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Solar Air Heating Coating for Absorber Plates

Q. I am in the process of research to build a few solar air heaters. I want to do my part to lessen dependence on oils and gases. I want my collector to be as efficient as possible. I need to absorb visible light and infrared (which as I understand the infrared has twice the energy available then visible light). My absorption plates will either be steel or, preferably, aluminum.

What I'm trying to answer is: What kinds of coatings or metal treatment processes are available that will produce a high energy absorption rate with little to no reflectivity?

Any thoughts, experience, ideas, or resources will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Todd Wahl
hobbyist - Great Falls, Montana, USA
February 8, 2010

A. Black chrome plating has long been recognized as the best coating for solar collectors, and I don't think there have been any recent changes to that situation, Todd.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
February 21, 2010

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