Abstract: Solar panels row cleaning system that can dock and lock itself at a docking extension attached to the solar row. The self-docking and self-locking is optimally used when the cleaning system is not working. Movement of a cleaning apparatus of the cleaning system is controlled to cause an anchoring element on the cleaning apparatus to engage with an anchoring element on the docking extension when in the docking position and thereby lock the cleaning apparatus preventing its movement in horizontal and downward directions. This is particularly useful when strong wind gusts are present.

Abstract: An improved building roof tile for a sloping roof including a polyurethane foam tile that includes outer coating layers that are made of a uniquely fire resistant or retardant layered system that includes a first outer fire resistant layer of 100% solid aliphatic polyurea material and a second inner layer of an 100% solid intumescent non-halogenated phosphate material, said inner layer forming a fire blocking partition and said outer layer offering UV protection, featherweight, category 5 hurricane proof, yields a high R-value, offer low thermal transference into attic space, will retrofit any sloped roof without structural build-up, can be molded into single or triple units, cannot break under foot or when extreme pressures are applied, can produce upgradable solar energy, is easy to transport and install and can molded to look like slate, wood, flat roll tile or most other historical tiles.

Abstract: An adjustable photovoltaic panel mounting system that allows for variations in roofs and roof elements, while still maintaining a rigid and secure assembly. The specific location for supporting feet and structural elements of the mounting system may be varied to allow for variations in roof features and different panel configurations. The mounting mechanisms are adjustable in both a North/South and a East/West direction to provide for maximum layout flexibility.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mount support structure for readily supporting and fixing a solar cell module to a mount. A module side connector is arranged downside of a lower face of the solar cell module in two places and a hook fixture is arranged upside of a lower face of a flexible frame, a mount side connector is arranged in two places of lengthwise end and intermediate portion of module support frame located below of a parallel pair arranged on a slanted face of the mount, a hook receiving hole is arranged on a back face of the module support frame, and pressing downward the solar cell module, with the hook fixture rotatively latched in the hook receiving hole, allows for output connection and mount fixture by coupling the module side and the mount side connectors, subsequently for fixing the solar cell module to the mount.

Abstract: A solar panel mounting for installing a solar cell panel on a folded-plate roof. The mounting includes a metal foundation fixedly attachable to a ridge of the folded-plate roof, a plurality of first brackets including a foundation-side-bracket and a panel-side-bracket, a base of elongated shape, and a mounting bracket to mount the foundation-side-bracket and the panel-side-bracket on the base. The first brackets each include a first coupling portion and a first triangular portion. The first triangular portion is of generally triangular shape including a hypotenuse portion and extends perpendicularly from the first coupling portion. The first coupling portion of the foundation-side-bracket is coupled to the metal foundation. The first coupling portion of the panel-side-bracket is configured to support a solar cell panel. The foundation-side-brackets and the panel-side-brackets are located on top of the metal foundation such that the hypotenuse portions are in contact with each other.

Abstract: A system for mounting solar modules comprising a plurality of racks and clamps. Each rack has an inclined upper mounting surface to support one of the solar modules and an inclined lower mounting surface to support one of the other solar modules. Each upper mounting surface and lower mounting surface define a slot. One of the clamps slidably receivable by a slot of one of the upper mounting surfaces and configured to secure the one solar modules to the upper mounting surfaces and an other of the clamps slidably receivable by a slot of one of the lower mounting surfaces and configured to secure said one of the other solar modules to one of the lower mounting surfaces. Each rack has a tray having a first tower supporting the upper mounting surface and a second tower supporting the lower mounting surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: A passive collimating skylight system includes an energy-receiving aperture defining a first plane and an energy-delivering aperture defining a second plane that is spaced apart from and non-parallel to the first plane. An energy-directing passageway extends between the energy-receiving aperture and the energy-delivering aperture to redirect radiant energy incident on the energy-collecting aperture over a range of incidence angles to the energy-delivering aperture so that the redirected radiant energy emerges from the energy-delivering aperture over a range of emergence angles that is smaller than the range of incidence angles. The passageway is defined by a wall having a first end that defines the energy-delivering aperture and a second end that defines the energy-collecting aperture, the wall tapering inwardly and having a reflective inner surface along substantially the entire length from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting a solar panel array are disclosed, with embodiments specifically directed to spanning bodies of water such as aqueducts, canals, or other waterways. Cable truss assemblies are used to support panel receivers and solar panels mounted over the panel receivers. The cable truss assemblies are supported on groups of columns or other vertically extending support members anchored in the ground. Cable anchor lines may supplement anchoring and support of the installed solar panel array. Embodiments of the system include various combinations of supporting cables making up the cable truss assemblies. A method is also provided for construction of the solar panel array. Lengthy and continuous spans of the solar panel array can be installed over waterways by use of the cable truss assemblies. The solar panel arrays produce power, and simultaneously reduce evaporation from the waterways, resulting in conservation of water.

Abstract: A thermal solar system having a fire rating of at least A. In a specific embodiment, the system includes a thermal solar module having an aperture region and a backside region. The system has a shaped thickness of material having a first side and a second side. In a preferred embodiment, the shaped thickness of material is characterized by a fire rating of at least A. The material has a thickness suitable to be free from penetration of moisture according to one or more embodiments. The thickness of material also has a structural characteristic capable of maintaining a shape and coupling to the backside region of the thermal solar module according to one or more embodiments. The system also has an air plenum provided between the thermal solar module and the thickness shaped thickness of material. In a preferred embodiment, the system further has a frame assembly operably coupled to the shaped thickness of material to support the shaped thickness of material and the thermal solar module.

Abstract: Walkable photovoltaic floor, constituted of pieces of laminated glass composed of at least two layers of glass (1 and 2), joined together by an encapsulant (6), by an intermediate layer of photovoltaic material (3), and by a peripheral sealed frame (4).

Abstract: Racking assemblies for solar panel installations are provided. The racking assemblies may include a series of posts arranged in two parallel rows and anchored to the ground or other suitable surface. Purlins may be coupled to and may span the posts of each row. Specialized clamps may be used to attach the purlins to a series of mounting rails. The mounting rails, in turn, may support an array of solar modules.

Abstract: A solar panel is described. The solar panel has at least a support layer and, arranged one on top of the other, a first intermediate layer, at least one solar cell, a second intermediate layer, and a front pane. The solar panel also has a first edge reinforcing layer and a second edge reinforcing layer, at least one terminal housing, and at least two collecting conductors which connect the solar cell to the terminal housing in an electrically conductive manner. The support layer has a portion that projects over the periphery of the front pane. The first edge reinforcing layer is arranged above the peripheral projection and has a cutout. The second edge reinforcement layer is arranged above the first edge reinforcement layer and has an opening. The collecting conductor is located in a cut-out section and in an opening.

Abstract: A system for mounting a solar panel(s) on a building, where the solar panel has an outer frame defining a lip. The system may include a plurality of panel mounting brackets each including a base to be positioned on the building, and a vertical extension having a proximal end coupled to the base and a distal end vertically spaced apart from the base, with the distal end defining a fastener channel therein. The system may also include a plurality of mounting clamps each including a bottom flange, and a top flange spaced apart from the bottom flange and partially overhanging the bottom flange and defining a slot therebetween to receive the lip. An end extension may couple respective ends of the bottom flange and top flange together, and a fastener channel connector may be coupled to the bottom flange and configured to be slidably received within the fastener channel.

Abstract: The securing structure for a solar cell module includes a placement member installed on roof and having a groove in an upper surface, an external thread portion extending upward from the placement member, at least one flat plate-like shim member having a slit through which the external thread portion passes and a through-hole, and stacked on the placement member, a flat plate-like connecting member placed on the shim member, having an insertion hole through which the external thread portion passes, a droop portion drooping in the groove of the placement member through the through-hole, and a plurality of upward projecting portions projecting upward and sticking in the solar cell module, and having conductive property, and a first securing member and a second securing member pressing downward the solar cell module placed on the connecting member with screwing between the external thread portion and an internal thread portion.

Abstract: A system for mounting solar modules comprising a plurality of racks and clamps. Each rack has an inclined upper mounting surface to support one of the solar modules and an inclined lower mounting surface to support one of the other solar modules. Each upper mounting surface and lower mounting surface define a slot. One of the clamps slidably receivable by a slot of one of the upper mounting surfaces and configured to secure the one solar modules to the upper mounting surfaces and an other of the clamps slidably receivable by a slot of one of the lower mounting surfaces and configured to secure said one of the other solar modules to one of the lower mounting surfaces. Each rack has a tray having a first tower supporting the upper mounting surface and a second tower supporting the lower mounting surface.

Abstract: A modular panel to make a roof or a wall of a building comprises an external shell and an internal shell, made of moldable plastic material, coupled with each other to define at least a compartment. The panel integrates in itself means for the capturing and irradiation of energy, and relative energy accumulation means, the capturing and irradiation means being associated, at least partly, with the external shell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to systems, devices for use with systems, and method of mounting and retaining solar panels. In some embodiments, an apparatus for mounting one or more solar panel modules above a supporting surface is disclosed, the apparatus including: three foundational members embedded in the supporting surface; a support frame configured to receive the solar panel modules; a support strut assembly configured to attach the support frame to the three foundational members to support the solar panel modules; where the support strut assembly includes a plurality of strut members, and includes one or more adjustment mechanisms that may be used to adjust a length or a joining angle of at least one of the strut members.

Abstract: A leveler for a solar module can include a base, a rotatable adjuster, and a follower. The rotatable adjuster can be mounted to the base with a swaging process, or other techniques. The follower can be embedded within a coupler configured to be connectable to solar modules. Turning the rotatable height adjuster changes the relative spacing between the solar module and the base.

Abstract: Provided are novel building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) assemblies and methods of installation thereof on building structures. The BIP assembly includes a base sheet or a sheath, which may be a plywood board or an oriented strand (OSB) board, and multiple electrically interconnected photovoltaic inserts, which are attached to and supported by the base sheet. The base sheet is configured to be positioned directly the building structures, such as roof rafters. Various electrical components may be positioned within cavities of the base sheet and/or at the back side of that sheet. Such components are configured to align in between the roof rafters during installation. The spacing between the rafters provides access to the components and allows the components to extend away from the base sheet and into the spacing. Various electrical components may be installed and removed from the BIP assembly during its fabrication and/or installation.

Abstract: Disclosed are various structure surface configurations and related methods. An exemplary structure includes a facade that has grooved cavities that are configured in a manner that reflects summer (cooling season) insolation and absorbs winter (heating season) insolation. The effective absorptivities of the exemplary structure for various cavity reflectance characteristics, i.e., a wide range of diffuse and specular reflectance characteristics, are evaluated using a Monte Carlo model. The calculations in an illustrated embodiment are performed for the latitude of 41° N where both heating and cooling loads are significant. Embodiments of various structures are similarly within the scope of the disclosure for locations of different latitudes and longitudes.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array, including: (a) supports laid out on a surface in rows and columns; (b) photovoltaic modules positioned on top of the supports; and (c) fasteners connecting the photovoltaic modules to the supports, wherein the supports have an upper pedestal surface and a lower pedestal surface such that the photovoltaic modules are positioned at a non-horizontal angle when edges of the photovoltaic modules are positioned on top of the upper and lower pedestal surfaces, and wherein a portion of the fasteners rotate to lock the photovoltaic modules onto the supports.

Abstract: A tubular building enclosure system with thermally-broken modules having evacuated air spaces assembled in rows and/or columns to form a structurally self-supporting, thermally insulating, and solar energy collecting facade.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for a self-aligning system for mounting at least one photovoltaic module to a surface. The system includes a plurality of rails, each rail having a plurality of slideably attached friction locking retainers, and a plurality of anchors with fasteners extending opposite from friction locking retainers. A collapsible separator is coupled between the rails and structured and arranged to align the rails to each other at a pre-defined separation distance. Each friction locking retainer structured and arranged to laterally slide along a portion of each rail and remain as positioned by a user. Each friction locking retainer further structured and arranged to grip and permit adjustment of at least one photovoltaic module during mounting. An associated method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A tubular building enclosure system for unitized assembly in rows and columns to form a structurally self-supporting, thermally insulating, and solar energy collecting facade.

Abstract: An improved building roof tile for a sloping roof including a polyurethane foam tile that includes outer coating layers that are made of a uniquely fire resistant or retardant layered system that includes a first outer fire resistant layer of 100% solid aliphatic polyurea material and a second inner layer of an 100% solid intumescent non-halogenated phosphate material, said inner layer forming a fire blocking partition and said outer layer offering UV protection, featherweight, category 5 hurricane proof, yields a high R-value, offer low thermal transference into attic space, will retrofit any sloped roof without structural build-up, can be molded into single or triple units, cannot break under foot or when extreme pressures are applied, can produce upgradable solar energy, is easy to transport and install and can molded to look like slate, wood, flat roll tile or most other historical tiles.

Abstract: A modular tower assembly particularly suited for deployment in a parking lot area for collecting solar energy and precipitation includes left-hand and right-hand support modules, each having a base and a support pedestal having a bottom affixed to one end of the base. A solar panel mount has one end affixed to a pedestal top and cantilevered over the base. The left-hand support module pedestal is joined to the right hand support module pedestal such that the base of the left-hand module extends oppositely from the base of the right-hand module. A solar panel assembly is affixed to each of solar panel mounts. The modular assembly is particularly well-adapted for large scale collection of solar power for subsequent conversion to electrical power directly connected to a local power grid. Each tower is further adapted for the collection of fresh water from natural precipitation.

Abstract: A system of solar roof shingles and underlayment with wireless power transfer between the solar roof shingles and the underlayment is disclosed. Each roof shingle has a solar collector array coupled to a wireless resonator. The solar collector array establishes a voltage in response to exposure to sunlight and the wireless resonator converts the voltage to a transmittable electromagnetic signal. The signal is transmitted to resonant devices embedded in the underlayment beneath the shingles The resonant devices may be resonant capture devices that convert the received electromagnetic signal back to a usable voltage, or they may be wireless repeaters that retransmit the electromagnetic signal to remote resonant capture devices, which then convert it to a voltage. This voltage is placed on an electrical grid and made available at a remote location for use, storage, or placement on the public electrical grid.

Abstract: A solar panel assembly including a solar panel spaced from a surface to create a gap and a barrier movable between an open position and a closed position, the barrier being adapted to inhibit airflow through said gap below said solar panel when in the closed position. The assembly may further include a rack supporting the solar panel and resting on the surface. The barrier may be adapted to move from the open position to the closed position upon detection of conditions indicative of a fire. In this way air flow below the solar panel is permitted during normal operation of the solar panel assembly but is inhibited upon detection of a fire.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the system includes various couplings having a first engaging portion adapted to engage a first PV module and a second engaging portion adapted to engage a second PV module. At least one of the engaging portions allows variable positioning of the engaged PV module along the engaging portion.

Abstract: There is provided an improved roof solar panel, embodying an array of photovoltaic cells mounted on conventional modular roof sheathing, that can be readily and easily installed onto a conventional sloped roof and integrated into conventional roof shingles. Such panel includes a shingle mounting surface on a perimeter area of the sheathing, a flash strip mounted inside such shingle mounting surface and, when installed on the roof, a retainer trim for securing shingles mounted on said shingle mounting surface, while mounting to the flash strip and sealing to a perimeter of a rigid transparent protective sheet over the array. The retainer trim also serves to provide means for securing the panel onto roof trusses. Integration with the conventional roof shingling provides, inter alia, an attractive low profile with improved water shedding and wind resistance properties. There is also an intermediate roof solar panel, for installation on a roof so as to provide the aforementioned improved roof solar panel.

Abstract: Snap-in mounting systems for laminate solar panels are provided. The laminate solar panels can include laminate strips that can be snapped into mounting rails. The mounting rails may be coupled to racking rails for structural support and may include locking mechanisms for additional support and theft deterrence. An entire system may include a number of racking rails, mounting rails, and solar panels.

Abstract: A power generation structure for generating power from a renewable energy source including a base, an energy conversion structure connected to the base, and an articulating joint between the base and the energy conversion structure, the articulating joint comprising a bearing member having a body including a composite material having a rigid material and a friction-reducing material overlying the rigid material, wherein the rigid material comprises a material selected from the group of consisting of aluminum and stainless steel.

Abstract: A mounting system for solar modules in which a mounting beam has its opposite ends bent downwardly to form a first and second leg that hold photovoltaic modules at an angle to a flat roof, wherein the first and second legs are screw fastened into a rafter and the bottom ends of the first and second legs are placed into receptacles into which sealant is poured, thereby forming a water-tight seal preventing any water from leaking into the holes formed by the fasteners securing the first and second legs to the building rafters.

Abstract: A support system for solar panels utilizes metal and polymer support members having different coefficients of expansion in order to adapt to the expansion and contraction of a polymer liner that extends over a landfill. A fixation system utilized to interconnect the metal and polymer support members is molded into the polymer support members and is slidably connected to the metal and polymer support members to strengthen the support system and to compensate for different expansion and contraction rates of support system components and of the polymer liner.

Abstract: A frame for mounting a plurality of solar tracking units is provided. The frame comprises a plurality of leg assemblies interconnected by trusses to provide a stable structure that is ballasted by the frame's own weight, rather than relying on external ballast such as concrete blocks. Each leg assembly is provided with a shaft with a mounting end for mounting a solar tracking unit. Each solar tracking unit includes an armature assembly and at least one motor for controlling the orientation and position of a solar panel mounted thereon. Solar tracking assemblies, each comprising the frame and plurality of solar tracking units, can be assembled in an array using connectors spacing the assemblies, thus providing enhanced stability. Each of the assemblies can be provided with a local control unit for controlling each individual solar tracking unit, and a global control unit may be used to control the local control units.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting panel includes a support substrate and one or more solar energy receiving surface disposed on the support substrate. The panel is mountable to extend in a mounting plane across an underlying structure. The support substrate is configured so that when the panel is mounted to the underlying structure at least a portion of the solar energy receiving surface is at an inclined angle to the mounting plane.

Abstract: Apparatus manually configurable from a portable unit configuration into an assembled configuration provides a rigid shelter including a solar powered electricity supply circuit. The rigid shelter including the solar powered electrical supply circuit is manually configurable into reusable disassembled parts. Wall elements are releasably connectable between a base element and a roof element. Corner elements are used to define a unit. A plurality of units may be arranged as a single storey shelter or as a multi-storey shelter. External shelter elements have solar energy collector cells that may form part of an external element. A shipping container arrangement includes a plurality of stacked portable unit configurations.

Abstract: A tubular building enclosure system with thermally-broken modules having evacuated air spaces assembled in rows and/or columns to form a structurally self-supporting, thermally insulating, and solar energy collecting facade.

Abstract: A tubular building enclosure system for unitized assembly in rows and columns to form a structurally self-supporting, thermally insulating, and solar energy collecting facade.

Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic systems for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing system disposed on a roof deck.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to systems, devices for use with systems, and method of mounting and retaining solar panels. A solar module mounting system may include: a support mechanism including a support post pivotably attached to a support base, and an attachment module for attaching a solar panel to the support mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic module on a rack, the locking apparatus includes a pressing member, a blot having a head and a threaded portion, and a mounting member fixed to the rack. The pressing member includes a bottom portion, two side portions extending up from opposite sides of the bottom portion, and two pressing pieces extending outward from tops of the side portions respectively. A through hole is defined in a center of the bottom portion. Two ribs extend inward from inner surfaces of side portions respectively. A distance between the ribs is less than a diameter of the head. The head is retained in the pressing member between the ribs and the bottom portion. The threaded portion extends through the through hole to be screwed into the mounting member.

Abstract: A mounting support for a photovoltaic module is described. The mounting support includes a pedestal having a surface adaptable to receive a flat side of a photovoltaic module laminate. A hole is disposed in the pedestal, the hole adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin used to couple the pedestal to the flat side of the photovoltaic module laminate.

Abstract: A skylight shaft is coated with a highly reflective film to maximize the amount of light transmitted from the top of the skylight to a room below the skylight. Surface irregularities are formed in the shaft or adhesive that holds the film onto the shaft to diffuse the light and thereby prevent the formation of focal “hot spots” in the room below.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: Provided is a securing member which can secure a plate-like module reliably and has high versatility. A securing member includes an upper piece that extends in a right-left direction, a shaft portion that extends downward from the upper piece, a lower piece that extends to both sides from a lower end of the shaft portion so as to be larger than the upper piece and has a curved bottom surface, and a mounting hole that penetrates through the lower piece at one side. The lower piece is mounted on a mounting target through the mounting hole in a state where a side surface of a plate-like module is made to substantially abut against the shaft portion so that the upper piece is lowered to abut against the upper surface of the plate-like module and the lower piece abuts against the lower surface of the plate-like module.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a photovoltaic roofing element for disposal on a roof deck. The photovoltaic roofing element includes a roofing substrate including a top end and a bottom end. The roofing substrate includes an upward-facing zone having an upward-facing surface and a bottom end; a lateral flexible zone extending adjacent the bottom end of the upward-facing zone, the lateral flexible zone having a bottom end; and a strip of material disposed at the bottom end of the lateral flexible zone having a first surface on the same side of the substrate as the upward-facing surface and a height of at least about 1 cm as measured along a line from the top end to the bottom end of the roofing substrate; and a photovoltaic element disposed on the upward-facing surface of the upward facing zone of the roofing substrate.

Abstract: A brace for connecting the frames of adjacent solar modules can include one or more lower lips and one or more upper lips configured to capture an outer edge of a solar module frame. The brace can include a removable top so as to facilitate connection and disconnection of the couplers and solar modules. Additionally, the brace can be configured to allow a solar module to be engaged and disengaged by hooking the frame onto the brace then tilting the frame relative to the brace. The brace can include features for achieving a snap fit with solar module frames.