Abstract: A system for use on a surface to collect solar energy from the sun has a stand, a module, and solar collector(s). The stand supportable on the surface has rotational points rotatably supporting the module so it can rotate about a first axis of rotation. A first drive disposed on the stand is operable to provide first rotation, and a cable connected between a hoop pulley of the module and the first drive on the stand can rotate the module about the first axis to direct the solar collector(s) toward the sun. The solar collector(s) disposed on the module can be photovoltaic cells for collecting solar energy. A second drive on the module can rotate an adjacent solar collectors on the module using pulleys and cable. Reflectors on the collectors can focus the sun rays to photovoltaic cells. The second drive can rotate the collectors about a second axis, carried by the first axis, to direct the solar collector(s) toward the sun.

Abstract: A system for use on a surface to collect solar energy from the sun has a stand, a module, and solar collector(s). The stand supportable on the surface has rotational points rotatably supporting the module so it can rotate about a first axis of rotation. A first drive disposed on the stand is operable to provide first rotation, and a cable connected between a hoop pulley of the module and the first drive on the stand can rotate the module about the first axis to direct the solar collector(s) toward the sun. The solar collector(s) disposed on the module can be photovoltaic cells for collecting solar energy. A second drive on the module can rotate an adjacent solar collectors on the module using pulleys and cable. Reflectors on the collectors can focus the sun rays to photovoltaic cells. The second drive can rotate the collectors about a second axis, carried by the first axis, to direct the solar collector(s) toward the sun.

Abstract: A solar concentrator comprises a reflective curved mirror assembly, a support riser placed to support and position photovoltaic cells attached to a printed circuit board that is in turn attached to a heat sink at the focal point of the mirrors of the reflective curved mirror assembly. A central support riser may grasp the assembly of photovoltaic cells attached to a printed circuit board while other support risers may allow the assembly of photovoltaic cells to move slightly to accommodate differences in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the mirror assembly and the printed circuit board and the heat sink. The solar concentrator may include a prism assembly placed to separate solar radiation angularly by wavelength to facilitate use of single junction photovoltaic cells for increased efficiency. The heat sink may form the major structural element of the solar concentrator.

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly comprises a segmented wave-guide assembly, a reflective mirror assembly, and an optical target-providing unit. A segmented waveguide assembly comprises a plurality of wave-guide segments, each segment comprising a set of surfaces disposed so as to support TIR propagation of solar energy and a turn mirror affixed thereto and disposed to receive solar energy from a mirror of the reflective mirror assembly and reflect said solar energy into the wave-guide segment at angles compatible with TIR propagation. The reflective mirror assembly comprises a plurality of mirrors each being aligned to reflect the solar energy to a turn mirror affixed to each wave-guide segment. The optical target providing unit converts solar energy from the light propagated in the wave-guide assembly to a different form of energy.

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly comprises a stepped wave-guide assembly, a reflective mirror assembly, and an optical target providing unit. The stepped wave-guide assembly includes at least one surface, comprising a set of parallel but offset adjacent surfaces, and an opposing surface. The wave-guide assembly propagates light in a total internal reflection mode between the at least one surface and the opposing surface. The wave-guide assembly also includes transition surfaces between the adjacent parallel surfaces and the transition surfaces include edges perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the wave-guide assembly. The reflective mirror assembly includes a plurality of mirrors each being aligned to reflect the light to one of the transition surfaces between two of the parallel adjacent surfaces. The optical target providing unit converts solar energy from the light propagated in the wave-guide assembly to a different form of energy.