An improved modular, removable system of building-integrated solar panel photovoltaics for easy residential and commercial roof installation for generating electrical and thermal energy.

There is proposed an apparatus used for holding solar panels and a roof structure, including an elongate rail member, an elongate capping member movably connected to the elongate rail member, a plurality of interconnected adjustment devices, and a drive mechanism. The adjustment devices are spaced apart along a length of the elongate rail member and are configured to move the elongate capping member relative to the elongate rail member. The drive mechanism is configured to control the movement of the adjustment devices to affect the clamping of the solar array panels between the elongate capping member and the elongate rail member. The drive mechanism is adjustable from a single location along the elongate rail member, such as from an end.

There is proposed an apparatus used for holding solar panels and a roof structure, including an elongate rail member, an elongate capping member movably connected to the elongate rail member, a plurality of interconnected adjustment devices, and a drive mechanism. The adjustment devices are spaced apart along a length of the elongate rail member and are configured to move the elongate capping member relative to the elongate rail member. The drive mechanism is configured to control the movement of the adjustment devices to affect the clamping of the solar array panels between the elongate capping member and the elongate rail member. The drive mechanism is adjustable from a single location along the elongate rail member, such as from an end.

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.

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.

A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for preheating air for a rooftop air handling unit (RTU). The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a barrier system configured to surround the RTU. The barrier system may include a structure to provide a frame for the barrier system, a first barrier configured to connect to a first side of the structure, and a collector configured to connect to a second side of the structure. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a duct configured to connect between the collector and a chamber. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a chamber configured to connect to an air intake hood of the RTU. The chamber may include a first opening to receive air stored in the cavity, a second opening to receive external air, and a diverter configured to switch between a first position and a second position.

A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for preheating air for a rooftop air handling unit (RTU). The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a barrier system configured to surround the RTU. The barrier system may include a structure to provide a frame for the barrier system, a first barrier configured to connect to a first side of the structure, and a collector configured to connect to a second side of the structure. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a duct configured to connect between the collector and a chamber. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a chamber configured to connect to an air intake hood of the RTU. The chamber may include a first opening to receive air stored in the cavity, a second opening to receive external air, and a diverter configured to switch between a first position and a second position.

Systems and methods of the present disclosure enable automated roof planning using a processor. The processor receives a digital image of a roof of a structure and models each roof plane of the roof to generate a roof model. The processor determines dimensions of each roof plane based on the roof model. The processor retrieves roofing accessory data from a database, the roofing accessory data solar roofing accessory part identifiers and solar roofing accessory part performance characteristics for solar roofing accessories. The processor simulates multiple candidate roof layouts based on the dimensions of each roof plan and the solar roofing accessory parts and determines a utilization prediction for each candidate layout. Based on each utilization prediction, the processor determines a particular roof layout having selected solar roofing accessory parts, and generates a solar roof design, including a list of materials, for the particular roof layout.

Systems and methods of the present disclosure enable automated roof planning using a processor. The processor receives a digital image of a roof of a structure and models each roof plane of the roof to generate a roof model. The processor determines dimensions of each roof plane based on the roof model. The processor retrieves roofing accessory data from a database, the roofing accessory data solar roofing accessory part identifiers and solar roofing accessory part performance characteristics for solar roofing accessories. The processor simulates multiple candidate roof layouts based on the dimensions of each roof plan and the solar roofing accessory parts and determines a utilization prediction for each candidate layout. Based on each utilization prediction, the processor determines a particular roof layout having selected solar roofing accessory parts, and generates a solar roof design, including a list of materials, for the particular roof layout.

A computer-controlled greenhouse system constructed in accordance with the invention above provides climate management and precision cultivation capability. It is equipped with solar energy filtering devices to precisely manage visible sunlight intake based on plants stages and adjust solar heat intake according to climate management needs; it uses geothermal energy for heating and cooling; it reclaims water from moisture released by plants with vapor condensing devices.