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 mirror or other reflecting surface is used for collecting and reflecting incident solar radiation. The mirror is supported for independent motion about a pair of axes. An accelerometer generates signals representative of an amount and direction of motion of the mirror about each of the axes. Motors or other drive mechanisms independently drive the mirror about each of the axes. A tracking device provides information about the current position of the Sun. A control is connected to the accelerometer, the motors and the tracking device for maintaining a predetermined optimum orientation of the mirror as the Sun moves across the sky. Position sensors that sense the position of the mirror relative to the earth's magnetic field may also be employed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a hybrid solar radiation collection and distribution system comprising both passive solar and active solar components, generating electric potential, generating heat, and distributing visible light to numerous endpoints.

Abstract: A sun tracking system includes a first, and a second photo sensors, separately mounted on a solar panel on two positions apart from one another and symmetrical with respect to a center of the panel. A first sleeve surrounds the first photosensor; a second sleeve surrounds the second photosensor. Each of the sleeves has an inclined opening with reference to the surface of the panel.

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: The disclosed invention is a solar tracker that is a simple 2 axis system that can be powered with integrated stepping motors and lead screw actuators that provides the necessary structural support and 2 degrees of freedom in the motion of the solar collector, to increase the electrical output of the system. Since the solution is designed for use with only one solar panel the mechanical forces such as wind load are much lower and easier to manage. The disclosed invention is also a solar tracker that is a single axis version where the base is fixed and the elevation is set at an average value for the location and pivoting mechanism operates the azimuth axis. Since the dominant energy improvement comes from tracking the azimuth, this would be a likely solution where a lower cost or less complex system is desired.

Abstract: A solar power unit having the following features: It can rotate on an axle to face the sun The solar collectors are arranged in a stepped shape. It has mirrors that can fold out to increase the area over which sunlight is collected. There is a protective bonnet that can cover the solar collectors during inclement weather. The invention has a semi-cylindrical main body that rests on a stand, supported by an axle on which it can pivot to track the sun. The stepped solar collectors are on the upper half of the main body and are covered by the mirrors when they fold in. A first embodiment has a battery that stores electricity generated by sunlight and an inverter for converting direct current from the battery to alternating current. A second embodiment has parabolic collectors that heat water to create high pressure steam that is used to generate electricity.

Abstract: A combined diurnal tracking, concentrator, photovoltaic plus domestic hot water solar thermal system is mountable on flat roof industrial buildings or multi-unit apartment buildings for diurnal tracking, and on pitched roofs of single family residences. The systems are configured to reduce the number of solar cells required for given power output, and increased generated heat by a concentration of the sun's insolation on the solar cells. The increased heat is drawn off by anti-freeze fluid circulated in an aluminum extrusion attached to the solar cells and concentrator reflectors for the dual purpose of providing domestic hot water or space heating and maintaining the solar cells cool to enhance their efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to cost-effective systems for using large reflective elements that track the sun on two axes to concentrate solar energy onto a receiver that can convert the sun's optical energy to a form usable for extensive displacement of combustion of fossil fuels. The structures of the tracker frame, tracking mechanism and tracker supports are co-optimized with the optical elements and the receiver for high efficiency, low cost, and ease of assembly, making moderate and large-scale implementations cost-competitive with fossil fuels for peak power, and, with suitable storage, for base-load power and dispatchable peaking power in sunny locations. Improvement to small-tracker two-axis systems and one-axis tracking systems that focus in two dimensions are also included, as are improvements in systems for space-based solar power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular solar collector arrangement, comprising a first supporting stand at a first end of the solar collector arrangement, the first supporting stand having at its upper end a first pivot bearing point defining a pivotal axis extending in longitudinal direction of the solar collector arrangement, a second supporting stand at a second end of the solar collector arrangement opposite to the first end in the longitudinal direction, the second supporting stand having at its upper end a second pivot bearing point of the pivotal axis, an intermediate supporting stand extending in vertical direction and having at its upper end an intermediate pivot bearing point of the pivotal axis, the intermediate supporting stand further comprising at its lower end at least two intermediate bases being arranged in a distance orthogonal to the longitudinal direction to each other, a first solar collector unit comprising at least one solar collector panel and a first unit frame to which the panel is mount

Abstract: A vertical solar panel array including a portable base with a rotatable surface and a plurality of double-sided solar panels each having a plurality of solar cells mounted on each side thereof. The plurality of double-sided solar panels are mounted vertically on the rotatable surface of the base. Electrical circuitry couples each solar cell of the plurality of solar cells to an output terminal. An electric motor is mechanically coupled between the base and the rotatable surface to provide rotation and a controller is coupled to the electric motor and to a light sensor. The controller is programmed to analyze readings from the light sensor and to control the electric motor to align the plurality of double-sided solar panels with the sun for maximum output.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a solar concentrator assembly. In one embodiment, a drive mechanism for a linear solar concentrator assembly which includes an elongate reflector support frame which is rotatable about an axis which is parallel to the length of the frame and is defined by a support for the frame includes: a first elongate arm fixable at one end to the frame for rotation about the axis with the frame; a second elongate arm rotatable at one end about the axis independently of the first arm; a first reversible linear drive device coupled between the second arm and the first arm which is operable to rotate the first arm about the axis relative to the second arm; and a second reversible linear drive device coupled between the support and the second arm which is operable to rotate the second arm about the axis.

Abstract: In some implementations, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus may include a plurality of solar reflectors; a plurality of support rods each coupled to one of the plurality of solar reflectors; a plurality of control plates including a plurality of first openings; a tension plate providing a force to position the plurality of support rods in each of the plurality of first openings; and a driver to move at least one of the plurality of control plates, the movement of the at least one of the plurality of control plates further moving the tension plate, the plurality of support rods, and the plurality of solar reflectors. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A passive solar collector utilizes a support constructed of precisely machined foam to simplify the construction and calibration of the reflective surface. Further improvements include sensor-based positioning, and a receiver having inflow and outflow conduits adapted to improve thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A solar tracking system enables an array of solar panels to track a path of the sun. The system includes a main support arm (205) having a hub end and a distal end. A rotatable main hub (220) is attached to the hub end of the main support arm (205). A support frame (215) is rotatably attached to the distal end of the main support arm (205). A tie-rod (210, 610) includes a swivel end and a frame end, and the swivel end is rotatably positioned adjacent to the main hub (220). The frame end of the tie-rod (210, 610) is connected to the support frame (215) above the distal end of the main support arm (205), such that rotation of the main hub (220) causes a vertical orientation of the support frame (215) to change.

Abstract: A device for collecting solar energy is disclosed. The collector includes a collecting structure, a reflecting structure and a motor. The collecting structure is composed of a mounting frame and a plurality of collecting panels disposed around the mounting frame. The reflecting structure is composed of a stand and a reflecting board supported by the stand. The motor rotates the collector or reflector for tracingly reflecting sunbeams and collecting solar energy with mobility.

Abstract: A solar energy collector apparatus includes a solar collector panel having a parabolic shape, and a base comprising a pair of spaced apart support frames. Each support frame has a parabolic shape corresponding to the parabolic shape of the solar collector panel. Spaced apart rollers are positioned along an upper surface of each support frame to support the solar collector panel. A drive mechanism is coupled to the solar collector panel for rotation thereof. The solar collector panel includes a pair of spaced apart guide channels on an underside thereof for contacting the spaced apart rollers to insure that the solar collector panel rotates squarely with respect to the base.

Abstract: A planar reflector is supported on a ball-and-socket joint and can be independently pivoted about X and Y axes by magnetic drives that propel corresponding bail arms hingedly connected to the reflector. Control is achieved using the outputs of a multi-axis magnetic field sensor closely positioned adjacent a spherical magnet embedded in the ball of a ball-and-socket joint that supports the reflector for pivoting motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a solar panel adjustment device, including a solar panel having a first end and a second end for receiving sunlight, a first pivot frame engaged to the first end of the solar panel for adjusting the solar panel, a second pivot frame engaged to the second end of the solar panel for adjusting the solar panel, and at least one drive means for adjusting the first pivot frame and the second pivot frame independently of one another

Abstract: The invention relates to a Fresnel solar collector arrangement consisting essentially of a receiver (1) and a mirror arrangement associated with the receiver (1). The arrangement is temperature-compensated by the use of materials with the same temperature expansion coefficient for the receiver mast (2) and the mirror supporting framework (4), and the adjustment of the primary mirror (6, 6?) in relation to the sun by a mechanical coupling of the mirror is simplified by means of an electromotive connecting rod.

Abstract: An accurate and cost effective heliostat array and method of use is disclosed. The heliostat array in the preferred embodiment comprises a plurality of mirrors arrayed in a common plane, a plurality of reflector positioning arms, and a rigid positioning plate. The positioning plate, which is coupled to each of the reflectors via a positioning arm, is adapted to simultaneously aim each reflector using as few as one or two actuators. When the positioning arms forms the base of an isosceles triangle with one leg aligned with a ray directed to the sun and the other equal length leg aligned with a ray directed to the receiver, the positioning plate has the shape of a Conchoid of Nicomedes surface of revolution, which enables the heliostat array to simultaneously orient all of the mirrors to precisely focus incident sunlight from anywhere in the celestial hemisphere onto a common focal point.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a plurality of elongated parabolic reflectors mounted within a glass-topped enclosure for pivotal movement such that each reflector is incrementally pivoted throughout the course of a day to remain substantially perpendicular to the sun. The incremental pivotal movement is caused by a motor energized from a solar switch having solar cells that also pivot throughout the day so that in one position of the switch, no electricity is being generated and transferred to the motor, but in a second position, the switch receives solar radiation and energizes the motor to again incrementally pivot each reflector along with the solar switch.

Abstract: Aims at a dual-axis solar tracker that you can perform an unlimited rotation in either of two directions around the vertical axis, thus there is no need to undo the way I walk all day long, from the position of the follower at the end of days wing position occupied by the next day. Due to its special configuration, the dual-axis solar tracker of the present invention allows the engines that power the solar panels moving around one axis of rotation without the power cords are wound around the vertical axis of rotation of the bracket. Similarly, the control wires of the elements of the follower and the wires leading the current produced in solar panels to the electrical substation is not wound around the vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: A structure (26) for supporting an array (22) of solar panels (24) in a solar energy collection system (20) includes a support assembly (42) formed from a rigid subassembly (44). The subassembly (44) includes a truss (68), a post (46) downwardly extending from the truss (68) for attachment to a footing (48), and posts (50) upwardly extending from the truss (68). The structure (26) further includes torsion tubes (34), each of which is pivotally retained by one of the posts (50) to form parallel rows (32) of torsion tubes (34). Multiple ganged piers (44) can be interconnected to increase the number of rows (32) of the system (20). The solar panels (24) are attached to the torsion tubes (34) to form the array (22). Each of the torsion tubes (34) may have a flat surface (164) for ready alignment and attachment of solar panels (24) onto the torsion tubes (34).

Abstract: A solar collector can be rotated and tilted about a polar mount. The solar collector can be designed such that the center of gravity of the collector is aligned with the axis of the polar mount facilitating the use of smaller positioning devices. The collector can be placed in a position to prevent damage by inclement weather and allow easy access for maintenance and installation.

Abstract: A solar collector arrangement includes a number of assemblies (1), which are immersed or partially immersed in a pond of water (2). Each assembly (1) includes a parabolic reflector (3) and an absorber (6). Barriers (10) are located on or near the surface of the water (2) and operate to reduce waves which may otherwise disturb the direct passage of sunlight in windy conditions. The complete immersion of the assembly (1) in the liquid serves to simultaneously protect and cool the apparatus, while allowing ease of sun 10 tracking movements by buoyancy induced rotation. Partially immersed versions have higher efficiency and protect against severe weather by inverting into the water.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system comprising a transparent ball, particularly filled with a transparent liquid. Direct sunlight that is incident on the ball area exposed to the sun is reflected on the opposite, internal face of the hollow ball by means of a rotary mirror in such a way that the focus of the radiation field is reproduced in the center of the hollow ball. Solar converters can thus be statically disposed in the center of the hollow ball and are preferably provided with only one twisting means in order to permanently keep the solar converters in an ideal alignment relative to the focused sunlight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method and device for quasi-uniaxial sun chase of solar panels. The present method uses uniaxial driving to perform real-time tracking of the zodiacal longitude position of solar “daily periodic change”, then abiding by seasonal “annual periodic change” to perform tracking fine tuning of less 0.25 degrees per day on celestial sphere declination. The present device includes a supporting unit with two corresponding holders on the end face, a frame body for solar panel installation configured between the said two holders, and a control mechanism including a setting unit as well as an enable unit connected to the frame body. Thereby, in addition to real-time correction to the corresponding position of the solar panel to Sun by setting the control mechanism to allow the solar panel to acquire higher incident solar energy. The present invention provides a simple device structure with lower operation power consumption.

Abstract: A solar tracking device for overcoming the disadvantages of a conventional solar energy system utilizing motors and to lower electricity consumption and decrease cost is provided. The device includes a solar module or solar collector supported by two springs under both ends and two water tanks on both ends. The solar module or solar collector, similar to a heliostat, is adapted to slowly revolve in response to the imbalanced water tanks filled with different amount of water.

Abstract: The inventive solar trough field system (A) comprises multiple parabolic reflectors (1), support circles (3) of which the center coincides with the focus of the parabolic reflector (1 ) and which are used in order to support the reflector (1), core mechanisms (2) which are located on the center of the circles (3), guy wires (4) which connect the circle (3) and the core mechanism (2) to each other, side support units (5,5J) which bear the support circles (3) from their outer surfaces, lightweight filling materials (6) which support the reflectors (1) from their lower parts, thermal receiver tubes (11) which pass through the center axis of the circles (3). The parabolic reflectors (1) are rotated around the center axis of the circles (3), which is the focus thereof, and directed towards the sun. Thus, the parallel beams coming from the sun are concentrated in the thermal receiver tubes (11) which are located in the focus of the reflectors (1).

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 Southside supports, North side supports and support structures. Each support structure has pivotal support points defining a tilt axis and supports at least one solar collector. First support points of first and second support structures are pivotally connected to first and second Southside supports. A second support point of the first support structure is pivotally connected to first and second North side supports. A second support point of the second support structure is pivotally connected to second and third North side supports. A tilting assembly causes the solar collector support structures and the solar collectors tilt in unison. A tracking solar collector may comprise a torsion tube rotatable about a torsion tube axis; with the solar panels secured to the torsion tube at an angle with the solar panels located entirely above the torsion tube at noontime.

Abstract: A solar panel(s) positioning apparatus for controlling the orientation of a solar panel(s) having one edge pivotally mounted to a support surface including a lift bar attached to an opposite edge of the panel(s) and having a mast, a base supported on the support surface, a swing link connected between the base and the mast and an extensible link pivotally connected between an intermediate point on the base end of the mast. A modification of the structure includes positioning apparatus for alternate bidirectional tilting of one or more panels about axes along aligned opposite side edges thereof.

Abstract: A sun tracking system includes a first, and a second photo sensors, separately mounted on a solar panel on two positions apart from one another and symmetrical with respect to a center of the panel. A first sleeve surrounds the first photosensor; a second sleeve surrounds the second photosensor. Each of the sleeves has an inclined opening with reference to the surface of the panel.

Abstract: The elevation of a solar panel to follow the course of the sun is achieved in a manner to require relatively little power. The elevation mechanism utilizes a system of wires and pulleys which cooperate with springs which are compressed when the panel is in the collapsed position. The springs operate to overcome inertia when panel elevation first commences. The wire and pulley system operates to extend in opposite directions a pair of arms, one connected to the panel base member, the other connected to the top of the panel pivoting member.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a plurality of elongated parabolic reflectors mounted within a glass-topped enclosure for pivotal movement such that each reflector is incrementally pivoted throughout the course of a day to remain substantially perpendicular to the sun. The incremental pivotal movement is caused by a motor energized from a solar switch having solar cells that also pivot throughout the day so that in one position of the switch, no electricity is being generated and transferred to the motor, but in a second position, the switch receives solar radiation and energizes the motor to again incrementally pivot each reflector along with the solar switch.

Abstract: A solar concentrator includes a mirror 24 having a frame 27 connected with a lever 55, a train 36 supporting the frame 27 and the lever 55, a first control cable 28 connected with the frame 27, and a second control cable 30 connected with the lever 55. A first locomotive 35 moves the train along a curvilinear path to keep the mirror 24 opposite the sun. The first control cable 28 controls pitch of the mirror 24 and the second control cable 30 controls yaw of the mirror 24. When a concentrator includes a plurality of mirrors 24 they are preferably controlled collectively by pulling all of the first control cables 28 with one motor to control pitch and by pulling all of the second control cables 30 with one motor to control yaw. Sunlight focused on the receiver 20 preferably boils water to form steam that is transmitted to a turbine connected to a generator for producing electricity.

Abstract: A solar concentrating collector includes corrugated board parabolic support segments with flexible strips and side tabs over the cut edge to support a laminate with reflective coated film. The reflector assembly has supporting arms and pivots about a heat absorbing conduit secured to vertical extensions of adjacent stationary posts. Selected external surfaces are weatherproofed. The conduit includes vacuum insulators and means to isolate conduit from insulator expansion. Upper arms support pulleys and cable take-ups for continuous collector position changes. Cross members of the extended post secure the fixed conduit, and at a higher level, a programmable drive to rotate two cable capstans for cables that pivot two adjacent reflector assemblies. Other embodiments include triangular or square fluid conduits with planar surfaces for photovoltaic cells and a modified reflective surface to disperse solar rays into a band of reflected sunlight directed to photocell areas.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system for an enclosure includes a positionable solar panel assembly that supplies power to all the power consuming components of the system. A mountable sun tracking assembly continuously detects the position of the sun and adjusts the position of the solar panels to follow the movement of the sun during the day and to reposition the solar panels in the evening to receive the morning sun the following day. One or more ventilation assemblies mountable in one or more openings in the enclosure controllably supplies heated or cooled air into the enclosure, evacuating inside air, re-circulating inside air, and/or circulating outside air in response to control signals from the sun tracking assembly. A control box mounted inside the enclosure selectively controls operation and testing of the system. A dome is provided as an aesthetic covering for the ventilation assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for curing a curable coating on a three-dimensional object having at least a top surface and a side surface, with the object being advanced along a generally horizontal path. The apparatus includes an elongated light source of radiating curing energy for curing the coating on the surfaces of the object. An open-sided, elongated concave reflector is positioned behind the elongated light source to provide a focus for the radiated curing energy onto the object. The reflector has a generally elliptical cross-section for radiating the curing energy along an energy concentration line generally coincident with the object. The elongated light source is generally at the source focal point of the elongated reflector. The reflector is angled such that a line that runs between the source focal point of the reflector and the energy concentration line extends on the order of 55°-77° from vertical.

Abstract: A solar tracking system has a first set of solar heat gain transducers (700) that produce respective first output signals to drive a reversible first motor (300) for changing a vertical angle of a solar collector (200); and a second set of solar heat gain transducers (700) that produce respective second output signals to drive a reversible second motor (608) for changing a horizontal angle of the solar collector (200); each of the transducers (700) having a thermistor (702) in thermal contact with a thermal mass (706); and a communications apparatus (900) receiving output voltage from solar cells (202) on the solar collector (200).

Abstract: A structure (26) for supporting an array (22) of solar panels (24) in a solar energy collection system (20) includes a support assembly (42) formed from a rigid subassembly (44). The subassembly (44) includes an elongated truss (68), a base (46) coupled to the truss (68) for attachment to a footing (48), and posts (50) extending from a top edge of the truss (68). The structure (26) further includes torsion tubes (34), each of which is pivotally retained by one of the posts (50) to form parallel rows (32) of torsion tubes (34). A number of rigid subassemblies (44) can be interconnected to further increase the number of rows (32) of the system (20). The solar panels (24) are attached to the torsion tubes (34) to form the array (22), and a drive mechanism (38) pivots the torsion tubes (34) via a single elongated actuator and multiple torque arms (90).

Abstract: A sun-position tracking system for a solar module has a base on which a rotary plate is supported. Several generally parallel fixed rods fixed to the plate have outer ends extending outward past the plate. A planar frame is pivoted on the rod outer ends about a generally horizontal frame axis between a down position with the frame lying on and substantially parallel to the plate and an up position extending at an acute angle to the plate. The solar module is carried on the frame and lies in a panel plane above the rods and plate. A sector gear fixed to the frame outside the outer edge of the plate and wholly below the plane is engaged by a pivot drive mounted on the rod outer ends and wholly below the plane the frame between its positions.

Abstract: Heliostat devices are disclosed. A disclosed heliostat device comprises planar reflectors and their frame, an azimuth angle adjusting mechanism and an altitudinal angle adjusting mechanism, and a sunlight tracking sensor. This device can perform sun tracking and accurate projection in fixed direction, via the directed sensor mounted in the fixed projection direction to form multi-stage control sensors.

Abstract: A concentrating solar energy system with a reflector having a specularly reflecting inner side and realized as a parabolic mirror with two axis steering which is carried by a base frame arranged in a support plane and which is provided with a receiver arranged in operation at, in front of or after the focal point of the parabolic mirror, with the parabolic mirror moreover being rotatable about an axis which stands at least substantially perpendicular to the support plane. The parabolic mirror is pivotable upwardly and downwardly about a pivot axis arranged in at least one of the region of the support plane and at a distance above or below the support plane. The pivot axis being displaceably arranged in at least one of a plane parallel to the support plane and in the support plane and with the displacement of the pivot axis contributing to the corresponding pivotal movement of the parabolic mirror.

Abstract: A solar radiation reflector comprising a plurality of arms arranged in parallel, a plurality of driver mechanisms driven, respectively, by the arms, a plurality of reflectors turned, respectively, by the driven mechanisms, a plurality of reflection direction designating members connected, respectively, with the driven mechanisms to designate a predetermined direction of reflection of reflectors, respectively, a common link for turning the arms simultaneously, and a drive mechanism for driving the common link to direct the arms in parallel with the incident direction of solar radiation, and a solar energy system comprising the solar radiation reflector and a solar energy converter. The driven mechanisms driven simultaneously by the driving mechanism through the common link and the arms so that the reflectors may reflect solar radiation, respectively, toward specified directions turn the reflectors, respectively.

Abstract: A solar radiation concentrator rotated about a straight line vertical to the reflector arrangement surfaces so that the incident solar radiation can be led onto the reflector arrangement surface along the specified direction and a method of concentrating solar radiation; the concentrator, comprising a plurality of reflectors (10) disposed on reflector arrangement surfaces, a plurality of reflector vertical bars (20) connected to the plurality of reflectors, rotating center holding members (30) for holding the center points of the rotating motions of the plurality of reflector vertical bars, motion members (40) for collectively rotating the plurality of reflector vertical bars, and guide members (50) for guiding the motions of the plurality of reflector vertical bars so that the plurality of reflector vertical bars can be rotated along specified reflector vertical bar routes, wherein the motion members perform motions along the specified motion member routes according to a variation in the incident angle of th

Abstract: Power generation equipment using sunlight, allowing a solar cell panel to follow and rotate at a required time to follow a movement of the sun and allowing a level support base to rotate slowly at a required time so as to adapt a direction and time of the sun, comprises a level support base provided fixedly at the center support member provided on a base; a solar cell panel provided rotatably at the level support base through a horizontal axle; a set of deceleration gears interposed between a following gear 16 provided at the horizontal axle to move the solar cell panel and a drive gear 18 provided at an output axle of a first drive motor for the panel; a set of second deceleration gears interposed between a second gear which is provided at the center support member and a second drive gear provided at a drive axle of a second drive motor for the level support stand; means for controlling the first and second drive motors and further including a function for controlling an inclination of the panel.

Abstract: A non-imaging solar concentrator having a primary concentrator and a turntable. The primary concentrator is mounted to the turntable such that it is rotatable about a turntable axis and a secondary axis that is orthogonal to the turntable axis. Rotation of the primary concentrator about the turntable and secondary axes permits the primary concentrator to be positioned anywhere within the visible sky, even when a solar offset angle of 90 degrees is not used.

Abstract: A solar collector array is formed of multiple parallel rows of solar panels, each said row being made of one or more building blocks with an east-west oriented torsion tube defining an east-west axis for the row, an array of flat generally rectangular solar panels, and a set of panel rails and rail claims attaching the panels onto the torsion tube. A row of piers aligned on the east-west axis each have a footing that is supported in the earth, and a pier cap affixed onto a top end of the pier. The pier cap holds the torsion tube non-rotationally such that the torsion tube and panels are held at a preset elevation angle. The torsion tube may serve as a conduit for power conductors from the panels.