The apparatus is for use with a concrete block and comprises a plurality of metal components. At least one of the components defines a lug. The plurality of metal components are coupled together in gripping relation to the block in use.

According to the invention an energy conversion system, in particular a solar park, is proposed, which is configured to be arranged floating on a body of water, with at least three floating units (48a, 48b) and with at least one connection device (66), wherein the connection device (66) connects at least two floating units (48) in a rigid manner and/or at least two floating units (48a, 48b) in a movable manner.

A floating module for producing electricity, comprising: at least one photovoltaic panel, and a floating framework on which the panel is mounted, wherein the photovoltaic panel comprises an upper face and a lower face which are capable of generating electricity by photovoltaic effect, and wherein the floating module further comprises a reflective device capable of reflecting light rays towards the lower face of the panel, the reflective device comprising a plurality of floating reflective balls and/or a tarpaulin which is attached to the framework.

A support assembly supports a solar panel. The support assembly includes a first support portion including a first base wall. A first lateral wall is attached to the first base wall and includes a first attachment structure. A second support portion is attached to the first support portion such that the first support portion and the second support portion support the solar panel. The second support portion includes a second base wall. The second base wall is attached to the first base wall of the first support portion. A first attachment wall is attached to the second base wall. The first attachment wall defines a first attachment opening into which the first attachment structure of the first lateral wall is received such that the first attachment wall is attached to the first lateral wall. A method of forming a support assembly for supporting a solar panel is provided.

A support assembly supports a solar panel. The support assembly includes a first support portion including a first base wall. A first lateral wall is attached to the first base wall and includes a first attachment structure. A second support portion is attached to the first support portion such that the first support portion and the second support portion support the solar panel. The second support portion includes a second base wall. The second base wall is attached to the first base wall of the first support portion. A first attachment wall is attached to the second base wall. The first attachment wall defines a first attachment opening into which the first attachment structure of the first lateral wall is received such that the first attachment wall is attached to the first lateral wall. A method of forming a support assembly for supporting a solar panel is provided.

A new and highly optimized solar photovoltaic (PV) system including: 1) field deployable fully automated solar PV robotic array assembly and installation system, 2) solar PV panel wiring and power conversion system designed to allow tracking panel-to-panel shading while maintaining maximized power output, 3) combined structural and electrical inter-panel connector system supporting the new wiring scheme, 4) panel structural supports for the automated assembly and new inter-panel connector systems, and 5) fully automated post installer for posts supporting the large robotically assembled solar array sections. It is a fully integrated system for rapid installation, lower cost, higher energy output, and higher quality assembly of PV arrays, including tracking and floating arrays, which together create a transformative advancement for the solar energy industry.

A new and highly optimized solar photovoltaic (PV) system including: 1) field deployable fully automated solar PV robotic array assembly and installation system, 2) solar PV panel wiring and power conversion system designed to allow tracking panel-to-panel shading while maintaining maximized power output, 3) combined structural and electrical inter-panel connector system supporting the new wiring scheme, 4) panel structural supports for the automated assembly and new inter-panel connector systems, and 5) fully automated post installer for posts supporting the large robotically assembled solar array sections. It is a fully integrated system for rapid installation, lower cost, higher energy output, and higher quality assembly of PV arrays, including tracking and floating arrays, which together create a transformative advancement for the solar energy industry.

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module. A photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a solar cell module, a micro-inverter to convert DC power generated by the solar cell module into AC power, a controller to control the micro-inverter's operation, and an interface unit connected to power grid supplying external electrical power and to provide the AC power to the power grid, the controller to control operation of the micro-inverter such that the AC power is matched to the external electrical power flowing into the power grid. The photovoltaic module according to the present invention can provide electrical power generated at solar cell modules through a simple connection to power grid which supplies electrical power to home, reducing consumption of electrical power flowing into home.

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module. A photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a solar cell module, a micro-inverter to convert DC power generated by the solar cell module into AC power, a controller to control the micro-inverter's operation, and an interface unit connected to power grid supplying external electrical power and to provide the AC power to the power grid, the controller to control operation of the micro-inverter such that the AC power is matched to the external electrical power flowing into the power grid. The photovoltaic module according to the present invention can provide electrical power generated at solar cell modules through a simple connection to power grid which supplies electrical power to home, reducing consumption of electrical power flowing into home.

Methods and apparatuses to support photovoltaic (“PV”) modules are described. A saddle bracket has a mounting surface to support one or more PV modules over a tube, a gusset coupled to the mounting surface, and a mounting feature coupled to the gusset to couple to the tube. A grounding washer has a first portion to couple to a support; and a second portion coupled to the first portion to provide a ground path to a PV module. A PV system has a saddle bracket; a PV module over the saddle bracket; and a grounding washer coupled to the saddle bracket and the PV module. Saddle brackets can be coupled to a torque tube at predetermined locations. PV modules can be coupled to the saddle brackets.