Provided are novel building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules having specially configured attachment structures for securing these modules to building structures and other BIP modules. In certain embodiments, a BIP module includes a base sheet supporting photovoltaic cells and having a rigid polymer portion and a flexible polymer portion. The flexible portion is designed to be penetrated with mechanical fasteners during installation. The flexible portion may include fastening pointers and/or through holes for identifying specific penetration locations. The rigid portion provides necessary structural rigidity and support to the module and more specifically to the photovoltaic cells. In certain other embodiments, a BIP module includes an adhesive bumper strip disposed along one edge of the module and configured for secure this module with respect to another module. During installation, the strip is positioned between a back sealing sheet of one module and a front sealing sheet of another module.

A light-concentrating lens assembly for a solar energy system, the assembly comprising a primary off-axis quarter-section parabolic reflector for reflecting incident light, a secondary off-axis quarter-section parabolic reflector for receiving light reflected from the primary off-axis quarter-section parabolic reflector, a compound paraboloid concentrator (CPC) for receiving light reflected from the secondary off-axis quarter-section parabolic reflector and a housing for holding the primary and secondary off-axis parabolic reflectors as well as the CPC.

Broadband reflectors include a UV-reflective multilayer optical film and a VIS/IR-reflective layer. In various embodiments, the VIS/IR reflective layer may be a reflective metal layer or a multilayer optical film. Concentrated solar power systems and methods of harnessing solar energy using the broadband reflectors and optionally comprising a celestial tracking mechanism are also disclosed.

Disclosed are method and system for treating concrete in mixing drums of delivery vehicles having automated rheology (e.g., slump) monitoring systems programmed to dose fluids into concrete based on the monitored rheology. The present invention takes into account a Revolution-To-Discharge value (RTD) which reflects drum rotations needed to move concrete towards and through the mixing drum opening from which concrete is discharged, and also takes into consideration a Volume-Per-Revolution-Upon-Discharge (VPRUD) value which reflects the relation between the rate of discharge and rheology (e.g., slump) of concrete upon discharge. The invention is especially useful for reclaiming concrete in the drum after delivery and can confirm rheology based upon peak (maximum) discharge pressure. The present inventors found surprisingly that discharge pressure readings are useful for recalibrating automated rheology monitoring systems as well as for reporting and/or treating the remainder concrete.

Reflectors for solar concentration and methods for formation thereof. A reflective assembly (1340) may include a plurality of elongate panels (370) forming a continuous trough (1330), and a frame (1230) configured to support the panels, with the frame with attached panels defining a parabolic contour on the top side of the trough.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to solar module mounting systems. A system may include an adhesion sheet configured to be secured to a roof of a structure via an adhesive. The system may further include at least one clamp configured for securing at least one solar module to the adhesion sheet. Other embodiments are related to methods of attaching one or more solar modules to a structure.

Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for creating flat laminated mirrors, e.g., for use in concentrating solar power (CSP) applications. In certain example embodiments, the first substrate is a low iron glass substrate. A reflective coating is provided between the first and second substrates. The first and second substrates are laminated together via a radiation curable laminating adhesive with the reflective coating between the substrates. In certain example embodiments the radiation curable laminating adhesive is cured via UV radiation in order to form a laminated reflective article.

A mounting unit for mounting a solar panel on a roof includes a base having a first flange and a second flange that extend laterally from the base and a mounting surface positioned above the base via walls that connect the mounting surface and the base. The mounting surface is couplable with the solar panel to elevate and orient the solar panel above a surface of the roof. The mounting unit also includes a flexible membrane material that is coupled with the first flange of the base and that extends laterally therefrom. The mounting unit further includes an adhesive or tape that is applied to an underside of the second flange so that the second flange is free of the flexible membrane material. The flexible membrane material is couplable with the roof and the adhesive or tape is adherable to the roof to secure the mounting unit to the roof.

An apparatus and method for connecting solar panels to a roof system surface. The solar panels can be formed flexible or non-flexible solar panels that are at least partially attached to a roofing surface by use of a fastener.

A curved reflective mirror includes a flat glass structure, an intermediate adhesive layer, and a flat glass mirror. The intermediate adhesive layer is positioned between the flat glass structure and the flat glass mirror. The flat glass structure, the intermediate adhesive layer, and the flat glass mirror are curved and deformed in a mechanical manner with the support of a mold. The curved and deformed flat glass structure, intermediate adhesive layer, and flat glass mirror are solidified and bonded together in a heating and/or ultraviolet (UV) light radiation and/or room temperature solidification manner to form a composite curved structure. Also provided is a method for manufacturing a curved reflective mirror. The curved reflective mirror can be widely applied in the fields of solar thermal collection and concentration and solar thermal power generation.