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 60 (2016) 1533–1549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.03.041.
[6] G. Raina, R. Vijay, S. Sinha, Study on the optimum orientation of bifacial photovoltaic module, Int. J. Energy Res. 46 (2022) 4247–4266. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.7423.
[7] D.L. Dias, G.A. Rampinelli, G.N. Garrido, J.A. Tejero, M.S. de Cardona Ortín, L.E. Bremermann, Performance assessment of bifacial and monofacial PV systems on different types of soils in a low-latitude site, Renew. Energy 246 (2025) 122868. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2025.122868.
[8] G.R. Pandian, G.B. Balachandran, P.W. David, S. K, Performance analysis of floating bifacial stand-alone photovoltaic module in tropical freshwater systems of Southern Asia: an experimental study, Sci. Rep. 14 (2024) 20352. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70015-3.

[9] O.H. AL-Zoubi, H. Al-Tahaineh, R.A. Damseh, A.H. AL-Zubi, A.-S.A. Odat, B. Shboul, Evaluating the real-world performance of vertically installed bifacial photovoltaic panels in residential settings: empirical findings and implications, International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies 19 (2024) 386–442. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijlct/ctad138.
[10] P.K. Sahu, J.N. Roy, C. Chakraborty, Performance assessment of a bifacial PV system using a new energy estimation model, Solar Energy 262 (2023) 111818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2023.111818.
[11] W. Gu, S. Li, X. Liu, Z. Chen, X. Zhang, T. Ma, Experimental investigation of the bifacial photovoltaic module under real conditions, Renew. Energy 173 (2021) 1111–1122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.12.024.
[12] H.-P. Yan, T.-W. Liao, C.-C. Hsieh, C.-Y. Huang, R.-C. Juang, C.-F.J. Kuo, Performance improvement of vertically installed bifacial solar panels with adjustable reflectors optimized using the Taguchi method, Energy Nexus 19 (2025) 100496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100496.
[13] S. Ghafiri, M. Darnon, A. Davigny, J.P.F. Trovão, D. Abbes, A comprehensive performance evaluation of bifacial photovoltaic modules: insights from a year-long experimental study conducted in the Canadian climate, EPJ Photovoltaics 15 (2024) 28. https://doi.org/10.1051/epjpv/2024025.
[14] G.S. Kumbaroğlu, M.E. Çamlibel, C. Avcı, Techno-Economic Comparision of Bifacial vs Monofacial Solar Panels, Engineering Structures and Technologies 13 (2022) 7–18. https://doi.org/10.3846/est.2021.17181.
[15] J. Jang, K. Lee, Practical Performance Analysis of a Bifacial PV Module and System, Energies (Basel). 13 (2020) 4389. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13174389.
[16] J. Zhong, W. Zhang, L. Xie, O. Zhao, X. Wu, X. Zeng, J. Guo, Development and challenges of bifacial photovoltaic technology and application in buildings: A review, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 187 (2023) 113706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2023.113706.
[17] A. Manasrah, Y. Jaradat, M. Masoud, M. Jaradat, Beyond One-Sided Solar Unlocking Efficiency and Space with Bifacial Photovoltaic Systems, The Eurasia Proceedings of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics 32 (2024) 449–454. https://doi.org/10.55549/epstem.1604712.
[18] S. Hwang, Y. Kang, H. Lee, Performance and energy loss mechanism of bifacial photovoltaic modules at a solar carport system, Energy Sci. Eng. 11 (2023) 2866–2884. https://doi.org/10.1002/ese3.1497.
[19] G. Badran, M. Dhimish, Comprehensive study on the efficiency of vertical bifacial photovoltaic systems: a UK case study, Sci. Rep. 14 (2024) 18380. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68018-1.
[20] S. Khan, K. Sudhakar, M.H. bin Yusof, Comparison of mono and bifacial modules for building integration and electric vehicle charging: A case study in Sweden, Energy Conversion and Management: X 20 (2023) 100420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecmx.2023.100420.
[21] Topographic Maps, Kirkuk Topographic Map, Elevation, Terrain, (2026). https://en-us.topographic-map.com/map-7dbcz/Kirkuk/?center=35.24776%2C44.35181&zoom=9 (accessed February 2, 2026).
[22] Global Solar Atlas, Global Solar Atlas, (2026). https://globalsolaratlas.info/map?c=34.639987,44.211731,9&s=35.169318,44.03595&m=site (accessed January 25, 2026).
[23] Weather Spark, Kirkuk Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Iraq) - Weather Spark, (2026). https://weatherspark.com/y/103228/Average-Weather-in-Kirkuk-Iraq-Year-Round#google_vignette (accessed December 30, 2025).
[24] K. Altaai, H. Yildizay, Double-Sided and Single-Sided Use of Solar Panels with Solar Tracking System Analyses of The Comparative, Dumlupinar University, 2023.
[25] D.C. Montgomery, G.C. Runger, Applied statistics and probability for engineers, Wiley, 2018.
[26] G. Jia, C. Ma, Y. Zhao, Y. Sun, H. Liu, Numerical study on the sensitivity of photovoltaic panels to wind load on array layout, Sustainable Horizons 11 (2024) 100101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.horiz.2024.100101.
[27] S.A. Ramírez-Revilla, E.J. Paredes Quispe, E.H. Paredes Quispe, J.J. Milón Guzmán, Effect of the angle of inclination on the energy performance of photovoltaic panels in the city of Arequipa, International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 22 (2025) 12897–12904. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-025-06469-3.
[28] M. Arslan, M. Çunkaş, An experimental study on determination of optimal tilt and orientation angles in photovoltaic systems, Journal of Engineering Research 13 (2025) 2689–2701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jer.2024.07.015.
[29] M.A. Kallioğlu, A.S. Avcı, A. Sharma, R. Khargotra, T. Singh, Solar collector tilt angle optimization for agrivoltaic systems, Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 54 (2024) 103998. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2024.103998.
[30] P.M. Rodrigo, E. Mouhib, E.F. Fernandez, F. Almonacid, J.C. Rosas-Caro, Comprehensive ground coverage analysis of large-scale fixed-tilt bifacial photovoltaic plants, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 192 (2024) 114229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2023.114229.
[31] U.R.J. Eiva, T.A. Chowdury, S.S. Islam, A. Ullah, J.N. Tuli, M.T. Islam, Comprehensive analysis of fixed tilt and dual-axis tracking photovoltaic systems for enhanced grid integration and energy efficiency, Renew. Energy 256 (2026) 123865. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2025.123865.
[32] T. Ruan, F. Wang, M. Topel, B. Laumert, W. Wang, A new optimal PV installation angle model in high-latitude cold regions based on historical weather big data, Appl. Energy 359 (2024) 122690. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.122690.
[33] H.Y. Peng, Z. Shen, H.J. Liu, S.F. Dai, Wind loads on rooftop solar photovoltaic panels oriented with varying azimuth angles: A comprehensive wind tunnel analysis, Journal of Building Engineering 92 (2024) 109747. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.109747.
[34] L. Xu, P. Ding, Y. Zhang, Y. Huang, J. Li, R. Ma, Sensitivity analysis of the shading effects from obstructions at different positions on solar photovoltaic panels, Energy 290 (2024) 130229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2023.130229.
[35] N. Lu, J. Qin, Optimization of tilt angle for PV in China with long-term hourly surface solar radiation, Renew. Energy 229 (2024) 120741. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.120741.
[36] A.A.J. Qali, A. Inan, H. Duzkaya, Optimization of The Tilt Angle of Solar Panels for Six Cities in Iraq, International Journal of Renewable Energy Research (2025). https://doi.org/10.20508/ijrer.v15i4.15302.g9137.
[37] A.A. Ashetehe, B.B. Gessesse, F. Shewarega, Development of Optimal Tilt Angle Models of a Photovoltaic Module for Maximum Power Production: Ethiopia, International Journal of Photoenergy 2022 (2022) 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8729570.
[38] M. Tamoor, A.R. Bhatti, M. Farhan, A. Rasool, A. Sherefa, Optimizing tilt angle of PV modules for different locations using isotropic and anisotropic models to maximize power output, Sci. Rep. 14 (2024) 30197. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-81826-9.
[39] S.A. Kadhim, M.K.S. Al-Ghezi, W.Y. Shehab, Optimum Orientation of Non-Tracking Solar Applications in Baghdad City, International Journal of Heat and Technology 41 (2023) 125–134. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijht.410113.
[40] Albedo Usual Coefficients - PVsyst Documentation, (2026). https://www.pvsyst.com/help/physical-models-used/irradiation-models/albedo-usual-coefficients.html (accessed April 13, 2026).
[41] E. TÜRKDOĞRU, M. KUTAY, Analysis of albedo effect in a 30-kW bifacial PV system with different ground surfaces using PVsyst software, Journal of Energy Systems 6 (2022) 543–559. https://doi.org/10.30521/jes.1105348.
[42] B. Pirouz, S.N. Naghib, K.J. Kontoleon, H. Javadi Nejad, P. Piro, Revealing the impact of albedo on solar panel power generation potential in various installation patterns: Case study of Italy, Energy Reports 14 (2025) 473–485. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2025.06.024.
[43] Report IEA‐PVPS T13‐21, Soiling Losses – Impact on the Performance of Photovoltaic Power Plants, 2022. https://iea-pvps.org/research-tasks/performance-operation- (accessed April 13, 2026).
[44] F. Li, Z. Yuan, W. Wu, Experimental investigation of soiling losses on photovoltaic in high-density urban environments, Appl. Energy 369 (2024) 123572. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123572.
[45] N. Riedel-Lyngskær, M. Ribaconka, M. Pó, A. Thorseth, S. Thorsteinsson, C. Dam-Hansen, M.L. Jakobsen, The effect of spectral albedo in bifacial photovoltaic performance, Solar Energy 231 (2022) 921–935. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2021.12.023.
[46] K. Ganesan, D.P. Winston, S. Sugumar, S. Jegan, Performance analysis of n-type PERT bifacial solar PV module under diverse albedo conditions, Solar Energy 252 (2023) 81–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2023.01.020.
[47] H.Z. Al Garni, A performance modeling and optimal orientation of bifacial PV modules: A case study from Saudi Arabia, Results in Engineering 29 (2026) 109175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2026.109175.
[48] M. Alam, M.S. Gul, T. Muneer, Performance analysis and comparison between bifacial and monofacial solar photovoltaic at various ground albedo conditions, Renewable Energy Focus 44 (2023) 295–316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ref.2023.01.005.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Energy Generation, Conversion and Storage (Excl. Chemical and Electrical)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Hasan D. Yıldızay ^*
0000-0002-2449-8056
Türkiye

Publication Date

June 30, 2026

Submission Date

March 9, 2026

Acceptance Date

May 7, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 065

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA49ZM56YC

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Yıldızay, H. D. (2026). Experimental and numerical comparative analysis of fixed, tracker and bifacial photovoltaic panels. Journal of Scientific Reports-A, 065, 55-71. https://izlik.org/JA49ZM56YC

AMA

1.Yıldızay HD. Experimental and numerical comparative analysis of fixed, tracker and bifacial photovoltaic panels. JSR-A. 2026;(065):55-71. https://izlik.org/JA49ZM56YC

Chicago

Yıldızay, Hasan D. 2026. “Experimental and Numerical Comparative Analysis of Fixed, Tracker and Bifacial Photovoltaic Panels”. Journal of Scientific Reports-A, nos. 065: 55-71. https://izlik.org/JA49ZM56YC.

EndNote

Yıldızay HD (June 1, 2026) Experimental and numerical comparative analysis of fixed, tracker and bifacial photovoltaic panels. Journal of Scientific Reports-A 065 55–71.

IEEE

[1]H. D. Yıldızay, “Experimental and numerical comparative analysis of fixed, tracker and bifacial photovoltaic panels”, JSR-A, no. 065, pp. 55–71, June 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA49ZM56YC

ISNAD

Yıldızay, Hasan D. “Experimental and Numerical Comparative Analysis of Fixed, Tracker and Bifacial Photovoltaic Panels”. Journal of Scientific Reports-A. 065 (June 1, 2026): 55-71. https://izlik.org/JA49ZM56YC.

JAMA

1.Yıldızay HD. Experimental and numerical comparative analysis of fixed, tracker and bifacial photovoltaic panels. JSR-A. 2026;:55–71.

MLA

Yıldızay, Hasan D. “Experimental and Numerical Comparative Analysis of Fixed, Tracker and Bifacial Photovoltaic Panels”. Journal of Scientific Reports-A, no. 065, June 2026, pp. 55-71, https://izlik.org/JA49ZM56YC.

Vancouver

1.Hasan D. Yıldızay. Experimental and numerical comparative analysis of fixed, tracker and bifacial photovoltaic panels. JSR-A [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 1;(065):55-71. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA49ZM56YC