A solar tracker with orientable solar panels arranged in rows, having at least two rows of photovoltaic modules (1) carrying the solar panels (2), arranged on pillars (6), the solar panels (2) mounted on respective rotation axes (3) longitudinally associated with each other by rotation transmission (5), driven by at least one motor (4) establishing the movement of all the solar panels (2) from a single actuation point, the rows of photovoltaic modules (1) related to each other by at least one transmission bar (7), joined by universal joints (8), to respective rotation transmission (5), the drive motor (4) is coupled in longitudinal alignment with respect to a transverse transmission (12) that meshes with a rotation transmission (5) and with respect to which the universal joint (8) of one end of the corresponding transmission bar (7) is joined in longitudinal alignment on the other side.

A solar tracker system comprising a plurality of on sun trackers and a plurality of off sun tracker. Each tracker is selectively adjusted to achieve a desired power output of the solar power plant system in an example.

A foldable portable load distributed lightweight dual-axis tracker with solar panels consists of a foldable pedestal with spokes and tracks, a foldable rotating spoke-platform with spokes equipped with sprocket gears on top of the pedestal, a motor with a sprocket gear, a front supporting structure with a hinge, a rear supporting structure with sprocket gears connected with chains, solar panels with cables. The motor is connected to the hub-platform through a chain. The motor drives the spoke-platform to rotate around a vertical axis at the center of the pedestal. The sprocket gears and the chains lift the solar panels to rotate them around the hinge mounted on the front supporting structure. The foldable hub-platform is expanded by the foldable lattice girders. The load of the tracker is distributed among the wheels sitting on the tracks of the pedestal.

Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.

The present invention comprises at least two independently maneuverable panels, either reflective of photovoltaic, arranged linearly, and physically interconnected to at least one common control capable of moving the panels simultaneously. Each panel is mounted on a separate support allowing it to be pivoted from side-to-side and/or up-and-down independently of the other panels. The preferred embodiment will permit every panel in series to be moved in unison using two main cables. This apparatus is further designed to track the sun along two-axes-both side-to-side and up-and-down-while maintaining constant tension on these cables throughout all degrees of freedom permitted by design. The apparatus also permits each mirror to be focused independently on a smaller target by means of mirror warping.

A solar tracker assembly is provided which includes a support column, a torque tube or torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torque tube or torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torque tube or torsion beam, and a spring counter-balance assembly connected to the torque tube or torsion beam. An exemplary spring counter-balance assembly comprises a bearing housing and a bushing disposed within the bearing housing and configured to be slideably mounted onto the torque tube or torsion beam, and one or more compressible cords made of a flexible material. The compressible cords are located between the bushing and the bearing housing and provide damping during rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly. An exemplary spring counter-balance assembly is provided including at least one top bracket and at least one bottom bracket, at least one spring, a damper, and a bracket. An exemplary spring counter-balance assembly comprises a bearing housing and a bushing disposed within the bearing housing and configured to be slideably mounted onto the torque tube or torsion beam. The spring counter-balance assembly may include at least one coil spring and a rotational stop. The bushing may be made of an elastomeric material and define one or more air spaces.

An arrangement of photovoltaic panels is configured for installation in a greenhouse having support beams. The arrangement includes frames. Each frame includes at least one photovoltaic panel mounted on a rod. At least one motor is mechanically connected to rotate one or more rods, for bringing each photovoltaic panel to different fixed angular positions. Fittings are arranged at a perimeter of the arrangement. Each fitting is sized and shaped to attach to at least one of the support beams, such that the arrangement is supportable exclusively by the support beams. A system includes at least one such arrangement, a controller, and a plurality of sensors. The controller is programmed to select an optimal fixed angular position for each photovoltaic panel for promoting plant growth, based on environmental and plant conditions and the sensor outputs, and to instruct each motor to rotate each rod to the selected angular position.

A solar energy system includes a photovoltaic (PV) assembly and a drive system. The PV assembly comprises a support subassembly and an array of PV panels pivotable therewith about a longitudinal axis of the PV assembly. The drive system comprises a motor assembly comprising an electric motor and a gearing arrangement, and a pivot wheel comprising a hoop-portion and joined to the PV assembly. The hoop portion includes an outer circumferential channel, and two opposing catches defining a maximum pivot range. A chain resides partly within the circumferential channel, is engaged with the two opposing catches, and is also in geared communication with the motor assembly such that the motor is operable to rotate the pivot wheel. In some embodiments, the opposing catches define a maximum pivot range through an arc of more than π radians and less than 2π radians.

Solar tracker systems include an array of solar panels, a drive for rotating the array about a longitudinal axis, and a mounting assembly including a plurality of posts and a pivotable frame assembly supporting the array of solar panels on the posts. The frame assembly includes a first frame tube connected to the drive and extending therefrom in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second frame tube laterally offset from the first frame tube and extending parallel to the first frame tube. The first frame tube and second frame tube are sized to support at least one solar panel of the array of solar panels thereon. The frame assembly further includes a lateral beam attached to the first frame tube and the second frame tube.

Solar tracker systems include an array of solar panels, a drive for rotating the array about a longitudinal axis, and a mounting assembly including a plurality of posts and a pivotable frame assembly supporting the array of solar panels on the posts. The frame assembly includes a first frame tube connected to the drive and extending therefrom in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second frame tube laterally offset from the first frame tube and extending parallel to the first frame tube. The first frame tube and second frame tube are sized to support at least one solar panel of the array of solar panels thereon. The frame assembly further includes a lateral beam attached to the first frame tube and the second frame tube.