A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a support flange, a swivel flange rotatably supported on the support flange, an articulation joint interposed between each of the support flange and the swivel flange and rotatably supported by each of the support flange and the swivel flange, wherein opposed first and second end portions of the articulation joint are configured to be operably coupled to a respective first and second torque tube, and at least one locking fastener selectively coupled to a portion of the support flange and a portion of the swivel flange, the at least one locking fastener configured to selectively inhibit rotation of the swivel flange relative to the support flange.

A solar tracking mounting system is provided. The tracking system has an anchor comprising a pile and a riser bracket fastened to the top thereof, wherein the riser bracket is configured to provide adjustable mounting points, a chord assembly coupled to with the riser brackets, wherein the chord assembly is configured to pivotability tilt, a kicker connected to the anchor assembly, wherein the kicker is configured to connect the chord assembly to the pile, a vertical actuator connected to the kicker and the chord assembly, wherein the vertical actuator is a rack and pinion linear actuator configured to amplify a torque received from a motor and pivotably tilt to the chord assembly to a desired angle while tracking a direction of a light source, and a driveshaft connected to the motor and the vertical actuator. A jack screw may also be provided therein for actuation.

A portable solar power system is disclosed. The system includes a wheeled support and transport platform with a center mast. Secured to the mast is a panel system comprising at least two solar panels, which may be folded into a stable and aerodynamic upwardly extending position for transportation. The mast, by means of at least one slewing drive, allows for rotation and positioning of the solar panels for maximum sun exposure.

In embodiments, a mechanical solar tracker disclosed herein includes a frame, an elevation cam with an elevation cam surface attached to the frame, and a rotation drive mechanically coupled to the frame. A collector carriage is coupled to the rotation drive and configured to rotate circumferentially around a vertical axis. Also, a collector is connected to the collector carriage and a hinge is coupled between the collector and the collector carriage wherein the hinge is configured to rotate the collector about a horizontal plane at a pivot point. Additionally, a cam follower is coupled between the collector and the elevation cam and the cam follower is configured to translate, based on a surface input from the elevation cam surface, rotation of the collector about the pivot point to track the sun's direction, by tracing the elevation cam surface with the cam follower.

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic tiles. Each photovoltaic module may comprise a photovoltaic laminate, a support arm and a mounting bracket. When installed an assembly of the photovoltaic laminate and support arm are rotatably attached to the mounting bracket allowing access under the array of photovoltaic modules.

An altitude and azimuth angle concurrent driving type solar tracking apparatus, which includes: a worm receiving rotational power through a first end and coupled to a central shaft in a casing; an altitude actuator engaged with the worm; an azimuth actuator engaged with the worm; a diurnal motion control frame composed of a first azimuth link arm and a second azimuth link arm; a meridian altitude angle control frame composed of a first altitude link arm, a second altitude link arm, and an altitude actuating arm; and a solar panel mount coupled to a second end of the second azimuth link arm. The apparatus simultaneously tracks the altitude angle and the azimuth angle of the sun using rotational power transmitted through the first end of the worm and maintains the base of a solar panel parallel to the ground when tracking the sun.

A mounting assembly for a photovoltaic (PV) module, and systems including such mounting assemblies, are described. In an example, the mounting assembly includes a top support and a bottom support having respective mounting walls, and holes through the mounting walls. A pin assembly may extend through the holes in the mounting walls to constrain the supports, for example, relative to a torque member of a solar-tracking PV system. The pin assembly may include end collars to engage and distribute loading from the torque member.

A plate folding and unfolding device and a solar panel structure are provided. The plate folding and unfolding device includes a cam fixed with first plate piece, and a rotating shaft is disposed inside the cam in an axial direction of the cam; a connecting rod, where the connecting rod includes a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other, the first end is connected vertically to the rotating shaft, and the second end is fixed to a second plate piece; a positioning shaft, where the positioning shaft is disposed, on the connecting rod; and an elastic piece, where the elastic piece is disposed on the connecting rod, one end of the elastic piece is connected to the positioning shaft, where a groove that accommodates the positioning shaft is disposed at at least one location of the outer peripheral surface of the cam.

Disclosed are a rope transmission structure, a solar energy tracker and the application method thereof, relating to the technical field of solar power generation. The rope transmission structure includes a driving wheel, a driven wheel, a main transmission rope and a plurality of tracking units. The main transmission rope is connected end to end, and one end of the main transmission rope is sleeved on the driving wheel and the other end thereof is sleeved on the driven wheel. The plurality of tracking units are provided at intervals along a lengthwise direction of the main transmission rope. A rotating member is hinged on a mounting bracket, and one end of a first branch rope is connected to the rotating member and the other end thereof is connected to the main transmission rope.

A mounting assembly for a photovoltaic (PV) module, and systems including such mounting assemblies, are described. In an example, the mounting assembly includes a top support and a bottom support having respective mounting walls, and holes through the mounting walls. A pin assembly may extend through the holes in the mounting walls to constrain the supports, for example, relative to a torque member of a solar-tracking PV system. The pin assembly may include end collars to engage and distribute loading from the torque member.