Cool Earth Solar, Inc.

Maxeon Solar Pte. Ltd.

Robert Lamkin

James Sherwood Page

Paul Michael Dentinger

John Liptac

Jacques Belanger

Eric Bryant Cummings

Gregory Meess

Tom Reynolds

Kyle Theile

Embodiments of the present invention may utilize one or more techniques, alone or in combination, to maximize a surface area of a receiver that is configured to convert light into another form of energy. One technique enhances collection efficiency by controlling a size, shape, and/or position of a cell relative to an expected illumination profile under various conditions. Another technique positions non-active elements (such as electrical contacts and/or interconnects) on surfaces likely to be shaded from incident light by other elements of the receiver. Another technique utilizes embodiments of interconnect structures occupying a small footprint. According to certain embodiments, the receiver may be cooled by exposure to a fluid such as water or air.

Solar energy receiver

A solar collector utilizes an inflated tubular film which concentrates sunlight onto a solar receiver. The film incorporates refractive elements in a pattern which focuses light in one or two dimensions to create foci in the form of lines, spots, or other shapes. The film may be replaceable. The film may include layers of material to optimize optical, structural, thermal, and durability characteristics.

Inflated tubular solar concentrators

Solar energy may be harvested utilizing arrays of solar collectors, supported and articulated to follow movement of the sun. Particular systems include arrays of solar collectors mounted on an elevation-azimuth tracking structure. From the ground up, embodiments of this system may include a Ground Interface, a Base, an Upper Truss, and a Collector. The system is designed to transmit loads with minimal deflection from the surface of the collector to the ground, while tracking the position of the sun across the sky. The use of structural, actuator, and collector elements with a minimum amount of low-cost materials, and which are able to be mass produced, allows large scale deployment of the system at reduced cost.

Structure and articulation system for solar collectors

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Pleasanton, CA, United States of America

Robert Lamkin