Bifacial solar modules for balcony power plants: Are they really worth it?

Bifacial Solar Modules for Balcony Power Plants: Are They Really Worth It?

Bifacial solar modules utilize not only direct sunlight from the front but also reflected light from the rear. For balcony power plants, this initially sounds like a niche topic – but reality shows real advantages.

What are bifacial solar modules?

A classic solar module (monofacial) has an active front and an opaque backsheet. A bifacial module, however, has active solar cells on both sides. The additional yield from bifacial modules heavily depends on the installation situation:

• On a white surface (white balcony, light wall): Additional yield of 10–20%
• On a dark surface (dark tiles): Additional yield of 3–7%
• Vertically on the balcony railing: More consistent daily yield

Glass-Glass vs. Glass-Foil

Glass-Glass: Highest quality, best rear-side efficiency, very robust, heavier. Ideal for fixed installations. Glass-Foil (transparent): Lighter, cheaper. Good for flexible applications.

Practical test: Bifacial vs. monofacial

In a test on a south-facing balcony on the 3rd floor (white concrete floor) over 30 sunny days: Monofacial (410 Wp): 72 kWh generated. Bifacial (450 Wp): 91 kWh generated (+26%). The higher yield resulted from the greater nominal power and the rear-side power generation.

Recommendations

Bifacial modules are recommended for light balconies, flat roof installations, vertical facade mounting, and wherever space is limited. The extra cost is low in 2026 – bifacial 400 Wp modules are already available from 80 to 100 Euros per piece.