Combining Double-Sided Solar Panels and a Battery Storage System
This project was funded through ERA’s Biotechnology, Electricity and Sustainable Transport (BEST) Challenge in 2019 and aimed to demonstrate a double-sided solar panel paired with a battery storage system. While the novel solar panels were successfully installed and operated, the storage component of the project experienced delays and remains in development.
The double-sided, or “bifacial”, solar panels used in the project can capture sunlight on both the front and back sides of each panel, unlike traditional monofacial panels that only use one side. This design allows the panels to absorb reflected sunlight from ground surfaces, nearby structures and snow, which is an especially valuable feature in Alberta’s cold and snowy climate. The additional absorption leads to higher energy yields, particularly during winter months when reflection is high, and improves performance by lowering internal module temperatures. These characteristics increase both the efficiency and longevity of the panels, making them a compelling choice for year-round solar generation in colder regions.
The second phase of the project utilized Lockheed Martin’s GridStar Flow (GSF) energy storage system, a novel flow battery technology. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries store energy in external electrolyte tanks and circulate the liquid through a power module where energy conversion occurs. This structure hopes to enable a longer cycle life, higher safety and easier scalability in the battery. Notably, GSF replaces vanadium, a costly material commonly used in flow batteries, with proprietary electrolytes, reducing costs. While development has extended after the project’s completion, this system aims to provide consistent, dispatchable power to the grid, enhancing reliability when solar generation is low.
Successfully Demonstrating Bifacial Solar Panels in Snowy Conditions
The Saddlebrook Solar and Storage Project faced both successes and challenges during its development. One major success was the completion of the solar facility, which was built on time and started operating in January 2024. The project used over 185,000 bifacial solar panels, which performed well in Alberta’s snowy climate, and helped power around 20,000 homes. As for challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic and other outside factors caused supply chain issues, leading to delays in obtaining equipment and permits. From these events, the team learned the importance of early planning, strong communication with local stakeholders and having enough spare parts on site to avoid delays. The team also noticed the importance of clear testing rules and managing weeds and environmental impacts early to mitigate additional future work. These lessons will help improve future renewable energy projects and the integration of battery storage systems. While the solar panels were successfully implemented, ERA’s funding relationship was terminated, and TC Energy did not install the battery system during the project.
What’s next?
Overall, the project successfully demonstrated the benefits and reliability of bifacial solar panels in Alberta’s snowy climate, derisking the technology. The funding relationship was terminated in 2025 before TC Energy completed construction and operation of the battery storage system. The project hopes to continue to work with the GSF system’s developer to explore opportunities for the application of this technology within the utility power industry. As of 2025, the project is said to be evaluating additional research funding opportunities from the University of Calgary.