Patent classifications
H02S20/10
ADAPTIVE STOW FOR SOLAR TRACKER SYSTEMS
A solar tracker system includes a photovoltaic panel and an actuator coupled to the photovoltaic panel and configured to actuate to rotate the photovoltaic panel around a base. A controller communicatively coupled to the actuator is configured to detect a direction from which wind is incident on the photovoltaic panel. Based on the direction from which wind is incident on the photovoltaic panel, the controller adaptively controls the actuator to set a stow position of the photovoltaic panel.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SOLAR POWER PLANT ASSEMBLY
In an aspect, the present disclosure describes a method comprising using at least one robot to fully autonomously position and assemble at least one solar module and its supporting structure at a sensed geolocation without aid from a user.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SOLAR POWER PLANT ASSEMBLY
In an aspect, the present disclosure describes a method comprising using at least one robot to fully autonomously position and assemble at least one solar module and its supporting structure at a sensed geolocation without aid from a user.
MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING SOLAR PANEL MODULES
A mounting system includes a base to mount to a surface, a mounting bracket to mount over the base and to the surface, a clamp for attaching to the mounting bracket and securing a rail segment, and a bonding clamp to mount to the rail segment and secure a solar panel module thereto.
Fixed-tilt solar arrays and related systems
Fixed-tilt solar arrays constructed from screw anchors. In some cases, purlins are attached directly to truss legs. In others, they are attached to truss caps joining the free end of each truss leg. In still further ones, screw anchors are driven in rows and interconnected by a pair of hinged members, one of which provides a mounting plane for solar panels. Each screw anchor may serve as a connection point for the trailing hinged member of the first foundation and the leading hinged member of the next foundation. In still further cases, a hinged truss cap may be used to accommodate different tilt angles with the same foundation.
PORTABLE SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING A SOLAR PANEL
A portable system for mounting a solar panel includes a modular base defining a set of interconnecting components that assemble via a set of intra-assembly features into a portable base for a solar panel. The modular base includes lower and upper relief to provide passive ventilation to the interior of the modular base and recesses to accommodate a user's appendages during assembly, and ballast volumes to retain a non-rigid ballast to weight the module base holding it in place. The modular base includes adjustable panel retention structures to constrain solar panels of a range of dimensions and configured to carry moisture away from the solar panel. The modular base includes a set of latches and corresponding latch receivers to fix adjacent modular bases together at a fixed distance less than the width of a human hand to form an array.
Optimized truss foundations, adapters for optimized truss foundations, and related systems and methods
An A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for a single-axis tracker with a bearing assembly sitting atop a pair of adjacent angled truss legs joined together with an adapter so that the axis of rotation of the tracker is aligned with a work point of the A-frame. Several such foundation systems are arranged along a North-South row to support a tracker torque tube.
Optimized truss foundations, adapters for optimized truss foundations, and related systems and methods
An A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for a single-axis tracker with a bearing assembly sitting atop a pair of adjacent angled truss legs joined together with an adapter so that the axis of rotation of the tracker is aligned with a work point of the A-frame. Several such foundation systems are arranged along a North-South row to support a tracker torque tube.
BEARING ASSEMBLY FOR TRACKER ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME
A bearing assembly of a power generation structure including, a rail; and a housing adapted to support the rail; where the housing includes a fixed housing portion attached to a support beam, and an adjustable housing portion attached to rail, where a low friction material is present at an interface between an exterior surface of rail and an interior surface of the adjustable housing portion, where the adjustable housing portion is capable of self-aligning adjustment of at least a portion of the rail out of alignment with a central axis of the support beam.
SOLAR ARRAY RACK ALIGNMENT TOOL
An alignment tool for use with a solar panel support rack, configured to allow for the easy and rapid positioning of the support rack into proper alignment to receive solar panels.