The present invention discloses a compact solar concentrator module and array preferably with cooling and heat extraction system for converting solar energy to other energy forms preferably electric and thermal energies. The solar concentrator module comprises a vacant structure with a substantially reflective parabolic inside surface, as well as a focal device disposed within the vacant structure for receiving a solar energy converter or a solar cell preferably photovoltaic cell. the focal device being positioned proximate to the focal point of the reflective parabolic inside surface, and a transparent cover coupled to the vacant structure opposing to the reflective parabolic inside surface for transmitting sunlight therein.

The invention includes a parabolic solar concentrator typified by a highly integrated structure whereby, mirror, aerodynamic elements, a shell structure, cooling elements and other elements have been integrated to form a unibody structure, which is both stiffer and lighter than traditional trough structures. The invention includes; aerodynamic features that greatly limit lift forces induced by high speed winds, a receiver with liquid cooling for better control of PV cell temperatures and which allows for the collection of the heat for beneficial use, accommodations for a solar tracker, and improvements in the focusing and distribution of light using secondary mirrors. The receiver incorporates specific details to improve heat transfer and reduce parasitic pumping loads and incorporates secondary mirrors to increase light acceptance angles. Automated mirror washing is addressed. In applications where the heat is un-utilized the integrated radiator is employed to dissipate the heat using both convection and radiation heat transfer.

A solar energy converter comprising: a solar energy absorber, the solar energy absorber comprising a photovoltaic element; a heat transfer element in thermal contact with the solar energy absorber; a primary heat exchanger in thermal contact with the heat transfer element; a secondary heat exchanger; and a heat transfer control element; wherein the heat transfer control element is arranged to selectively place the secondary heat exchanger either in thermal contact with the heat transfer element or out of thermal contact with the heat transfer element.

An emulsion spectrum fluid filter capable of controlling light wavelength absorption includes a transparent channel formed as a tube of a 90 degrees-rotated U shape, and an emulsion received in the transparent channel, wherein the emulsion may include dispersed oil and surfactant. Further, a method for preparing the emulsion is disclosed.

A solar concentrator has frame members connected together to form a framework, and a flexible sheet attached to the framework such that the flexible sheet takes a loose shape and can flex in response to shaping forces exerted thereon. The sheet has a reflective surface located between the frame members. A shaping force system is operative, when activated, to exert the shaping forces on the sheet, the shaping forces configured to draw the sheet from the loose shape into a desired shape such that solar rays striking the reflective surface are focused on a target, and a solar energy receiver is attached to the framework at a location corresponding to the target. Thin wall tubing filled with pressurized air can provide strong light frame members. When the shaping force system is deactivated, the flexible sheet reverts substantially to the loose shape.

Improved building-integrated photovoltaic systems according to certain example embodiments may include concentrated photovoltaic skylights or other windows having a cylindrical lens array. The skylight may include an insulated glass unit, which may improve the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The photovoltaic skylight and lens arrays may be used in combination with strip solar cells. Arrangements that involve lateral displacement tracking systems, or static systems (e.g., that are fixed at one, two, or more predefined positions) are contemplated herein. Such techniques may advantageously help to reduce cost per watt related, in part, to the potentially reduced amount of semiconductor material to be used for such example embodiments. A photovoltaic skylight may permit diffuse daylight to pass through into an interior of a building so as to provide lighting inside the building, while the strip solar cells absorb the direct sunlight and convert it to electricity, providing for SHGC tuning.

Fluid delivery systems and related structures and processes are provided, such as for use with water, treated water, and/or a cleaning solution, for any of cleaning, cooling or any combination thereof, for one or more solar panels in a power generation environment. Enhanced coatings are provided for the incident surface of solar panels, such as to avoid build up of dirt, scale, or other contaminants, and/or to improve cleaning performance. Reclamation, filtration, and reuse structures are preferably provided for the delivered fluid, and seal structures may preferably be implemented between adjoining panels, to minimize loss of the delivered water or cleaning solution.

A photovoltaic module includes a plurality of cells, each of the plurality of cells including grid structures spaced apart in a first direction; a plurality of connection components extending along the first direction and spaced apart in a second direction, each of the plurality of connection components being electrically connected to corresponding adjacent cells; a plurality of composite films, each of the plurality of composite films covering a surface of a respective connection component and portions of a surface of a corresponding cell on opposite sides of the respective connection component; an encapsulation layer, covering surfaces of the plurality of composite films; a cover plate, disposed on a side of the encapsulation layer away from the plurality of cells. Each of the plurality of composite films includes a first layer and a second layer, and the first layer is located between the second layer and the respective connection component.

A device for converting electromagnetic radiation into electricity comprises an expander that includes a conical shape having an axis and a curved surface that is configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation away from the axis to expand a beam of the electromagnetic radiation; and one or more energy conversion components configured to receive a beam of electromagnetic radiation expanded by the expander, and to generate electricity from the expanded beam of electromagnetic radiation. With the expander's curved surface, a beam of electromagnetic radiation that is highly concentratedhas a large radiation fluxmay be converted into a beam that has a larger cross-sectional area. Moreover, one can configure, if desired, the curved surface to provide a substantially uniform distribution of radiation across the expanded cross-sectional area. With such an expanded beam the one or more energy conversion components can efficiently convert some of the electromagnetic radiation into electricity.

A method for controlling a cooling system for photovoltaic panels is provided. The cooling system has a water cooling assembly adapted to produce a cooling water flow wetting an upper surface of a photovoltaic panel exposed to solar light, an air cooling assembly adapted to produce an air flow directed against the upper surface of the photovoltaic panel, a set of sensors and electric power meters, and an electronic control unit configured to receive input information regarding values of a set of control parameters and to automatically control activation of the water cooling assembly and of the air cooling assembly according to predetermined modes of operation depending on values of the control parameters.