ParaLoon

ParaLoon develops inflatable / unfoldable "parabolic balloon" concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems to collect both photonic and thermal solar energy for applications in space and on earth. Applications in space would include satellites, space stations, habitats or mission vehicles. On earth, these structures could be used for remote areas, recreational / defense / refugee or other campsites, emergency situations or mobile applications. The ParaLoon system combines lightweight, inflatable / unfoldable, parabolic reflector structures and different energy conversion technologies, e.g. concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technologies, for the efficient conversion of solar energy to electric energy and optionally also heat. If wireless power beaming becomes a reality, the electric energy could also be transferred to users in space, on Earth or even on the Moon or Mars by satellites or a satellite network in the future.