Are black chrome collectors more efficient than black painted collectors absorber plates?
A. For medium temperature collectors used in domestic water heating systems, black chrome-coated absorbers are not necessary. Black chrome can be used only if one is trying to generate steam. For the selective surface to be effective the absorber plate must be sealed in a vacuum collector housing (like a light bulb) otherwise the small increase in efficiency at the higher temperature range dose not justify the extra cost. In time, the black coating on some black chrome absorbers dissipate leaving the absorber with a shiny reflective surface and this is the exact opposite of what the absorber plate is design to do. A durable black baked paint over treated surface is our choice.
