Abstract: The invention includes a solar canopy a brace assembly for stabilizing a foldable solar canopy structure including: a first brace clamp comprising a first U-shaped body removable attached to a flat body; a second brace clamp comprising a second U-shaped body removable attached to a flat body, wherein the second brace clamp is adapted to encircle and securely attach to a beam and wherein the first brace clamp is removably attached on one side to the second brace clamp at one side; a third brace clamp comprising a third U-shaped body removable attached to a flat body; and a strut member for attaching the third brace clamp to the second brace claim, removably attached at one end to a side of the third brace clamp at on the opposing end to the side of the second brace clamp opposite the side attached to the first brace clamp, thereby forming a linear assembly.

Abstract: A method includes: calculating a load prediction arising from an power consumption entity over a prospective time period; calculating a predicted off-grid power supply from an off-grid power supply; minimizing, for a respective time interval, a calculated amount of electrical-power to import from a power grid, in accordance with output from a cost function; and, for at least one interval, importing, from the power grid, the corresponding calculated amount of electrical-power corresponding to the at least one interval. The cost function uses: (i) a multi-component time of use tariff schedule associated with the power grid that includes a first power rate during a prospective time period and second power rate during a second time period, (ii) the load prediction over the prospective time period, (iii) the predicted off-grid electrical-power supply over the prospective time period, (iv) a state of a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A method includes: determining a total power load from an electrical power consumption entity configured to receive all or a portion of the total power load from each of (i) an alternative energy source (“AES”), (ii) a power grid, and (iii) a rechargeable energy storage device. The AES and the power grid are connected using a reverse power relay. The method also includes: for a first time period, determining a first power supply from the AES. The first power supply is affected by natural events that are uncontrolled by a user. The method also includes in accordance with a determination that, during the first time period, the power supply from the AES exceeds the power load: storing an excess portion of the power supply in the energy storage device, without releasing electrical power from the AES to the power grid. The excess portion is less than the energy storage device's maximum capacity.

Abstract: The invention is a pallet assembly for supporting an electrically connected array of a plurality of solar panels during storage and transport, the pallet manufacture including: a deck; a plurality of feet extending downward from the deck; a plate attached to an edge portion of the deck, for aligning the pallet assembly with an apparatus for building an electrically connected array of a plurality of solar panels; and at least one alignment bracket for aligning and preventing lateral movement of at least two solar panel support channels attached to the bottom of the electrically connected array of a plurality of solar panels.

Abstract: A structure capable of folding into a compact form for transporting, and for simple unfolding for attachment to a base, the structure including: two or more hingably interconnected solar panel arrays each having a two or more of solar panels, a solar panel support channel, and a support beam; wherein the two or more solar panels are attached to top portions of the solar panel support channel, and a bottom portion of the solar panel support channel is attached to a top portion of the support beam, the support beam having a hinged joint for cooperating in folding into mutual, near coplanar juxtaposition; and where the structure, when unfolded includes a solar canopy and is L-shaped viewed on end.

Abstract: A structure capable of folding into a compact form for transporting, and for simple unfolding for attachment to a base, the structure including: two or more hingably interconnected solar panel arrays each having a two or more of solar panels, a solar panel support channel, and a support beam; wherein the two or more solar panels are attached to top portions of the solar panel support channel, and a bottom portion of the solar panel support channel is attached to a top portion of the support beam, the support beam having a hinged joint for cooperating in folding into mutual, near coplanar juxtaposition; and where the structure, when unfolded includes a solar canopy and is T-shaped viewed on end.