Solar energy reflector

Abstract

Solar energy reflectors ( 1 ) according to the present invention comprise a mirror ( 5 ) laminated to a support ( 6 ) by means of a bonding material ( 9 ) comprising a foam tape.

1 . A solar energy reflector comprising a mirror laminated to a support with a bonding material, wherein the bonding material comprises a foam tape. 
     
     
         2 . The solar energy reflector according to  claim 1 , wherein the foam tape comprises a foam carrier coated on its two main surfaces with an adhesive. 
     
     
         3 . The solar energy reflector according to  claim 2 , wherein the foam carrier consists essentially of at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, urethane, vinyl, neoprene, EPDM and polyester. 
     
     
         4 . The solar energy reflector according to  claim 2 , wherein the foam carrier consists essentially of a closed cell foam. 
     
     
         5 . The solar energy reflector according to  claim 2 , wherein the adhesive comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, epoxy, MS polymer and rubber. 
     
     
         6 . The solar energy reflector according to  claim 2 , wherein the foam carrier consists essentially of polyethylene and has a tensile strength according to DIN 53455 within the range of from 5 to 50 N/mm 2 . 
     
     
         7 . The solar energy reflector according to  claim 2 , wherein the foam carrier consists essentially of polyethylene and has an elongation according to DIN 53455 within the range of from 80 to 500%. 
     
     
         8 . The solar energy reflector according to  claim 2 , wherein the foam carrier has a thickness within the range of from 0.2 to 3.5 mm. 
     
     
         9 . The solar energy reflector according to  claim 1 , wherein the bonding material is present on substantially the whole surface of the support facing the mirror. 
     
     
         10 . The solar energy reflector according to  claim 1 , wherein the mirror is free of a copper layer and comprises a glass substrate, a silver coating layer provided at a surface of the glass substrate and at least one paint layer covering the silver coating layer. 
     
     
         11 . The solar energy reflector according to  claim 1 , wherein the mirror is laminated to the support so that the at least one paint layer is facing the support. 
     
     
         12 . The solar energy reflector according to  claim 1 , wherein the support consists essentially of at least one material selected from the group consisting of a metallic material, a plastic material, a composite material and glass. 
     
     
         13 . The solar energy reflector according to  claim 1 , wherein the support is a sheet having substantially same surface dimensions as the mirror. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled)