Abstract: Solar trackers and methods for assembling same are described herein. A pair of ballast blocks, simultaneously using a slip-form paver having a cut-off blade, by positioning the paver at a start point of the pair of ballast blocks. The cut-off blade is oriented in a closed position, halting flow of concrete. The slip-form paver is advanced to an end point of the pair of ballast blocks. While advancing the slip-form paver, the cut-off blade is simultaneously moved to an open position. The open position permits flow of the concrete through the mold depositing onto a solar tracker location. After reaching the end point, the cut-off blade is moved to the closed position. Grooves oriented lengthwise are formed in each ballast block. A leg structure of the solar tracker is secured into the grooves.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting (racking) solar (e.g., photovoltaic) panels. At least one concrete track can be formed, first, second, and third racking structures can be assembled, each including two legs, landings at tops the legs, and feet that respectively can be secured to the at least one concrete track. A first solar panel can be placed on the landings of the first and second racking structures. A first edge of the first solar panel can be secured to each the landings of the first racking structure. A second solar panel can be placed on the landings of the second racking structure and on the landings of the third racking structure. A second edge of the first solar panel and a first edge of the second solar panel can be secured to each the landings of the second racking structure.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a system is provided for rotating photovoltaic modules arranged in a row. The system can include an elongated structural member extending along and parallel to the row; protrusions coupled to the elongated structural member; an actuator; and drive mechanisms coupled to the photovoltaic modules. Actuation of the actuator can move the elongated structural member, the movement of the elongated structural member can move the protrusions, the movement of the protrusions can move the drive mechanisms, and the movement of the drive mechanisms can rotate the photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: Wind screen for one or more photovoltaic arrays and method thereof. For example, a wind screen for one or more photovoltaic arrays includes a screen foundation including a concrete block, and one or more perforation blocks on the concrete block. In another example, the wind screen is configured to cover at least a first side of each array of the one or more photovoltaic arrays.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for rotatably mounting and locking solar (e.g., photovoltaic) panels. For example, the solar panels can be mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis so as to track the sun over the course of the day, and can be locked in a suitable position during high-wind conditions. A drive mechanism includes a drive shaft, pinion gear coupled to the drive shaft, and arc gear coupled to a solar panel, and a locking mechanism includes a lock plate coupled to the arc gear and including a reaction surface. The pinion gear includes a bearing surface. When the drive shaft rotates a first amount, engagement between pinion gear teeth and arc gear teeth rotates the arc gear. When the drive shaft rotates a second amount, the arc gear rotates to a stow position where the reaction surface bears against the bearing surface, locking the arc gear.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting (racking) solar (e.g., photovoltaic) panels. At least one concrete track can be formed, first, second, and third racking structures can be assembled, each including two legs, landings at tops the legs, and feet that respectively can be secured to the at least one concrete track. A first solar panel can be placed on the landings of the first and second racking structures. A first edge of the first solar panel can be secured to each the landings of the first racking structure. A second solar panel can be placed on the landings of the second racking structure and on the landings of the third racking structure. A second edge of the first solar panel and a first edge of the second solar panel can be secured to each the landings of the second racking structure.

Abstract: A method for installing a solar collector can include slip-forming a concrete track including a groove; curing the concrete track; placing a foot of a support structure of a solar collector in the groove; and applying adhesive between the foot and groove. Curing the concrete track optionally can include maintaining wetness of the concrete track for a sufficient period of time after slip-forming the concrete track. The foot optionally can include at least one of an aperture and a tab, and the adhesive flows through the aperture or around the tab. A foot of a support structure of a solar collector also is provided. The foot can be configured to be inserted into a groove and comprising a back wall, a first side wall including a first side tab, a second side wall including a second side tab, a third side wall, a fourth side wall, and a bottom wall.

Abstract: A system for maintaining photovoltaic modules includes an elongated rail including first and second support surfaces and a first mounting surface disposed between the first and second support surfaces. An array of the photovoltaic modules is coupled to the first mounting surface and raised relative to the first and second support surfaces. A first vehicle can be disposed on the first and second support surfaces and can include a motor; a maintenance module selected from the group consisting of: a spray system configured to spray a product, and a remote inspection module; and first and second support legs suspending the maintenance module relative to the photovoltaic modules of the first array and being movably coupled to the first and second support surfaces so as to laterally and sequentially move the maintenance module in a direction parallel to the elongated rail responsive to actuation of the motor.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a system is provided for rotating photovoltaic modules arranged in a row. The system can include an elongated structural member extending along and parallel to the row; protrusions coupled to the elongated structural member; an actuator; and drive mechanisms coupled to the photovoltaic modules. Actuation of the actuator can move the elongated structural member, the movement of the elongated structural member can move the protrusions, the movement of the protrusions can move the drive mechanisms, and the movement of the drive mechanisms can rotate the photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: Wind screen for one or more photovoltaic arrays and method thereof. For example, a wind screen for one or more photovoltaic arrays includes a screen foundation including a concrete block, and one or more perforation blocks on the concrete block. In another example, the wind screen is configured to cover at least a first side of each array of the one or more photovoltaic arrays.

Abstract: A system can include first and second stiffeners each coupled to a photovoltaic module, and first, second, third, and fourth legs. First and second joints rotatably couple the first and second legs to the first stiffener; and third and fourth joints rotatably couple the third and fourth legs to the second stiffener. A first crossbrace fixedly couples the first and second legs to one another; and a second crossbrace fixedly couples the third and fourth legs to one another. The first and second legs are rotatable about the first and second joints from a stowed position to an open position supporting the photovoltaic module, and the third and fourth legs are rotatable about the third and fourth joints from a stowed position to an open position supporting the photovoltaic module. At least one of the joints can include an electrical conductor coupled to the respective stiffener and leg.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a system is provided for rotating photovoltaic modules arranged in a row. The system can include an elongated structural member extending along and parallel to the row; protrusions coupled to the elongated structural member; an actuator; and drive mechanisms coupled to the photovoltaic modules. Actuation of the actuator can move the elongated structural member, the movement of the elongated structural member can move the protrusions, the movement of the protrusions can move the drive mechanisms, and the movement of the drive mechanisms can rotate the photovoltaic modules.