This invention relates to a solar shading module (1) for shading direct sunlight, wherein maximum shading is combined with a high unobstructed view factor by providing an array of mn shading panels (5) which are moved by a solar tracking system (7) in order to follow the sun. The invention further relates to a glazed structure and a building provided with one or more solar shading modules (1) according to the invention, for instance as part of a fagade or roof of the building. The invention also relates to a method for operating a solar shading module (1) according to the invention, comprising the step of controlling the position of the shading panels (5) such that the normal of the shading panels (5) points towards the sun.

An energy or water storage system can comprise a storage reservoir, a discharge reservoir, a pump for charging the storage reservoir, and a turbine or similar discharge device. The storage reservoir can comprise a flexible bag covered by overburden that creates pressure inside the bag. Energy is stored by raising the overburden. The bag can comprise a shaped internal filler piece to prevent formation of a crease at the bag edge. Solar panels can be mounted above any bag to make additional use of the land. Solar panels mounted on overburden can have tracking mechanisms and controls suitable to achieve desired orientation regardless of the slope of overburden. Elevation difference between the storage reservoir and discharge reservoir can be used, including an underground cavity. The bag can have internal tethers to influence bag shape.

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.

Plant for producing solar energy including a support structure formed from support poles aligned fixed to the ground, a movement system for receiving devices of solar energy positioned on poles arranged in a row, adapted for allowing the movement of the devices about a first axis and a second axis substantially perpendicular to one another, a rotating main tube about the first axis, to which a plurality of secondary tubes is connected, associated with said main tube, the secondary tubes having the receiver devices fixed to them and a movement mechanism for the primary tubes, and a sustaining and movement support arranged on each pole of said row, which has a housing that receives the main tube of the movement system and that allows the rotation thereof about the axis.

A solar collector energy conversion system has a solar collector apparatus adapted to collect sunlight at a collection location and direct it to one or more light transport guides for transporting the sunlight to a conversion location separate from the collection location, and a solar energy conversion apparatus arranged at the conversion location and adapted to receive sunlight transported by the light transport guides and to convert the transported sunlight to an alternative form of energy.

A solar generator apparatus includes: a generator module having first to fourth corner portions; a middle column mounted on a fixed structure and pivotally connected to the generator module; first and second winding devices attached to the middle column; first to fourth cables; and first to fourth elastic anchors. The first to fourth cables have first ends respectively connected to the first to fourth corner portions. The first and third cables are wound around the first winding device. The second and fourth cables are wound around the second winding device. The first to fourth elastic anchors are elastically mounted on the fixed structure. The first to fourth cables respectively pass through the first to fourth elastic anchors to form two W-shaped structures. Each elastic anchor includes an elastic member and a restricting member connected in parallel. The restricting member restricts a maximum deformation amount of the elastic member.

The present invention relates to a tracking photovoltaic solar system comprising at least a tracker unit maintaining an array of photovoltaic modules (101) aligned to the sun during the course of the day. The tracker unit includes: a support structure (100), said support structure comprising a plurality of elongated elements (105) supporting said array of photovoltaic modules and a torque tube (104) for rigidly supporting said plurality of elongated elements and arranged to rotate along a first rotational axis (106), a pole structure (200) operably connected to said support structure, having an upper part rotationally fixed along said first rotational axis (106) on said support structure, and a lower part rotationally connected along a second rotational axis (204) orthogonal to the first rotational axis on foundations (500), and a steering mechanism (300) mechanically coupling together said first and said second rotational axis for rotating said support structure and said operably connected pole structure around said first and second rotational axis in the same movement.

The present invention relates to a tracking photovoltaic solar system comprising at least a tracker unit maintaining an array of photovoltaic modules (101) aligned to the sun during the course of the day. The tracker unit includes: a support structure (100), said support structure comprising a plurality of elongated elements (105) supporting said array of photovoltaic modules and a torque tube (104) for rigidly supporting said plurality of elongated elements and arranged to rotate along a first rotational axis (106), a pole structure (200) operably connected to said support structure, having an upper part rotationally fixed along said first rotational axis (106) on said support structure, and a lower part rotationally connected along a second rotational axis (204) orthogonal to the first rotational axis on foundations (500), and a steering mechanism (300) mechanically coupling together said first and said second rotational axis for rotating said support structure and said operably connected pole structure around said first and second rotational axis in the same movement.

A system for use on a surface to collect solar energy from the sun has a stand, a module, and solar collector(s). The stand supportable on the surface has rotational points rotatably supporting the module so it can rotate about a first axis of rotation. A first drive disposed on the stand is operable to provide first rotation, and a cable connected between a hoop pulley of the module and the first drive on the stand can rotate the module about the first axis to direct the solar collector(s) toward the sun. The solar collector(s) disposed on the module can be photovoltaic cells for collecting solar energy. A second drive on the module can rotate an adjacent solar collectors on the module using pulleys and cable. Reflectors on the collectors can focus the sun rays to photovoltaic cells. The second drive can rotate the collectors about a second axis, carried by the first axis, to direct the solar collector(s) toward the sun.

A system for use on a surface to collect solar energy from the sun has a stand, a module, and solar collector(s). The stand supportable on the surface has rotational points rotatably supporting the module so it can rotate about a first axis of rotation. A first drive disposed on the stand is operable to provide first rotation, and a cable connected between a hoop pulley of the module and the first drive on the stand can rotate the module about the first axis to direct the solar collector(s) toward the sun. The solar collector(s) disposed on the module can be photovoltaic cells for collecting solar energy. A second drive on the module can rotate an adjacent solar collectors on the module using pulleys and cable. Reflectors on the collectors can focus the sun rays to photovoltaic cells. The second drive can rotate the collectors about a second axis, carried by the first axis, to direct the solar collector(s) toward the sun.