This article will explain why vertical bifacial solar panels produce higher value energy compared to conventional solar panels, helping understand why investing in this technology is beneficial and can be more future-proof than investing in conventional flat roof solar solutions.
Understanding Capture Rates and Capture Prices for Solar
Capture rates refer to the proportion of the average power price that a power production technology achieve compared to average prices in the market. Capture prices are the actual prices at which this electricity is sold in the markets. For solar energy producers, these metrics are critical as they determine the financial return on their investments.
The Importance of Capture Rates for Solar Energy
Dynamic pricing of energy is becoming increasingly important for solar installation owners. Many electricity customers in Scandinavia, Germany, and other countries are already experiencing dynamic pricing. This trend is expected to grow, enabling customers to actively participate in the power market. Solar power often saturates the market during midday, causing prices to drop significantly. In contrast, power prices usually peak during the morning and evening when demand is highest, and solar output is lower.
In 2024, we now start seeing the real effects of this trend with a lot of zero or negative midday prices. The price typically peaks from 7-9 in the morning and from 18-21 in the evening, while staying low or zero in the hours 11-15, as can be seen in the data illustration below.
The Higher Capture Rates of Vertical Bifacial Solar Panels
A 2023 study by the German management consulting firm Enervis showed a significant difference in future capture rates between conventional and vertical bifacial solar panels (see full report). By 2030, capture rates for conventional solar panels are expected to average at 53%, decreasing to 31% by 2040. Vertical bifacial solar panels, however, are projected to maintain a capture rate of 73% in 2030 and 52% in 2040. This represents roughly 40% higher capture rates in 2030 and 60% higher in 2040 compared to conventional panels.
Recent Data for Capture Rates for Solar Energy
Recent data highlights the growing importance of vertical bifacial solar panels. In May 2024, capture rates for conventional solar panels were as low as 50% in the German power market, according to independent LinkedIn posts by Thomas Rosentopf from Enervis and the energy expert Julien Jomeaux. Other vertical solar specialists are talking about an improvement in VPV increased capture rates from 5% in previous years to 15% for 2023 in the German power market, demonstrating the enhanced efficiency of vertical bifacial panels.
"May 2024 was the first month ever we saw solar capture rates below 50% in Germany"
Thomas Rosentopf, Enervis
Over Easy Solar’s own calculations, based on data from solar installations in Oslo and the NO1 price zone in Norway for May 2024, show a capture rate of 76% for conventional solar and 89% for VPV (vertical photovoltaics). This represents a 17% improvement, and these data align well with the projections proposed by Enervis in the earlier mentioned report.
The graphics below illustrate the power price variations in the Norwegian market in May 2024, alongside real measurements from a conventional flat roof solar installation and a vertical PV solar installation close to Oslo. You can clearly understand why VPV delivers higher value, producing in the hours of higher power price in the morning and in the afternoon.
Maximizing Solar Energy Value with Vertical Photovoltaics
The higher capture rates of vertical bifacial solar panels mean that energy is delivered at times of higher power prices, generating more value per produced kWh. Additionally, the value of self-consumption versus exports further enhances the financial returns. Over the next decade, VPV units are expected to offer over 50% higher returns per installed kWp compared to conventional solar panels, making investment in VPV a much better business case in the long run.
Investment in VPV Gives Better Financial Returns in the Long Run
Investing in Over Easy Solar’s VPV Units with vertical bifacial solar panels is a sound decision that promises higher value energy production and substantial financial returns in the long run. As dynamic pricing becomes more prevalent, vertical bifacial panels will be crucial for maximizing solar energy investments, and it will provide value to the power grids and our cities by producing energy outside of peak solar hours.
For more information on our solar solutions, contact Over Easy Solar and learn how you can benefit from our technology.
