Q & A: Mirrors for solar power

what mirror is used in solar power stations and why is it that mirror ?
- brooke (age 14)
perth, wa, australia

There is a wide variety of mirror types used for solar power, ranging from an array of plane mirrors, to concave mirrors, to parabolic reflectors. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The subject is quite broad so I will direct you to a few web sites that will overwhelm you with information.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_mirror
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parabolic_trough
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_furnace

LeeH

(published on 06/04/2008)

Physics Van 3-site Navigational Menu