Abstract: Concepts and technologies described herein provide for an accurate and cost-effective method for rotating a solar array disk for tracking the movement of the sun. According to various aspects, a motor includes a fixed caliper and a translating caliper positioned adjacent to one another. Electromagnetically controlled brakes on the translating caliper grip the solar array disk while adjacent, but spaced apart, electromagnets on the fixed caliper and the translating caliper are energized to create an attractive force that pulls the translating caliper with the solar array disk toward the fixed caliper. After reaching the fixed caliper, brakes on the fixed caliper are engaged with the disk, brakes on the translating caliper are released from the disk, and the translating caliper is pushed back to the starting location where the process repeats until the desired rotation is completed.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies described herein provide for a cost-effective method and system for installing a solar array without utilizing a concrete foundation that supports a mast. According to various aspects, a solar array is attached to a helical anchor via a solar tracking mechanism. The helical anchor is a one-piece apparatus that is screwed into the ground so that the helical anchor includes an above-ground portion for connection to the solar array, and an underground portion that provides the foundation for supporting the solar array. The specific configuration of the helical anchor and a corresponding helical anchor blade may be selected according to soil and environmental characteristics associated with the installation location.