Abstract: The present invention is a solar energy system which includes an optical assembly and a non-imaging concentrator. The optical assembly includes a primary mirror and a secondary mirror. The optical assembly reflects solar radiation to the non-imaging concentrator where the radiation is output to a photovoltaic cell for conversion to electricity. Spacing nubs, or protrusions, may be configured on one or more surfaces of the non-imaging concentrator or the optical assembly to set a uniform gap for adhesive to fill and to assist in alignment of the components being bonded together.

Abstract: The present invention is a hermetic receiver package for improving reliability of optical components within a solar concentrator system. The hermetic receiver package includes a non-imaging concentrator and a solar cell sealed within a shell structure to provide protection from environmental degradation. The non-imaging concentrator and solar cell are guarded from degradation caused by the outside environment as well as by sources within the solar concentrator system. Features are incorporated into the non-imaging concentrator and shell which allow the hermetic receiver package to be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved solar concentrator array utilizing a monolithic array of primary mirrors fabricated from a single sheet of formable material. The material may include glass, plastic, and metal of a high thermal stability to be able to withstand a broad range of temperature conditions. The monolithic array of this invention may include integral alignment or attachment features for attachment to a supporting structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an environmental control system for controlling moisture in a solar energy collector. The environmental control system facilitates the flow of air within and through the solar energy collector by using and enhancing a thermal gradient within the solar energy collector caused by exposure to sunlight. Two or more orifices are located in an enclosed solar energy system to permit air to enter, circulate and remove moisture from the system. The position of the two or more orifices and a thermal gradient generated by the solar energy collector facilitates this process.

Abstract: A solar concentrator may include a substantially planar surface, a curved primary mirror having a first perimeter, at least a portion of the first perimeter being in contact with the substantially planar surface, a secondary mirror disposed between the substantially planar surface and the curved primary mirror, the secondary mirror associated with a desired focal area, and a shield element disposed between the substantially planar surface and the curved primary mirror. The shield element is to prevent a portion of light reflected by the secondary mirror from reaching the primary mirror. In some aspects, a portion of the shield element may be disposed between the substantially planar surface and a plane which is substantially parallel to the substantially planar surface and which includes a portion of the desired focal area. The shield element may include a reflective surface to reflect light received from the secondary mirror toward the desired focal area.

Abstract: Mechanical sun trackers which have optical systems on their surface for concentrating direct solar radiation and its subsequent conversion into electricity through thermal or photovoltaic processes require precision solar tracking, which has to be all the more precise the greater the concentration factor used. Thus the precision required in these systems is generally less than a degree, and frequently of the order of a tenth of a degree. In view of the large dimensions of the surfaces, or apertures, of these trackers, currently in the approximate range of 20-250 m2, the difficulty of aligning these with the sun with such accuracy will be obvious. To achieve this objective a solar tracker must comply with strict rigidity specifications and its transmission must provide high resolution when positioning. In addition to this, equipment which is capable of controlling solar tracking with the specified precision at all times is required.