A solar panel awning device may include a solar panel having first and second opposing ends, first and second opposing sides extending between the first and second opposing ends, and first and second opposing major surfaces. The first major opposing surface defines a photovoltaic surface. The solar panel awning device may include first and second arms respectively coupled to the first and second opposing ends of the solar panel, and an actuator coupled to one of the first and second arms and configured to switch the solar panel between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the solar panel is flat against a side of a building; in the extended position, the first opposing side is proximal to the side of the building and spaced apart from the side of the building; and the second opposing side is distal to the side of the building.

A non-drive dynamic stabilizer includes a damper and an actuator. The dynamic stabilizer provides multiple states of support to a solar tracker structure. These states may include 1) flexible movement and/or damping during normal operation (i.e. tracking) and/or 2) rigid or locked, whereby the dynamic stabilizer acts as a restraint. The dynamic stabilizer is actuated by a control system according to the real-time demands on the structure. Sensors to provide input to the control system may include wind speed sensors, wind direction sensors, snow sensors, vibration sensors and/or displacement sensors.

A drive assembly for a heliostat is described, wherein the drive assembly may be configured to dynamically adjust the position of an attached reflector in concentrated solar power applications. The drive assembly may be further configured to provide for biasing of the reflector to reduce backlash due to external loads. The biasing force may be provided by at least one of a spring, counterweight, or offset of the center of gravity of the reflector or other attachment, or some combination thereof.

A solar power system (11) which comprises a plurality of solar energy collecting means (10,10a,10b,10c) respectively comprising a platform assembly (16,16a,16b,16c) floating on liquid in a liquid reservoir (14,14a,14b,14c), each platform assembly carrying solar energy concentrators or collectors and respective reservoirs (14,14a,14b,14c), being interconnected in series and arranged in a cascading relationship such that the flooding of a platform assembly (16,16a,16b,16c) in one reservoir (14,14a,14b,14c), for protection of the concentrators or collectors under liquid displaces liquid in that reservoir (14,14a,14b,14c), and causes the flooding of an adjacent lower platform assembly (16,16a,16b,16c) to protect the concentrators or collectors carried thereon.

Motorized system for holding and driving at least one solar energy collector, said system including: a supporting structure for the panel, movable at least in part in relation to the ground, so as to allow controlled displacement of the collector, notably about at least two axes of rotation, at least one blocking member, fixed in relation to the ground, at least one coupling member, movable with the collector and adapted to cooperate with the blocking element in at least one locking position of the collector, in order to hold the collector in the event of extreme winds, the coupling member being able to be moved into the locking position or locking positions as a result of a predefined movement of the collector, from a usual operating position where the coupling member is remote from the blocking member.

The present invention relates to a frameless photovoltaic assembly for incorporation into a tiled roof, the assembly comprising: (i) a photovoltaic panel comprising a transparent top sheet and a backsheet, and one or more photovoltaic cells positioned between the top and backsheet; (ii) two side elongate elements extending vertically along the sides of the panel; (iii) an upper elongate sealing element extending in a horizontal direction, and attached to an upper end of the side elongate elements and above the photovoltaic panel, (iv) a lower elongate sealing element extending horizontal direction and attached to the panel in horizontal direction on the underside of the panel, but preferably not attached to the elongate side elements; wherein at least one of the side elongate frame element extends laterally to form a flashing portion that substantially interlinks with the underside of a laterally positioned roofing component.

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 support assembly for supporting one or more photovoltaic modules on a support surface, such a generally flat roof, is disclosed herein. The support assembly includes a ballast tray configured to accommodate one or more ballasts; at least one tubular member coupled to the ballast tray, the at least one tubular member configured to support one or more photovoltaic modules above a support surface; and at least one clamp member coupled to the at least one tubular member. In one or more embodiments, the support assembly further includes at least one channel member coupling said at least one tubular member to said ballast tray. A mounting system including a plurality of support assemblies is also disclosed herein.

A system may include a support column, and a torsion beam connected to the support column and connected to one or more frames circumscribing one or more respective photovoltaic (PV) modules. An angle of orientation of the one or more frames may change based on rotation of the torsion beam. The system may also include an aeroelastic stabilizer associated with an edge of at least one of the frames. The association between the aeroelastic stabilizer and the edge of the at least one of the frames may include the aeroelastic stabilizer being fixedly coupled to the rail. The association between the aeroelastic stabilizer and the edge of the at least one of the frames may include the aeroelastic stabilizer being integrally formed with the rail to which the edge of the at least one of the frames is fixedly coupled.

A solar tracking system including a plurality of bases, a torque tube supported by the plurality of bases and configured to support a plurality of solar modules, and a drive device operably connected to the torque tube and arranged to translate the torque tube in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The solar tracking system also includes a plurality of helical guides operably connected to the torque tube, and a plurality of cam assemblies, wherein upon linear movement of the torque tube, interaction between the helical guides and cam assemblies causes the torque tube to rotate about its linear axis.