Abstract: A universal adapter for enabling truss foundations to support conventional single-axis trackers. In some cases, the adapter has a main body with an upper portion that presents a standard I-beam interface with pre-drilled holes to interface to a specific single-axis tracker. A pair of connecting portions point down and away from the main body and enable upper leg sections to connect the adapter to a pair of driven screw anchors located below it. The connecting portions may orient the truss so that the rotational axis of the single-axis tracker is aligned with the work point of the truss foundation made from the adapter, upper legs, and driven screw anchors. This will enable to the truss to interface with many different trackers much like conventional plumb-driven H-pile foundations.

Abstract: A universal adapter for enabling truss foundations to support conventional single-axis trackers. In some cases, the adapter has a main body with an upper portion that presents a standard I-beam interface with pre-drilled holes to interface to a specific single-axis tracker. A pair of connecting portions point down and away from the main body and enable upper leg sections to connect the adapter to a pair of driven screw anchors located below it. The connecting portions may orient the truss so that the rotational axis of the single-axis tracker is aligned with the work point of the truss foundation made from the adapter, upper legs, and driven screw anchors. This will enable to the truss to interface with many different trackers much like conventional plumb-driven H-pile foundations.

Abstract: An A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for a single-axis tracker with a bearing assembly sitting atop a pair of adjacent angled truss legs joined together with an adapter so that the axis of rotation of the tracker is aligned with a work point of the A-frame. Several such foundation systems are arranged along a North-South row to support a tracker torque tube.

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: An A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for a single-axis tracker with a bearing assembly sitting atop a pair of adjacent angled truss legs joined together with an adapter so that the axis of rotation of the tracker is aligned with a work point of the A-frame. Several such foundation systems are arranged along a North-South row to support a tracker torque tube.

Abstract: An A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for a single-axis tracker with a bearing assembly sitting atop a pair of adjacent angled truss legs joined together with an adapter so that the axis of rotation of the tracker is aligned with a work point of the A-frame. Several such foundation systems are arranged along a North-South row to support a tracker torque tube.

Abstract: An A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for a single-axis tracker with a bearing assembly sitting atop a pair of adjacent angled truss legs joined together with an adapter so that the axis of rotation of the tracker is aligned with a work point of the A-frame. Several such foundation systems are arranged along a North-South row to support a tracker torque tube.

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: A hand-powered photovoltaic module hoist having a sled that slides along a ladder, and a pulley assembly mounted at the top of the ladder with a first cord to lift the sled and a second safety release cord to permit the sled to descend down the ladder. The sled is not attached to the ladder and the pulley assembly is a removable frame that is hung onto rungs of the ladder such that the hoist can quickly be installed on a standard ladder.

Abstract: Photovoltaic tracking systems with a ratcheting stow mechanism are provided. In particular, tracking systems allow for controlled movement of photovoltaic panels adapted for solar tracking to a stowed configuration without requiring electrical power. Such mounting systems can include a partially toothed ring gear with a pair of pawls pivotally mounted adjacent the ring gear with a pair of solenoids that when de-energized, move the pawls into engagement with the ring gear such that ratcheting movement of the pair of pawls along the ring gear in response to back-and-forth oscillating movement of the panel incrementally moves the panels into a stowed configuration without requiring use of electrical power.

Abstract: Photovoltaic tracking systems with a ratcheting stow mechanism are provided. In particular, tracking systems allow for controlled movement of photovoltaic panels adapted for solar tracking to a stowed configuration without requiring electrical power. Such mounting systems can include a partially toothed ring gear with a pair of pawls pivotally mounted adjacent the ring gear with a pair of solenoids that when de-energized, move the pawls into engagement with the ring gear such that ratcheting movement of the pair of pawls along the ring gear in response to back-and-forth oscillating movement of the panel incrementally moves the panels into a stowed configuration without requiring use of electrical power.

Abstract: A hand-powered photovoltaic module hoist having a sled that slides along a ladder, and a pulley assembly mounted at the top of the ladder with a first cord to lift the sled and a second safety release cord to permit the sled to descend down the ladder. The sled is not attached to the ladder and the pulley assembly is a removable frame that is hung onto rungs of the ladder such that the hoist can quickly be installed on a standard ladder.