An improved solar space heater collector may be constructed having a frame with extruded HDPE sides. The sides may have insulating pockets, as well as internally directed extensions for supporting at least one of insulation, absorbers, and/or baffles. Externally and downwardly directed fins may cooperate with shingles and/or flashing to facilitate a proper watertight connection of the collector to the roof. Finally, an improved jaw retainer may have a dual durometer grip which cooperates with a top glass.

Various implementations include solar thermal energy collection system comprising a solar energy concentrator, a heat transfer fluid, an absorber pipe. The absorber pipe includes a pipe wall and has a central longitudinal axis. The pipe wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface has a first contour defining alternating peaks and troughs along a length of the absorber pipe. The outer surface has a second contour defining alternating peaks and troughs along the length of the absorber pipe. The inner surface defines the entire flow path for the heat transfer fluid through the absorber pipe. The first contour, as viewed through an axial cross section of the absorber pipe, forms sinusoidal waves on each side of and spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis. The sinusoidal waves on each side of the central longitudinal axis are symmetrical with respect to the central longitudinal axis.

Techniques for hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic energy collection are provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic concentrating thermal collector (PVCTC) includes: a thermal absorber collector; and bent solar panels forming a parabolic shaped trough reflector partially surrounding the thermal absorber collector so as to reflect incident light onto the thermal absorber collector. A PVCTC system including an array of PVCTC units and a method for hybrid electrical and thermal energy production are also provided.

An improved commercial solar space heater system for a commercial building consisting of a plurality of solar-energy absorbing units atop the roof of the building providing passive solar heating. Each unit includes a frame having sides defining a heat chamber between a top plate and an absorber as well as an insulating pocket between an inner wall and a support. The heat chamber is enclosed except for an inlet and outlet through which air is directed to be heated. A housing frame holds the frame at an angle conducive to sunray absorption and a curb frame spaces the frame and housing frame from the rooftop when attached to the building. Duct work runs the outlet air from said heat chamber into at least one room of a building and a controller is used for detecting the temperature in the room and directing heat from the outlet into the room when said temperature is below a pre-determined temperature.

A curved surface absorber type solar fluid heater having radially spaced curved surfaces, preferably hemispherical and closed at bottom periphery, defining a closed chamber termed as collector which receives a fluid to be heated. The curved surface absorber type solar fluid heater encompasses two radially spaced transparent curved surfaces preferably hemispherical, closed at bottom periphery, placed over collector termed as a glazing, and an insulated hemispherical hot fluid tank, placed within the cavity of inner curved surface of the collector and bottom insulation. A plurality of plumbing connections is made between the collector and the hot fluid tank with arrangement of non-return valves to prevent backflow of fluid from hot fluid tank towards the collector. An air vent is located at the highest position of the collector. A drain plug is located at a lowest position on the collector.

A curved surface absorber type solar fluid heater having radially spaced curved surfaces, preferably hemispherical and closed at bottom periphery, defining a closed chamber termed as collector which receives a fluid to be heated. The curved surface absorber type solar fluid heater encompasses two radially spaced transparent curved surfaces preferably hemispherical, closed at bottom periphery, placed over collector termed as a glazing, and an insulated hemispherical hot fluid tank, placed within the cavity of inner curved surface of the collector and bottom insulation. A plurality of plumbing connections is made between the collector and the hot fluid tank with arrangement of non-return valves to prevent backflow of fluid from hot fluid tank towards the collector. An air vent is located at the highest position of the collector. A drain plug is located at a lowest position on the collector.

A double-line focusing solar energy collection apparatus, comprising: a heat collector (1) which comprises a primary concentrator (11) and a heat collection tube (12), the primary concentrator (11) having a focus line; a secondary concentrator (3), having a focus line; and a support (2), for supporting the primary concentrator (11), the heat collection tube (12), and the secondary concentrator (3). The heat collection tube (12) is located between the secondary concentrator (3) and the primary concentrator (11), and is located on the focus lines of the primary concentrator (11) and the secondary concentrator (3).

A system for producing electricity from solar energy is provided. The system includes a window pan for installing on building such that solar radiation impinges thereon, a heat receiving element coupled to the window pan and being configured to receive heat from the solar radiation. The system further includes a gas line thermally coupled to the heat receiving element with a heat transferring member the gas line having a liquid gas being configured to evaporate by the heat generated by the heat receiving element and to increase thereby pressure in the gas line. The system further includes a turbine having a rotor configured to convert rotating motion to electricity, the turbine being configured to receive evaporated gas from the gas line and the evaporated gas is configured to rotate the motor.

Inventive concentrated solar power systems using solar receivers, and related devices and methods, are generally described.

Inventive concentrated solar power systems using solar receivers, and related devices and methods, are generally described.