Abstract: A charging station for electric vehicles (EVs) is mounted on a public light post which receives an allotment of electric energy from a distributed power grid. In addition to its electrical connection with the distributed power grid, the charging station is electrically connected with a solar array on the light post that collects solar electric energy. Also mounted on the light post is a wind turbine that produces wind-generated electric energy. The electric energy from all three sources (i.e. solar, wind and grid) is consolidated in a storage battery at the charging station. The consolidated electric energy is then used for charging EVs, with an overriding priority given to electric energy allotted for regulated grid support requirements, such as street lighting and lighting for public venues.

Abstract: A mobile solar array is provided which can be reconfigured between an operational (i.e. flat) configuration, and a retracted (i.e. folded) configuration. This is a two-step process. First, the structure that supports the solar array in its operation configuration on a docking pad is collapsed. This lowers the solar array toward the docking pad. Next, the solar array, which includes three sections of photovoltaic modules is folded lengthwise. Specifically, side sections of the solar array are folded out-of-plane from the center section. This places the solar array in its retracted configuration.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable unit for charging a battery of an electric vehicle is disclosed. The portable unit includes a moveable docking pad that has a generally flat, horizontal base and is formed with a compartment for holding at least one storage battery. The first end of a column is mounted onto the docking pad and oriented to extend upwardly from the docking pad to a second column end. A solar array is affixed to the second end of the column for deployment over the docking pad. The electric current from the solar array is fed to the storage battery using a charge management system. The battery, in turn, is connected to an EV charge station which produces a charging current to charge the battery of an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for continuously reorienting a solar panel array while maintaining a substantially stationary footprint for the solar panel. A cylindrically shaped knuckle is provided that is formed with a bottom surface and a top surface that is slanted relative to the bottom surface at a slant angle ?. One end of an upper pole is positioned against the top surface of the knuckle, and one end of a lower pole is positioned against the bottom surface of the knuckle. An upper and lower motor respectively connect the knuckle to the upper pole and the lower pole. These motors are used to continuously rotate the knuckle at an angular velocity ? relative to the upper and lower poles. When the knuckle rotates, the upper and lower poles remain stationary to allow the solar panel to continuously reorient while maintaining a substantially stationary footprint.