FTC Solar, Inc.

A solar array row includes a first panel section including a first frame tube and a first photovoltaic panel connected to the first torque tube and a second panel section including a second frame tube and a second photovoltaic panel connected to the second torque tube. The row further includes a drive engaged with the first frame tube and a cabling system including a cable connecting the first panel section to the second panel section. The cable translates rotational force on the first frame tube to the second frame tube such that, when the drive is actuated, the first frame tube rotates about a first rotational axis and the second frame tube rotates about a second rotational axis offset from the first rotational axis.

Solar tracker systems include an array of solar panels, a drive for rotating the array about a longitudinal axis, and a mounting assembly including a plurality of posts and a pivotable frame assembly supporting the array of solar panels on the posts. The frame assembly includes a first frame tube connected to the drive and extending therefrom in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second frame tube laterally offset from the first frame tube and extending parallel to the first frame tube. The first frame tube and second frame tube are sized to support at least one solar panel of the array of solar panels thereon. The frame assembly further includes a lateral beam attached to the first frame tube and the second frame tube.

A solar array row includes a first panel section including a first frame tube and a first photovoltaic panel connected to the first torque tube and a second panel section including a second frame tube and a second photovoltaic panel connected to the second torque tube. The row further includes a drive engaged with the first frame tube and a cabling system including a cable connecting the first panel section to the second panel section. The cable translates rotational force on the first frame tube to the second frame tube such that, when the drive is actuated, the first frame tube rotates about a first rotational axis and the second frame tube rotates about a second rotational axis offset from the first rotational axis.

Solar tracker systems include an array of solar panels, a drive for rotating the array about a longitudinal axis, and a mounting assembly including a plurality of posts and a pivotable frame assembly supporting the array of solar panels on the posts. The frame assembly includes a first frame tube connected to the drive and extending therefrom in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second frame tube laterally offset from the first frame tube and extending parallel to the first frame tube. The first frame tube and second frame tube are sized to support at least one solar panel of the array of solar panels thereon. The frame assembly further includes a lateral beam attached to the first frame tube and the second frame tube.

Tracking systems for adjusting a photovoltaic array are disclosed. In some embodiments, the tracking system includes an actuator that moves one or more links to cause the array to rotate. The tracking system may be disposed below a torque rail of the tracking system. The actuator may be a slew drive that retracts or extends the one or more links to cause the array to rotate.

A solar tracker system includes a support tube, a solar panel assembly connected to the support tube, and an active lock connected to the support tube. The active lock includes a housing defining a chamber and a seal. The seal prevents a flow of fluid through the chamber when the active lock is in a sealed state and allows the flow of fluid through the chamber when the active lock is in an unsealed state. The active lock further includes a locking system motor connected to the seal to transition the active lock between the sealed state and the unsealed state, a battery providing power to the locking system motor, and an antenna for receiving instructions controlling the locking system motor.

Tracking systems for adjusting a photovoltaic array are disclosed. In some embodiments, the tracking system includes an actuator that moves one or more links to cause the array to rotate. The tracking system may be disposed below a torque rail of the tracking system. The actuator may be a slew drive that retracts or extends the one or more links to cause the array to rotate.

A mounting assembly for securing a solar panel assembly to a rotatable tube of a solar tracker includes a saddle having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a base wall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The solar panel assembly includes a support rail on a back side of the solar panel assembly defining a slot. The sidewalls define a gap sized to receive the support rail. A clip assembly is sized to extend around the rotatable tube and includes a clip and a cam plate. A locking device is connected to the clip assembly, is shaped to engage the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and is insertable into the slot in the support rail to connect the clip assembly to the support rail. The cam plate is shaped to receive the clip under tension and clamp the support rail to the rotatable tube.

A solar array row includes a first panel section including a first frame tube and a first photovoltaic panel connected to the first torque tube and a second panel section including a second frame tube and a second photovoltaic panel connected to the second torque tube. The row further includes a drive engaged with the first frame tube and a cabling system including a cable connecting the first panel section to the second panel section. The cable translates rotational force on the first frame tube to the second frame tube such that, when the drive is actuated, the first frame tube rotates about a first rotational axis and the second frame tube rotates about a second rotational axis offset from the first rotational axis.

Rail assemblies for connecting a photovoltaic panel to a tube include a rail shaped to be mounted on the tube such that, when mounted, the rail extends transversely outward of the tube between first and second ends. The rail assemblies further include a rail connector for securing the rail to the tube. The rail connector includes a first clip attached to the rail, a second clip attached to the rail, and a lock bracket defining a notch shaped to releasably receive the second clip. The first clip is attached to the lock bracket. When the rail is secured to the tube, the first clip and the second clip collectively apply tension on the lock bracket to clamp the rail to the tube.