3M Launches 3M Solar Mirror Film 1100

3M announced the commercial launch of its 3M Solar Mirror Film 1100, a flexible reflective film designed to provide a high-performance, durable alternative for concentrating solar power (CSP), concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) and solar thermal installations. This advancement is the result of extensive materials research, in-field studies and cooperative work with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) dating back to the early 1990s.

3M Solar Mirror Film 1100 demonstrates numerous benefits for solar concentrating applications, including design flexibility and excellent optical performance. With total hemispherical reflectance in excess of 94%, and specular reflectance above 95% (at 25 milliradian acceptance angle), the film is suitable for a broad range of solar concentrating applications. On-site testing with NREL has demonstrated the film’s ability to maintain reflectance of more than 93 percent over 14 years.

3M Solar Mirror Film 1100 also enables greater design flexibility than glass alternatives, allowing for larger geometry reflectors than previously possible. Lightweight large aperture mirror assemblies have the potential to reduce the total installed cost of CSP systems by over 15%. Also, reflective film based reflectors can be up to 75 percent lighter than glass mirrors, significantly reducing transport costs and easing installation.

“In the solar market, we are bringing our best technologies forward, combining premium performance with the cost-effectiveness that our customers demand,” said Dan Chen, business development manager for the 3M Renewable Energy Division. “Over the years, our manufacturing and laboratory teams have developed a broad and deep technology portfolio in reflective films. The 3M Solar Mirror Film 1100 represents the first in a series of reflective films that we believe will open the door to a whole new generation of CSP and CPV design possibilities. The combination of innovation by our customers with the 3M materials expertise will help drive the cost effectiveness of solar concentrating systems to new levels.”

The film combines a tough and durable polymer front-side with silver as the highly reflective layer. It is coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the backside complete with liner. An opaque pre-mask on the front surface protects the film during assembly and eases installation. 3M Solar Mirror Film 1100 is also lead-free*, providing a hedge against the environmental challenges associated with the disposal of more traditional technologies.