Abstract: A photovoltaic apparatus is provided including a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module. Each photovoltaic module includes a front sheet having an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion is disposed around a core to form a keder. Each photovoltaic module further includes a back sheet and a photovoltaic device disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet. Each photovoltaic device includes an array of photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a covering for a clamping assembly used to connect and ground solar panel modules to a mounting rail. The covering comprises a sleeve including an outer cover for connecting to the solar panel module and a connector shaped to be contained within the outer cover and connected to the outer cover through two or more flanges. The connector has an opening there through to receive a female member of the clamping assembly.

Abstract: Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.

Abstract: A mounting device includes a base having an internal cavity, a top, and an open bottom in communication with the internal cavity. The device includes a first upper member above the base, wherein the first upper member extends upwardly from the base, and a second upper member is above the base, wherein the second upper member extends upwardly from the base. The device further includes a fastener opening formed though the base for receiving a fastener when the mounting device is secured to a roof. The fastener opening is in communication with the internal cavity.

Abstract: Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.

Abstract: A system includes a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module, each having a first end, an opposite second end, a first side extending from the first end to the second end, a second side opposite the first side and extending from the first end to the second end, a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one solar cell, an encapsulant encapsulating the at least one solar cell, and a frontsheet juxtaposed with a first surface of the encapsulant. A second surface of the first photovoltaic module proximate to a second side thereof is attached to the first surface of the second photovoltaic module proximate to the first side thereof. A second surface of the first photovoltaic module proximate to a second end thereof is attached to the first surface of the second photovoltaic module proximate to the first end thereof.

Abstract: A method of installing on a horizontal or near-horizontal support surface a solar panel array including multiple solar panels may include, at the deployment site, fabricating from metal coil stock longitudinally continuous rack channels each having upstanding legs of different heights, locating the channels in parallel rows with a spacing determined by a width of the solar panels with interior spaces of the channels facing upwardly, weighing the channels down on the support surface by placing ballast in the channel spaces, and positioning the solar panels each with an edge supported by a high leg of one channel of the channels and an opposite edge supported by a low leg of an adjacent channel of the channels.

Abstract: Photovoltaic panels may be aggregated in various ways and may be aggregated with the use of a backplane where the backplane comprises electrical connectors positioned to electrically connect the PV panels. The PV panels may have various sizes and shapes and may overlap one or more other PV panels or PV panels being aggregated.

Abstract: Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a bottom plate, a top-plate and one or more hub assembly extending between and rotatably coupling the bottom and top plates. The actuator also includes one or more bellows units disposed between the top plate and bottom plate, the one or more bellows units comprising a first and second inflatable bellows coupled by a web extending between the first and second bellows, the first and second bellows defining respective and separate first and second bellows cavities, with the first bellows of the bellows units disposed on a first side of the bottom plate, and the second bellows of the bellows units disposed on a second side of the bottom plate, opposing the first side, and between the top and bottom plates.

Abstract: A solar module mounting bracket system including a plurality of solar modules including mounting slots formed in a sidewall of the solar module, a torque tube configured to support the solar modules such that they can be rotated, a plurality of mounting brackets configured for integration with the torque tube and to which the plurality of solar modules are mounted, at least one first retainer assembly connected to one of the plurality of mounting brackets, the first retainer assembly including a through bolt, a spring, a mounting tab, and nut. When a solar module is placed on the mounting bracket and supported by the torque tube the mounting tab retainer assembly is received in the mounting slot of the solar module.

Abstract: A roof-mounted solar power system for generating electrical power that includes a plurality of solar modules adapted for generating electrical power from sunlight, and with each of the plurality of solar modules having substantially the same size, aspect ratio and surface coloring. The plurality of solar modules are mounted on the deck of a roof to form a bank of solar modules having at least one irregular edge. The solar power system further includes one or more non-power generating edge treatments having substantially the same size, aspect ratio and surface coloring as the solar modules and that are adapted for installation along the irregular edge. Each edge treatment is adapted for a cutting away of at least one corner thereof to smooth the irregular edge of the bank of solar modules to a regular edge.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an integrated photovoltaic (PV) roofing shingle comprising a photovoltaic (PV) module and a roofing shingle. In some embodiments, the roofing shingle is bonded to the PV module. In some embodiments, a bond strength between the roofing shingle and the PV module is from 5 N/mm to 60 N/mm tested according to ASTM D1876. In some embodiments, the integrated PV roofing shingle has a mass per unit area of 0.5 lb per square foot to 5 lbs per square foot. Methods, systems, and kits including the integrated PV roofing shingle are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a solar panel array on a surface is disclosed. The solar panel array includes a plurality of solar panel modules and a hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly. The hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly includes a component of a rail-based mounting system and a component of a rail-less mounting system. At least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-based mounting system and at least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-less mounting system.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of roofing shingles installed on a roof deck. Each of the roofing shingles includes first and second ends, first and second edges, a head lap, a reveal portion, a first side lap at the first end, and a second side lap at the second end. The second side lap includes a first surface, which has an adhesive. The first side lap of a first one of the roofing shingles overlays and is attached to the second side lap of a second one of the roofing shingles to form a sealed portion between the head lap of the first one of the roofing shingles and the head lap of the second one of the roofing shingles.

Abstract: A slotted electrically conductive structure attachable to a substrate and configured to enhance penetration of an incidental radio wave through the substrate is disclosed. The structure allows a substantial portion of the incidental radio wave to penetrate from a first region to a second region through the substrate. The slotted electrically conductive structure comprises a metallic base layer of transparent metal or metal oxide; and one or more patterned slots provided on the metallic base layer. Each of the patterned slots comprises a plurality of feature elements covering an entire area of the patterned slot. The structure reduces thermal energy loss through the substrate and the plurality of feature elements is configured to allow the incidental radio wave to pass through the slotted electrically conductive structure. A multilayer structure comprising the slotted electrically conductive structure and a film structure having randomly distributed irregularly shaped protrusions or pits is also provided.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each having a mat with an edge and a spacer with an edge, the edge of the mat being attached to the edge of the spacer. The spacer includes a plurality of support members and a solar module mounted to the support members. Each of the support members includes a ledge. The solar module and the ledge form a space therebetween. The space is sized and shaped to receive an edge of a solar module of another of the photovoltaic modules. The spacer of one of the photovoltaic modules overlays the mat of another of the photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: An example canopy includes a plurality of panels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of sequences, including a first sequence, second sequence, and a third sequence. The second sequence is disposed between the first and third sequences and forms a rainwater collection channel. The panels of the second sequence are angled with respect to the panels of the first and third sequences to optimize solar radiation and rainwater collection efficiency. Photovoltaic cells are provided on a flexible top surface of some or all of the panels. A hybrid canopy, a method of making a hybrid canopy, and a method of using and learning from a hybrid canopy, are shown and described.

Abstract: Embodiments herein disclose a universal clamp assembly for clamping a solar panel. The universal clamp assembly comprises a securing means to secure a support structure, the support structure configured to couple with a rail of the solar panel and a shock absorbing member disposed between the securing means and the support structure to keep the securing means in place during installation. The securing means comprises a first channel, a second channel, a first securing hole, at least one first hole, at least one first pin, a protruding structure and a grooved wall. The support structure comprises a second securing hole to secure a securing member disposed through the first securing hole of the securing means, thereby joining the securing means and the support structure, a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall, a first coupling member and a second coupling member to secure the universal clamp assembly in the rail.

Abstract: A solar panel racking system that can include end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, L-foot adapter assemblies, rails, and L-foot assemblies. The solar panel racking system minimizes the use of tools by snapping many of the mounting components in place. The end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps can snap over the rail sides and lock into upper detented portions of the rail sides. The upper detented portions are structured to prevent upward movement of the end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps. The L-foot adapter body of the L-foot adapter assembly snaps over lower detented portions of rail sides and secures the rail to an L-foot assembly. The end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, rails, and L-foot adapter assemblies are independent of the L-foot assembly, allowing a selection of L-foot assemblies to be used as appropriate with the solar panel racking system.

Abstract: A click-on clamping mechanism is for attaching, without tools, a clamp+tower subassembly to a slider bar (which is attached to a roof substrate with lag screws). The clamp+tower sub-assembly can have a height-adjustable, rail-less solar panel mounting assembly attached to it for mounting one or more photovoltaic solar panels thereto. The height of the solar panel mounting assembly can be easily adjusted, either before or after mounting of the solar panels. The click-on clamp+tower sub-assembly is easily removable from the slider bar. A click-on L-foot mount for attaching solar mount rails is also described. The click-on structures can be spring-loaded.

Abstract: The invention provides a waterproof connection structure of a solar power generation device comprising a plurality of bearing units, a plurality of power generation units, a plurality of water blocking units, and a plurality of second fixing units. The bearing units respectively include two first grooves, a second groove positioned between the first grooves, and two bearing surfaces between the first grooves and the second groove. The power generation units respectively include a first fixing unit for accommodating a solar panel element, and each of the first fixing units is provided with a connection surface at a side facing to the bearing surfaces. The water blocking units are arranged between the connection surfaces and the corresponding bearing surfaces. The second fixing units are assembled on the second grooves. First containers for accommodating the water blocking units are respectively provided at the bearing surfaces corresponding to the connection surfaces.

Abstract: A roof-mounted solar energy apparatus including a mounting frame having a plurality of struts positioned in a first direction, the plurality of struts substantially parallel to one another, and a plurality of cross-member struts positioned in a second position that is substantially perpendicular to the plurality of struts positioned in the first direction. The plurality of struts attached to the crossmember struts. The apparatus also including a bracket having an end for engaging a strut or a cross-member strut and dimensioned to hold a solar panel. The solar panel or panels are held at an angle with respect to the flat roof or with respect to the struts. A method of forming a solar energy apparatus includes laying a plurality of struts in a first orientation, the plurality of struts being substantially parallel to one another, and attaching at least one crossmember to the plurality of struts to form a frame.

Abstract: A power module (1) is disclosed, comprising: first and second substrates (10), each substrate patterned layer of electrically conductive material (12), a plurality of pre-packed power cells (20), positioned between the substrates, each cell comprising: an electrically insulating core (21) embedding at least one power die (22), and two external layers (23) of electrically conductive material on opposite sides of the electrically insulating core (21), said external layers being respectively connected to each patterned layers of the substrates, wherein each external layer of a pre-packed power cell comprises a contact pad (230) connected to a respective contact (220) of the power die through connections arranged in the electrically insulating core (21), said contact pad having a surface area greater than the surface area of the power die electrical contact to which it is connected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a solar panel in a solar panel mounting assembly is disclosed. The solar panel mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket and a helical drive, where the mounting bracket is vertically adjustable by the helical drive. The helical drive engages with a stanchion that is variably positioned along a base member that is fixed to a roof.

Abstract: A hanger support for use in association with a strut channel or with truss or joists formed from pairs of angle irons includes a stem and arms extending outward from the stem with a hole extending through the stem to receive a threaded rod or bolt. The hanger support is sized to pass lengthwise through the gap between pairs of angle irons of the truss and then rotated ninety degrees so that the arms are supported on the angle irons with the threaded rod or bolt extending through the gap and below the angle irons to support a hanger. The stem is also sized to fit in the space between shoulders of a strut channel. A second embodiment includes a lip depending from one of the arms to form a groove between the lip and stem with a set screw secured within a threaded bore in the lip.

Abstract: A system for mounting a solar panel(s) on a building may include a panel mounting bracket(s) including a base to be positioned on the building, a vertical extension having a proximal end coupled to the base and a distal end vertically spaced apart from the base, and a first lateral extension carried on an exterior surface of the vertical extension. An extension device for the at least one panel mounting bracket may include a first portion, a second portion carried by the first portion to be connected with the at least one solar panel, a second lateral extension carried by the second portion to be vertically aligned with the first lateral extension, and a screw including a head carried by the second portion to set the extension device relative to the base.

Abstract: A solar panel mounting system forming an opening for holding solar panels therein for easy installation and removal and replacement. The system includes a plurality of support members adapted for positioning on a support surface. A roof panel is positioned on a top surface of adjacent support members and compressibly held in place by an astragal which is fastened to the support member sandwiching the roof panel between the astragal and the support member. A solar panel opening is formed between projecting portions on opposing sides of the roof panel which extend at an angle substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the support member.

Abstract: A facade element holder includes first and second profile elements, the first profile element having two sections A and B. Here, section A has a first surface shape X and section B as a second surface shape Y. The second profile element has two sections C and D with a first surface shape X? and a second surface shape Y?. X and X? and Y and Y? have substantially the same contour diametrically oppositely in pairs, the spacings from A to B and from C to D being chosen to be substantially equal. The first and second profile elements can thus inter-engage in a form-fitting manner in section A and C and in section B and D. A method for mounting facade elements with such a facade element holder includes providing first and second profile elements and facade elements, and fitting the second profile elements to the rear side of the facade elements and installing the first profile elements horizontally as outer terminating elements of a substructure on a load-bearing building envelope.

Abstract: A device for attaching a junction box to a photovoltaic. The photovoltaic panel has a photovoltaic side and a non-photovoltaic side. The device includes a bracket with a first side attachable to the junction box and a second side attachable to the non-photovoltaic surface of the photovoltaic panel. A central fastener is attachable at one end to the bracket and a plate is adapted for connecting to the other end of the central fastener and for mounting on the photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more rotatable spacers, connectible to the central fastener, may be located on the non-photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more fixed spacers may be located on the non-photovoltaic side connectible to the bracket.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting device is described. The device can include a baseplate having a plurality of holes, a bracket having a horizontal element, vertical element, and plurality of holes, and a headed rod having a head portion coupled to the baseplate and a rod portion. The headed rod can be configured to provide an adjustable spaced distance between the baseplate and bracket. A system including a plurality of adjustable mounting devices is also described.

Abstract: Universal bonding end clamps used to assembly photovoltaic (PV) arrays and provide an electrically conductive path (or bond) between PV module frames forming part of the PV arrays and a rail system. The bonding clamp includes a clamp portion and a base portion. The clamp portion includes an electrically conductive body having a mounting structure, at least one electrical bonding member extending from the body, and at least one pressure member extending from the body and a base pressure member extending from the body. The clamp portion may also include one or more spacers to facilitate the alignment of the clamp portion relative to the base portion. The base portion includes an upper wall having a mounting structure, a lower wall having a mounting structure and a side wall between the upper and lower walls.

Abstract: A clamp for controlling uplift of panels of a metal roof is provided where the clamp secures two adjacent panels together. In some embodiments, the clamp has a slot configured to receive a roof joint between adjacent panels, and the clamp has at least one arm that secures the roof joint within the clamp and prevents the clamp from being pulled off of the roof joint. In addition, the clamp may have a channel and at least one protrusion that locate the roof joint within the clamp in a predetermined position to ensure that a bar component such as a bolt or a set screw can secure the roof joint within the clamp. Moreover, further features and arrangements of features can better position the clamp over a center of the roof joint.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail support structure to a tile roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a base plate that is secured to the roof beneath various shapes of tiles on the tile roof and a generally L-shaped bracket that is then coupled to a rail support guide. The bracket is then capable of being adjusted in various locations along the base plate by using screws in various locations along slotted apertures within the base.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic modules having the appearance of a plurality of roofing tiles that each have photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic module may include a metal backer, photovoltaic cells, and light transmissive top sheets adhered to both the metal backer and the photovoltaic cells. BIPV systems can also include non-photovoltaic modules that appear similar to photovoltaic modules, but do not collect solar energy.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and apparatus for assembly a roofing structure that incorporates photovoltaic modules as shingles of the roofing structure. A sidelap is used to both establish consistent spacing between the solar shingles and prevent water passing between adjacent shingles from collecting beneath the solar shingles by guiding the water passing through the solar shingles and redirecting the water down-roof. In some embodiments, the sidelaps can have additional functionality. For example, a sidelap can include tabs configured to interact with lateral securing features positioned on downward-facing surfaces of the solar roofing modules to help keep the lateral sides of the photovoltaic modules from pulling away from the roofing structure during severe weather conditions. The sidelap could also include means for attaching a wire clip to one end of the sidelap.

Abstract: A solar device system includes one or more solar devices shingled into an array of solar devices. Each solar device includes one or more current generation cells configured to generate electric current, a plurality of current buses, and a control circuit configured to distribute the generated electric current to the plurality of current buses, and route the generated electric current to an adjacent solar device. Additionally, the solar device system includes an array collector electrically connected to the one or more solar devices, the array collector being configured to collect the generated electrical current from the one or more solar devices and direct the generated electrical current to an inverter or a power grid.

Abstract: A roofing system for forming a roof includes a plurality of tiles. Each tile has a frame at a perimeter of the tile, and the frame includes an upstream element, an opposed downstream element, and opposed first and second side elements, thereby bounding a central panel area. Each tile further includes a side trim, a batten, and a ridge cap. When the tiles, side trim, batten, and ridge cap are arranged to form a roof, the batten is secured at a lower edge of the roof and directed upward to receive the downstream elements of the tiles, the side trim is secured at a side edge of the roof and directed laterally to receive one of the first and second side elements of the tiles, and the ridge cap is secured at a ridge of the roof and directed downward to lap over the upstream elements of the tiles.

Abstract: A solar cell structure includes P-type and N-type doped regions. A dielectric spacer is formed on a surface of the solar cell structure. A metal layer is formed on the dielectric spacer and on the surface of the solar cell structure that is exposed by the dielectric spacer. A metal foil is placed on the metal layer. A laser beam is used to weld the metal foil to the metal layer. A laser beam is also used to pattern the metal foil. The laser beam ablates portions of the metal foil and the metal layer that are over the dielectric spacer. The laser ablation of the metal foil cuts the metal foil into separate P-type and N-type metal fingers.

Abstract: A tile, preferably a roof tile (1), for collecting energy from kinetic, thermal and light sources. The tile comprises a housing (2) with at least one photovoltaic cell (3) for collecting energy from a light source and at least one thermal collector (4). The tile comprises at least one wind channel (5) with a wind turbine (6).

Abstract: A mounting system for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules on a sloped support surface, such as a sloped roof, is disclosed herein. The mounting system may include one or more support surface attachment devices, each support surface attachment device configured to attach one or more photovoltaic modules to a support surface; and one or more module coupling devices, each module coupling device configured to couple a plurality of photovoltaic modules to one another.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pre-fabricated element for construction and electricity production includes providing a formwork mould; introducing a photovoltaic module into the formwork mould, and for this purpose vertically positioning the photovoltaic module against or in replacement of one of the walls of the formwork mould, the front face of the at least one photovoltaic module being arranged so as to face an area of the space located outside the mould; depositing an adhesive structural material or a mixture of adhesive structural materials on all or part of the rear face of the at least one photovoltaic module arranged so as to face an area of the space located inside the mould, the adhesive structural material including at least one polymer from the epoxide, polyurethane, acrylic, or styrene-acrylic family, and pouring fresh concrete into the formwork mould so as to cover the adhesive structural material.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a mounting system for one or more solar panels for use, for example, on a roof, awning, parking structure, or other location. The mounting system preferably utilizes one or more generally u shaped tracks. The U shaped tracks are configured for insertion of an I-beam. The I beam is configured to extend beyond the end of the arms of the u-shaped tracks such that an edge of a solar panel can be positioned between an arm of the I beam and the end of the arm of the U shaped track. A tightening mechanism is utilized to provide tension on the I beam toward the bottom of the u shaped track to retain the solar panel between the arm of the I beam and the arm of the U shaped track.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a solar power system including rails, solar modules, and a plurality of adjustable clips to secure the solar modules to the rails. The clips include at least a base member, an elastomeric support member, a bracket member, and an alignment member configured to secure the various members of the clip together. The adjustable clips are configured to slide within a slot defined through a portion of a surface of a rail and including a recessed edge thereby allowing the rail system to accommodate solar modules of varying dimensions.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for wirelessly transferring power through a low-e window includes: causing a first current to flow through a transmitter coil disposed in a first outer surface of the low-e window, the first current having a first frequency; inducing, with the first current, a second current to flow through a receiver coil disposed in a second outer surface of the low-e window, the low-e window having a metal or metal oxide layer having a first thickness; generating a voltage based on the second current; and powering an electronic device coupled to the receiver coil with the generated voltage, where the first frequency is associated with a first skin depth of the metal or metal oxide layer, and where the first skin depth is larger than the first thickness.

Abstract: A universal mounting system for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules on a sloped support surface, such as a sloped roof, is disclosed herein. The universal mounting system may include one or more support surface attachment devices, each support surface attachment device configured to attach one or more photovoltaic modules to a support surface; and one or more module coupling devices, each module coupling device configured to couple a plurality of photovoltaic modules to one another.

Abstract: A panel member securing tool includes a stand holding a shaft with an external thread in a state of restricting movement in the axial direction, a cylindrical portion through which the stand is inserted, a lower holder having installation surfaces extending to both sides outward from the cylindrical portion, a flat plate portion through which a bolt hole portion and a tool hole portion are formed, an upper holder having panel pressing portions extending to both sides outward from the flat plate portion, a bolt inserted through the bolt hole portion and screwed with a first threaded groove formed in the stand, a second threaded groove formed in the cylindrical portion screwed with the external thread, and a hole or a space formed in the stand on an extended line of a center axis of the shaft between a tool engaging portion of the shaft and the tool hole portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a plant fiber textile, a laminate with the plant fiber textile and a fabricating method of the laminate. The plant fiber textile has a matrix resin and continuous plant fibers distributed within the matrix resin. The plant fibers are subjected to a surface modification pretreatment including a coupling treatment with a coupling agent and/or a fire retardation treatment with a fire retardant. The laminate has a stack structure including a layer of the plant fiber textile and at least one layer selected from a group consisting of following layers: glass fiber, aramid fiber or carbon fiber non-woven cloth or textile, preferably distributed within the matrix resin; polymer fiber non-woven cloth or textile, preferably distributed within the matrix resin; or polymer foam or rubber material.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, the present invention relates generally to providing an apparatus for securing a solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure. More specifically, the invention relates to providing an end clamp that mounts a bottom flange of a solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure. The end clamp does not require any tools for insertion. It mechanically fastens and electrically bonds the solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure.

Abstract: A modular solar-energy and rainwater collection apparatus (10) comprising: a collector mount (12) adapted both for securement to a building and to an angularly-adjustable support (110); a plurality of rainwater collectors (14) supportable by the collector mount (12), each rainwater collector (14) having a base (18), and at least one solar-cell retainer (20), for securing at least one solar cell (22) relative to the base (18) of at least one said rainwater collector (14); and connection means (16), for rigidly interconnecting a plurality of like rainwater collectors (14) so that the bases (18) are in abutted liquid communication with each other thus forming a modular rainwater collection area (36).