Devices and methods for concentrated radiative cooling

A method of modifying a cooling system that includes an object having exterior surfaces configured to be exposed to sunlight, the method comprising:

• applying a radiative cooling coating on the exterior surfaces of the object, the radiative cooling coating configured to lose thermal energy from the object, the radiative cooling coating exhibiting high emissivity for wavelengths of 8 to 13 micrometers;
• and
• installing a reflector adjacent the object such that a surface of the reflector reflects at least some of the thermal energy radiated from the exterior surfaces and redirects the thermal energy skyward toward deep space.

A method of modifying a solar panel system having planar solar cells with first and second sides, wherein the first side of each of the solar cells is configured to be exposed to sunlight, the method comprising:

• applying a radiative cooling coating on the second side of each of the solar cells, the radiative cooling coating configured to lose thermal energy from the respective solar cell, the radiative cooling coating exhibiting high emissivity for wavelengths of 8 to 13 micrometers;
• and
• installing reflectors adjacent the solar cells that have surfaces configured to reflect at least some of the thermal energy radiated from the radiative cooling coating and redirect the thermal energy skyward toward deep space.