Abstract: A solar table loader is described that moves an assembled solar table from an assembly frame to a mobile transport. The solar table loader comprises at least one motor that provides horizontal, vertical, and rotational movements of the solar table to facilitate onboarding of the solar table to the mobile transport.

Abstract: A system and method for threading a torque tube through an opening within a U-bolt and module rail device is described. The system and method provide aligned horizontal movement of the torque tube across an assembly frame resulting in the torque tube being threaded through a plurality of U-bolt and module rail devices. After the threading process is complete, the threaded U-bolt and module rail devices are secured in place on the torque tube to allow coupling of solar panels to the module rails.

Abstract: A solar table assembly unit is described that facilitates assembly of a plurality of solar tables in a location remote from a plurality of installation points within a solar system. The assembly unit comprises at least one vertical support structures that is coupled to a central support structure, an upper rail and a lower rail. The central support structure supports a torque tube having a plurality of coupling points. The upper and lower rails allow movement of solar components, such as solar panels, relative to the coupling points. Assembled solar tables may be moved to a mobile transport for subsequent delivery to installation points within the solar system.

Abstract: A system for centralized assembly and installation of large-scale solar systems is described. Embodiments of the invention transition the prior art approach of solar table assembly and installation at single location sites to a centralized and coordinated assembly factory that allows a more cost-effective and dynamic process of constructing large-scale solar systems. Additionally, embodiments of the invention provide an improved process of resource and personnel management during the construction process that improves cost and efficiency as conditions change at the construction site.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic tiles. Each photovoltaic module may comprise a photovoltaic laminate, a support arm and a mounting bracket. When installed an assembly of the photovoltaic laminate and support arm are rotatably attached to the mounting bracket allowing access under the array of photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module sub-circuit for an energy generation system includes a plurality of PV sub-modules coupled together via external cables, the plurality of PV sub-modules includes a first PV sub-module and a second PV sub-module, a negative output terminal coupled to the first PV sub-module, a positive output terminal coupled to the second PV sub-module, and a plurality of connectors external to the PV sub-modules and coupling the PV sub-modules together to form the PV module sub-circuit. The sub-circuit further includes a bypass mechanism including a first terminal coupled to only the negative output terminal and the first PV sub-module, and a second terminal coupled to only the positive output terminal and the second PV sub-module, the bypass mechanism configured to prevent current flow in a first direction and allow current flow in a second direction opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: Mounting systems are disclosed for attaching photovoltaic modules to torque tubes. Such systems can include saddle brackets that maximize space along a torque tube by sharing torque tube mounting holes between adjacent brackets. The brackets can be positionally stable on the torque tube prior to complete installation to enable a single installer to assemble a complete tracker array.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams, in both lateral and longitudinal directions, to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, adjacent photovoltaic modules may be oriented so that a boundary between an up-roof photovoltaic module and a down-roof photovoltaic module is not noticeable by observers positioned at typical viewing angles of the roof.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic tiles. Each photovoltaic module may comprise an inner sheet, an outer sheet, photovoltaic cells, and a bracket. When installed the bracket may be covered by up-roof tiles, giving the overall roof a uniform appearance.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays with improved aesthetics and efficiency that can replace conventional roof structures. BIPV mounting systems described herein allow for improved versatility and ease of installation as compared to conventional approaches. Such BIPV mounting systems can include photovoltaic (PV) roof tiles with separate mechanical coupling features and electrical contact portions for use with tile connectors having both mechanical and electrical coupling features. Such PV tiles can be mechanically and electrically coupled in series through the tile connectors without requiring wire bussing between adjacent PV roof tiles and the tile connectors can be slidable within a batten bracket to easily accommodate PV roof tiles of differing dimensions.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic tiles. Each photovoltaic module may comprise an inner sheet, an outer sheet, photovoltaic cells, and a bracket. When installed the bracket may be covered by up-roof tiles, giving the overall roof a uniform appearance.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic tiles. Each photovoltaic module may comprise a photovoltaic laminate, a support arm and a mounting bracket. When installed an assembly of the photovoltaic laminate and support arm are rotatably attached to the mounting bracket allowing access under the array of photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays with improved aesthetics and efficiency that can replace conventional roof structures. BIPV mounting systems described herein allow for improved versatility and ease of installation as compared to conventional approaches. Such BIPV mounting systems can include photovoltaic (PV) roof tiles with separate mechanical coupling features and electrical contact portions for use with tile connectors having both mechanical and electrical coupling features. Such PV tiles can be mechanically and electrically coupled in series through the tile connectors without requiring wire bussing between adjacent PV roof tiles and the tile connectors can be slidable within a batten bracket to easily accommodate PV roof tiles of differing dimensions.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module sub-circuit for an energy generation system includes a plurality of PV sub-modules coupled together via external cables, the plurality of PV sub-modules includes a first PV sub-module and a second PV sub-module, a negative output terminal coupled to the first PV sub-module, a positive output terminal coupled to the second PV sub-module, and a plurality of connectors external to the PV sub-modules and coupling the PV sub-modules together to form the PV module sub-circuit. The sub-circuit further includes a bypass mechanism including a first terminal coupled to only the negative output terminal and the first PV sub-module, and a second terminal coupled to only the positive output terminal and the second PV sub-module, the bypass mechanism configured to prevent current flow in a first direction and allow current flow in a second direction opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the design of pile cap assemblies configured to rotatably couple the torque tube of a photovoltaic solar tracker to multiple support piles that elevate the torque tube above the ground. The pile cap assemblies define low friction bearings that allow the torque tube to rotate smoothly within the low friction bearings. The pile cap assemblies also include numerous mounting hole configurations that allow for adjustment of a position of the pile cap assemblies with respect to the support piles. This allows for any small variation in positioning of the support piles to be accommodated.

Abstract: Mounting systems are disclosed for attaching photovoltaic modules to torque tubes. Such systems can include saddle brackets that maximize space along a torque tube by sharing torque tube mounting holes between adjacent brackets. The brackets can be positionally stable on the torque tube prior to complete installation to enable a single installer to assemble a complete tracker array.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams, in both lateral and longitudinal directions, to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, adjacent photovoltaic modules may be oriented so that a boundary between an up-roof photovoltaic module and a down-roof photovoltaic module is not noticeable by observers positioned at typical viewing angles of the roof.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the design of pile cap assemblies configured to rotatably couple the torque tube of a photovoltaic solar tracker to multiple support piles that elevate the torque tube above the ground. The pile cap assemblies define low friction bearings that allow the torque tube to rotate smoothly within the low friction bearings. The pile cap assemblies also include numerous mounting hole configurations that allow for adjustment of a position of the pile cap assemblies with respect to the support piles. This allows for any small variation in positioning of the support piles to be accommodated.