Abstract: A crimper for joining truss leg components to form a unitary truss foundation with the ground without needing mechanical fasteners. A crimping tool has upper and lower crimp guides that register the position of jaws on the crimping tool with respect to grooves formed in a connecting portion of a truss cap and in a driving coupler of a driven screw anchor. Registering the position of the jaws ensures that blind crimps between the upper leg and screw anchor and upper leg and truss cap are performed consistently each time.

Abstract: An alignment and installation jig for a screw anchor driving machine. The alignment and installation jig includes a laser target that can be moved from an alignment position to a driving position. The jig may also include one or more automated crimping assemblies to form permanent connections between overlapping foundation components while the machine is correctly oriented to assembly a truss foundation. One crimping assembly device may effect crimp joints between a foundation component held by the jig and overlapping upper ends of a pair of adjacent foundation legs. Second crimping assemblies may telescope down each leg to effect respective crimp joints between the lower end of the leg and the upper end of a driven foundation component.

Abstract: Surface mount assemblies for mounting to a solar panel frame to an installation surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a height-adjustable rail mount to slidably couple a track with a fastener assembly that includes of a fastener, spacer, and nut. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount and positioned on a base plate to slidably couple to a surface track with a fastener assembly that includes a first fastener slidably coupled to a groove formed by the track, spacer, and second fastener. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount for slidably coupling the rail to a height-adjustable base with a fastener. In some embodiments, a two-configuration, track-mounted, rectangular base is designed with a rectangular base having a pair of short-sided legs, a pair of long-sided legs, and a fastener for engaging outer surfaces of a track.

Abstract: Wire or cable holder assemblies employed in a solar power system are disclosed. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a cap and a base configured with channels. When the cap and the base are clamped to an object (e.g., a solar module frame), enclosures defined by the channels and a surface of the solar frame module are formed to hold cables. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a plunger with at least one leg and a base that includes a receptacle for receiving the plunger and a hook for holding electrical cables. A leg include a rack having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed by complementary teeth of a pawl found in the receptacle that forms a ratchet which permits insertion of the plunger into the receptacle but not an extraction. If extraction is desired, an external force may be applied to release the pawl.

Abstract: Watertight fastening devices and systems and methods for the employment thereof are disclosed. The disclosed watertight fastening device includes a head, a shank extending away from the head toward a distal end, and a cover extending outwardly and away from the head in the direction of the shank and defining a hollow region between the shank and an inner surface of the cover. The watertight fastening device may be used in conjunction with a solar power installation system that includes a base plate configured to be positioned against an installation surface. The base plate includes an aperture for receiving the shank of the fastener and protrusion surrounding the aperture configured to be received in the hollow region of the fastener, thereby providing an enhanced barrier against moisture reaching the installation surface.

Abstract: Watertight fastening devices and systems and methods for the employment thereof are disclosed. The disclosed watertight fastening device includes a head, a shank extending away from the head toward a distal end, and a cover extending outwardly and away from the head in the direction of the shank and defining a hollow region between the shank and an inner surface of the cover. The watertight fastening device may be used in conjunction with a solar power installation system that includes a base plate configured to be positioned against an installation surface. The base plate includes an aperture for receiving the shank of the fastener and protrusion surrounding the aperture configured to be received in the hollow region of the fastener, thereby providing an enhanced barrier against moisture reaching the installation surface.

Abstract: A coupler for joining truss leg components provides angular adjustability between the respective axis of the leg components. A prolate spheroid-shaped coupler with three channels circumscribing its surface enables the upper leg components to compensate for axial misalignment of driven screw anchors in all directions. A hydraulic crimping device with upper and lower crimping guides registers its position with features on the truss hardware to insure that blind triple crimps are performed consistently each time.

Abstract: Wire or cable holder assemblies employed in a solar power system are disclosed. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a cap and a base configured with channels. When the cap and the base are clamped to an object (e.g., a solar module frame), enclosures defined by the channels and a surface of the solar frame module are formed to hold cables. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a plunger with at least one leg and a base that includes a receptacle for receiving the plunger and a hook for holding electrical cables. A leg include a rack having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed by complementary teeth of a pawl found in the receptacle that forms a ratchet which permits insertion of the plunger into the receptacle but not an extraction. If extraction is desired, an external force may be applied to release the pawl.

Abstract: A truss foundation for supporting single-axis solar tracker drive motors and center structures. An adapter joins a pair of adjacent truss legs and provides a mounting platform to support a drive motor and/or center structure of a solar tracker. The adapter has a pair of connecting portions that are received in the legs of the truss foundation. The adapter may be a unitary structure or consist of a pair of slidably connected members that are joined with fasteners to accommodate truss legs spaced apart at different distances.

Abstract: Fixed-tilt solar arrays constructed from screw anchors. A row of truss foundation is installed, with each foundation consisting of a pair of adjacent angled truss legs. A truss cap or adapter joins the legs and provides a support structure to support a rail that in turn supports purlins extending between adjacent, spaced apart truss foundations. Solar panels are attached directly to the purlins using clamps or other conventional mounting systems.

Abstract: An alignment and installation jig for a screw anchor driving machine. The alignment and installation jig includes a laser target that can be moved from an alignment position to a driving position. The jig may also include one or more automated crimping assemblies to form permanent connections between overlapping foundation components while the machine is correctly oriented to assembly a truss foundation. One crimping assembly device may effect crimp joints between a foundation component held by the jig and overlapping upper ends of a pair of adjacent foundation legs. Second crimping assemblies may telescope down each leg to effect respective crimp joints between the lower end of the leg and the upper end of a driven foundation component.

Abstract: A cart/trailer, yoke mechanism, and hitch mechanism are disclosed. The cart/trailer could be an assembly for moving and transporting objects comprising a tow bar (synonymous herein with a handle or kickstand); a variable-positioning yoke assembly for facilitating the placement of the tow bar into positions of a towbar, handle, or kickstand; and a main structure within which equipment such as sporting accessories may be placed for transport for moving and transporting objects. The coupling device could include a main body with an inner surface, and a pair of opposing flanges extending downwardly and substantially perpendicularly away from the main body for facilitating the positioning of the yoke in variable positions. The hitch mechanism could include a hitch and interface with receiver and hitch portions for facilitating the hitching of the cart/trailer to a mobility device.

Abstract: An alignment and installation jig for a screw anchor driving machine. The alignment and installation jig includes a laser target that can be moved from an alignment position to a driving position. The jig may also include one or more automated crimping assemblies to form permanent connections between overlapping foundation components while the machine is correctly oriented.

Abstract: Fixed-tilt solar arrays constructed from screw anchors. In some cases, purlins are attached directly to truss legs. In others, they are attached to truss caps joining the free end of each truss leg. In still further ones, screw anchors are driven in rows and interconnected by a pair of hinged members, one of which provides a mounting plane for solar panels. Each screw anchor may serve as a connection point for the trailing hinged member of the first foundation and the leading hinged member of the next foundation. In still further cases, a hinged truss cap may be used to accommodate different tilt angles with the same foundation.

Abstract: Surface mount assemblies for mounting to a solar panel frame to an installation surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a height-adjustable rail mount to slidably couple a track with a fastener assembly that includes of a fastener, spacer, and nut. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount and positioned on a base plate to slidably couple to a surface track with a fastener assembly that includes a first fastener slidably coupled to a groove formed by the track, spacer, and second fastener. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount for slidably coupling the rail to a height-adjustable base with a fastener. In some embodiments, a two-configuration, track-mounted, rectangular base is designed with a rectangular base having a pair of short-sided legs, a pair of long-sided legs, and a fastener for engaging outer surfaces of a track.

Abstract: Surface mount assemblies for mounting to a solar panel frame to an installation surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a height-adjustable rail mount to slidably couple a track with a fastener assembly that includes of a fastener, spacer, and nut. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount and positioned on a base plate to slidably couple to a surface track with a fastener assembly that includes a first fastener slidably coupled to a groove formed by the track, spacer, and second fastener. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount for slidably coupling the rail to a height-adjustable base with a fastener. In some embodiments, a two-configuration, track-mounted, rectangular base is designed with a rectangular base having a pair of short-sided legs, a pair of long-sided legs, and a fastener for engaging outer surfaces of a track.

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: Wire or cable holder assemblies employed in a solar power system are disclosed. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a cap and a base configured with channels. When the cap and the base are clamped to an object (e.g., a solar module frame), enclosures defined by the channels and a surface of the solar frame module are formed to hold cables. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a plunger with at least one leg and a base that includes a receptacle for receiving the plunger and a hook for holding electrical cables. A leg include a rack having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed by complementary teeth of a pawl found in the receptacle that forms a ratchet which permits insertion of the plunger into the receptacle but not an extraction. If extraction is desired, an external force may be applied to release the pawl.

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: 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.