Mounting-Height Effects on Rooftop Bifacial Photovoltaic Performance in a Humid Subtropical Climate
Abstract
In the context of the energy transition and the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, rooftop solar power systems for households are rapidly developing in Vietnam. Recently, bifacial solar panels have been increasingly applied because of their ability to capture radiation from both the front and rear sides, thereby increasing the electricity output compared to traditional monofacial panels. However, the rear-side efficiency of bifacial solar panels depends heavily on installation conditions, particularly the height of the mounting frame in relation to the rooftop surface. In actual residential construction in Vietnam, this height is often determined based on experience, without scientific basis or energy optimization. This paper focuses on comparing simulation scenarios of solar power systems using bifacial solar panels under humid subtropical conditions, with varying mounting frame heights. In addition, this study evaluates the factors affecting investment efficiency, including equipment costs, operational costs, and the potential for CO₂ emissions reduction