A tool for adjusting driven truss components and assembled truss foundations. A bridge separates a pair of collars, each having a pair of offset bearing surfaces that fit around the truss legs. A lever arm terminating in a handle extends away from the bridge to give leverage to the tool operator. The bridge width is adjustable to enable positioning of the tool at different heights along the driven truss components. An additional receiver proximate to one of the collars may enable single leg operation. Lateral and angular adjustment of the lever arm with respect to the bridge may enable greater force to be applied to one leg relative to the other.

In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus. In an example, the apparatus comprises a center of mass with an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam shell clamp assembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a cylindrical torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a drive motor operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube. Further details of the present example, among others, can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

A solar module mounting bracket assembly includes a rail configured to support a solar module thereon, and a pair of braces. The braces each have a first end portion movably coupled to the rail. The braces are movable relative to the rail between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the braces cooperatively define a channel dimensioned for receipt of a frame member.

A mounting assembly for mounting a solar panel to a surface includes a mounting base. The mounting base supports a fastener. A module mount has a module mount sidewall supporting the fastener. The module mount is movable with respect to the fastener when the fastener is received through the module mount opening. A first distance between a bottom surface of the module mount and a top surface of the mounting base is adjustable. A mounting clamp has a mounting clamp sidewall defining a mounting clamp opening through which the fastener is received. The mounting clamp is movable with respect to the fastener when the fastener is received through the mounting clamp opening such that a second distance between a bottom surface of the mounting clamp and a top surface of the module mount is adjustable. The solar panel is mounted between the mounting clamp and the module mount.

This invention provides solar applications with a strong, light, universal solar panel mount that pivots inside the solar panel frame for compact storage or transport with no disassembly. It also pivots out at adjustable angles to work with any latitude or season without assembly. The mount is adjustable to a wide range of solar panel angles to allow the solar panel to best match the sun angle for multiple latitudes and seasons of the year. It can be temporarily free standing or permanently placed via the use of the attachment points.

An apparatus is disclosed for rotating equipment, like solar panels, about an axis. Tension and compression members, in a rigid structure, are employed in the apparatus to minimize weight and to maximize stiffness. The rotating equipment is attached to the upper end of a rotatable elongated compression member, rotatably supported at its lower end by a tri-pod base comprising three additional compression members. Six tension members extending up from the tripod base hold a flange through which passes the rotatable elongated compression member. Lateral forces on the rotatable equipment are transmitted to the tripod base through the six tension members. The apparatus is configured such that wind forces and torques on the rotated equipment are transmitted by the apparatus to ground supports. Solar panels supported by the apparatus may be held at a fixed tilt angle, or an additional mechanism may be provided for rotational about a second orthogonal axis.

In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus. In an example, the apparatus comprises a center of mass with an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam shell clamp assembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a cylindrical torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a drive motor operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube. Further details of the present example, among others, can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus. In an example, the apparatus comprises a center of mass with an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam shell clamp assembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a cylindrical torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a drive motor operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube. Further details of the present example, among others, can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

The invention is directed to a solar tracking apparatus that with permanent adjustment for latitude and pre-operation seasonal adjustment, when aimed at the Sun, will with rotation alone, track the Sun. The apparatus defines a permanently polar axis aligned shaft which rotates by the force of a weighted hydraulic timed drive continuously or intermittently at a rate simulating the apparent approximate fifteen degree per hour movement of the Sun across the sky. A two-ended carriage is fitted with a Fresnel lens or other solar concentrating or collecting element on one end and a targeted receiver is fitted to the other end. The carriage is adjustably mounted to about twenty three degrees either side of perpendicular to the polar aligned shaft thus focusing and concentrating the solar radiation on a receiving device, which stores the solar energy in the form of heat.

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.