Bifacial Solar Panels: Benefits & Costs 2025

Bifacial solar panels are gaining momentum in the UK as homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners seek more efficient and visually appealing solar solutions. 

With their ability to generate electricity from both sides of the panel, bifacial technology offers a modern upgrade to traditional systems. 

In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about bifacial solar panels in 2025, their advantages, costs, performance, and installation considerations.

What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?

Bifacial solar panels are photovoltaic modules that can absorb sunlight from both their front and rear sides. 

Unlike traditional (monofacial) panels that only generate electricity from the side facing the sun, bifacial panels can also capture reflected light from surfaces like roofs, the ground, or nearby walls, increasing their energy output.

Insights: To better understand how these compare to standard panels, read our full breakdown on bifacial vs monofacial solar panels.

How Do Bifacial Solar Panels Work?

Bifacial panels are typically made with transparent or semi-transparent back sheets and double-glass construction. When sunlight hits the front of the panel, it's converted into electricity like normal. 

But additional sunlight that reflects off surrounding surfaces hits the rear side, generating even more electricity. This secondary generation can boost total efficiency by up to 15-30%, depending on installation conditions.

They perform especially well when mounted above light-coloured or reflective surfaces, like white membranes or gravel, which reflect sunlight upward.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Bifacial Solar Panels?

What Factors Should You Consider Before Choosing Bifacial Solar Panels?

Efficiency

Bifacial solar panels are typically 15-30% more efficient than monofacial models, depending on environmental conditions and installation quality. 

This increased efficiency stems from their ability to capture both direct sunlight and indirect light reflected from surfaces beneath or around them.

Key factors that affect their efficiency include:

• Surface reflectivity (albedo): Light-coloured or reflective surfaces such as white roofs, gravel, sand, or concrete can boost rear-side generation significantly.
  
• Installation height and angle: Elevating panels off the surface allows more reflected light to reach the rear side. The optimal tilt angle also helps capture maximum exposure throughout the day.
  
• Surrounding shading: Shade from chimneys, trees, or neighbouring buildings can impact the effectiveness of both the front and rear sides of the panel.

In laboratory conditions and highly optimised installations, bifacial panels have been shown to reach conversion efficiencies exceeding 22%.

In real-world conditions across the UK, their performance benefit is most pronounced in open spaces with high surface reflectivity, such as flat commercial roofs or elevated ground-mounted solar systems in domestic gardens.

When designed and installed correctly, bifacial systems can offer homeowners and landlords a meaningful improvement in energy yield, which in turn speeds up the payback period and reduces reliance on grid electricity.

Cost of Bifacial Solar Panels in the UK

The cost of solar panels in general varies based on system size, installation type, and supplier.

Average Cost Comparison (2025):

Costs include installation and inverter systems. Bifacial panels usually require a larger investment but offer long-term returns through increased generation and savings.

How Much Electricity Do Bifacial Panels Produce?

On average, bifacial solar panels in the UK produce:

• 3,600 - 4,200 kWh/year for a 4kW system (compared to 3,200-3,800 kWh/year for monofacial)

These figures depend on multiple variables such as panel orientation, location, roof pitch, and surrounding surfaces. However, even in less-than-optimal conditions, bifacial panels often outperform standard panels due to their additional light absorption capacity.

Their added efficiency makes them ideal for properties with white roofs, paved surroundings, or snowy landscapes (though snow is less frequent in most parts of the UK).

What Bifacial System Size Do You Need?

Choosing the right bifacial solar panel system size depends on your property type, household energy consumption, and available space. 

Below is a breakdown of typical system sizes, estimated costs, electricity output, and monthly savings based on average UK conditions.

Monthly savings are based on July 2025 average unit prices of 27p/kWh. Figures assume south-facing orientation with minimal shading.

Key Considerations:

• Electricity Usage: Your current kWh usage (check your energy bill) should guide system size. Oversizing can lead to wasted generation unless you're using battery storage.
  
• Available Space: Not all homes can accommodate larger systems. Bifacial panels may need more spacing to maximise rear-side exposure.
  
• Budget vs ROI: Larger systems offer better long-term ROI but higher upfront costs. Consider financing or grants available through schemes like the ECO4.

Real-World Example:

A 3-bed semi-detached home with a 4kW bifacial system could save up to £1,000 annually on energy bills, with a potential system payback time of 6–9 years depending on usage and FIT/SEG earnings.

How Do They Perform in Cloudy or UK Weather Conditions?

The UK has around 1,300 to 1,500 sunlight hours annually. Bifacial panels excel in diffuse light conditions, which are common in overcast British weather. 

Since they can also harvest reflected ambient light from cloudy skies, they maintain solid output levels even when the sun isn’t directly shining.

According to Ofgem, solar systems in the UK can operate efficiently even during overcast days when installed correctly. This makes bifacial systems particularly suitable for regions like Scotland, Wales, and Northern England, where overcast conditions are frequent.

What Is the Lifespan of Bifacial Panels?

Due to their robust dual-glass construction, bifacial panels often last 30+ years, exceeding the typical 25-year lifespan of standard panels. 

The double-glass design not only increases structural integrity but also enhances resistance to moisture, thermal cycling, and mechanical stress.

Most manufacturers offer warranties covering at least 25 years of performance and 10-15 years on materials, giving homeowners peace of mind.

What Maintenance Is Required?

Maintenance is minimal:

• Occasional cleaning (2-3x/year), especially if installed in dusty or leafy environments
• Annual inspection for connections, cabling, and inverter performance

Because both sides of the panel can collect debris or dust, slightly more care may be needed to ensure optimal rear-side efficiency. 

However, the tempered glass construction is resistant to wear and easier to clean than some polymer back sheets found in older monofacial panels.

Their glass surfaces are resistant to weathering, making them suitable for low-maintenance setups across various climates in the UK.

Insights: Read our guide on solar panel maintenance to get a better idea of how to maintain your system.

What Are the Installation Options for Bifacial Panels?

Bifacial solar panels offer flexible installation configurations, making them suitable for a wide range of properties. However, because their performance depends heavily on light reflecting onto the rear surface, careful consideration of mounting methods is crucial.

Mounting Types & Considerations:

• Ground-Mounted Systems:
  Ideal for rural properties or homes with ample garden space. These installations can be angled optimally for sun exposure and often use reflective materials (like white gravel or concrete) beneath the panels to maximise rear-side gain.
  
• Elevated Rooftop Installations:
  These are popular in both residential and commercial settings. Installing panels at a raised height above the roof surface allows greater airflow (which aids cooling) and provides space for light to reflect onto the rear side.
  
  Flat or light-coloured roofs (e.g., white EPDM) work best for this setup.
  
• Pergolas and Solar Canopies:
  Bifacial panels can double as functional architectural elements, providing shade, shelter, and power generation all in one. Solar carports and patio covers are increasingly used in modern home designs and retail parking areas.
  
  If you're considering this option for your own property, you might find our guide on installing solar panels on pergolas especially useful.
  
• Vertical Wall Installations:
  While less common, bifacial panels can be installed vertically on south-facing walls or fences.
  
  Though this may lower overall output compared to angled mounts, vertical setups can generate well in winter months due to lower sun angles and perform well in urban environments with space limitations.

Tip: For all mounting types, use highly reflective ground or roof materials (e.g., white stones, light concrete) to maximise albedo and enhance panel efficiency.

Which Property Types Are Best Suited?

Not all properties will benefit equally from bifacial solar panels. The architecture, roof colour, shading, and available space all influence how well the panels perform.

Best Suited For:

• Detached and Semi-Detached Homes:
  These homes often have minimal roof shading and may offer sufficient garden space for ground mounts. Light-coloured or white-rendered walls and surfaces further boost reflectivity.
  
• New Builds & Eco Homes:
  Modern properties with flat roofs, minimalist design, and energy-efficient planning can integrate bifacial panels seamlessly, especially when combined with heat pumps or battery storage.
  
• Commercial & Industrial Buildings:
  Warehouses, distribution centres, and retail parks typically have expansive flat roofs with minimal shading, perfect for bifacial panels. Reflective roofing membranes can significantly enhance ROI through increased solar capture.
  
• Agricultural Properties & Barns:
  Farms with unused land, stables, or barn roofs benefit from ground-mount bifacial systems, ideal for off-grid setups or energy-intensive farm machinery.

Challenging or Restricted Scenarios:

• Shaded Terraced Homes:
  Close proximity to neighbouring buildings, chimneys, or trees can limit both direct and reflected light, making bifacial panels less effective.
  
• Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings:
  These locations often require planning permission due to visual and structural impact. While bifacial panels can still be used, they may need to be mounted out of sight (e.g. ground-mounts in rear gardens) and with non-invasive fixings.

Always consult before installing solar panels in conservation areas or on listed properties.

Are Bifacial Panels Suitable for Commercial Buildings?

Absolutely. In fact, bifacial technology is often most advantageous in commercial settings due to their:

• Large installation areas (flat, open rooftops or car parks)
  
• Higher daytime energy demands (making the increased output more valuable)
  
• Ability to offset operational costs and reduce carbon footprint

For example, a 50kW bifacial system on a warehouse with a white roof membrane can produce significantly more than an equivalent monofacial system, improving the payback period and overall ROI.

Additionally, bifacial panels can contribute to BREEAM or LEED certification points, boosting commercial property value and green credentials.

Can You Install Bifacial Panels on Conservatories or Outbuildings?

Yes, bifacial panels can be an excellent fit for:

• Conservatories with solid or opaque roofs. Read our guide on installing solar panels on conservatory roofs for more insights.
  
• Garden offices, studios, or workshops. Our guide on installing solar panels in your garden can provide expert tips if you’re considering this option.
  
• Detached garages or sheds. Take a look at our guide on installing solar panels on a garage roof to take advantage of this space.

However, special considerations apply:

• Structural Support:
  The dual-glass construction of bifacial panels means they’re often heavier than standard modules. A structural survey may be needed to confirm that the roof can safely support them.
  
• Sunlight and Shading:
  Glass-roof conservatories or shaded outbuildings may not receive enough consistent sunlight. Panels should ideally be mounted on well-lit, south-facing roofs or elevated to benefit from reflected light.
  
• Ventilation and Reflection:
  Ensure there is adequate airflow beneath the panels and that surfaces below are reflective or unobstructed for rear-side generation.

Consider combining these small installations with battery storage to maximise self-consumption and energy independence. Take a look at our guide on the cost of solar batteries to get a better idea of what you can expect to pay.

Aesthetic Appeal

Bifacial panels offer a sleek and modern aesthetic that suits both traditional and contemporary architecture. Their frameless or dual-glass design allows them to blend seamlessly into structures like:

• Flat roofs with minimalist layouts
  
• Pergolas, awnings, or carports
  
• Garden features like privacy screens or fences

Because the panels are often semi-transparent or use tempered glass on both sides, they can appear lighter and less obtrusive than standard panels, particularly on elevated or architectural structures.

In high-end residential or architect-designed homes, bifacial systems can even become a visual statement, merging functionality with aesthetics. 

Tip: Solar panels do increase home value. 

FAQs

1. Can bifacial solar panels work with battery storage systems?

Yes, bifacial panels can be paired with home battery storage solutions like Tesla Powerwall or GivEnergy systems. This setup allows you to store excess electricity for later use, improving energy independence and increasing your ROI.

2. Are there specific inverter requirements for bifacial solar systems?

Not always, but optimisers or microinverters are often recommended to maximise the yield from both the front and rear surfaces. These ensure that each panel performs independently and efficiently, especially in partial shading conditions.

3. Do bifacial panels qualify for UK solar incentives or grants in 2025?

Yes. Homeowners may still be eligible for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments, and some properties could benefit from installation support via schemes like the ECO4, depending on household income, EPC ratings, and location.

4. What’s the typical payback period for bifacial panels in the UK?

With enhanced efficiency, bifacial systems can offer payback periods between 6 and 9 years on average. This depends on system size, usage patterns, and whether battery storage or export tariffs are used to boost savings.

5. Do bifacial solar panels need planning permission in the UK?

Most residential installations fall under permitted development. However, if your property is listed, located in a conservation area, or if the system is ground-mounted and large, planning permission may be required. Always check with your local planning authority.

Final Thoughts

Bifacial solar panels represent a major leap forward in renewable energy efficiency, particularly suited to UK homes and commercial properties that can make use of both direct and reflected sunlight. 

Whether you're aiming to reduce energy costs, improve your property's sustainability, or increase long-term ROI, bifacial panels offer a versatile and future-ready solution.

While they come at a slightly higher upfront cost, the long-term benefits, from extended lifespans to enhanced performance in diffuse light can more than make up for it. 

And with energy prices still a concern for UK households and businesses in 2025, investing in high-efficiency solar technology like bifacial panels is more compelling than ever.