A solar tracker bearing assembly has a rotating element sandwiched between two mounting brackets and held together by fasteners. The rotating element includes an arc-shaped slot such that the rotating element can pivot against the fixed mounting brackets. Bearings may be positioned within the arc-shaped slot. The rotating element can be configured to accept toque tubes of various cross-sections.
F16C 17/10 - Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement for both radial and axial load
F16C 13/04 - Bearings with only partial enclosure of the member to be borneBearings with local support at two or more points
F24S 25/65 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together
F24S 30/00 - Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
F24S 25/10 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
2.
Solar array integration system and methods therefor
A solar array integration system (AIS) and methods for mounting solar energy capture devices are provided. Such systems are useful for applications such as mounting photovoltaic (PV) modules to a suitable surface such as a rooftop. In one embodiment, the AIS includes a first row of tilted solar modules, a center spoiler coupled to the first row of tilted solar modules, the center spoiler is configured to deflect frontal airflow over the first row of tilted solar modules, and a second row of tilted solar modules, the second row of tilted solar modules being coupled to each other by an aerodynamic spar. The aerodynamic spar includes a deflector configured to deflect frontal airflow over the second row of tilted solar modules. The deflector may include a wedge-shaped profile. AIS can also include a third row of tilted solar modules, with an end spoiler coupled to the third row of tilted solar modules, and wherein the end spoiler is configured to deflect side airflow over the third row of tilted solar modules.
H01L 31/042 - PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
F03G 6/00 - Devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy
H01L 31/052 - Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells
A wire management clip formed of an elastic material to clip onto a structural element. The clip is formed to include an area for supporting a wire or wire bundle. Preferably, the clip includes holes formed on opposing sides to allow a strap attachment, such as a zip-tie, to hold a conduit or wire outside the clip.
F16L 3/08 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
F16L 3/24 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets with special member for attachment to profiled girders
A novel PV module carrier and methods of use provide protection for PV modules during transportation, field handling, and assembly with racking systems. The carrier contains elements of a racking system to allow for quicker installation in the field. The PV module carrier reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for frame elements, while reducing field installation time and labor cost for system installation.
B65D 85/30 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
H01L 31/02 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof - Details
A photovoltaic panel clamp includes an upper and lower section. The interface between the assembled clamp halves and the module edge is filled by a flexible gasket material, such as EPDM rubber. The gasket preferably has small, finger like protrusions that allow for easy insertion onto the module edge while being reversed makes it more difficult to remove them from the module once installed. The clamp includes mounting posts or an integral axle to engage a bracket. The clamp also may include a locking tongue to secure the clamp to a bracket.
E04D 13/18 - Roof covering aspects of energy collecting devices, e.g. including solar panels
E04H 14/00 - Buildings for combinations of different purposes not covered by any single one of main groups of this subclass, e.g. for double purposeBuildings of the drive-in type
A solar array mounting system having unique installation, load distribution, and grounding features, and which is adaptable for mounting solar panels having no external frame. The solar array mounting system includes flexible, pedestal-style feet and structural links connected in a grid formation on the mounting surface. The photovoltaic modules are secured in place via the use of attachment clamps that grip the edge of the typically glass substrate. The panel mounting clamps are then held in place by tilt brackets and/or mid-link brackets that provide fixation for the clamps and align the solar panels at a tilt to the horizontal mounting surface. The tilt brackets are held in place atop the flexible feet and connected link members thus creating a complete mounting structure.
A photovoltaic panel clamp includes an upper and lower section. The interface between the assembled clamp halves and the module edge is filled by a flexible gasket material, such as EPDM rubber. The gasket preferably has small, finger like protrusions that allow for easy insertion onto the module edge while being reversed makes it more difficult to remove them from the module once installed. The clamp includes mounting posts or an integral axle to engage a bracket. The clamp also may include a locking tongue to secure the clamp to a bracket.
E04D 13/18 - Roof covering aspects of energy collecting devices, e.g. including solar panels
E04H 14/00 - Buildings for combinations of different purposes not covered by any single one of main groups of this subclass, e.g. for double purposeBuildings of the drive-in type
A solar array mounting system having unique installation, load distribution, and grounding features, and which is adaptable for mounting solar panels having no external frame. The solar array mounting system includes flexible, pedestal-style feet and structural links connected in a grid formation on the mounting surface. The photovoltaic modules are secured in place via the use of attachment clamps that grip the edge of the typically glass substrate. The panel mounting clamps are then held in place by tilt brackets and/or mid-link brackets that provide fixation for the clamps and align the solar panels at a tilt to the horizontal mounting surface. The tilt brackets are held in place atop the flexible feet and connected link members thus creating a complete mounting structure.
A mounting system for photovoltaic solar panels providing support for different sized panels, and/or panels having mounting holes located in different locations. A universal panel clamp includes at least one elongated hole or slot to attach to a mounting hole on a solar panel frame. A clamp is attached to an upper hole, and a second clamp is attached to a lower mounting hole. The upper clamps are attached to an upper lateral support member, and the lower clamps are attached to a lower lateral support member. This assembly may be supported by A-shaped support members having adjustable tilt arms, or posts with specially configured brackets.
E04D 13/18 - Roof covering aspects of energy collecting devices, e.g. including solar panels
E04H 14/00 - Buildings for combinations of different purposes not covered by any single one of main groups of this subclass, e.g. for double purposeBuildings of the drive-in type
