In a first embodiment, the present invention is directed to an environment-adjusting, support system for solar energy devices wherein the support system comprises at least one vertical support element secured to a support surface, and at least one rotary element securing a solar energy device to said vertical support elements. The support system may further comprise at least one adjustable counterweight, a linear damper, and/or an energy damper. In a second embodiment, the present invention is an environment-adjusting, support system for solar energy devices. The support system preferably comprises a pair of vertical support elements, a pair of securing members, a first connecting element connecting the pair of vertical support elements, a second connecting element connecting the pair of securing members, and at least one rotary element. In a third embodiment, the present invention is an environment-adjusting, solar energy apparatus which also comprises a solar energy device.

A screw anchor for a trussed foundation system to support single-axis trackers and other structures and related methods of driving such a screw anchor into underlying ground. A hollowed tube of uniform diameter is open at both ends with a thread form beginning at one end and circumscribing a portion the tube, the thread form having a tapered lead-in. The open-ended geometry allows a mandrel or rock drill to be inserted and operated through the anchor during driving to expedite the driving process. The tapered thread form provides a lead-in for driving the anchor into a rock bore.

A machine for rotary driving screw anchors into underlying ground and related. The machine has a mast with a rotary driver and a mandrel driver oriented on a common axis. The mandrel driver passes a mandrel through the rotary driver and the screw anchor to allow the mandrel to be actuated ahead of the screw anchor while the rotary driver drives the screw anchor into the ground. Alternatively, the mandrel driver may also drive a hammering drill through the screw anchor to clear a path ahead of it through subsurface rocks.

An energy collection system including a collection apparatus having a light concentrating lens is disclosed. The light concentrating lens can include a light receiving surface and a light exiting surface opposite the light receiving surface. The light exiting surface includes a curved shape configured to direct light passing through the lens to a focal point. The energy collection system further includes a concentrator apparatus having a conduit and an energy absorbing medium within the conduit to convert the solar energy to thermal energy.

An energy collection system including a collection apparatus having a light concentrating lens is disclosed. The light concentrating lens can include a light receiving surface and a light exiting surface opposite the light receiving surface. The light exiting surface includes a curved shape configured to direct light passing through the lens to a focal point. The energy collection system further includes a concentrator apparatus having a conduit and an energy absorbing medium within the conduit to convert the solar energy to thermal energy.

A truss foundation for single-axis trackers that is optimized to resist moments. For foundations that experience lateral loads as well as moments, the foundation supports the rotational axis via a moment connection that is deliberately offset below the work point to reduce the impact of the bending moment. Spacing between the truss legs and the angle of the legs impact the height of the truss work point and, by extension, the available offset below the work point down to the minimum height of the axis of rotation specified by the tracker maker.

Methods, systems, and computer program products for user-preference driven control of electrical and thermal output from a photonic energy device are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes automatically modulating an amount of thermal output and/or electrical power output generated by a solar photovoltaic module in response to an input of one or more user preferences by: adjusting at least one variable pertaining to a fluid positioned on the solar photovoltaic module based on the one or more user preferences; and adjusting at least one variable pertaining to one or more reflective surfaces physically connected to the solar photovoltaic module based on the one or more user preferences.

Methods, systems, and computer program products for user-preference driven control of electrical and thermal output from a photonic energy device are provided herein. A system includes a solar photovoltaic module, and a fluid positioned on the solar photovoltaic module. The system also includes configurable reflective surfaces that collect and distribute direct solar and diffuse solar radiation across multiple portions of the fluid and/or portions of the solar photovoltaic module. Additionally, the reflective surfaces is physically connected to the solar photovoltaic module at an angle that is variable in relation to the surface of the solar photovoltaic module. Further, the system includes a controller that modulates an amount of thermal output and/or electrical power output generated by the solar photovoltaic module by transmitting a signal to adjust at least one variable pertaining to the fluid, and transmitting a signal to adjust at least one variable pertaining to the reflective surfaces.

A machine for rotary driving screw anchors into underlying ground and related. The machine has a mast with a rotary driver and a mandrel driver oriented on a common axis. The mandrel driver passes a mandrel through the rotary driver and the screw anchor to allow the mandrel to be actuated ahead of the screw anchor while the rotary driver drives the screw anchor into the ground. Alternatively, the mandrel driver may also drive a hammering drill through the screw anchor to clear a path ahead of it through subsurface rocks.

Various aspects provide for a solar assembly. The solar assembly may be a mechanical structure that allows many small solar cells to be integrated into the wing design of an aircraft without placing them on the surface area of the wing or the vehicle. Additional aspects may provide for an adjustable solar assembly. The adjustable solar assembly may be configured to be installed into a structure having a structural profile. When installed, the solar assembly may conform to the structural profile such that the structural profile is maintained. The solar assembly may further comprise an adjustable carrier system comprising a plurality of solar cells attached thereto. The adjustable carrier system may be configured to dynamically adjust the orientation of the solar cells so as to maintain an optimal angle with respect to an external light source.