Patent ID: 8746236

Claim:
A solar energy collector system comprising: (a) a fixed array of reflectors extending in parallel rows, (b) a common focal receiver located above the fixed array and extending parallel to the rows of reflectors and upon which incident solar radiation from all of the reflectors is reflected, the receiver including a heat absorbing medium adapted to absorb heat from the reflected radiation, (c) an elevated support structure having a substantially planar surface upon which the fixed array of reflectors is mounted, and the receiver mounted on the elevated support structure, wherein each row of reflectors is (i) oriented at a respective fixed angle relative to the substantially planar surface of the support structure to achieve a substantially parabolic reflection, or (ii) shaped to achieve a substantially parabolic reflection, and (d) an upright elevation assembly to which the support structure is pivotally mounted to allow controlled rotation of the fixed array and receiver simultaneously about a pivotal axis extending parallel to the rows of reflectors so as to track the movement of the sun.