The disclosure relates to a pre-assembly plant for the pre-assembly of units of a solar tracker, wherein said units include a set of photovoltaic panels arranged on a structure formed by a main shaft and a plurality of purlins. Said plant advantageously includes a conveyance line for conveying components of the units, in the proximity of which at least the following pre-assembly sections are arranged: a section equipped with features to receive components of the units, and an unloading area thereof; a fitting section for fitting the purlins to the shafts; an installation section for installing photovoltaic panels on the purlins; and a finishing section for the pre-assembly of the units and for the stockpiling thereof in support structures. The disclosure likewise relates to a pre-assembly method for the pre-assembly of units comprising the use of said plant.

A solar tracking carport comprises a supporting structure including a foundation and at least two columns connected or connectable to the foundation; a three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck having a length from a first edge to a second edge of at least one car, the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck including one or more upper blocks, each of the upper blocks being rigid at least in its longitudinal direction, each of the upper blocks including at least one solar panel; a deck frame configured to support the one or more upper blocks, the deck frame including a torque transmitting member; a rotation enabling connection configured to rotatably connect at least the torque transmitting member of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck to the at least two columns of the supporting structure; and a drive system configured to control tilting of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck about the supporting structure over one axis of rotation to a first maximum angle in a first direction and to a second maximum angle in a second direction, the first maximum angle preventing the first edge of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck from going below a first minimum threshold height, the second maximum angle preventing the second edge of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck from going below a second minimum threshold height.

A cost-effective solar energy collection system, including: 1) new solar PV panel wiring and power conversion system designed to allow tracking panel-to-panel shading while maintaining maximized power output, 2) the companion new combined structural and electrical inter-panel connector system supporting the new wiring scheme, and 3) the new panel structural support for the new inter-panel connector system, 4) the robotic array assembly and installation system used to assemble the new inter-panel connector and new panel structural support system into solar array sections in the field with a robotic crawler to move the assembled solar array sections to their final positions, and 5) the post system and installer for supporting the solar array sections. It is a fully integrated solar energy system for rapid installation and higher energy output which together creates a transformative change for the solar energy field.

Watertight fastening devices and systems and methods for the employment thereof are disclosed. The disclosed watertight fastening device includes a head, a shank extending away from the head toward a distal end, and a cover extending outwardly and away from the head in the direction of the shank and defining a hollow region between the shank and an inner surface of the cover. The watertight fastening device may be used in conjunction with a solar power installation system that includes a base plate configured to be positioned against an installation surface. The base plate includes an aperture for receiving the shank of the fastener and protrusion surrounding the aperture configured to be received in the hollow region of the fastener, thereby providing an enhanced barrier against moisture reaching the installation surface.

A solar panel bracket with a water conducting function for carrying a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels, comprising: a plurality of first brackets, each of the first brackets is arranged in parallel with each other, each of the first brackets has a first water conducting groove; a plurality of second brackets, each of the second brackets is arranged in parallel with each other, each of the second brackets has a second water conducting groove, the second brackets and the first brackets are arranged perpendicular to each other, and the second brackets and the first brackets surround to form a plurality of square spaces, the solar photovoltaic panels are arranged on the square spaces; and a plurality of third water conducting groove groups, each of the third water conducting groove groups is disposed on the side of each of the first brackets, and each of the third water conducting groove group has a third water conducting groove, and the second water conducting grooves communicate with the third water conducting grooves.

A two-piece truss leg with an articulating coupler for an A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for single-axis trackers. The coupler is attached to the head of each screw anchor to enable it to be driven. A connection portion extends above the coupler and is received within an open end of an upper leg to allow the upper leg to be misaligned with respect to it corresponding screw anchor.

Watertight fastening devices and systems and methods for the employment thereof are disclosed. The disclosed watertight fastening device includes a head, a shank extending away from the head toward a distal end, and a cover extending outwardly and away from the head in the direction of the shank and defining a hollow region between the shank and an inner surface of the cover. The watertight fastening device may be used in conjunction with a solar power installation system that includes a base plate configured to be positioned against an installation surface. The base plate includes an aperture for receiving the shank of the fastener and protrusion surrounding the aperture configured to be received in the hollow region of the fastener, thereby providing an enhanced barrier against moisture reaching the installation surface.

A one-piece truss adapter for supporting single-axis trackers with truss foundations. A y-shaped structure has a pair of legs with an angularly adjustable connector for securely joining the one-piece adapter to a pair of driven screw anchors at different angular orientations. Each leg terminates in a ball-shaped connector that is received in a socket integral to a driving coupler at the head of each screw anchor. A retaining nut holds the connector in place to complete the angularly adjustable assembly.

In one embodiment, a portable photovoltaic assembly is disclosed. In particular, in one example embodiment, the portable photovoltaic assembly described herein comprises: a solar panel platform; a plurality of solar panel holders affixed to a front of the solar panel platform and configured to hold one or more solar panels; a back support extending from a back of the solar panel platform at an angle between the solar panel platform and the back support; and one or more link arms removably connected between the solar panel platform and the back support to hold the angle between the solar panel platform and the back support. Other embodiments are further described herein that provide for portability and adjustability in an easy-to-use manner.

Several pre-assemblies holding panels of photovoltaic cells are constructed and pre-wired in a factory. The pre-assemblies are shipped to a solar farm, where they are lifted above posts secured to the ground using, for example, using an excavator connected to an end effector. The pre-assemblies are then connected to the posts and electrically coupled to one another. Such installation of solar panels in a solar farm may be faster and less labor-intensive than other types of installation.