Bifacial PV and PEM-RFC Systems Unite for Sustainable Building Solutions

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the Khalifa University of Science & Technology in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, have conducted a study on the integration of bifacial photovoltaic (PV) panels with proton exchange membrane (PEM) reversible fuel cells (RFC) to enhance renewable energy storage across various US climates. The study assesses the impact of environmental variables like sunlight exposure, climate fluctuations, and energy demands on system efficiency and resilience. The research found significant economic benefits through varying bifacial PV gains from 0 to 20% yield with reductions in Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) by 16%, Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) by 14%, Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS) by 13%, and overall system LCOE by 18%.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study evaluated the performance of bifacial PV and PEM-RFC systems in five US cities with unique climatic characteristics: Tucson, Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, and Minneapolis.
  • The analysis used metrics such as Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH), and Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS) to gauge the economic viability of the systems.
  • The research found that varying bifacial PV gains from 0 to 20% yield resulted in significant reductions in LCOE, LCOH, and LCOS, indicating substantial economic benefits.
  • The study concluded that bifacial PV and PEM-RFC systems have the potential to boost energy yield and economic efficiency amid dynamic environmental conditions.
  • The analytical framework developed in the study provides detailed insights into the economic viability and advantages of these systems in different climatic zones in the United States.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.

Statistics:

  • 5 US cities were selected for the study: Tucson, Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, and Minneapolis.
  • Bifacial PV gains from 0 to 20% yield resulted in:

+ 16% reduction in Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE)

+ 14% reduction in Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH)

+ 13% reduction in Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS)

+ 18% overall system Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE)

Sources:

  • "Harvesting Energy Horizons: Bifacial Pv and Reversible Fuel Cells Unite for Sustainable Building Solutions." International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2025;141:394-405.
  • Khalifa University of Science and Technology. (2025). NewsRx. New Sustainable Development Study Findings Reported from Khalifa University of Science and Technology (Harvesting Energy Horizons: Bifacial Pv and Reversible Fuel Cells Unite for Sustainable Building Solutions). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. July 25, 2025; p 400.