Why do solar concentrators use reflective surfaces?

Solar concentrators are designed to use reflective surfaces to focus and concentrate sunlight onto a small area. This process increases the intensity of solar energy, allowing it to be harnessed more effectively for heating or electricity generation. By concentrating sunlight, the system can achieve higher temperatures or more substantial power output than would be possible with standard solar panels alone.

The effectiveness of solar concentrators is attributed to their ability to direct and concentrate the sun's rays onto a specific point, usually where a receiver is located. This allows for more efficient energy conversion because the concentrated light can be used to heat a fluid or produce steam that drives a turbine for electricity generation.

Utilizing reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or highly polished materials, plays a crucial role in this energy concentration process, making it a fundamental aspect of solar concentrator design.