Re:Aluminum foil (2021)
by cdu1 on Monday July 06, 2026 @11:51AM
(#48806382)
I think the implication is you can use it to reflect additional light onto your photocell, improving the power output for a smaller cost than purchasing an additional cell.
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Why aren't photo cells already manufactured to be like 90% mirrors then?
Some guesses:
- A lot more direction-dependent.
- More maintenance related to keeping the right direction, maintaining more moving parts, etc.
- Less convenient form factor, more susceptible to wind, more unsightly.
- Less space-efficient, which matters for some applications like house rooftop installations.
I'm not sure, but I suspect cooling requirements also enter into consideration.