Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.

Abstract: A thin support structure for solar collectors is provided. The support structure includes service lines, such as fluid lines and electrical signal lines, disposed within an interior cavity of the support structure. The movement and flexing of the service lines is accounted for by a pulley assembly having a rotating element, without the need for complex and expensive swivel joints and slip rings.

Abstract: To overcome shortcomings of the conventional thermal receiver, embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are directed towards an improved thermal receiver. More particularly, the various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to thermal receivers without a vacuum insulation, otherwise known as an approximation of a blackbody. Various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein enable greater absorption of sunlight collected by a parabolic solar trough concentrator compared with conventional thermal receivers.

Abstract: A solar device alignment system enabling greater adjustment of solar devices during installation is provided. The alignment system enables both translational and rotational adjustments in multiple degrees of freedom, allowing solar device installers to make greater adjustments to allow greater tolerances in installing solar devices and limit the need for extensive and expensive surveying and/or redesign of the installation to account for those tolerances.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for generating continuous power. In one implementation, a system includes a heat source and a plurality of liquid piston tanks. The heat source is configured to convert heat input into a pressure. An inlet valve is provided for each of the plurality of liquid piston tanks. The inlet valve is configured to direct the pressure into a corresponding liquid piston tank displacing liquid in the corresponding liquid piston tank. A hydraulic device is configured to rotate upon application of a flow created by the displaced liquid. A generator is connected to the hydraulic device and configured to output energy created using the rotation of the hydraulic device. A condenser is configured to receive existing pressure from at least one of the plurality of liquid piston tanks via a release valve. The condenser condenses the existing pressure into a re-cycled liquid.

Abstract: An integrated drive leg and mount suitable for solar power devices, such as trough solar concentrators or PV panels. A drive system including a linear actuator is integrated into the support structure. A pulley assembly converts the linear force into rotational motion, thereby providing tracking adjustments for a solar power device following the sun avoiding larger external electric drive motor which are situated between successive solar power devices. The integrated nature enables a smaller gap between solar power devices in solar installations, reduces the effect of induced shadowing, and enables greater collection of solar energy.

Abstract: A solar device alignment system enabling greater adjustment of solar devices during installation is provided. The alignment system enables both translational and rotational adjustments in multiple degrees of freedom, allowing solar device installers to make greater adjustments to allow greater tolerances in installing solar devices and limit the need for extensive and expensive surveying and/or redesign of the installation to account for those tolerances.

Abstract: A nanostructured or microstructured array of elements on a conductor layer together form a device electrode of a photovoltaic or detector structure. The array on the conductor layer has a high surface area to volume ratio configuration defining a void matrix between elements. An active layer or active layer precursors is disposed into the void matrix as a liquid to form a thickness coverage giving an interface on which a counter-electrode is positioned parallel to the conduction layer or as a vapor to form a conformal thickness coverage of the array and conduction layer. The thickness coverage is controlled to enhance collection of at least one of electrons and holes arising from photogeneration, or excitons arising from photogeneration, to the device electrode or a device counter-electrode as well as light absorption in said active layer via reflection and light trapping of said device electrode.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include flexible joints configured to be positioned between the movable and stationary elements of a CSP heat transfer fluid circuit. Other embodiments include parabolic trough solar reflector modules, solar collectors or solar collector loops having joints between the movable and stationary elements of the heat transfer fluid circuit including at least one or more flexible pipes comprising a loop segment defining at least a partial loop around the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovery and cleaning of broken substrates, especially beneficial for fabrication systems using silicon wafer carried on trays. Removal of broken wafers and particles from within the fabrication system is enabled without requiring disassembly of the system and without requiring manual labor. A placing mechanism moves a suction head to location of the broken substrate and a suction pump coupled to a flexible hose is used to remove the broken pieces. A hood is positioned at the inlet of the suction head, and setback extensions are provided at the bottom of the hood to allow air flow into the inlet and prevent thermal conductance from the tray to the hood. Pins are extendable about the inlet of the suction head to enable breakage of the wafer to smaller pieces for easy removal.

Abstract: A mount assembly is provided for mounting a structure to a roof having a top surface. The mount includes a flashing including an aperture; a bracket including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having an opening and a countersink extending around the opening, the second portion extending at an angle away from the flashing, the second portion including a slot configured to be coupled to the structure; a fastener extending through the aperture and through the opening of the bracket; and a seal extending around the aperture and positioned between the flashing and the first portion of the bracket, the seal engaging the countersink of the bracket and being compressed against the flashing.

Abstract: A roof mount for mounting at least one solar panel to a roof surface including a base. The roof mount includes a clamp connected to the base and a first recess sized to support a first solar panel. The first recess has a first height extending between a first top flange and a first bottom flange. The clamp also includes a second recess sized to support one of a second solar panel and a skirt flange. The second recess has a second height extending between a second top flange and a second bottom flange. The roof mount further includes a fastener connected to the clamp. The second fastener is operable to adjust the first and second heights, such that upon tightening of the second fastener, the first height increases and the second height decreases, and upon loosening of the second fastener, the first height decreases and the second height increases.

Abstract: A racking system for holding solar panels and other similar panels in a fixed position and that can easily adjust to terrains which are not level and adapt to variations in solar panel size without different hardware and without significant manual effort is disclosed. Adjustable channels hold the panels in place and the entire assembly process can be completed without the need for bolts, screws, washers, and nuts.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a solar panel truss mounting system comprising a base and a truss assembly coupled to the base. The truss assembly comprises a first panel rail mount, second panel rail mount parallel to the first panel rail mount, base rail mount parallel to the first and second panel rail mounts, and a plurality of support members. A first portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first and second panel rail mounts. A second portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first panel rail mount and the base rail mount. A third portion of the plurality of support members extends between the second panel rail mount and the base rail mount. The system can further comprise a plurality of connectors for coupling a plurality of photovoltaic solar panels to the truss assembly.

Abstract: A method for auto-sequencing of plasma processing system for concurrent processing of several substrates. The method autonomously sequence processing and move substrates in different directions as necessary. The method moves two substrate trays together into the processing chamber for substrate exchange, and remove the trays from the chamber one at a time. When needed, the method moves one tray into the processing chamber for removal of the susceptor without exposing the chamber to atmospheric environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for portable solar panel assemblies configured to enable the unit to be transported by multiple means in order to provide both grid tied and off grid power as needed. Solar panel assemblies are configured to have a range of rotation of approximately 0 to 25 degrees in two directions to allow efficient sunlight capture. The solar panel assembly in the closed position will allow for more compact and aerodynamic profile when being transported.

Abstract: One disclosed embodiment is a concentrated solar thermal system for re-melting recycled or scrap metal. The system includes a solar receiver configured to receive concentrated solar flux reflected from one or many reflecting surfaces to heat a quantity of the recycled metal and cause at least a portion of the recycled metal to melt. The molten metal is then passed to a solidification stage where the molten metal may be cast into any type of solid form useful for sale or the subsequent production of metal products. The solidified metal may be sold or otherwise removed from the system. In certain embodiments, heat exchange is made to occur between the molten metal and the working fluid of an electrical power generation cycle resulting in electrical power generation. Methods of remelting metal using solar thermal power and methods of generating power using a molten metal heat transfer material derived from recycled metal or scrap are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for securing photovoltaic panel modules to a support structure includes a first elongate member securable to the support structure. The first elongate member includes a plurality of first mounting sites positionally fixed thereon. A second elongate member is securable to the support structure. The second elongate member includes a plurality of second mounting sites positionally fixed thereon. The second elongate member is spaced from the first elongate member and aligned therewith in a generally parallel orientation. The position of the first and second elongate members is adjustable to align the first and second fixed mounting sites in a predetermined configuration. When the first and second elongate members are aligned in the predetermined configuration, the plurality of first mounting sites and second mounting sites are brought into alignment with each other to permit mounting of a plurality of panel modules to the first and second elongate members.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a solar panel truss mounting system comprising a base and a truss assembly coupled to the base. The truss assembly comprises a first panel rail mount, second panel rail mount parallel to the first panel rail mount, base rail mount parallel to the first and second panel rail mounts, and a plurality of support members. A first portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first and second panel rail mounts. A second portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first panel rail mount and the base rail mount. A third portion of the plurality of support members extends between the second panel rail mount and the base rail mount. The system can further comprise a plurality of connectors for coupling a plurality of photovoltaic solar panels to the truss assembly.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus are disclosed regarding an attachment system for solar equipment, sometimes referred to as a flashing device allowing quick and easy assembling of the solar equipment into an array or other combination in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, a flashing device may include a flashing plate which may contain one or more raised features to further direct and control the flow of liquid over the flashing plate. The flashing device may also contain a fluid restrictor such as a seal or part of a seal usually held within an aperture of a block having a skyward facing essentially or substantially flat surface. One or more various items of solar equipment may be attached to the essentially flat surface of the block. Also disclosed are adjustable mounting feet which may be installed in connection with other solar equipment.