Abstract: A fluid cooled photovoltaic module in which a polymer heat exchanger transfers heat from the photovoltaic module to a circulated fluid. The photovoltaic module is maintained at a cool temperature enabling increased power output while the heat transferred to the circulated fluid can be useful for applications that require heat. A polymer heat exchanger is specifically utilized to achieve a robust design that is cost effective; high performance; easily adaptable to various photovoltaic module types and sizes; compatible with conventional photovoltaic module balance of systems; light weight; resistant to water sanitizers and other chemicals; resistant to lime-scale buildup and heat exchanger fouling; corrosion resistant; easily transported, assembled, installed, and maintained; and leverages high production manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A fluid cooled photovoltaic module in which a polymer heat exchanger transfers heat from the photovoltaic module to a circulated fluid. The photovoltaic module is maintained at a cool temperature enabling increased power output while the heat transferred to the circulated fluid can be useful for applications that require heat. A polymer heat exchanger is specifically utilized to achieve a robust design that is cost effective; high performance; easily adaptable to various photovoltaic module types and sizes; compatible with conventional photovoltaic module balance of systems; light weight; resistant to water sanitizers and other chemicals; resistant to lime-scale buildup and heat exchanger fouling; corrosion resistant; easily transported, assembled, installed, and maintained; and leverages high production manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A fluid cooled photovoltaic module in which a polymer heat exchanger transfers heat from the photovoltaic module to a circulated fluid. The photovoltaic module is maintained at a cool temperature enabling increased power output while the heat transferred to the circulated fluid can be useful for applications that require heat. A polymer heat exchanger is specifically utilized to achieve a robust design that is cost effective; high performance; easily adaptable to various photovoltaic module types and sizes; compatible with conventional photovoltaic module balance of systems; light weight; resistant to water sanitizers and other chemicals; resistant to lime-scale buildup and heat exchanger fouling; corrosion resistant; easily transported, assembled, installed, and maintained; and leverages high production manufacturing methods.

Abstract: An integrated solar thermal and photovoltaic apparatus. The apparatus includes a solar thermal module, and a photovoltaic module comprising a plurality of solar cells configured in a polymeric material. The apparatus has an amorphous material configured between the thermal solar module and the photovoltaic module. The amorphous material has a semi-viscous, thermally conductive, and mastic characteristic to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of either or both the photovoltaic module or the solar thermal module during an operating time. The apparatus has an aperture region provided on a first side of the photovoltaic module and the solar thermal module is overlying a second side of the photovoltaic module. The thermal solar module, the photovoltaic module, and the amorphous material form an integrated thermal solar module.

Abstract: A variety of arrangements and methods relating to a solar water heating system are described. Various implementations involve a relatively lightweight, affordable, low-pressure solar water heating system that is easier to ship and assemble and that is resistant to overheating and freezing damage. In one aspect of the invention, a solar water heating system includes a solar collector panel, a piping system and an improved, self-regulating expansion reservoir. Some designs involve automatic filtration, push fittings, a method for regulating power from a photovoltaic panel, UV resistant polymer components and/or other features. In a particular embodiment of the invention, multiple pumps, a heat exchanger and a controller for a solar water heating system are integrated into a single, compact module.