A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.

A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.

Methods and systems of managing dynamic response to wind in a solar tracker system are provided. The method includes determining a wind speed, comparing the wind speed to a predetermined threshold value to determine if the wind speed equals or exceeds the predetermined threshold, positioning a windward most solar tracker to a predetermined angle based on the comparing, and positioning a leeward most solar tracker to the predetermined angle based on the comparing. The solar trackers are positioned at the predetermined angle at a predetermined interval starting at the windward most solar tracker and the remaining solar trackers remain in a normal operating condition.

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a tracker control unit and, therefore, the tracker device of a solar module of a solar power plant, wherein the tracker device comprises a control unit, an actuator element and a support means for supporting the solar module, comprising the steps of detecting a particular event, interrupting power supply to the control unit of the tracker device for a predetermined time period in reaction to the detection of the particular event, resuming power supply after the predetermined time period and in reaction to the resumed power supply actuating the support means by the actuator element to move the support means into a predetermined position.

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a tracker control unit and, therefore, the tracker device of a solar module of a solar power plant, wherein the tracker device comprises a control unit, an actuator element and a support means for supporting the solar module, comprising the steps of detecting a particular event, interrupting power supply to the control unit of the tracker device for a predetermined time period in reaction to the detection of the particular event, resuming power supply after the predetermined time period and in reaction to the resumed power supply actuating the support means by the actuator element to move the support means into a predetermined position.

A tower for a concentrated solar power plant includes: an upper external platform on which is arranged an essentially cylindrical solar receiver with an external side surface and an upper base, the side surface of the receiver including a plurality of removably mounted receiving panels; and a placement and maintenance system for the receiving panels. The placement and maintenance system for the receiving panels includes a crane mounted so as to be rotatable 360 and guided using at least two concentric rails, on the upper base of the receiver.

A tower for a concentrated solar power plant includes: an upper external platform on which is arranged an essentially cylindrical solar receiver with an external side surface and an upper base, the side surface of the receiver including a plurality of removably mounted receiving panels; and a placement and maintenance system for the receiving panels. The placement and maintenance system for the receiving panels includes a crane mounted so as to be rotatable 360 and guided using at least two concentric rails, on the upper base of the receiver.

An innovative portable reflected light sensor for non-destructively measuring characteristics of performance enhancement coatings applied to substrates such as solar photovoltaic panels is described. The innovative portable sensor provides a light source and a photodetector for measuring light incident on a substrate surface from the light source, and reflected to the photodetector. The spot size of the illuminated region of the substrate is at least 1 cm.sup.2 in area, thus averaging over a relatively wide portion of the substrate surface relative to existing fiber optic devices. A single measurement may then be representative of the coating. The innovative portable reflected light sensor is adapted to measure substrates in the field, and is especially adapted for assessing coating quality during the coating process. The innovative sensor also comprises a signal processing circuit that performs analysis of the measurements and feeds back status of the coating to the operator for coating process control.

A robotic controller for autonomous calibration and inspection of two or more solar surfaces wherein the robotic controller includes a drive system to position itself near a solar surface such that onboard sensors may be utilized to gather information about the solar surface. An onboard communication unit relays information to a central processing network, this processor combines new information with stored historical data to calibrate a solar surface and/or to determine its instantaneous health.

A system and method for fastening protective barriers to solar panel systems includes a fastener system including a main clip that is coupled to a support clip and a wireform splice. The main clip and support clip of the fastener system are adapted to engage with a solar panel frame. Once engaged with the panel frame, a barrier, such as wire mesh, is placed adjacent to a front face of the main clip and the wireform splice may be coupled to the main clip and engaged with the barrier. The splice is used to secure the barrier to the faceplate. In one embodiment, the fastening devices may be placed in a spaced arrangement, and the barrier is coupled to each fastening device along the continuous run. In this way, a single section of barrier may be secured to the solar panel array system.