An eco-smart panel is described comprising a a solar thermal panel, a phase change material, a metal foil layer, and a structural frame constructed of materials including wood studs, gypsum, or fiberglass-reinforced concrete. The materials may be variously configured to create modular systems for fabricating buildings or structures. Eco-smart panels may be utilized to create buildings or structure with enhanced energy efficiency, increased fire resistance, increased flood resistance, and decreased construction cost and time.

An eco-smart panel is described comprising a a solar thermal panel, a phase change material, a metal foil layer, and a structural frame constructed of materials including wood studs, gypsum, or fiberglass-reinforced concrete. The materials may be variously configured to create modular systems for fabricating buildings or structures. Eco-smart panels may be utilized to create buildings or structure with enhanced energy efficiency, increased fire resistance, increased flood resistance, and decreased construction cost and time.

A bearing for fastening rotating shafts on support posts is provided, having a support (1) by which a clamp (3) is fastened on the support post (2), incorporating in the clamp (3) a ball joint (4.1) through which the rotating shaft (5) to be fastened passes, wherein the support (1) is made up of two complementary portions, which are axially attached facing one another, retaining the support post (2) between them, whereas on the assembly of the mentioned support (1) there is fixed a clamp (3) which houses internally a spherical ball joint (4.1) which determines a central opening through which the rotating shaft (5) to be fastened passes.

An aspect of the invention relates to a solar cell wall or roof structure. The solar cell wall or roof structure comprises a wall or roof panel comprising first and second ribs and a central portion between the first and second ribs, the first and second ribs protruding upwardly with respect to the central portion, each of the first and second ribs having an apex, the central portion having an upper surface. The structure further comprises a photovoltaic panel having a back side and a fastener. The fastener comprises a first interconnecting part bonded to the upper surface of the central portion of the wall or roof panel and a second interconnecting part bonded to the back side of the photovoltaic panel. The fastener is configured to slidably fasten the photovoltaic panel on the wall or roof panel by sliding one of the first and second interconnecting parts in the other of the first the second interconnecting parts. The back side of the photovoltaic panel is optionally located below the apex of the first and second ribs. Other aspects relate to a method for producing a solar cell wall or roof structure, method for installing a solar cell wall or roof and a method for replacing the photovoltaic panel of a solar cell wall or roof.

A non-invasive roof attachment system for attaching structures to residential and commercial roofs without the use of penetrations to roofing shingles and sealing layers is described. The attachment system includes vertical and lateral array stays to attach roof mounted systems such as solar panels. The non-slip attachment system also allows for the quick removal of such roof mounted systems rapidly and without the need for repair of penetrations. The non-slip attachment system uses, among other things, an array-stay retainer comprising a vertical member and a horizontal member. A high friction foam polymer padding may further secure the array stays to the roof.

A non-invasive roof attachment system for attaching structures to residential and commercial roofs without the use of penetrations to roofing shingles and sealing layers is described. The attachment system includes vertical and lateral array stays to attach roof mounted systems such as solar panels. The non-slip attachment system also allows for the quick removal of such roof mounted systems rapidly and without the need for repair of penetrations. The non-slip attachment system uses, among other things, an array-stay retainer comprising a vertical member and a horizontal member. A high friction foam polymer padding may further secure the array stays to the roof.

The present disclosure is directed to multi-stage falling particle receivers and methods of falling particle heating. As the particles fall through the receiver, the particles are periodically collected and released by flow retarding devices. The periodic catch-and-release of the particles falling through the receiver reduces particle flow dispersion, increases particle opacity and solar absorption, and reduces erosion and damage to surfaces caused by direct particle impingement.

The present disclosure is directed to multi-stage falling particle receivers and methods of falling particle heating. As the particles fall through the receiver, the particles are periodically collected and released by flow retarding devices. The periodic catch-and-release of the particles falling through the receiver reduces particle flow dispersion, increases particle opacity and solar absorption, and reduces erosion and damage to surfaces caused by direct particle impingement.

A solar panel mounting system for forming a solar array includes longitudinal support rails mounted to a support structure such as a roof. A first solar panel disposed on the rails has a peripheral frame including a locking frame member with deformable clamping portion configured for slideably receiving a peripheral frame portion of an adjacent second solar panel. A pair of captive T-bolt sets passing through the clamping portion include T-bolts having locking heads and nuts frictionally engaged with the T-bolts to rotate the T-bolts. The heads are each inserted and rotationally locked into fastening channels of respective support rails. The second solar panel is inserted into the first panel clamping portion and the nuts are fully tightened producing a clamping action which locks the first and second panels together. Power/control cables may be routed inside covered cable compartments on rears of the panels for protection against rodent damage.

A solar panel mounting system for forming a solar array includes longitudinal support rails mounted to a support structure such as a roof. A first solar panel disposed on the rails has a peripheral frame including a locking frame member with deformable clamping portion configured for slideably receiving a peripheral frame portion of an adjacent second solar panel. A pair of captive T-bolt sets passing through the clamping portion include T-bolts having locking heads and nuts frictionally engaged with the T-bolts to rotate the T-bolts. The heads are each inserted and rotationally locked into fastening channels of respective support rails. The second solar panel is inserted into the first panel clamping portion and the nuts are fully tightened producing a clamping action which locks the first and second panels together. Power/control cables may be routed inside covered cable compartments on rears of the panels for protection against rodent damage.