Our invention consists of two separate and discrete families of polymers, e.g. thermosetting Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (FRP) and thermoplastics. Both are used as the materials of construction to fabricate solar thermal collectors. These families have the same general configuration and are based upon the same principles. Both families are used in a form that some of the walls of the collector are translucent. Both families incorporate a passage through which the thermal fluid flows. Both families make use of dyes to absorb energy from the sun in the fluid and the collector walls. Each of the families makes use of improved collector configurations and designs and special operating approaches. Each family can serve different markets for different solar thermal collectors. In particular, FRP stands alone as an emerging new category of materials for a broad range of applications including everything from novel solar thermal collectors to exotic airplanes.

A reinforcing structure for solar panel module is provided. The solar panel module has multiple solar panels and a frame at a periphery region of the solar panel module surrounding the multiple solar panels. The reinforcing structure is disposed in a region incapable of generating power between two said solar panels.

A reinforcing structure for solar panel module is provided. The solar panel module has multiple solar panels and a frame at a periphery region of the solar panel module surrounding the multiple solar panels. The reinforcing structure is disposed in a region incapable of generating power between two said solar panels.

In one embodiment a solar collector is provided. The collector has a modular heat transfer component, which includes a heat transfer core to heat up a heat transfer fluid. The collector makes use of the heat transfer fluid itself to prevent heat loss through radiation.

In one embodiment a solar collector is provided. The collector has a modular heat transfer component, which includes a heat transfer core to heat up a heat transfer fluid. The collector makes use of the heat transfer fluid itself to prevent heat loss through radiation.

Embodiments of the invention comprises a truss assembly and a method for assembling the truss assembly. The truss assembly includes V-shaped longitudinal supports forming corners of an elongated truss located at each angle of a polygonal axial cross-section. Open webs are fixedly attached between each adjacent V-shaped longitudinal supports extending the length of the elongated truss. The open webs have a plurality of bends in a same plane, and the plurality of bends are welded to a portion of the inner surface of adjacent V-shaped longitudinal members without having to place jigs or bracing to form the open web or to secure the open web to the two V-shaped longitudinal members. The elongated support truss may have a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a pentagonal cross-section, or the like.