Abstract: Canopy structures and methods for erecting the same include a main support that is attached to a foot at a first pinned hinge point. A hub is attached to the main support at a second pinned hinge point. One or more arms are attached to the hub. One or more purlins are attached to the one or more arms. An upper surface mounted on the one or more purlins.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (“PV”) module support system including a first PV module having a first PV panel adapted to generate electrical energy from sunlight. The first PV panel has an upper surface and a lower surface and a first frame secured to the lower surface of the first PV panel. The first frame having a pair of first frame members including an elongate slot. A first joining rail has a body and a first wall projecting outwardly from the body. The first wall is inserted within the elongate slot of one of the pair of the first frame members. A fastener is connected to the one of the pair of first frame members and movable to clamp the wall within the slot, wherein the first PV module is positionally fixed relative to the joining rail.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a device for solar tracker systems. The device includes a first purlin including a first mating surface configured for frictional attachment to a first side of a torque tube. The first purlin further including a first linear shaped top surface configured for mounting a first solar module. A second purlin includes a second mating surface configured for frictional attachment to a second side of the torque tube. The second purlin further including a second linear shaped top surface configured for mounting a second solar module. The first purlin and the second purlin connect to one another with a fastening clamp that is configured for holding the first purlin and the second purlin against the torque tube.

Abstract: Presented herein is a voltaic cell containing light harvesting antennae or other biologically-based electron generating structures optionally in a microbial population, an electron siphon population having electron conductive properties with individual siphons configured to accept electrons from the light harvesting antennae and transport the electrons to a current collector, an optional light directing system (e.g., a mirror), and a regulator having sensing and regulatory feedback properties for the conversion of photobiochemical energy and biochemical energy to electricity. Also presented herein is a voltaic cell having electricity-generating abilities in the absence of light. Also presented herein is the use of the voltaic cell in a solar panel.

Abstract: A roof mount system supports a solar panel above a roof and includes a base positioned on the roof and a first fastener connected to the base and extending away from the roof and moveable along the base in a direction generally parallel to the roof. A first clamp supports a bottom surface of a solar panel frame and adjusts the height of the solar panel above the roof by moving the first clamp along a first fastener in a direction perpendicular to the roof. A second clamp is connected to a second fastener and moves with respect to the first clamp perpendicular to the roof. The solar panel is clamped between the first clamp and the second clamp portion. A protrusion extends from the first or second clamp to form an electrical bond between the solar panel frame and the respective first or second clamp.

Abstract: An elongated plate having a rail and defining lateral wings on opposing sides and a plurality of spaced-apart tabs extending below a plane defined by a bottom surface of the plate for engaging a tufted geotextile ground cover, said rail for receiving a fastener for engaging a bracket of a photovoltaic module thereto. Alternatively, a pair of U-shaped racks support adjacent photovoltaic modules in a series on a support surface, comprising a base and a pair of opposing elongated legs each having a support plate for supportingly engaging a respective one of two adjacent photovoltaic modules, and the base including spaced tabs projecting at an angle to dispose a respective distal end vertically spaced from a bottom surface of the base, for engaging a portion of the support surface.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module with bottom mounting brackets attached to a first side and each having an extending flange with a top surface of a first character and top mounting brackets attached to a second side and each having an extending flange that defines a bottom surface of a second character, the flanges of the top mounting brackets extending over and engaging the flanges of the bottom mounting brackets of another of the photovoltaic modules, whereby the interconnected modules resist sliding separation during installation. A method of holding adjacent photovoltaic modules during installation on sloped surfaces is disclosed.

Abstract: Foldable solar power systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a solar power system includes a support structure mounted to an intermediate bulk container (IBC) or other tank structure. A plurality of solar panels are mounted to the support structure. The support structure is movable between (a) a first configuration for storage and transport and (b) a second configuration for energy generation. In the first configuration, the solar panels are folded adjacent to a sidewall of the IBC. In the second configuration, the solar panels are opened/expanded and generally coplanar with one another. The solar panels can be aligned with a solar energy source in the second configuration to generate electrical energy. The IBC can be filled with a ballast material to anchor the solar panels in the second configuration.

Abstract: An integrated photovoltaic module mounting system having a friction member for engagement with a portion of a tufted geosynthetic cover and optionally attaching connectors attached to a photovoltaic module and to the tufted geosynthetic cover, for collecting and utilizing solar energy. A method of securing a photovoltaic module to a tufted geosynthetic cover is disclosed.

Abstract: A storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle. The pedal can rotate downward when pressure is applied in order to pull on a first cable coupled to the pedal. The first cable is connected to a spring, and the spring is connected to a second cable. The second cable connects the spring to a door via an upper pulley of the receptacle. The second cable causes the door to open when the second cable is pulled based on force applied to the pedal. A bottom pulley can be coupled to the pedal via the first cable and configured to translate an upward pull of the first cable to a downward pull of the spring and second cable. The spring controls the motion of the door such that the door does not open too quickly upon a force being applied to the pedal.

Abstract: A solar tracker system includes a photovoltaic panel and an actuator coupled to the photovoltaic panel and configured to actuate to rotate the photovoltaic panel around a base. A controller communicatively coupled to the actuator is configured to detect a direction from which wind is incident on the photovoltaic panel. Based on the direction from which wind is incident on the photovoltaic panel, the controller adaptively controls the actuator to set a stow position of the photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technique of configuring flexible photovoltaic tracker systems with high damping and low angle stow positions. Under dynamic environmental loads implementing a high amount of damping (e.g., greater than 25% of critical damping, greater than 50% of critical damping) or a very high amount of damping (e.g., 100% or greater of critical damping, infinite damping) enables the flexible tracker system to prevent problematic aeroelastic behaviors while positioned in a low stow angle. The disclosed technique is further applied to a prototyping process during wind tunnel testing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technique of configuring flexible photovoltaic tracker systems with high damping and low angle stow positions. Under dynamic environmental loads implementing a high amount of damping (e.g., greater than 25% of critical damping, greater than 50% of critical damping) or a very high amount of damping (e.g., 100% or greater of critical damping, infinite damping) enables the flexible tracker system to prevent problematic aeroelastic behaviors while positioned in a low stow angle. The disclosed technique is further applied to a prototyping process during wind tunnel testing.

Abstract: A roof mount system supports a solar panel above a roof and includes a base positioned on the roof and a first fastener connected to the base and extending away from the roof and moveable along the base in a direction generally parallel to the roof. A first clamp supports a bottom surface of a solar panel frame and adjusts the height of the solar panel above the roof by moving the first clamp along a first fastener in a direction perpendicular to the roof. A second clamp is connected to a second fastener and moves with respect to the first clamp perpendicular to the roof. The solar panel is clamped between the first clamp and the second clamp portion. A protrusion extends from the first or second clamp to form an electrical bond between the solar panel frame and the respective first or second clamp.

Abstract: A modular, solar energy system comprising one or more modular solar panels. The solar panels include a pair of general planar, plates that are secured together to form a narrow channel therebetween for the circulation of a liquid. The solar panels have inlet and outlet fluid lines in fluid communication via manifolds with a cold fluid supply line and a warm fluid return line, respectively. The plates are preferably constructed of aluminum and one plate has a photovoltaic cell matrix affixed thereto to face the sun. The plates have dividers or partitions that enhance the heat transfer characteristics with respect to the liquid flowing though the channel between the plates.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting sensors for use in compactors and receptacles. A receptacle first sends a signal from a transmitter on a first module in a receptacle to a receiver on a second module in the receptacle, wherein the first module is located on a first inner wall of the receptacle and the second module is located on a second inner wall of the receptacle, and wherein at least part of the first module and the second module is located a distance above a bin inside the receptacle. Next, the receptacle determines a signal-detection characteristic including a signal detection status or a number of signal pulses associated with a signal detection. Based on the signal-detection characteristic, the receptacle determines an operating condition of the receptacle, the operating condition including a fullness level or an obstruction level associated with the first or second sensors.

Abstract: A hybrid supplemental solar energy collection and dissipation system with one or more heat pumps is featured. The system includes one or more commercially available photovoltaic panels configured to convert incident radiation to electricity. One or more supplemental solar energy collectors having a flow of fluid therein are selectively coupled to the one or more photovoltaic panels. The one or more supplemental solar energy collectors are configured to collect thermal energy from the one or more photovoltaic panels, radiate thermal energy to space, collect thermal energy from the environment and/or dissipate thermal energy to the environment to heat or cool one or more loads. One or more heat pumps are coupled to the one or more supplemental solar energy collectors and the one or more loads and are configured to amplify heating and/or cooling of the one or more loads.

Abstract: A solar tracking system is provided having a pivoting table driven for rotation about an axis of rotation through a rotational angle range. The pivoting table includes a longitudinally extending beam and a plurality of photovoltaic modules supported by and pivoting with the beam. The system also includes an actuator coupled to the beam for rotating the pivoting table about the axis of rotation through the rotational angle range. A controller is provided for activating the actuator to control rotational angular position of the table.

Abstract: A modular, solar energy system comprising one or more modular solar panels. The solar panels include a pair of general planar, plates that are secured together to form a narrow channel therebetween for the circulation of a liquid. The solar panels have inlet and outlet fluid lines in fluid communication via manifolds with a cold fluid supply line and a warm fluid return line, respectively. The plates are preferably constructed of aluminum and one plate has a photovoltaic cell matrix affixed thereto to face the sun. The plates have dividers or partitions that enhance the heat transfer characteristics with respect to the liquid flowing though the channel between the plates.

Abstract: An integrated photovoltaic module mounting system having a friction member for engagement with a portion of a tufted geosynthetic cover and optionally attaching connectors attached to a photovoltaic module and to the tufted geosynthetic cover, for collecting and utilizing solar energy. A method of securing a photovoltaic module to a tufted geosynthetic cover is disclosed.