In some implementations, the power plant may include an array having 200 or more modules. In addition, the array may have conterminous modules. Arrays may include modules having a contact point that rests on the ground or a contact surface of one or more structures. In some implementations, 90% of the power-plant arrays have 800 or more modules. In some plants, the ground supports 90 percent of the conterminous modules. In some plants, neither the plants nor the arrays do not contain stowing functionality or extreme dampening functionality.

Photovoltaic array performance monitoring systems and methods are described herein. One embodiment of a photovoltaic array monitoring system according to the present disclosure can include a reference photovoltaic panel and an ambient photovoltaic panel, as well as a rechargeable power source. The monitoring system can further include an electrical unit configured to charge the rechargeable power source using energy from one or both of the reference photovoltaic panel and the ambient photovoltaic panel. The monitoring system can also include a transmitter configured to transmit data from the reference photovoltaic panel and the ambient photovoltaic panel. Methods and full-size solar systems utilizing monitoring systems are also described.

Photovoltaic array performance monitoring systems and methods are described herein. One embodiment of a photovoltaic array monitoring system according to the present disclosure can include a reference photovoltaic panel and an ambient photovoltaic panel, as well as a rechargeable power source. The monitoring system can further include an electrical unit configured to charge the rechargeable power source using energy from one or both of the reference photovoltaic panel and the ambient photovoltaic panel. The monitoring system can also include a transmitter configured to transmit data from the reference photovoltaic panel and the ambient photovoltaic panel. Methods and full-size solar systems utilizing monitoring systems are also described.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for cleaning a wind turbine blade or a solar panel with a wind cinch device. The method includes applying a cleaning solution to a surface of a wind turbine blade or solar panel; affixing a wind cinch device around a high point of the wind turbine blade or solar panel; applying tension to one or more lines attached to the wind cinch device to control the pressure the wind cinch device applies to the surface of the wind turbine blade or solar panel; and applying tension to the one or more lines attached to the wind cinch device to pull the wind cinch device from the high point on the wind turbine blade or solar panel to a low point on the wind turbine blade or solar panel. Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to a Wind Cinch device. The Wind Cinch device includes a main body, the main body being an elongated member having a cleaning surface sufficient in length to form a loop around a wind turbine blade when wrapped around a wind turbine blade. The Wind Cinch device also includes a plurality of rigging points, each rigging point adapted to receive a line. Applying tension to one or more of the lines attached to the rigging points changes the circumference of the loop formed by wrapping the wind cinch device around the wind turbine blade.

An intelligent cleaning robot is provided by the present application, to clean dust on a surface of a photovoltaic cell assembly and lower a labor cost, and a walking posture of the intelligent cleaning robot may be adjusted according to needs. The intelligent cleaning robot includes a frame, a sweeping device installed on the frame to perform sweeping operations, a first walking wheel located at one end of the frame and driven by a first motor to move, a second walking wheel located at another end of the frame and driven by a second motor to move, and a control system in signal communication with both the first motor and the second motor and configured to control the first motor and the second motor to rotate synchronously, or control the first motor and the second motor to rotate in different rotational speeds or different directions.

An intelligent cleaning robot is provided by the present application, to clean dust on a surface of a photovoltaic cell assembly and lower a labor cost, and a walking posture of the intelligent cleaning robot may be adjusted according to needs. The intelligent cleaning robot includes a frame, a sweeping device installed on the frame to perform sweeping operations, a first walking wheel located at one end of the frame and driven by a first motor to move, a second walking wheel located at another end of the frame and driven by a second motor to move, and a control system in signal communication with both the first motor and the second motor and configured to control the first motor and the second motor to rotate synchronously, or control the first motor and the second motor to rotate in different rotational speeds or different directions.

In an aspect, the present disclosure describes a method comprising using at least one robot to fully autonomously position and assemble at least one solar module and its supporting structure at a sensed geolocation without aid from a user.

A solar panel cleaning system includes a detection traveling vehicle configured to travel on a solar panel and detect dirt on the solar panel, a map generation part configured to generate a dirt map including a dirt position of the dirt on the solar panel, a cleaning path generation part configured to generate a cleaning path for performing cleaning of the solar panel, and a cleaning traveling vehicle configured to travel on the solar panel on the basis of the generated cleaning path and perform cleaning of the solar panel.

A solar panel cleaning system includes a detection traveling vehicle configured to travel on a solar panel and detect dirt on the solar panel, a map generation part configured to generate a dirt map including a dirt position of the dirt on the solar panel, a cleaning path generation part configured to generate a cleaning path for performing cleaning of the solar panel, and a cleaning traveling vehicle configured to travel on the solar panel on the basis of the generated cleaning path and perform cleaning of the solar panel.

Devices and methods for cleaning an array of solar panels in side-by-side relation employ one or more elongated flexible elements, preferably implemented as translucent strips (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d), anchored at their ends relative to the array of solar panels (12). Each strip spans two or more solar panels, and is wind-displaceable so as to contribute to cleaning of at least two of the solar panels (12).