Economic Mass Producible Mirror Panels for Solar Concentrators

The Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems at the Australian National University is working on the development of low cost durable mirrors for large paraboloidal dish concentrators and for smaller trough concentrators photovoltaic systems. Both concepts utilize a robust Glass on Metal Laminate (GOML) technology for the mirror surface. The dish mirror panels use the GOML material in a sandwich construction with a foam core and a back sheet of steel. This provides a cost effective structurally strong composite panel. For the troughs the smaller focal length and one dimensional curvature, lead to a design that holds the GOML mirrors in place with a rib system. Both concepts have demonstrated good optical performance and durability under accelerated lifetime testing.