Silvered Polymer Reflectors

This paper reports on the status of silvered polymer mirrors. One of the principal objectives of the SERI Solar Thermal Research Program is to develop silvered polymer films for constructing durable, low-cost, lightweight concentrating collectors for high temperature, solar thermal systems. We are guided by earlier studies [1-3] toward the following long-term goals: reflectance 90%; specularity 2mrad; life 5 years; cost $15/m2 (1982$). Meeting these goals would permit using silvered polymers at a cost reduction compared with glass mirrors. Silvered polymer mirrors have not yet met these goals, although the present results are very encouraging. For less demanding applications the current silvered polymers may be satisfactory.