Bifacial vs monofacial grid-connected solar photovoltaic for small islands: A case study of Fiji

Electricity generation from solar photovoltaic is a practical alternative for remote/rural and maritime areas where grid connection may not be feasible particularly for the small island nations not only to mitigate green-house gases emissions (GHG) but also to combat escalating fuel prices. This study performs a comparative techno-economic analysis of a grid-connected bifacial solar farm with a monofacial solar farm in Western Viti Levu, Fiji. Historical meteorological data over 17 years with other grid and solar PV specifications were used as in the PVSYST software for designing and simulating the results. Outcomes showed that bifacial solar farm has an annual energy production potential of 22,149 MWh with a better performance ratio of 93.13%. The levelised cost of energy (LCOE) is lower as well (12.34 cents/kWh) and has a GHG mitigation potential (28,184,176.53 kgCO2eq/yr). The monofacial solar farm can generate 20,448 MWh of electricity annually with a performance ratio of 85.26% and LCOE of 13.29 cents/kWh. The grid connected bifacial solar farm is a better option with more energy potential, higher GHG abatement potential, and lower LCOE. The bifacial solar farm can provide cheaper option for grid integrated solar PV occupying a smaller land area, which is scarce in small islands.

Automated summary

Solar photovoltaic power generation is a practical solution for remote/rural and maritime areas. A comparative analysis was conducted in Western Viti Levu, Fiji, between a grid-connected bifacial solar farm and a monofacial solar farm. The results showed that the bifacial solar farm has higher energy production potential, better performance ratio, lower levelised cost of energy, and greater greenhouse gas mitigation potential compared to the monofacial solar farm. The bifacial solar farm provides a cheaper option for grid-integrated solar PV, which requires less land area.