A solar collector utilizes an inflated tubular film which concentrates sunlight onto a solar receiver. The film incorporates refractive elements in a pattern which focuses light in one or two dimensions to create foci in the form of lines, spots, or other shapes. The film may be replaceable. The film may include layers of material to optimize optical, structural, thermal, and durability characteristics.

A fluidic actuator comprises a chamber. The chamber is provided using a mass manufacturing technique. The chamber is formed from a material that has a higher strength in at least two axes relative to at most one other axis. The chamber allows a volume change by localized bending of a chamber wall.

A solar panel mount includes a plate, a compression spacer, a mounting shaft, and a mounting member. The plate includes a first edge and a first surface. The plate defines at least one opening spaced from the first edge. The mounting member is between the plate and the compression spacer, defines at least one channel aligned with the at least one opening of the plate to receive the mounting shaft through an opening of the at least one opening and a corresponding channel of the at least one channel. The compression spacer receives the mounting shaft.

A solar panel mount includes a plate, a compression spacer, a mounting shaft, and a mounting member. The plate includes a first edge and a first surface. The plate defines at least one opening spaced from the first edge. The mounting member is between the plate and the compression spacer, defines at least one channel aligned with the at least one opening of the plate to receive the mounting shaft through an opening of the at least one opening and a corresponding channel of the at least one channel. The compression spacer receives the mounting shaft.

A solar panel mounting system for use on flat and S tile roof structures includes a support arm coupled to a threaded post. A base flashing and corresponding attachment bracket are configured to couple with the post. A tile replacement flashing is installed over the base flashing and includes a conical protrusion with associated aperture. The aperture is configured to receive the post.

A solar panel mounting system for use on flat and S tile roof structures includes a support arm coupled to a threaded post. A base flashing and corresponding attachment bracket are configured to couple with the post. A tile replacement flashing is installed over the base flashing and includes a conical protrusion with associated aperture. The aperture is configured to receive the post.

A solar panel installation system includes a solar panel unloading machine, a solar panel carrier machine, and a solar panel installation machine. The solar panel unloading machine is configured to autonomously interact with a shipping device carrying a plurality of solar panels to unload the plurality of solar panels from the shipping device and autonomously transfer the plurality of solar panels to the solar panel carrier machine. The solar panel carrier machine is configured autonomously transport the plurality of solar panels to a location proximate where the plurality of solar panels are to be installed. The solar panel installation machine is configured to autonomously pick up a respective solar panel of the plurality of solar panels from the solar panel carrier machine and autonomously provide the respective solar panel to an installation location where the respective solar panel can be secured to a solar panel support.

A solar panel installation system includes a solar panel unloading machine, a solar panel carrier machine, and a solar panel installation machine. The solar panel unloading machine is configured to autonomously interact with a shipping device carrying a plurality of solar panels to unload the plurality of solar panels from the shipping device and autonomously transfer the plurality of solar panels to the solar panel carrier machine. The solar panel carrier machine is configured autonomously transport the plurality of solar panels to a location proximate where the plurality of solar panels are to be installed. The solar panel installation machine is configured to autonomously pick up a respective solar panel of the plurality of solar panels from the solar panel carrier machine and autonomously provide the respective solar panel to an installation location where the respective solar panel can be secured to a solar panel support.

A photovoltaic energy system includes a photovoltaic field configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, cloud detectors configured to detect a cloud approaching the photovoltaic field, and a controller. The controller uses the cloud detectors to predict a disturbance in the electric power output of the photovoltaic energy system. The controller determines a time at which the disturbance is expected to occur and determines an amount by which the electric power output is expected to decrease. The controller can preemptively adjust the electric power output of the photovoltaic energy system in accordance with a predetermined ramp rate.

A photovoltaic energy system includes a photovoltaic field configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, cloud detectors configured to detect a cloud approaching the photovoltaic field, and a controller. The controller uses the cloud detectors to predict a disturbance in the electric power output of the photovoltaic energy system. The controller determines a time at which the disturbance is expected to occur and determines an amount by which the electric power output is expected to decrease. The controller can preemptively adjust the electric power output of the photovoltaic energy system in accordance with a predetermined ramp rate.