A camping awning mountable to a vehicle at or above head-height comprises a core having a cylinder extending between a pair of spaced ends of the core, an awning sheet adapted to be returned onto the core in a storage state, the awning sheet also adapted to be paid out to present an upper surface of the awning sheet, in an extended state, and a flexible solar charging device attached to or forming part of the upper surface. The solar charging device is adapted to bend with the awning sheet as it is returned onto the core, such that the awning sheet including the solar charging device is adapted to be fully returned onto the core, and covers by area at least 20% of the upper surface when the awning sheet is fully paid out.

A camping awning mountable to a vehicle at or above head-height comprises a core having a cylinder extending between a pair of spaced ends of the core, an awning sheet adapted to be returned onto the core in a storage state, the awning sheet also adapted to be paid out to present an upper surface of the awning sheet, in an extended state, and a flexible solar charging device attached to or forming part of the upper surface. The solar charging device is adapted to bend with the awning sheet as it is returned onto the core, such that the awning sheet including the solar charging device is adapted to be fully returned onto the core, and covers by area at least 20% of the upper surface when the awning sheet is fully paid out.

A shading apparatus with panels configured to provide shade volume over time, reduce wind load, and optionally generate solar energy. The shading apparatus with panels has first panel and second panel arrays. The first panel array moves up and down using a ganging assembly and linear actuator. The second panel array is fixed opposite the first panel array. Both panel arrays are connected to a rotateable spindle and central post. The shading apparatus is configured to reduce wind load with offset panels that provide passages between the offsets. Embodiments include control logic with various modes, including a mode for orienting the panels orthogonal to the sun over a period of time.

At least first and second solar panels are provided, wherein: each of the first and second solar panels is comprised of a substrate having one or more solar cells bonded thereto, and a frame for supporting the substrate and the solar cells; the frame has a cutout or opening in a center of the frame under the solar cells and, when deployed, the cutout or opening enables cooling of the solar cells through the substrate by exposing a back side of the substrate for transferring or radiating heat directly through the cutout or opening of the frame; and the frame of the first solar panel is configured to be nested inside the cutout or opening of the frame of the second solar panel when the first and second solar panels are stowed in a stacked configuration.

An energy harvesting vehicle includes multiple vehicle body parts and at least one solar module. Solar cells constituting at least one solar module are positioned in a section of at least one of the vehicle body parts. A pair of electrical connections of the solar cells and a protective layer of a predetermined thickness formed on a top surface of the solar cells are positioned in the section. Such a resin molded integration of a solar module to a vehicle body part allows for the installation of the solar module with non-flexible solar cells, even on non-flat surfaces or uneven surfaces.

Surface mount assemblies for mounting to a solar panel frame to an installation surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a height-adjustable rail mount to slidably couple a track with a fastener assembly that includes of a fastener, spacer, and nut. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount and positioned on a base plate to slidably couple to a surface track with a fastener assembly that includes a first fastener slidably coupled to a groove formed by the track, spacer, and second fastener. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount for slidably coupling the rail to a height-adjustable base with a fastener. In some embodiments, a two-configuration, track-mounted, rectangular base is designed with a rectangular base having a pair of short-sided legs, a pair of long-sided legs, and a fastener for engaging outer surfaces of a track.

Surface mount assemblies for mounting to a solar panel frame to an installation surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a height-adjustable rail mount to slidably couple a track with a fastener assembly that includes of a fastener, spacer, and nut. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount and positioned on a base plate to slidably couple to a surface track with a fastener assembly that includes a first fastener slidably coupled to a groove formed by the track, spacer, and second fastener. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount for slidably coupling the rail to a height-adjustable base with a fastener. In some embodiments, a two-configuration, track-mounted, rectangular base is designed with a rectangular base having a pair of short-sided legs, a pair of long-sided legs, and a fastener for engaging outer surfaces of a track.

A charging apparatus for facilitating charging of electric vehicles. The charging apparatus comprises a charging structure, a solar panel, and charging stations. The charging structure is movably positionable on a surface. The charging structure comprises a leg movably erected on the surface and a roof structure comprising two frame pairs supported on the leg. Further, a first frame pair and a second frame pair laterally extend away from a first side and a second side of a top end of the leg and are upwardly inclined with respect to the leg. The first frame and the second frame are upwardly inclined with respect to an attachment axis of the first frame and the second frame. The solar panel is mounted on the roof structure. The charging stations charge electric vehicles based on receiving electrical energy from the solar panel and an electrical grid.

A stowable generator device including a housing defining at least one storage chamber having an opening. A closure element is configured to selectively cover and uncover the opening. Support structure is disposed within the storage chamber in a collapsed position and is selectively extendable through the opening into an expanded position when the closure element is moved away from the opening. At least one energy generating unit is connected to the support structure. The support structure and the generating unit are configured to reversibly stow inside the housing in the collapsed position.

A solar panel assembly having at least one solar panel array pivotally connected to a plurality of legs using a support beam. Cross members are connected to the support beam and extend transversely in relation to the support beam. The cross members are also positioned in parallel spaced relation along a length of the support beam. A plurality of rail members having a top wall with a plurality of slots that extend along a length of the top wall in a first and a second row are connected to the cross members.