The invention relates to a carrier structure (1) for solar panels. The invention also relates to a carrier (6) for use in a carrier structure (1) according to the invention. The invention then relates to an accessory (3) for use in a carrier structure (1) according to the invention. The invention furthermore relates to an assembly of at least one carrier structure (1) and at least one solar panel. In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing a carrier structure (1) according to the invention.

The invention relates to a carrier structure (1) for solar panels. The invention also relates to a carrier (6) for use in a carrier structure (1) according to the invention. The invention then relates to an accessory (3) for use in a carrier structure (1) according to the invention. The invention furthermore relates to an assembly of at least one carrier structure (1) and at least one solar panel. In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing a carrier structure (1) according to the invention.

A solar array (50) for a spacecraft (10), comprising a solar concentrator that is provided with photovoltaic cells and reflective areas configured for reflecting solar radiation towards the photovoltaic cells, wherein the reflective areas and the photovoltaic cells are provided on opposite surfaces of concentrator reflector sheet members (56) that are repositionable from a retracted state wherein the concentrator reflector sheet members are in a substantially flat arrangement, to a extended state wherein the concentrator reflector sheet members are raised to allow the reflective areas to reflect solar radiation towards the exposed photovoltaic cells. Alternatively or in addition, the solar array may comprise a support panel, which may be at least partially flexible for retaining the support panel in a bent panel shape when the solar array is in the stowed state fixed at a position near a body of the spacecraft.

A system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules installed on a roof deck in an array. Each of the photovoltaic modules includes a wire cover bracket substantially aligned with the wire cover bracket of an adjacent another one of the photovoltaic modules. At least one cover is removably attached to at least one of the wire cover brackets. The cover includes a top portion, a first side portion extending from a first side of the top portion, and a second side portion extending from a second side of the top portion opposite the first side. The top portion of the at least one cover is configured to divert water from entering the wire cover bracket from above the at least one cover. The first and second side portions are configured to divert water from entering the wire cover bracket from a lateral direction relative to the wire cover bracket.

A bladed solar thermal receiver for absorbing concentrated sunlight is disclosed. The receiver includes a plurality of panels arranged in a bladed configuration for absorbing sunlight. The bladed configurations can be radial or planar. The receiver design increases the effective solar absorptance and efficiency by providing a light trap for the incident solar radiation while reducing heat losses from radiation and convection.

A method for improving the efficiency of a solar heating system based on absorbing heat from solar radiation into the outer surface of a concrete wall. The heat transfer device makes use of a fluid in a tube system to transfer heat from the outside of the wall to the inside of the wall. The inside wall is then used to heat air that is passed over it, and that air is then used to heat up a heat storage system.

A bladed solar thermal receiver for absorbing concentrated sunlight is disclosed. The receiver includes a plurality of panels arranged in a bladed configuration for absorbing sunlight. The bladed configurations can be radial or planar. The receiver design increases the effective solar absorptance and efficiency by providing a light trap for the incident solar radiation while reducing heat losses from radiation and convection.

A solar thermochemical reactor includes an outer member, an inner member disposed within an outer member, wherein the outer member surrounds the inner member and wherein the outer member has an aperture for receiving solar radiation and wherein an inner cavity and an outer cavity are formed by the inner member and outer member and a reactive material capable of being magnetically stabilized wherein the reactive material is disposed in the outer cavity between the inner member and the outer member.

A solar thermochemical reactor includes an outer member, an inner member disposed within an outer member, wherein the outer member surrounds the inner member and wherein the outer member has an aperture for receiving solar radiation and wherein an inner cavity and an outer cavity are formed by the inner member and outer member and a reactive material capable of being magnetically stabilized wherein the reactive material is disposed in the outer cavity between the inner member and the outer member.

In an example, a system to facilitate installation of a drive linkage in a solar array at or below an installation surface includes a housing and first and second interconnection assemblies. The housing is installed on or below the installation surface on which the entire solar array is installed and is configured to at least partially enclose and protect the drive linkage at or below the installation surface. The first interconnection assembly extends between a first drive assembly of a first solar tracker supported above the installation surface by a support structure and a first end of the drive linkage at or below the installation surface. The second interconnection assembly extends between a second drive assembly of a second solar tracker supported above the installation surface by the support structure and a second end of the drive linkage at or below the installation surface.