Photovoltaic panel support assembly

Claim 1

A solar energy electrical power source comprising in combination at least two flat photovoltaic panels disposed side-by-side in co-planar relation with one another, a pivot shaft extending transversely across the panels, at least two supports spaced apart lengthwise of the pivot shaft, means for connecting the pivot shaft to the at least two supports, attachment means for connecting the at least two panels to the pivot shaft so that the panels can pivot about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, coupling means mechanically coupling all of the panels together so as to form a unified flat array, and selectively operable drive means for mechanically pivoting the unified flat array about said axis; wherein each of said flat photovoltaic panels comprises at least two modules each comprising a plurality of electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells, said at least two modules being aligned along a line extending at a right angle to said pivot shaft, and said coupling means comprises (a) an elongate member extending parallel to and spaced from said pivot shaft and (b) means for attaching said elongate member to said panels; and further wherein each flat photovoltaic panel comprises a unitary frame consisting of a pair of end frame members extending parallel to said pivot shaft, a pair of side frame members extending between and connected to said end frame members, and a pair of spaced apart cross frame members, with one of said two modules being embraced by and secured to said side frame members and a first one of each of said end and cross frame members, and the other of said two modules being embraced by and secured to said side frame members and the second one of each of said end and cross frame members, whereby the gap created by said spaced apart cross frame members allow air to pass between them in order to reduce the "sail" effect when the solar array is subjected to buffeting winds.