Abstract: A terminal connection for a solar cell device includes a conductive terminal strip protruding from the rear wall of the device and provided with a hole. An insulating convex/concave member is secured to the rear wall and is provided with an aperture which is positioned so that the hole in the strip extends across the aperture. The terminal strip extends between the insulating member and a nut received by the insulating member, with the nut being captured between the insulating member and the rear wall of the solar cell device. A connector member having a metal tube which is forged into electrical and mechanical connection with an exposed portion of a cable core is mechanically fastened to the terminal strip by a fastener which is screwed into the nut, whereby the terminal strip makes electrical contact between the cable and the solar device.

Abstract: Solar cell array and method for manufacturing same wherein the individual cells of the array are sandwiched and held resiliently captive between and electrically isolated from a transparent protective front cover and a protective rear substrate by an encapsulating transparent silicone elastomer cast in situ in the interstices between the cover, the cells, and the substrate, the elastomer being introduced, while fluid, into the sandwich through the same terminals used for the electrical connection of the array to its electrical load.

Abstract: Low cost solar collectors are constructed by stretching a thin elongate, flexible reflective sheet (such as metallized polyethylene terephthalate film) over a frame so as to provide a ridged surface of desired geometric shape. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the frame comprises a plurality of rod-like members, with a supply reel on one end and a take-up reel on the other end. Extra reflective sheet material is stored on the supply reel so that when the sheet material in the concentrator degrades (after prolonged exposure to sun light), the degraded material can be rolled onto the take-up reel and fresh sheet material disposed in its place on the frame.