Abstract: A thin support structure for solar collectors is provided. The support structure includes service lines, such as fluid lines and electrical signal lines, disposed within an interior cavity of the support structure. The movement and flexing of the service lines is accounted for by a pulley assembly having a rotating element, without the need for complex and expensive swivel joints and slip rings.

Abstract: An integrated drive leg and mount suitable for solar power devices, such as trough solar concentrators or PV panels. A drive system including a linear actuator is integrated into the support structure. A pulley assembly converts the linear force into rotational motion, thereby providing tracking adjustments for a solar power device following the sun avoiding larger external electric drive motor which are situated between successive solar power devices. The integrated nature enables a smaller gap between solar power devices in solar installations, reduces the effect of induced shadowing, and enables greater collection of solar energy.

Abstract: To overcome shortcomings of the conventional thermal receiver, embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are directed towards an improved thermal receiver. More particularly, the various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to thermal receivers without a vacuum insulation, otherwise known as an approximation of a blackbody. Various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein enable greater absorption of sunlight collected by a parabolic solar trough concentrator compared with conventional thermal receivers.

Abstract: A thin support structure for solar collectors is provided. The support structure includes service lines, such as fluid lines and electrical signal lines, disposed within an interior cavity of the support structure. The movement and flexing of the service lines is accounted for by a pulley assembly having a rotating element, without the need for complex and expensive swivel joints and slip rings.

Abstract: To overcome shortcomings of the conventional thermal receiver, embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are directed towards an improved thermal receiver. More particularly, the various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to thermal receivers without a vacuum insulation, otherwise known as an approximation of a blackbody. Various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein enable greater absorption of sunlight collected by a parabolic solar trough concentrator compared with conventional thermal receivers.

Abstract: A solar device alignment system enabling greater adjustment of solar devices during installation is provided. The alignment system enables both translational and rotational adjustments in multiple degrees of freedom, allowing solar device installers to make greater adjustments to allow greater tolerances in installing solar devices and limit the need for extensive and expensive surveying and/or redesign of the installation to account for those tolerances.

Abstract: An integrated drive leg and mount suitable for solar power devices, such as trough solar concentrators or PV panels. A drive system including a linear actuator is integrated into the support structure. A pulley assembly converts the linear force into rotational motion, thereby providing tracking adjustments for a solar power device following the sun avoiding larger external electric drive motor which are situated between successive solar power devices. The integrated nature enables a smaller gap between solar power devices in solar installations, reduces the effect of induced shadowing, and enables greater collection of solar energy.

Abstract: A solar device alignment system enabling greater adjustment of solar devices during installation is provided. The alignment system enables both translational and rotational adjustments in multiple degrees of freedom, allowing solar device installers to make greater adjustments to allow greater tolerances in installing solar devices and limit the need for extensive and expensive surveying and/or redesign of the installation to account for those tolerances.