The present disclosure relates to a simple, lightweight, cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and strong system for mounting solar panel tiles (or other tiles/panels) over a roof (surface). The system includes frames (footage) parallelly positioned over the surface using reference bars passing through the frames, and bolts/screws to couple the frames to the surface. The frames include C-shaped grooves at both ends. Each groove is configured with a flat spring that is coupled to the grooves using a spring fixing bracket. Further, Z-shaped clamps are coupled at the bottom surface of the tiles to form a tile assembly. The spring is adapted to be pressed upon application of a force while mounting the tile assembly in the frames, which allows one side of the tile assembly, and the Z-shaped clamp on the other side of the tile assembly to be accommodated and locked in the two opposite C-shaped grooves of the frames.

A deployable/retractable structure, or a template thereof, is disclosed. The structure comprises a plurality of pleating folds among peaks and valleys, which extend away, retract towards, and/or rotate around a central hub. The folds, with extended continuous planar surfaces, can be configured to host objects, such as solar arrays. In a retracted configuration, solar arrays are protected and folded away, taking up much less space. Electricity generated via the arrays is coupled with signals to instruct the structure to transition among stages of retractions and/or deployments. This structural design enables the solar arrays to be positioned in many angles and facets, which makes it an overall non-flat unit, less dependent on the directions of sunlight. A smaller scaled down unit can be light, portable, and operated by hand. A larger scaled up unit can be stationed on the ground or atop existing charging stations, which affords easier access and maintenance.

A deployable/retractable structure, or a template thereof, is disclosed. The structure comprises a plurality of pleating folds among peaks and valleys, which extend away, retract towards, and/or rotate around a central hub. The folds, with extended continuous planar surfaces, can be configured to host objects, such as solar arrays. In a retracted configuration, solar arrays are protected and folded away, taking up much less space. Electricity generated via the arrays is coupled with signals to instruct the structure to transition among stages of retractions and/or deployments. This structural design enables the solar arrays to be positioned in many angles and facets, which makes it an overall non-flat unit, less dependent on the directions of sunlight. A smaller scaled down unit can be light, portable, and operated by hand. A larger scaled up unit can be stationed on the ground or atop existing charging stations, which affords easier access and maintenance.

A solar powered outlet assembly includes a housing that has a spike to penetrate a support surface thereby retaining the housing on the support surface. A pair of female electrical outlets is each integrated into the housing to have a male power cord plugged into the female electrical outlets. A solar panel is coupled to the housing such that the solar panel is exposed to sunlight. The solar panel is in electrical communication with each of the female electrical outlets. In this way the solar panel can supply electrical power to the male power cord that is plugged into the female electrical outlets.

A solar powered outlet assembly includes a housing that has a spike to penetrate a support surface thereby retaining the housing on the support surface. A pair of female electrical outlets is each integrated into the housing to have a male power cord plugged into the female electrical outlets. A solar panel is coupled to the housing such that the solar panel is exposed to sunlight. The solar panel is in electrical communication with each of the female electrical outlets. In this way the solar panel can supply electrical power to the male power cord that is plugged into the female electrical outlets.

A header for photovoltaic module support system and a photovoltatic module support system is disclosed. In various embodiments the header includes a beam and a plurality of strongback mounting tabs attached to the beam, each of the plurality of strongback mounting tabs attached to the beam such that the mounting tabs have an upward face that is mounted generally flush with an upward surface of the beam such that the upward face of the mounting tab and the upward surface of the beam define a support surface for an attachable strongback. In various embodiments the header includes a standoff and stabilizing rod attached to a downward surface of the beam, the stabilizing rod having a first end and second end attached to the downward surface of the beam with a main body that extends lengthwise with the beam and radially outward over the standoff.

A header for photovoltaic module support system and a photovoltatic module support system is disclosed. In various embodiments the header includes a beam and a plurality of strongback mounting tabs attached to the beam, each of the plurality of strongback mounting tabs attached to the beam such that the mounting tabs have an upward face that is mounted generally flush with an upward surface of the beam such that the upward face of the mounting tab and the upward surface of the beam define a support surface for an attachable strongback. In various embodiments the header includes a standoff and stabilizing rod attached to a downward surface of the beam, the stabilizing rod having a first end and second end attached to the downward surface of the beam with a main body that extends lengthwise with the beam and radially outward over the standoff.

According to one or more embodiments, an intelligent solar racking system is provided. The intelligent solar racking system includes a racking frame that receives and mechanically supports solar modules. The intelligent solar racking system includes sensors distributed throughout the racking frame. Each of the sensors detects and reports parameter data by generating output signals. The sensors include module sensors positioned to associate with each of the solar modules and detect a module presence as the parameter data for the solar modules. The intelligent solar racking system includes a computing device that receives, stores, and analyzes the output signals to determine and monitor operations of the intelligent solar racking system.

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 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.

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 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.