Potential of Vertical Bifacial PV in Chile

The pressing need to decarbonize electricity generation has spurred the imperative integration of renewable energy sources. Among these, solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has emerged as a highly viable alternative. However, the limited flexibility in energy distribution to the grid presents a hurdle for increasing the share of photovoltaic energy in the power matrix. Consequently, developing inventive and adaptable ways to include PV in the grid becomes pivotal in expediting the transition toward a low-carbon power generation model. Notably, Chile plays a significant role in advancing solar energy integration. Nevertheless, curtailments have been increased in the final years, with diminished PV energy production. To tackle this challenge, the vertical bifacial photovoltaic (VBPV) configuration emerges as a groundbreaking approach. Its ability to stagger generation peaks across two distinct time-frames throughout the day introduces enhanced grid integration flexibility. This study presents a computational analysis of the potential of VBPV layouts within the Chilean context alongside an exploration of the associated opportunities and obstacles.