The present disclosure is directed to solar module covers. A device may include a first surface and a second, opposite surface configured to be positioned proximate at least one solar module and contact at least one of a frame of the at least one solar module and a roof. The device may be sufficiently rigid to distribute at least some of an external force applied to the first surface away from a laminate of the at least one solar module.

A self-retracting lanyard including a main body and a retractable line. The retractable line is coupled to the main body so as to be extendible and retractable relative to the main body and to be restricted from extending relative to the main body in response to a user of the self-retracting lanyard falling. The self-retracting lanyard further includes a manual control operable by the user to initiate controlled descent of the retractable line relative to the main body. The manual control may be operable by the user to deliver a fluid (e.g. compressed gas) from a fluid supply disposed in a housing of the manual control to an actuator of the main body to initiate controlled descent. Solar panel(s) may be disposed on the main body. When the retractable line is retracted, the housing may dock with and be charged by a solar powered charger disposed on the main body.

A self-retracting lanyard including a main body and a retractable line. The retractable line is coupled to the main body so as to be extendible and retractable relative to the main body and to be restricted from extending relative to the main body in response to a user of the self-retracting lanyard falling. The self-retracting lanyard further includes a manual control operable by the user to initiate controlled descent of the retractable line relative to the main body. The manual control may be operable by the user to deliver a fluid (e.g. compressed gas) from a fluid supply disposed in a housing of the manual control to an actuator of the main body to initiate controlled descent. Solar panel(s) may be disposed on the main body. When the retractable line is retracted, the housing may dock with and be charged by a solar powered charger disposed on the main body.

A forecast engine generates a clear-sky solar power generation level corresponding to a photovoltaic installation that resides within a geographical area. The clear-sky solar power generation level indicates an amount of electricity generated by the photovoltaic installation under clear-sky conditions. The forecast engine also generates a measurement device index corresponding to a measurement device that resides proximate to the photovoltaic installation. The measurement device index indicates an amount of cloud cover present at the location where the measurement device resides. The forecast engine then generates a solar power generation forecast for the geographical area based on the clear-sky solar power generation level and the measurement device index.

A forecast engine generates a clear-sky solar power generation level corresponding to a photovoltaic installation that resides within a geographical area. The clear-sky solar power generation level indicates an amount of electricity generated by the photovoltaic installation under clear-sky conditions. The forecast engine also generates a measurement device index corresponding to a measurement device that resides proximate to the photovoltaic installation. The measurement device index indicates an amount of cloud cover present at the location where the measurement device resides. The forecast engine then generates a solar power generation forecast for the geographical area based on the clear-sky solar power generation level and the measurement device index.

Solar tracker systems include a torque tube, a solar panel attached to the torque tube, and a damper assembly. The damper assembly includes an outer shell, a first chamber wall and a second chamber wall within the outer shell at least partially defining a chamber, and a piston to direct fluid through the chamber. A valve is within the chamber that includes a first axial end, a second axial end, and a seal positioned on the first axial end. The damper assembly further includes a biasing assembly that biases the valve into a first position within the chamber in which the seal is spaced from the first chamber wall. The valve is moveable within the chamber from the first position to a second position in which the seal contacts and seals against the first chamber wall to prevent the flow of fluid through the chamber.

A smart ring includes a curved housing having a U-shape interior storing components including: a curved battery approximately conforming to the curved housing, a semi-flexible PCB approximately conforming to the curved housing and having mounted thereon: a motion sensor for generating motion data from physical perturbations of the smart ring, a memory for storing executable instructions, a transceiver for sending data to a client computer, a temperature sensor, and a processor for receiving motion data and performing executable instructions in response thereto, and a potting material disposed in the interior, forming an interior wall of the smart ring, wherein the potting material encapsulates the components and is substantially transparent to visible light, infrared light, and/or ultraviolet light.

A smart ring includes a curved housing having a U-shape interior storing components including: a curved battery approximately conforming to the curved housing, a semi-flexible PCB approximately conforming to the curved housing and having mounted thereon: a motion sensor for generating motion data from physical perturbations of the smart ring, a memory for storing executable instructions, a transceiver for sending data to a client computer, a temperature sensor, and a processor for receiving motion data and performing executable instructions in response thereto, and a potting material disposed in the interior, forming an interior wall of the smart ring, wherein the potting material encapsulates the components and is substantially transparent to visible light, infrared light, and/or ultraviolet light.

A modular kitchen-connected indoor stationary solar cooking device (102) is disclosed. The solar cooking device (102) includes a housing (202), a thermal battery (204) disposed in the housing (202) and adapted to store thermal energy, and a first heater (206) disposed to be in contact with the thermal battery (204). The first heater (206) is coupled to a solar array (104) and adapted to receive solar energy for charging the thermal battery (204). The solar cooking device (102) includes a second heater (208) disposed to be in contact with the thermal battery (204). The second heater (208) is coupled to a mains supply and adapted to receive electrical supply for charging the thermal battery (204). The solar cooking device (102) includes a heat control assembly (210) disposed on a cooktop (802) and adapted to accommodate a cooking vessel. The heat control assembly (210) is adapted to rotate for controlling a heat supply for cooking in the cooking vessel.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses related to thermo-dielectric-elastomer-cells may be shown and described. In one embodiment a thermo dielectric elastomer cell (TDEC) can include a layer of carbon nanotubes that absorb sunlight; a layer of photo switchable molecules; a plurality of dielectric elastomer layers, each of the plurality of dielectric elastomer layer comprising a layer of dielectric elastomer material and a layer of N-P junction transistors between the layers of dielectric elastomer material; a layer of insulators separating each of the plurality of dielectric elastomer layers; and an elastic cushioning which is placed between the plurality of dielectric elastomer layers and surrounding the dielectric elastomer material.