Bifacial solar panels often cost slightly more than monofacial panels, but just barely. This is usually the case with the latest solar systems – you’ll also pay a higher price for half cell panels, monocrystalline models, or panels with a higher efficiency than average.
Bifacial panels have transparent front and back sides that can both capture solar energy for your home. The average 4kW bifacial system will cost £5,500 - £6,600, and could save you £860 per year on your electricity bills. Bifacial panels are highly efficient at capturing solar energy, potentially increasing your solar panels’ output by up to 30%.
For the average home in the UK, bifacial panels in the UK tend to cost between £9,900 - £11,000, including installation. Generally, because of their advanced design and specialised equipment, bifacial panels prices are around 10% higher than the cost of solar panels with a monofacial design.
There are just a handful of manufacturers that currently have bifacial solar panels on the UK market but as time goes by, we're sure to see more manufacturers release their own models. Below are the bifacial solar panels available in the UK, all of which are monocrystalline.
Bifacial solar panels are made with polycrystalline or – more likely – monocrystalline material on both sides. They’re also equipped with a transparent backsheet, made out of reflective material or panes of strengthened glass.
With more surface area available to absorb sunlight, bifacial panels are generally more efficient than traditional monofacial panels. For example, a study by solar panel manufacturer LONGi found that bifacial panels produced 11% more energy than standard panels as part of a ground-mounted installation.