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 drug delivery device may include a housing defining a longitudinal axis and having an opening and a drug storage container including a delivery member having an insertion end configured to extend at least partially through the opening during a delivery state. The device may also include plunger moveable toward the distal end of the drug storage container to expel a drug from the drug storage container through the delivery member, the plunger including a body portion having an inner wall defining an axial chamber and an outer wall cooperating with the inner wall to define a body thickness. The device may further include a plunger biasing member disposed at least partially within the axial chamber, the plunger biasing member configured to urge the plunger toward the distal end of the drug storage container.

Abstract: A solar module crate transport is described that securely moves a solar module crate within a large-scale solar system. The solar module crate transport comprises an angled base, at least three vertical support structures, at least one vehicle receptacle and at least one monitoring device. The at least one monitoring device may provide a variety of monitoring functionality that allows remote monitoring of an installation location within the large-scale solar system. This monitoring allows visibility into resources, including solar modules, and personnel at an installation location within the large-scale solar system.

Abstract: A clamp is described that couples a torque tube and at least one solar panel within a solar table. The clamp provides an efficient attachment when in a closed position that allows transportation of the solar table from a centralized assembly location to an installation point within a large-scale solar system. The clamp further provides an efficient process solar table mobile transport is described that moves a solar table to a point of installation. The clamp may be efficiently opened by personnel at the installation point to enable access to a section of the torque tube.

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 solar table mobile transport is described that moves a solar table to a point of installation. The solar table mobile transport comprises multiple motors that allow movement within a three-dimensional coordinate system as well as provide angular controls of pitch, yaw and roll. These motors enable at least one alignment process used to install the solar table to a mounting structure within a 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: A flexible ground path connector for a photovoltaic module system, the flexible ground path connector including a body, a first attachment portion provided on a first end of the body, and a second attachment portion provided on a second end of the body, the second end of the body opposing the first end of the body, wherein at least the body is made of a substantially flexible material, and wherein the first attachment portion is configured to attach to a first photovoltaic module rack and the second attachment portion is configured to attach to a second photovoltaic module rack.

Abstract: An arrangement for a photovoltaic module, the arrangement including at least one support member and a tilting rack, the tilting rack including at least one beam and at least one rafter, in which the at least one beam is operatively connected to at least one end of the at least one rafter, in which the tilting rack is operatively connected to the at least one support member at or near a center of gravity of the at least one rafter, and in which the titling rack is configured to rotate at or near the center of gravity of the at least one rafter.

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: A maintenance vehicle for cleaning a row of solar panels is provided. A vehicle frame is configured to be positioned above a solar panel and extend beyond outer edges of the solar panel. Legs are coupled to the vehicle frame and configured to extend beneath an underside of the solar panel towards a center of the underside of the solar panel. A wheel set of two or more wheels are coupled to each of the legs and configured to roll along two rows of purlins positioned parallel to the row, spaced a distance apart, and coupled to the underside of the solar panel. Each of the purlins has a vertical flange that constrains a sideways motion of the wheel set. One or more drive systems are configured to advance the maintenance vehicle along the row by rotating the wheel set along the two rows of purlins.

Abstract: A support structure for a fixed-tilt solar collector comprises front and rear concrete ballasts extending in a direction parallel to a row of one or more PV panels and a racking structure configured to support the one or more PV panels such that a normal vector of the one or more PV panels is at a fixed angle. At least one stringer is arranged in a direction parallel to the front and rear concrete ballasts. First and second rails are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the stringers. The first and second rails are fastened to and support the at least one stringer. The first and second rails are fastened to the front concrete ballast. Legs are fastened to and support at least one of i) the at least one stringer or ii) the first and second rails. The legs are fastened to the rear concrete ballast.

Abstract: A solar-tracking photovoltaic array is described. The photovoltaic array includes mounting hardware configured to rotate photovoltaic modules associated with the photovoltaic array about one or more axes. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic modules can be coupled to a torque tube oriented in a substantially North-South direction. An orientation motor can then rotate one end of the torque tube in a manner that causes the photovoltaic modules to track the sun. The photovoltaic array can also include a locking mechanism that secures another end of the torque tube during times in which the orientation motor is not rotating the torque tube.

Abstract: A solar-tracking photovoltaic array is described. The photovoltaic array includes mounting hardware configured to rotate photovoltaic modules associated with the photovoltaic array about one or more axes. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic modules can be coupled to a torque tube oriented in a substantially North-South direction. An orientation motor can then periodically rotate the torque tube in a manner that causes the photovoltaic modules to be oriented towards the sun. The orientation motor can also be utilized to apply short pulses to the torque tube that dampen oscillations caused by wind buffeting the photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: Systems and methods for structures that support bifacial photovoltaic panels are presented. A system comprising a support structure mounted to an underside of bifacial photovoltaic panels arranged in a row is provided herein. The support structure comprises one or more elongated structural members extending along and in a direction parallel to the row. The support structure further comprises one or more pivot arms that rotate about an axle at a top of the support structure. The one or more pivot arms are positioned in a perpendicular direction to the one or more elongated structural members. The one or more pivot arms connected to the one or more elongated structural members. The one or more structural elements of the support structure have a reflective outer surface to increase reflected light to the underside of the bifacial photovoltaic panels.

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: 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: A system for connecting a photovoltaic mounting rail onto a mounting post using a connection system with a pair of interlocking grasps having interdigitated fingers that can be locked into the mounting rail when moved by a fastening system.

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: 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.