Bifacial solar cells work by generating electricity from both sides of the panel. The front captures direct sunlight, while the back captures reflected and diffused light from surfaces like the ground, walls, or nearby objects. These cells are typically made with transparent backsheets or dual-glass materials, allowing photons to enter from both directions.
And yes, they are more efficient than regular photovoltaic cells. Their real-world efficiency advantage comes from smart placement. When installed over highly reflective surfaces like white rooftops, sand, or even snow, bifacial panels can generate 10–30% more energy than standard panels. They’re especially effective in vertical or elevated setups like solar farms and building facades. This extra energy yield makes them increasingly popular in commercial-scale and high-latitude installations, where ground reflection and diffused light are significant.