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 transparent luminescent solar concentrator (TLSC) is provided. The TLSC includes a luminophore and a waveguide that guides light emitted from the luminophore. The TLSC has a light utilization efficiency (LUE) of greater than or equal to about 1.

In an example, the solar tracker has a clamp assembly configured to pivot a torque tube. In an example, the assembly has a support structure configured as a frame having configured by a first and second anchoring region. In an example, the support structure is configured from a thickness of metal material. In an example, the support structure is configured in an upright manner, and has a major plane region. In an example, the assembly has a pivot device configured on the support structure, a torque tube suspending on the pivot device and aligned within an opening of the support, and configured to be normal to the plane region. In an example, the torque tube is configured on the pivot device to move about an arc in a first direction or in a second direction such that the first direction is in a direction opposite to the second direction.

A clamp assembly that may be used for securing to a raised portion of a surface. The clamp assembly comprising a mounting body of a general block shape having a slot for receiving the raised portion formed in a bottom surface of the mounting body attaching the clamp assembly thereto. The clamp assembly is configured with one or more pins that may be formed in a substantially elongated cylindrical shape. The pins may be configured to be received in one or more push-pin holes formed in the mounting body, whereby the push-pin holes extend to the slot from a side surface of push-pin holes. The clamp assembly includes a fastening element adapted to be received in a fastener hole formed adjacent the push-pin holes in the side surface of the mounting body. The fastening element is configured to secure, attach and hold the clamp assembly to the standing seam by forcing the pins against the raised portion of the surface disposed in the slot.

The present disclosure is directed to materials, devices, and methods for resonant ambient thermal energy harvesting. Thermal energy can be harvested using thermoelectric resonators that capture and store ambient thermal fluctuations and convert the fluctuations to energy. The resonators can include non-linear heat transfer elements, such as thermal diodes, to enhance their performance. Incorporation of thermal diodes can allow for a dynamic rectification of temperature fluctuations into a single polarity temperature difference across a heat engine for power extraction, as compared to the dual polarity nature of the output voltage of linear thermal resonators, which typically necessitates electrical rectification to be routed to an entity for energy storage. In some embodiments, the thermal diode can be applied to transient energy harvesting to construct thermal diode bridges. Methods for constructing such devices, and using such devices, are also provided.

A mounting assembly for use in mid-grab and/or edge-grab applications may include a clamp secured to a stanchion by a clamping fastener. The mounting assembly may also include a mounting plate which may be secured to a mounting device by the stanchion. The mounting assembly may be used, for example, to secure photovoltaic modules (or other devices or structures) of varying heights to a roof or other building surface.

An apparatus and method for mounting a solar panel array on a surface is disclosed. The solar panel array includes a plurality of solar panel modules and a hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly. The hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly includes a component of a rail-based mounting system and a component of a rail-less mounting system. At least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-based mounting system and at least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-less mounting system.

A mounting device including a base having an internal cavity and an upper portion above the base. The upper portion extends upward from the base and includes a vertical member defining opposed first and second faces above the base. An aperture is formed through the upper portion and extends through the first and second faces. The base extends outward, beyond each of the first and second faces.

Various aspects as described herein are directed to a radiative cooling device and method for cooling an object. As consistent with one or more embodiments, a radiative cooling device includes a solar spectrum reflecting structure configured and arranged to suppress light modes, and a thermally-emissive structure configured and arranged to facilitate thermally-generated electromagnetic emissions from the object and in mid-infrared (IR) wavelengths.

A mounting device or clamp is provided that can be secured to a roof joint without damaging the roof joint. Two roof panels can be joined at a roof joint that extends away from the roof. The clamp has a body with a slot to receive the roof joint. An insert of the clamp is rotatable relative to the body from a first position to a second position. The clamp body can be positioned over the roof joint, and the insert can rotate or pivot from the first position to the second position relative to the body to secure the clamp to the roof joint. In one embodiment, a body of the clamp has a first arm that is concave and the insert has a concave portion to engage the roof joint. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the insert can be connected to the clamp body such that either a first projection or a second projection of the insert faces a roof joint.