Abstract: An embodiment for a solar tracker assembly includes a component having multiple pulleys or slide surfaces. A first torque tube is connected with the component. The first torque tube includes a cable slot. A first pull cable is connected to a first and a second pulley of the multiple pulleys or to a first and a second slide surface of the multiple slide surfaces. A second pull cable is connected to a third and a fourth pulley of the multiple pulleys or to a third and a fourth slide surface of the multiple slide surfaces. A first post is connected with the torque tube. The first post includes a connection point connected to the first pull cable and the second pull cable.

Abstract: A bearing for single-axis solar tracking system includes a journal with a tube portion connected to a pair of flanges that are configured as a thrust-stop. The bearing further includes a race removably connected to the journal.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an apparatus for a single axis tracker that includes a first strap component formed into a first portion of a bearing race. A second strap component is formed into a second portion of the bearing race. The first portion of the bearing race and the second portion of the bearing race removably interleave to hold a torque tube.

Abstract: A solar panel assembly includes a first torque tube and a mounting rail including a cutout portion that attaches to the first torque tube. The mounting rail including an upper portion configured for mounting multiple solar panels. The mounting rail establishes and maintains an electrical ground path from the solar panel assembly to the first torque tube.

Abstract: A system includes a coupler-journal including a central body portion and a coupling portion. The coupler-journal is configured for attaching with a first torque tube and a second torque tube. A bearing is configured for placement around the central body portion.

Abstract: A bearing for single-axis solar tracking system includes a journal with a tube portion connected to a pair of flanges that are configured as a thrust-stop. The bearing further includes a race removably connected to the journal.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a drive system that includes a drive device with at least one drum for spooling at least one wire rope. A mounting device is connected to the drive device and a single-axis tracker. At least one partial pulley is connected to a torque tube. The at least one partial pulley is configured to accept the at least one wire rope and to transfer leveraged drive forces to the torque tube.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a device for solar tracker systems. The device includes a first purlin including a first mating surface configured for frictional attachment to a first side of a torque tube. The first purlin further including a first linear shaped top surface configured for mounting a first solar module. A second purlin includes a second mating surface configured for frictional attachment to a second side of the torque tube. The second purlin further including a second linear shaped top surface configured for mounting a second solar module. The first purlin and the second purlin connect to one another with a fastening clamp that is configured for holding the first purlin and the second purlin against the torque tube.

Abstract: A control system for a single-axis solar tracking system includes a controller that communicates control signals. An alternating current (AC) powerline is connected to the controller. The AC powerline supplies power control for one or more solar tracker drive motors and propagates the control signals to the one or more solar tracker drive motors.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an apparatus for a single axis tracker that includes a first strap component formed into a first portion of a bearing race. A second strap component is formed into a second portion of the bearing race. The first portion of the bearing race and the second portion of the bearing race removably interleave to hold a torque tube.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a drive system that includes a drive device with at least one drum for spooling at least one wire rope. A mounting device is connected to the drive device and a single-axis tracker. At least one partial pulley is connected to a torque tube. The at least one partial pulley is configured to accept the at least one wire rope and to transfer leveraged drive forces to the torque tube.

Abstract: A journal-coupler includes a first portion including a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion and a second portion that is removably connected to the first portion. The second portion includes a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion. The first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine to form an enclosed torque tube portion and connect over a first torque tube and a second torque tube. The journal-coupler sustains a continuous electrical ground path between the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube and the second portion.

Abstract: A journal-coupler includes a first portion including a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion and a second portion that is removably connected to the first portion. The second portion includes a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion. The first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine to form an enclosed torque tube portion.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a device for solar tracker systems. The device includes a first purlin including a first mating surface configured for frictional attachment to a first side of a torque tube. The first purlin further including a first linear shaped top surface configured for mounting a first solar module. A second purlin includes a second mating surface configured for frictional attachment to a second side of the torque tube. The second purlin further including a second linear shaped top surface configured for mounting a second solar module. The first purlin and the second purlin connect to one another with a fastening clamp that is configured for holding the first purlin and the second purlin against the torque tube.

Abstract: A solar panel assembly includes a first torque tube and a mounting rail including a cutout portion that attaches to the first torque tube. The mounting rail including an upper portion configured for mounting multiple solar panels. The mounting rail establishes and maintains an electrical ground path from the solar panel assembly to the first torque tube.

Abstract: A system includes a first torque tube with a weld seam. A mounting rail includes a cutout portion with a weld seam alignment slot. The first torque tube is configured for placement in the cutout portion. The weld seam of the first torque tube is configured for placement within the weld seam alignment slot.

Abstract: A system includes a first torque tube with a weld seam. A mounting rail includes a cutout portion with a weld seam alignment slot. The first torque tube is configured for placement in the cutout portion. The weld seam of the first torque tube is configured for placement within the weld seam alignment slot.

Abstract: A journal-coupler includes a first portion including a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion and a second portion that is removably connected to the first portion. The second portion includes a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion. The first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine to form an enclosed torque tube portion.

Abstract: A system includes a coupler-journal including a central body portion and a coupling portion. The coupler-journal is configured for attaching with a first torque tube and a second torque tube. A bearing is configured for placement around the central body portion.

Abstract: A satellite solar array performance optimizing system that isolates a subsection of a solar array to provide power during transfer orbit operation, then connects the subsection in series with an adjacent section to maintain maximum power output at the satellite operating bus voltage. The isolated subsection is provided on an outer panel populated with solar cells in series calculated according to the parameters of the satellite mission to provide maximum power output matching the operating bus voltage. The outer panel subsection of solar cells is connected directly to the operation bus by a passive diode or a mechanical switch such as a latching relay. An adjacent or intermediate panel has a section of solar cells that are connected in series with the subsection of the outer panel and connected through a blocking diode to the operating bus.