Solar energy device comprising at least one of a photovoltaic cell or a solar thermal collector having an absorption bandwidth in the infrared wavelength region of the solar spectrum; a visible light-transmitting reflector; and at least one of a graphic film or lighted display. The graphic film or a lighted display present is visible through the visible light-transmitting reflector. The solar energy devices can be used, for example, as a sign (e.g., an advertising sign or a traffic sign), on the side and/or roof, as well as in a window, of a building.

Disclosed herein are water purifying networks. The networks efficiently absorb water and convert solar irradiation to heat, thereby evaporating absorbed water, which can be collected as purified water.

Disclosed herein are water purifying networks. The networks efficiently absorb water and convert solar irradiation to heat, thereby evaporating absorbed water, which can be collected as purified water.

A solar collector adapted to absorb thermal heating from the sun, wherein said solar collector comprises hollow sections adapted to house a medium. The solar collector is a self-supporting composite solar collector produced from a composite material constituted of at least a first and second material, wherein said first and second materials have equal or substantially equal coefficients of elasticity.

A solar collector adapted to absorb thermal heating from the sun, wherein said solar collector comprises hollow sections adapted to house a medium. The solar collector is a self-supporting composite solar collector produced from a composite material constituted of at least a first and second material, wherein said first and second materials have equal or substantially equal coefficients of elasticity.

Solar energy device comprising at least one of a photovoltaic cell or a solar thermal collector having an absorption bandwidth in the infrared wavelength region of the solar spectrum; a visible light-transmitting reflector; and at least one of a graphic film or lighted display. The graphic film or a lighted display present is visible through the visible light-transmitting reflector. The solar energy devices can be used, for example, as a sign (e.g., an advertising sign or a traffic sign), on the side and/or roof, as well as in a window, of a building.

Solar energy device (100) comprising at least one of a photovoltaic cell or a solar thermal collector (101) having an absorption bandwidth in the infrared wavelength region of the solar spectrum; a visible light-transmitting reflector (103); and at least one of a graphic film or lighted display (105). The graphic film or a lighted display present is visible through the visible light-transmitting reflector. The solar energy devices can be used, for example, as a sign (e.g., an advertising sign or a traffic sign), on the side and/or roof, as well as in a window, of a building.

Solar energy device (100) comprising at least one of a photovoltaic cell or a solar thermal collector (101) having an absorption bandwidth in the infrared wavelength region of the solar spectrum; a visible light-transmitting reflector (103); and at least one of a graphic film or lighted display (105). The graphic film or a lighted display present is visible through the visible light-transmitting reflector. The solar energy devices can be used, for example, as a sign (e.g., an advertising sign or a traffic sign), on the side and/or roof, as well as in a window, of a building.

A solar collector housing that is opened and closed without tools includes structure for accommodating temperature-related expansion and contraction of a polymer absorber housed within the collector. The housing includes a transparent cover, a frame for holding the transparent cover, and a base. The cover, frame and base collectively define a hollow interior within which the polymer absorber is positioned. A plurality of latches is secured to an exterior of the frame. The frame and base are pivotally connected to one another when the latches are open so that the collector housing can be opened. The housing cannot be opened when the latches are closed. A pair of variable gate closure components are positioned in slots formed in a second end of the collector and enable the polymer absorber to expand and contract without placing stress on the absorber tubes.

A solar collector housing that is opened and closed without tools includes structure for accommodating temperature-related expansion and contraction of a polymer absorber housed within the collector. The housing includes a transparent cover, a frame for holding the transparent cover, and a base. The cover, frame and base collectively define a hollow interior within which the polymer absorber is positioned. A plurality of latches is secured to an exterior of the frame. The frame and base are pivotally connected to one another when the latches are open so that the collector housing can be opened. The housing cannot be opened when the latches are closed. A pair of variable gate closure components are positioned in slots formed in a second end of the collector and enable the polymer absorber to expand and contract without placing stress on the absorber tubes.