In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, solar energy shade structures and support systems are disclosed that have electrical components concealed or screened within columns located under the structure. For example, a solar energy structure may comprise: a solar panel support structure, a plurality of solar panels supported by the solar panel support structure, a plurality of vertical supports connected to the solar panel support structure for supporting the solar panel support structure elevated above a surface, and a column, located under the solar panel support structure. The column comprises an electrical component mounted to the column in a screened manner, wherein the electrical component comprises at least one of a string inverter, a combiner, and a battery.

Various embodiments of mounting structures for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and methods for constructing such mounting structures are described. A mounting structure is usable to secure PV modules in portrait orientation or landscape orientation. PV modules are secured to PV module support rails, which may be secured to purlins of a mounting structure using clamps. In some embodiments, self-adhesive grounding patches are used to establish electrical grounding paths in various embodiments of mounting structure.

Disclosed is a terrace canopy comprising a beam which is constructed from a set of profiles. The set includes a beam profile provided to serve as a beam of the terrace canopy, in which the beam profile has an upright inner side wall and a first connection means. The set also comprises two mutually different spacer profiles, each of which is attachable to the beam profile via the first connection means. Each spacer profile also has a further connection means to which a beam-finishing profile can be attached, which beam-finishing profiles also form part of the set. The spacer profile determines the distance between the outward facing surface of the beam-finishing profile and the upright wall of the beam profile. Hence, the width of the beam can be varied depending on the type of wall infill.

Disclosed is a terrace canopy, comprising a beam having a top side, a bottom side, an inner side and an outer side, and, in its cross-section, is provided with a screen cavity which is delimited by an upright inner side wall and a horizontal top wall and an internal space above the screen cavity. An upright wall extends from the end of the horizontal top wall. The beam comprises either a first closure profile for closing off the internal space or a wall profile attached to the upright wall and a second closure profile for closing off the internal space. Thus, multiple configurations of the beam are possible and an additional wall holder may be provided on the outer side of the screen cavity such that a double side wall infill is possible.

The present application provides methods for loading and unloading high capacity storage equipment to a solar power canopy. The methods and structures may include horizontal support members have mechanisms to engage corresponding mechanisms on a compartment housing the high capacity storage equipment. The mechanisms may include plates, flanged surfaces, rails, tracks, hook assemblies, and ridges. The methods and structures may include a superstructure that is coupled to an moves with respect to the solar power canopy frame. The superstructure may pivot and/or rotate to allow loading and unloading. The methods and structures also may include cabinets or cubicles sized to receive one or more compartments housing the high capacity storage equipment.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a structure and canopy for mounting of a photovoltaic panel. A structure of the disclosure may provide a rail mounting clip including a first segment shaped for mounting on a purlin surface, a second segment at a lateral end of the first segment and extending perpendicularly outwardly therefrom. A rail assembly is coupled to the rail mounting clip and has a slot substantially aligned with a centerline axis of the rail assembly. The slot receives the second segment of the rail mounting clip, and the rail assembly is shaped for mounting a photovoltaic panel thereon.

Disclosed is a terrace canopy, comprising a beam which a top side, a bottom side, an inner side and an outer side, and, in its cross-section, is provided with: a screen cavity and a U-shaped space at the bottom side of the beam which is located below the screen cavity and open at its bottom side. The U-shaped space is configured to hold a first profile and a second profile, different from the first profile, and is provided with: a first and a second connection means configured together to hold the first profile or the first connection means and a connection wall portion configured together to hold the second profile. By leaving the U-shaped space open at its bottom side and providing the connection means, it is possible to integrate other profiles into the beam.

ADisclosed is a terrace canopy, comprising a beam which a top side, a bottom side, an inner side and an outer side, and, in its cross-section, is provided with: a screen cavity and a U-shaped spaceat the bottom side of the beam which is located below the screen cavity and open at its bottom side. The U-shaped space is configured to hold a first profile and a second profile, different from the first profile, and is provided with: a first and a second connection means configured together to hold the first profile or the first connection means and a connection wall portion configured together to hold the second profile. By leaving the U-shaped space open at its bottom side and providing the connection means, it is possible to integrate other profiles into the beam.

A solar carport system has a framework comprising metal tubing and connection fittings, the framework having a length, a width and a height and rectangular faces on top, ends and sides, a plurality of wheel assemblies at a lowermost location on the framework, enabling the framework to be moved on the wheels on a supporting surface, a plurality of solar panels assembled to the framework in the top rectangular face, such that an active surface of each solar panel faces upward, and circuitry and wiring connecting the solar panels to a cable ending in a connector compatible with and connected to an inverter.

A solar powered charging station uses photovoltaic panels to generate electrical energy for use directly and/or for storage in electrical batteries for use during night operation. The station includes parallel electrical circuits which permit the station to operate during daylight hours in the event of a failure of the battery or the battery charging system. The station is adapted to use stabilizing ballast which can be collected locally at the site of the station. The parallel circuitry is adaptable for use with other forms of electrical power generation having a minimal carbon footprint.

Systems and methods for mitigating damage caused by hail storms to self-driving motor-vehicles. When a self-driving motor vehicle determines or learns that a hail storm or other severe weather event may be approaching, it may seek cover under a protective structure or some other location where it might not be as exposed to the severe weather event. Depending upon the availability of suitable shelters, the self-driving motor vehicle might, for example, obtain a list of such possible shelters and apply certain factors to develop a priority list as to which shelters to seek. The self-driving motor vehicle may then drive itself to the location and remain there at least for the duration of the hail storm or other event. In some cases, the self-driving motor vehicle may evaluate the adequacy of the protective structure or other location, and may decide to seek a better protective structure or location.