A solar power system can include a rail and a solar module disposed on the rail. A clamp assembly can couple the solar module to the rail. The clamp assembly can have a clamped configuration in which the solar module is secured to the rail and an unclamped configuration. The clamp assembly can comprise an upper clamp member, a lower clamp member coupled to the rail, and a stabilization member mechanically engaging the upper clamp member and the lower clamp member. The stabilization member can prevent rotation of the lower clamp member relative to the rail when the clamp assembly is in the clamped and unclamped configurations. In the unclamped configuration, the stabilization member can be biased such that the upper clamp member is disposed at a sufficient clearance above the rail to permit the insertion of the solar module between the upper clamp member and the rail.

A holding frame holds a polygonal solar battery panel including a light receiving surface. The frame includes a lower disposed in a spaced relationship with a back surface opposite to the light receiving surface, a rising part extending upward from the lower part, and a holding part formed at an end portion of the rising part on a side of the panel to hold one side of the panel. The holding part includes a portion protruding inwardly from the end portion, a portion protruding outwardly from the end portion, a portion extending upwardly from an outside of the outward-protruding portion, and a sandwiching portion extending inwardly from the upward extending portion to sandwich the panel between the sandwiching portion and the outward-protruding portion. The lower part includes a portion protruding inwardly relative to the rising part, and an outward-protruding portion protruding outwardly relative to the rising part.

The present invention concerns a holding device (10) to fasten, especially to clamp, a surface module (20), especially a framed solar panel, on at least one support (30), especially a profile rail, with a head section (12; 112) that is suitable to interact with the surface module (20), a foot section (16; 116) that is suitable for interacting with the support (30) and a connecting element (19) that is suitable for linking the head section (12; 112) with the foot section (16; 116), with the head section (12; 112) being shiftable relative to the foot section (16; 116) along a vertical axis (H) of the holding device (10) by means of the connecting element (19), with the head section (12; 112) being positionable relative to the foot section (16; 116) in at least two angle positions that are twisted towards each other around the vertical axis (H) in such a way with a pre-determined twisting angle that the head section may be positioned at least in two of the angle positions each on at least one or at least two surface modules, especially with one or several contact sections that are arranged according to the respective angle positions. This allows an installation of surface modules in a simple and flexible way using only a single type of holding device.

A photovoltaic (PV) module cleaning system can include a robotic cleaning device and a support system. The support system can be configured to provide a metered fill to the robotic cleaning device. In some embodiments, the robotic cleaning device and include a curved cleaning head. Various techniques for deploying a robotic cleaning device on PV modules include out-and-back, leapfrog, among others.

A photovoltaic (PV) module cleaning system can include a robotic cleaning device and a support system. The support system can be configured to provide a metered fill to the robotic cleaning device. In some embodiments, the robotic cleaning device and include a curved cleaning head. Various techniques for deploying a robotic cleaning device on PV modules include out-and-back, leapfrog, among others.

An assembly for fastening a conduit to a flashing structure that is typically secured to a shingled roof. The apparatus includes an adjustable clamp that can be secured to a cap on the flashing. A conduit is laid on top of the cap and the adjustable clamp is positioned on top of the conduit and is snapped in place along the perimeter of the cap. An adjustable bolt is threaded through the top of the clamp with a curved saddle that resides beneath the clamp and conforms to the shape of the conduit's outer surface. The bolt can then be adjusted to tighten the conduit to the cap. An exemplary use of the clamp involves securing conduit for running electrical wiring throughout a solar panel array.

An assembly for converting motion, the assembly comprising a first arm rotatable about a first fixed pivot; a second arm rotatable about a second fixed pivot, the second fixed pivot spaced apart from the first fixed pivot; a third arm pivotably connected to the second arm; a first connecting arm extending between the first arm and the third arm, the first connecting arm pivotably connected to the first arm spaced and pivotably connected to the third arm; and a second connecting arm extending between the first arm and the second arm, the second connecting arm pivotably connected to the first arm and pivotably connected to the second arm. The assembly finds use in supporting and moving components of a building. In one embodiment, the assembly finds use in deploying a solar panel array.

This invention provides solar applications with a strong, light, universal solar panel mount that pivots inside the solar panel frame for compact storage or transport with no disassembly. It also pivots out at adjustable angles to work with any latitude or season without assembly. The mount is adjustable to a wide range of solar panel angles to allow the solar panel to best match the sun angle for multiple latitudes and seasons of the year. It can be temporarily free standing or permanently placed via the use of the attachment points.

Tracking modules are effectively provided that can be arranged as systems for positioning devices, such as reflectors. A preferred reflector is small and light in comparison to prior art reflectors so that components can be utilized within reflector construction and support structure that are sufficiently stiff to accurately hold a reflector in place under expected operational drive-torque, gravity and wind loads. At the same time, a single person can install a reflector, easily overcoming a retention mechanism spring force so as to positively engage a reflector in position. This is achieved without the need for any tools, through a combination of a retention mechanism and a spring feature design. Arrangements of tracking modules are included for easier manufacture, transport of systems and installment.

A device is provided which reduces the temperature of a solar PV panel. The device includes an enclosure comprising a heat sink attachable to a bottom side of the solar PV panel to provide an air channel, and a tornado tube. The tornado pipe may be oriented vertically to the plane of the earth, and may act as a solar chimney, instigating a flow of air to enter the enclosure through an air inlet. This air flow may be drawn across the heat sink and exit back to the atmosphere through the tornado tube.