The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 04, 2018
Filed:
Dec. 07, 2015
Solarcity Corporation, San Mateo, CA (US);
Charles Almy, Berkeley, CA (US);
Soren Jensen, Corte Madera, CA (US);
Kathryn A. Pesce, San Rafael, CA (US);
SolarCity Corporation, San Mateo, CA (US);
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.