938K views · Feb 11, 2024 · 13:05 · 3 HN recommenders · 5 mentions · discussed 2024–2025
A hobbyist compares vertical bifacial solar panels against south-facing angled panels using winter production results. It tests whether the usual mounting approach is actually best.
Why Hacker News points people here: HN points to it as real-world, side-by-side data on vertical versus angled panel orientation.
“this person did a side by side experiment on their property with both angled and vertical bifacial with some interesting results.”HN comment, 2024
“This guy did some interesting real-world testing in a bunch of different circumstances”
Real-world testing of panel orientations in varied circumstances
You'll still get more output for the same amount of panels when they're tilted in most places. This guy did some interesting real-world testing in a bunch of different circumstances - this video
“this person did a side by side experiment on their property with both angled and vertical bifacial with some interesting results.”
Side-by-side test of angled vs vertical bifacial panels
this video this person did a side by side experiment on their property with both angled and vertical bifacial with some interesting results. Their advantage didn't seem to be efficiency but consistency.
“This guy goes into a lot of detail”
Detailed look at tradeoffs of vertical bifacial panels
There seems to be a real interesting mix of pros and cons (total watts generated through the year, by time of day, susceptibility to dirt and hail damage, reflections, etc.), especially with regards to mounting. This guy goes into a lot of detail: this video
“There is research coming out that vertical solar panels are more efficient.”
Evidence that vertical panels can be more efficient
There is research coming out that vertical solar panels are more efficient. I think part of it comes from lower temps allowing for more efficient operating. No tracking or pointing required. Less cleaning as its not a flat surface for dust or fall impacts. this video edit: I see others have linked similar videos, all good sources on this topic.
“This guy compared different orientations”
Compares panel orientations; vertical yields about 70% of optimal
This guy compared different orientations: this video His conclusion is the vertical generate about 70% of optimal incline cells. The charge profile has two peaks, one in the morning, one in the evening. I can imagine using the vertical orientation for a fence. It would definitely keep them cleaner too.
