A solar energy collection system comprising: a plurality of tracked Fresnel lens arrays; a corresponding plurality of thermal cells positioned to receive solar energy focused by the respective plurality of tracked Fresnel lens arrays; and a working fluid circulation system that circulates a working fluid through the plurality of thermal cells to a discharge point. The discharge point comprises a power conversion unit such as a thermal engine and generator.

A solar energy collection system comprising: a plurality of tracked Fresnel lens arrays; a corresponding plurality of thermal cells positioned to receive solar energy focused by the respective plurality of tracked Fresnel lens arrays; and a working fluid circulation system that circulates a working fluid through the plurality of thermal cells to a discharge point. The discharge point comprises a power conversion unit such as a thermal engine and generator.

A heat collector includes a body including a hollow portion extending from a first end to a second end of the body and being a metal-extruded body having a light-receiving surface to receive sunlight, a pair of lids adjacent to the first end and the second end and covering the hollow portion, an inlet located in one of the pair of lids to allow a heating medium to enter the hollow portion, and an outlet located in one of the pair of lids to allow the heating medium to exit the hollow portion.

A heat collector includes a body including a hollow portion extending from a first end to a second end of the body and being a metal-extruded body having a light-receiving surface to receive sunlight, a pair of lids adjacent to the first end and the second end and covering the hollow portion, an inlet located in one of the pair of lids to allow a heating medium to enter the hollow portion, and an outlet located in one of the pair of lids to allow the heating medium to exit the hollow portion.

A modular composite panel comprised of a solar photovoltaic panel, a solar thermal collector panel, and an engineered torsion box containing a layer of insulation. Multiple composite panels can form a roof when installed in an array, with panels abutting and situated side-by-side on a structural frame or other suitable support system. A composite panel may span between structural members without requiring intermediate support. A composite panel array can provide weather protection, electricity, and hot water to an enclosed or unenclosed space below. Together with insulated walls, the array of composite panels can provide thermal insulation to an enclosed space below.

A modular composite panel comprised of a solar photovoltaic panel, a solar thermal collector panel, and an engineered torsion box containing a layer of insulation. Multiple composite panels can form a roof when installed in an array, with panels abutting and situated side-by-side on a structural frame or other suitable support system. A composite panel may span between structural members without requiring intermediate support. A composite panel array can provide weather protection, electricity, and hot water to an enclosed or unenclosed space below. Together with insulated walls, the array of composite panels can provide thermal insulation to an enclosed space below.

Thermal energy management and cooling systems are provided. In various embodiments, passive systems are provided that do not require a flow of liquid or the provision of electrical energy to deliver the cooling effect. Panels and shade structures are disclosed that comprise various features including, for example, phase change materials that are operable to cool an area or volume beneath or proximal to the panel.

Thermal energy management and cooling systems are provided. In various embodiments, passive systems are provided that do not require a flow of liquid or the provision of electrical energy to deliver the cooling effect. Panels and shade structures are disclosed that comprise various features including, for example, phase change materials that are operable to cool an area or volume beneath or proximal to the panel.

A solar energy storage and generation system includes a housing mounted on a base, a solar collector installed inside the housing, at least one lens installed on the upper surface of the housing, and multiple liquid-level counterbalance devices installed separately at different corner positions inside the housing. The base includes a multi-axis adjustment device positioned corresponding to the center of gravity of the counterweights in the housing. By installing the liquid-level counterbalance devices inside the housing and the multi-axis adjustment device, the upper surface of the housing can be adjusted to face the direction of the sun, thereby achieving a sun-tracking effect.