Various apparatuses and methods are provided for measuring the likely environmental impact of a particular geographic location on power generation properties of potential solar installations at the particular location. In an example embodiment of one such apparatus, a measurement device is provided. The measurement device includes a base portion comprising a base frame element disposed on a plurality of supporting legs, and a top panel comprising a series of connected members and one or more measurement modules whose planar dimensions are defined by the series of connected members. The top panel is connected to the base portion by a joint such that the top panel can rotate about the joint, and a panel support element is configured to fasten the top panel immovably at a desired degree of rotation in relation to the base portion.

A solar panel support unit of an embodiment includes a first support member, a second support member, and a third support member. The first support member includes a first support section and a first attachment section. The first attachment section is disposed at a position spaced by a first distance from the first support section. The second support member includes a second support section and a second attachment section. The second attachment section is disposed at a position spaced by a second distance from the second support section in the panel thickness direction, the second distance being smaller than the first distance, the second attachment section having a second hole to be in communication with the first hole, the second attachment section being to overlap the first attachment section. The third support member includes a third support section and a third attachment section. The third attachment section has a third hole to be in communication with the first hole and the second hole, and is to overlap the second attachment section.

A floating platform for solar panels is provided. The floating platform may include a plurality of plates. Each of the plurality of plates may have a ballast chamber filled with a ballast material. Each of the plurality of plates may further have a float chamber disposed over the ballast chamber. Each of the plurality of plates may further have a channel passing through the ballast chamber and the float chamber. The channel may further have one or more openings to pass water into the ballast chamber and an opening to pass air from the channel. Each of the plurality of plates may further have a locking member. Each of the plurality of plates may further have one or more connection sections for placing one or more strap assemblies. The strap assemblies may be provided for disposing one or more solar panels on the plurality of plates.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a device that includes a reflecting surface having a length aligned along a first axis (z), where a cross-section of the reflecting surface in a plane perpendicular to the first axis (z) forms a curve comprising a concave section positioned between a first endpoint and a second endpoint, at least a portion of the concave section is accurately approximated by a polynomial equation, an aperture is formed by a straight line connecting the first endpoint to the second endpoint, and the concave section is configured to focus a plurality of beams of light passing through the aperture onto a focal point.

A protective transparent enclosure, such as a greenhouse, encloses a concentrated solar power system having line-focus solar energy concentrators. The line-focus solar energy concentrators have a reflective front layer, a core layer, and a rear layer. The core and the rear layers, when bonded with the reflective front layer, enable the line-focus solar energy concentrator, in some embodiments, to retain a particular form without additional strengthening elements. In some embodiments, the core layer and/or the rear layer are formed by removing material from a single piece of material.

A floating support device (1) for a photovoltaic panel, includes: a structure (2) including coupling elements (3) for coupling to other floating devices in such a way as to allow a network (R) of floating devices to be formed; one or a plurality of floats (4), intended to ensure that the device does float, which are rigidly connected to the structure (2); and elements for holding at least one photovoltaic panel (P), and in which the structure is an element separate from the float(s) so as to allow forces to be transmitted between the floating devices of the network without transmitting the forces from the network to the float(s).

A photovoltaic array mounting system for a low-slope roof having interchangeable first and second bases, with a short leg extending from the first base at a non-vertical angle and a long leg extending from the second base at a non-vertical angle, wherein the short and long legs support opposite sides of a photovoltaic module such that the module is held at a non-horizontal angle, and wherein rock-in connectors are provided on top of the short and long legs permitting fast and easy system installation.

A bracket for coupling frames of solar panels includes a spacer for positioning between frames. An elongated body passes through a slot in the spacer and is positionable within channels formed in the frames. A clamp secures to the spacer and is biased toward the slot and elongated body, such as by means of a spring. The clamp defines seats for receiving portions of the frames of the solar panels. Sloped portions on end portions of the clamp facilitate insertion of the frames between the elongated body and the clamp. Another type of bracket includes a spacer and clamp, the spacer having protuberances for insertion into channels in the frames. A flange extends from the spacer such that it extends between the frames when the protuberances are positioned within the channels. An L-foot or other fixture may secure to the flange to secure the solar panels to a structure.

Photovoltaic mounting systems that form chemical flashings are provided herein. Such sealant injection systems provide directional control and containment of sealant flow to form a chemical flashing that improves sealing of roof penetrations. Such systems can include a base assembly adapted to mount to a roof surface and support a mounting bracket having a photovoltaic module coupling device. The base assembly can include a sealant guide, a compressing plate and a sealant cartridge held between the guide and compressing plate by one or more coupling features of the guide. The coupling features can include a first set of features, such as a series of tabs, that facilitate coupling between the guide and the compressing plate. The base assembly can further include a base that releasably couples to the sealant guide by a second set of coupling features. Methods of mounting such base assemblies on roof surfaces are also provided.

A fixture includes a substitutive roof member that includes a base part, a base opening, a tubular wall that is erected from a peripheral edge of the base opening, a top face that extends inwardly from a top end of the tubular wall and forms a top face opening, and a pair of guide surfaces that each extend downward from peripheral sides of the top face opening, the substitutive roof member being made of a metal; and a mounting base that includes a pair of planar bottom plates that is provided in such a size as to pass through the top face opening, a pair of rising walls that are each erected from inner sides of the bottom plates, a connection part that connects upper sides of the rising walls, and a fixing member mounting part that is exposed at the connection part for mounting a bolt.