The invention relates to a system and a method for mounting at least one solar panel on a substantially flat mounting surface. The system comprises thereto a base element, a support structure configured for supporting at least part of at least one solar panel, which is connected to the base element and wherein the support structure comprises a retaining element for retaining at least part of an upper edge of the solar panel and a clamping element configured for clampingly engaging at least part of a lower edge the solar panel.

A mounting assembly may include an arced connecting member that includes a first drive chain along a bottom surface of the arced connecting member, a second drive chain positioned adjacent to the first drive chain, and a third drive chain in a gap between the first and the second drive chains. The mounting assembly may include an intermittent-motion drive system that has a drive wheel with a nub extending from a lateral surface of the drive wheel, the nub being shaped to interface with notches included along the third drive chain. The intermittent-motion drive system may include a first and a second protrusion shaped to interface with surfaces of the first and second drive chains, respectively. Rotation of a drive axle extending through the drive wheel may affect rotation of the drive wheel, rotational movement of the nub extending from the drive wheel, and movement of the arced connecting member.

A mufti-surface stand is disclosed. The stand may comprise a main body, a rotation body connected to the main body and configured to rotate in a horizontal plane, an arm shaft connected to the rotation body, a main arm connected the arm shaft and configured to tilt in a vertical direction, a v-clamp connected to the main arm, a pan knob inserted into the main body and configured to be tightened to cause the rotation body to be prevented from rotating, a leg rotatably connected to the main body, the leg including a hollow portion configured to store therein a stake or auger having a base portion, and an integrated rotatable foot, configured to rotate between a folded position and a ground mount position.

A mechanically powered solar tracking system is disclosed. The mechanically powered solar tracking system may include a carriage, a carriage mount connected to the carriage, a pivot shaft including a pivot gear connected to the carriage or, a complex gearbox, a base including legs, a tracker disposed on the base, the tracker including a mechanical energy storage system and a movement modulating system. The mechanical energy storage system may be configured to store mechanical energy as the carriage is rotated from a first position to a second position, and the movement modulation system may be configured to modulate a rotation of the carriage from the second position to the first position as the mechanical energy storage system exerts a rotational force on the carriage.

A solar tracking system is disclosed. The solar tracking system may comprise at least one processor, a memory coupled to the at least one processor, a carriage mount, a carriage, an altitude motor connected to the carriage, an azimuth motor connected to the carriage, and a tracking application, residing in the memory and executed by the at least one processor. The tracking application may be configured to run the altitude motor and azimuth motor in a predictive manner, such that a solar panel connected to the carriage is positioned in a way to increase solar irradiation of the solar panel.

An adaptor for connecting a ground screw to an upright beam of a solar panel support assembly includes (a) a cylindrical connector having an open ground-screw receiving bottom end and a top end, the cylindrical connector having an inner circumferential surface with a diameter slightly larger than that of the ground screw and at least two sets of bolt holes, each set of bolt holes including at least three bolt holes uniformly distributed circumferentially about the cylindrical connector at an axial level, and the at least two sets of bolt holes being axially distanced from one another; (b) an intermediate plate having a top surface and a bottom surface fixed to the top end of the cylindrical connector; and (c) an upright beam connector fixed to the top surface of the intermediate plate and extending upward from the intermediate plate.

An adaptor for connecting a ground screw to an upright beam of a solar panel support assembly includes (a) a cylindrical connector having an open ground-screw receiving bottom end and a top end, the cylindrical connector having an inner circumferential surface with a diameter slightly larger than that of the ground screw and at least two sets of bolt holes, each set of bolt holes including at least three bolt holes uniformly distributed circumferentially about the cylindrical connector at an axial level, and the at least two sets of bolt holes being axially distanced from one another; (b) an intermediate plate having a top surface and a bottom surface fixed to the top end of the cylindrical connector; and (c) an upright beam connector fixed to the top surface of the intermediate plate and extending upward from the intermediate plate.

Systems and methods for quickly and securely interconnecting foundation components when axially misaligned without hydraulic tools. Upper to lower leg connections are made with threaded connections or with ball and socket connections that permit angular adjustment. One or more retaining nuts bias the connection to lock it in place at the desired orientation. Foundation component to single-axis tracker connections are facilitated by various wedge and clamp connector assemblies that rely on mechanical engagement to lock components in place and resist axial forces. Other connections are made with hemispherical washers and adapter plates that enable rigid connections through a range of angles.

Support platforms for one or more solar panels and systems and methods for securing support platforms are provided. In one embodiment, a frame of a support platform includes a plurality of support legs, each leg including a shoe plate. One or more toggle anchors with rod and/or cable are provided that include an anchor portion and a toggle portion pivotally coupled to the anchor portion, and a rod and/or cable is coupled to the toggle portion. Each anchor is driven into the ground with a driving rod such that an exposed end of the rod and/or cable extends from the ground. The driving rod is removed, and the rod and/or cable is pulled to deploy the anchor, and which the anchor is pull tested and measured in real time soil conditions whereupon the exposed end is coupled to the shoe plate of one of the support legs to apply a desired tensile force between the exposed end and the anchor to secure the support leg and, consequently, the support platform relative to the ground.

Support platforms for one or more solar panels and systems and methods for securing support platforms are provided. In one embodiment, a frame of a support platform includes a plurality of support legs, each leg including a shoe plate. One or more toggle anchors with rod and/or cable are provided that include an anchor portion and a toggle portion pivotally coupled to the anchor portion, and a rod and/or cable is coupled to the toggle portion. Each anchor is driven into the ground with a driving rod such that an exposed end of the rod and/or cable extends from the ground. The driving rod is removed, and the rod and/or cable is pulled to deploy the anchor, and which the anchor is pull tested and measured in real time soil conditions whereupon the exposed end is coupled to the shoe plate of one of the support legs to apply a desired tensile force between the exposed end and the anchor to secure the support leg and, consequently, the support platform relative to the ground.