REVIEW ON MATERIAL ASPECTS OF SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTORS

Thermal performance of a solar collector mainly depends on the material characteristics of normal and elevated operating conditions. The material selection depends on the applicability at outdoor and adverse environments. The absorber and reflector material characteristics are important in the concentrated solar collectors. The heat transport mechanism and medium are most important in the effective operation of the non-concentrated collectors such as the flat plate water or air heater or solar dryer. This article reviews on the selection of solar collector materials for the concentrated and non-concentrated solar thermal collector.