Abstract: A method of installing a solar energy system comprises laying an uninflated elongated tube of flexible material in a substantially flat configuration, winding the uninflated elongated tube on a spool, transporting the spool with the elongated tube, and filling the elongated tube with a gas and/or liquid such that the elongated tube inflates with the gas and/or liquid and unrolls from the spool.

Abstract: A solar reflector assembly is provided for generating energy from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A solar reflector assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. The elongated tube has an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid.