Dual axis support for high wind solar panels

Abstract

A solar panel mounting system and structure which provides dual axis tracking while only requiring a force to be applied about a single axis. The system can provide desirable results with both actively-powered and passively-powered drive mechanisms. Also provided is a solar panel mounting frame which permits a solar panel to be mounted without requiring additional frame components.

1 . A dual axis solar panel support structure comprising:
 at least one cable arranged into at least two substantially parallel cable runs;   at least two cable supports suspending said cable above a ground surface; and   a translation mechanism translating a force in a first direction into a force in a second direction.   
     
     
         2 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein the force in a first direction comprises a rotational force about an axis which is substantially parallel with said substantially parallel runs. 
     
     
         3 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein said at least one cable comprises two cables extended in an arrangement substantially parallel with one another. 
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein said mechanism comprises a Cardan joint. 
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 4  wherein said mechanism further comprises an adjustment mechanism. 
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 5  wherein said adjustment mechanism is adjustable for seasonal changes in the Earth's orbit about the sun. 
     
     
         7 . The structure of  claim 4  wherein said Cardan joint is attached at its first end to a cross member which extends between said parallel cable runs. 
     
     
         8 . The structure of  claim 4  wherein said Cardan joint is attached at its second end to a downward-depending member. 
     
     
         9 . The structure of  claim 8  wherein said downward-depending member is arranged to form an angle with respect to a primary axis of said substantially parallel cable runs which is approximately equal to a north-south latitude at which said support structure is disposed. 
     
     
         10 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein said translation mechanism comprises a piston. 
     
     
         11 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein said translation mechanism comprises a transfer box. 
     
     
         12 . The structure of  claim 1  further comprising a linkage transferring the force in the second direction to a solar panel. 
     
     
         13 . The structure of  claim 1  further comprising a bracket attached to one of said substantially parallel cable runs. 
     
     
         14 . The structure of  claim 1  further comprising a balancing adjustment mechanism. 
     
     
         15 . The structure of  claim 1  further comprising a space frame supporting a solar panel, said space frame disposed between said substantially parallel cable runs. 
     
     
         16 . A solar support space frame comprising a plurality of members, said space frame configured to receive a solar panel. 
     
     
         17 . The space frame of  claim 16  wherein said space frame attaches to a back of the solar panel. 
     
     
         18 . The space frame of  claim 16  wherein said space frame attaches to a frame of the solar panel. 
     
     
         19 . The space frame of  claim 16  wherein said space frame comprises a pyramidal shape. 
     
     
         20 . The space frame of  claim 16  wherein said space frame comprises a hexamidal shape. 
     
     
         21 . The space frame of  claim 16  wherein said space frame additionally comprises an attachment mechanism. 
     
     
         22 . The space frame of  claim 16  wherein the solar panel is attached to said space frame. 
     
     
         23 . The space frame of  claim 22  wherein the solar panel frame is attached to said space frame at a plurality of points. 
     
     
         24 . The space frame of  claim 23  wherein said space frame is attached to the solar panel frame at a plurality of points about a periphery thereof. 
     
     
         25 . The space frame of  claim 16  wherein the solar panel is disposed within the frame and wherein said space frame is attached to the frame. 
     
     
         26 . A method of supporting a solar panel comprising:
 arranging at least one cable into at least two substantially parallel cable runs;   suspending the cable above a ground surface with at least two cable supports; and   translating a force applied in a first direction into a force in a second direction with a translation mechanism.