Abstract: The present invention relates to a covered canal or aqueduct having an integral solar energy concentrating system. Either photo-voltaic panels or a combination of solar energy concentrating reflectors and reflected solar energy collectors are used, among other solar energy concentrating or energy transferring elements, as part of a membrane means to gather radiant solar energy from atop the surface over a canal or aqueduct. Either the photo-voltaic panels or the reflector panels are integrated into other membrane means elements which are supported by a structural means so as to prevent evaporative loss from solar heating and wind movement of waters in the canal. Thus, the present invention results in the more efficient transfer of waters through canals while simultaneously collecting radiant solar energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved solar energy concentrating system and to a preferred novel focal collection zone for such a system. In general, the system comprises a moveable solar energy collector supported above a cylindrically arcuate solar energy concentrating reflector. The solar energy collector has a compound parabolic non-imaging shape. In a preferred embodiment, instead of positioning the collector to rotate about the center of curvature of the reflector and to extend down halfway between the center of curvature and the reflector, in the present invention, the solar energy collector extends further down according to a particular algorithm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy concentrating system that uses a combination of a circular arcuate primary reflector and a linear compound parabolic secondary collector. The secondary collector can track by swinging in a circular are above the primary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof having an integral solar energy concentrating system. A combination of solar energy concentrating reflectors and reflected solar energy collectors is used, among other solar energy concentrating or energy transferring elements, to gather radiant solar energy from a roof atop a building or roofed structure. The reflectors or reflector backing panels are integrated into other roof structure elements so as to form a weathertight roof. Thus, the present invention results in a lower weight and lower cost way of collecting radiant solar energy from atop a building or roofed structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof module having an integral solar energy concentrator. The present modules can be combined to form a weathertight roof with an integral solar concentrator. Radiant solar energy can be collected from this modular roof using reflected solar energy collectors, among other solar energy concentrating or energy transferring elements. The present invention results in a lower weight and easier to install system for placing solar energy concentrators atop a structure, and thus, lower the cost collecting radiant solar energy from atop a building or roofed structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved solar energy concentrating system incorporating replaceable solar energy concentrating reflectors. Prior systems typically required a structurally stable solar energy concentrating panel. The present invention uses a combination of structurally stable backing panels and flexible solar energy concentrating reflectors to significantly reduce the ease and cost of replacing reflectors.