As bifacial solar modules become standard across utility-scale PV projects, accurately measuring their real-world contribution to energy production has become increasingly important. While simulations provide useful estimates, field data remains the best way to understand how bifacial systems perform under actual operating conditions.
To evaluate this performance, Mechatron analyzed twelve months of production data from a commercial installation at Rotem Industrial Park near Dimona, Israel. Commissioned in February 2025, the project consists of nine Mechatron M18KD Gearless Dual-Axis Trackers supporting 648 bifacial modules with a total installed capacity of 346.68 kW. Performance data was collected through the Sungrow iSolarCloud monitoring platform and analyzed over representative operating days between May 2025 and May 2026.
One Year of Measured Performance
The analysis found that bifacial modules consistently generated additional energy beyond the production already achieved through dual-axis tracking.
Over the twelve-month period, average daily bifacial gains ranged between 4.7% and 11.5%, while peak daily gains reached 30.1% under favorable operating conditions. The average maximum daily bifacial gain recorded throughout the study was 14.37%, demonstrating that rear-side energy production remained a meaningful contributor throughout the year.
The study also observed a strong relationship between bifacial gain and global irradiance, with the highest gains occurring during normal daytime operation between approximately 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Why the Results Matter
The measured performance is closely linked to the characteristics of both the site and the tracking system.
The installation is located in a high-irradiance desert environment where the surrounding golden sand provides an estimated ground albedo of approximately 40%, increasing the amount of reflected light available to the rear side of the modules. At the same time, the elevated design of the Mechatron M18KD tracker allows more reflected irradiance to reach the bifacial modules, while continuous dual-axis tracking maintains optimal orientation throughout the day.
Together, these factors create conditions that maximize the contribution of bifacial generation under real operating conditions.
Field Data That Supports Better System Design
As developers increasingly optimize projects around long-term energy yield, measured field performance is becoming as important as simulation models.
The results from the Dimona installation demonstrate that tracker geometry, site characteristics and bifacial module technology work together to influence overall system performance. While bifacial gains will vary depending on local conditions, the study confirms that elevated dual-axis tracking can significantly enhance rear-side energy production in high-albedo environments.
This project represents another example of Mechatron's commitment to validating system performance through long-term operational data, providing engineers, EPCs and project developers with real-world insights that support more informed design decisions.
For a complete breakdown of the methodology, statistical analysis and performance charts, download the full technical white paper.
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