A building integrated photovoltaic and thermal energy system is disclosed. The system includes photovoltaic panels integrated into glass structures that may replace existing designs of skylights, atrium windows, building facades, and other applicable structures while converting sunlight to electricity. The system also includes a thermal energy system configured with the photovoltaic system to convert sunlight to thermal energy. The integration of the system into building structures provides an aesthetically pleasing structure while generating required power.

Three-dimensional solar power generation systems are described. The systems are characterized by a plurality of solar panels configured to include pole and equator facing panels and, in various embodiments additional top and/or side panels that form a segmented and dome-shaped assembly. The systems have improved efficiencies particularly with respect to early morning and evening power generation that enable improved power densities on a given land area as compared to traditional solar panel arrays. Methods of deploying the systems are also described.

A solar panel system comprises a base, the base attached to a building at a geographic location; a rotating crown having a rotating mechanism, the base supporting the crown; a solar panel device attached to the crown, the solar panel device having an exposed surface, the shapes of the base, crown and solar panel device positioning the exposed surface in a sloped orientation relative to a horizontal plane at the geographic location, the rotating mechanism rotating the solar panel device, the base and crown shapes positioning the rotating mechanism to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane and to maintain a consistent slope relative to the horizontal plane as the exposed surface rotates; and a control system controlling rotation from a first azimuthal direction to a second azimuthal direction that faces the exposed surface towards the Sun more normally than the first azimuthal direction.

A solar panel system comprises a base, the base attached to a building at a geographic location; a rotating crown having a rotating mechanism, the base supporting the crown; a solar panel device attached to the crown, the solar panel device having an exposed surface, the shapes of the base, crown and solar panel device positioning the exposed surface in a sloped orientation relative to a horizontal plane at the geographic location, the rotating mechanism rotating the solar panel device, the base and crown shapes positioning the rotating mechanism to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane and to maintain a consistent slope relative to the horizontal plane as the exposed surface rotates; and a control system controlling rotation from a first azimuthal direction to a second azimuthal direction that faces the exposed surface towards the Sun more normally than the first azimuthal direction.

The thermal hybrid tank is a multifunctional tank with a shape that makes for easy construction and assembly while maximizing the ability of thermal syphoning. This invention can store an inlet liquid and thermal energy from a heat exchanger, for outlet usage in multiple applications. The tank typically has a pitch coupling front surface and a downward angled front surface which together allows for coupling with the heat exchanger and a roof decking or a solar panel, of which could be a liquid cooled PV solar panel, or a solar focusing panel, or a roof structure.

The thermal hybrid tank is a multifunctional tank with a shape that makes for easy construction and assembly while maximizing the ability of thermal syphoning. This invention can store an inlet liquid and thermal energy from a heat exchanger, for outlet usage in multiple applications. The tank typically has a pitch coupling front surface and a downward angled front surface which together allows for coupling with the heat exchanger and a roof decking or a solar panel, of which could be a liquid cooled PV solar panel, or a solar focusing panel, or a roof structure.

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.

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.

A solar panel mounting system forming an opening for holding solar panels therein for easy installation and removal and replacement. The system includes a plurality of support members adapted for positioning on a support surface. A roof panel is positioned on a top surface of adjacent support members and compressibly held in place by an astragal which is fastened to the support member sandwiching the roof panel between the astragal and the support member. A solar panel opening is formed between projecting portions on opposing sides of the roof panel which extend at an angle substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the support member.

The present teachings relate to a solar roof forming element for forming a solar roof of a building, comprising an extruded, elongate polymer roof plate, element coupling means, at least one solar panel covering the roof plate, panel coupling means for coupling the solar panel to the roof plate, comprising a first coupling part at a first side of the roof plate and a second coupling part at a first side of the solar panel, said coupling parts configured such that they mutually couple as a result of a movement of the solar panel relative to the roof plate, wherein in a coupled state a movement of the solar panel away from the roof plate in a direction perpendicular to the roof plate is blocked. The present teachings further relate to a combination of such solar roof forming elements, to a building, and to a method of forming a roof.