Solar collector modules and techniques for their construction are disclosed. In one aspect, a solar collector module includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The structural frame includes a set of primary structural shapes and a set of axial frame members connected between corners of the primary structural shapes forming helical paths for the transmission of torque from one end of the structural frame to the other. In another aspect, a method for assembling a solar collector module includes pre-assembling part of the module.

Systems and methods that provide trackers and tracking assemblies having node managers, such as smart node managers are described herein. Aspects of the disclosure are directed to an autonomous energy distribution network including a plurality of solar tracker devices configured to receive solar energy and transform the solar energy into electrical energy, where each of the solar tracker devices is directly connected to a node in a power distribution grid. The network also includes a node manager configured to receive status information from the solar trackers, where the status information includes information regarding the state of the node to which each of the solar tracker device are directly connected.

A solar power system can include a rail and a solar module disposed on the rail. A clamp assembly can couple the solar module to the rail. The clamp assembly can have a clamped configuration in which the solar module is secured to the rail and an unclamped configuration. The clamp assembly can comprise an upper clamp member, a lower clamp member coupled to the rail, and a stabilization member mechanically engaging the upper clamp member and the lower clamp member. The stabilization member can prevent rotation of the lower clamp member relative to the rail when the clamp assembly is in the clamped and unclamped configurations. In the unclamped configuration, the stabilization member can be biased such that the upper clamp member is disposed at a sufficient clearance above the rail to permit the insertion of the solar module between the upper clamp member and the rail.

A solar power conversion kit allows converting of a standard umbrella into a solar charging umbrella, which can then use solar power to charge electronic devices. The solar charging umbrella is self-sustained, capable of charging electronic devices in locations away from electrical outlets. The umbrella has a rechargeable battery that is recharged by sunlight. When charged, the umbrella's battery can charge devices when sunlight is not available. The umbrella supports simultaneous charging of higher power devices such as tablet computers.

A solar panel mount system includes a ballasted block support resting on a ground surface, a post pivoted to the block support at a lower pivot, and a solar panel frame pivoted to the post at an upper pivot with a center of gravity over the ballasted block support and facing a desired sunlight-receiving direction. The upper pivot is selected to be at a desired adjusted height. The frame includes a yoke supported at the upper pivot and support beams supporting a solar panel. A method of installation includes placing the ballasted block support on the ground, and attaching the remaining components at desired angles to locate a center of gravity of the solar panel frame over the ballasted block support, and fixing an angle of the solar panel frame at a desired sun-facing position. A related method includes interconnecting solar panel frames on posts in a generally straight row.

Methods of and apparatuses for making a photovoltaic cell are provided. The photovoltaic cell is able to have a substrate made of a composite material. The composite material is able to be formed by mixing a binder and a physical property enhancing material to form a mixer. The binder is able to be pitch, such as mesophase pitch. The physical property enhancing material is able to be fiber glass. The substrate of the photovoltaic cell is able to be flexible, such that the photovoltaic cell is able to be applied on various surfaces.

A solar power conversion kit allows converting of a standard umbrella into a solar charging umbrella, which can then use solar power to charge electronic devices. The solar charging umbrella is self-sustained, capable of charging electronic devices in locations away from electrical outlets. The umbrella has a rechargeable battery that is recharged by sunlight. When charged, the umbrella's battery can charge devices when sunlight is not available. The umbrella supports simultaneous charging of higher power devices such as tablet computers.

A solar panel mounting system may include a solar panel mounting assembly for mounting to a support structure. The solar panel mounting assembly may include a restraining element, a retaining element and a biasing assembly that supports the restraining and retaining elements. The support structure may include an upper surface and a lower surface spaced from the upper surface. The biasing assembly may further include a biasing element that resiliently urges the retaining element toward a securing element for supporting a solar panel that is positioned between the retaining element and the upper surface of the support structure, and resiliently urges the restraining element toward the lower surface of the support structure. A retention device may resiliently bias the solar panels of a solar panel assembly together on a support structure.

A photovoltaic tile, a photovoltaic power generation system, and a method for mounting photovoltaic tile. The photovoltaic tile includes color steel tiles, adjacent color steel tiles are fixedly connected to each other, the color steel tiles each include a male rib, a female rib, and a folding portion, the male rib and the female rib are respectively arranged at two opposite ends of the color steel tile along a width direction, the folding portion is arranged between the male rib and the female rib, and the female rib is fixedly connected to the male rib of an adjacent color steel tile to form a connecting end; fixing devices mounted on the folding portions; and photovoltaic modules each having two ends respectively connected to the fixing devices of adjacent folding portions. When the photovoltaic module is mounted on the color steel tile, the connecting end supports the photovoltaic module.

The present disclosure is generally related to a solar array kit for installation on a support structure, such as a roof. The kit includes photovoltaic panels that include active elements, edge pieces that connected around and to the photovoltaic panels, a starter piece, and one or more electrical connectors that electrically connect the photovoltaic panels to one another.