Abstract: In a machine for driving screw anchors and other foundation components, a desired embedment depth is calculated based on a minimum required embedment depth, work point height and length of available upper leg sections. Once calculated, the machine automatically drives the screw anchor to the depth so that one of the available upper leg lengths will fit between the driven screw anchor and apex truss hardware. If uplift is detected during driving, the machine will add additional embedment depth. In-situ validation of driven screw anchors may be performed after the embedment depth is reached.

Abstract: A single-axis solar tracker consisting of a series of A-frame shaped foundation with actuators attached to each leg that are connected at one end to a common rotating assembly supporting multiple solar panels. Concerted action of the actuators causes the common rotating assembly to rotate about an axis of rotation. The system may include a central torque tube supported by the series of A-frame foundations or a frame assembly that is hingedly attached to each A-frame foundation via a torque arm.

Abstract: A tool for adjusting driven truss components and assembled truss foundations. A bridge separates a pair of collars, each having a pair of offset bearing surfaces that fit around the truss legs. A lever arm terminating in a handle extends away from the bridge to give leverage to the tool operator. The bridge width is adjustable to enable positioning of the tool at different heights along the driven truss components. An additional receiver proximate to one of the collars may enable single leg operation. Lateral and angular adjustment of the lever arm with respect to the bridge may enable greater force to be applied to one leg relative to the other.

Abstract: In a machine for driving screw anchors and other foundation components, a desired embedment depth is calculated based on a minimum required embedment depth, work point height and length of available upper leg sections. Once calculated, the machine automatically drives the screw anchor to the depth so that one of the available upper leg lengths will fit between the driven screw anchor and apex truss hardware. If uplift is detected during driving, the machine will add additional embedment depth. In-situ validation of driven screw anchors may be performed after the embedment depth is reached.

Abstract: A single-axis tracker supported by multiple A-frame-shaped single-truss foundations that translate lateral loads into axial forces of tension and compression, and at least one truss foundation supporting the torque tube drive motor or other tracker component subject to axial loads to provide support for lateral loads as well as loads oriented along the axis of the torque tube.

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: A machine for rotary driving screw anchors into underlying ground and related. The machine has a mast with a rotary driver and a mandrel driver oriented on a common axis. The mandrel driver passes a mandrel through the rotary driver and the screw anchor to allow the mandrel to be actuated ahead of the screw anchor while the rotary driver drives the screw anchor into the ground. Alternatively, the mandrel driver may also drive a hammering drill through the screw anchor to clear a path ahead of it through subsurface rocks.

Abstract: Improved masts for solar pile driving machines are provided that incorporate inline drilling as well as alignment and assembly devices that enable greater positional accuracy than possible with conventional equipment. In some cases, a jig, holder, or other device on the mast of the machine can be used to place a bearing assembly for a single-axis tracker while the foundation is being installed. Also disclosed are various multi-piece foundation piles that enable positional adjustment between below and above-ground components to compensate for misalignment.

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: A machine for rotary driving screw anchors into underlying ground and related. The machine has a mast with a rotary driver and a mandrel driver oriented on a common axis. The mandrel driver passes a mandrel through the rotary driver and the screw anchor to allow the mandrel to be actuated ahead of the screw anchor while the rotary driver drives the screw anchor into the ground. Alternatively, the mandrel driver may also drive a hammering drill through the screw anchor to clear a path ahead of it through subsurface rocks.

Abstract: In a machine for driving screw anchors and other foundation components, a desired embedment depth is calculated based on a minimum required embedment depth, work point height and length of available upper leg sections. Once calculated, the machine automatically drives the screw anchor to the depth so that one of the available upper leg lengths will fit between the driven screw anchor and apex truss hardware. If uplift is detected during driving, the machine will add additional embedment depth. In-situ validation of driven screw anchors may be performed after the embedment depth is reached.

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: Various embodiments of the disclosure enable installation of a utility scale solar array or other project requiring a site survey and survey markers at every ground penetration to be replaced with survey markers only at the end of each row. In addition, machine mast alignment for driving H-piles with an impact or vibratory hammer, or for driving screw anchors, helical anchors or other foundation with a rotary driver to be automated with the use of range finding lasers to orient the driving mast in X, Y and Z as well as pitch, roll and yaw based on range finding laser measurements.

Abstract: A solar power plant is constructed using a reverse workflow whereby the grid connection that will ultimately feed electricity to the grid is constructed before the array so that one or more transformers and portable charging stations may be deployed onsite to transform grid power so that it can recharge electrically powered heavy equipment including solar pile drivers, truss drivers, and telehandlers as well as electrically powered hand tools such as cordless impact drivers while the plant is constructed. Once complete, the fixed electrical infrastructure and grid connection are used to supply power from the solar power plant to the grid.

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 two-piece truss leg with an articulating coupler for an A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for single-axis trackers. The coupler is attached to the head of each screw anchor to enable it to be driven. A connection portion extends above the coupler and is received within an open end of an upper leg to allow the upper leg to be misaligned with respect to it corresponding screw anchor.

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: A damper assembly for single-axis tracker supported by truss foundations. Truss leg damper brackets are attached to each truss leg and provide a fixed mounting point for the lower end of a damper spring. Different techniques may be used to effect mechanical engagement between the leg bracket and truss leg to prevent movement under load. Aligning each damper spring with a truss leg may eliminate moments that must ordinarily be resisted when damper springs are attached to a monopile foundation.