Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a solar energy collection system will be described that includes a collector row and at least one stand that supports the collector row. Multiple longitudinally adjacent collectors are arranged end to end along a longitudinal axis to form the collector row. Each collector includes a reflector, at least one solar receiver and a support structure. The support structure supports the solar receivers and the reflector. The reflectors of the collector row are configured to have a range of tilt angles that are at least ±70 degrees around the pivot axis. In various embodiments, the reflectors of the adjacent collectors are arranged to collectively form a substantially continuous reflective surface along the length of the collector row.

Abstract: The present application provides a primary reflector in a solar collection system. The primary reflector includes a first reflective section that can reflect solar rays onto a first focal line, a second reflective section on the left side of the first reflective section, and a third reflective section on the right side of the first reflective section. The second reflective section can reflect solar rays to the right side of the first focal line. The third reflective section can reflect solar rays to the left side of the first focal line.

Abstract: The fixed focus parabolic trough collector comprises a mirror structure (10) with a plurality of mirror segments (S1, S2, S3, . . . ). At least two adjacent mirror segments (S1, S2) form a gap (14) through which radiation (R3) reflected by a third mirror segment (S3) is incident on the absorber pipe (13) positioned at the focal point of all mirror segments. This minimizes the path of the reflected radiation. The mirror structure has compact dimensions relative to the aperture opening and is minimally affected by wind.

Abstract: A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers, This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong.

Abstract: A three point solar tracking system and method are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar collector. The collector has a heat regulating medium which defines a cavity therein. An aperture communicates with the cavity so as to allow solar energy incident on the aperture to enter the cavity. An energy collection device is disposed in the cavity and in thermal contact with the heat regulating medium to collect solar energy entering the cavity.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a primary solar receiver and a secondary solar receiver. The secondary solar receiver generates steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. The primary solar receiver receives the generated steam from the secondary solar receiver and superheats the steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. A plurality of heliostat-mounted mirrors reflects incident solar radiation onto one of the primary and secondary solar receivers. A controller aims a portion of the heliostat-mounted mirrors at the primary solar receiver such that a predetermined thermal profile is provided on a surface of the primary solar receiver.

Abstract: Increased utilization of solar power is highly desirable as solar power is a readily available renewable resource with power potential far exceeding total global needs; and as solar power does not contribute to pollutants associated with fossil fuel power, such as unburned hydrocarbons, NOx and carbon dioxide. The present invention provides low-cost inflatable heliostatic solar power collectors, which can be stand-alone units suitable for flexible utilization in small, medium, or utility scale applications. The inflatable heliostatic power collectors use a reflective surface or membrane “sandwiched” between two inflated chambers, and attached solar power receivers which may be of photovoltaic and/or solar thermal types. Modest concentration ratios enable benefits in both reduced cost and increased conversion efficiency, relative to simple prior-art flat plate solar collectors.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a one-axis solar tracker system and apparatus which is simple to install, lower cost and with the provision of an electric-magnetic locking device to resist from medium to strongest wind condition like hurricane or typhoon. Solar farms is more and more popular to use one-axis tracker due to lower cost, higher wind resistance and easier for large scale solar farm installation, especially at lower latitude tropic zones. This disclosure proposes a one-axis tracker with multiple posts support using a single or dual linear actuators driving mechanism for rotation. It is also equipped with a wind lock device to lock the solar tracker in horizontal neutral position during strong wind condition such as hurricane or typhoon. The stepwise wind lock device can further be applied to locking the solar tracker following each step of linear actuator activation enabling the disclosed solar tracker to operate in windy conditions.

Abstract: A solar air heating module is provided including an air entrance situated proximate to a bottom of the module and an air exit situated proximate to the top of the module; a back film, having a plurality of conical solar collectors extending perpendicularly therefrom; a front film in contact with the collectors to prevent air from escaping between the entrance and the exit; wherein air, when entering the entrance, passes by the collectors to mix with heated air before reaching the exit. Alternatively the collectors may be aligned wherein each collector is secured to adjacent collectors by plates or a strap to allow the module to be folded or rolled up for storage.

Abstract: Solar energy may be harvested utilizing arrays of solar collectors, supported and articulated to follow movement of the sun. Particular systems include arrays of solar collectors mounted on an elevation-azimuth tracking structure. From the ground up, embodiments of this system may include a Ground Interface, a Base, an Upper Truss, and a Collector. The system is designed to transmit loads with minimal deflection from the surface of the collector to the ground, while tracking the position of the sun across the sky. The use of structural, actuator, and collector elements with a minimum amount of low-cost materials, and which are able to be mass produced, allows large scale deployment of the system at reduced cost.

Abstract: A system for releasing and capturing gases from a regolith material has a frame that is movable to define a capture space on a regolith material. A mirror captures solar energy, and focuses energy through a lens and on a regolith defined within the captured space. Apparatus is provided for capturing released gas. A method of operating such a system is also disclosed and claimed. In addition, a method of forming structural material is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: This invention is a trough solar collector that uses the principles of high leverage in order to produce a lightweight, inexpensive thermal solar collector. The parabolic reflectors are held in proper shape by rigid ribs that are spaced apart along the length of the collector. The structure of the trough is held rigid by a unique sun-tracking system that not only guides a long trough row to point it toward the sun, but also maintains the whole length of the row in rigid configuration. Small-diameter cables are wrapped around a rotatable pipe that extends along the row. The cables extend around circular arches attached to the parabolic ribs that provide high leverage for rotating the troughs. Since the arches rotate in unison, the long trough row is maintained in rotational rigidity. Rather than having heavy concrete foundations and heavy structures to support the troughs, lightweight support posts are placed into the ground, and guy wires maintain the position of the posts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar collecting and utilizing device, comprising: one or more paraboloidal light collecting mirrors for collecting/converging the sunlight; a light guider including a light guider mirror for receiving the sunlight converged by said paraboloidal light collecting mirrors and converting it into parallel light beams in a desired direction; one or more curved surface condenser mirrors for receiving/converging substantially parallel light beams from said light guider; a solar storage and conversion device for storing/converting the energy converged by said curved surface condenser mirrors; a solar tracking equipment for tracking automatically the sunlight so as to always keep the opening surface of said paraboloidal light collecting mirrors substantially vertical to the sunlight. The focus of said light collecting mirror always superposes the focus of the corresponding light guider mirror.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Lightweight low-cost solar concentrator comprising two sheets which are connected or sealed to each other on their outer periphery to define a gasproof chamber which is inflated with air or gas (5) in order to form the inflated mirror. One sheet is transparent (1) for sunlight (3) and the other sheet has a reflecting mirror-like surface (2). The periphery of the two connected sheets is fixed to a rigid support or envelopes it. The rigid support, such as a support frame (6), which is further fixed to a mirror support structure (7), defines the outline of the inflatable mirror and provides stability. For a defined adjustment of the pressure in the air or gas (5) which is enclosed in the gasproof chamber means for inflating or deflating the mirror (4) and a device for the generation of a defined pressure in the air or gas (72) are provided.

Abstract: A torque arm assembly, used with a solar collector mounted to a drive shaft, comprises a torque arm with first and second ends and a torque arm coupling assembly including a drive shaft enclosure defining an open-ended channel sized to house the drive shaft. The channel has a circumferentially extending substantially continuous drive surface between the ends that lies adjacent to the drive shaft so the drive shaft and the drive shaft enclosure rotate together. In some examples, contiguous abutment structure, such as weld lines, shims and/or adhesive, connects each side of the drive shaft to the drive shaft enclosure. The invention may also be carried out as a connection improvement method.

Abstract: A system for causing a solar collector to track the sun can include a collector controller that can control one or more solar collectors in a solar field, where the collector controller has one or more processors. The collector controller can estimate a sun angle, determine an angle of the one or more solar collectors with respect to the sun based at least partly on an inclination angle of the one or more solar collectors, and compare the estimated sun angle with the angle of the one or more solar collectors to determine a desired movement of the one or more solar collectors. Further, the collector controller can actuate the motor to effectuate the desired movement until the angle of the one or more solar collectors is within a hysteresis value within a virtual track deadband.

Abstract: An integrated alternative energy roofing panel incorporates an array of solar concentrator tubes interconnected with transparent web to form a joined plate supported in frame elements with an attached working fluid manifold. The working fluid in the manifold is operatively in contact with the solar concentrator tubes for transferring heat from the tubes. In one exemplary construction, each of the solar concentrator tubes terminates in a conducting metal sleeve which extends beyond the frame element into the manifold. A safety glass panel is attached to one frame element beneath the joined plate. The joined plate and safety glass panel may be sealed to the frame elements to form a chamber and the chamber may be evacuated. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are embedded in the web for supplemental lighting. An array of photovoltaic cells mounted to a top surface of the manifold and a battery are interconnected for powering the LEDs.

Abstract: Provided are a method for controlling a heliostat used for collecting of sunlight and a device of the method that achieve: a high sunlight collecting efficiency with a high light collecting rate by allowing no deviation of a light collecting point (a focal point) of sunlight; and a high area arrangement efficiency by having such a configuration in which no rotation by means of a rotation mechanism is carried out. The method is a method for controlling a heliostat being used for collecting of sunlight and having multiple reflecting mirrors in a way that the heliostat tracks the sun in motion, reflects sunlight, and collects the sunlight at a predetermined focal point.

Abstract: A tracker drive system is provided for rotatably driving one or more objects, for example solar panels or other equipment. The system comprises a torque element mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, wherein the torque element can support one or more objects for rotation therewith about the generally horizontal axis; a lever arm connected with the torque element, the lever arm being movable to rotate the torque element; a movable drive member that is drivable by a drive mechanism; and a dynamic coupler coupling the drive member with the lever arm such that the lever arm is drivable by the drive member to rotate the torque element.

Abstract: A torque arm assembly, used with a solar collector mounted to a drive shaft, comprises a torque arm with first and second ends and a torque arm coupling assembly including a drive shaft enclosure defining an open-ended channel sized to house the drive shaft. The channel has a circumferentially extending substantially continuous drive surface between the ends that lies adjacent to the drive shaft so the drive shaft and the drive shaft enclosure rotate together. In some examples contiguous abutment structure, such as weld lines, shims and/or adhesive, connects each side of the drive shaft to the drive shaft enclosure. The invention may also be carried out as a connection improvement method.

Abstract: A sun-tracking solar energy collector apparatus includes an east-west driving shaft body and a south-north driving shaft body which are coupled in the shape of a cross. A first driving member of an east-west shaft sleeve of the east-west driving shaft body is actuated to turn the south-north driving shaft body in an east-west direction. A second driving member of the south-north driving shaft body is driven by the first driving member to turn an east-west driving shaft of the east-west driving shaft body in a south-north direction and to drive an annular member which is connected with the ends of the east-west driving shaft, such that a holding rack assembly connected with the annular member is actuated in east-west and south-north directions. Solar energy collector modules of the holding rack assembly can track to collect solar energy. Due to the base body in cooperation with the effect of tracking sun, the area occupied by the base body is larger.

Abstract: A reflector element carrier structure is disclosed for use in a solar energy reflector system. The structure comprises a reflector element (11), a corrugated platform (12) which carries the reflector element and a skeletal frame structure (13) which supports the platform. The frame structure comprises hoop-like end members (14) that are supported by rollers (18) and the rollers accommodate turning of the carrier structure about an axis of rotation that lies substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the reflector element (11). The combination of the corrugated platform (12), the frame structure (13) and the hoop-like end members (14) of the frame structure provide the carrier structure with a torsional stability that permits the application of turning drive from one end of the structure.

Abstract: An efficient and cost effective system for the collection, concentration, and delivery of disperse solar energy to a central location for use in electrical power generation. The system includes a unique structural design for a strong lightweight parabolic dish heliostat. It couples this heliostat with a small collimating lens (or mirror) and a flat side mirror to redirect the resultant concentrated solar energy beam to a central receiver.

Abstract: A heliostat includes a joint with a range of motion in both elevation and azimuth of more than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A non-electrically-powered sun-tracking solar system has a shaft, a solar panel, two roll drivers, a roll transmitter, two pitch drivers and a pitch transmitter. The shaft has a lower shank and an upper shank pivotally mounted upon the lower shank. The solar panel is pivotally mounted on the upper shank. The two roll drivers are ecliptically and bilaterally attached to the solar panel. The roll transmitter pivotally connects the upper shank and the solar panel and communicates with the two roll drivers. The two pitch drivers are meridionally and bilaterally attached to the solar panel. The pitch transmitter pivotally connects the lower shank and the upper shank and communicates with the two pitch drivers. Uneven heating by sunlight activates the roll drivers to change pitch and roll of the solar panel with the roll transmitter and the pitch transmitter for improved efficiency.

Abstract: A lightweight solar concentrator of the reflecting parabolic or trough type is realized via a thin reflecting film, an inflatable structural housing and tensioned fibers. The reflector element itself is a thin, flexible, specularly-reflecting sheet or film. The film is maintained in the parabolic trough shape by means of a plurality of tensioned fibers arranged to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the parabola. Fiber ends are terminated in two spaced anchorplates, each containing a plurality of holes, which lie on a desired parabolic contour. In a preferred embodiment, these fibers are arrayed in pairs with one fiber contacting the front side of the reflecting film and the other contacting the back side of the reflecting film. The reflective surface is thereby slidably captured between arrays of fibers, which control the shape, and position of the reflective film. Gas pressure in the inflatable housing generates fiber tension to achieve a truer parabolic shape.

Abstract: A carrier and drive arrangement is disclosed for use in a solar energy reflector system. The arrangement comprises a) a carrier structure (10) having a platform (12) for supporting a reflector element (11), a frame portion (13) that includes hoop-like end members (14) between which the platform extends and support members (18) which support the frame portion by which of the end members and which accommodate turning of the carrier structure about an axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the reflector element, and b) a drive system incorporating an electric motor for imparting unidirectional turning drive to the carrier structure by way of the hoop-like end members (14).

Abstract: A system and method of collecting solar energy from sunlight, employing a thermal generation apparatus having a solar collector module including a receiver in optical communication with an array of mirrors. The method comprises reflecting energy impinging upon the reflector assembly with a plurality of reflective elements. The plurality of reflective elements is configured to direct energy reflected therefrom onto the receiver. The solar collector module is configured to rotate about an axis; and an angular position of the plurality of reflective elements is changed in relation to relative movement of the sun with respect to earth.

Abstract: A radiant energy concentrating or collimating system comprising an enclosure that shields its contents from environmental effects while allowing radiant energy to transmit through its top window; a plurality of energy concentrating or collimating assemblies, each on its own pivot mechanism and each comprising a plurality of optics, a support structure and an energy conversion device that is mounted on a heat dissipating structure; a drive mechanism controlled by a microprocessor to rotate the said energy concentrating or collimating assemblies on two orthogonal axes in unison so the assemblies are oriented towards desired direction at any given time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating and storing solar energy are provided. A solar energy receiver for use with the systems and methods may include a container for holding a solar absorption material, such as a phase change material, and a cooled cover disposed above the container for condensing and collecting vaporized phase change material collected along an underside of the cover.

Abstract: Certain embodiments make use of an array of passive primary concentrators positioned on the ground that provide primary concentrated solar radiation from below to an array of tracking secondary concentrators. The secondary concentrators further concentrate the solar radiation to one or more centralized receivers. The solar concentrator system may include apparatus for collection of solar radiation, concentration, and the absorbance of the concentrated solar energy. Some embodiments of the solar concentrator system include a large field of passive horizontal primary concentrators, overhead tracking secondary concentrators, and one or more receivers, which convert solar radiation into usable products or energy, such as electricity.

Abstract: A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers. This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong.

Abstract: The present invention relates to primary and secondary concentrators of solar radiation. New primary concentrators of adjusted etendue combined with secondary concentrators are presented, for single of multiple receivers, capable of attaining the maximum possible concentration. The present invention also refers to devices which reduce the thermal losses by convection of the receivers.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system comprises a frame for mounting the system on a suitable substrate and a plurality of solar panels disposed adjacent to one another on the frame. A first set of the solar panels are movable relative to a second set of the solar panels, for tracking movement of the sun during the day. Solar panels of the first set are arranged in alternating fashion with solar panels of the second set. In some embodiments of the invention, the panels in the second set of solar panels are stationary. The second set of solar panels, in some embodiments, are disposed substantially flat, relative to the frame and the substrate on which the frame is mounted. In some embodiments, differing from those in which the second set of solar panels are stationary, the second set of solar panels may be arranged to be movable relative to the first set of solar panels.

Abstract: Solar-powered shielding mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a shield, a pair of tracks, an energy collecting device for collecting solar energy, storage for storing liquid being heated in the energy collecting device, and a motor powered by electricity generated by a power generator converting heat from the liquid being heated by the energy collecting device. The motor is operated to retract or extend the shield along the pair of tracks.

Abstract: A solar radiation collector system may includes a gimbal with a rim that supports a solar radiation concentrator or collector assembly passing through the plane of the rim, and foundation structures that support and anchor the gimbal, allowing it to both rotate and be raised or lowered. One flexible structural member may support the gimbal rim and a second flexible structural device both anchors the rim and enables the gimbal-collector assembly to rotate around an axis parallel to the earth's polar axis providing the desired primary tracking motion following the daily apparent motion of the sun. Motion between the gimbal and the solar radiation collector assembly allows the assembly to follow the apparent seasonal motion of the sun, among other tasks.

Abstract: A parabolic trough collector includes a parabolic mirror support structure with a parabolic mirror surface applied thereto, and an absorber support structure supporting an absorber tube. The parabolic mirror support structure and the absorber support structure are mechanically fastened in a fixed position relative to one another on a torsion tube that is arranged below the parabolic mirror surface, and mounted together with the parabolic mirror surface in a fashion capable of rotation about a parabolic trough collector longitudinal rotation axis. The torsion tube is arranged such that the parabolic trough collector longitudinal rotation axis coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the torsion tube.

Abstract: A solar panel mount that tilts the panel about one or more axes toward the direction facing the sun when it is shining, through the action of one or more mechanical means, each effecting tilt about at least one of the axes, and each responding to a particular direction of sunlight with respect to the base or panel, through directionally-sensitive solar radiation absorbing means. In one set of preferred embodiments the mechanical means are length-changing actuators in which a temperature-responsive working fluid drives levers to lift a side of the panel. In a second set of embodiments, the mechanical means are tension-changing actuators in which temperature-responsive folded springs retract to pull the panel to a side.

Abstract: A man-made island [10], adaptable for land-based or sea-based operation holds solar energy collection facilities and is rotatable to optimize the angular orientation thereof relative to the position of the sun. More particularly, the man-made island [10] uses a platform [12] that includes a large outer ring [14] that floats on a fluid, and a flexible cover [16] attached to the ring [14] to define an airtight volume [30] below the cover [16]. A plurality of rows [19] of solar radiation collector modules are located above the cover [16], and carry steam generating heat pipes [21]. The rows [19] of modules are supported above the cover [16] by an upper support structure, either a space frame [27], a plurality of cables [46] or a honeycomb [75]. A compressor [32] creates an over-pressure within the enclosed volume [30] to assist in supporting the cover [16] and the other components mounted thereabove.

Abstract: A modular shade system with solar tracking panels includes a series of generally North-South oriented, spaced apart torque tubes, each torque tube having an axis, a series of panels mounted to at least some of the torque tubes to create spaced-apart rows of panels along the torque tubes, at least some of the panels being solar collector panels. The system also includes a shade structure, positioned at a selected location between selected ones of the torque tubes and above the support surface so to provide an enhanced shaded region thereunder, and a support structure. The support structure includes a first mounting assembly mounting each torque tube above the support surface for rotation about the axis of each torque tube and a second mounting assembly supporting the shade structure at the selected location. The system further comprises a tilting assembly selectively rotating each torque tube about its axis.

Abstract: A tracking solar collector assembly includes solar collector support structure, with at least one solar collector mounted thereto and first and second spaced apart pivotal support points defining a tilt axis, Southside supports, with first pivot connectors, and North side supports, with a base, a second pivot connector, and one or two support elements connected to the base and to the second pivot connector at the ends thereof. The first and second support points are pivotally connected to and supported by the first pivot connectors and by the North side supports, respectively. The assembly also includes a tilting assembly causing the solar collectors therewith to tilt in unison.

Abstract: A solar receiver for a linear-focusing solar concentrator, comprising, a base, which is elongated in a direction parallel to a focal line and carries an array of strip-shaped targets arranged orthogonal to said focal line and set at a distance apart from one another in a direction parallel to the focal line; a focusing assembly including an array of optical elements arranged for focusing solar radiation on said strip-shaped targets, the focusing assembly being mobile with respect to the base of the photovoltaic receiver in a direction parallel to said focal line; and an azimuthal pointing device, designed to move the focusing assembly with respect to said base as a function of the position of the sun.

Abstract: A solar collection apparatus includes a housing with a first opening, a second opening, and a partially-mirrored floor. The device includes fins with first and second end segments and curved bodies. Both sides of the fin bodies have the same curvature, and both sides are mirrored. The curved bodies of the fins all have the same curvature. The floor and the second end segments of the fins together define a light pipe. Light impinging on the first opening of the housing is directed into the light pipe by reflection between adjacent faces of adjacent fins. The second end segments of the fins prevent the light within the light pipe from exiting the light pipe in the first direction. Light within the light pipe exits the light pipe at the second opening, where it may be stored, or may be directed to a solar energy device such as a solar cell, turbine, or vehicle heater.

Abstract: A system for concentrating solar energy comprising a collector consisting of a number of reflective panels, a receiver which absorbs reflected energy, a working fluid which absorbs the energy, a highly transmissive cover and internal colorings or coatings to collect indirect radiation, and a solar tracking system to maintain reflector orientation. Optional photo-voltaic panels could also be used for providing electrical energy and are kept at near ambient temperatures. Under normal conditions, solar energy is concentrated by reflectors on the receiver, which transfers the energy to a working fluid which is then used for either hot water heating, desiccant drying for a solar air conditioner, or as a power source. Additional energy is collected from indirect sources using the greenhouse effect.

Abstract: The invention provides a large trailing-type Fresnel lens point-focusing solar power system, it comprises a box body, a point-focusing glass matrix Fresnel lens, a reflecting low-radiation glass, a photovoltaic component, a high-temperature heat accumulator and a tracker. The point-focusing glass Fresnel lens, the reflecting low-radiation glass and the photovoltaic component are arranged in proper sequence from up to down, and respectively arranged on the upper part, the middle part and the low part of the box body. The high-temperature heat accumulator is positioned on the point-focusing glass matrix Fresnel lens. The high-temperature heat accumulator is fixed and arranged on a transverse bracket connected with the box body. The box body is arranged on the tracker, and traces the sun by the drive of the tracker. The invention relates to a trailing and spotlighting technique and a sunlight selective transmission technique, it is a high-efficiency clean photoelectric and photothermic utilization method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are examples and variations of solar energy collector system comprising an elevated linear receiver (5) and first and second reflector fields (10P, 10E) located on opposite sides of, and arranged and driven to reflect solar radiation to, the receiver (5). Also disclosed herein are examples and variations of receivers (5) and reflectors (12a) that may, in some variations, be utilized in the disclosed solar energy collector systems.

Abstract: A solar panel mount comprising an end cap which supports the solar panel on a support structure. A support frame is pivotably supported by the end cap and the support frame has a plurality of cross members secured to a top surface thereof. A plurality of transverse members are secured to a top surface of the plurality of cross members and the plurality of transverse members are adjustable along a length of the cross members to accommodate different size solar panels. Each traverse member generally comprises an elongate inverted T-shaped base member and mating clamp member which is attached thereto by at least one fastener.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the optical elements (mirrors and lenses) of a Fresnel solar concentrator tracking array which approximately eliminates gravitational torque by use of a central universal pivot or gimbals. Linkage torque is produced by induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion that is enhanced by the presence of highly polarizable material. This system is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by the array onto a receiver. Since there are no mechanical linkages, the instant invention is applicable for fabrication from the mini- to the nano-technology realm. The elimination of gravitational torque by balancing the optical elements on a universal pivot or gimbals greatly reduces the power required for the optical elements to track the sun and focus sunlight onto a receiver.

Abstract: In a reflector dish, a small quantity of elongate mirror-surfaced reflector panels are structurally integrated with a support framework that is configured to enable convenient shipping and on-site assembly and erection of a reflector dish assembly with an effective reflecting surface that closely approximates a desired parabolic dish shape with short focal length, synthesized from combination of the reflector panels originally procured as flat rectangular sheet metal panels and formed to provide the desired dish curvature. The panels can be conveniently shipped to location along with a corresponding quantity of reinforced crescent-shaped support frames to which the panels are made to attach as structural elements, by novel attachment hardware, for erection at the operational site.