Patent classifications
F24S2025/019
Tracking systems for adjusting a photovoltaic array
Tracking systems for adjusting a photovoltaic array are disclosed. In some embodiments, the tracking system includes an actuator that moves one or more links to cause the array to rotate. The tracking system may be disposed below a torque rail of the tracking system. The actuator may be a slew drive that retracts or extends the one or more links to cause the array to rotate.
Surface mount assemblies for a solar panel system
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.
Variable terrain solar tracker
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.
Multi-piece truss legs and related couplers
A two-piece truss leg with an articulating coupler for an A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for single-axis trackers. The coupler is attached to the head of each screw anchor to enable it to be driven. A connection portion extends above the coupler and is received within an open end of an upper leg to allow the upper leg to be misaligned with respect to it corresponding screw anchor.
Truss foundation adapters for single-axis trackers
A one-piece truss adapter for supporting single-axis trackers with truss foundations. A y-shaped structure has a pair of legs with an angularly adjustable connector for securely joining the one-piece adapter to a pair of driven screw anchors at different angular orientations. Each leg terminates in a ball-shaped connector that is received in a socket integral to a driving coupler at the head of each screw anchor. A retaining nut holds the connector in place to complete the angularly adjustable assembly.
Multi-piece truss legs and related couplers
A two-piece truss leg system for an A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for single-axis trackers. A driving coupler at the head of each screw anchor used to drive the component into the ground as well as to join the upper leg component to the screw anchor. A connecting portion of the coupler extending above a main body of the coupler is received within an open end of an upper leg component. A curved outer surface of the connecting portion enables the upper leg component to be angularly adjusted relative to the screw anchor. A channel in the connecting portions enables the upper leg component to be deformed into the channel with a crimp connecting.
Truss foundation adapters for single-axis trackers
A one-piece truss adapter for supporting single-axis trackers with truss foundations. A upside-down Y-shaped structure has bearing support portion and an opposing pair of legs with an angularly adjustable connector for securely joining the one-piece adapter to a pair of driven screw anchors at different angular orientations. Each leg terminates in a connector that is received in a socket integral to a driving coupler at the head of each screw anchor. A retaining nut may hold the connector in place to complete the angularly adjustable assembly.
SURFACE MOUNT ASSEMBLIES FOR A SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM
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.
Optimized truss foundations, adapters for optimized truss foundations, and related systems and methods
An A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for a single-axis tracker with a bearing assembly sitting atop a pair of adjacent angled truss legs joined together with an adapter so that the axis of rotation of the tracker is aligned with a work point of the A-frame. Several such foundation systems are arranged along a North-South row to support a tracker torque tube.
SOLAR TRACKER WITH ORIENTABLE SOLAR PANELS ARRANGED IN ROWS
A solar tracker with orientable solar panels arranged in rows, having at least two rows of photovoltaic modules (1) carrying the solar panels (2), arranged on pillars (6), the solar panels (2) mounted on respective rotation axes (3) longitudinally associated with each other by rotation transmission (5), driven by at least one motor (4) establishing the movement of all the solar panels (2) from a single actuation point, the rows of photovoltaic modules (1) related to each other by at least one transmission bar (7), joined by universal joints (8), to respective rotation transmission (5), the drive motor (4) is coupled in longitudinal alignment with respect to a transverse transmission (12) that meshes with a rotation transmission (5) and with respect to which the universal joint (8) of one end of the corresponding transmission bar (7) is joined in longitudinal alignment on the other side.