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: 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: A truss foundation for single-axis trackers that are installed in climates that experience frost heave or reactive soils. Truss legs are oriented to be substantially plumb, to eliminate adfreeze moment on below-ground components in the frost zone. Elbow couplers are attached to the upper end of each embedded component and used to change the leg angle from plumb to angled.

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: 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: Bearing adapters for use with truss foundations supporting mechanically balanced single-axis trackers. The bearing adapter joins the free ends of a pair of adjacent truss legs to form a rigid A-frame shaped foundation structure. A bearing is formed in an upper portion of the bearing adapter to allow a torque tube to be suspended from a pin in the bearing and to swing through an arc bounded by the bearing adapter. The bearing may have a catenoid shape to compensate for misalignment in multiple directions.

Abstract: Snap-in mounting systems for laminate solar panels are provided. The laminate solar panels can include laminate strips that can be snapped into mounting rails. The mounting rails may be coupled to racking rails for structural support and may include locking mechanisms for additional support and theft deterrence. An entire system may include a number of racking rails, mounting rails, and solar panels.

Abstract: A truss foundation for single-axis trackers that are installed in climates that experience frost heave or reactive soils. Truss legs are oriented to be substantially plumb, to eliminate adfreeze moment on below-ground components in the frost zone. Elbow couplers are attached to the upper end of each embedded component and used to change the leg angle from plumb to angled.

Abstract: An assembly for a truss foundation embedment and installation machine. The machine mast has a rotary driver, target assembly, and a truss component holder. After a pair of foundation components are embedded, the truss component holder is moved to an orientation location that aligns the rotational axis of a specific tracker bearing with respect to a work point of the truss foundation. A truss cap is placed on the truss component holder and held in place while upper leg sections are sleeved over the truss cap and down onto the embedded foundation components. A hydraulic crimper is used to crimp the portions of each upper leg section that overlap with the truss cap and the embedded foundation components to unify the truss foundation.

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: 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: A shared frame photovoltaic module and related mounting system for single-axis trackers. Each module has no frame, or a partial frame on two of four sides. A shared frame rail captures adjacent modules edges, providing frame support and attaching them to the tracker torque tube eliminating structural redundancy in conventional module frames. In some embodiments, each module is unframed with mounting pucks attached to the underside of the photovoltaic laminate. Torque tube mounting brackets have connecting portions for attaching respective pairs of mounting pucks on opposing sides of the torque tube.

Abstract: A combined truss adapter and bearing assembly for a tracker. The truss adapter has a pair of connecting portions and a bridge portion. The bridge portion has two pairs of opposing channels. The assembly has adapter plates on opposing surfaces of the bridge portion. Bolts extend through the adapter plates, in the channels, and to the bearing assembly to secure the bearing assembly to the bridge portion and to enable the bearing assembly to pivot with respect to the bridge portion.

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 combined truss adapter and bearing for a single-axis tracker. The truss adapter has a pair of connecting portions joined together by a bridge. A pair of parallel flanges on the bridge extend upward and away from bridge to support flanges of a bearing assembly. Bolts passing through the flanges and bearing assembly enable the bearing assembly to be rotated with respect to the bridge portion.

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: A truss foundation for single-axis trackers that distribute forces into the foundation through the torque tube. A truss adapter joins a pair of adjacent truss legs driven at angles to one another on either side of a tracker row so that the legs are perpendicular to the tracker torque tube. A third leg aligned with the torque tube is connected to the adapter to help resist axial forces in the torque tube. One or more collars placed on either side of a torque tube bearing include set screws to prevent axial slippage of the torque tube.

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.