The present invention is an apparatus and method using solar insolation to heat fluid moving through panels, resulting in relatively hot fluid. A set of such panels might be installed in a window. Heat is removed from the hot fluid in a heat reservoir or heat sink, resulting in relatively cool fluid. In some embodiments, the hot fluid and the cool fluid are placed in thermal contact with opposite sides of a thermoelectric generator, thereby generating electricity. In some embodiments, photovoltaic cell modules are embedded in the panels, the fluid system improving the effectiveness of the cells. A given system might use either approach to generate electricity, or both. Heat from the heat reservoir might be used to heat a building. A thermoelectric system might be run in reverse at night.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for solar energy utilization. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a rotating panel system for solar energy utilization, including thermal, electrical, and visual applications. The system includes a plurality of rotatable panels, a rotation system, and a housing. The housing both mechanically supports the rotatable panels and thermally insulates and/or redirects the heat and/or electricity generated by the panels. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatic climate control system utilizing a rotating panel system. The system includes an enclosed region and a multi-panel solar system. The multi-panel solar system is positioned to extend between the interior and exterior regions of an enclosed region. A third embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for utilizing a plurality of panels to desirably accommodate for visual and thermal forms of solar energy. The method includes positioning a multi-panel solar system in an unobstructed interior to exterior recess and rotating the panels so as to optimally affect the thermal and visual components of the solar energy, depending upon the application.

Disclosed is a system and method for harvesting solar energy, and more particularly an energy-positive sky lighting system that may provide an integrated energy solution to a variety of commercial buildings. A plurality of skylight modules are provided, each having a plurality of louvers configured to reflect incoming sunlight onto a receiver tube assembly on an adjacent louver to heat a working fluid in communication with the louvers (i.e., such that heat transfer is carried out between the thermal receiver and the working fluid), all while allowing control of the amount of daylight that passes through the module. The modules are constructed such that the balance of the solar energy not going into day lighting is captured in the form of thermal heat, which in turn may be applied to building system cooling and heating applications.