Abstract: An automated control system for a screw anchor driving and truss assembly machine. A positioning subsystem determines an orientation of a machine mast's driving axis relative to an intended drive axis and controls the mast to align with the intended drive axis. After a pair of adjacent screw anchors are drive, the controller orients the mast so that an alignment jig for supporting truss apex hardware is held relative to a predetermined point in space.

Abstract: Adjustable bearing supports for single-axis trackers supported by truss foundations. A two-piece assembly joins a pair of adjacent truss legs to form a rigid foundation while providing a movable support for a tracker bearing housing assembly or other structure. The movable support may slide in-plane, or alternatively, enable the bearing housing assembly to slide and rotate with respect to the truss cap structure joining the adjacent truss legs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for quickly and securely interconnecting foundation components when axially misaligned without hydraulic tools. Upper to lower leg connections are made with threaded connections or with ball and socket connections that permit angular adjustment. One or more retaining nuts bias the connection to lock it in place at the desired orientation. Foundation component to single-axis tracker connections are facilitated by various wedge and clamp connector assemblies that rely on mechanical engagement to lock components in place and resist axial forces. Other connections are made with hemispherical washers and adapter plates that enable rigid connections through a range of angles.

Abstract: A solar power plant is constructed using a reverse workflow whereby the grid connection that will ultimately feed electricity to the grid is constructed before the array so that one or more transformers and portable charging stations may be deployed onsite to transform grid power so that it can recharge electrically powered heavy equipment including solar pile drivers, truss drivers, and telehandlers as well as electrically powered hand tools such as cordless impact drivers while the plant is constructed. Once complete, the fixed electrical infrastructure and grid connection are used to supply power from the solar power plant to the grid.

Abstract: An A-frame shaped truss foundation system for a single-axis tracker with moderately sloped legs that translate lateral loads into tension and compression without substantially increasing the magnitude of the lateral load force while optimizing material usage. Several such truss foundation systems are installed in a row to support a torque tube of a single-axis solar tracker. An adapter joins ends of adjacent upper legs and separates the truss legs by an angle more than 35-degrees up to 70-degrees. In some cases, the adapter may have an integrated bearing.

Abstract: A single-axis solar tracker consisting of a series of A-frame shaped foundation with actuators attached to each leg that are connected at one end to a common rotating assembly supporting multiple solar panels. Concerted action of the actuators causes the common rotating assembly to rotate about an axis of rotation. The system may include a central torque tube supported by the series of A-frame foundations or a frame assembly that is hingedly attached to each A-frame foundation via a torque arm.

Abstract: In a machine for driving screw anchors and other foundation components, a desired embedment depth is calculated based on a minimum required embedment depth, work point height and length of available upper leg sections. Once calculated, the machine automatically drives the screw anchor to the depth so that one of the available upper leg lengths will fit between the driven screw anchor and apex truss hardware. If uplift is detected during driving, the machine will add additional embedment depth. In-situ validation of driven screw anchors may be performed after the embedment depth is reached.

Abstract: A foundation component having an elongated shaft with a below-ground end and an opposing above-ground end. The foundation component is installed by sleeving it over a mandrel and applying downward force to the mandrel to insert the component and mandrel into underlying soil. Proximate to the underground end, the shaft has one or more crumple zones formed along its length. When the mandrel is rotated to a locked position and upward force is applied while bracing the above-ground end of the component, one or more of the crumple zones expand transversely into the soil, depending on the soil's density, thereby increasing the component's bearing capacity and resistance to pull out.

Abstract: A single-axis tracker supported by multiple A-frame-shaped single-truss foundations that translate lateral loads into axial forces of tension and compression, and at least one truss foundation supporting the torque tube drive motor or other tracker component subject to axial loads to provide support for lateral loads as well as loads oriented along the axis of the torque tube.

Abstract: A machine for rotary driving screw anchors into underlying ground and related. The machine has a mast with a rotary driver and a mandrel driver oriented on a common axis. The mandrel driver passes a mandrel through the rotary driver and the screw anchor to allow the mandrel to be actuated ahead of the screw anchor while the rotary driver drives the screw anchor into the ground. Alternatively, the mandrel driver may also drive a hammering drill through the screw anchor to clear a path ahead of it through subsurface rocks.

Abstract: A machine, method and system for installing helical foundation piers that sues a driving tamper connected to a rotary tool to drive helical piers into the ground. Once the pier reaches the target depth, the tamper is decoupled, and counter rotated away from the pier. While it is withdrawn the soil between the driven and pier and the driving tamper is compressed by intermittent downward action of the tamper.

Abstract: A closed-loop feedback-control system for a screw anchor driving machine that uses a programmable logic controller (PLC) and array of sensors providing real-time data to control an automated screw anchor driving operation relying on a rotary driver, a crowd motor applying downforce to the rotary driver and a tool driver extending a tool through the rotary driver and screw anchor to drive screw anchors to a target depth.

Abstract: A truss foundation for single-axis trackers that is optimized to resist moments. For foundations that experience lateral loads as well as moments, the foundation supports the rotational axis via a moment connection that is deliberately offset below the work point to reduce the impact of the bending moment. Spacing between the truss legs and the angle of the legs impact the height of the truss work point and, by extension, the available offset below the work point down to the minimum height of the axis of rotation specified by the tracker maker.

Abstract: A two-piece truss leg with an articulating coupler for an A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for single-axis trackers. The coupler is attached to the head of each screw anchor to enable it to be driven. A connection portion extends above the coupler and is received within an open end of an upper leg to allow the upper leg to be misaligned with respect to it corresponding screw anchor.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously driving multiple piles into the ground to create A-frame type structures that are anchored by piles running at angles to one another and to the ground. The system comprises a guide assembly and an actuator for driving the piles into supporting ground at the same time. The actuator may engage slots or teeth in the pile to drive them into the ground and/or may apply torque and downward pressure.

Abstract: A machine for driving a pair of screw anchors at substantially the same time. An attachment supports a pair of independent drive assemblies. Each assembly consists of a rotary driver and tool driver that moves along respective driving arms to independently drive a pair of screw anchors into supporting ground at different angles. Each assembly may move with respect to the machine independently to drive anchors into the ground in overlapping time, or both may rotate at once to drive anchors into the ground sequentially.