Exterior reflective surface?

[bob-n]

J.P.M. Yes, I'd be interested in learning more, but with the hope of improving. If it really is hopeless, there's no need to teach me too much.

[bob-n]

Right now, it's a dull off-white. Gloss white paint is cheap. How much better would that be? What could work even better?

By the way, 5% was a really wild guess. The array faces East while the wall faces South. PVWatts doesn't have inputs for this situation. I don't even know how to measure reflectivity. Flashlight and cellphone light meter?

How would you predict this?

[J.P.M.]

Since you ask, yes. Many such thoughts/ideas over the last 45+ years or so, but none that are good, safe, practical, durable or even workable for several reasons. In fact, most are counterproductive.

Reply if you're really interested in reading why.

[SunEagle]

I guess you have to decide if the cost of the reflector will pay for itself compared to the % increase in output. If you are only looking at a 5% increase then maybe finding a way to reduce your electric usage by that amount may cost you much less then that reflector.

Historically it seems to be cheaper if you find ways to conserve then to install solar power generating equipment.

[bob-n]

Can you think of something relatively inexpensive that could be put against an outside wall to reflect onto PV panels, and not lose reflectivity after a few winters? I'm thinking about what could be put on the south wall of the house, as shown below. If I'm really lucky, it might give my array a 5% boost, which isn't worth much, but would add up over time.
reflector.jpg
Thank you for your thoughts.