A solar thermal system is provided. The system comprises at least one solar thermal collector for heating a heat transfer fluid (HTF); and at least one conduit for transporting the HTF into and out of the at least one solar thermal collector; wherein said at least one conduit is of a foam or plastics material.

A solar thermal system is provided. The system comprises at least one solar thermal collector for heating a heat transfer fluid (HTF); and at least one conduit for transporting the HTF into and out of the at least one solar thermal collector; wherein said at least one conduit is of a foam or plastics material.

A focusing polymer foil for use in forming an optical element for use in a solar concentrator, and an optical element for use in a solar concentrator, arranged such that the focusing polymer foil is removable in order to renew the function of the optical element following damage and/or wear to the focusing polymer foil due to environmental conditions. A method of repair of such a damaged optical element, and methods of making the focusing polymer foil and optical element.

The invention pertains to a framing structure for a solar panel made from a polymer composition (C) comprising at least one polyamide polymer [polyamide (A)], and at least one reinforcing filler [filler (F)], the framing structure being characterized by having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface having a depressed central portion sized for receiving a solar panel. It also relates to a method for manufacturing the same, to a method for assembly a solar panel into said framing structure, to a solar panel assembly comprising the same, and to a method for fixing said solar panel assembly onto a support (e.g. a roof).

Floating element (1) for realizing floating structures for supporting photovoltaic panels and method for producing said floating element (1). The floating element (1) comprises: a first element (2) which can be obtained by injection moulding, which configures a first coupling portion (3); a second element (4) which can be obtained by injection moulding, which configures a second coupling portion (5). The first element (2) and the second element (4) are mutually configured so that the first coupling portion (3) and the second coupling portion (5) can be seal-coupled with respect to each other so that they define a sealed chamber, when coupled.

A plastic mounting support (10, 110, 210) for a solar panel (12) includes a plastic base (16, 116, 216) adapted to engage a support surface and support a ballast block (26) and a plastic member (24, 124, 224) for connection to the solar panel (12) and cooperating with the base (16, 116, 216) to hold the ballast block (26) therebetween such that the ballast block cooperates with the plastic mounting support (10, 110, 210) to carry part of a downward load on the solar panel (12), as well as, resists an upward wind load on the solar panel (12).

A hybrid photovoltaic-thermal system provides co-generation of electrical energy and thermal energy. Electrical energy is efficiently generated by photovoltaic panels that are cooled by heat exchangers attached thereto, and the cooling of the photovoltaic panels improves the energy output efficiency of the photovoltaic panels. The heat exchangers flow fluid through its channels, and the fluid collects heat from the photovoltaic panels to which the heat exchangers are attached. The heated fluid is then received at and stored in a thermal battery. The thermal battery can be a fluid tank that encourages the fluid to retain the heat collected from the photovoltaic panels. The thermal battery can then supply the heated fluid to thermal loads as thermal energy.

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.

Disclosed is a device for attaching a solar panel including at least two retaining elements, suitable for retaining a panel by engaging with two opposing parts of the solar panel, at least one of the retaining elements being movable in a direction defined by a guide system and in such a way as to allow an adjustment of the spacing between the two retaining elements. The device includes: an assembly including a fixed support and the mobile retaining element, the mobile retaining element and the fixed support consisting respectively of two synthetic parts, in particular two plastic parts, the guide system being produced by mutually engaging structures between the mobile retaining element and the fixed support produced as a one-piece component with the parts forming the fixed support and the mobile retaining element.

System and method for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules includes one or more flexible rods, including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, each of the one or more flexible rods further including an inner core and a first jacket surrounding the inner core between the first end and the second end. The first end is configured to be attached to at least one photovoltaic module using one or more first adhesive materials. The second end is configured to be inserted into at least one hole of a modular rail and attached to at least the modular rail using one or more second adhesive materials. The one or more flexible rods are configured to allow at least a lateral movement in a first direction between the photovoltaic module and the modular rail and support at least the photovoltaic module in a second direction.