SolarWorld’s bifacial modules produced for testing in US

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Modules will be installed on two roofs to test performance above different surfaces. Credit: SolarWorld

PV module manufacturer SolarWorld has started producing its first bifacial Bisun modules at its US manufacturing facility in order to test their capability against standard modules using advanced p-type mono-PERC cell architecture.

The testing will take place on a 205kW solar system at the University of Richmond in Virginia, which will be the first commercial installation of the SolarWorld bifacial Bisun modules.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

Not ready to commit yet?
  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The Bisun technology is able to generate electricity from direct solar radiation on the front side as well as reflected sunlight on the backside, and SolarWorld claims these modules can generate up to 25% more energy than standard mono-facial modules.

Power generation from bifacial modules also depends on the distance they are installed away from the surface below as well as the reflectivity of that surface. Consequently, the modules will be installed on two roofs – one with gravel and another with a white material thermoplastic olefin (TPO) – to vary conditions in the testing.

SolarWorld will co-own the systems with the project developer Secure Futures. Installation is expected to be complete this spring and the University of Richmond will purchase the power generated.

Mukesh Dulani, US president of SolarWorld, said: “Thanks to the university, we will provide a system that produces clean power while also demonstrating the in-field capabilities of technological innovation. Aside from making the university greener, this installation will provide a strong set of performance data in a real-world application. Bifacial PERC modules represent a significant technological advancement in photovoltaics.”

SolarWorld recently reported PV module shipments of 1,159MW for 2015.

Read Next

September 1, 2025
Solar Organic Centro España is planning to build a 10GW solar module and battery manufacturing facility in the Spanish autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha.
August 28, 2025
Bahraini, Chinese, Egyptian and Emirati groups have agreed to develop a new solar and storage manufacturing facility in Egypt
August 26, 2025
US-based solar module manufacturer Bila Solar will include US-made steel module frames in its 550W dual-glass products.
Premium
August 22, 2025
Radovan Kopecek and Joris Libal examine the technological and economic factors driving PV’s ascendancy, with emphasis on bifacial BC modules.
August 15, 2025
Indian domestic solar module manufacturing capacity has exceeded 100GW, up from just 2.3GW in 2014, according to minister Pralhad Joshi.
August 11, 2025
Illuminate USA has signed a five-year deal with US panel recycling firm Solarcycle to acquire solar glass manufactured in the US.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines