US Patent 7297865 Compact micro-concentrator for photovoltaic cells

A reflector array comprises a plurality of partial parabolic reflectors arranged in rows and columns with each reflector directing radiation to a receiver or from a transmitter located at the focus of the reflector. In a compact photovoltaic cell arrangement, each cell is shielded from direct radiation by the adjacent reflector. The reflectors can be formed as one unit with reflective material or with the reflecting surfaces coated with aluminum, silver, or other suitable reflecting material. A secondary reflector can be positioned at the focus of a reflector for directing radiation to a receiver or from a transmitter located at a more accessible location in the array.