Abstract: A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a support rail defining a channel for receipt of a solar module therein, the support rail including an aperture defined therein that is in open communication with the channel and a clamp assembly selectively coupled to the support rail, a first portion of the clamp assembly configured to receive a portion of a torque tube therein and a second portion of the clamp assembly configured to selectively extend through the aperture of the support rail when the clamp assembly is transitioned from a first, unlocked position, to a second, locked position.

Abstract: A robotic cleaning system includes a robotic body and a coating reservoir. The robotic body includes a controller, a motive source coupled to the controller, a coating applicator coupled to the controller, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the robotic body to a photovoltaic module. The coating reservoir is in fluid communication with the coating applicator to supply a coating material to the coating applicator. The robotic body is configured to apply the coating material, via the coating applicator, to the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A robotic thermal inspection system includes a robotic body and solar tracker inspection module. The robotic body includes a controller and a sensor device coupled to the controller. The solar tracker inspection module is in communication with the sensor device and includes a programmable processor that executes instructions to cause the programmable processor to: receive, from the sensor device, sensor data related to a solar tracker component, compare this sensor data to at least one predetermined solar tracker component threshold, and, when this sensor data meets the at least one predetermined threshold, provide a solar tracker defect indication.

Abstract: A robotic thermal inspection system includes a robotic body and thermal analysis module. The robotic body includes a controller and a thermal imaging device coupled to the controller. The thermal analysis module is in communication with the thermal imaging device and includes a programmable processor that instructions to cause the programmable processor to: receive, from the thermal imaging device, thermal imaging data related to the photovoltaic module, compare the received thermal imaging data to at least one predetermined thermal threshold, and when the received thermal imaging data meets the at least one predetermined thermal threshold, provide a photovoltaic module defect indication.

Abstract: A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a support rail defining opposed top and bottom surfaces, the top surface configured to support a portion of a solar module, and a fastening assembly operably coupled to a portion of the support rail, the fastening system including a retaining bolt having an elongated head including opposed top and bottom surfaces extending between opposed first and second end portions, wherein the bottom surface of the elongated head is offset from the top surface of the support rail to define a gap, the gap configured to selectively receive a portion of a solar module therein.

Abstract: A docking station for use with a solar tracking system includes a frame configured to selectively support solar cleaning equipment thereon and a mounting bracket operably coupled to a portion of the frame. The mounting bracket maintains a gap between adjacent edges of the frame and an adjacent solar module, and the frame includes a width that approximates a width of the solar module.

Abstract: A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a support rail defining opposed top and bottom surfaces, the top surface configured to support a portion of a solar module, and a fastening assembly operably coupled to a portion of the support rail, the fastening system including a retaining bolt having an elongated head including opposed top and bottom surfaces extending between opposed first and second end portions, wherein the bottom surface of the elongated head is offset from the top surface of the support rail to define a gap, the gap configured to selectively receive a portion of a solar module therein.

Abstract: A coupling system for solar trackers is disclosed. The coupling system can reduce the number of fasteners and labor required for securing solar modules to torque tubes. The system includes a support rail, a strap assembly, and a fastening assembly. The support rail features an upper surface for receiving solar modules and a lower surface with spaced protuberances forming a gap to accommodate a torque tube. Inner surfaces of the protuberances can inhibit rotation of the torque tube relative to the support rail. The fastening assembly includes retaining bolts with adjustable gaps to secure solar modules of varying thicknesses. Spring arms and biasing elements enhance module retention and alignment. The strap assembly clamps the support rail to the torque tube which can ensure stability.

Abstract: A coupling for use with a solar tracker including an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion including a generally tubular body including one or more stamped end portions and the lower portion designed to secure the upper portion to a support rail of a solar power system.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for use with a solar module includes a first clamping arm operably coupled to a first portion of a solar module, a second clamping arm operably coupled to a second portion of the solar module and operably coupled to the first clamping arm and disposed in juxtaposed relation thereto, and a fastener operably coupled to a respective portion of each of the first and second clamping arms. The fastener is configured to draw each of the first and second clamping arms towards one another from a first, open position, where the solar module is free to move relative to first and second clamping arms to a second, closed position, where the solar module is inhibited from moving relative to the first and second clamping arms.

Abstract: A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a support rail defining a channel for receipt of a solar module therein, the support rail including an aperture defined therein that is in open communication with the channel and a clamp assembly selectively coupled to the support rail, a first portion of the clamp assembly configured to receive a portion of a torque tube therein and a second portion of the clamp assembly configured to selectively extend through the aperture of the support rail when the clamp assembly is transitioned from a first, unlocked position, to a second, locked position.

Abstract: A pier for a solar tracking system includes a bearing housing assembly, a frame, the frame defining an A-profile having a pair of legs and a crown at a center portion thereof, and a mounting bracket, the mounting bracket coupled to a portion of the crown of the frame at a first portion thereof and coupled to a portion of the bearing housing assembly at a second portion thereof.

Abstract: A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a support rail defining a channel for receipt of a solar module therein, the support rail including an aperture defined therein that is in open communication with the channel and a clamp assembly selectively coupled to the support rail, a first portion of the clamp assembly configured to receive a portion of a torque tube therein and a second portion of the clamp assembly configured to selectively extend through the aperture of the support rail when the clamp assembly is transitioned from a first, unlocked position, to a second, locked position.

Abstract: Coupling assemblies for use with solar trackers include a housing, a bearing, and at least one hard stop. The housing includes a circular aperture and protruding members extending from the housing. The bearing fits within the circular aperture and rotate within the circular aperture of the housing. The bearing includes an aperture having the shape of the cross-section of a torque tube. The hard stop engages with the protruding members to limit rotation of the bearing and torque tube to a preconfigured articulation range. The housing may include opposing ball bearing paths disposed along an inner surface of the circular aperture, and hard stops at end portions of the opposing ball bearing paths. The bearing may include ball bearing races in an outer portion of the bearing. The coupling assembly may include ball bearings configured to move in the ball bearing paths and the ball bearing races.

Abstract: A coupling for use with a solar tracker including an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion including a generally tubular body including one or more stamped end portions and the lower portion designed to secure the upper portion to a support rail of a solar power system.