Vertical panels - ground reflexion for monofacial

[v.ming]

Hi PVSyst members,

I have a question regarding vertical systems. 

As of today, the bifacial simulation calculates a ground reflection for the front side of the modules, which is often neglectible but important for vertical systems.

So, in cases of wall or facade-mounted vertical modules (which can be monofacial), is there a way to still access this non-neglectible part of the irradiance ? This seems still relevant, event without a bifacial module.

Thank you in advance

[Linda Thoren]

Hi,

Indeed, today the ground reflection is only considered for bifacial systems. As you say, the ground reflection for the front side can be rather significant for vertical systems.

The only way to run a simulation including the ground reflection for the front side for a monofacial system today, would be to alter the PAN file (activating the bifaciality and put the bifaciality factor to 0) and run a simulation with the bifacial parameters, though everything except the ground reflection on front side will be 0 given the bifaciality factor of 0.  

In the example below I defined a vertical system using the unlimited sheds, facing south, 2 rows, 20m high and a pitch of 50m, to simulate a system similar to a façade mounted vertical system.