Abstract: In an example, the system has a mechanical isolator comprising an elastic material configured to separate the panel rail from the torque tube cause destructive interference with a natural resonant frequency of the system without the mechanical isolator to reduce a mechanical vibration of the system.

Abstract: A low to medium output solar fluid evaporation/distillation system is described that is practical to manufacture using current photovoltaic solar panels or enhanced photovoltaic panels designed exclusively for this application. The system works in conjunction with a water feed in system that provides a minimum quality of water or other fluid to the distillation chamber. The system utilizes a warming envelope and can have optimized dielectric mirrors designed to enhance the water purity and increase output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a tracker control unit and, therefore, the tracker device of a solar module of a solar power plant, wherein the tracker device comprises a control unit, an actuator element and a support means for supporting the solar module, comprising the steps of detecting a particular event, interrupting power supply to the control unit of the tracker device for a predetermined time period in reaction to the detection of the particular event, resuming power supply after the predetermined time period and in reaction to the resumed power supply actuating the support means by the actuator element to move the support means into a predetermined position.

Abstract: Azimuthal rotation mechanism for solar trackers having a vertical pedestal (1) on which a rotating support (2) holding the solar panels (7) is mounted, which is actuated by at least three hydraulic cylinders (4, 5 and 6) located in the same horizontal plane and articulated through the casing to the rotating support (2) by a first movable vertical shaft (18), while the piston rods of the three cylinders pass through the wall of the rotating support and are articulated at the same height to the pedestal by a second fixed vertical rotation shaft (21).

Abstract: A bladed solar thermal receiver for absorbing concentrated sunlight is disclosed. The receiver includes a plurality of panels arranged in a bladed configuration for absorbing sunlight. The bladed configurations can be radial or planar. The receiver design increases the effective solar absorptance and efficiency by providing a light trap for the incident solar radiation while reducing heat losses from radiation and convection.

Abstract: Disclosed is technology pertaining to a device and method for photovoltaic power generation using a photoelectric effect. The device for photovoltaic power generation includes: a frame; a photovoltaic panel arranged on the frame such that a light receiving surface is perpendicular to an incident direction of sunlight with the back thereof against the sun; two or more flat mirrors which are arranged on the frame and reflect the incident sunlight to the light receiving surface of the photovoltaic panel; a rotation mechanism for tracking the sun such that the light receiving surface of the photovoltaic panel is perpendicular to the incident direction of the sunlight by rotating the frame in a biaxial direction; and a supporting structure for supporting the frame and the rotation mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may relate to a system comprising a plurality of optical elements, comprising at least a first optical element and one or more secondary optical elements, a heliostat comprising the first optical element, where the heliostat is operable to move the first optical element to continuously reflect light from a non-stationary light source in a beam towards a first of the secondary optical elements, and where the secondary optical elements are arranged to re-direct the reflected beam of light towards an illumination target. The system further includes a controller configured to receive position data indicative of the position of the non-stationary light source over time, and in response to the position data, control at least the heliostat to continuously direct the beam of light towards the first of the secondary optical elements, such that the beam of light is continuously re-directed towards the illumination target.

Abstract: A portable solar panel system and method includes a support structure, one or more solar panels mounted on the support structure, at least three wheels coupled to the support structure and rotatably supporting the support structure on a surface, a controller, a sunlight monitor coupled to the controller and a tracking drive system coupled to the controller and mechanically linked to at least one of the at least three wheels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a solar collector panel by itself or supported within a frame, to a surface comprising: a strap assembly, a first attachment device attached to and between the panel or frame and the strap assembly; and a second attachment means for attaching the strap assembly to the surface. The strap assembly comprises a plurality of straps attached end to end. The first attachment device could be a bolt, a screw, adhesive, etc. Alternatively, there could be a support between the panel or frame and the strap assembly. The second attachment means may be: a nail, a spike, adhesive, bolting to a stud attached to the surface, welding, ballast, adhesive tape or combinations of these.

Abstract: A solar panel installation includes at least one support cable and at least two support structures configured to hold the at least one support cable in suspension therebetween. The solar panel installation includes at least one solar module having a frame and at least one cable retaining structure secured to the frame. The at least one support cable is configured to support the solar module aloft when the at least one support cable is being held in suspension between the first and the second anchor. The solar module is configured to be slid along the at least one support cable between the support structures when the solar module is being held aloft by the at least one support cable.

Abstract: Solar concentrating wedge can potentially deliver twice the output of a CPC trough. The wedge uses a new optic that turns light sharply allowing the collector to have a very compact profile. In this way, the focal zone is made shorter and hotter for solar thermal applications and the maximum flux density is doubled for photovoltaics. The collection optics are self-cooling. A simple and sturdy non-tracking frame ensures that collected light will follow the intended path to the absorber.

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system. The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are parabolic trough concentrators with one or more lateral extensions. In some embodiments, the lateral extension is a unilateral extension of the primary parabolic trough shape. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions are movably connected to the primary portion. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions have a focal line separate from the focal line of the base portion. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly can include mirror assemblies that are connected to pivotable frames with locating connections. The locating connections can be in the form of cam devices or tool-less connections formed by snap fitting devices as well as tool-less cam devices.

Abstract: A solar tower system including an array of individually controlled carousel-type heliostats, where each heliostat includes a rotatable D-shaped carousel, a mirror array including horizontal, elongated flat mirrors supported in a tiltable (e.g., louvered) arrangement on the carousel, and a mirror positioning system that is disposed next to the carousel and controls the tilt position of each mirror and a rotational position of the carousel to reflect light onto a solar receiver. The heliostats are arranged in a closely-spaced (e.g., square or hexagonal) pattern that both maximizes the effective ground coverage ratio of solar power harvesting system and facilitates the formation of service pathways that allow access to any of the heliostats in the array (e.g., by aligning the straight peripheral wall portions of adjacent carousels in parallel with each other).

Abstract: A solar-thermal concentrator for a expeditionary power generator system including a portable power plant that utilizes a hybridized solar/fuel Stirling engine to supply electric power in an expeditionary setting. The concentrator includes a collapsible dish assembly that is pivotably and tiltably mounted on a portable base assembly, where the dish assembly includes a lightweight frame including a central mounting structure and multiple truss-like radial arms that are rigidly connected to and extend radially from the central mounting structure, and a reflector panel assembly including multiple flat, fan-shaped reflector panels that are secured to the frame and disposed in a semi-circular pattern. Each reflector panel includes multiple reflectors that collectively form a substantially flat Fresnelized reflective surface that redirects incident sunlight into a focal region. The power plant is maintained in the focal region by a support structure that extends perpendicular to the flat reflective surface.

Abstract: A collapsible rack assembly for supporting a solar module and methods of assembling the same are provided. The assembly is movable from a collapsed position to an assembled position. The assembly comprises a plurality of collapsible frames, each of which comprises a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg. The first leg extends substantially parallel to a support surface. The second leg extends from the first leg at a first angle relative to the first leg when the frame is assembled and supports the solar module at the first angle when assembled. The third leg extends from the first leg at a second angle relative to the first leg when the frame is assembled. The second and third legs are rotatably connected to the first leg. When in the collapsed position the legs are nested so that one of the legs is disposed within another of the legs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting frame for supporting sheet-type solar panels (12) comprising, fitted substantially vertically for anchoring by its lower end (13a) in the ground or by a fixed anchoring location (13b), a supporting mast (13) at which the solar panels (12) resting on a plane panel support (8-11) are supported by means of a supporting structure (14) and which are rotatable about the axis of the mast for azimuthal tracking.

Abstract: A multiplexed torque brake (MTB) system for preventing the accumulation of torsional forces at a center drive and thereby significantly reducing the design load requirements for trough frames of a corresponding solar concentrator assembly (SCA). In one embodiment, an MTB system for an SCA having a plurality of solar reflector frames spaced along a length of the SCA includes a plurality of brake mechanisms arranged at locations spaced apart from each other along the length of the SCA, each of the brake mechanisms coupled to a corresponding one of a plurality of supporting pylons and configured to constrain the solar reflector frames from rotating when subjected to torsional loads, the brake mechanisms adapted to transfer the torsional loads to the corresponding supporting pylons.

Abstract: Provided is a solar collector assembly that can be manufactured, assembled, and maintained efficiently. A number of arrays that include one or more reflective material formed in a parabolic shape can be attached to a backbone. The backbone is attached to a polar support that is positioned at or near the center of gravity for the solar collector assembly. The polar support at or near the center of gravity allows the entire assembly to be tilted, rotated and/or lowered for various purposes (e.g., service, maintenance, safety). The solar collector assembly can be transported as modular units and/or in a partially assembled state.

Abstract: A mirror or other reflecting surface is used for collecting and reflecting incident solar radiation. The mirror is supported for independent motion about a pair of axes. An accelerometer generates signals representative of an amount and direction of motion of the mirror about each of the axes. Motors or other drive mechanisms independently drive the mirror about each of the axes. A tracking device provides information about the current position of the Sun. A control is connected to the accelerometer, the motors and the tracking device for maintaining a predetermined optimum orientation of the mirror as the Sun moves across the sky.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source includes a frame, a thermal actuation element coupled to the frame, a pivotable platform positioned between the radiation source and the thermal actuation element so as to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element, and apparatus for pivoting the pivotable platform in response to a thermally controlled deformation of the thermal actuation element.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system may include a receiver with a first heat transfer fluid channel having at least two opposite sides. Each side may present an external surface facing in a direction opposite to that of the external surface of the other opposite side. Each side may be configured to contact a heat transfer fluid carried in the first heat transfer fluid channel. A heliostat field may be configured to direct solar energy to each of the at least two opposite sides during the course of a day such that a thermal stress tending to bend the channel remains below a specified level.

Abstract: An improved solar concentrating system (100) uses a two-stage arrangement of mirrors wherein the rays of the sun are reflected and concentrated to a point focus. The solar concentrator (100) may be used to increase the temperature of a substance such as metal, for use in a variety of applications including the melting of metals in a foundry furnace. The solar concentrating system (100) comprises at least two single-curved parabolic mirrors (10, 20) connected in an operable arrangement. The rays of the sun are reflected from a first single-curved parabolic mirror (10) to a second single-curved parabolic mirror (20). The plane of symmetry of the second single-curved parabolic mirror is arranged substantially orthogonal to the plane of symmetry of the first single-curved parabolic mirror thereby concentrating the rays of the sun to a point focus.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a solar panel adjustment device, including a solar panel having a first end and a second end for receiving sunlight, a first pivot frame engaged to the first end of the solar panel for adjusting the solar panel, a second pivot frame engaged to the second end of the solar panel for adjusting the solar panel, and at least one drive means for adjusting the first pivot frame and the second pivot frame independently of one another.

Abstract: A tracker including an outer post having elongated bore and a lower end mounted on a sub-structure, an inner pole rotatably received in the elongated bore, a lower bearing in the bore adjacent a lower end of the outer post and attached thereto to be constrained from lateral movement and mounted on the sub-structure such that a lower end of the inner pole rests on and is supported by the lower bearing, an upper bearing near an upper end of the outer post, a circumferential drive supported on the outer post for rotating the inner pole relative to the outer post, such that substantially a full weight of a load on the inner pole is directly transmitted to the sub-structure and lateral force and torque leverage are placed on a full length of the outer post by way of the upper and lower bearing.

Abstract: A linear trough concentrates sunlight through a long target window in a greenhouse's roof or north wall. Heat is stored in a geothermal heat bank below the greenhouse's center, where a thermal skirt around the greenhouse reduces heat loss.

Abstract: Wind screens for reducing wind loading on one or more solar collectors are disclosed. The wind screens move with the solar collector as the collector tracks the sun in one or more dimensions. The wind screen pivotably connects to at least one solar panel of the collector. Another side of the wind screen may connect to the ground or to an adjacent collect, thus serving to divert wind over the collector. Wind screens may be made of various materials including rigid, flexible, or elastic materials and can change position, orientation, and/or effective length as the one or more collectors track the sun from East to West.

Abstract: A solar reflector assembly is provided for generating energy from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A solar reflector assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. The elongated tube has an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid.

Abstract: A collapsible rack assembly for supporting a solar module and methods of assembling the same are provided. The assembly is movable from a collapsed position to an assembled position. The assembly comprises a plurality of collapsible frames, each of which comprises a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg. The first leg extends substantially parallel to a support surface. The second leg extends from the first leg at a first angle relative to the first leg when the frame is assembled and supports the solar module at the first angle when assembled. The third leg extends from the first leg at a second angle relative to the first leg when the frame is assembled. The second and third legs are rotatably connected to the first leg. When in the collapsed position the legs are nested so that one of the legs is disposed within another of the legs.

Abstract: A machine for tracking the sun's movement and concentrating sunlight consists of a main frame which pivots in the north and south direction on a base having conduit for a heat medium (a liquid usually of the Glycol family the main frame supports the mirror frame that pivots 360 degrees East to West allowing the mirror to focus the sunlight onto the conduit heating the liquid medium producing a very high and concentrated amount of heat during the entire daylight period and can be used for a small business or residential heating. An optional prism can be attached to the mirror frame to focus sun rays onto the conduit for added heat.

Abstract: A solar concentrator includes a plurality of separate panels positioned between opposed support rods. Tension elements extend between the support rods and mount the plurality of panels.

Abstract: An improved tracking device comprised of a lightweight structural design optimized to carry it's own mass, that mass of a lightweight incident surface or surfaces for reflecting or absorbing energy, and to withstand the forces of low to medium wind loads. A weathervaning stowage mode is initiated under high wind conditions that will inherently rotate the structure such that the reflective facets will face away from the oncoming wind and any entrained dust, hail, or other particulate. The incident surfaces will also pivot upwards via pivots near the top mounting point to reduce the surface area presented to the wind and the resultant aerodynamic forces. A fixed wind deflector is employed to transfer wind load from the top of the incident surface(s) above the point of rotation where the wind load inhibits rotation to the bottom of the facet where upward rotation is enhanced.

Abstract: A reciprocating solar engine includes a) a seesawing platform having a central fulcrum support upon which the platform is moveably positioned to reciprocally rotate through a predetermined arc b) a first solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on one side of the support and a second solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on a second side of the support; c) a connecting tube connecting the first container and the second container; d) a fluid contained within at least one of the first and the second container, the fluid being evaporable from solar heat and condensable from shading from solar heat; e) a roof above the platform, having at least one window of which is located above the first container and at least one window of above the second container; f) shuttering devices connected to the roof and movable so that one window is closed while the other is open and vice versa; and, g) shutter device controls functionally connected to the shutter device and the platform

Abstract: A sun tracking system includes a reduction device of a servo motor, multiple shafts, multiple couplers, and at least two rows of cylinders and each row having at least two cylinders, a solar panel, multiple pivotal connection units and multiple sliding units. The reduction device of a servo motor drives the cylinders of the first and second rows of cylinders which drive other cylinders. The cylinders of the first row of cylinders are pivotably connected to the solar panel and the cylinders of the second row of cylinders are movably connected to the solar panel. By the cylinders of the same row moving upward or downward while the cylinders of the other row moving downward or upward, the panel is controlled to aim the sun.

Abstract: The invention in the preferred embodiment features a solar concentrator that can align and/or track based on images from a video camera, for example. The concentrator preferably includes one or more optical elements for directing light to a receiver, a camera for capturing an image of the optical elements, and a controller configured to: detect the orientation of the one or more optical elements from the one or more images, determine an orientation error based on the detected orientation, and automatically orient the one or more optical elements to minimize the orientation error. The optical elements generally comprise a plurality of mirrors or lenses arranged in a one or two dimensional array.

Abstract: Increased utilization of solar power is highly desirable as solar power is a readily available renewable resource with power potential far exceeding total global needs; and as solar power does not contribute to pollutants associated with fossil fuel power, such as unburned hydrocarbons, NOx and carbon dioxide. The present invention provides low-cost inflatable heliostatic solar power collectors, which can be stand-alone units suitable for flexible utilization in small, medium, or utility scale applications. The inflatable heliostatic power collectors use a reflective surface or membrane “sandwiched” between two inflated chambers, and attached solar power receivers which may be of photovoltaic and/or solar thermal types. Modest concentration ratios enable benefits in both reduced cost and increased conversion efficiency, relative to simple prior-art flat plate solar collectors.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a one-axis solar tracker system and apparatus which is simple to install, lower cost and with the provision of an electric-magnetic locking device to resist from medium to strongest wind condition like hurricane or typhoon. Solar farms is more and more popular to use one-axis tracker due to lower cost, higher wind resistance and easier for large scale solar farm installation, especially at lower latitude tropic zones. This disclosure proposes a one-axis tracker with multiple posts support using a single or dual linear actuators driving mechanism for rotation. It is also equipped with a wind lock device to lock the solar tracker in horizontal neutral position during strong wind condition such as hurricane or typhoon. The stepwise wind lock device can further be applied to locking the solar tracker following each step of linear actuator activation enabling the disclosed solar tracker to operate in windy conditions.

Abstract: A solar collector structural support system that affixes to a mounting surface without penetrating the mounting surface is disclosed. The invention in the preferred embodiment includes a base assembly comprising: a plurality of leg members, a center junction elements configured to receive (a) the proximal end of each of the plurality of leg members and (b) a support member configured to securely uphold at least one of the one or more one solar collectors, and at least one footing adapted to frictionally engage the mounting surface. Multiple base assemblies may be interconnected using peripheral junction elements to form arrays of solar collectors of arbitrarily large size. The peripheral junction element is configured to couple the leg members of multiple base assemblies. When connected with the present invention, a plurality of solar concentrators form an array with greater structural integrity and less susceptibility.

Abstract: An improved tracking device comprised of a lightweight structural design optimized to carry it's own mass, that mass of a lightweight incident surface or surfaces for reflecting or absorbing energy, and to withstand the forces of low to medium wind loads. A weathervaning stowage mode is initiated under high wind conditions that will inherently rotate the structure such that the reflective facets will face away from the oncoming wind and any entrained dust, hail, or other particulate. The incident surfaces will also pivot upwards via pivots near the top mounting point to reduce the surface area presented to the wind and the resultant aerodynamic forces. A fixed wind deflector is employed to transfer wind load from the top of the incident surface(s) above the point of rotation where the wind load inhibits rotation to the bottom of the facet where upward rotation is enhanced.

Abstract: A floating solar chimney includes several parts, e.g., the Main Chimney, the Heavy Base, and the Folding Lower Part. The main chimney includes cylindrical balloon rings full of non flammable light gas. The cylindrical balloon rings are tied with the help of supporting rings so that together they form one or more compact units of the main chimney. The compact parts of the main chimney are fastened on the heavy base. The successive compact parts are separated by separating rings filled with environmental air that can go in and out of the separating rings, so that the dynamic independence of the successive compact parts is ensured. The main chimney, which can float, is configured to sit on a chimney seat, and is connected to the heavy base. The lower part of the heavy base is fastened to the folding lower part. The air can enter and come out freely from the rings of folding lower part in order to enable the floating solar chimney to achieve any suitable decline as dictated by the exterior winds.

Abstract: A solar panel supporting system includes a main frame, a solar panel, and a spring mechanism. The main frame has two opposite lateral sides. The solar panel is pivotally mounted on the main frame along a first pivot axis defined by a first rod extending between the opposite lateral sides of the main frame. The spring mechanism is operatively coupled to the solar panel for resiliently holding the solar panel at a predetermined position. The solar panel is adapted to pivot in response to wind strong enough to stretch or compress the spring mechanism.

Abstract: An accurate and cost effective heliostat array and method of use is disclosed. The heliostat array in the preferred embodiment comprises a plurality of mirrors arrayed in a common plane, a plurality of reflector positioning arms, and a rigid positioning plate. The positioning plate, which is coupled to each of the reflectors via a positioning arm, is adapted to simultaneously aim each reflector using as few as one or two actuators. When the positioning arms forms the base of an isosceles triangle with one leg aligned with a ray directed to the sun and the other equal length leg aligned with a ray directed to the receiver, the positioning plate has the shape of a Conchoid of Nicomedes surface of revolution, which enables the heliostat array to simultaneously orient all of the mirrors to precisely focus incident sunlight from anywhere in the celestial hemisphere onto a common focal point.

Abstract: A rotational system is provided for controlling rotation of one or more solar collectors to track the movement of the sun, to automatically keep the collectors locked in stow position during high wind conditions, and advantageously also to prevent damage to the rotational system due to high pressures caused by high temperature conditions. The system utilizes a bi-directional hydraulic rotational actuator hydraulically connected to a control system. The actuator advantageously includes a system of helical gears and a piston, and the control system includes hydraulic lines equipped with check valves that prevent circulation of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic lines and the actuator when backpressure is exerted in one of the hydraulic lines as a result of high wind force on the collectors. In addition, the control system advantageously comprises a pressure-relief system to prevent damage to the actuator during high temperature conditions.

Abstract: A window for absorbing sunlight heat in warm weather that otherwise would flow uncontrolled therethrough and discharging the sunlight heat to the atmosphere while permitting relatively unobstructed vision therethrough and passing the sunlight heat in cold weather therethrough for thermal warming. The window includes a frame, an inner pane, an outer pane, and a heat sink. The inner pane is pivotally mounted to the frame. The outer pane is affixed to the frame and spaced from the inner pane so as to form a space therebetween.

Abstract: A hinged panel mount and mounting system advantageously provides wind relief to panels that would otherwise provide an uplifting force that could damage or otherwise stress an underlying building or structure, wherein threshold winds (which at least overcome the weight of the panel and any friction in the hinge) cause the panel to swing in a path permitted by the hinge to reduce such uplifting forces.

Abstract: A solar tracking device for overcoming the disadvantages of a conventional solar energy system utilizing motors and to lower electricity consumption and decrease cost is provided. The device includes a solar module or solar collector supported by two springs under both ends and two water tanks on both ends. The solar module or solar collector, similar to a heliostat, is adapted to slowly revolve in response to the imbalanced water tanks filled with different amount of water.

Abstract: A system (22) for orienting an object (28) relative to a base (24) to which the object (28) is rotatably coupled includes a braking surface (46) in fixed relation with the base (24). A brake (48) is engaged with the braking surface (46). A linear actuator (82) has a body (86) in fixed attachment with the object (28) via a strap member (84) and a coupling element (80). The linear actuator (82) also includes a rod (88) in fixed communication with the brake (48) through an elongate member (90) that flexes in response to a braking force (66) imposed on the braking surface (46) by the brake (48). The linear actuator is activated to generate linear motion (120) of the rod (88). The linear motion (120) of the rod (88) causes rotational motion (122) of the object (28). The strap member (84) is enabled to flex as the object (28) rotates.

Abstract: A solar plant with at least two solar units (10xx) where each of the solar units (10xx) comprises a securing device (12) and a swivel-located supporting structure (14) mounted on it, on which solar modules and/or solar collectors (16) can be mounted, and which can follow the course of the sun by way of its rotational axis arranged essentially in a vertical position to the earth's surface. It is envisaged that the supporting structure (14) of at least one of the solar units (10xx) is connected with at least one further supporting structure (14) of a solar unit (10xx) by way of at least one mechanical transmission device (32) for the transmission of an actuation movement.

Abstract: A celestial tracking apparatus (20) has a support (26), a tracking assembly (28) coupled to the support (26) by an azimuth pivot (36), a collector assembly (30) coupled to the tracking assembly (28) by an elevation pivot (38), a wind-speed sensor (172), and a controller (150) coupled to the azimuth and elevation pivots (36,38) and configured to cause the collector assembly (30) to assume a wind-stow position (66) when the sensor (172) detects a wind having a speed greater than a predetermined speed, upon failure of a component of the apparatus (20), or upon receipt of a wind-stow command. The collector assembly (30) has a solar collector (22) with a substantially flat surface (24), a center of gravity (52), and a target axis (54) substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface (24) and passing through the center of gravity (52).

Abstract: A celestial tracking apparatus (20) has a support (26), a tracking assembly (28) coupled to the support (26) by an azimuth pivot (36), a collector assembly (30) coupled to the tracking assembly (28) by an elevation pivot (38), a wind-speed sensor (172), and a controller (150) coupled to the azimuth and elevation pivots (36,38) and configured to cause the collector assembly (30) to assume a wind-stow position (66) when the sensor (172) detects a wind having a speed greater than a predetermined speed, upon failure of a component of the apparatus (20), or upon receipt of a wind-stow command. The collector assembly (30) has a solar collector (22) with a substantially flat surface (24), a center of gravity (52), and a target axis (54) substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface (24) and passing through the center of gravity (52).