An example canopy includes a plurality of panels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of sequences, including a first sequence, second sequence, and a third sequence. The second sequence is disposed between the first and third sequences and forms a rainwater collection channel. The panels of the second sequence are angled with respect to the panels of the first and third sequences to optimize solar radiation and rainwater collection efficiency. Photovoltaic cells are provided on a flexible top surface of some or all of the panels. A hybrid canopy, a method of making a hybrid canopy, and a method of using and learning from a hybrid canopy, are shown and described.

A rainwater distribution system for storing and distributing rainwater includes a first container configured to store rainwater and having a bottom wall and a side wall; a planting container being elevated off of the bottom wall and within the first container, and having a planting container bottom wall and a side wall; a planting container support configured to elevate the planting container off of the bottom wall and within the first container; a cascade aperture having a cascade filter, the cascade aperture positioned on the side wall of the planting container, and allows the rainwater that enters the planting container to exit the planting container into the first container; and an outlet aperture positioned on the side wall of the first container and configured to allow the rainwater to exit the first container at a controlled rate.

An ecologically green unit to be mounted on an existing wall, includes a base frame; a securing arrangement for securing the base frame as a faade to a front face of an existing wall of a building; a plant root securing mat for securing roots of plants in the base frame; a plant guide formed of a mesh of wires at a front of the base frame for orienting and maintaining the plants in a desired orientation; a water supplying arrangement for supplying water to the plants in the base frame, the water supplying arrangement including at least one capillary member for wicking water to different areas within the base frame and an arrangement for collecting and supplying rain water to the base frame; and an arrangement for directing sunlight to an interior of the base frame.

An example canopy includes a plurality of panels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of sequences, including a first sequence, second sequence, and a third sequence. The second sequence is disposed between the first and third sequences and forms a rainwater collection channel The panels of the second sequence are angled with respect to the panels of the first and third sequences to optimize solar radiation and rainwater collection efficiency. Photovoltaic cells are provided on a flexible top surface of some or all of the panels. A hybrid canopy, a method of making a hybrid canopy, and a method of using and learning from a hybrid canopy, are shown and described.

Exemplary systems and methods allow for enhanced energy performance of buildings, for example hybrid roof systems. The system may utilize a material having a porous water-retaining substrate and a high albedo coating. The high albedo coating may be disposed on the outer surface of the porous water-retaining substrate.

The rainwater collection device: 1) pumps accumulated rainfall from one or more storage containers into a reservoir; and, 2) pumps irrigation water from the reservoir to one or more plants identified by the user. The rainwater collection device mounts on a wheeled cart that readily transports the accumulated rainfall throughout the space of a domestic garden. The rainwater collection device comprises a reservoir, a distribution system, a plurality of hoses, and a cart. The reservoir, the distribution system, and the plurality of hoses mount on the cart.

Exemplary systems and methods allow for enhanced energy performance of buildings, for example hybrid roof systems. The system may utilize a material having a porous water-retaining substrate and a high albedo coating. The high albedo coating may be disposed on the outer surface of the porous water-retaining substrate.

An example canopy includes a plurality of panels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of sequences, including a first sequence, second sequence, and a third sequence. The second sequence is disposed between the first and third sequences and forms a rainwater collection channel The panels of the second sequence are angled with respect to the panels of the first and third sequences to optimize solar radiation and rainwater collection efficiency. Photovoltaic cells are provided on a flexible top surface of some or all of the panels. A hybrid canopy, a method of making a hybrid canopy, and a method of using and learning from a hybrid canopy, are shown and described.

Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for harvesting water from precipitation while limiting loss due to evaporation and sublimation. In one implementation, precipitation is received on a collection surface through an opening during a precipitation event. The received precipitation is sealed on the collection surface from an outside atmosphere using at least one cover assembly in response to a triggering event concluding the receipt of the precipitation. The at least one cover assembly includes a take-up assembly adapted to extend a cover from a first cross bar to a second cross bar over at least a portion of the opening. Water harvested from the sealed precipitation is directed to a water storage device. Other implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for remote monitoring and management of water collection devices.

A rainwater distribution system for storing and distributing rainwater includes a first container configured to store rainwater and having a bottom wall and a side wall; a planting container being elevated off of the bottom wall and within the first container, and having a planting container bottom wall and a side wall; a planting container support configured to elevate the planting container off of the bottom wall and within the first container; a cascade aperture having a cascade filter, the cascade aperture positioned on the side wall of the planting container, and allows the rainwater that enters the planting container to exit the planting container into the first container; and an outlet aperture positioned on the side wall of the first container and configured to allow the rainwater to exit the first container at a controlled rate.