Abstract: A circuit for regulating the charging of a storage battery by a photovoltaic array includes a relay switch connected between the storage battery and photovoltaic array. An operational amplifier connected as a differential amplifier with a low-pass filter has one input terminal connected to the storage battery through a resistive divider and the other input terminal connected to a voltage reference. The output of the operational amplifier is connected to the input of a transistor amplifier having an output connected to the control coil of the relay switch. When the battery voltage exceeds a predetermined setpoint, as presented to the input terminal of the operational amplifier through the resistive divider, relative to the voltage reference, the operational amplifier and transistor amplifier de-energize the control coil of the relay switch, thereby opening the relay switch and disconnecting the photovoltaic array from the storage battery.

Abstract: A solar collector involves an elongate main boom having a longitudinal axis and a solar collector frame. Brackets are provided for pivotally mounting the solar collector frame to the main boom for pivotal motion about a first pivotal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main boom. A first motor is mounted to the main boom and has a rotary output shaft coaxially aligned with the first pivotal axis and drivingly connected to the frame for pivoting the frame about the first pivotal axis. A plurality of solar collector elements are pivotally mounted to the solar collector frame for synchronized pivotal motion with respect to the frame about respective second pivotal axes disposed substantially parallel to one another and substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the main boom.

Abstract: A solar tracking control system selectively energizes and deenergizes a motor. The motor causes a rotatable shaft supported on a base and situated parallel to the earth's axis of rotation to be rotated. A U-member is connected to the rotatable shaft and to a frame upon which there is mounted a solar panel or collector. A bracket is connected to each of the two U-member legs and to the frame. Two reinforcing walls are connected to the U-member legs and the U-member middle portion so as to reinforce and retain the U-member shape. By selectively rotating the rotatable shaft, the solar panel or collector is pivoted in a substantially perpendicular position to the sun throughout the day. In another mounting assembly, the frame is connected to a first plate having a pivot hole and a plurality of equidistant angle displacement holes. A second plate is connected to the base and has a pivot hole and an angle displacement hole. A pivot shaft is received through the pivot holes thereby allowing the frame to pivot.

Abstract: A solar tracking control system for generally controlling the position of a pivotable solar panel connected to a motor by selectively energizing and de-energizing the motor. A signal programmer generates a plurality of time dependent signals wherefrom periodic motor energizing signals are generated for retaining the motor energized and the solar panel pivoting westerly. The degree of pivot of the solar panel is detected and a de-energizing signal is provided for stopping the motor and the westerly pivoting of the solar panel. The solar tracking control system is energized and de-energized in response to a power signal generated by signals received from the signal programmer. A water storage tank is connected to the solar panel and a water pump connected therebetween is energized on the occurrence of a preselected temperature different between the solar panel and the water storage tank.