Abstract: A solar panel assembly may comprise a support member, a plurality of elongate solar cells, at least one motive member, and at least one actuator. Each elongate solar cell of the plurality may be pivotally coupled to the support member at a first location on each elongate solar cell, and each motive member may be pivotally coupled to each elongate solar cell of the plurality of elongate solar cells at a second location on each elongate solar cell, the second location offset a distance from the first location. Additionally, each actuator may be operably coupled to the at least one motive member. A method of operating a solar panel assembly may comprise rotating each of a plurality of elongate solar cells within the solar panel assembly relative to each other of the plurality of elongate solar cells within the solar panel assembly.

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 mounting system for attaching solar panels or similar structures to a surface and to each other to form an array is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, a bracket that has an upper section with a mounting surface and a retaining lip spaced apart to accept an edge of the panel is provided. A riser connects the upper section to a base disposed on the surface. A ballast disposed against the base keeps the array in place. When the edges of the panels are engaged under the retaining lip of each bracket and the brackets moved to lock the panel in place, the array remains mounted to the surface without mechanical fastening. In certain embodiments, a wind deflector is attached between adjacent panels, and in certain embodiments a separator block is also inserted to fully lock the panels in place. Methods of assembling an array of panels without tools or fasteners are also disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a photovoltaic cell and a sheet shaped member. The sheet shaped member has a surface and an edge. The surface is proximate an exterior portion of the apparatus. The photovoltaic cell is at the edge of the sheet shaped member. The sheet shaped member forms a light guide configured to collect light incident on the light guide. The light guide is configured to concentrate the light at the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A fintube includes a body having a first fin, a second fin and a tube section. A first overlap fold is provided between the first fin and the tube section. The first overlap fold includes an open groove. A second overlap fold is provided between the second fin and the tube section. A seam includes a second overlap fold received and held in the groove of the first overlap fold. Methods for making a fintube are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thin-film solar battery module that can avoid a decrease in power generation efficiency caused by influences of meandering of a wiring material, relax a stress due to a difference in a thermal expansion coefficient between a substrate material and the wiring material, and suppress warpage of a substrate and separation of a joined part of an electrode and a wiring. The thin-film solar battery module includes a thin-film solar battery device including serially connecting a plurality of thin-film solar battery cells to each other and a bus bar wiring provided at a positive-side end and a negative-side end of the thin-film solar battery device. Additionally, the bus bar wiring couples a plurality of conductive members to each other in a partially superimposed manner.

Abstract: An erection method for a solar receiver and support tower provides a climbing assembly on the support tower to raise the solar receiver to its final elevation by progressively jacking and installing support tower sections to erect the tower and support the solar receiver.

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: The present invention is directed to a process for aligning two solar panel support channels substantially parallel in a substantially planar pre-assembly tool, wherein the pre-assembly tool has two solar panel support channels guides for receiving and aligning the two solar panel support channels substantially parallel to one another; aligning a plurality of solar panels on top of the two solar panel support channels near opposing edges of each solar panel; and attaching the plurality of solar panels to the two solar panel support channels, thereby forming a solar panel string assembly.

Abstract: A solar panel module comprises a photovoltaic panel supported on a frame for location on a supporting surface. The frame comprises two generally parallel side walls which taper upwardly from a nose section to a rear section of the frame to provide support for the photovoltaic panel above the roof surface. The frame further comprises connections for attaching it to adjoining frames of the solar panel assembly. The rear section has a curvilinear surface which terminates in a step which extends between the side walls of the frame and is formed in its riser with at least one opening which places the interior of the frame rear section in communication with the external atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for embedding at least one solar structure, including one or more anchoring legs, includes making one or more holes in which the at least one solar structure is to be installed; forming one or more concrete slabs in the hole(s) at one installation rib; after setting of the concrete slab(s), locating the position(s) of the anchoring leg(s) of the at least one solar structure on the concrete slab(s); installing the at least one solar structure in the hole(s), with the anchoring leg(s) bearing on the concrete slab(s) at the position(s) of the anchoring leg(s) that were located beforehand; and embedding the at least one solar structure.

Abstract: Scalable arm assemblies for solar energy collector. In one instance, two end arms of two collectors are formed with identical hubs, end fittings, and bottom fitting but different connectors between hubs and fittings. Separate solar energy collector panels or wings may be interconnected with e.g. an interconnect that is asymmetric in one direction but symmetric in a second direction in cross-section. A solar energy collector may also have a unique sprocket drive system.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a solar panel includes at least two laterally spaced-apart frames placed on a support surface. Each frame is selectively reconfigurable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. A spacer bracket extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of each frame. Opposing ends of the spacer bracket are attached to a portion of one of the frame. A solar panel is supported by at least a portion of each frame. The solar panel is positioned at an angle of less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees with respect to the support surface.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system that can be used to form a photovoltaic device, or solar cell, using processing modules that are adapted to perform one or more steps in the solar cell formation process. The automated solar cell fab is generally an arrangement of automated processing modules and automation equipment that is used to form solar cell devices. The automated solar fab will thus generally comprise a substrate receiving module that is adapted to receive a substrate, one or more absorbing layer deposition cluster tools having at least one processing chamber that is adapted to deposit a silicon-containing layer on a surface of the substrate, one or more back contact deposition chambers, one or more material removal chambers, a solar cell encapsulation device, an autoclave module, an automated junction box attaching module, and one or more quality assurance modules that are adapted to test and qualify the completely formed solar cell device.

Abstract: A truss reinforcing retrofit kit and method for strengthening an existing roof structure. The kit includes a tensile member, two couplings attached to the ends of the tensile member, and a king post tensioning system. The tensile member is coupled to the ends of the roof structure using the couplings. The king post tensioning system is positioned between the roof structure and the middle of the tensile member. Tension is increased within the tensile member so as to put the tensile member and the king post tensioning system under strain when there is an additional load on the roof structure in addition to a pre-existing dead load. For example, the additional load may be caused by one or more solar panels mounted on the roof structure. Alternatively, the tension might put the tensile member and the king post tensioning system under strain when the roof structure is subject only to the pre-existing dead load.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel design of a rooftop with structurally and functionally integrated photovoltaic modules that includes photovoltaic modules, which can be commercially available and which are augmented with additional framing including additional structural and functional layers. The modules are mounted on a grid like supporting structure sitting on vertical elevation structures, such as building walls or columns. The design enables cost reduction, fast installation and improved performance of rooftops with photovoltaic power.

Abstract: The solar collector according to the invention has a membrane arrangement 41 comprising zones 70, 71, 72 having different spherical curvature in such a manner that their concentrator membrane 42 which is covered with a reflecting layer is optimally approximated to a parabolic shape and therefore has an optimally small focal point or focal line region.

Abstract: A method for automatically assembling a solar field is provided with following steps: a) Providing at least one solar collector unit with a radiation concentrator collector including a radiation absorber with an absorber tube for a flow-through of a heat transfer medium and a parabolic mirror for focusing solar radiation onto the absorber tube of the radiation absorber for heating up the heat transfer medium flowing through the absorber tube; b) Transporting the solar unit to a target location of the solar field; and c) Assembling the solar unit on the target location of the solar field. Additionally a solar field with a plurality of prefabricated solar collector units is provided.

Abstract: A shingle having butt and tab portions is provided, wherein the tab portions are exposed when applied to a roof, and wherein active photovoltaic element(s) appear on portions only of the tab portions of the shingles, wherein adjacent zones of the tab portions of the shingles to which the photovoltaic element(s) are applied are free of active photovoltaic elements. The shingles are applied to a roof or a major portion of a roof, laid up in courses so that exposed tab portions of next-overlying courses cover unexposed butt portions of next-underlying courses, leaving photovoltaic elements exposed. In an array of shingles on a roof, the photovoltaic elements are distributed substantially uniformally. The surface ornamentation of the exposed surfaces of the photovoltaic elements may be either complementary to the exposed surfaces of the shingles not having photovoltaic elements thereon, or may blend with such zones not having photovoltaic elements thereon.

Abstract: A device for attaching a module for collecting energy originating from solar radiation on a structure such as a roof, a façade or a mounting structure of a ground-mounted system, in which the module is provided with at least one fastener on its face designed to be facing the structure. The device includes at least one support secured to the structure by snap-fitting, the fastener and the support being suitable for being coupled to one another for the attachment of the module to the structure.

Abstract: A working fluid heating system that utilizes solar energy and fuel-fired heaters to heat the working fluid is provided. The system may have a fuel heating plant that has a first fuel-fired heater to heat a first portion of working fluid, a solar heating plant that has both a solar thermal-energy heater and a second fuel-fired heater to heat a second portion of working fluid. The first and second portions may join in a pipeline to supply heated working fluid to a facility such as an electrical generation facility, desalination facility, petrochemical facility, enhanced oil recovery facility, or air conditioning facility.

Abstract: A system for installing a preassembled array of solar panels on a rooftop of a facility includes a primary beam member having a plurality of transverse receptacles, a plurality of transverse rails engaged with the transverse receptacles, and a plurality of panel supports, each having a hook portion, and movably supported by the transverse rails, so that each corner of the solar panels in the preassembled array is supported by at least one panel support. A system for transporting solar panels to a rooftop of a facility for subsequent assembly into an array includes a high density rack having a plurality of parallel tracks, each of the parallel tracks are arranged in a progressively staggered configuration, so that one of the solar panels is receivable on each of the parallel tracks, with one side of each of the solar panels having at least one downwardly extending standoff coupled thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar energy absorber unit for a solar energy device, and methods of producing the same. The unit includes a collector plate having a front surface adapted to absorb solar energy and a rear surface. A rear panel has an inner surface attached to areas of the rear surface of the collector plate via a fluid-tight bond but leaving a fluid-conveying channel between the areas of the rear surface of the plate where the panel is attached. The collector plate and preferably the rear panel are each made of a core layer of an aluminum alloy provided with a cladding layer formed on a side of the core layer that confronts the fluid-conveying channel, the cladding layer being made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a total content of alloying elements and impurities, if any, of no more than 0.5 wt. %.

Abstract: Space frames incorporating flanged chords and struts with receiving spaces configured to receive at least portions of the chord flanges without the need for connector nodes that are separate from the chords. For example, a space frame can include a strut, a first chord, and a second chord. The first chord can have a first flange and a second flange fixed relative to the first flange. The second chord can have a third flange. The strut can include receiving spaces configured to receive portions of the first flange and the third flange. The strut can be secured relative to the first and second chords and the space frame can support a reflective surface configured to focus electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a concentrated photovoltaic system. A method of creating a paddle structure with a set of solar receivers that are aligned within and mechanically secured in place in each module contained in a paddle structure. Each solar receiver is assembled and aligned, where the assembly of the solar receiver establishes the alignment of the secondary optic to the photovoltaic solar cell. The assembly of a module with its set of solar receivers establishes the alignment in three dimensions the solar receivers with each other. Individual parts making up the receiver are 1) shaped, 2) sized, 3) keyed, 4) pinned and 5) any combination of these to fit together in only one way so that all of the solar receivers containing the photovoltaic solar cell maintain their alignment when installed in a given CPV module.

Abstract: A basic frame for a solar panel having a container for a liquid, which container is arranged to constitute a thermal solar panel that can be combined with a photovoltaic solar panel having a plurality of cells, wherein the frame is an extruded piece of predetermined length having at least one first channel arranged for inletting a liquid and one second channel arranged for outletting the liquid. The invention also relates to a hybrid solar panel including the basic frame and to a method of manufacturing the solar panel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a two axis tracking mechanism for a concentrated photovoltaic system. Two or more components forming the support structure of the two-axis tracker mechanism, which are assembled in the field and are manufactured to allow one or more lasers to align the support structure of the two-axis tracker mechanism in three dimensions vertical (X) dimension, horizontal (Y) dimension, and diagonal (Z) dimension at a site where the concentrated photovoltaic system is to be installed. Adjustable leveling mechanisms are built into the two or more components forming the support structure.

Abstract: A tracking device contains, for in each case one photovoltaic module, a supporting framework, which has a vertical tracking device and a horizontal tracking device which is forcibly mechanically coupled to the latter. The vertical tracking device contains a supporting structure, which is a supporting mast and is mounted in a rotatable manner about a vertical axis. In operation, vertical tracking is executed with the aid of an electromotive drive, the actuating movement of which is transmitted to the supporting structure. The horizontal tracking device contains in particular an elevation element, which defines a mechanical guide track having different height levels. In operation, the height levels defined by the guide track are transmitted to the photovoltaic module via a mechanical coupling device, in the event of a rotational movement of the supporting structure about the vertical axis, in order to create a pivoting movement about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a solar array has its surface area structurally broken up into multiple discreet components smaller in size than the entire solar array itself. Multiple paddle pair assemblies form and make up the surface area of the solar array. Two or more of the paddle structures form a paddle pair assembly per tilt axle of the two axis tracker mechanism. A set of solar receivers, each with its own secondary concentrator optic is aligned within and secured in place in each CPV module in a paddle structure. All of the photovoltaic cells on the two axis tracker mechanism are electrically connected to form the voltage output from the solar array.

Abstract: A photovoltaic tile for a roof includes a plurality of tiles, at least two adjacent tiles of which at least partially overlap each other, including a body (12) having overlapping edges constituting a top edge (20) and a bottom edge (22), the top edge (20) being formed so as to cover the bottom edge (22) of at least one of the adjacent tiles, a photovoltaic layer (40), and electrical connectors (52) which are connected to the photovoltaic layer (40) through electrical conductors (54). The electrical connectors (52) are provided in assembly elements (57, 58) by nesting, the assembly elements being provided on the overlapping edges (20, 22) to enable the overlapping edges to be mutually positioned during the placement of two of the adjacent tiles (10) and the electrical contact of the electrical connectors (52) with each other. The invention also relates a method for manufacturing such tile.

Abstract: An improved low-pressure, water-heating solar panel provides easier and safer initial installation because it is more resistant to damage by workmen during that installation. Further, after installation, the solar panel is more resistant to damage by high winds because it has a low profile and does not present a gap or space into which high winds can intrude to lift, cause flapping of, and damage to the solar panel. Also, during freezing weather the improved solar panel is not damaged by freezing of retained water due to its novel internal construction which allows substantially all water to completely drain from the solar panel and prevents any puddling of retained water. Methods of manufacturing the improved solar panel are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic systems for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing system including a plurality of photovoltaic elements contiguously disposed on a roof deck arranged in at least two horizontal rows, defining a photovoltaic area; a plurality of roofing elements disposed adjacent the contiguously-disposed photovoltaic elements, along their side edges; side flashing disposed along the side edges of the contiguously-disposed photovoltaic elements, the side flashing having a flange facing away from the photovoltaic area at least partially disposed between a roofing element and the roof deck, and a structure at least partially disposed on the surface of the photovoltaic element or at least partially disposed between a photovoltaic element and the roof deck.

Abstract: A holding and fastening device (1) has means for holding at least one photovoltaic module or solar collector module in an alignment suited for the intended use. The device has fastening means for fastening to a roof surface, that allow for a simple and secure attachment of solar modules even to flat roofs while preventing damage to the roof structure and without impairing the leak tightness of the roof. The fastening means have at least one flat support section (7) with a support surface for the plane-parallel support on the roof surface. The support sections (7) may be covered with an adhesive panel, preferably a bitumen panel (18), that can be glued or welded to existing panels on the roof surface. Older roofs can be pretreated for better adhesion.

Abstract: A structure installation rack in one embodiment is formed with horizontal rails (15) obtained by connecting a plurality of rail members (151, 152) having a pair of side plates extending in the same direction, and having a shape in which the sides of the pair of side plates extending in the direction are linked by the main plate. The connected rail members (151, 152) have a shape in which part of at least one end of the main plate or each side plate is cut off. One end of each side plate of each of the rail members (151, 152) and the other end of each side plate are connected in a state in which the one end of each side plate is superposed on the inside or outside of the other end of each side plate.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a concentrator having a circular paraboloid-shaped reflective surface, and receiver facing the concentrator. The concentrator has a plurality of circular paraboloid-portion-shaped mirrors, made of hot formed glass, and has respective circle-arc-shaped inner edges, which, in the mutually assembled condition, delimit a discharge hole at the center of the concentrator.

Abstract: A curved surface structure for reflecting solar light, heat or electromagnetic radiation is made by scoring two opposing pairs of curved bend lines along one pair of opposing edges of a sheet of bendable material, dividing it into a center section joined by curved bend lines to curved ribs, joined by curved bend lines to respective curved edges; bending the curved ribs down and curved edges up along the bend lines to nominally right angles to form a curved surface supported by two curved ribs and two curved edges. Two straight ribs and respective straight edges may be scored and formed on the other pair of opposing edges of the sheet. A backside sheet may be applied to the four edges. A widthwise corrugated, elongate right angle reinforcement member may be employed for strengthening the formed bend lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to facilitate electrical interconnection of solar modules by using a wiring assembly having a plurality of conductors, each having one end connector and a plurality of spaced connection structures, each spaced structure for facilitating an electrical connection of at least one of the conductors with a respective solar module. The wiring assembly is mounted adjacent a plurality of solar modules such that the plurality of spaced connection structures are associated with respective electrical connections on a solar module to facilitate connection of the solar modules to the wiring assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a connector device and method that can more easily electrically connect a plurality of PV arrays and/or locate these arrays upon a building or structure. It also can optionally provide some additional components (e.g. a bypass diode and/or an indicator means) and can enhance the serviceability of the array.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting flexible sheets containing solar cells adjacent the rooftop of a building. A plurality of support members are mounted to the building so that holes are not formed in the rooftop to mount the support members. Wires are then extended between the support members and the flexible sheets containing the solar cells are then mounted to the wires.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells may be distributed upon an inner surface of a perimeter of a tubular structure. The tubular structure may be installed in the roof of a habitable or uninhabitable structure to provide low-profile solar energy.

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 vacuum solar thermal panel including a vacuum envelope defining a sealed volume and able to withstand atmospheric pressure when evacuated, at least one heat absorber being disposed inside the vacuum envelope, a pipe entering and exiting the envelope and being in contact with the heat absorber, the vacuum envelope including a first plate made of glass, a peripheral frame, a metallic peripheral belt being joined to the first plate by way of a vacuum tight bulk glass-metal seal, including glass material and obtained by fusion and subsequent solidification. The metallic peripheral belt includes at least one elastically deformable portion that prevents the bulk glass-metal seal from getting damaged and is no more vacuum tight when subject to the evacuation process of the envelope and the thermal treatments of the panel and the potential reciprocal displacements of the glass plate and the joined metallic peripheral belt.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for solar panel installation. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic panel system for use with a support grid is provided. The system comprises of a photovoltaic panel with at least one layer comprised of a glass layer; a tensioning mechanism configured to laterally tension the glass layer in at least a first axis in a plane of the glass layer when the panel is mounted to the support grid. In one embodiment, the glass layer comprises of an un-tempered glass material. In another embodiment, the glass layer comprises of a tempered glass material. Optionally, other substantially transparent material may be used with or in place of the glass.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for making a photovoltaic cell are provided. The photovoltaic cell is able to have a substrate made of a composite material. The composite material is able to be formed by mixing a binder and a physical property enhancing material to form a mixer. The binder is able to be pitch, such as mesophase pitch. The physical property enhancing material is able to be fiber glass. The substrate of the photovoltaic cell is able to be flexible, such that the photovoltaic cell is able to be applied on various surfaces.

Abstract: Collapsible solar array structures are disclosed that include a collapsible structure and detachable solar array. The solar array can be detached stowed separately from the collapsible structure. The collapsible structure can include a plurality of longerons and/or support structures. Longerons can have a slit along a longitudinal length of the longeron.

Abstract: An attachment device for a module for collecting energy originating from solar radiation to a structure, such as a roof, a facade, or a mounting structure of a ground-mounted structure, wherein the module includes on its rear face at least one reinforcing profiled section. The attachment device includes at least one support secured to the structure. The support includes a snap-fastening mechanism with respect to the reinforcing profiled section of the module, which snap-fastening mechanism can be activated by applying a one-way thrust force pushing the module in the direction of the structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for mounting frameless photovoltaic modules reduce module stress induced by the mounting configuration. Mounting clamps and rail/clamp spacing configured to relieve module stress by reducing or eliminating module sag are used.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for mounting frameless photovoltaic modules reduce module stress induced by the mounting configuration. Cable clamps and cable spacing configured to relieve module stress by reducing or eliminating module sag are used.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for mounting frameless photovoltaic modules reduce module stress induced by the mounting configuration. Mounting clamps and rail/clamp spacing and spacers configured to relieve module stress by reducing or eliminating module sag are used.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for mounting frameless photovoltaic modules reduce module stress induced by the mounting configuration. Interface strips and strip/rail spacing configured to relieve module stress by reducing or eliminating module sag are used.