Waveform energy is directed to a predetermined region of the atmosphere. The directing of the energy is controlled so as to modulate an index of refraction of air in the predetermined region of the atmosphere to produce a predetermined refraction index pattern in the region. The distribution of solar radiation is modified as it passes through the atmospheric region to thereby concentrate the solar radiation at a predetermined location. An alternative solar concentrator utilizes a pool (210) of a homogenous fluidic substance disposed over a reflective surface (214). Mechanical energy is controllably imparted to the pool, to generate a standing wave of the fluidic substance in the pool (210) and the reflective surface (214) to concentrate the incoming solar radiation at a predetermined location space from the pool (210). Another solar energy concentrator assembly comprises a flexible polymeric sheet (314) which carries an integral optical element (316) for concentrating a substantial amount of incoming solar radiation on a desired location. Lofting elements (318) are attached to the sheet for providing aerodynamic lift thereto to maintain the optical element (316) at a predetermined distance above the surface of the earth.
