The invention relates to enclosed solar parabolic trough reflector systems for thermal heat generation that can ultimately be used in various applications. The system includes a modular dual arch building design with a transparent building envelope and a reflector assembly connected within the building through a bearing assembly. The system is particularly suited for solar heat collection in harsh environment.

The parabolic trough solar concentrator described within is sized for shipping in containers and mounting on existing structures without requiring specialized labor or equipment. Besides achieving a proximity to the thermal load not previously achievable economically and preserving precious land, the concentrator array shelters the area below from the sun reducing its energy requirement for cooling and making it more inhabitable when cooling is not provided. As the troughs are generally mounted on an incline on roof structures, they can provide for rainwater collection.

A solar collector system that is storable and deployable on a space vehicle is disclosed. Such a system may be used for generating electricity from solar energy or for collecting heat for converting a cryogenic liquid to its gas phase. The solar collector system may include a reflective solar collector membrane, an attachment to connect portions of the reflective solar collector membrane to the space vehicle, and a winch and tether system on the space vehicle for holding the reflective solar collector membrane in a closed state that wraps around the space vehicle or for holding the reflective solar collector membrane in a parabolic cylindrical shape in an open state. In the closed state, the reflective solar collector membrane may be configured to insulate the space vehicle from solar radiation.