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Albedo – Reflectivity and POA irradiance impact

Albedo is the fraction of sunlight reflected by a surface. In PV systems, it contributes to bifacial module production or overall POA (Plane of Array) irradiance when reflections are significant.

Typical values

The albedo coefficient ranges from 0 (no reflection) to 1 (total reflection). Typical surfaces have the following values:

    • Snow: 0.8–0.9

    • Grass: 0.2–0.3

    • Gravel / dry soil: 0.1–0.2

    • Black surfaces: < 0.1

Hydrosphere - Albedo, Fresh Water, Salinity & Temperature | Civil Services Preparation Online | UPSC and IAS Study Material

Role in POA calculations

  • Albedo is used to compute ground-reflected irradiance in POA models

  • Especially important for bifacial panels, which capture rear-side irradiance

  • Errors in albedo settings can lead to misestimated PR (Performance Ratio)

In Dashboard

  • POA irradiance displayed includes:

    • Direct irradiance

    • Diffuse sky irradiance

    • Ground-reflected (albedo) irradiance