Abstract: An azimuth sensor unit 15 and an altitude sensor unit 16 have pairs of optical sensors 18 and 20, respectively, disposed along their respective directions, which pair of optical sensors are disposed toward the sun in the form of a tapered section narrower to the front end and broader to the rear end with their light-receiving surfaces outward, and the azimuth sensor unit and the altitude sensor unit themselves rotate so as to balance light-receiving amounts of their respective pairs of optical sensors and send signals for rotating a concave mirror 10 in the same directions by half the amounts of the rotations of the azimuth sensor unit and the altitude sensor unit to a drive mechanism.

Abstract: A photovoltaic solar module in plate form, in particular for use as a curtain wall or roof element, with at least one outer pane facing towards the incident light, at least one inner cover arranged at a distance behind it in the direction of the incident light, and, if necessary, an edge structure surrounding the outer pane and the inner cover, joining them to one another to form a seal. Solar cells are arranged between the outer pane and the inner cover, embedded in cast resin, laminating film(s) or the like, with a system of conductors interconnecting them electrically, from which connecting leads for electrical connection to other adjacent solar modules lead into the area located outside the plate structure.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a solar cell module having a terminal extracting structure for it, with high adhesion workability, high productivity, and high reliability. The solution to this object is a solar cell module wherein a box member having therein an electrical connecting portion between a solar cell element and an outer lead wire is adhered to the solar cell module with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and a lid member is adhered to the solar cell module with an adhesive so as to cover the box member.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power source includes a shadowing timer comprising at least one shadowing member (i.e. vane element) secured proximal to an array of photovoltaic solar cells electrically connected in series. The shadowing members are arranged such that they shadow individual solar cells or rows of cells as the sun moves through diurnal and annual cycles. The shadows cast by two or more vanes can modulate the array output power on two independent time scales: time of day and time of year. Because the individual solar cells are connected in series, a small shadow significantly reduces the array output power, thus enabling fine-scale temporal control.

Abstract: A solar energy absorbing device for melting snow from an inclined roof includes a plurality of interconnected elements which form a non-planar geometric structure wherein at least one of the interconnected elements is fabricated of a solar absorptive material and further where the geometric structure remains stationary when placed on an inclined roof of a building.

Abstract: A solar collector exhibiting durable fluorescent properties comprising a polymeric matrix, dye, and hindered amine light stabilizer, wherein the polymeric matrix is comprised of polycarbonate and the dye is comprised of a dye selected from the group consisting essentially of thioxanthone, perylene imide and/or thioindigoid compounds. The solar collector exhibits durable fluorescence which resists degradation by ultraviolet or visible radiation. The invention is optionally combined with reflective elements so that the sunlight collected may be directed to a solar cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a solar collector unit comprises a pair of spaced carriers, and a support net for supporting a solar collector unit thereon. The support net includes a set of longitudinal wires extending between the carriers, and a set of transverse wires extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal wires and welded thereto. A pair of tension mechanisms are mounted to the carriers to adjust the tension of the longitudinal wires. The tension mechanisms include holders for holding opposite ends of the longitudinal wires between the carriers, and fasteners operatively associated with the holders to adjust the tension of the longitudinal wires so that the longitudinal wires are aligned in a transverse direction.

Abstract: An unglazed transpired solar collector using solar radiation to heat incoming air for distribution, comprising an unglazed absorber formed of low thermal-conductance material having a front surface for receiving the solar radiation and openings in the unglazed absorber for passage of the incoming air such that the incoming air is heated as it passes towards the front surface of the absorber and the heated air passes through the openings in the absorber for distribution.

Abstract: A solar collector and a method of manufacture is disclosed. The solar collector frame has internally oriented projections for positioning a light transmissive cover, absorber plate, insulation and base to form an enclosure. To provide for maximum active or passive collection efficiency, by increasing resistance to heat flow, an easily maintained evacuated cover is disclosed. The solar collector can be economically manufactured and can be on-site fabricated, and adapted for single or multiple installation in original or retrofit applications in a building with minimal structural modification.

Abstract: A solar heater includes one or more conduits coupled between a pair of pipes, one or more extensions are formed on each of the pipes, each of the conduits has two ends rotatably engaged in the extensions of the pipes, and a heat collecting mechanism is fixed on each of the conduits and rotated in concert with the conduits such that the heat collecting mechanism can be rotated relative to the pipes in order to adjust the directions of the heat collecting mechanisms.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved solar water purification system and process wherein the evaporating, condensing and distillate collecting chambers are located underground to assist in the evaporation and condensation process. The system includes three computer controlled preheaters which are constantly monitored to determine the temperature of the load therein. The cycling and recycling of the load relative to the load tank and the three preheaters is controlled by the computer for optimum system efficiency. One of the three preheaters is located underground, while a second preheater is located externally as a solar preheater and the third preheater is an outside gas, oil or waste heat fired preheater. In addition to producing pure water through the evaporation process, there is disclosed a system and process whereby various contaminants may be captured for further processing, storage and exploitation.

Abstract: A solar collector including a plate disposed in a bottom portion of a housing, one or more tubes disposed above the plate for accommodating water, and one or more reflecting surfaces formed in the upper portion of the plate for reflecting lights in order to heat the water contained in the tubes.

Abstract: A solar electric conversion unit and system includes substantially increased efficiency with reduced losses and increased acceptance angles. The system employs a short focal length fresnel lens extruded to further include depending side walls. The free edges of the sides carry a heat sink supporting a photovoltaic cell. The extruded side walls function as light pipes for carrying light directly to the photovoltaic cell. The walls are reflective inwardly of the unit to further avoid loss of stray light.

Abstract: A vehicular driveway pad is arranged to include a solar collector panel positioned adjacent thereto in a spaced relationship, having a first fluid conduit directed from the solar collector panel and a serpentine second conduit path under the driveway to effect heating thereof, with the serpentine path having radial stabilizer fins mounted to an exterior surface of the serpentine path for communicating and transmitting heat from the second conduit to the driveway. Metallic plates arranged in a spaced relationship relative to the driveway path projecting therethrough and in mechanical communication with the serpentine path of the second conduit is arranged to enhance heat flow to assist in melting snow and ice relative to the driveway pad.

Abstract: An actuator includes a closed space defined by a deformable member in which an amount of thermally expansible gas is filled. In the closed space, there is also a substance which changes the light into the heat. A control device is set to establish the supply of the light into the closed space. Upon turning-on of the control device, the substance changes the supplied light into the heat, resulting in that the resultant heat brings the expansion of the gas. Thus, the member is brought into deformed condition. The deformation can be used as a force for operating a specific element.

Abstract: A solar energy collector whereby an absorber plate thereof is formed by providing a thin metallic foil for supporting sprayed molten metal, arranging fluid carrying tubes on the foil, and spraying molten metal using a source of pressurized inert gas onto a substrate and tubes to build up a coating of sufficient thickness to form a unified solar collector panel comprising the absorber plate, embedded tube and foil which have good thermal contact with each other. The method further includes forming a selective surface on the sprayed metal absorber plate.