Here is an example of how easy it can be to construct a parabolic mirror or SolarBowl. You can dig one out of the ground.

The 30 meter diameter construction was actually a so called 'Radar pit' for the dutch radio station Kootwijk. It was filled up in 1960, so it is no longer there. To… Continue

Say you build a parabolic trough or other type of CSP installation, it's got tubes and after making so much cappuchino's you want to really utilize the steam for power, what can you find on the web. Surprisingly not very much. For some reason a steam turbine has to be big, MW big. Also for some reason trubines are expensive (the reason is clear, they need to be able to stand high rotation speeds. Here I will highlight some options that are available.

Infinity Turbines… Continue

We came across this design. The Aquaflector uses cheap mylar sheets in a fresnel type arrangement. This design heats water, but there are designs that focus light on photovoltiac cells. This design has been implemented by several companies. You can find a discussion of the technolo… Continue

I wanted to give some attention to a website about Heliostats. Heliostats are a device to keep the sun in a static position (helios=sun). They are used in solar towers on a large scale, but can be used domestically as well. The website www.heliostat.us. Shows you how. It also has software a… Continue

This movie made by Greenpowerscience shows how a parabolic trough reflector can make steam. The design is a bit clumsy and the materials are less than optimal, but to get an impression check out the vid.


You can easily make a parabolic template by first calculating the shape using the formula you can find here. Then you can copy it onto wood or plastic and make a support for your trough.… Continue