Foldable solar power system

Abstract

Foldable solar power systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a solar power system includes a support structure mounted to an intermediate bulk container (IBC) or other tank structure. A plurality of solar panels are mounted to the support structure. The support structure is movable between (a) a first configuration for storage and transport and (b) a second configuration for energy generation. In the first configuration, the solar panels are folded adjacent to a sidewall of the IBC. In the second configuration, the solar panels are opened/expanded and generally coplanar with one another. The solar panels can be aligned with a solar energy source in the second configuration to generate electrical energy. The IBC can be filled with a ballast material to anchor the solar panels in the second configuration.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A solar power system, comprising:
 an intermediate bulk container (IBC) having a pallet, a tank, and a rigid frame,
 wherein the frame secures the pallet to the tank, and 
 wherein the IBC further has a sidewall and a top surface; 
   a support structure secured to the frame; and   multiple solar panels mounted to the support structure,
 wherein the support structure is movable between (a) a storage configuration in which the solar panels are positioned generally adjacent to the sidewall of the IBC and (b) a deployed configuration in which the solar panels are positioned away from the sidewall of the IBC. 
   
     
     
         22 . The solar power system of  claim 21  wherein the IBC is configured to be filled with a ballast material to anchor the support structure and the solar panels. 
     
     
         23 . The solar power system of  claim 21  wherein the frame surrounds the tank. 
     
     
         23 . The solar power system of  claim 21  wherein, in the deployed configuration, the solar panels are generally coplanar with one another. 
     
     
         24 . The solar power system of  claim 21  wherein, in the deployed configuration, the solar panels are arranged to be nonparallel to the top surface. 
     
     
         25 . The solar power system of  claim 21  wherein the support structure includes multiple rails, wherein the solar panels are mounted to corresponding ones of the rails, and wherein the rails are pivotable relative to the IBC to move between the storage configuration and the deployed configuration. 
     
     
         26 . The solar power system of  claim 21  wherein the support structure includes first rails mounted to the IBC at least partially above the top surface and second rails pivotably coupled to one or more of the first rails, wherein the solar panels are mounted to corresponding ones of the second rails, and wherein the second rails are pivotable relative to the first rails to move between the storage configuration and the deployed configuration. 
     
     
         27 . The solar power system of  claim 26  wherein the solar panels are first solar panels, and wherein the solar power system further comprises second solar panels mounted to corresponding ones of the first rails. 
     
     
         28 . The solar power system of  claim 27  wherein the second solar panels are positioned generally adjacent to the top surface in both the storage configuration and the deployed configuration. 
     
     
         29 . The solar power system of  claim 27  wherein the first solar panels and the second solar panels are generally coplanar in the deployed configuration. 
     
     
         30 . The solar power system of  claim 21  wherein the solar panels are first solar panels, wherein the solar power system further comprises second solar panels, wherein the first solar panels are movable between the storage configuration and the deployed configuration, and wherein the second solar panels are securely mounted above the top surface of the IBC. 
     
     
         31 . A solar power system, comprising:
 an intermediate bulk container (IBC) having a pallet and a tank,
 wherein the IBC has a sidewall and a top surface; 
   a rigid casing at least partially around the IBC and secured to the IBC;   a support structure mounted to the casing; and   multiple solar panels mounted to the support structure,
 wherein the support structure is movable between (a) a storage configuration in which the solar panels are positioned generally adjacent to the sidewall of the IBC and (b) a deployed configuration in which the solar panels are positioned away from the sidewall of the IBC. 
   
     
     
         32 . The solar power system of  claim 31  wherein the IBC is configured to be filled with a ballast material to anchor the support structure and the solar panels. 
     
     
         33 . The solar power system of  claim 31  wherein the casing surrounds the tank. 
     
     
         34 . The solar power system of  claim 31  wherein, in the deployed configuration, the solar panels are generally coplanar with one another and arranged to be nonparallel to the top surface. 
     
     
         35 . The solar power system of  claim 31  wherein—
 the support structure includes first rails mounted to the IBC at least partially above the top surface and second rails pivotably coupled to one or more of the first rails; 
 the solar panels are first solar panels mounted to corresponding ones of the second rails; 
 the solar power system further comprises second solar panels mounted to corresponding ones of the first rails; 
 the second rails are pivotable relative to the first rails to move between the storage configuration and the deployed configuration; 
 the second solar panels are positioned generally adjacent to the top surface in both the storage configuration and the deployed configuration; and 
 the first solar panels and the second solar panels are generally coplanar in the deployed configuration. 
 
     
     
         36 . The solar power system of  claim 31  wherein the solar panels are first solar panels, wherein the solar power system further comprises second solar panels, wherein the first solar panels are movable between the storage configuration and the deployed configuration, and wherein the second solar panels are securely mounted above the top surface of the IBC. 
     
     
         37 . A solar power system, comprising:
 an intermediate bulk container (IBC) having a pallet, a tank, and a rigid frame,
 wherein the frame secures the pallet to the tank, and 
 wherein the IBC further has a sidewall and a top surface; 
   a rigid casing at least partially around the frame and secured to the IBC;   a support structure mounted to the casing; and   multiple solar panels mounted to the support structure,
 wherein the IBC is configured to be filled with a ballast material to anchor the support structure and the solar panels. 
   
     
     
         38 . The solar power system of  claim 37  wherein the support structure is movable relative to the IBC to move at least a portion of the solar panels between a storage configuration and a deployed configuration. 
     
     
         39 . The solar power system of  claim 37  wherein at least one of the solar panels is fixedly mounted relative to the IBC, and wherein at least another one of the solar panels is movably mounted relative to the IBC. 
     
     
         40 . The solar power system of  claim 37  wherein the frame surrounds the tank.