Patent ID: 8662072

Claim:
A solar collector comprising: a base; a frame coupled to the base for rotating about a vertical axis; a reflective panel assembly supported by the frame and pivotal about a first horizontal axis relative to the frame and configured for reflecting sunlight to a common focal point, the panel assembly comprising: a central panel, and a pair of outer panels each pivotally coupled to opposing lateral edges of the central panel and configured for folding over the central panel; a collector assembly mounted relative to the frame and pivotal about a second horizontal axis parallel to the first horizontal axis and configured for collecting solar energy, the collector assembly comprising: a receiver positioned adjacent the focal point and configured for extracting energy from the reflected sunlight, and at least one member for supporting the receiver and for facilitating energy communication through the receiver; a rotation actuator mounted to the frame for rotating the reflective panel assembly and the collector assembly about the vertical axis; a gear mounted upon the base for engaging the rotation actuator; and a bearing assembly coupled to the frame for providing a low friction interface during rotational adjustment.