Support for solar energy collectors

Abstract

A solar energy collection system can include support devices configured to accommodate misalignment of components during assembly. For example, the system can include piles fixed to the earth and an adjustable bearing assembly at the upper end of the pile. The adjustable bearing assembly can include at least one of a vertical adjustment device, a lateral adjustment device and an angular adjustment device. The solar energy collection system can also include a plurality of solar energy collection device pre-wired together and mounted to a support member so as to form modular units. The system can also include enhanced supports for wire trays extending between rows of solar energy collection devices.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A solar assembly for collecting solar energy, the solar assembly comprising:
 a plurality of piles secured to a ground surface, each of the piles having an upper end, each of the piles having an upper end, each of the piles extending along a generally vertical direction relative to the ground surface;   a plurality of support frames, each of the support frames having a first structural support member extending in a first direction of the support frame;   a plurality of solar energy collection devices supported by the support frames, each of the solar energy collection devices being wired to output electrical energy at about the same voltage;   an electrical tray assembly spaced above the ground, the electrical tray assembly comprising:
 a plurality of tray members for holding a plurality of electrical wires connecting the plurality of solar energy collection devices; 
 a plurality of joints connecting the plurality of tray members; and, 
 wherein the electrical tray assembly is securely fixed to at least one of the plurality of piles. 
   
     
     
         3 . The solar assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the electrical tray assembly comprises an expansion joint. 
     
     
         4 . The solar assembly according to  claim 3 , wherein the expansion joint is formed with a spring member. 
     
     
         5 . The solar assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the electrical tray assembly comprises a splice joint for fixing juxtaposed ends of the plurality of tray members. 
     
     
         6 . The solar assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of tray members comprise a ladder like structure. 
     
     
         7 . The solar assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the electrical tray assembly is supported by a two-armed support assembly, the two-armed support assembly comprising:
 a first base plate member having a substantially channel-shaped configuration;   a first and a second support arm securely fixed to the base plate member; and,   a mount for securing the first and second support arms to the pile.   
     
     
         8 . The solar assembly according to  claim 2  further comprising a combiner box, wherein electrical wires connecting the solar energy collection devices extend from the solar energy collection devices to the electrical tray assembly and then further extend to the combiner box. 
     
     
         9 . The solar assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the solar energy collection devices are aligned axially. 
     
     
         10 . The solar assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein each of the first structural support members define a pivot axis of the support frame. 
     
     
         11 . The solar assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the electrical tray assembly is securely fixed to the first pile at an adjustable height above the ground. 
     
     
         12 . A solar assembly comprising:
 a first pile secured to a ground surface, the first pile having an upper end, the first pile having an upper end, the first pile extending along a generally vertical direction relative to the ground surface;   a first support frame disposed at the upper end of the first pile;   a plurality of solar energy collection devices supported by the first support frame;   a first electrical tray assembly spaced above the ground, the first electrical tray assembly comprising:
 a first tray member for holding at least one electrical wire electrically connected to the plurality of solar energy collection devices. 
   
     
     
         13 . The solar assembly according to  claim 12  further comprising a second tray member, wherein the first tray member is connected to the second tray member by a joint, the joint being securely fixed to the first pile. 
     
     
         14 . The solar assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein the electrical tray assembly comprises a splice joint for fixing juxtaposed ends of the first and second tray members. 
     
     
         15 . The solar assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein the electrical tray assembly comprises an expansion joint. 
     
     
         16 . The solar assembly according to  claim 14 , wherein the expansion joint is formed with a spring member. 
     
     
         17 . The solar assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein the first tray member comprises a ladder like structure. 
     
     
         18 . The solar assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein the solar assembly further comprises at least one arm supporting the electrical tray assembly. 
     
     
         19 . The solar assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein the electrical tray assembly is supported by a two-armed support assembly, the two-armed support assembly comprising:
 a first base plate member having a substantially channel-shaped configuration;   a first and a second support arm securely fixed to the base plate member; and,   a mount for securing the first and second support arms to the first pile.   
     
     
         20 . The solar assembly according to  claim 12  further comprising a combiner box, wherein the electrical wires connecting the solar energy collection devices extend from the solar energy collection devices to the electrical tray assembly and then further extend to the combiner box. 
     
     
         21 . An electrical tray assembly for a solar collection system comprising:
 at least a first tray member for holding at least one electrical wire;   a least a first base plate member comprising apertures;   at least a first support arm securely fixed to the base plate member;   a mount comprising threaded ends with a U-shaped body therebetween, the threaded ends extending into apertures of the base plate.