A system for harvesting solar energy on a spacecraft includes a stiff substrate layer and a working layer disposed on the substrate layer to provide at least one of a photovoltaic or a reflective function. In a first operational state, the substrate layer is arranged as a tape spring to store potential energy which causes the substrate layer to uncoil and provide, in a second operational state, a photovoltaic module and/or a solar concentrator.

A system for harvesting solar energy on a spacecraft includes a stiff substrate layer and a working layer disposed on the substrate layer to provide at least one of a photovoltaic or a reflective function. In a first operational state, the substrate layer is arranged as a tape spring to store potential energy which causes the substrate layer to uncoil and provide, in a second operational state, a photovoltaic module and/or a solar concentrator.

Trailer mounted portable solar power supplies disclosed can include lights and a backup generator. A solar array with solar panels can be connected to a 360 degree rotatable turntable mounted on a trailer frame enabling the capture of sunlight from all directions. A rotatable telescoping mast with mounted lights can be mounted to the trailer frame. Solar power supply systems can be configured with or without batteries. The AC voltage output can provide electricity for vehicles, homes, buildings, electric vehicles, etc. Portable solar power systems can implement multiple solar arrays to capture more sunlight and generate more electricity. The solar arrays and solar panels are foldable allowing the power system to be retracted for transport. The solar panels can also include sensors to control the positioning of the panels and turn the lights on and off by an onboard computer or wirelessly.

Trailer mounted portable solar power supplies disclosed can include lights and a backup generator. A solar array with solar panels can be connected to a 360 degree rotatable turntable mounted on a trailer frame enabling the capture of sunlight from all directions. A rotatable telescoping mast with mounted lights can be mounted to the trailer frame. Solar power supply systems can be configured with or without batteries. The AC voltage output can provide electricity for vehicles, homes, buildings, electric vehicles, etc. Portable solar power systems can implement multiple solar arrays to capture more sunlight and generate more electricity. The solar arrays and solar panels are foldable allowing the power system to be retracted for transport. The solar panels can also include sensors to control the positioning of the panels and turn the lights on and off by an onboard computer or wirelessly.

Foldable solar power systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a solar power system includes a support structure mounted to an intermediate bulk container (IBC) or other tank structure. A plurality of solar panels are mounted to the support structure. The support structure is movable between (a) a first configuration for storage and transport and (b) a second configuration for energy generation. In the first configuration, the solar panels are folded adjacent to a sidewall of the IBC. In the second configuration, the solar panels are opened/expanded and generally coplanar with one another. The solar panels can be aligned with a solar energy source in the second configuration to generate electrical energy. The IBC can be filled with a ballast material to anchor the solar panels in the second configuration.

Foldable solar power systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a solar power system includes a support structure mounted to an intermediate bulk container (IBC) or other tank structure. A plurality of solar panels are mounted to the support structure. The support structure is movable between (a) a first configuration for storage and transport and (b) a second configuration for energy generation. In the first configuration, the solar panels are folded adjacent to a sidewall of the IBC. In the second configuration, the solar panels are opened/expanded and generally coplanar with one another. The solar panels can be aligned with a solar energy source in the second configuration to generate electrical energy. The IBC can be filled with a ballast material to anchor the solar panels in the second configuration.

A mobile-charging power system including a mobile transportation unit including a housing and an axle; a battery assembly positioned within the housing; a power electronics module electrically coupled to the battery assembly; and an electro-mechanical generator electrically coupled to the power electronics module. The electro-mechanical generator is driven by the axle. The system further includes a solar power generator coupled to the housing. The solar power generator is electrically coupled to the power electronics module. The system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the battery assembly and the power electronics module; and a control panel electrically coupled to the power electronics module and the controller. The control panel includes a first electrical plug and a second electrical plug.

A solar powered electric motorized scooter is provided for use with a battery, the solar powered electric motorized scooter comprising a base, a flexible foot pad which has a margin, the margin attached to the base, a plurality of flexible solar cells mounted on the base, an electric motor which is in electrical communication with the flexible solar cells, a front wheel, a back wheel, the wheels rotatably disposed on the base and in motive communication with the motor, a steering tube rotatably mounted to the base and attached to a bracket that retains the axle of the front wheel and a handlebar, which terminates the steering tube, wherein the flexible foot pad is configured to flatten under the pressure of a rider and to curve upward when not under pressure of the rider.

Features for a solar generation system. The system includes a solar generator that may be installed on a shipping container. The solar generator includes one or more deployable rotating solar arrays. The rotating solar arrays may be deployed and stowed using actuators. The rotating solar arrays may be stowed for transport of the system on ships or to remote locations. The solar panels of the array are unexposed when stowed. A base frame with corner castings may attach to standard connections on cargo containers. The solar generators may be stacked on top of each other when stowed for transport. An actuation system may include linear actuators with two arms connecting at a moving pivot point that attach to a base frame and to the panels for deployment. Another actuation system may include end-mounted linear actuation arms with panel backside-mounted deployment arms.

Features for a solar generation system. The system includes a solar generator that may be installed on a shipping container. The solar generator includes one or more deployable rotating solar arrays. The rotating solar arrays may be deployed and stowed using actuators. The rotating solar arrays may be stowed for transport of the system on ships or to remote locations. The solar panels of the array are unexposed when stowed. A base frame with corner castings may attach to standard connections on cargo containers. The solar generators may be stacked on top of each other when stowed for transport. An actuation system may include linear actuators with two arms connecting at a moving pivot point that attach to a base frame and to the panels for deployment. Another actuation system may include end-mounted linear actuation arms with panel backside-mounted deployment arms.