Daniel J.

ABSTRACT:
The durability of the reflective surface of solar mirrors in a wide range of outdoor environments is a key factor in the long-term utilization of a heliostat field. However, today's production line mirrors are primarily products for indoor use, intended for applications such as architectural and decorative service. Even in those applications, severe degradation often occurs in warm, humid climates or in other severe service
conditions. On the other hand, it is not uncommon to encounter mirrors which have withstood many years of severe exterior use (for example, some automobile mirrors) with little or no evidence of degradation. Therefore, in order to achieve routine production of long lifetime mirrors, it is necessary to determine the cause of degradation and the mechanisms by which it occurs.… (altro)