A solar tracking system comprises multiple solar panel modules forming a grid of solar panel modules, wherein the multiple solar panel modules are orientatable to a solar source independently of each other; and a control system configured to orient each of the multiple solar panel modules to the solar source independently of each other based on a performance model to optimize an energy output from the grid of solar panel modules, wherein the performance model predicts an energy output from the grid of solar panel modules based on a topography of the area containing the grid of solar panel modules and weather conditions local to each of the solar panel modules.

Methods and systems are disclosed that automatically determine solar access values. In one implementation, a 3D geo-referenced model of a structure is retrieved in which geographic location on the earth of points in the 3D geo-referenced model are stored or associated with points in the 3D geo-referenced model. Object point cloud data indicative of object(s) that cast shade on the structure is retrieved. The object point cloud data may be generated from one or more georeferenced images and the object point cloud data is indicative of an actual size, shape, and location of the object(s) on the earth. The structure in the 3D geo-referenced model is divided into one or more sections, which are divided into one or more areas, each area having at least three vertices. Then, a solar access value for the particular vertex is determined.

A cost-effective solar energy collection system, including: 1) new solar PV panel wiring and power conversion system designed to allow tracking panel-to-panel shading while maintaining maximized power output, 2) the companion new combined structural and electrical inter-panel connector system supporting the new wiring scheme, and 3) the new panel structural support for the new inter-panel connector system, 4) the robotic array assembly and installation system used to assemble the new inter-panel connector and new panel structural support system into solar array sections in the field with a robotic crawler to move the assembled solar array sections to their final positions, and 5) the post system and installer for supporting the solar array sections. It is a fully integrated solar energy system for rapid installation and higher energy output which together creates a transformative change for the solar energy field.

A photovoltaic system for generating electrical power on farmland while minimizing reduction of solar radiation incident on ground due to shadowing, including a photovoltaic module having a first photovoltaic face defining a first plane, a normal axis extending from the first plane, a first pivot axis extending through the photovoltaic module, a second pivot axis extending through the photovoltaic module, at least one motor operationally connected to pivot the photovoltaic module about at least one pivot axis, and an electronic controller operationally connected to at least one motor. An incident solar ray strikes the photovoltaic module at an angle of incidence defined as an intersection of the incident solar ray and the normal axis. The electronic controller sends signals to the at least one motor to maintain the angle of incidence as close as possible to ninety degrees.

This invention relates to photovoltaic (PV) systems with solar trackers. Retractable auxiliary panels are positioned at opposite sides of a solar panel along its tilt direction. The auxiliary panels do not obstruct the direct solar irradiation onto the solar panels, but rather redirect additional solar irradiation to the solar panels, including both direct beam and diffuse sunlight. While solar panels tilt to track the sun, configurations of the auxiliary panels can be adjusted to avoid shading on adjacent solar panels. Compared to conventional PV systems on solar trackers, the proposed PV system can significantly improve overall sunlight collection and PV system output throughout a day.

A grid assembly intelligent photovoltaic power generation system includes a supporting unit, a separated composite stand secured on the supporting unit, a square axle arranged on the separated composite stand and capable of rotating on the separated composite stand and a plurality of photovoltaic panels secured onto the square axle and forming a single-row of photovoltaic panel grid; wherein a certain distance is formed between each row of the photovoltaic panel grid, and a plurality of the photovoltaic panel grids form a photovoltaic array. The present invention overcomes the problem of sunlight blind spots of traditional photovoltaic array power stations, and the present invention can be installed top of fishponds and agricultural lands such that the top of the structure utilizes the photovoltaic panels for power generation and the bottom thereof can be used for growth of agricultural corps in order to achieve diverse utilization of land.

A solar panel that attains very low cost/Watt objectives is achieved by applying an optical concentrator with planar symmetry in combination with a simple 1-axis tracking system. The concentrator uses a Cassegrain optical system to provide moderate concentration factors that can be adjusted by varying the ratio of the focal lengths of the concave and convex reflecting surfaces. Concentrator dimensions can be scaled to any convenient size. They can be arrayed in parallel to form a solar panel that has the same form factor as a 1-sun solar panel. One-axis tracking is achieved by simply rotating the collector elements in synchronism so the sun is maintained in the plane of symmetry for each of the collector elements that comprise the panel.

[Problem] To provide a solar power system and a solar panel installation method with which, by using a positioning configuration which is not prone to visible vertical misalignment while preserving sunlight lighting efficiency in the positioning of a plurality of solar panels, solar panel installation is easy, and which is suitable to installing a large solar power system on a hill, in wetlands, etc. [Solution] A solar power system comprises a solar panel group (2) in which a plurality of vertically oriented rectangular solar panels (21) are inclined in the same direction, either left or right, at a prescribed angle of inclination (theta), and the lighting faces (22) of each of the solar panels (21) are arrayed in the same plane.

In an embodiment, a solar energy system includes multiple photovoltaic modules, each oriented substantially at a same angle relative to horizontal. The angle is independent of a latitude of an installation site of the solar energy system and is greater than or equal to 15 degrees. The solar energy system defines a continuous area within a perimeter of the solar energy system. The solar energy system is configured to capture at the photovoltaic modules substantially all light incoming towards the continuous area over an entire season.

A photovoltaic system includes a plurality of photovoltaic racks, a plurality of photovoltaic strings connected to each photovoltaic rack in the plurality of photovoltaic racks, a detector, and a controller. Each photovoltaic rack is configured to rotate by an angle through the controller. Each photovoltaic string is configured to convert light energy into electric energy. The detector is separately connected to the controller and the plurality of photovoltaic strings, and is configured to detect blocking parameters of the plurality of photovoltaic strings. The controller is connected to the plurality of photovoltaic racks, and is configured to: control, based on illumination angles, the plurality of photovoltaic racks to rotate by an angle, obtain a photovoltaic rack blocking relationship based on the blocking parameters of the plurality of photovoltaic strings, and adjust a rotation angle of a first photovoltaic rack or a second photovoltaic rack based on the photovoltaic rack blocking relationship.