A self-deployable array of panels includes a plurality of panels, each panel having a first compressed panel thickness state and a second expanded panel thickness state, and including a spring bias element biased to the second expanded panel thickness state. A plurality of locking hinges hingedly couple each of the panels to an adjoining panel. Each locking hinge is biased to an open position. A release of stored potential energy of both of the spring bias element biased to the second expanded panel thickness state, and the locking hinges biased to the open position causes the self-deployable array of panels to self-deploy from a folded stowed state. A single part offset locking hinge is also described.

A solar tracker system is a system and method to integrate the solar cells to a greenhouse. The solar tracker system comprises solar tracker modules that include solar cells, racks, gears, pinons, motors, and mounting brackets to efficiently and conveniently be installed to the roofs and walls of a new greenhouse and/or an existing greenhouse for retrofit application. Additionally, the solar tracker system uses various sensors to provide real-time conditions to the greenhouse. The method uses actual or system default values to adjust the angle and position of solar cells according to various environmental factors, such as DLI, weather, date, time, direction of sunlight, or type of plant.

A thermal shield system with wireless control capabilities including a multi-layer shield, a housing containing a power source and processor, and a programmable control mechanism, wherein the control mechanism is in communication with the processor to facilitate direct or remote manual programming of time and temperature of the shield system. The multi-layer shield includes a perimeter having a first layer comprised of reflective material, a second layer comprised of a plurality of conductive pads arranged in a plurality of rows within a structural support sheet, a third layer comprised of thermal material, an electrical wire running through and connecting said conductive pads of the second layer, and a surround spanning the perimeter of the shield. The surround of the shield has flexibility to allow folding or rolling for compact storage of said shield and having rigidity to provide structural integrity of said shield. The electrical wire connects each of the plurality of conductive pads in a series to generate consistent and uniform heat while minimizing depletion of the power source.

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.

An apparatus includes a rotating pole, a first set of photovoltaic modules; and a second set of photovoltaic modules. At least one of the first set of photovoltaic modules is perpendicular to at least one of the second set of photovoltaic modules.

An apparatus includes a rotating pole, a first set of photovoltaic modules; and a second set of photovoltaic modules. At least one of the first set of photovoltaic modules is perpendicular to at least one of the second set of photovoltaic modules.

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.

Power generation systems comprising modular blades and a secondary power source, and methods of manufacturing the same employing additive manufacturing. Various features of the system are described, including a rotor, spoke and support base. A slip gear assembly is described to coordinate the wiring of the secondary power sources.

A photovoltaic module structure according to the present invention comprises: a stand, which is fixed to the ground, is provided at a predetermined height, has a hinge-coupled part provided at the upper end thereof, and has a pin hole formed below the hinge coupling part; a frame which is hinge-coupled to the hinge coupling part of the stand so as to be rotatable upward and downward and which has a surface to which solar panels are attached; a flange, which is fixed to the rear surface of the frame, has the center of the hinge coupling between the frame and the stand as the center thereof, and has a plurality of pin holes formed at predetermined intervals along an arc of a predetermined radius corresponding to the distance between the hinge coupling part and the pin hole of the stand; a fixing pin inserted into any one of the plurality of pin holes of the flange and the pin hole of the stand in a state in which the pin hole of the flange is matched with the pin hole of the stand, so that the flange can be fixed to the frame in a state in which the flange is rotated with respect to the stand; an FBG sensor provided in at least any one from among the stand, the frame, and the flange; and a diagnosis unit for diagnosing stability by analyzing the signals of the FBG sensor. When the photovoltaic module structure according to the present invention is used, stability can be diagnosed in real time.