A method may include obtaining current data from a sensor related to performance of a solar power generating device, and comparing the current data from the sensor to previously stored data to detect a decrease in expected power generation. The method may also include determining whether the decrease in expected power generation is designated a persistently occurring decrease, and, based on the designation of the decrease as being persistent, changing an orientation of the solar power generating device to a stowed orientation.

An image/video capture apparatus is provided, to capture image data of a photovoltaic panel (101) and surroundings, and a controller (502) recognizes a category corresponding to the image data, and generates different instructions to control rotation of a photovoltaic tracker (102), to remove dust or snow accumulating on the photovoltaic panel (101). This does not need continuous heating, but is simple and efficient, saves electric energy, and resolves a technical problem that a conventional snow removal method of heating has low efficiency and wastes electric energy. In addition, a corresponding controller (1200) is further provided.

Methods and systems for separating a first metal from a metal-containing feed stream are provided. The method can include applying solar energy, for example, by focusing one or more mirrors in one or more heliostats, to heat a metal-containing feed stream in a heating zone to a first temperature to produce a first vapor including the first metal. The first vapor can be condensed in a condensation zone to produce a first liquid including the first metal, and the first liquid can be collected. The system can include a separation unit include a heating zone in fluid communication with a condensation zone and a means for applying solar energy to heat a metal-containing feed stream disposed in the heating zone.

A system for tracking the sun has a bottom frame and a top frame hingedly coupled at a first end to the bottom frame. Further, the system has a solar panel removably coupled to the top frame via at least one clamp on a second end of the top frame. Also, the system has a processor configured to adjust the solar panel horizontally and vertically to align with the sun for maximum efficiency.

A system and method for localization and calibration of a heliostat is disclosed. The system comprises a controller and a camera configured to acquire images of a plurality of heliostats. The controller and camera are configured to acquire a first image of the plurality of heliostats, move one of the plurality of heliostats, acquire a second image of the plurality of heliostats, generate a difference image by subtracting the second image from the first image, identify the heliostat that was moved based on the difference image, and calibrate the position or orientation of the heliostat based on the difference image. The difference image is generated by pixel-wise subtraction of the second image from the first image. The pixel-wise subtraction exposes the heliostat and enables the calibration of the position and/or orientation of known heliostat positions.

A system and method for localization and calibration of a heliostat is disclosed. The system comprises a controller and a camera configured to acquire images of a plurality of heliostats. The controller and camera are configured to acquire a first image of the plurality of heliostats, move one of the plurality of heliostats, acquire a second image of the plurality of heliostats, generate a difference image by subtracting the second image from the first image, identify the heliostat that was moved based on the difference image, and calibrate the position or orientation of the heliostat based on the difference image. The difference image is generated by pixel-wise subtraction of the second image from the first image. The pixel-wise subtraction exposes the heliostat and enables the calibration of the position and/or orientation of known heliostat positions.

A bearing assembly for a tracker assembly of a power generation structure including an adaptor configured to be fixed to and rotatable with a rail; and a housing adapted to support the adaptor, where the adaptor is configured to rotate relative to the housing, and where a low friction material is present at an interface between an exterior surface of adaptor and an interior surface of housing.

A bearing assembly for a tracker assembly of a power generation structure including an adaptor configured to be fixed to and rotatable with a rail; and a housing adapted to support the adaptor, where the adaptor is configured to rotate relative to the housing, and where a low friction material is present at an interface between an exterior surface of adaptor and an interior surface of housing.

Solar-operated adjustment device for a solar installation including, at least one retaining element for fixing at least one solar element, a swivel device which is designed and intended to swivel the retaining element around a support point, wherein the swivel device includes at least one liquid tank, wherein a float of the retaining element is arranged at least in part beneath a filling level of the liquid tank and the float is supported on a perimeter of the liquid tank, and the retaining element can only be swiveled around a support point with respect to a longitudinal axis of the liquid tank by means of its buoyancy and is mounted above the filling level, at least indirectly on the edge of the liquid tank.

The present disclosure is drawn to single axis rotation systems for use with a solar device, as well as related methods and sun movement targeting devices. The single axis rotation system can include an actuator with a movable arm, a pulley system, and a rotatable shaft. The pulley system can include a base pulley, a collaborative pulley, and a compliant band about the base pulley and the collaborative pulley. The movable arm can be attached to the compliant band such that when the movable arm actuates, the compliant band causes the base pulley and the collaborative pulley to move. The rotatable shaft is attached to the base pulley and is configured to rotate when the base pulley rotates, as well as rotate a solar device along a single axis in an outward orientation with respect to the rotatable shaft.