Comprehensive Review on Bifacial Photovoltaic (PV) Technology: Performance, Design, Mechanical Challenges, and Future Trends

Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as one of the most efficient and sustainable solar energy technologies, capable of harvesting light from both front and rear sides to increase overall energy yield. With rapid adoption and declining costs, bifacial modules surpassed 90% of new solar installations globally by 2025. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in bifacial PV technology, including performance optimization, optical and mechanical modeling, reflector design, and system integration. It highlights the interplay between electrical, thermal, and mechanical aspects, discusses modeling approaches such as ray-tracing and view-factor methods, and emphasizes mechanical challenges including wind loading, structural reliability, and rear-side soiling. Finally, the paper outlines future research directions focusing on adaptive reflectors, advanced materials, hybrid thermal management, and integration with smart grid systems.