Patent ID: 6017002
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: B64G,H01L,Y02E,Y10S

Abstract:
A solar reflector for concentrating solar radiation upon a panel face of a solar panel which extends to a panel edge, comprising:at least one flexible, reflective sheet having an inner part and an outer part and gatherable between a substantially planar configuration and a gathered configuration adjacent said panel edge;at least one securement member arranged to releasably secure said reflective sheet in a stowed position adjacent to said panel edge when said reflective sheet is in said gathered configuration;at least one inner spring member coupling said inner part to said panel, said inner spring member arranged to urge said inner part towards said panel when said reflective sheet is in said planar configuration;at least one outer spring member coupling said outer part to said panel, said outer spring member arranged to urge said reflective sheet to release said securement member and extend from said gathered configuration and further arranged to urge said outer part away from said panel so that said inner and outer spring members cooperatively urge said reflective sheet into said planar configuration, said outer spring member also arranged to urge said reflective sheet in a rotation away from said panel face; andat least one restraint member arranged to limit said rotation and restrain said reflective sheet in a deployed position in which it defines an angle with said panel sufficient to cause said reflective sheet to reflect solar radiation onto said panel face.