No cost, no registration, no passwords -- just aloha, fun & authoritative answers
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

Solar cells need light reflective coating for glass that also absorbs heat

I am Sr. V-P of Technology for a mid-size manufacturing company. We are developing applications for LED infrared light in wavelengths of 532 - 1100 nm.
We are considering new applications for special coatings that could be used in solar panel manufacturing. We are looking for a thin coating that would absorb in the thermal infrared wavelengths, but be highly reflective in the visible light wavelengths to increase solar panel efficiency.

I would appreciate any technical references to existing products.

Dennis Morrison
Sr. VP Technology - Houston, Texas
October 8, 2010

Wouldn't 532nm be in the visible spectrum? IR starts at about 750nm. 532 should be a shade of green.

ZnO, TiO2, and In2O3 are all commonly used materials for absorbing IR and reflecting visible light. SnO2 might also work. Ag works, but ceramics are so much cheaper.

Robert H Kinner
- Toledo, Ohio
October 13, 2010

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: