Quantifying the Albedo Effect for PV Modules
How reflected light increases solar energy yeld
Albedo, the ability of a surface to reflect sunlight, is a critical but often overlooked factor in photovoltaic system performance. While monofacial PV modules gain little from reflected light, bifacial PV systems can convert albedo into measurable, bankable energy gains, especially on reflective surfaces and in high-latitude climates.
This study combines international research, controlled experiments, and real rooftop measurements from Bridgehill Engineering Lab to quantify how albedo affects energy production in three system configurations:
- Monofacial PV systems
- Bifacial PV systems over low-albedo (black) surfaces
- Bifacial PV systems over high-albedo (white) surfaces
What the results show
- Monofacial PV: negligible energy gain from albedo (≈ 0%)
- Bifacial PV on black surfaces: modest gains of 2–6% annually
- Bifacial PV on white, reflective surfaces: substantial gains of 5–10%, with peaks up to 30% under optimal conditions
Field measurements from a commercial rooftop installation in Southern Norway confirm that reflective underlayments alone can increase annual energy yield by 6–8%, without changes to modules or electrical design.
Why this matters
Albedo optimization is a low-cost, design-level intervention that directly improves:
- Annual energy production
- Return on investment
- Predictability and bankability of bifacial PV systems
By treating albedo as a quantifiable design parameter, this work provides practical guidance for system owners, designers, and investors seeking higher performance from the same installed capacity.
About the study
This research was conducted by Bridgehill Engineering Lab, combining validated academic methods with industry-scale field data. The lab is committed to advancing albedo research and sharing reliable insights that support better solar design and a more efficient energy transition.
Read the full article by Thor Brubakken and Arezoo Safaei Naraghi of Bridgehill R&D to explore the methodology, field data, case studies, and actionable insights.
