Abstract: A modular shade system with solar tracking panels includes a series of generally North-South oriented, spaced apart torque tubes, each torque tube having an axis, a series of panels mounted to at least some of the torque tubes to create spaced-apart rows of panels along the torque tubes, at least some of the panels being solar collector panels. The system also includes a shade structure, positioned at a selected location between selected ones of the torque tubes and above the support surface so to provide an enhanced shaded region thereunder, and a support structure. The support structure includes a first mounting assembly mounting each torque tube above the support surface for rotation about the axis of each torque tube and a second mounting assembly supporting the shade structure at the selected location. The system further comprises a tilting assembly selectively rotating each torque tube about its axis.

Abstract: A solar collector array is formed of multiple parallel rows of solar panels, each said row being made of one or more building blocks with an east-west oriented torsion tube defining an east-west axis for the row, an array of flat generally rectangular solar panels, and a set of panel rails and rail claims attaching the panels onto the torsion tube. A row of piers aligned on the east-west axis each have a footing that is supported in the earth, and a pier cap affixed onto a top end of the pier. The pier cap holds the torsion tube non-rotationally such that the torsion tube and panels are held at a preset elevation angle. The torsion tube may serve as a conduit for power conductors from the panels.

Abstract: A solar collector array is formed of a plurality of solar panels mounted on a frame made of support beams which may be sheet metal channel members. A butyl tape or other glazing material is applied between the back laminate of the solar panel and the beam. Clips are used to clamp the panels to the support beams. The clips have an upper portion that is generally T-shaped in profile, and a retainer in the form of a channel nut or bar, with a threaded hole that receives a bolt or similar threaded fastener. The retainer biases against the inwardly directed flanges of the channel support beam. Electrical wires and mechanical fasteners are concealed within the support beams.

Abstract: A solar collector array is formed of a plurality of solar panels mounted on a frame made of support beams which may be sheet metal channel members. A butyl tape or other glazing material is applied between the back laminate of the solar panel and the beam. Clips are used to clamp the panels to th support beams. The clips have an upper portion that is generally T-shaped in profile, and a retainer in the form of a channel nut or bar, with a threaded hole that receives a bolt or similar threaded fastener. The retainer biases against the inwardly directed flanges of the channel support beam. Electrical wires and mechanical fasteners are concealed within the support beams.

Abstract: A solar collector array is formed of multiple parallel rows of solar panels, each said row being made of one or more building blocks with an east-west oriented torsion tube defining an east-west axis for the row, an array of flat generally rectangular solar panels, and a set of panel rails and rail claims attaching the panels onto the torsion tube. A row of piers aligned on the east-west axis each have a footing that is supported in the earth, and a pier cap affixed onto a top end of the pier. The pier cap holds the torsion tube non-rotationally such that the torsion tube and panels are held at a preset elevation angle. The torsion tube may serve as a conduit for power conductors from the panels.

Abstract: A solar energy collector and tracker has at least one north-south oriented torsion tube supporting an array of flat rectangular solar panels. At least one pier, supported in the earth, has pivot member in which the torsion tube is journalled. A linear actuator has a body portion mounted on a footing separate from the pier footing and supported in the earth at a distance spaced from pier, and has a rod coupled to a torque arm on the torsion tube. The actuator can be horizontally or vertically oriented. The torsion tube is generally square cross section. The torsion tube may be formed of two or more sections joined end to end. In such case, one of the sections may have one end swaged to fit tightly into the end of a next successive section to form a tight, secure coupling between sections. The pivot member can have four plastic resin inserts within a cylindrical journal on respective sides of the square torsion tube.

Abstract: A laminated solar cell module includes an integral mounting structure. The solar cell module includes a rigid front support layer formed of light transmitting material having first and second surfaces. A transparent encapsulant layer has a first surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the front support layer. A plurality of interconnected solar cells have a first surface disposed adjacent a second surface of the transparent encapsulant layer. The backskin is formed of a thermoplastic olefin, which includes first ionomer, a second ionomer, glass fiber and carbon black. A first surface of the backskin is disposed adjacent a second surface of the interconnected solar cells. At least one mounting bracket is bonded directly to a second surface of the backskin layer.

Abstract: A solar energy power source is provided comprising at least two flat photovoltaic panels disposed in co-planar side-by-side relation and an improved support structure for supporting the panels for pivotal movement on a pivot axis that extends transversely of the panels, the improved structure including a single selectively operable drive means for pivoting all of the panels simultaneously and by the same amount of angular displacement.

Abstract: A variably pressurizable support system for supporting and orienting a radiation detector, and a method for orienting a radiation detector on a moving radiation source are disclosed. The support system comprises at least one pressurizable support membrane, at least one pressurizing means able to variably pressurize the support membrane, and a control apparatus for determining the desired orientation of the radiation detector and varying the pressure in the support membrane. The method of orienting the radiation detector on the radiation source comprises the steps of determining an actual orientation of the radiation detector, and a desired orientation of the detector, and operating the support system so as to minimize the difference between the desired and actual orientation. A statically pressurized, inflatable support system for supporting the radiation detector in a fixed relation to ground is disclosed.