Vertical Bifacial Solar Fencing: The Next Frontier for Solar and Fence Contractors
Apr 4
5 min read
2
44
0
In the rapidly evolving renewable energy landscape, innovation often comes from unexpected directions. Today, we're witnessing and helping to create a remarkable convergence of two seemingly separate industries—fencing and solar energy—creating an opportunity that forward-thinking contractors can't afford to ignore.
The Untapped Potential at Property Boundaries
Every day, millions of property boundaries across America stand idle, serving a single purpose: demarcation. But what if these static structures could do more? What if the very fences that define our spaces could also generate clean, renewable energy?
This isn't a futuristic concept—it's happening now, backed by rigorous scientific research and real-world applications. Vertical bifacial solar fencing represents one of the most promising innovations in both the fencing and solar industries, offering contractors a unique opportunity to expand their services and revenue streams.
The Science Behind Vertical Solar Fencing
Before diving into the business opportunities, let's understand why vertical bifacial solar technology is generating such excitement in scientific circles.
Two-Sided Power Generation
Unlike traditional solar panels that only capture sunlight from one side, bifacial panels harness energy from both sides. When mounted vertically as a fence, these panels capture direct sunlight on one side while the other side collects reflected light from surrounding surfaces.
The University of York conducted a comprehensive year-long study that revealed remarkable performance advantages. Their research, published in Nature Scientific Reports, found that vertical bifacial photovoltaic (VBPV) systems outperformed traditional systems by 26.91% during early morning hours and 22.88% in late afternoons—precisely when residential energy demand typically peaks.
Temperature: The Hidden Advantage
One of the most surprising discoveries comes from the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). Their studies revealed that vertical bifacial panels operate at approximately half the temperature of horizontal panels under identical conditions.
This cooler operation translates directly to improved performance. As any solar professional knows, panel efficiency decreases as temperature rises. By maintaining lower operating temperatures, vertical panels can generate up to 4% more voltage on sunny days and approximately 2.5% more annual energy production overall.
Year-Round Reliability
Seasonal performance has long been a challenge for traditional solar installations. Winter months typically see significant drops in energy production due to snow accumulation and lower sun angles.
Vertical bifacial systems turn this challenge into an advantage. The University of York study demonstrated consistent performance advantages across all seasons, with winter gains reaching an impressive 24.52% compared to traditional systems. This year-round reliability offers a compelling selling point for customers concerned about consistent energy production.
Business Opportunities for Contractors
Now that we understand the technology, let's explore how fence and solar contractors can capitalize on this innovation.
For Fence Contractors: Expand Your Offering
If you're in the fencing business, adding vertical solar options represents a natural extension of your services:
1. Higher-Value Projects: Transform standard fence installations into high-value energy-generating assets, significantly increasing your average project value.
2. Differentiation in a Crowded Market: Stand out from competitors by offering an innovative solution that provides both privacy and energy generation.
3. Recurring Revenue Opportunities: Beyond installation, create maintenance packages and monitoring services for ongoing customer relationships.
4. Expanded Customer Base: Attract environmentally conscious and tech-forward clients who might not have considered fencing upgrades otherwise.
For Solar Contractors: New Installation Opportunities
Solar professionals can leverage vertical bifacial technology to overcome common installation challenges:
1. Space-Constrained Properties: Offer solutions for properties where roof space is limited or unsuitable for traditional installations.
2. Optimize Energy Timing: Provide systems that generate more power during morning and evening peak usage times, better matching typical consumption patterns.
3. Aesthetic Alternatives: Present options for customers concerned about the appearance of rooftop solar arrays.
4. Complementary Systems: Design hybrid solutions that combine traditional rooftop installations with vertical fence systems for optimized energy production throughout the day.
For Both Industries: Collaborative Partnerships
Perhaps the most exciting opportunity lies in partnerships between fence and solar contractors:
1. Combined Expertise: Fence contractors bring structural installation knowledge while solar professionals contribute electrical and system design expertise.
2. Shared Customer Base: Cross-refer clients and develop joint marketing initiatives to reach broader audiences. Collaboration is the key to everyone winning!
3. Turnkey Solutions: Offer comprehensive packages that handle everything from permitting to installation to after installation programs.
Addressing Customer Objections
As with any innovative technology, potential customers will have questions and concerns. Here's how to address common objections with science-backed responses:
"Does it really work as well as traditional solar?"
The research is clear: vertical bifacial systems outperform traditional installations during morning and evening hours and maintain excellent production year-round. While midday production may be lower than optimally-tilted panels, the overall daily energy curve often better matches typical household consumption patterns.
"What about cloudy days or winter months?"
Vertical bifacial panels actually excel in diffuse light conditions. The Leipzig University study demonstrated that these systems perform remarkably well even on cloudy days. Additionally, their vertical orientation prevents snow accumulation, maintaining production during winter months when traditional panels might be covered.
"Is this proven technology or experimental?"
Bifacial solar technology has been in development since the 1960s, with the first practical demonstrations in the 1970s. Vertical applications have been successfully deployed in Europe since the 1990s, particularly in Switzerland where they serve as both noise barriers and energy generators along roadways.
See the link below for the many ways vertical bifacial systems are already implemented.
Getting Started with Vertical Solar Fencing
For contractors interested in entering this market, here are practical steps to begin:
Let Sol Fence help you by offering:
1. Education and Training: Invest in understanding both the technology and installation best practices. We will offer certified solar fence training programs (in development now).
2. Supplier Relationships: Consider one of our 4 levels of distributorships. We will work with you to see which level maybe a good fit.
3. Demonstration Projects: As we work together, you will begin to Install and showcase projects that can serve as both a marketing tool and a performance reference.
4. Marketing Materials: As part of our distributorship packages we will help you create educational content that clearly explains the benefits and science behind vertical bifacial systems.
5. Performance Monitoring: We will show you how to implement systems to track and demonstrate real-world performance for potential customers.
The Future of Property Boundaries
As energy costs continue to rise and weather patterns change, the demand for innovative renewable solutions will only increase. Vertical bifacial solar fencing represents a perfect convergence of practical necessity and technological innovation—transforming static boundaries into dynamic energy generators.
For fence and solar contractors willing to embrace this technology, the opportunity extends beyond immediate business growth. You'll be positioning your company at the forefront of an emerging market segment with tremendous growth potential.
The science is clear. The technology is proven. The market is ready. The only question remaining is: Will you be among the first in your region to offer this revolutionary solution?
---
Looking to learn more about vertical bifacial solar fencing? Contact us for detailed information about how you can see if you are a good fit for a distributorship, including training opportunities, your supply connection, and marketing support.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Sarah & Jeff Willis
Co-Founders of Sol Fence LLC
Power + Privacy + Innovation
sarah@solfence.solar or jeff@solfence.solar
---
References:
1. University of York Study (2024). Nature Scientific Reports. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-68018-1
2. TNO Research (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research). EPJ Photovoltaics. https://www.epj-pv.org/articles/epjpv/full_html/2023/01/pv230038/pv230038.html
3. Leipzig University of Applied Sciences Study. Smart Energy. https://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/pv_solar/vertical-solar-systems-reduce-the-need-for-20220722
4. Frontiers in Built Environment. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/built-environment/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1343036/full
5. LONGi Research (2018). https://www.solarwa.org/vertical_bifacial_solar_panels
Related Posts
