Abstract: A solar collector (1) includes two panels (2, 3) of which at least one panel (2) can be designed as a solar module, wherein the panels (2, 3) are connected to each other and held spaced apart from each other by webs (5) that are distributed over the surface of the solar collector (1). The webs (5) between the panels (2, 3) of the solar collector (1) are arranged in such a manner that the interior space (4) is divided to form a flow path, which can be achieved as a result of the fact that the webs (5) start alternately from one edge (9, 10) of the solar collector (1) and are spaced from the opposite edge (10, 9). The webs (5) are strips that are connected via plastic strands (12) to the inner faces of the panels (2 and 3).

Abstract: A modular panel for a solar boiler includes an inlet header, an outlet header, and a plurality of tubes fluidly connecting the inlet header to the outlet header. The tubes are substantially coplanar with one another forming a solar receiver surface and an opposed internal surface. The panel is modular in terms of height, width, number of tubes, and size of tubes, for improved handling of high heat flux and resultant thermally induced stresses.

Abstract: A frame structure for solar cell module, in which each of the four sidebars that constructs the frame structure is comprised of a bottom, a first vertical wall, a second vertical wall, a first horizontal wall and a second horizontal wall. Substantially, the present invention provides a a frame structure constructed using parts of different curvatures, that is capable of preventing any filling material from overflowing on the front side of a solar cell element during the integration of the solar cell element and the front structure, without having the so-constructed solar cell module to be processed by an additional machining process for processing the overflowed filling material after the integration, and thus not only the sidebars of the frame structure can be prevented from being broken by the stress resulting from the machining process, but also the manufacturing time required for the consequent solar cell module can be reduced.

Abstract: A cable installation having a support structure, for example a rod or a support frame will be proposed, the latter or the former, being able to be hinged to abuses structure about a first axis, respectively, wherein at each end of the support structure a deviating roller is rotatably provided, which is provided for a cable which at one end is fixed to an area of the support structure while the other end of the cable is fixed to a second area of the base structure which is spaced apart from the first area.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a first header, a second header and one or more riser tubes that connect the first header and second header. The solar collector is mounted to a surface, e.g., a roof, such that the headers are substantially parallel to a horizontal axis. The first header is curved so as to define a low point that facilitates drainage of liquid from the solar collector.

Abstract: It is to heighten the heat collecting efficiency of a linear type solar heat collecting apparatus. A plurality of reflection lines and one reception line are included. The reflection lines are arranged in parallel substantially in the south-north direction on earth. Each reflection line L1, L2, . . . has a heliostat 1. The heliostat 1 is composed of a plurality of mirror segments disposed in series on each reflection line L1, L2, . . . . The reception line C extends in the east-west direction perpendicular to the reflection lines L1, L2, . . . , and is disposed at a predetermined position above the reflection lines L1, L2, . . . The reception line C has a single receiver. The mirror segments disposed on each reflection line L1, L2, . . . radiate reflected light of sunlight that has impinged on the mirror surface toward the reception line C. The receiver 2 disposed on the reception line C collects the heat of the reflected light of sunlight radiated from the mirror segments disposed on each reflection line.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for storing liquids and melting frozen liquids using solar radiation is provided. A thermally conductive vessel is at least partially enclosed within a thermally insulative case. The case is configured to transmit incident solar radiation to the vessel. The vessel is configured to absorb incident solar radiation, and conduct heat generated thereby to its contents. An insulating and solar radiation transmissive gap is provided between the vessel and the case.

Abstract: A solar thermal unit adapted for fitting into one or more connectors designed for receiving one or more panes of glass (2), wherein said thermal solar unit includes a fluid circuit, a light-absorbing surface (3), and a housing for the light-absorbing surface (3) and fluid circuit, which housing extends to the rear and sides of the light-absorbing surface.

Abstract: A solar cell module securing structure includes a solar cell module, a first securing member that supports the solar cell module, a second securing member that includes an installation connecting portion having an installing portion on which the first securing member is installed, an inclined connecting portion extending from the installation connecting portion, and an abutting portion that is bent from the inclined connecting portion so as to extend along a structural surface of a roof structural member, and spacer members which are laminated between the first securing member and the second securing member at multiple stages. Further, a long hole portion having a long hole shape, which penetrates through the installing surface, is formed on the installing portion of the installation connecting portion, thereby making fine adjustment of a securing position of the first securing member with respect to the second securing member.

Abstract: A solar receiver includes a multi-sided central assembly with wing assemblies extending from corners thereof. The central assembly includes one-sided heat absorption panels, while the wing assemblies use two-sided heat absorption panels. Stiffener structures run across the exposed faces of the various heat absorption panels.

Abstract: The invention, in some embodiments, relates to solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to liquid-air transpired solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to thermal energy transfer systems that comprise solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments of the invention, methods of constructing solar energy collectors are provided.

Abstract: A dual-exposure heat absorption panel is disclosed, which can be used in a solar receiver design. Generally, the heat absorption panel includes a tube panel through which a heat transfer fluid is flowed to absorb solar energy from heliostats that are focused on the tube panel. A structural support frame surrounds the tube panel. A stiffener structure runs across the exposed faces of the tube panel. The headers and other support structures on the periphery are protected by use of a heat shield.

Abstract: The invention describes extruded member systems to which a photovoltaic device is secured to an architectural surface.

Abstract: A focal display panel is situated in a parabolic solar energy collection array having reflective surfaces and a tube containing a working fluid to be heated. The panel comprises a target area to display patterns of light and shadow reflected from the array, and provides a visual means for determining the amount, if any, by which the focal point of the parabolic array misses the center of the tube containing the heated working fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy collector (18) including an outer casing (20) having at least one aperture (22) disposed therein and an absorber (24) disposed within the outer casing (20). The aperture (22) is arranged to receive a beam (16) of solar radiation therethrough so that the beam (16) is incident on the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged in use to absorb the energy of the beam of solar radiation and to thereby convert solar radiation to heat energy to heat a fluid communicated through the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged to be moved by a moving means to promote even heating of the absorber (24).

Abstract: The solar panel includes a housing for a heat collecting element, delimited by walls, one of which includes slits for the passage of solar rays. At least one reflective area is arranged to face the heat collecting element. At least one reflective strip is arranged outside the housing to face a respective slit so as to focus the solar rays received towards this slit. Elongated reflective elements are arranged side by side, and include coplanar flat bases, forming together the wall of the housing having slits and the flat base of at least one elongated reflective element forming a reflective area of this wall of the housing, and including one concave surface arranged to face the reflective strips such that the solar rays reflected by each concave surface are focused towards the corresponding reflective strip.

Abstract: An auxiliary member which is inserted into between a roof material and a fixing member including a base portion which is placed on the roof material and has a placement portion, a fixing portion, and a concave groove portion, an erected portion which extends to the upper side from the base portion, and a blocking portion which extends from an upper end of the erected portion to both sides so as to be in parallel with the placement portion and blocks the first frame from being moved to the upper side, includes an engagement convex portion which engages with the groove portion of the fixing member, a main body on which the engagement convex portion is formed on an upper surface, and a concave engagement concave portion which is formed on a lower surface of the main body and is engageable with the engagement convex portion.

Abstract: A solar panel array support system including a plurality of removable, interengaged adjacent support modules of similar configuration. Each support module mounts a PV solar panel, and also a DC-AC inverter electrically connected to the solar panel. The DC-AC inverter is also electrically connectable to additional DC-AC inverters mounted to the adjacent solar panel support modules. Each support module includes flexible male connector elements that enter a slot forming a female connector element in an adjacent support module to pivotally and removably engage each support module to another. Individual modules or a plurality of solar panel support modules can be readily removed from and replaced in a solar panel array, and can be readily removed and installed to form a second modular solar panel array.

Abstract: A solar absorber module is described. The module has a housing with a longitudinal axis with a first tapered housing section with a first, free end, and a second end with a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the first end, and with a second housing section adjoining the second end of the first housing section with a substantially constant cross-section over its length. The module also has a ceramic solar absorber element accommodated in the first end of the first housing section with a first surface that can be oriented toward the solar radiation with an axis of symmetry, and a second surface lying across from the first surface, wherein the solar absorber element has a large number of substantially straight channels connecting the first surface to the second surface. The solar absorber module is accommodated in the first end of the first housing section such that the axis of symmetry of the first surface is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A boiler for a solar receiver includes a first wall of substantially coplanar side by side boiler panels. A plurality of contiguous panels of the first wall each have an inlet header thereof at a common first wall header elevation. A second wall includes substantially coplanar side by side boiler panels. A plurality of contiguous panels of the second wall each have an inlet header thereof at a common second wall header elevation. The second wall is adjacent to and angled with respect to the first wall so that one end panel of the first wall is adjacent to one end panel of the second wall to form a boiler wall corner. The inlet headers of the two end panels of the boiler wall corner are at different elevations relative to one another.

Abstract: A solar heat receiver system includes multiple vertically extending solar heat receiving tubes for transferring solar heat to a heat transfer medium flowing through the solar heat receiving tubes, a rigid support structure, two first connectors to connect two spaced-apart portions of the solar heat receiving tubes to the rigid support structure so as to prevent horizontal movement of the two spaced-apart portions of the solar heat receiving tubes, and a second connector for connecting at least one intermediate portion of the solar heat receiving tubes to the rigid support structure, which intermediate portion is located between the spaced-apart portions. The second connector allows a limited amount of horizontal movement of the at least one intermediate portion of the solar heat receiving tubes due to a thermally induced bow of the solar heat receiving tubes.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting system and method suitable for hot water generation using solar energy. The system includes multiport tubes between inlet and outlet manifolds. The tubes are formed of a metallic material, each tube has oppositely-disposed first and second flat surfaces between lateral edges thereof, longitudinally-opposed first and second ends, and multiple fluid channels between the first and second ends that are in fluidic parallel to each other. The inlet and outlet manifolds are coupled to the first and second ends of the tubes so that chambers within the inlet and outlet manifolds are fluidically connected to the fluid channels of the multiport tubes. During operation of the system, a fluid flowing through the fluid channels of the tubes is heated by direct solar radiation impinging the first flat surfaces of the tubes and optionally by reflected solar radiation impinging the second flat surfaces of the tubes.

Abstract: The glass of the glass-metal bond contains the following ingredients in the following amounts: SiO2, 72-80 wt %; B2O3, 4-<6 wt %; Al2O3, 2-5 wt %; Na2O, 4-7 wt %; K2O, 0-3 wt %; CaO, 2.5-8 wt %; MgO, 0-2 wt %; BaO, 0-4 wt %; TiO2, 0-5 wt %; CeO2, 0-2 wt %; Fe2O3, 0-0.1 wt %; F, 0-2 wt %; and the ratio of the sum total amount of Al2O3 and B2O3 (in mol %) to the sum total amount of MgO, CaO and BaO (in mol %) in the glass is less than 5. The glass-metal bond advantageously includes a KOVAR® alloy and the glass of the aforesaid composition and connects the glass envelope tube with an inner metal absorber tube in a tube collector.

Abstract: This invention provides a solar fluid heating assembly that generally increases efficiency by reflecting the sun's energy onto heat generating surfaces that face away from the sun. It also provides an aesthetic structure that is readily installed in a variety of outdoor settings and can be used as a boundary fence in certain applications. In an illustrative embodiment, the solar heater comprises one or more conduits and a reflective mechanism, such that in use, heat energy falls onto a front surface of the conduit, thereby heating water or another fluid within the conduit, and heat energy is reflected by the reflective mechanism onto another surface of the conduit, thereby further heating the fluid within the conduit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of Stirling engine technology to convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to energy converting apparatus are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to the field alignment of panels and the assembly of a concentrator. In another aspect, a passive balancer is used in combination with a ring frame and other moving masses to reduce engine forces and vibration on the structure of the energy converting apparatus while maintaining properly constrained alignment of various suspended masses. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to various over-insolation control and management strategy to prevent overheating of the energy converting apparatus or components and subsystems thereof.

Abstract: A boiler for a solar receiver includes a first wall of substantially coplanar side by side boiler panels. A plurality of contiguous panels of the first wall each have an inlet header thereof at a common first wall header elevation. A second wall includes substantially coplanar side by side boiler panels. A plurality of contiguous panels of the second wall each have an inlet header thereof at a common second wall header elevation. The second wall is adjacent to and angled with respect to the first wall so that one end panel of the first wall is adjacent to one end panel of the second wall to form a boiler wall corner. The inlet headers of the two end panels of the boiler wall corner are at different elevations relative to one another.

Abstract: A boiler for a solar receiver includes a first boiler panel having a plurality of tubes fluidly connecting an inlet header of the first boiler panel to an outlet header of the first boiler panel. The tubes of the first boiler panel form a first solar receiver surface. A second boiler panel has a plurality of tubes fluidly connecting an inlet header of the second boiler panel to an outlet header of the second boiler panel. The tubes of the second boiler panel form a second solar receiver surface. The first and second boiler panels are adjacent to one another with a portion of the first boiler panel and an end of the first solar receiver surface overlapping an end of the second boiler panel to reduce solar radiation passing between the first and second solar receiver surfaces.

Abstract: Heat-receiving pipes of a heat receiver have portions having high heat flux on at the side near an opening in a length direction and extending to positions outside of a casing in a radial direction. Expanded sections having an expanded pitch circle diameter constituted by the plurality of heat-receiving pipes are formed, and a heat input quantity per unit area of the heat-receiving pipe is decreased in the portions near the opening.

Abstract: Insulated solar panels provide that provide a solar thermal collector with means for limiting stagnation temperatures and preventing damage include: temperature limiting is provided by the insulated solar panel, isolating internal components from the environment, using passive closed systems within the sealed solar thermal collector, while also allowing alternative implementations as active systems and/or portions of the temperature limiting system outside the sealed solar thermal collector. A heat pipe can be used as a passive thermal switch, where the temperature induced action at a predetermined temperature causes an abrupt transition from a state of thermal isolation to a state of strong thermal coupling. Additionally, a set of siphon circulation pipes provides a passive closed system for temperature limiting.

Abstract: A matched glass-to-metal connecting device for use in a vacuum tube collector for a solar energy collecting apparatus is made of a glass envelope and a metal sleeve directly bonded to the glass envelope. The glass envelope is made of a glass having a composition, in percent by weight on the basis of oxide content, consisting essentially of B2O3, 19; Al2O3, 8; Na2O, 2; K2O2, 3; BaO, 3; LiF, 1; and balance of SiO2 and the metal sleeve consists of metal material number 1.3981 of DIN 17745. The glass envelope has a thermal expansion coefficient that deviates from the metal part's thermal expansion coefficient by no more than 4% in the temperature range from 25° C. to 350° C.

Abstract: A self-supporting solar array includes a plurality of solar modules and a substructure that supports the solar modules and connects them to each other. The substructure defines a plurality of module positions at each of which a solar module is arranged. Module positions configured as S-module positions are provided in the substructure, and they each have a wind deflector that covers up a passage opening leading to the bottom of the solar module arranged in each S-module position. Aside from the S-module positions, the substructure also has module positions configured as F-module positions in which at least part of the passage opening is free, whereas it is covered by the wind deflector in the case of an S-module position.

Abstract: A glazed solar collector with a frame surrounding an absorber. The frame is provided with an inwardly and/or outwardly directed attachment ledge (1a) to which the glazing(4) is attached. A protective Stripping (9) covers the edges of the cover pane(4) and is provided with a ledge (9b) that rests on the attachment ledge (1a). The side- and end panels(1) of the frame include an inwardly projecting bottom ledge (1b) to which a backsheet(5) may be attached by means of welding or TOXing(22). The bottom ledge (Ib) also includes an outwardly projecting ledge that is provided with spaced through going bores along the length of the side- and end panels for i-eceiving fasteners (20) therein that allow the collector to be fastened to a roof structure (19) or the like.

Abstract: A system and method of arranging a solar cell and reflector to replace a typical solar cell oriented normal to the incoming sunlight inside a module (i.e. parallel to a module's transparent cover plate or opening). The present invention in a preferred embodiment uses a solar cell oriented at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight, and a reflective surface oriented perpendicular to the cell and at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight. The solar cell and the mirror are the same length/size and form a V shape where the angle between the sloped sides is 90 degrees. Any light falling normally on the arrangement will hit the solar cell either directly or after reflection. In another embodiment, two adjacent reflectors can be used making angles of around 60 degrees and around 30 degrees with respect to the cover or opening. An alternate embodiment can include a second reflector added to the base of the cell and reflector pairings also at an approximate 45 degree angle with the cover or opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell module securing structure capable of securing solar cell modules without any trouble even when there is a change in temperature or the like, and also provides frames and securing members for the solar cell modules. A contact portion (12e) of each of the first frames (12) of solar cell modules (10) engaged on the opposite side of a shaft portion (22) of each securing member (20) securing a solar cell module (10) to a supporting member (2) from securing units (21a) can be fastened to the shaft portion (22) with engaging screws (4) through a void (24b) from the side of the securing units (21a). The contact portion (12e) of each of the first frames (12) engaged on the side of the securing units (21a) are brought into contact with the outer end portion (24a) of each inner protrusion (24), to restrict impaction of the first frames (12).

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar light heat receiver having a heat receiving tube which allows a heat medium to flow through the inside thereof and which transmits the heat of irradiated solar light to the heat medium, the solar light heat receiver being provided with a partition member which divides the inside of the heat receiving tube into a first passage on the light receiving surface side to be irradiated with solar light, and a second passage on the non-light receiving surface side opposite to the first passage in the irradiation direction of solar light.

Abstract: Provided is a solar light concentrating system which realizes suppression of power generation costs by applying a receiver 2 that is capable of suppressing a manufacturing cost to a low level, facilitating recovery work when a failure occurs, and quickly recovering a heating medium circulating inside in case of an emergency. The receiver 2 is formed by three-dimensionally combining multiple modules 20. At least a part of the modules is a trapezoid-shaped module 20B. The trapezoid-shaped module includes an upper header 21B, a lower header 22B being shorter than the upper header, and multiple heat receiving tubes 23 which connect the two headers. The heat receiving tubes are formed by successively altering their cross-sectional shapes in away that makes each heat receiving tube shaped like a wedge that becomes narrower from its top toward its bottom in a front view, and like a wedge that becomes wider from its top toward its bottom in a side view.

Abstract: The invention describes extruded member systems to which a photovoltaic device is secured to an architectural surface.

Abstract: A solar heater for space heating is formed by a frame that provides structural support for a plate that absorbs sunlight. In one aspect, the plate is directly molded into the frame. In another aspect, the plate is incorporated into an assembly which is then sealed to the frame. The solar heater is configured such that multiple similarly configured solar heaters may be coupled together in a series and/or parallel arrangement.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for harvesting solar energy from an artificial turf field or other area exposed to sunlight. An array of solar collectors may be placed in a sports stadium or other open field, each solar collector having an artificial turf structure including simulated grass and an open support structure capable of supporting human foot traffic, the artificial turf structure overlying a resilient bed supporting photovoltaic panels. Light falling on the structure at incident angles of 30 degrees from the artificial turf surface normal may be transmitted from the open support structure to the photovoltaic panels, and the panels may convert the transmitted light to electricity. The photovoltaic panels may be oriented to maximize an amount of captured light responsively to latitude. The turf structure support members may be angled responsively to an average direction of the sun at an installation latitude.

Abstract: A solar boiler includes a plurality of solar boiler panels forming a perimeter surrounding a boiler interior space. A support structure within the boiler interior space supports the solar boiler panels. A steam/water vessel, such as a steam drum, is mounted to the support structure within the boiler interior space. A method of constructing a solar boiler includes raising a steam/water vessel, such as a steam drum, through a leave-out area in a boiler support structure. The method also includes mounting the steam/water vessel within the boiler support structure below an upper extent of the boiler support structure.

Abstract: A solar receiver is disposed on a top portion of a tower provided upright on the ground for heating a compressible working fluid by means of heat converted from sunlight collected by heliostats disposed on the ground, to raise the temperature of the compressible working fluid. The solar receiver has modules disposed back-to-back, and each of which includes a casing having a bottom plate to be fixed to the top-portion upper surface of the tower. A heat-transfer-tube unit is accommodated in the casing and includes heat transfer tubes. A sunlight inlet port having a circular shape in front view or an elliptical shape in front view is provided at the center portion of a plate-like member whose lower end is connected to an outer circumferential end of the bottom plate to constitute the casing and that extends obliquely upward from the outer circumferential end.

Abstract: A module arrangement includes at least one or more double module arrangements, each consisting of two solar modules oriented at an angle to one another. The edges of each double module arrangement facing away from each other are not interconnected via a support unit.

Abstract: It facilitates the foundation and assembling of the pedestal (15) on the ground, allowing calibration of its verticality and azimuthal orientation, further serving as a formwork element. Said frame comprises a quadrangular structure (1), articulated in at least one of its corners, preferably two, and adapted to surround the pedestal (15), which is provided with four horizontal profiles (2); calibration bolts (5) through which the pedestal (15) is pressed and adjusted in a vertical position; with said bolts (5) being inserted into nuts (4), which are connected to vertical bodies (3) linked to the profiles (2); and plates (7) linked to those profiles (2) which feature holes (8) through which picks (9) are vertically inserted, designed to be nailed to the ground for fixation and stability of the frame.

Abstract: The concentrating heat receiver (10) is provided with a casing (41) which has an opening portion (15) into which sunrays are made incident, a heat receiving portion (42) which is accommodated inside the casing (41) so that a working fluid flows therethrough and receive heat from sunrays made incident from the opening portion, thereby raising the temperature of the working fluid, and hanging members (61, 62) in which the upper end sides thereof are coupled to an upper angle (14) and the other end sides thereof are loosely inserted into through holes (44a, 44b) of the casing (41), thereby supporting in a hanging manner the heat receiving portion (42) inside the casing (41).

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system (e.g. a thermal and/or a photovoltaic system). The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are dish-shaped mirrors that are mechanically coupled to a joint that enables rotation at a fixed distance about respective solar collectors that are fixed in position with respect to the protective transparent enclosure. In some embodiments, the solar collectors are suspended from structure of the protective transparent enclosure and the solar concentrators are suspended from the solar collectors. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.

Abstract: Collector tube for a solar collector, having an envelope tube, an absorber tube which is arranged within the envelope tube and into whose interior a heat carrier medium can be carried, characterized by an inner tubular element which is arranged within the absorber tube and has a thermal conductivity which is variable.

Abstract: A man-made island adaptable for land-based operation holds solar energy collection facilities and is rotatable to optimize the angular orientation thereof relative to the position of the sun. A platform includes a large outer ring that floats on a fluid and a flexible cover is attached to the ring to define an airtight volume below the cover. A plurality of rows of solar radiation collector modules are located above the cover and carry steam generating heat pipes. The rows of modules are supported laterally above the cover by an upper support structure, either a space frame, a plurality of cables, or a honeycomb. A compressor creates an over-pressure within the enclosed volume to vertically support the cover and the other components mounted thereabove.

Abstract: Vacuum solar thermal panel comprising a vacuum envelope (30) defining a sealed volume, able to withstand atmospheric pressure when evacuated, at least one heat absorber (12) being disposed inside the vacuum envelope (30), a pipe (13) entering and exiting the envelope (30) and being in contact with the heat absorber (12), said vacuum envelope (30) comprising a first plate (1; 101) made of glass, a peripheral frame (3) disposed substantially at the periphery of the first plate (1; 101), a metallic peripheral belt (4, 5; 104) joining the peripheral frame (3) to the first plate (1; 101), said metallic peripheral belt (4; 104) being joined to the first plate (1; 101) by means of a vacuum tight bulk glass-metal seal (8; 108), comprising glass material (14; 114) and obtained by fusion and subsequent solidification of said glass material (14; 114).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting solar panels is provided. Preferably, the apparatus includes a base, a solar panel receiving structure, and a support structure coupling the base to the solar panel receiving structure such that the solar panel receiving structure is at least one of elevated and angled relative to the base. The solar panel receiving structure preferably includes a base member, a first side member coupled to the base member, and a second side member coupled to the base member. Preferably, the first side member and the second side member are slotted so as to slidably receive at least one solar panel between the first side member, the second side member, and the base member.

Abstract: A passive solar heating unit is disclosed, including a portable heater version of the invention that includes an insulated shell structure, an inclined, vertically shaped window formed within the structure, an insulated door to the structure, a handle, and two operating positions, one for summer and one for winter. The heating unit has a dark exterior to absorb heat and a reflective interior to trap sunlight entering through the window. When used to generate heat sufficient to heat food and other items, the ratio of the interior volume of the unit to the size of the sunlight window is approximately 16:1. Other configurations, for providing heat in other applications, utilize different volume to window size ratios and different shaped windows.