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US 2013/0199596 A1Published application
Solar energy collection apparatus
OwnerDaniel Gabriel Van Niekerkinventor
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OwnerDaniel Gabriel Van Niekerkinventor
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The invention concerns a solar energy collection apparatus which is capable of producing electricity and hot water. The apparatus (10) includes a rigid support structure (14) which can be mounted to form part of a roof cladding structure. It includes rigid support components (16) made of thermally conductive material which are connected releasably to one another. Photovoltaic (PV) cells (42) mounted on the components of the support structure in heat transmitting relationship with the components. Thermally conductive conduits (48) are provided. These are connected to the components of the support structure in heat transmitting relationship with the components and are arranged to convey water to remove heat from the PV cells via the components and conduits. A removable, light-transmitting cover is spaced above and extends over the PV cells.
A solar energy collection apparatus comprising a rigid support structure which is mountable on or as part of a roof cladding structure and which includes rigid support components made of thermally conductive material connected releasably to one another, solar cells mounted on the components of the support structure in heat transmitting relationship with the components, thermally conductive conduits which are connected to the components of the support structure in heat transmitting relationship with the components and which are arranged to convey water to remove heat from the solar cells via the components and conduits, and at least one removable, light-transmitting cover spaced above and extending over the solar cells.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.