Low-Cost, Durable, High-Performance Reflectors for Utility-Scale Solar Thermal Energy Collection

Utility-scale solar systems are being developed around the world, many in the Southwest United States, and most of these projects will require parabolic reflectors. To date, all of the world¿s utility-scale solar energy systems use glass mirrors that have been provided by a single supplier (Flabeg, Germany). However, these glass mirrors are expensive and heavy, and they routinely fracture and break during high winds. When these glass reflectors break, the fragments sometimes strike and break expensive components near the mirrors (e.g., evacuated receivers). This project will develop a parabolic reflector that matches or exceeds the optical and structural characteristics of the existing glass mirrors used in utility-scale solar collector fields, but with a substantially lower cost and with demonstrated durability. The development will be based on the use of a silvered polymer film developed via DOE funding. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of achieving the structural and optical performance goals at half the cost of glass mirrors. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new non-glass reflective mirror technology should be lower in cost than glass mirrors, easier to install, unbreakable, and manufactured in the U.S. Successful development would contribute to reducing the cost of delivered energy from concentrating solar collectors, accelerating their emergence into energy markets, and helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels