Solar tracker system and method of making

Abstract

The solar array is attached to a support structure which permits it to pivot about two non-parallel and non-intersecting axes. The array may then be easily moved to track the sun, maintaining the production of electricity. The structure may be adapted for attachment to a surface such as the ground.

1 . An apparatus for tracking the sun, comprising:
 a) a solar panel array having at least two rotating array supports disposed to pivot about a first axis; and   b) a support structure having at least two rotating structure supports disposed to pivot about a second axis;   c) wherein said first and second axes are non-parallel and non-intersecting; and   d) wherein said array supports and said structure supports are connected to one another so as to support said solar panel array and permit it to pivot about the two axes.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first and second axes are substantially perpendicular. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said second axis is adapted to be mounted substantially parallel to a plumb line. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first axis is adapted to be mounted substantially perpendicular to a plumb line. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein each of said array supports is directly connected to each of said structure supports. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said array supports and said structure supports are connected by elongate rods. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said support structure is adapted to be rigidly attached to a surface. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said attachment is accomplished with at least one helical screw anchor. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for gathering solar energy, comprising:
 a) a solar panel array;   b) a support structure adapted for moving the array to track the movement of the sun; and   c) at least one helical anchor fastened to the support structure.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the support structure is adapted for placement on a surface. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the surface is not perpendicular to a plumb line. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the surface is not flat. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the surface is the ground. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the helical anchors are the primary means of attachment to the surface. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the support structure has at least three points of contact with the surface. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the at least one anchor is rigidly attached to the support structure. 
     
     
         17 . A method for gathering solar energy, comprising:
 a) providing a planar solar panel array;   b) providing a support structure having a first and a second pivoting joint attached to the array so as to permit the array to pivot on two axes;   c) detachably securing the support structure to a surface; and   d) pivoting the array around the two axes so as to substantially maximize its exposure to sunlight.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the support structure is secured to the surface using helical anchors. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the surface is the ground. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the array pivots automatically.