Insight

What Is the Albedo Effect and Why Does It Matter for Solar Panels?

The albedo effect refers to the ability of a surface to reflect sunlight. For bifacial solar panels, which generate energy from both the front and back sides, this reflectivity can significantly impact performance. By increasing the amount of light reflected onto the rear side of the PV modules, high-albedo surfaces can boost total energy output especially during summer months when solar exposure is highest.
Bridgehill FireBlock Membrane_Albedo effect
Written by Anne Katrine Bardal
FireBlock

From internal R&D to measured fieldevidence, this article is based on fieldmeasurements conducted by BridgehillEngineering Lab, documenting quantifiedperformance under real Nordic climateconditions.

The albedo effect is an often-overlooked performance factor in solar PV design. By using a reflective, fireproof membrane like Bridgehill FireBlock, solar installers and building owners can unlock greater energy yield without extra panels or height while also improving roof safety.
Bridgehill’s In-House Field Test: 6.1% Annual Energy Gain

To quantify the real-world impact of the albedo effect, Bridgehill’s R&D team conducted an 8-month field study in Southern Norway (59° N). Identical bifacial PV strings were installed on low-slope commercial roofs with surfaces of varying reflectivity.

Key Findings:

  • 6.1% increase in total annual energy yield

  • Up to 11% rear-side irradiance during summer

  • Results verified using calibrated sensors and uncertainty analysis

This confirms that surface reflectivity is not only measurable, but economically relevant when designing and installing bifacial PV systems, particularly in high-latitude regions.

Field measurements · East/West configuration · 10° tilt · Norway · 2025​

Applications: Why Reflective Fire Membranes Make Sense

Bridgehill's FireBlock membrane has a white, reflective surface designed to enhance bifacial panel output. By integrating fire protection with albedo optimization, it offers:

  • Increased solar production (especially with East/West layouts and low tilt)

  • Compliance with fire safety regulations

  • Seamless integration into flat or pitched roof systems

This dual functionality delivers both energy performance and passive fire safety, making it ideal for new builds and solar retrofits.

Bridgehill Fire Block™ is designed to maintain high thermal stability without compromising the reflective properties required for bifacial PV optimization.