The disclosure describes various stackable corner protector configurations. The corner protectors can have curved lateral surfaces that allow the corner protectors to be decoupled from a photovoltaic module to which they are coupled to by rotating one end of the corner protectors away from the object. This removal process works even more efficiently with multiple stacked corner protectors as the stacked corner protectors can be concurrently removed from the object by rotating the stacked corner protectors away from the object together. The corner protector can also include one or more attachment features for securing the corner protector to the object. For example, when the corner protector is installed on a photovoltaic module, the attachment feature can engage a lip defined by a recess or channel of the photovoltaic module.

A solar actuator comprises a top coupler, a bottom coupler, and a plurality of fluidic bellows actuators, wherein a fluidic bellows actuator of the plurality of fluidic bellows actuators moves the top coupler relative to the bottom coupler.

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.

An apparatus and system for mechanically coupling a power conditioning unit (PCU) to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base member, adapted for mounting a power conditioning unit (PCU) on a PV module backsheet, comprising a plurality of PCU retention members for retaining the PCU; and at least one compression spring, coupled to the base member, for maintaining the PCU in a position, with respect to the PV module backsheet, that can be dynamically changed between a first position and a second position.

Wind screen for one or more photovoltaic arrays and method thereof. For example, a wind screen for one or more photovoltaic arrays includes a screen foundation including a concrete block, and one or more perforation blocks on the concrete block. In another example, the wind screen is configured to cover at least a first side of each array of the one or more photovoltaic arrays.

Wind screen for one or more photovoltaic arrays and method thereof. For example, a wind screen for one or more photovoltaic arrays includes a screen foundation including a concrete block, and one or more perforation blocks on the concrete block. In another example, the wind screen is configured to cover at least a first side of each array of the one or more photovoltaic arrays.

The invention relates to a damping apparatus (10) comprising a hollow housing (19) containing a damping fluid, wherein the housing (19) comprises an opening (21), a rod (13) partially inserted through the opening (21) into the hollow housing (19), wherein the rod (13) is guided slidably along a stroke axis (A) relative to the hollow housing (19), and a piston package (16) fixed to an end of the rod (13) residing within the hollow housing (19), wherein the piston package (16) separates an upper chamber (191) of the hollow housing (19) adjacent to the opening (21) from a lower chamber (192) of the hollow housing (19). The rod (13) comprises an inner volume (131) containing a compensation fluid, wherein the inner volume (131) is connected to the lower chamber (192) in a manner conducting the damping fluid. The invention further relates to a solar panel array comprising multiple solar panels and a damping apparatus (10) according to the invention.

The invention relates to a damping apparatus (10) comprising a hollow housing (19) containing a damping fluid, wherein the housing (19) comprises an opening (21), a rod (13) partially inserted through the opening (21) into the hollow housing (19), wherein the rod (13) is guided slidably along a stroke axis (A) relative to the hollow housing (19), and a piston package (16) fixed to an end of the rod (13) residing within the hollow housing (19), wherein the piston package (16) separates an upper chamber (191) of the hollow housing (19) adjacent to the opening (21) from a lower chamber (192) of the hollow housing (19). The rod (13) comprises an inner volume (131) containing a compensation fluid, wherein the inner volume (131) is connected to the lower chamber (192) in a manner conducting the damping fluid. The invention further relates to a solar panel array comprising multiple solar panels and a damping apparatus (10) according to the invention.

Disclosed is an apparatus that is configured to separate the frame of a solar panel from the body of the solar panel. The apparatus includes first and second plates that are configured to clamp the body between them. Separating at least a portion of the frame from the body is achieved through the use of one or more separation elements that are collectively configured and arranged to progressively push on a side of the frame.