A tracking system for performing a movement control of a solar panel is provided, having a single axis solar tracking solution allowing an individual actuation of a solar panel and its respective rotation axis. The tracking system is applied in an individual solar panel, and has a local control unit, an electrical motor, a tracking actuator mechanism, a blockage unit and a tracking support mechanism, which is useful for solar power plant installations where individual panel tracking is an advantage due to site conditions such as irregular grounds or unstable locations as in aquatic sites or locations with variable slopes.

Azimuthal and elevation rotation mechanism for solar trackers, which provides an azimuthal rotation around a vertical pedestal to an azimuthal rotating support on which a support structure of solar panels is in turn mounted with elevation rotation capacity around a horizontal shaft linked to the azimuthal rotating support. The azimuthal rotation is obtained by means of a single azimuthal linear actuator and the elevation rotation is obtained by means of a single elevation linear actuator, such that only two linear actuators are needed to obtain all the positions of the solar panels required for a complete solar tracking.

Systems and methods for dual tilt, ballasted photovoltaic module racking are provided herein. Under one aspect, a system for supporting first and second photovoltaic modules can include first and second elongated stiffeners respectively configured to be coupled to and support the first and second photovoltaic modules. The system also can include first and second feet respectively configured to be coupled to first and second grooves respectively provided within first and second ballasts. The system also can include a first stiffener hinge rotatably coupling the first and second stiffeners to one another, a first foot hinge rotatably coupling the first foot to the first stiffener, and a second foot hinge rotatably coupling the second foot to the second stiffener. At least one of the first stiffener hinge and the first and second foot hinges can include a respective mechanical stop inhibiting rotation of that hinge beyond a respective predetermined angle.

Systems and methods for dual tilt, ballasted photovoltaic module racking are provided herein. Under one aspect, a system for supporting first and second photovoltaic modules can include first and second elongated stiffeners respectively configured to be coupled to and support the first and second photovoltaic modules. The system also can include first and second feet respectively configured to be coupled to first and second grooves respectively provided within first and second ballasts. The system also can include a first stiffener hinge rotatably coupling the first and second stiffeners to one another, a first foot hinge rotatably coupling the first foot to the first stiffener, and a second foot hinge rotatably coupling the second foot to the second stiffener. At least one of the first stiffener hinge and the first and second foot hinges can include a respective mechanical stop inhibiting rotation of that hinge beyond a respective predetermined angle.

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 solar collector may include a frame for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The frame may be adapted to removably attach to a base. The solar collector may include a first panel assembly, including at least one of the plurality of PV panels, pivotally attached to the frame about a first axis. The solar collector may also include a second panel assembly, including at least one of the plurality of PV panels, pivotally attached to the first panel assembly. The second panel assembly may collectively move with the first panel assembly about the first axis and to pivot relative to the frame, and to pivot about a second axis that is substantially parallel to and radially offset from the first axis, to move between a deployed position and a retracted position.

Systems and methods for positioning solar energy collection devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated unit combines the necessity of solar panel repositioning with water filtration. While also providing clean water for the end user, the integrated unit uses controlled weight displacement to rotate a solar panel to follow the sun from east to westa process also known as horizontal (azimuth) solar tracking.

A solar module system is coupled directly to a fixed structure either individually or collectively as an array. Universal mounting brackets attached to the back of each solar panel module each connect to one or more other brackets of adjacent solar panels and/or to mounting feet that anchor to the fixed structure. Mounting brackets interlock with mounting brackets on adjacent solar modules and include a flexible snap coupling mechanism including a locking feature to selectively flexibly connect to and disconnect from other mounting brackets of adjacent solar panels.

The single axis solar tracking assembly comprises a plurality of spine sections (2) connected to one another by universal joints (10), supporting legs (3) rotatably supporting the spine sections (2) on the ground, a plurality of brackets attached to each spine section (2), a plurality of rib members (4) connected to the brackets, and solar panels (5) secured to the rib members (4). The rib members (4) are moveable between a folded position and a deployed position. An auxiliary shaft is located between adjacent universal joints (10) connected to adjacent spine sections (2). First and second crossed spine hinge axes of the universal joints are arranged so that the spine sections (2) can be fold at right angles to the auxiliary shaft and the spine sections (2) can be fold in a zig zag fashion into a compact storage position in which the solar panels are arranged in adjacent parallel planes.

A photovoltaic apparatus includes: a power generation part; an angle changeable mechanism configured to support the power generation part so as to be able to change an elevation of the power generation part; a post configured to support the power generation part and the angle changeable mechanism; and a hinge mechanism configured to support the post so as to be able to change an angle of the post relative to an installation surface for the photovoltaic apparatus.