Parameters and method to evaluate the solar reflectance properties of reflector materials for concentrating solar power technology - Official SolarPACES reflectance guideline verstion 2.5

Abstract

The goal of this document is to serve as guidance on the relevant parameters and measurement possibilities to reliably evaluate the reflectance quality of a solar reflector material. It is a tool on how to obtain and provide the necessary data on reflectance properties, so that the material in question can be adequately evaluated for its destined application or be compared with other materials. It does not serve as guidance on how to use these data in simulations, ray-tracing, evaluation of efficiency in different collector systems etc. Commercial instruments or validated laboratory prototypes may be employed to measure the here defined parameters, as long as they fulfil the here mentioned requirements. This guideline describes on one hand the parameters and values that should ideally be measured for a complete and adequate reflector characterization. Since the technology to fulfil the ideal case is not yet available, the guideline defines on the other hand the minimum required parameters that are necessary for a useful evaluation and that can be acquired today.