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.

Abstract: Systems and methods integrate advanced solar tracker, battery, inverter, and software technologies to improve performance, plant output, and costs. The systems may incorporate an advanced vanadium flow battery (VFB) that is DC-voltage (DV)-coupled to photovoltaic (PV) arrays for high, round-trip efficiency. The systems incorporate a DC architecture that optimizes performance for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and utility applications. A distributed direct current (DC) power system includes a centralized, single-stage inverter; PV arrays; maximum power point tracking (MPPT) converters coupled between the PV arrays and the centralized, single-stage inverter; batteries; and DC-DC battery converters (DCBCs) coupled to the batteries. The MPPT converters maximize solar power production by the PV arrays and minimize mismatch between the PV arrays.

Abstract: A method for installing one or more solar module A-frame supports includes: creating a bore extending a depth below a ground surface, placing a temporary support jig adjacent the bore, inserting a leg of a solar module A-frame support into the bore such that a portion of the leg of the solar module A-frame support is within the bore and a portion of the leg of the solar module A-frame support contacts the temporary support jig, when the portion of the leg of the solar module A-frame support is within the bore and the portion of the leg of the solar module A-frame support contacts the temporary support jig, pouring concrete into the bore, and, after pouring concrete into the bore, removing the temporary support jig from contact with the leg of the solar module A-frame support.

Abstract: A solar tracker includes a plurality of piers, one end of the piers configured for installation in the earth, a plurality of bearings, each bearing supported by a pier, a torque tube received in the plurality of bearings and configured to support a plurality of solar modules, a plurality of drive motors, each drive motor associated with a pier, a plurality of high efficiency gear boxes, each high efficiency gear box associated with one of the plurality of drive motors; and a plurality of brakes, each brake associated with one of the plurality of high efficiency gear boxes and one of the plurality of drive motors, wherein in combination the plurality of brakes apply sufficient braking force to prevent back driving of the torque tube.

Abstract: A docking station for use with a solar tracking system includes a frame configured to selectively support solar cleaning equipment thereon and a mounting bracket operably coupled to a portion of the frame. The mounting bracket maintains a gap between adjacent edges of the frame and an adjacent solar module, and the frame includes a width that approximates a width of the solar module.