Bifacial solar panels: Breaking the barriers of module efficiency

As solar technology has improved over the last decade, the prices have dropped exponentially as module efficiency has advanced. In recent years, there’s been a growing concern that we are approaching an efficiency ceiling. People have come to wonder if future solar improvements will be through system solutions, such as coupling solar with storage, rather than through module technology innovation. But, a newer innovation is paving the way to the next generation of module technologies that will revolutionize solar efficiency for many applications. Today the best solar panel on market is RENOGY 250 WATT SOLAR PANEL
Bifacial solar modules have the capability to generate electricity by capturing light from both sides of the module. It does not take a big stretch of the imagination to understand that this type of technology can dramatically shake up the solar market. Bifacial modules produce more energy, and have a lower degradation rate than standard modules. When assessing the financial returns of projects over their life cycle, these modules promise significant LCOE savings.

Because bifacial modules can generate power from the front and back of the module, they require less labor costs and balance of system costs to produce the same amount of energy. They can also produce more energy from the same project footprint, with minimal additional installation costs. Bifacial modules offer substantial savings for solar project financers.

Bifacial models are equipped with better cell technology. By using monocrystalline silicon cells, these bifacial modules offer customers much better energy conversion rates than traditional, polycrystalline PV modules. With higher efficiency cells and dual-glass structure, comes a more durable, efficient system that can reduce project costs across the board and significantly increase equipment longevity. Bifacial modules on the market can produce up to 30% more electricity than an equivalent monofacial module in certain environments. And, because of the increased durability, these modules can be offered with an extended warranty of 30 years at just 0.5% annual degradation rate.

Trina Solar recently won its first order for bifacial modules, for a utility-scale project in Golmud, Qinghai, China. The sandy surface on which this project is situated reflects a lot of light, making it ideal for bifacial modules. The project uses a tracker system, maximizing energy capture. This represents the second-largest order of bifacial modules in the world to date.

Bifacial solar modules are a disruptor technology to be excited about. The versatility of these products will allow a diverse portfolio of customers to invest in solar because of the benefits bifacial modules can deliver. These modules work great for utility projects, rooftops and specialty installations, such as floating solar projects. So, the next time someone says there’s not much more room for efficiency improvements in the solar market – let them know a new chapter in solar has just begun.

Guest Post: Replacing or Repairing Concrete Sidewalks

We've all done it. Hurrying inside to an important meeting, or walking into a restaurant for dinner, it happens. You trip. Hopefully you only stumble a bit, feel foolish and then continue on with your day. Sometimes, it doesn't work out that way and you have injured more than your pride.

As a property manager or owner, the thought of a customer, tenant or visitor to your business getting hurt on your property probably makes you cringe a bit. And, it's most likely not just out of sympathy thinking of your fellow-man suffering an injury, but also out of fear of a possible lawsuit.

Keeping your concrete sidewalks and concrete curbs in good repair is a must for facility managers. Not only does it prevent these types of mishaps, but also it does wonders for the curb appeal of your building.

Access Your Property
Take a stroll around your facility right now to access the state of your sidewalks and curbs. Are they uneven, raised, cracked, or broken? If so, here's what a paving contractor can do to fix those issues:

Cracked or Uneven Concrete Sidewalks
Most people probably think an uneven sidewalk is a huge concrete sidewalk repair project, but it's not really that bad. Depending on the type of concrete sidewalk repair needed, complete replacement may be needed or a simple repair can be done.

Replacing Concrete
For a complete replacement, your paving contractor will use a masonry drill to break up the section of concrete sidewalk slab that is broken, sunken, raised, or uneven. He'll remove the crumbled concrete bits and then work to level the area.

A nearby tree may be the cause for the uneven concrete. Whatever the cause, after these issues are resolved, the paving company will most likely use a form to hold the new concrete into the desired shape of the new slab and then pump concrete into the area.

As a final touch, the still wet concrete section will be leveled with a trowel to ensure the connecting sections are flush. Once dry, the form will be removed and the sidewalk will be open again for foot traffic.

Repairing Concrete
If the concrete damage isn't excessive, a concrete repair can be made using a process called "mudjacking". To level a slab of concrete using this process, the paving contractor will bore holes into the slab and then pump a grout mixture into the holes to force the slab rise and level. This process can not only be completed in one day, but regular use of the concrete sidewalk can resume immediately after leveling with no drying time needed. Another benefit of this type of concrete sidewalk repair is that it can be done for a fraction of the cost of tearing out and replacing.

HONEST HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

HONEST HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

It couldn’t be easier to share holiday cheer while making a positive difference with these gifts that give back. The presents we found support or fund various social and charitable efforts, so your gift recipient not only gets a cool new item, but you both can feel good knowing your purchase also helped a worthy cause.



1. This gray chevron table runner from TOMS Marketplace benefits JOYN, an organization that provides medical care, employment, and educational opportunities to artisans in the Himalayas.

30 Secret Santa Gift Ideas Your Coworkers Will Love

30 Secret Santa Gift Ideas Your Coworkers Will Love

They see you when you're slacking. They know when you come in late. They know if you've been bad or good so be good for your work's Secret Santa exchange.

But that's not how the song -- or the Secret Santa exchange -- really goes ...

You spend all day with your coworkers, but come time for your annual gift exchange, you're stuck trying to figure out exactly what Suzie will want that's also in your price range.

Top 10 Educational Gifts for Kids

Top 10 Educational Gifts for Kids

Before you head out to buy a lot of Christmas toys this year, ask yourself — what happened to the toys from last year? Forgotten? Bottom of the toy box? Never taken out of the box? Interesting for only two days? These are common mom observations, and it can be a challenge to find meaningful Christmas gifts.


No surprise, I look for gifts that are fun and encourage learning, so here is my list of the top 10 educational gifts for kids this year: