Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a closed loop pointing system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. In one aspect the present invention relates to a method of redirecting incident light, comprising the steps of: using at least one light redirecting element to redirect the incident light; providing a plurality of optical proxies that are associated with the reflecting element in a manner such that at least two of the optical proxies distribute a portion of the incident light uniquely relative to each other, wherein optical information encoded in the light distributed by the optical proxies cumulatively correlates to the aim of the light redirecting element; observing the optical information distributed by the optical proxies; and using the optical information to controllably actuate the light redirecting element in a manner that aims the redirected light onto a target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a closed loop pointing system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. In one aspect the present invention relates to a method of redirecting incident light, comprising the steps of: using at least one light redirecting element to redirect the incident light; providing a plurality of optical proxies that are associated with the reflecting element in a manner such that at least two of the optical proxies distribute a portion of the incident light uniquely relative to each other, wherein optical information encoded in the light distributed by the optical proxies cumulatively correlates to the aim of the light redirecting element; observing the optical information distributed by the optical proxies; and using the optical information to controllably actuate the light redirecting element in a manner that aims the redirected light onto a target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable racking system for transporting and mounting one or more solar panels to, for example, a rooftop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a concentrating photovoltaic system including a module having plurality of solar cells are mounted on a first side, and a plurality of lenses are mounted on a second side. Drive motors are coupled to the module to enable it to track the sun during the course of the day. A sun sensor is attached to the housing to detect a predetermined timed pattern of light blocking to the sensor and for generating a control signal to the drive motors in response to such detection for moving the module to a predetermined fixed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a concentrating photovoltaic system including a module having plurality of solar cells are mounted on a first side, and a plurality of lenses are mounted on a second side. Drive motors are coupled to the module to enable it to track the sun during the course of the day. A sun sensor is attached to the housing to detect a predetermined timed pattern of light blocking to the sensor and for generating a control signal to the drive motors in response to such detection for moving the module to a predetermined fixed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable racking system for transporting and mounting one or more solar panels to, for example, a rooftop.

Abstract: The present invention provides shade tolerant wiring solutions for solar systems. Elements are grouped and wired in parallel within a group such that the total current of a group is substantially the same among multiple groups. Such a wiring scheme can be applied to solar targets (e.g., solar cells), solar , and solar modules.

Abstract: A hybrid optical component that collects and concentrates incident light. The hybrid component includes both refractive and reflective elements. In preferred embodiments, refractive and reflective components focus rays on a common focal plane generally located at the bottom of the reflector where they are absorbed by a device such as a photovoltaic (solar) cell. Additionally, the optical component combines both imaging and non-imaging optical elements into a single device, for improved overall performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides shade tolerant wiring solutions for solar systems. Elements are grouped and wired in parallel within a group such that the total current of a group is substantially the same among multiple groups. Such a wiring scheme can be applied to solar targets (e.g., solar cells), solar , and solar modules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems., photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for shaping reflective surfaces of optical concentrators are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of an optical concentrator in accordance with the present invention includes a reflective surface and one or more shaping components that help to provide a desired shape to the reflective surface. Exemplary shaping components preferably comprise thin, readily manufacturable ribs with precision surfaces that provide the desired shape to a reflective surface.