A mobile artificial cloud system comprising a mobile formation of horizontally extending panels which are elevated above the ground for providing shade. The panels can take the form of gas-filled, flattened, large balloons, or sheets of material that may be elevated by balloons or releasably connected to fixed structures. Furthermore, the panels can be formed of, laminated with, or covered by, panels of thin and light photovoltaic cells or any such product which would convert solar energy to electrical energy (electricity) for distribution through an electrical grid.

A floating solar photovoltaic device includes a plurality of solar photovoltaic modules, each of the solar photovoltaic modules being connected by cords to an internal frame and the internal frames being arranged in an array of rows and columns. The cords can permit movement of one of the solar photovoltaic modules to be independent of movement of another of the solar photovoltaic modules. The cords can restrict movement of one of the solar photovoltaic modules to prevent collision with another of the solar photovoltaic modules. The cords can diminish transfer of forces bearing on one of the solar photovoltaic modules to another of the solar photovoltaic modules.

A method and apparatus for mounting a solar collector panel by itself or supported within a frame, to a surface comprising: a strap assembly, a first attachment device attached to and between the panel or frame and the strap assembly; and a second attachment means for attaching the strap assembly to the surface. The strap assembly comprises a plurality of straps attached end to end. The first attachment device could be a bolt, a screw, adhesive, etc. Alternatively, there could be a support between the panel or frame and the strap assembly. The second attachment means may be: a nail, a spike, adhesive, bolting to a stud attached to the surface, welding, ballast, adhesive tape or combinations of these.

Provided herein is a floating photovoltaic solar device designed to reduce the effect of wind forces without the use of external control or power. The device includes a floating anchored frame with a means for connecting an internal corded lattice; a corded lattice suspended within the floating frame and forming a set of polygonal cells in which independently floating solar photovoltaic modules are positioned. Access for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance may be provided by a floating service gantry. The system is modular and several devices may be connected in a honeycomb-like structure.

Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. The embodiments comprise various combinations of cables, support columns, and pod constructions in which to support solar panels. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structures such as parking lots, roads, aqueducts, and other bodies of water. Simplified support systems with a minimum number of structural elements can be used to create effective support for solar panel arrays of varying size and shapes. These simplified systems minimize material requirements and labor for installation of the systems.

A device for holding a material and a method for holding such materials. The device includes a lower part having at least two engagement points, at least one elongated flexible tensioning element that is attached suspended between the engagement points, and traction mechanisms that are attached on the tensioning element or are part of the tensioning element. The tensioning element is connected to, encloses or carries the material, and the device is configured such that all traction mechanisms can be pulled simultaneously with identical or different tensile force in the direction of the lower part.

A novel solar panel mounting system including a strap and one or more supports, having top flanges, attached to each other. The strap is attached between a first point and a second point on a surface. The support is designed to support a solar panel on this surface. The top flange of the support may be parallel to or at an angle to the surface. The strap may be singular or comprised of two straps one above the other. The strap may be attached to the top flange or the bottom or both. The supports may have any cross sectional shape. The strap may be attached to the support at its end or at a distance from the end; or normal to the support or at an angle to it. The length of the support is greater than the width of the strap.

A system of solar PV strip modules and method of use designed to integrate with vertical structures such as poles. The system and method use articulated semi-rigid solar PV strip modules and components with elastic characteristics to enable a high static-friction attachment to the structure. The static friction exceeds the force of gravity, enabling the solar PV strip modules to remain in place upon the vertical structure. The PV strip modules can have a rectangular shape or any other shape that enables customized or variable modular assembly and attachment to the structure.

Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. The embodiments comprise various combinations of cables, support columns, and pod constructions in which to support solar panels. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structures such as parking lots, roads, aqueducts, and other bodies of water. Simplified support systems with a minimum number of structural elements can be used to create effective support for solar panel arrays of varying size and shapes. These simplified systems minimize material requirements and labor for installation of the systems.

A number of apparatuses and methods for fastening roofing straps and structural members to roofs are disclosed.