Solar energy collector for domestic heating or electricity - has photovoltaic cells or absorber elements attached to surface of hollow statue

摘要

The solar collector has a housing in the shape of a sculpture, with a layer of photovoltaic cells (2) cladding all or part of its outer surface. If the sculpture is to be used for supplying hot water, heat absorbing elements (3) are used instead of photovoltaic cells. The interior of the housing can have different uses, e.g. for accommodating a hot water store with an associated circulation system for the absorber fluid. If the sculpture is used to generate electricity the housing may contain an electronic circuit coupled to the photovoltaic cells. USE/ADVANTAGE - E.g. for heating swimming pool or boiler. Provides aesthetic appearance whilst generating useful power.