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: 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: This passive solar heating invention is designed to be a single or full window installation (for most sliding and double-hung windows) that is the simplest, lightest, and most cost effective answer to the world-wide demand for clean, cheap, renewable energy. The bias in designing this invention was to give the home resident the option of half a window for viewing. If the resident decides the view is inconsequential, then a full size installation will more than double the heat output of ‘Tersol’ or through wall installation, if feasible. Permanent installation would not increase cost, and would provide for a much larger unit with accompanying output.

Abstract: Telescoping devices, as well as related components, systems, and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: A solar panel (10) has tubing (12) through which water from a swimming pool is recirculated. The tubing (12) is adapted to be exposed to the sun for heating the water to a temperature whereby the pool is heated. The solar panel (10) has a housing (14) for the tubing (12), and the housing (14) has a transparent screen (16) covering the tubing (12). In use, the housing (14) retains heat therewithin for increasing the temperature of the tubing (12) above that outside of the housing.

Abstract: A support member for a solar panel is provided comprising a base member having first and second surfaces and first and second sides, the first surface defining a recess configured to receive the solar panel. The first side of the support member defines a first flange extending therefrom that is flush with the first surface of the base member and the second side of the support member defines a second flange extending therefrom that is flush with the second surface of the base member.

Abstract: Solar receivers and particularly to solar receivers having one or more cavities and optionally having absorptivity/reflectivity patterns on surfaces and methods of reflective material application.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a simple and cost effective device and method for mounting and supporting solar panels. A solar panel according to the present invention is supported from the backside via a plurality of elongated support members. The elongated support members may have open V-shaped or W-shaped arrangements and may be adhered to the solar panels through strong, flexible glue or double-sided tape that withstands significant environmental loads, such as wind uploading, yet remain flexible enough to minimize stress concentrations in the solar panels. The support members may be attached to a solar panel by a support member attachment module incorporated into an automated solar panel production line. A plurality of solar panels may be field mounted to a solar panel support structure having one or more piles or the like with at least a lower and upper transverse support rails spanning the plurality of solar panels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a frame for mounting a solar panel, where an angle frame member has a generally L-shaped cross section. The highly contoured frame member includes a riser element and a span element, where the riser element includes a straight section below an arcuate section bending towards the inside of the angle frame member. This invention also relates to solar modules, arrays of solar modules and methods of mounting solar modules, all having a highly contoured frame member.

Abstract: A system and method of arranging multiple flat reflective facets around solar cells within a solar panel, or around a standard solar panel to increase the amount of light striking the solar cells or panel. The present invention in the preferred embodiment uses multiple reflector facets arranged to form an inverted pyramid shell where the apex of the pyramid is removed and replaced by a solar cell or panel. Accordingly each flat reflective facet has an isosceles trapezoid shape and has its shorter parallel side located adjacent and at a 120 degree angle to the solar cell or panel. This geometry ensures uniform illumination of the solar cell provided the reflector is approximately the same width as the solar cell; such uniform illumination may be especially helpful for PV generating applications. An alternate embodiment employs only three flat reflective facets, rather than four, around a standard solar panel.

Abstract: The method of making a vacuum tube collector or X-ray tube, which includes a matching glass-metal joint, includes providing a glass tube (1) made of a glass with a composition, in percent by weight on the basis of oxide content, consisting of B2O3, 8-11.5; Al2O3, 5-9; Na2O, 5-9; K2O, 0-5; CaO, 0.4-1.5; balance, SiO2; and bonding, preferably fusing or melting, an end portion of the glass tube (1) with a metal part (2) in order to bond or attach the glass tube to the metal part, thus forming a long-lasting glass-metal joint. The method of making the glass-metal joint is performed without using intermediary glass compositions of varying thermal conductivities. In the case of the vacuum tube collector the method can provide the basis for an automated manufacture of the vacuum tube collector.

Abstract: Laminated building-panel consisting of a core and core-joined outside lining, which characteristic feature is determined by flow-pipes location under laminated-plate lining (3). Pipes (2) are included into the heat system with the help of headers, supplied to exchangers and directed to the system of rooms heating and thus any heat management can be applied using free-of-charge solar energy.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for collecting and converting solar energy into electrical energy by using solar collectors with closed-cycle thermodynamic engines. The solar collectors are configured to collect solar energy and to distribute the collected solar energy in a pulsating manner directly into closed-cycle thermodynamic engines, piezoelectric generators, and the like. The pulsating manner means that the solar energy is allowed to enter into a particular engine or generator periodically, for a predetermined period of time, similar to turning a switch ON and OFF. The closed-cycle thermodynamic engines utilize a reciprocating piston to generate energy based on thermal expansion of a working fluid based on concentrated solar energy.

Abstract: An integrated, modular solar collector comprising an array of solar collection devices, wherein the array of solar collection devices is mounted in a frame providing for air flow, piping and/or electrical connections between the devices.

Abstract: A solar-powered device includes a housing including an electronic element, a number of panels having solar cells capable of providing electrical energy upon illumination, the panels being configured to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration, where the open configuration allows illumination to fall upon the solar cells when positioned in a location from which illumination is available; and a support element contacting the panels and the housing to convey electricity from the panels to the housing, where the electronic elements are powered with electricity from the solar cells.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning device (100) includes a flat casing (10) and a solar collector (20). The casing includes a frame (12) having two side plates (14a, 14b) and inlet and outlet end plates (16a, 16b), a base plate (11) hermetically assembled to a bottom end of the frame. Inlet and outlet partition plates (15a, 15b) arranged in the casing divide an inner space of the casing into an inlet region (31), an outlet region (41), and a heat-collecting region (211). The solar collector includes a heat-absorbing set (22) and a transparent panel (13) hermetically assembled to a top end of the frame. The heat-absorbing set is arranged in the heat-collecting region and divides the heat-collecting region into an upper heat-storage cavity (24) and a lower heat-absorbing cavity (25). The inlet and outlet regions communicate with opposite ends of the heat-absorbing cavity of the heat-collecting region, respectively.

Abstract: A multiplexed torque brake (MTB) system for preventing the accumulation of torsional forces at a center drive and thereby significantly reducing the design load requirements for trough frames of a corresponding solar concentrator assembly (SCA). In one embodiment, an MTB system for an SCA having a plurality of solar reflector frames spaced along a length of the SCA includes a plurality of brake mechanisms arranged at locations spaced apart from each other along the length of the SCA, each of the brake mechanisms coupled to a corresponding one of a plurality of supporting pylons and configured to constrain the solar reflector frames from rotating when subjected to torsional loads, the brake mechanisms adapted to transfer the torsional loads to the corresponding supporting pylons.

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 solar module system having a self-supporting structure and at least one solar module element or reflector element which can be arranged on the support structure is provided. A support structure includes at least one self-supporting rib longitudinal profile and/or hollow longitudinal profile as a support profile with a solar module functional area and/or a reflector functional area. The support profile has a plug-in profile on the longitudinal side for attachment of a further support profile, a connecting profile or of a terminating profile at the side, and/or having a heat dissipation structure which is thermally conductively connected to its solar module functional area and/or its reflector functional area.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell module, including: forming a laminated body including a first protective member, a first sealing member having a first melting point, a plurality of solar cells, a second sealing member having a second melting point higher than the first melting point, and the second protective member; heating the first sealing member to a temperature equal to or higher than the first melting point but lower than the second melting point; and heating the second sealing member to a temperature equal to or higher than the second melting point. In forming the laminated body, the second sealing member is arranged to form a surface including a plurality of convex portions faces the first sealing member.

Abstract: Described herein are solar energy collector systems, components for solar energy collector systems, and methods for installing solar energy collector systems. The components for solar energy collector systems include but are not limited to solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, and various support structures. The solar energy collection systems, solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, support structures, and/or methods may be used, for example, in LFR solar arrays. Improved solar radiation absorbers, receivers and related methods are described here.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an assembly having bodies of different thermal expansion rates comprises a first body, a second body having a different thermal expansion rate than the first body, and a plurality of high conductivity members attached to both the first and second bodies. The high conductivity members are more flexible than the first and second bodies in order to allow for varied thermal expansion of the first and second bodies. The assembly may comprise a solar collector assembly, wherein the first body is a solar cell attached to a substrate, and the second body is a heat sink.

Abstract: A water vapor ejector comprises a desiccant disposed in a communication path to a green house enclosure. In the day time and under sunlight exposure, the green house enclosure heats up, which dries the desiccant and generates a flow to the outside ambient through a pressure difference. The moisture trapped in the desiccant is then released to the outside ambient. In the night time, the green house enclosure cools, which generates a flow to the inside of the enclosure. The desiccant traps the moisture within the flow, ensuring a moisture-free enclosure. The cycle re-starts in the next morning when the enclosure heats up. The diurnal cycle removes the water vapor present in the enclosure and delivered to the exterior of the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an environmental control system for controlling moisture in a solar energy collector. The environmental control system facilitates the flow of air within and through the solar energy collector by using and enhancing a thermal gradient within the solar energy collector caused by exposure to sunlight. Two or more orifices are located in an enclosed solar energy system to permit air to enter, circulate and remove moisture from the system. The position of the two or more orifices and a thermal gradient generated by the solar energy collector facilitates this process.

Abstract: A modular solar air circulating and conditioning apparatus includes a box body, a heat absorbing unit and a transparent cover. The box body includes a surrounding wall and a bottom. The wall has a connecting portion and the bottom has a pipe portion interconnected with the containing space of the box body. The heat absorbing unit is a carrier coated with a layer of heat absorbing element. The transparent cover is installed to the surrounding wall, and a pipe portion is disposed on a surface of the transparent cover and interconnected with the containing space of the surrounding wall. In use, solar energy is absorbed by the heat absorbing unit, and then transmitted into a house through a conveying pipe connected to the pipe portion to warm the house.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for a hybrid solar energy collector comprising a CIGS photovoltaic energy collector, the photovoltaic energy collector being thermally coupled to an energy absorbing working fluid casing for flowing heat out to heat sink The solar radiation is trapped in the photovoltaic collector, generating electrical power from the CIGS photovoltaic array, The array is cooled by the working fluid transferring unproductive heat away from the photovoltaic array and into an exterior heat sink via the cooling fluid circuit, thus making the photovoltaic array more efficient, while adding another energy source. Where thermal collection is not beneficial, a floating platform supported CIGS PV array may be cost effectively cooled to increase efficiency, by harnessing wave energy from a wave power device to flow cooling or evaporative spray water over the panel.

Abstract: To provide the solar cell module retaining structure, the frame for the solar cell module, and the holding member for the solar cell module, which reduces the number of members relating to the solar cell module retaining structure, standardizes the installation process thereof, and reduces the cost of manufacturing and installing.

Abstract: A base body comprises two frames to put lens and solar cells. The working process is simple and the weight and the cost of the base body is reduced.

Abstract: Described herein are solar energy apparatus that overcome many of the disadvantages and shortcomings of conventional solar energy absorption structures. The solar energy apparatus may comprise inexpensive material and have smaller dimensions to reduce the overall cost of the apparatus. The apparatus may also have coatings which help to maximize the amount of solar energy absorbed and minimize the deterioration of the apparatus due to overheating. The apparatus may include a system for monitoring and controlling the temperature of the apparatus to prevent overheating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame assembly for mounting solar modules (1), said frame assembly comprising at least two flat frames which are arranged at a distance, preferably forming a triangle respectively with the frame sides (2, 3, 4) thereof, respectively one frame side (4) being inclined in relation to the surface of the ground or the roof (5). Carrier profiled parts (6, 7) which can be respectively displaced and fixed and are used to support and fix a solar module (1) are respectively arranged on two adjacent frames on the inclined side (4) of the frame. The carrier profiled parts (6, 7) are used to ensure the connection to the adjacently arranged frame sides (2, 3) in such a way that they can be displaced and fixed in relation to each other. The frame sides (2, 3) are also connected in such a way that they can be displaced and fixed in relation to each other and/or comprise at least one length adjustment device.

Abstract: The solar heater apparatus disclosed comprises an inner container and an outer container each having an opening forming a mouth. The inner container is contained within the outer container and has on its outside surface a solar-selective coating optimized to absorb a large fraction of the incident solar radiation while reradiating little of the absorbed energy. The two containers are joined creating one unified apparatus with a reservoir, an opening and a void between the two containers. The void is evacuated to reduce the heat loss due to thermal conduction from the inner container and the contents of the reservoir. In operation, the reservoir is filled with material and exposed to the sun. The solar radiation from the sun penetrates the outer container and is absorbed by the solar-selective coating and, by conduction, passes thermal energy through the inner container into the apparatus reservoir heating the reservoir contents.

Abstract: Field devices for measuring a pressure or a fill level are connected with an external energy supply through a cable connector. An energy supply unit for a field device is provided, which has a housing and a solar module integrated therein. The housing is hereby used for receiving the measurement electronics of the field device and the solar module of the energy supply. An external energy supply is thus not necessary anymore. For energy buffering, furthermore, a respective energy storage may be provided.

Abstract: A solar cell and water heater plate assembly is disclosed which may be incorporated into a PVT collector.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a solar panel unit, and a system of solar panel units are disclosed that are easy to manufacture and to install. The mounting structure has a relatively simple frame that can be formed by sheet metal bending operations. The solar panel unit also has a smooth exterior surface reducing wind uplift forces on the panel unit and the system.

Abstract: The present solar light assembly uses a unique solar light box that has an upper step which visually frames a lower step. The lower step has a deep cavity that houses most of the components of the solar light assembly, such as an LED light source and a 12 volt battery. The lower step is completely covered by a solar panel which functions as a lid in addition to gathering energy that is stored in the battery. The upper step conceals the solar panel from view by a passerby. There is a rain barrier ridge substantially around an opening to the lower step's deep cavity to prevent water that may collect in the upper step from entering the deep cavity. The solar light box is large enough to house additional components, such as a motion sensor or a camera. In the preferred use of the solar light assembly, the solar light box is mounted to a pole that extends over the top of a cluster box unit.

Abstract: Solar panel for water-heater of the type comprising a heat exchanger made of moulded synthetic material, having a plurality of passages 7 in which a heat-exchanging fluid can circulate and a translucent cover sheet 17 attached to the exchanger with a clearance, characterized in that the heat exchanger constitutes the brace supporting the panel and consists of two identical half-shells 1a, 1b furnished with parallel longitudinal central projecting ribs 2a, 2b and one projecting edging rib 4a, 4b of greater dimension than a central rib, the two half-shells being bonded or heat sealed so that the central ribs define the abovementioned passages 7 and that the respective edging ribs 4a, 4b define a sealed hollow edging frame full of insulating air confined on the periphery of the exchanger.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a concentrating solar energy receiver comprising a primary parabolic reflector having a center and a high reflectivity surface on a concave side of the reflector and having a focal axis extending from the concave side of the reflector and passing through a focal point of the primary parabolic reflector; and a conversion module having a reception surface wherein the reception surface is spaced from the focal point by a predetermined distance and disposed to receive a predetermined cross section of radiant solar energy reflected from the concave side of the primary parabolic reflector for conversion to electrical energy in the conversion module. In one aspect, the conversion module includes a reception surface comprising a planar array of at least one photovoltaic solar cell. In another aspect, the conversion module includes a reception surface coupled to a thermal cycle engine. The mechanical output of the thermal cycle engine drives an electric generator.

Abstract: A solar water heater has a rotationally-molded water box and a glazing subassembly disposed over the water box that enhances solar gain and provides an insulating air space between the outside environment and the water box. When used with a pressurized water system, an internal heat exchanger is integrally molded within the water box. Mounting and connection hardware is included to provide a rapid and secure method of installation.

Abstract: A solar heat collector constructed of non-conducting laminated and corrugated material to form a collector container with a bottom panel, a plurality of end panels that include a plurality of attached plenums with air inlet and exiting apertures and distribution apertures for air flow over and under an absorber plate. A plurality of side panels include longitudinally folded supports for an absorber plate held in place by bonding attachment to longitudinal side and underlying center supports extending upward from the bottom panel. The conductive absorber plate is positioned vertically to allow air flow space between the plate and a cover and air flow space below the plate parallel to the centerline. In another embodiment, end and side panels including the end plenums and side supports are co-extensive panels of a common multi-panel blank that is folded to form the container bottom, ends and sides.

Abstract: A solar water heater has a rotationally-molded water box and a glazing subassembly disposed over the water box that enhances solar gain and provides an insulating air space between the outside environment and the water box. When used with a pressurized water system, an internal heat exchanger is integrally molded within the water box. Mounting and connection hardware is included to provide a rapid and secure method of installation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral solar energy collector storage systems. Generally, an integral collector storage system includes a tank system, a plurality of heat exchange tubes with at least some of the heat exchange tubes arranged within the tank system, a first glazing layer positioned over the tank system and a base plate positioned under the tank system. In one aspect of the invention, the tank system, the first glazing layer an the base plate each include protrusions and a clip is provided to hold the layers together. In another aspect of the invention, the first glazing layer and the base plate are ribbed to provide structural support. This arrangement is particularly useful when these components are formed from plastic. In yet another aspect of the invention, the tank system has a plurality of interconnected tank chambers formed from tubes. In this aspect, a supply header pipe and a fluid return header pipe are provided at a first end of the tank system.

Abstract: A solar energy collection and storage system uses the radiation from the sun to heat a liquid in a collector and uses an enclosure with a vacuum to contain the collector, pump, pipes and storage tank to provide maximum insulation and minimum heat loss. Also, the vacuum within the enclosure is continuously maintained by a vacuum pump. A heat exchanger is included inside the storage tank. The heat exchange is connected by pipes with an external pump to an external hot water heater, heat pump or boiler which is outside the enclosure. The heat exchanger and external hot water heater would use water as is common to transfer the heat or energy to a location outside the enclosure.

Abstract: A solar concentrator system includes a collector lens for collecting and at least partially focusing incident solar rays, a solar cell and a lens array positioned generally between the collector lens and the solar cell, the lens array directing the partially focused rays emerging from the collector lens onto the solar cell.

Abstract: A solar-powered water heating system provides heated water to a pool in an aesthetically-pleasing, leak-resistant manner. The invention provides a heat gathering unit disposed in a tray that fits within the deck boards of a typical roof. Shingles are disposed over the heat gathering unit and any leaks that occur within the heat gathering unit flow out over the top of the shingles. A drain conduit is provided below supply and return pipes so that any leaks flowing out of the supply and return pipes and their connections with the heat gathering unit will be directed out of the building structure to a location where the leak may be readily detected.

Abstract: A solar-powered water heating system provides heated water to a pool in an aesthetically-pleasing, leak-resistant manner. The invention provides a heat gathering unit disposed in a tray that fits within the deck boards of a typical roof. Shingles are disposed over the heat gathering unit and any leaks that occur within the heat gathering unit flow out over the top of the shingles. A drain conduit is provided below supply and return pipes so that any leaks flowing out of the supply and return pipes and their connections with the heat gathering unit will be directed out of the building structure to a location where the leak may be readily detected.

Abstract: A removably mountable blind-type curtain is provided which includes a plurality of blinds removably securable to a curtain support. One or more of the blinds have a solar module secured thereto for converting solar energy to other energy. The blinds are connected to one another in a cable-free manner. An energy storage device is connected to the blinds for storing energy generated by the solar modules and an energy power take off device cooperates with an energy receiving device to effect the transfer of energy from the blind-type curtain to the energy receiving device. The energy storage device and the energy power take off device are mounted on the curtain support such that they are protected against external adverse environmental effects.

Abstract: There is provided a solar collector comprising at least one solar module; at least one solar module frame which supports the solar module; and at least one solar module bracket comprising a profile channel engagement hook, the profile channel engagement hook comprising a neck portion and a foot portion, the foot portion having a foot portion cross-sectional area in a first plane which is larger than a cross-sectional area of the neck portion in a second plane parallel to the first plane. There is also provided a profile channel attached to or integral with a support structure, the profile channel having at least one opening, the profile channel engagement hook engaging the opening such that the neck portion extends through the opening. There are also provided methods of making such solar collectors and methods of mounting such solar collectors on support structures.

Abstract: A solar collector system is provided. The solar collector system comprises a frame member and a top plate supported by the frame member with the top plate being transparent to solar energy. A membrane is supported within the frame beneath the top plate and a solar absorber plate supported within the frame beneath the membrane. A collector or plurality of collectors removes heat from the solar absorber plate. The collectors have a fluid selectively flowable through the heat collectors wherein upon the membrane achieving a first predetermined temperature, the membrane becomes substantially taut within the frame and spaced from the solar absorber plate and wherein upon the membrane achieving a second predetermined temperature, the membrane becomes substantially flaccid and contacts the solar absorber plate thereby maintaining the solar absorber plate below the second predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The invention is a convective airflow dryer system for coffee beans and other such crops, that includes a removable materials container. The removable, stackable container has at least one interior airway structure extending from, preferably, the bottom or sidewall surface to about the top of the container. The airflow structure is configured to freely admit, flow and transfer air, including moisture ladened air, through a port or vent in the bottom or sidewall, over its length and breadth into and out of the coffee beans or other crops or materials being dried, and out the top of the container. The dryer system and the containers are configured for directing the full airflow of the dryer system through the container or set of interconnected containers when in place, and to easily remove the containers from the dryer for emptying, refilling and reuse.

Abstract: A portable solar module cart is provided which comprises a platform, a pair of wheels attached to opposite sides of the platform, a pair of support struts attached to opposite sides of the platform and movable relative to the platform between a first retracted position in which they lie substantially parallel to the platform and a second erected position in which they extend at a selected angle to the platform so that a DC power source can be disposed on and supported by the platform, a solar panel pivotally mounted to the struts, the solar panel being movable on its pivot when the struts are in their erected position so as to be in a perpendicular relationship with an imaginary line connecting the sun and the solar panel, whereby to maximize the solar energy collected by the panel, and means for locking the solar panel in any selected position on its pivot.