Solar collector modules and techniques for their construction are disclosed. In one aspect, a solar collector module includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The structural frame includes a set of primary structural shapes and a set of axial frame members connected between corners of the primary structural shapes forming helical paths for the transmission of torque from one end of the structural frame to the other. In another aspect, a method for assembling a solar collector module includes pre-assembling part of the module.

Solar collector modules and techniques for their construction are disclosed. In one aspect, a solar collector module includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The structural frame includes a set of primary structural shapes and a set of axial frame members connected between corners of the primary structural shapes forming helical paths for the transmission of torque from one end of the structural frame to the other. In another aspect, a method for assembling a solar collector module includes pre-assembling part of the module.

A solar mounting system includes at least one solar panel with a panel frame and a support structure including at least one elongated support rail configured to support the panel frame of the at least one solar panel. The elongated support rail includes a grounding structure with a raised edge formed from material of the at least one elongated support rail. The raised edge is configured to cut through a protective coating surrounding a conductive material forming the panel frame, thereby grounding the solar panel by providing direct electrical contact between the panel frame and the at least one elongated support rail. This automatic grounding does not require additional grounding equipment or elements to be added to the solar mounting system.

A solar mounting system includes at least one solar panel with a panel frame and a support structure including at least one elongated support rail configured to support the panel frame of the at least one solar panel. The elongated support rail includes a grounding structure with a raised edge formed from material of the at least one elongated support rail. The raised edge is configured to cut through a protective coating surrounding a conductive material forming the panel frame, thereby grounding the solar panel by providing direct electrical contact between the panel frame and the at least one elongated support rail. This automatic grounding does not require additional grounding equipment or elements to be added to the solar mounting system.

A solar power system can include a rail and a solar module disposed on the rail. A clamp assembly can couple the solar module to the rail. The clamp assembly can have a clamped configuration in which the solar module is secured to the rail and an unclamped configuration. The clamp assembly can comprise an upper clamp member, a lower clamp member coupled to the rail, and a stabilization member mechanically engaging the upper clamp member and the lower clamp member. The stabilization member can prevent rotation of the lower clamp member relative to the rail when the clamp assembly is in the clamped and unclamped configurations. In the unclamped configuration, the stabilization member can be biased such that the upper clamp member is disposed at a sufficient clearance above the rail to permit the insertion of the solar module between the upper clamp member and the rail.

A solar power system can include a rail and a solar module disposed on the rail. A clamp assembly can couple the solar module to the rail. The clamp assembly can have a clamped configuration in which the solar module is secured to the rail and an unclamped configuration. The clamp assembly can comprise an upper clamp member, a lower clamp member coupled to the rail, and a stabilization member mechanically engaging the upper clamp member and the lower clamp member. The stabilization member can prevent rotation of the lower clamp member relative to the rail when the clamp assembly is in the clamped and unclamped configurations. In the unclamped configuration, the stabilization member can be biased such that the upper clamp member is disposed at a sufficient clearance above the rail to permit the insertion of the solar module between the upper clamp member and the rail.

The invention relates to a tracking device (1) for solar modules (2a) with a series of posts (3) arranged along a longitudinal axis. A crossmember (6) is pivotably mounted on each post (3), and said crossmembers (6) are pivotable about a common pivot axis (S) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. There is fastened to each crossmember (6) a toothed ring (7) of which the toothing (7a) is in engagement with a motor-driven toothed wheel (8) mounted on the respective post (3). Also provided is a positive guide means which forms a safeguard against a transverse displacement of the toothed wheel (8) relative to the toothed ring (7). Each toothed wheel (8) is mounted on the side of the respective post (3).

The invention relates to a tracking device (1) for solar modules (2a) with a series of posts (3) arranged along a longitudinal axis. A crossmember (6) is pivotably mounted on each post (3), and said crossmembers (6) are pivotable about a common pivot axis (S) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. There is fastened to each crossmember (6) a toothed ring (7) of which the toothing (7a) is in engagement with a motor-driven toothed wheel (8) mounted on the respective post (3). Also provided is a positive guide means which forms a safeguard against a transverse displacement of the toothed wheel (8) relative to the toothed ring (7). Each toothed wheel (8) is mounted on the side of the respective post (3).

Various implementations described herein are directed to an apparatus including an assembly for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic panels above a ground. The assembly may be supported by one or more poles. Each of the plurality of poles may include a fixed portion configured to be fixed on the ground and a moveable portion configured to be moveably coupled to at least one of the fixed portion or the assembly. The moveable portion may have a closed configuration. At the closed configuration, the moveable portion may support the assembly by being coupled to the fixed portion, and an open configuration. At the open configuration, the moveable portion may be detached from at least one of the fixed portion and the assembly.