Germany-based Solmax has developed a reflective membrane made of polyethylene resins and coated with a thin white polyethylene layer that reflects ultraviolet (UV) rays. The company claims the membrane can increase the energy yield of a bifacial solar panel project by between 5% and 20%, depending on the plant configuration.

Germany-based company Solmax Geosynthetics GmbH, which supplies “geosynthetic drainage geocomposites” has developed a material that reportedly increases the albedo of the surface below a solar energy power plant by around 70%, allowing more light to reach the rear side of bifacial modules. The material was initially designed for environmental protection by containing chemicals and hazardous waste.

“The increased albedo results in additional irradiance reaching the back of the module,” the company's value engineer EMEA, Douglas Sutherland, told pv magazine. “The amount of irradiance will depend on the geometric characteristics of the plant.”

Called Geolux, the new product consists of a reflective geomembrane made of polyethylene resins and coated with a thin white polyethylene layer that reflects ultraviolet (UV) rays. According to the manufacturer, the material is inert and will not cause any chemical reaction with the ground.

“Geolux can improve the energy yield between 5 to 20% which means an equivalent levelized cost of energy (LCOE) reduction of around 2% to 5%,” Sutherland claims. “In the end, the main limiter for the extra energy benefit is the AC capacity. The question is now whether it is convenient or not to modify the AC capacity. This must be addressed by performing a trade-off between the extra energy generated and the costs associated with the AC capacity increase.”

Sutherland further notes that the material also prevents weed growth beneath the modules, offering significant O&M savings.