Almeco offers a range of reflector materials suitable for all applications in the solar energy field. 
For glazed solar collectors where standard anodized aluminium does not provide enough reflectance, the vacuum coated products vega SP195 and vega SP198 provide very high levels of total and specular reflectance with excellent coating integrity, durability and U.V. resistance. 
 

Optimum reflectance of the solar spectral range is obtained by applying carefully controlled reflection enhancing layers, using continuous PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) vacuum coating technology. 
These materials give reflection values of over 95% and 98% respectively on the vacuum coated strip. vega SP295 and vega SP298 are the top mirror finish versions of this range, with higher concentrating and reflecting characteristics and lower light diffusion.
The vega SP range of products is ideal for energy saving projects in indoor or protected environments.
The WR range reflector materials for external applications result from our ongoing research effort, which is driving towards even greater performance, combining higher mirror reflectance with longer product life. In these products the high reflectance vega surface is provided with an additional robust, highly transparent and weather resistant barrier coat that assures a long term high reflectivity performance in outdoor reflector applications.
With their high maintained reflective performance, these products are designed for the manufacture of external solar reflectors.

Applications

Photovoltaic installations can benefit from enhanced sunlight exposure by incorporating in their design vega energy mirrors to re-direct energy onto the cell surfaces.
A number of designs have been developed to improve PV array output, ranging from full parabolic systems and tracking modules to simple side reflectors on fixed arrays.
For large parabolic reflectors for process heat generation demanding high performance, vega WR193, with 90% solar reflectance, is the right choice.
For smaller reflectors, for instance concentrators for vacuum tube arrays (CPC), where reflector life is a key factor but the best reflectivity performance is not essential, the SWR686 product is an ideal solution. 
Its 87% total reflectance and 84% solar reflectance are protected by a transparent weather resistant hydrophobic (water-repellent) top coat which guarantees long life in outdoor applications.
In Fresnel or large parabolic systems where imperfect focusing can lead to energy losses, vega aluminium can be adapted to make reflectors for use as secondary focusing mirrors with precise parabolic curvature to capture and re-focus solar energy on the absorber tube.
The high reflectance characteristics of vega WR193 make this aluminium product ideal for general use in the construction of reflective surfaces for solar energy generation, including process heating, air conditioning systems and seawater desalination. 

For more critical larger parabolic concentrators where optimum focusing of solar radiation is essential, vega WR293 and vega 393 with their higher specular efficiency and the same high level of surface protection promote greater energy focusing with up to 5% more energy reaching the absorber tube from the primary reflecting mirror. 

Whatever type of reflector system is desired, we can help provide the solution!