Research into the ecological effects of innovative solar parks

The main goal of the SolarEcoPlus research project is to determine the ecological and economic benefits of solar parks constructed with recently introduced bifacial panels for the most common soil types in the Netherlands: sand, peat and clay.

SPACE BETWEEN PANELS

Recent research in Germany indicates that there can be positive effects on biodiversity and soil quality if space is kept between the panels. In a standard solar park, however, this would lead to higher electricity costs. With innovative bifacial solar panels, a greater distance between panels is more beneficial because the back of the bifacial panel also converts sunlight into electricity as compared to the monofacial standard panel where the rear side is inactive. Because the production costs of bifacial panels differ marginally from the standard, the ecological conditions in these parks could be improved with the same business case.

BANKABILITY

The project also aims to make a significant contribution to the bankability of bifacial systems, which is still a barrier slowing down the market introduction of this promising technology. An important challenge in this is obtaining sufficient certainty regarding the additional yield from the rear side of these panels. TNO is therefore measuring the yields of the various set-ups as compared to a normal solar park with is installed adjacent to the test field.

RESEARCH OF GLOBAL INTEREST

The results that follow from the research will be made publicly accessible and can therefore make a direct contribution to the more sustainable development of future solar parks.