The Fresnel Snow Melter is an industrial snow removal device which uses concentrated solar energy to heat snow or ice such that it melts into water. This is achieved by focusing sunlight through a Fresnel lens onto snow using a frame and lattice structure, on a day with adequate sunlight. Depending on the sunlight, the resulting water can then be evaporated by continued use of the device.

The present invention addresses the issue of providing an optical selective film that contributes to efficiently converting light into heat. This optical selective film is characterized in that: the optical selective film includes at least an Ag-containing layer, and an Ag diffusion prevention layer that is disposed adjacent to the Ag-containing layer; and the Ag diffusion prevention layer contains FeSi.sub.x (X=1 to 2).

The present disclosure provides a photovoltaic-photothermal reaction complementary full-spectrum solar utilization system, comprising: a waveband thermal reactor having a reactant flow channel and a reaction chamber therein, a photovoltaic cell attached to a surface of the waveband thermal reactor, and a full spectrum concentrator configured to concentrate full spectrum sunlight onto a surface of the photovoltaic cell, wherein the full spectrum concentrating device concentrates the full spectrum sunlight onto a upper surface of the opaque or transmissive photovoltaic cell, wherein a portion of the sunlight is converted into electric energy and another portion of the sunlight is converted into thermal energy, and wherein the thermal energy is utilized by the waveband thermal reactor to preheat reactant(s) in the reaction chamber and to make a portion of the reactant(s) to undergo an endothermic chemical reaction such that the thermal energy is stored as chemical energy.

A system and method for collecting and distributing generated and/or solar radiation. A pulsed distribution subsystem combining a generated radiation source with a solar radiation collector is provided. Radiation from the pulsed distribution subsystem is provided to one or more discrete distribution systems; the discrete distributions systems transmit and distribute radiation, such as visible light, to one or more end use points in a facility.

A low cost thin-film based heliostat with advanced stowing and wind survival capabilities. The heliostat may include a plurality of reflective surfaces held together via a plurality of double acting magnetic hinges. The heliostat may also include a drive mechanism attached to a post, and configured to stow the plurality of facets in any desired position.

A method of estimating soiling losses is described herein, which according to one implementation includes generating an image of a surface of a solar panel; inputting the image of a surface of the solar panel into a model; analyzing the image of a surface of the solar panel to determine an estimate of soiling losses; and outputting the estimate of soiling losses.

A method of estimating soiling losses is described herein, which according to one implementation includes generating an image of a surface of a solar panel; inputting the image of a surface of the solar panel into a model; analyzing the image of a surface of the solar panel to determine an estimate of soiling losses; and outputting the estimate of soiling losses.

A dynamic controllable system for moderating energy absorption at the earth's surface includes a series of panel units mounted above the earth's surface over land and water masses or on buildings. Each panel unit supports rotatable shafts, with panels joined to or integrally formed with the shafts. Each panel (forcing) has a radiation reflective surface and a radiation emissive surface opposite the radiation reflective surface. The panels are selectively rotated into a predetermined one cardinal positions: reflective, emissive and neutral, or into an intermediate position between cardinal positions. The programmable controller receives various data including top of atmosphere satellite data, air temperature and relative humidity at panel units, weather data, time of day, position of panel units, radiation insolation, and combinations thereof. Responsive to real-time data, both local and regional, the programmable controller directs rotational orientation of panels, causing a desired reflection of shortwave and longwave radiation away from the earth's surface.

A dynamic controllable system for moderating energy absorption at the earth's surface includes a series of panel units mounted above the earth's surface over land and water masses or on buildings. Each panel unit supports rotatable shafts, with panels joined to or integrally formed with the shafts. Each panel (forcing) has a radiation reflective surface and a radiation emissive surface opposite the radiation reflective surface. The panels are selectively rotated into a predetermined one cardinal positions: reflective, emissive and neutral, or into an intermediate position between cardinal positions. The programmable controller receives various data including top of atmosphere satellite data, air temperature and relative humidity at panel units, weather data, time of day, position of panel units, radiation insolation, and combinations thereof. Responsive to real-time data, both local and regional, the programmable controller directs rotational orientation of panels, causing a desired reflection of shortwave and longwave radiation away from the earth's surface.

A mount assembly is provided for mounting a structure to a roof having a top surface. The mount includes a flashing including an aperture; a bracket including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having an opening and a countersink extending around the opening, the second portion extending at an angle away from the flashing, the second portion including a slot configured to be coupled to the structure; a fastener extending through the aperture and through the opening of the bracket; and a seal extending around the aperture and positioned between the flashing and the first portion of the bracket, the seal engaging the countersink of the bracket and being compressed against the flashing.