A node for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a support frame such as a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A method for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A system for supporting solar reflectors includes a first support frame upon which the solar reflectors are disposed. A method for forming a support frame for solar reflectors. A system for constructing a support frame from parts, including chords, for solar reflectors. A method for constructing a support frame for solar reflectors. A support frame for solar reflectors.

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 solar-tracking photovoltaic (PV) system having a motor drive vertically below a PV module, is described. In an example, the motor drive rotates a torque tube holding the PV module. The motor drive may include a gearbox having a worm drive, and a gearmotor having an offset gear. The offset gear may be coupled to a planetary gear train along an axis of a worm of the worm drive, and the offset gear may be coupled to a motor along a shaft axis offset vertically below the worm axis. Accordingly, the motor may be offset vertically below the worm drive, i.e., farther from the PV laminate than the worm drive, and a rotational clearance for the PV laminate may be increased.

A swivel and fanning drive for solar panels, including a base support, a swivel plate mounted pivotingly about a horizontal axis, and a plurality of solar panels that can be fanned in and out about a fan-out axis. The swivel plate can be pivoted by at least one crank and connecting rod. Pivotal movement of the swivel plate about a vertical axis can cause the solar panels to be fanned-in or fanned-out. A brake can resist movement of the solar panels about the fan-out axis.

A solar tracking system is provided and includes a solar array, a support structure configured to support the solar array, a base configured to rotatably support the support structure, and an articulation system configured to articulate the support structure relative to the base. The articulation system includes a gearbox that is coupled to the support structure and an actuator that is configured to extend and retract. The actuator includes a first end portion and a second, opposite end portion, wherein the first end portion is rotatably coupled to the base and the second end portion is coupled to the gearbox. Extension of the actuator causes the support structure to rotate about the base in a first direction and retraction of the actuator causes the support structure to rotate about the based in a second, opposite direction.

A solar tracking system is provided and includes a solar array, a support structure configured to support the solar array, a base configured to rotatably support the support structure, and an articulation system configured to articulate the support structure relative to the base. The articulation system includes a gearbox that is coupled to the support structure and an actuator that is configured to extend and retract. The actuator includes a first end portion and a second, opposite end portion, wherein the first end portion is rotatably coupled to the base and the second end portion is coupled to the gearbox. Extension of the actuator causes the support structure to rotate about the base in a first direction and retraction of the actuator causes the support structure to rotate about the based in a second, opposite direction.

The invention relates to a tracking device (1) for solar modules (2a) with a series of posts (3) arranged along a longitudinal axis. A crossmember (6) is pivotably mounted on each post (3), and said crossmembers (6) are pivotable about a common pivot axis (S) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. There is fastened to each crossmember (6) a toothed ring (7) of which the toothing (7a) is in engagement with a motor-driven toothed wheel (8) mounted on the respective post (3). Also provided is a positive guide means which forms a safeguard against a transverse displacement of the toothed wheel (8) relative to the toothed ring (7). Each toothed wheel (8) is mounted on the side of the respective post (3).

A novel portable solar energy system includes a solar concentrator, a thermal storage device, an azimuth adjustment system, an elevation system, and a heat exchanger, all mounted on a rotatable support frame. In a particular embodiment, the thermal storage device remains at a fixed vertical height and fixed tilt orientation when adjustments are made to the azimuth adjustment system and/or the elevation adjustment system.

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.

An apparatus for transferring force to a frame of a solar mirror array. The frame has at least one structural element. The apparatus includes a torque plate. The apparatus includes at least one node attached to and in contact with the plate which connects with the structural element. An apparatus for attaching a primary solar mirror frame array with a secondary mirror frame array. A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors.