Solar energy hybrid module

Abstract

A solar energy module assembles into an array producing electricity and heat upon exposure to light. The module includes a transparent tube; a reflector; solar cells; a pipe that is specially configured with planar walls; and an optional sun-tracking device. The reflector concentrates light to focal lines within the top part of the transparent tube. The pipe has a polygon cross-sectional shape with an odd number of flat walls, preferably three or five flat walls. A flat wall faces the top of the tube and is configured to extend across a portion of a cross-sectional shape occupied by a plurality of bottom-facing planar walls. At least two bottom-facing planar walls are each located in a focal line. A fluid in the pipe may serve as a coolant. The solar cells, preferably monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, are mounted on the top flat wall and each bottom-facing planar wall to produce electricity.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.