Abstract: An apparatus including a photovoltaic panel; a first fluid container thermally attached to a bottom of the photovoltaic panel; and a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of a fluid inside the first fluid container is part of a sub-system for a power generation system using solar energy. The sub-system further includes a heating assembly, including a second fluid container, a second temperature sensor, and an electrical heating element. The second fluid container is fluidically connected to the first fluid container. The heating element is configured to heat the pre-heated fluid in the second fluid container to its vapor state. The sub-system additionally includes a turbine generator fluidically connected to the second fluid container to generate AC power from the vapor. A system employing a plurality of sub-systems and a method for using the sub-systems are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus including a photovoltaic panel; a first fluid container thermally attached to a bottom of the photovoltaic panel; and a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of a fluid inside the first fluid container is part of a sub-system for a power generation system using solar energy. The sub-system further includes a heating assembly, including a second fluid container, a second temperature sensor, and an electrical heating element. The second fluid container is fluidically connected to the first fluid container. The heating element is configured to heat the pre-heated fluid in the second fluid container to its vapor state. The sub-system additionally includes a turbine generator fluidically connected to the second fluid container to generate AC power from the vapor. A system employing a plurality of sub-systems and a method for using the sub-systems are also provided.