Method and apparatus for arranging a solar cell and reflector

A method for collecting useful sunlight comprising:

• mounting a first reflective surface in an enclosure having four sides, a base and a transparent cover;
• mounting a second reflective surface in said frame perpendicular and adjacent to said first reflective surface;
• mounting a solar collecting surface in said frame perpendicular and adjacent to said first and second reflective surfaces;
• wherein said first reflective surface forms a 45 degree angle with said transparent cover.

A system with surfaces arranged for maximizing collection of useful sunlight, comprising

• an enclosure including four sides, a base, and a transparent cover that protects interior surfaces from weather;
• at least one rectangular solar collecting surface having an uppermost and lowermost edge mounted at a 45 degree angle to the transparent cover;
• first and second reflective surfaces each having top and bottom edges in proximity to said solar collecting surface, wherein said first reflective surface is mounted at an angle of between around 46-60 degrees to the transparent cover, said first reflective surface extending downward to a point where a line perpendicular to the bottom edge of said first reflective surface contacts the uppermost edge of said solar collecting surface, and wherein said second reflective surface is mounted adjacent to the bottom edge of said first reflective surface at a an angle complimentary to the first reflective surface's mounting angle, said second reflective surface extending downward until its bottom edge is adjacent to the lowermost edge of said solar collecting surface;
• wherein said solar collecting surface absorbs solar radiation and transfers it to a working fluid;
• and wherein said reflective surfaces have a coating that reflects primarily a band of light wavelengths the photovoltaic cell converts efficiently to electricity, while not reflecting infrared wavelengths that tend to heat said photovoltaic cell.