A solar tracker bearing assembly has a rotating element sandwiched between two mounting brackets and held together by fasteners. The rotating element includes an arc-shaped slot such that the rotating element can pivot against the fixed mounting brackets. Bearings may be positioned within the arc-shaped slot. The rotating element can be configured to accept toque tubes of various cross-sections.

The present invention relates to a two axis tracking system (100). The present invention includes a frame (102), a solar panel PV module (112), an upper beam (114), a selectively flexible bracket (116), a first supporting pillar (118), a second supporting pillar (140), a lower beam (120), first strut (126), a second strut (146). The first supporting pillar (118) and the second supporting pillar (140) together act as the fixed link. The frame (102) acts as the rotating link and the lower beam (120) acts as the translating link. The first strut (126) and the second strut (146) together act as the fourth link connecting the frame (102) and the lower beam (120). The translation of the lower beam (120) causes rotation of the frame (102) in north-south direction. The PV module (112) is mounted on the frame (102) are rotated in east-west direction by translation motion of the upper beam (114).

A single-axis tracker supported by multiple A-frame-shaped single-truss foundations that translate lateral loads into axial forces of tension and compression, and at least one truss foundation supporting the torque tube drive motor or other tracker component subject to axial loads to provide support for lateral loads as well as loads oriented along the axis of the torque tube.

A coupler for joining truss leg components provides angular adjustability between the respective axis of the leg components. A prolate spheroid-shaped coupler with three channels circumscribing its surface enables the upper leg components to compensate for axial misalignment of driven screw anchors in all directions. A hydraulic crimping device with upper and lower crimping guides registers its position with features on the truss hardware to insure that blind triple crimps are performed consistently each time.

In one example, a mobile solar system includes a solar refraction device comprising a lens array assembly having a plurality of lens array sub-assemblies. The lens array assembly is configured to refract solar energy impinging on the lens array assembly to focus refracted solar energy at a plurality of focal points of the plurality of lens array sub-assemblies. Each focal point of the plurality of focal points corresponds to a corresponding lens array sub-assembly of the solar refraction device. The solar system further includes a frame supporting the solar refraction device above an underlying surface, and a mobility system coupled to the frame to provide for movement of the solar refraction device above and across the underlying surface.

In an example, the solar tracker has a clamp assembly configured to pivot a torque tube. In an example, the assembly has a support structure configured as a frame having configured by a first and second anchoring region. In an example, the support structure is configured from a thickness of metal material. In an example, the support structure is configured in an upright manner, and has a major plane region. In an example, the assembly has a pivot device configured on the support structure, a torque tube suspending on the pivot device and aligned within an opening of the support, and configured to be normal to the plane region. In an example, the torque tube is configured on the pivot device to move about an arc in a first direction or in a second direction such that the first direction is in a direction opposite to the second direction.

In an example, the solar tracker has a clamp assembly that is configured to pivot a torque tube. In an example, the assembly has a support structure configured as a frame having configured by a first anchoring region and a second anchoring region. In an example, the support structure is configured from a thickness of metal material. In an example, the support structure is configured in an upright manner, and has a major plane region. In an example, the assembly has a pivot device configured on the support structure and a torque tube suspending on the pivot device and aligned within an opening of the support and configured to be normal to the plane region. In an example, the torque tube is configured on the pivot device to move about an arc in a first direction or in a second direction such that the first direction is in a direction opposite to the second direction.

The solar tracker includes a pivoting assembly (2) having solar panels (3) fixed to a rotating shaft (1), a fixed structure with support elements (4, 5, 6) rotationally supporting the rotating shaft (1), a motor-reducer assembly (7) having an irreversible reducer (24) connected to the rotating shaft (1) at a motor connection point (12), and a torsional vibration damping device (8) having a moving member (9) rigidly connected to the rotating shaft (1) at a damper connection point (13) spaced apart from the motor connection point (12) and a stationary member (10) rigidly attached to the fixed structure. Both the moving member (9) and the stationary member (10) comprises elements capable to generate a magnetic field when a movement of the moving member (9) relative to the stationary member (10) occurs, resulting in a damping torque on the rotating shaft (1).

Pivoting members for pivoting a solar array mounted to a torque rail and tracking systems that include such pivoting members are disclosed. The pivoting member may include a liner between a rotating inner member and the outer housing of the pivoting member to reduce friction during pivoting of the solar array.

In a machine for driving screw anchors and other foundation components, a desired embedment depth is calculated based on a minimum required embedment depth, work point height and length of available upper leg sections. Once calculated, the machine automatically drives the screw anchor to the depth so that one of the available upper leg lengths will fit between the driven screw anchor and apex truss hardware. If uplift is detected during driving, the machine will add additional embedment depth. In-situ validation of driven screw anchors may be performed after the embedment depth is reached.