A modular power supply apparatus for use in harsh climates that comprises a portable, low cost, easily maintained, durable power supply for energy production as well as systems, methods for forming, and methods of using same.

Solar tracker systems include a torque tube, a column supporting the torque tube, a solar panel connected to the torque tube, and a locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a first end pivotably connected to the torque tube and a second end pivotably connected to the column. A shell defines a fluid chamber and a piston is positioned within the shell. The piston includes a seal and defines compression and extension portions of the fluid chamber. A flow path extends between the compression portion and the extension portions. A first valve assembly controls fluid flow in a first direction through the flow path and a second valve assembly controls fluid flow in a second direction through the flow path. The valve assemblies are each passively moveable from an unlocked state to a locked state in response to movement of the piston.

Solar tracker systems include a torque tube, a column supporting the torque tube, a solar panel connected to the torque tube, and a locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a first end pivotably connected to the torque tube and a second end pivotably connected to the column. A shell defines a fluid chamber and a piston is positioned within the shell. The piston includes a seal and defines compression and extension portions of the fluid chamber. A flow path extends between the compression portion and the extension portions. A first valve assembly controls fluid flow in a first direction through the flow path and a second valve assembly controls fluid flow in a second direction through the flow path. The valve assemblies are each passively moveable from an unlocked state to a locked state in response to movement of the piston.

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.

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.

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.

A pair of truss legs forming an A-frame-shaped truss foundation system, wherein each truss leg is formed from a hollow lower screw anchor having threading around its lower end connected to an upper leg, wherein both the screw anchor and the upper leg have corrosion protection layers formed on their inner and outer surfaces thereof, but wherein only the screw anchor also has a second corrosion protection layer formed over the first protection layer on its outer surface only.

The invention comprises embodiments of structural supports for solar panels installed within solar arrays. Some of the embodiments include a combination of cable and truss supports, and others include truss supports rigidly mounted to columns. Other embodiments include single axis tracker devices for mounting solar panels within a solar array of an installation. The devices can be roller mounted for selective horizontal displacement of the mounted solar panels at any desired location within the installation. The density or number of devices can also be adjusted within the installation to provide precise control of sunlight or shade for underlying vegetation.

The invention comprises embodiments of structural supports for solar panels installed within solar arrays. Some of the embodiments include a combination of cable and truss supports, and others include truss supports rigidly mounted to columns. Other embodiments include single axis tracker devices for mounting solar panels within a solar array of an installation. The devices can be roller mounted for selective horizontal displacement of the mounted solar panels at any desired location within the installation. The density or number of devices can also be adjusted within the installation to provide precise control of sunlight or shade for underlying vegetation.