I need one of those for my home ! Does IBM need to test this device in central america ? I can do that !

Isn't it fascinating what relatively small grants to research organizations can yield, compared to subsidies for Big Oil and Coal? Also, the per watt cost comparison to coal plants is hog wash as it counts none of the many "externalities" conveniently not counted for fossil fuels which are paid none the less by the general public.

This is awesome!!!!!!!!! I can also be a tester in Maine where we have harsh winters.

when do you think this might be marketed at the consumer level. would be nice to have this producing water and power on my property.

@Grant Baker One's thing's for sure, they'll have to downsize that collector unless more than one household can use the system...

Absorption chillers and vapor cycle desalination need to dump waste heat as well so it is possible to do both with the same heat.
keeping as much shadow as possible as possible off the collection area as possible makes for more energy collection. I prefer an asymmetric reflector with the focal point off to the side.

A-hem.
I realize concrete has come a long way... but it's far too heavy to make a sun-tracking dish out of, right?
"Much of the system would be comprised of lightweight concrete and metal foils, as opposed to most other solar collectors that are constructed out of pricier glass and steel".
If you're looking to be cheaper than steel, there are quite a few options lighter than concrete. Fiberglass construction with metal foil would be my choice.
Although if we could find a way to use carbon fiber on this, I say, go for it.

re; William Carr
Heavy does not mean immobile.

Bravo on the use of concrete and foil as an alternative material used for this renewable power.

The idea of a concentrated photovoltaic system with water cooling is nothing new, IBM is several years late to this party. zenithsolar sells this exact setup since 2009 but their production system is 70% efficient. Each ZenithSolar Z20 unit generates 5 KWh Electricity plus an additional 11 KWh hot water (up to 100 degrees C) I wanted 1 for my house several years ago but it was too expensive. We will see if IBM costs are any better.