Abstract: A solar tracking system includes a solar array, a support structure configured to support the solar array, a driveshaft coupled to the support structure, a base configured to rotatably support the driveshaft, and an articulation system coupled to the driveshaft and configured to articulate the driveshaft relative to the base. The articulation system includes a gearbox coupled to the driveshaft. The solar tracking system also includes a motor mechanically operably coupled to the gearbox to cause the driveshaft to rotate, and a controller that determines a fault caused by the winding up of the driveshaft, and, in response to determining the fault, shorting the windings of the motor and/or providing power, which is generated by the motor when the unwinding driveshaft drives the rotation of the motor, to a load, such as an energy storage device, a resistive load, and/or a heating element.

Abstract: A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a support rail defining opposed top and bottom surfaces, the top surface configured to support a portion of a solar module, and a fastening assembly operably coupled to a portion of the support rail, the fastening system including a retaining bolt having an elongated head including opposed top and bottom surfaces extending between opposed first and second end portions, wherein the bottom surface of the elongated head is offset from the top surface of the support rail to define a gap, the gap configured to selectively receive a portion of a solar module therein.

Abstract: A coupling for use with a solar tracker including an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion including a generally tubular body including one or more stamped end portions and the lower portion designed to secure the upper portion to a support rail of a solar power system.

Abstract: A multi-power distributed storage system including a first power source; a second power source electrically connected to a common bus with the first power source; a single input port inverter electrically connected to the common bus. The system including a controller configured to communicate with at least the second power source, and the single input port inverter. The second power source including a plurality of battery banks and a plurality of bi-directional DC/DC converters configured to charge and discharge the plurality of battery banks and provide DC to the single input port inverter.

Abstract: A solar tracking system includes a solar array, support beams that support the solar array, a torque tube coupled to the support beams, a base that rotatably supports the torque tube, and an articulation system that rotates the torque tube relative to the base. The articulation system includes an outer tube, a screw rod, and a nut and/or inner tube that rotates and translates along a length of the screw rod as the screw rod rotates. The interior portion of the outer tube includes helical grooves and the exterior portion of the nut or inner tube includes ridges or rollers that mate with the helical grooves, which cause the nut and/or inner tube to rotate as the nut and/or inner tube is translated along a length of the screw rod when the screw rod is rotated by the motor.

Abstract: A washer clip device includes a first clip arm, a second clip arm, at least one grounding element at the first clip arm and/or the second clip arm, and a fastening aperture extending through the first clip arm. The first and second clip arms are joined together at a first end of the washer clip device to define a first internal clip area adjacent the first end, and the first and second clip arms are spaced apart from one another at a second end of the washer clip device to define a receiving gap between the first and second clip arms and adjacent to the second end. This washer clip device is movable between a coupling configuration and a receiving configuration, with the receiving gap being larger when in the receiving configuration than when in the coupling configuration.

Abstract: A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a saddle defining a U-shaped profile extending between opposed first and second end portions, the saddle defines a channel configured to selectively receive a module rail and a slot defined through the first and second side surfaces adjacent the first end portion, and a clip assembly slidably supported within the channel and including a clip having a generally U-shaped profile defining a crown interposed between a pair of legs having an upturned tab and extending from the crown and terminating at a respective hook, wherein the clip assembly is configured to transition from a first open position to a second, closed position where the upturned tab is received within the slot of the saddle and a hook of each of the pair of legs engages a module rail to selectively couple the module rail to the saddle.

Abstract: A solar tracking system comprises multiple solar panel modules forming a grid of solar panel modules, wherein the multiple solar panel modules are orientatable to a solar source independently of each other; and a control system configured to orient each of the multiple solar panel modules to the solar source independently of each other based on a performance model to optimize an energy output from the grid of solar panel modules, wherein the performance model predicts an energy output from the grid of solar panel modules based on a topography of the area containing the grid of solar panel modules and weather conditions local to each of the solar panel modules.

Abstract: A solar tracker including a torque tube, a plurality of bearings configured to receive the torque tube, a plurality of piers each configured to receive one of the plurality of bearings, and a lock-out device mounted on one of the plurality of piers and operatively associated with at least one of the plurality of bearings, the lock out device configured to periodically engage and disengage openings formed in the bearings to limit movement of the torque tube and to transfer load from the torque tube to the pier on which it is mounted.

Abstract: In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus. In an example, the apparatus comprises a center of mass with an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam shell clamp assembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a cylindrical torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a drive motor operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube. Further details of the present example, among others, can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

Abstract: A solar tracking system comprises multiple solar panel modules forming a grid of solar panel modules, wherein the multiple solar panel modules are movable relative to a solar source independently of each other; and a control system configured to orient each of the multiple solar panel modules to the solar source independently of each other based on a performance model to optimize an energy output from the grid of solar panel modules, wherein the performance model predicts an energy output from the grid of solar panel modules based on a topography of the area containing the grid of solar panel modules and weather conditions local to each of the solar panel modules.

Abstract: A solar power system includes at least one mounting assembly including a rail, at least one framed solar module, and at least one clip to secure the solar module to the rail. The clip includes at least a pair of sidewalls extending from a top plate or rear wall, each sidewall including a slot, a recess, and a locking member, at least one of the slot, recess, or both include a serrated edge. The clips may secure a solar module to the rail by coupling to the frame of the solar module to a rail of the mounting assembly within the slots of the sidewalls. The clips may be secured to the mounting assembly by locking members positioned on a distal end thereof. The clips may establish an electrical grounding connection between the frame of the solar module and the rail.

Abstract: A solar tracker bearing and a solar tracker incorporating the bearing, the bearing including at least one rotatable part, the rotatable part including a notch for receiving a torque tube, a slot, formed in the rotatable part and extending below the notch, the slot defining an arc having multiple radii, at least one engagement member configured to be received in the slot, and at least one base configured to secure the engagement member in the slot and to secure the bearing to a pier.

Abstract: A solar module mounting bracket assembly includes a rail configured to support a solar module thereon, and a pair of braces. The braces each have a first end portion movably coupled to the rail. The braces are movable relative to the rail between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the braces cooperatively define a channel dimensioned for receipt of a frame member.

Abstract: Split-cell and multi-panel photovoltaic backtracking control systems and methods allow for increased total power generation during low sun elevation conditions by shading a percentage of panel modules, thereby allowing for a lower angle of incidence on unshaded modules. The control systems and methods involve determining a sun elevation angle, a traditional backtracking angle, a split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle, a single-cell or single-panel relative light transmission (RLT) based on the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle, and a split-cell or multi-panel RLT based on the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle. If twice the single-cell or single-panel RLT is greater than the split-cell or multi-panel RLT, the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle is used; otherwise, the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle is used.