Abstract: Tracking systems for adjusting a photovoltaic array are disclosed. In some embodiments, the tracking system includes an actuator that moves one or more links to cause the array to rotate. The tracking system may be disposed below a torque rail of the tracking system. The actuator may be a slew drive that retracts or extends the one or more links to cause the array to rotate.

Abstract: Tracking systems for adjusting a photovoltaic array are disclosed. In some embodiments, the tracking system includes an actuator that moves one or more links to cause the array to rotate. The tracking system may be disposed below a torque rail of the tracking system. The actuator may be a slew drive that retracts or extends the one or more links to cause the array to rotate.

Abstract: Pivoting members for pivoting a solar array mounted to a torque rail and tracking systems that include such pivoting members are disclosed. The pivoting member may include a liner between a rotating inner member and the outer housing of the pivoting member to reduce friction during pivoting of the solar array.

Abstract: Mounting systems for securing a solar array to a mounting frame and clamping systems thereof are disclosed. The clamping systems may include one or more hooks for connecting a solar panel module to mounting frame. The hooks may be disposed on one or more wings of a clamp plate that extend from a rail structure of the clamp plate. The rail structure may form a rail chamber which receives a mounting rail.

Abstract: A method for scheduling cleaning of a photovoltaic (“PV”) system is implemented by a soiling monitoring computer system. The method includes determining a soiling level and a soiling rate for a photovoltaic (PV) system, calculating a cost associated with cleaning the PV system at each of a plurality of possible cleaning times, determining an expected energy output gain associated with cleaning the PV system at each of the plurality of possible times based on the soiling level and the soiling rate, calculating an expected benefit associated with cleaning the PV system at each of the plurality of possible cleaning times based on the expected energy output gain associated with each possible cleaning time, determining a first time of the plurality of possible times when the expected benefit exceeds the cost, and scheduling a cleaning time based on at least the determined first time.

Abstract: Pivoting members for pivoting a solar array mounted to a torque rail and tracking systems that include such pivoting members are disclosed. The pivoting member may include a liner between a rotating inner member and the outer housing of the pivoting member to reduce friction during pivoting of the solar array.

Abstract: Tracking systems for adjusting a photovoltaic array are disclosed. In some embodiments, the tracking system includes an actuator that moves one or more links to cause the array to rotate. The tracking system may be disposed below a torque rail of the tracking system. The actuator may be a slew drive that retracts or extends the one or more links to cause the array to rotate.

Abstract: Mounting systems for securing a solar array to a mounting frame and clamping systems thereof are disclosed. The clamping systems may include one or more hooks for connecting a solar panel module to mounting frame. The hooks may be disposed on one or more wings of a clamp plate that extend from a rail structure of the clamp plate. The rail structure may form a rail chamber which receives a mounting rail.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a light bulb may include a base adapted to be coupled to a power socket, lighting circuitry supporting at least one lighting element to provide illumination, a communication element to exchange information with at least one remote device, and a receiving portion. An extendable sensor mount may include a first end attached to be attached to the receiving portion of the light bulb and a second end, opposite the first end, extendable with respect to the light bulb. A sensor may be coupled to the second end of the extendable sensor mount, and data collected by the sensor may be transmitted to the at least one remote device via the communication element of the light bulb.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a light bulb may include a base adapted to be coupled to a power socket, lighting circuitry supporting at least one lighting element to provide illumination, a communication element to exchange information with at least one remote device, and a receiving portion. An extendable sensor mount may include a first end attached to be attached to the receiving portion of the light bulb and a second end, opposite the first end, extendable with respect to the light bulb. A sensor may be coupled to the second end of the extendable sensor mount, and data collected by the sensor may be transmitted to the at least one remote device via the communication element of the light bulb.

Abstract: A method for scheduling cleaning of a photovoltaic (“PV”) system is implemented by a soiling monitoring computer system. The method includes determining a soiling level and a soiling rate for a photovoltaic (PV) system, calculating a cost associated with cleaning the PV system at each of a plurality of possible cleaning times, determining an expected energy output gain associated with cleaning the PV system at each of the plurality of possible times based on the soiling level and the soiling rate, calculating an expected benefit associated with cleaning the PV system at each of the plurality of possible cleaning times based on the expected energy output gain associated with each possible cleaning time, determining a first time of the plurality of possible times when the expected benefit exceeds the cost, and scheduling a cleaning time based on at least the determined first time.

Abstract: An evaporation control system for an open liquid includes a photovoltaic (PV) panel and a mounting structure for supporting the PV panel. The PV panel is connected to the mounting structure such that the PV panel covers at least a portion of the liquid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first transistor is configured to switch ON to discharge accumulated charges on an interconnect line during a metallization process. This advantageously protects a second transistor, which is coupled to the interconnect line, from charge buildup. The gate of the first transistor may be coupled to the interconnect line by way of a coupling capacitor. The gate of the first transistor may remain floating during the metallization process, and subsequently coupled to ground at a topmost metal level. The metallization process may be physical vapor deposition, for example.

Abstract: A method and system for providing hybrid clock distribution is disclosed. The distribution architecture uses a grid distribution at the top level and a balanced buffer tree distribution at the block level. The method includes determining the block layout of an integrated circuit which employs a clock distribution network for distributing clock signals. In addition the method includes providing a mesh distribution network for delivering clock signals to integrated circuit blocks of the integrated circuit. Thereafter, a balanced tree distribution network for delivering clock signals to the components of each block of the integrated circuit is provided. The top level grid provides predictable min/max skew at the top level and the remainder skew budget can be applied to the blocks.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first transistor is configured to switch ON to discharge accumulated charges on an interconnect line during a metallization process. This advantageously protects a second transistor, which is coupled to the interconnect line, from charge buildup. The gate of the first transistor may be coupled to the interconnect line by way of a coupling capacitor. The gate of the first transistor may remain floating during the metallization process, and subsequently coupled to ground at a topmost metal level. The metallization process may be physical vapor deposition, for example.