A self-powered light seeking apparatus and method for directing a target-plane towards a light source. The apparatus includes a photovoltaic powering arrangement configured to convert light energy into a driving current to power an actuator. The actuator is coupled to a support platform and is wired to the photovoltaic powering arrangement such that the polarity of the driving current causes the actuator to drive the target-plane towards alignment with the light source. A solar energy collection system including a photoelectric assembly for generating electricity from light incident upon an active area; a light concentrator comprising a substantially planar reflective surface subtending an angle to the active area such that light arriving along a line perpendicular to the active area and striking the reflective surface is reflected onto the active area; and a cooling unit configured to maintain the photoelectric assembly at an efficient operating temperature.

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 robotic actuator comprises a mass manufactured bellows, wherein the mass manufactured bellows allows a volume change by localized bending, and wherein the mass manufactured bellows is formed from a material that has a higher strength in at least two axes relative to at most one other axis, and an end effector, wherein the end effector is coupled to the manufactured bellows.

Improved photovoltaic (PV) assemblies for converting solar radiation to electrical energy and methods of installation thereof are disclosed herein. PV arrays comprising a plurality PV modules are also described herein. A PV assembly can comprise at least one PV module having a front side and a back side opposite the front side. A PV module can comprise a plurality of solar cells encapsulated within a PV laminate. In some embodiments, a PV module includes a frame at least partially surrounding the PV laminate. In such embodiments, frame can comprise an outer surface feature. The PV assembly can further comprise at least one spacing device positioned between adjacent PV modules. A spacing device can comprise a spacer body having a predetermined width for defining a predetermined distance or gap between adjacent PV modules.

A multi-featured diaper bag is described. The bag includes a four-point attachment system to permit attachment of the bag to the should straps and waist strap of a wearable infant carrier. The bag includes one or more closable compartments in which various amenities and accessories can be stored. Conveniently, when in use, the contents of the diaper are accessible to a user without having to remove the infant carrier or detach the bag from the infant carrier.

A solar electric system comprises photovoltaic elements having integrated energy storage and control, ideally on each PV-panel. The energy storage media may be primary or secondary cylindrical cells interconnected into a battery and/or an array of capacitors (or super-capacitors) and are accompanied by an electronic control circuit which may perform a variety of functions, including but not limited to power quality control, load following, pulse powering, active line transient suppression, local sensing, remote reporting, wireless or wired communications allowing two way programmable control through local or remote operation. The operation of the system may yield direct current or with the integration of bidirectional micro-inverters create distributed alternating current generation enhanced with energy storage and control two way energy flows between the solar system and the grid.

A method, circuit and system arrangement is described for providing rapid de-energization for safety reasons of conductors having a DC power source at both ends. The invention is particularly envisaged for use in solar energy systems in which a battery is charged by solar power from a photovoltaic array, the invention comprising controlling the array to interrupt charge current flow and then isolating the battery from the conductors to be de-energized in a fail-safe manner.

Provided are fixing clamp and turn-off device. The fixing clamp includes clamp body and an elastic plate, wherein the clamp body includes first section, second section, and third section, the first section and the third section are separately connected to two ends of the second section, and the first section and the third section both are located at the same side of the second section; the elastic plate includes connecting end and an open end, the connecting end is connected to the first section, and gap is provided between the open end and the third section, so that the elastic plate is in cantilevered structure relative to the first section; and an accommodation space is formed between the clamp body and the elastic plate, and at least one of the first section, the second section, and the third section is provided with protrusion part.

Provided are fixing clamp and turn-off device. The fixing clamp includes clamp body and an elastic plate, wherein the clamp body includes first section, second section, and third section, the first section and the third section are separately connected to two ends of the second section, and the first section and the third section both are located at the same side of the second section; the elastic plate includes connecting end and an open end, the connecting end is connected to the first section, and gap is provided between the open end and the third section, so that the elastic plate is in cantilevered structure relative to the first section; and an accommodation space is formed between the clamp body and the elastic plate, and at least one of the first section, the second section, and the third section is provided with protrusion part.

A system and method are provided for forming energy filter layers or shutter components, including energy/light directing/scattering layers that are actively electrically switchable. The energy filters or shutter components are operable between at least a first mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the shutter components, appear substantially transparent when viewed from an energy/light incident side, and a second mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the energy filters or shutter components, appear opaque to the incident energy impinging on the energy incident side. The differing modes are selectable by electrically energizing, differentially energizing and/or de-energizing electric fields in a vicinity of the energy scattering layers, including electric fields generated between a pair of transparent electrodes sandwiching an energy scattering layer. Refractive indices of transparent particles, and the transparent matrices in which the particles are fixed, are tunable according to the applied electric fields.