The enhancement of energy gain of solar collectors and photovoltaic panels by the reflection of solar beams

The use of reflecting panels for increasing energy gain, as demonstrated by use in greenhouses, was applied to conventional solar (thermal) collectors and photovoltaic panels. Several types of reflectors were considered in order of increasing sophistication, cost and enhancement coefficients. Calculations showed that the increase in energy gain ranged from 20 to 250%, depending on the type of equipment and season.