Abstract: A method for manufacturing a continuous torque tube of a solar tracking system on site includes the steps of: placing raw material at a rolling apparatus on site; shaping the raw material into torque tube components at the rolling apparatus on site; joining the shaped torque tube components output from the rolling apparatus on site to create a continuous torque tube; and placing solar modules at the continuous torque tube to create a continuous solar tracker row.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide an elongated single piece of framework (59) which may be bent around a corner (46) perhaps for form an about 90 degree angle (61). An elongated single piece of framework (59) may have a first end (49) and a second end (50) which may be joined to each other or may be joined to other ends of a separate framework. A partial frame (48) or even a rectangular panel framework (3) may be created from at least one of an elongated single piece of framework which may frame a solar panel.

Abstract: A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a support rail defining a channel for receipt of a solar module therein, the support rail including an aperture defined therein that is in open communication with the channel and a clamp assembly selectively coupled to the support rail, a first portion of the clamp assembly configured to receive a portion of a torque tube therein and a second portion of the clamp assembly configured to selectively extend through the aperture of the support rail when the clamp assembly is transitioned from a first, unlocked position, to a second, locked position.

Abstract: A solar module frame coupling assembly includes a solar module frame and a rail. The solar module frame includes a frame side portion having a protruded guide structure. The rail includes a first rail side and a second rail side that is opposite the first rail side. The first rail side is configured to interface with a torque tube, and the second rail side includes an alignment slot. The alignment slot is configured to receive the protruded guide structure to couple the solar module frame to the rail.

Abstract: A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a torque tube coupling defining an arcuate slot therethrough, a mounting bracket couplable to a portion of a pier, and a first fastener, a portion of the first fastener slidably and rotatably received within a portion of the slot to enable polyaxial rotation of the torque tube coupling relative to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A method for automated, or semi-automated, solar module support rail installation at a solar tracking system includes placing a first solar module support rail at a first location along a torque tube of the solar tracking system; using a robotic device to fixate the first solar module support rail at the first location along the torque tube; moving the robotic device to a second, different location along the torque tube; placing a second solar module support rail at the second, different location along the torque tube; and using the robotic device to fixate the second solar module support rail at the second location along the torque tube.

Abstract: A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a support flange, a swivel flange rotatably supported on the support flange, an articulation joint interposed between each of the support flange and the swivel flange and rotatably supported by each of the support flange and the swivel flange, wherein opposed first and second end portions of the articulation joint are configured to be operably coupled to a respective first and second torque tube, and at least one locking fastener selectively coupled to a portion of the support flange and a portion of the swivel flange, the at least one locking fastener configured to selectively inhibit rotation of the swivel flange relative to the support flange.

Abstract: In a solar energy system, a photovoltaic (PV) assembly includes an array of PV panels joined to and pivotable together with a frame subassembly. A drive system includes a motor assembly including an electric motor and a drive-system controller, and a pivot-wheel assembly for transferring torque from the electric motor to the frame subassembly. The pivot-wheel assembly includes a drive chain joined to a hoop portion at two opposing coupling points defining limits of the mechanical pivot range of the PV assembly. A drive-system protection arrangement includes a pair of spaced-apart tab portions comprising respective sensor targets, joined to the hoop portion and circumferentially displaced from the two opposing coupling points, and a sensor in electronic communication with the drive-system controller and operative to send a signal thereto indicating detection of a proximate presence of one of the sensor targets.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, an insulation piercing electrical connector device, a system for connecting one or more cables to a larger sized cable via central busbar and a method for providing an insulation piercing electrical connector or a system for connecting one or more cables to a larger sized cable via central busbar are disclosed. The system for connecting one or more cables to a larger cable via central busbar includes a central busbar provided with at least one connection end, wherein the central busbar is also connected to one or more cables, and wherein at least one connection end is sharp such that it is capable of penetrating the insulation of the larger cable and makes an electrical connection between the one or more cables to the larger cable via central busbar when penetrated in the insulation of the larger cable.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an angular position of a PV module in a solar energy system includes calculating a set of respective minimum-irradiance angles for a plurality of times during a travel period, pivoting the PV module through an actual travel path having an angular offset from a target travel path that is selected to intercept, at least once, a range of angles within a selected angular error away from a respective minimum-irradiance angle, and determining the angular offset, based on respective irradiance-value measurements obtained at a plurality of pivot angles along the actual travel path, where each respective irradiance-value measurement can include irradiance and/or a parameter characterizing electricity produced from the irradiance.

Abstract: A solar module mounting bracket including a rail, having a box section configuration to support a solar module and a pair of arms each having a first end portion movably coupled to the rail. The pair of arms are movable relative to the rail between a first parallel configuration, and a second substantially configuration, in which the pair of arms define an opening configured to receive a torque tube. The arms each have a hole formed in a second end portion opposite the first end portion to receive a fastener to secure the rail to the torque tube.

Abstract: Methods and systems of managing dynamic response to wind in a solar tracker system are provided. The method includes determining a wind speed, comparing the wind speed to a predetermined threshold value to determine if the wind speed equals or exceeds the predetermined threshold, positioning a windward most solar tracker to a predetermined angle based on the comparing, and positioning a leeward most solar tracker to the predetermined angle based on the comparing. The solar trackers are positioned at the predetermined angle at a predetermined interval starting at the windward most solar tracker and the remaining solar trackers remain in a normal operating condition.

Abstract: A frame for at least partially enclosing or supporting a panel is provided. The frame may include at least a first frame section that may include an elongated piece of framework material having a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends define a lengthwise dimension. The first frame section may further include lengthwise fold defining an intersection of a frame sidewall with a bottom flange, wherein the frame sidewall is characterized by a height extending from the bottom flange. The first frame section may further include a portion of at least one tab connection assembly where a connected element is attached to the first frame section. The tab connection assembly may include: i) at least one tab feature provided as part of either the first frame section or the connected element, and ii) at least one corresponding hole feature provided as part of the other of the first frame section or the connected element, wherein the hole feature may lockingly receives the at least one tab feature.

Abstract: A coupling for use with a solar tracker includes an elongate body defining opposed top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface defining a pair of protuberances disposed in spaced relation along a length of the elongate body and defining a gap therebetween, each of the pair of protuberances including a tab disposed thereon adjacent the gap, wherein the gap is configured to receive a torque tube such that an inner surface of the gap and the tabs of each of the pair of protuberances abut a portion of the torque tube, wherein each tab of the pair of protuberances includes a bore defined therethrough that is configured to receive a fastener to couple the elongate body to a torque tube.

Abstract: A solar tracing system includes a torque tube, a first single frame structure coupled to the torque tube, and a second single frame structure coupled to the torque tube. The first single frame structure includes first frame structure first and second module receptacles at opposite sides of the first frame structure, a first pair of solar modules received at the first frame structure first and second module receptacles, a first frame structure coupling flange, and a first frame structure coupling flange receptacle. The second single frame structure includes second frame structure first and second module receptacles at opposite sides of the second frame structure, a second pair of solar modules received at the second frame structure first and second module receptacles, a second frame structure coupling flange, and a second frame structure coupling flange receptacle.

Abstract: A solar tracking system includes a first solar tracking row and a second solar tracking row, each of the first and second solar tracking rows including a plurality of support piers, a torque tube rotatably supported on the plurality of support piers, a plurality of solar modules coupled to the torque tube, and at least one damper coupled to the plurality of support piers at a first end and coupled to a portion of the torque tube at a second, opposite end, and a connecting rod coupled to a portion of each torque tube of the first and second solar trackers such that rotation of the torque tube of the first solar tracker row effectuates movement of the connecting rod, which in turn, effectuates rotation of the torque tube of the second solar tracking row.

Abstract: A solar tracking system includes a pier, a torque tube rotatably supported on the pier, a solar module coupled to the torque tube, wherein rotation of the torque tube effectuates a corresponding rotation of the solar module, and an inerter, the inerter including a drive gear couplable to the torque tube, wherein rotation of the torque tube effectuates movement of the drive gear, a drive gear operably coupled to the drive gear, wherein movement of the drive gear effectuates movement of the driven gear, and a flywheel operably coupled to the driven gear, wherein movement of the driven gear effectuates rotation of the flywheel, wherein a wind loading on the solar module effectuates rotation of the torque tube and a corresponding rotation of the flywheel, where rotation of the flywheel stores kinetic energy to mitigate excitation of the solar tracker.