Boosting(?) Solar Panel Output

[JT646]

Curious if anyone has tried adding a reflective mylar tarp  to boost EV panel output.  After a little 'googling' I found this example:

http://geo-dome.co.uk/article.asp?uname=solar_mirror

A reflective-mylar tarp 'strategically placed' might be a cheap way to increase amps during winter/low sun days.  I realize you wouldn't be using it on windy days and would have to be careful not to overheat your panels (summer sun).  Tarp setup  might also be tricky for roof mounted panels versus portable ones that are placed on the ground.  But for some folks a 25-75% increase might be worth the hassle of adding a reflector.

 

[Canine]

A decent idea. Greenhouses are sometimes lined with tinfoil to make better use of grow lights. Bright white walls work just as well as tin foil. I wonder how well a glossy white panel would work for solar?

With roof mounted solar, if you had something thin that could be slid out from under the panel, that could be easy. Or the panel could fold against the side of the rig and lifted into position on those dreary days. A $10 panel would be a lot cheaper than another $100+ solar panel. You wouldn't get as much benefit as a genuine solar panel, but the cost per watt would be better.