Importance

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Abstract

The invention concerns a non-tracking solar collector which includes laterally spaced, radiation-transmitting prisms (26) which are wedge-shaped in cross-section. Each prism (26) has major side surfaces (28, 30) converging at an acute angle (32) to a relatively narrow end (34) of the prism (26), and an opposite, relatively wide end (36). For each prism (26) there is a refractor (22), typically a linear refractor such as a linear Fresnel lens, arranged over the prism (26) to refract solar radiation incident thereon onto the major side surfaces (28, 30) of the prism (26), as the sun moves relative to the earth, at angles allowing such radiation to enter the prism (26) and be internally reflected towards a target (38) at the relatively wide (36) end of the prism (26). The refractors (22) are spaced laterally apart from one another, possibly by intermediate, radiation transmitting panels (24) which are continuous with the refractors (22). In the preferred construction, the refractors (22) and intermediate panels (24) form an integral part of a roof or wall cladding structure.

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First Claim