A solar collector structural support system that affixes to a mounting surface without penetrating the mounting surface is disclosed. The invention in the preferred embodiment includes a junction element adapted to receive: a plurality of leg members; at least one footing adapted to engage frictionally a mounting surface; and a structural support member; wherein a first junction element of the plurality of junction elements receives: a proximal end of a first leg member and a first structural support member. In addition, the junction element may be adapted to receive a ballast element and the ballast element may be adapted to engage a leg member.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/576,770 filed Jun. 2, 2004, entitled "ROOFTOP CONCENTRATOR," which is hereby incorporated herein for all purposes and this application is a continuation-in-part of Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/042,031 filed Jan. 24, 2005 entitled "SELF-BALASTING SOLAR COLLECTOR" which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/612,592 filed Sep. 22, 2004, entitled "APPARATUS FOR REDIRECTING PARALLEL RAYS USING SIMPLE RIGID TRANSLATION," of U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/058,023 filed Feb. 14, 2005, entitled "APPARATUS FOR REDIRECTING PARALLEL RAYS USING RIGID TRANSLATION," and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/557,738 filed Mar. 30, 2004, entitled NON-PENETRATING ROOF-MOUNTED TRACKING SOLAR COLLECTOR," both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of a solar cell system that tracks the sun or other light source. This achieves an advantageous increase in output power. The torque to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion is provided separately by an induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of internal moving parts such as in motors. The instant invention exceeds the capability of conventional systems. It is suited for maximization of solar energy with an ideally low-profile tracking solar cell array. Since there are no motors or other heavy and expensive equipment, the instant invention provides less costly and greater ease of manufacture, transportation, and installation. Dynamic motion can be controlled over a wide range of dimensions from micrometers to decimeters.
This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the elements (mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array wherein the elements are suspended with the center of mass below the swivel point, or have an internal-swivel. This achieves an advantageous natural vertical stability. The torque to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion is provided separately by an electric wind force due to electrons, ions, and/or neutrals; or in combination with an induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of internal moving parts such as in motors. The instant invention exceeds the capability of conventional systems. It is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by a low-profile concentrator array onto a receiver. Since there are no internal moving parts, the instant invention provides less costly and greater ease of manufacture. Dynamic motion can be controlled over a wide range of dimensions from nanometers to decimeters.
