A method of controlling a solar array including receiving current and voltage data from a plurality of solar modules of the solar array, calculating a diffuse fraction irradiance for the plurality of solar modules, mapping the diffuse fraction irradiance for the plurality of solar modules, generating a digital image of light conditions in the solar array based on the mapped diffuse fraction irradiance, defining zones within the array based on the light conditions in the digital image, determining a zone-specific solar tracker angle for each zone based on mapped diffuse fraction irradiance, transmitting the zone-specific solar tracker angle to a computing device associated with each solar tracker in the solar array, and driving the solar trackers of each zone such that the solar trackers that make up each zone are oriented to substantially the same angle.

In an aspect, the present disclosure describes a method comprising using at least one robot to fully autonomously position and assemble at least one solar module and its supporting structure at a sensed geolocation without aid from a user.

A method and a system for sequestering carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) while producing freshwater are provided. An exemplary method includes producing saline water from a saline aquifer, desalinating at least a portion of the saline water, producing freshwater and waste brine, mixing waste CO.sub.2 with the waste brine forming a brine/CO.sub.2 mixture, and injecting the brine/CO.sub.2 mixture into the saline aquifer.

A method for determining a level of solar radiation at a point of interest (POI). Multiple sky images are captured by a distributed network of digital cameras. Sun location parameters are determined. A three-dimensional (3D) sky model is generated based on the sky images. Generating the 3D sky model includes generating 3D object data based on the sky images to model one or more objects in a region of sky, and generating position data to model a position of the one or more objects in the region of sky. A level of solar radiation at the POI is determined based on the position data and 3D object data of the 3D sky model and the sun location parameters.

A method for determining a level of solar radiation at a point of interest (POI). Multiple sky images are captured by a distributed network of digital cameras. Sun location parameters are determined. A three-dimensional (3D) sky model is generated based on the sky images. Generating the 3D sky model includes generating 3D object data based on the sky images to model one or more objects in a region of sky, and generating position data to model a position of the one or more objects in the region of sky. A level of solar radiation at the POI is determined based on the position data and 3D object data of the 3D sky model and the sun location parameters.

A solar tracker system includes a torque tube, a solar panel assembly attached to the torque tube, a housing defining a chamber and a fluid passageway extending from the chamber, and an active lock connected to a seal configured to prevent a flow path of fluid while in a sealed state and allow the flow path of fluid in an unsealed state. The system further includes a controller in communication with the torque tube and the active lock. The controller is programmed to receive a command to place the solar panel assembly in a stowed position, instruct the torque tube to rotate the panel assembly to a stowed angle corresponding to the stowed position, monitor a current angle of the panel assembly, compare the current angle to the stowed angle, and instruct the seal to transition to the sealed state when the current angle is equal to the stowed angle.

A method for assembling and installing arrays (1) of photovoltaic solar panels (P) in an outdoor field, includes a first step of assembling an array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels, which is carried out with the aid of at least one robot (R) in a transportable station (S1), located adjacent to the installation field (F). In a second step the assembled array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels is transported from the station (S1) to the site of installation of the array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels with the aid of a motorized carriage (V) controlled by an operator external to the carriage. Finally, the method includes a third step of assembling the array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels thus transported, wherein the array (1) of photovoltaic solar panels is mounted on support structures (5) previously prepared in the installation field (F).

A solar table mobile transport is described that moves a solar table to a point of installation. The solar table mobile transport comprises multiple motors that allow movement within a three-dimensional coordinate system as well as provide angular controls of pitch, yaw and roll. These motors enable at least one alignment process used to install the solar table to a mounting structure within a solar system.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a solar calculator which can calculate a layout for a set of solar panels to be installed on a roof of a building. Generally speaking, the solar calculator can receive as input a roof type for the building, system requirements, site information, specifications for mounting hardware to be used, specifications for the solar panels to be used, wind data for the location of the building, etc. From this data, the solar calculator can then calculate the number of solar panels needed, a layout for the panels on the roof, the hardware required to mount the panels, locations for the hardware to be installed, and/or other information. A graphical and/or textual report can then be generated that describes the layout of the solar panels and hardware, a bill of materials for the installation, and other information.

The photoelectric conversion layer of an embodiment is based on Cu.sub.2O, contains at least one p-type dopant selected from the group consisting of Ge, Ta, and In, and has a band gap of equal to or more than 2.10 eV and equal to or less than 2.30 eV.