Solar panel system(s) and method(s) for vertical tracking

Abstract

A method and a solar panel system (100) are disclosed. Each solar assembly (110) comprises a respective solar panel (200) arranged to rotate, using a hinge assembly (203) connecting to a horizontal rotation axis (HR) of said each solar assembly (110), from a predefined angular position of the solar panel (200) about the horizontal rotation axis (HR) due to wind. The system (100) vertically tracks (A110) the position of the sun by adjusting a tracking azimuth of the solar assembly (110) based on a solar azimuth. The system (100) obtains (A120) a measure of wind in proximity of the solar panel system (100).

Description

[0001] SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM(S) AND METHOD(S) FOR VERTICAL TRACKING

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The embodiments herein relate to vertically tracking solar panel systems, such as solar parks, solar panel plants, or the like. In particular, the systems and methods herein relate to vertical tracking, wherein at least one solar panel, preferably all solar panels, of the system is rotatable about a vertical axis for the purpose of being directed towards the sun.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Solar tracking systems are commonly employed to increase the energy yield of solar panel installations by adjusting the orientation of solar panels throughout the day to follow the apparent movement of the sun. Such systems can be broadly categorized into single-axis and dual-axis trackers. Single-axis trackers rotate the panel about a single axis - either vertical or horizontal - while dual-axis trackers allow for movement along both axes, thereby enabling more precise solar tracking. Due to their mechanical simplicity and cost-effectiveness, singleaxis trackers are more prevalent in commercial installations, with horizontal-axis systems being the most widespread of the two categories of trackers.

[0006] With a single-axis vertical tracking system, having the axis of rotation in the vertical direction, the solar panel is allowed to pivot in the horizontal plane. Such single-axis vertical tracking system enables the solar panel to maintain a horizontal component of the normal vector to the active surface, i.e. the surface, or layer, comprising solar cells, aka photovoltaic (PV) cells, aligned with a horizontal component of the sun’s position as the sun appears to traverse the sky, e.g. during a day. Vertical tracking thus allows the panel to face the sun more directly during the course of the day, potentially increasing incident sunlight and the associated electrical output. However, vertical tracking systems are associated with certain disadvantages. For example, for vertical tracking systems located at certain latitudes of a planet, such as the earth, a first issue arises from the solar panels relatively steep angles of inclination during operation, which significantly increases the surface area exposed to wind. This elevated wind load presents a structural challenge, necessitating robust and potentially costly support structures to ensure mechanical stability and durability under gusty or high-wind conditions.

[0007] A second issue concerns shading. In vertically tracked arrays, adjacent rows of panels are often not aligned parallel to one another, as each panel or row may orient independently to optimize solar incidence. This misalignment results in an increased likelihood of inter-row shading, particularly during periods when the sun is low in the sky. Such shading not only reduces the overall energy yield but can also introduce non-uniform illumination across individual solar panels or modules, which may further reduce performance due to losses resulting from shaded cells.

[0008] As further background information, photovoltaic (PV) modules, commonly known as solar panels, are composed of multiple interconnected solar cells, or PV cells, that convert sunlight into electrical energy. These cells are typically arranged in series to increase the output voltage. However, the performance of such series- connected configurations is highly sensitive to non-uniform illumination conditions, such as partial shading caused by nearby objects, dirt accumulation, or cell degradation. In order to mitigate the negative impact of shading or cell failure, bypass diodes are integrated into the design of most PV modules. These diodes are typically connected in parallel with specific groups of cells — often in sections comprising approximately 18 to 24 cells — so that if one or more cells within a section become shaded or non-conductive, the bypass diode can conduct current around the affected portion. This prevents the shaded cells from becoming reverse-biased, in terms of current direction, and dissipating power as heat, which could otherwise lead to permanent damage (hot spots) or reduced module lifespan.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] There is therefore a need for improved vertical tracking solutions, such as methods and systems, which address the challenges related to wind and shading, while retaining the energy efficiency benefits associated with vertical solar tracking.

[0011] An objective is to alleviate, or eliminate, one or more of the problems and / or disadvantages mentioned herein.

[0012] According to an aspect, there is provided a method, performed by a solar panel system, for maneuvering a first set of solar assemblies, wherein each solar assembly of the first set of solar assemblies comprises a respective solar panel arranged to rotate, using a hinge assembly connecting to a horizontal rotation axis, such as an upper solar panel support member, or the like, of said each solar assembly, from a predefined angular position of the solar panel about, or relative to, the horizontal rotation axis due to wind. The solar panel system comprises the first set of solar assemblies, a control unit, a drive unit, and optionally a wind measuring device, wherein the system is arranged to track a position of a sun with the solar panel by rotation of the solar assembly, about a vertical rotation axis, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive unit to rotate the solar assembly about the vertical rotation axis.

[0013] The system vertically tracks the position of the sun with the solar panel by adjusting a tracking azimuth of the solar assembly based on a horizontal solar component of the position of the sun.

[0014] The system obtains, e.g. from the wind measuring device, from a database, or the like, a measure of wind in proximity of the solar panel system, wherein the measure of wind comprises a wind speed and a downwind direction in which the wind propagates. Furthermore, when the wind speed exceeds a wind threshold for a maximum wind speed that is allowed when performing vertical tracking without taking the measure of wind into account, the system adjusts the tracking azimuth to match the downwind direction, while optionally overriding the adjusting of the tracking azimuth according to the tracking of the sun.

[0015] In some embodiments, the system comprises a second set of solar assemblies. When the wind speed exceeds the wind threshold and / or a further wind threshold, the system can set the respective tracking azimuth of each solar assembly of the second set of solar assemblies to deviate by at least a respective deviation angle from the downwind direction.

[0016] As an example, when a majority of the solar assemblies have their respective tracking azimuth in, or nearly in, the downwind direction, a symmetry from row to row of solar assemblies as seen along the downwind direction can cause resonance and / or vibrations. Therefore, by setting the second set of solar panels at the respective deviation angle, the symmetry is broken and the resonance and / or vibrations can be reduced or eliminated.

[0017] The respective deviation angle can be the same or different for each of the solar assemblies of the second set.

[0018] In some examples, the setting of the respective deviation angle overrides the adjusting of the tracking azimuth with respect to the downwind direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second set of solar assemblies is different, or distinct, from the first set of solar assemblies. The solar assemblies of the second set can be distributed among solar assemblies of the first set.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second set of solar assemblies is a subset of the first set of solar assemblies. Then, the system can select the second set of solar assemblies from among the first set of solar assemblies, preferably evenly distributed among the first set of solar assemblies. Alternatively, the system can be preconfigured with the first and second sets of solar assemblies, e.g. the first and second sets can thus be selected once, and preferably never changed, or changed if solar assemblies are added or removed from the system. Which solar assemblies to be assigned to the second set can be determined, e.g. during installation, configuration, set-up of the system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the system comprises a peripheral row of solar assemblies located along at least one side of the solar panel system. When the wind speed indication exceeds the wind threshold and / or a further wind threshold, the system can set the respective tracking azimuth of solar panels in the peripheral row of solar panels to be directed towards the downwind direction, wherein said at least one side faces the downwind direction.

[0022] For each solar assembly in the peripheral row, the respective tracking azimuth can be opposite the downwind direction.

[0023] In this manner, solar assemblies and / or solar panels in leeward of the peripheral row are shielded from the wind, e.g. from force and / or torque and / or strain caused by the wind. As an example, shielding, or shielded from, means that solar panels in leeward of the peripheral row are exposed to less wind thanks to that the peripheral row obstructs, at least to some extent inhibits, the propagation of the wind, the advancing wind front, or the like.

[0024] In some embodiments, the peripheral row of solar assemblies is different from the first and second sets of solar assemblies.

[0025] In some embodiments, the peripheral row of solar assemblies is a subset of the first set of solar assemblies. Then, the system can select the peripheral row set of solar assemblies from among the first set of solar assemblies. Alternatively, the system can be preconfigured with the peripheral row of solar assemblies, e.g. the peripheral row can thus be selected once, and preferably never changed, or changed if solar assemblies are added or removed from the system. Which solar assemblies to be assigned to the peripheral row can be determined, e.g. during installation, configuration, set-up of the system. In some embodiments, the peripheral row of solar panels comprises reinforced vertical tracking solar assemblies, wherein the reinforced vertical tracking solar assemblies are mechanically reinforced to be able to directed towards the downwind direction even when the wind speed exceeds the wind threshold and / or the further wind threshold, while preferably the wind speed at the same time falls short of a yet further wind threshold for wind speed that the reinforced vertical tracking solar assemblies is capable of withstanding.

[0026] In some embodiments, when the wind speed indication falls short of the wind threshold for maximum wind speed, the system obtains a sun indication of a vertical solar component of the sun, e.g. at the location of the solar panel and / or the system or at least in the vicinity thereof.

[0027] Furthermore, when the vertical solar component falls short of a sun threshold for a minimum vertical solar component that is allowed when performing vertical tracking without taking the sun indication of the vertical solar component into account, the system adjusts the tracking azimuth away from the horizontal solar component by an adjustment angle, wherein the adjustment angle can be set to reduce and / or eliminate shadow on the solar panels and / or to increase and / or maximize efficiency of the solar panels of the solar assemblies, while optionally overriding the tracking of the sun.

[0028] Tracking with the adjustment angle can alternatively be performed according to another aspect as follows. Accordingly, there is provided a method, e.g. performed by a vertical tracking solar system and / or the control unit, for maneuvering solar panels of the vertically tracking solar panel system.

[0029] The system tracks the sun with the solar panel by adjusting a tracking azimuth of the solar panel and / or the solar assembly based on a solar azimuth of the position of the sun. The tracking azimuth is parallel with a horizontal component of a normal direction of the solar panel. The system, preferably repeatedly, obtains a sun indication of a vertical component of the rays from the sun, e.g. at the location of the solar panel and / or the system or at least in the vicinity thereof. The sun indication can indicate the altitude of the sun, e.g. as an angle above for example the horizon or another reference. As an example, the system obtains the sun indication, e.g. at the location of the solar panel and / or the system or at least in the vicinity thereof. Furthermore, when the vertical solar component falls short of a sun threshold for a minimum vertical solar component that is allowed when performing vertical tracking without taking the sun indication of the vertical solar component into account, the system sets the tracking azimuth at an adjustment angle relative to the solar azimuth. The adjustment angle can be set to reduce and / or eliminate shadow on the solar panels and / or to increase and / or maximize efficiency of the solar assemblies. The minimum vertical solar component is of course related to solar altitude.

[0030] In some embodiments, the adjustment angle is defined relative to the horizontal solar component. However, it can be noted that the adjustment angle is e.g. determined based on the vertical solar component and potentially other parameters as explained below.

[0031] In some embodiments, the system determines, preferably repeatedly, the sun threshold based on one or more of time of day, date, a location of the system and system dimensions. Typically, the sun threshold is determined based on time of day, date, a location of the system and system dimensions.

[0032] In some embodiments, the system determines, preferably repeatedly, the adjustment angle based on one or more of time of day, date, a location of the system and system dimensions. Typically, the sun threshold is determined based on time of day, date, a location of the system and system dimensions.

[0033] The system dimensions can refer to one or more of: • distance between panels, or pitch,

[0034] • length of sides of polygons in the grid,

[0035] • width and length of solar panels, aka apparent height of solar panels,

[0036] • predefined angular position of the solar panel(s) of the solar assemblies, and

[0037] • the like.

[0038] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises:

[0039] In some embodiments, the system and / or the control unit obtains a set of tracking modes. The set of tracking modes comprises: o a regular continuous vertical tracking mode, o a tilted continuous vertical tracking mode, and o a static tracking mode, in which the tracking azimuth of the solar assemblies is parallel with a panel alignment direction of a set of panel alignment directions associated with the grid, wherein each panel alignment direction of the set of panel alignment directions is perpendicular to a respective grid line of the grid, wherein the tracking azimuth is stationary during the static tracking mode, i.e. not updated by the control unit.

[0040] When the wind speed indication falls short of the wind threshold for maximum wind speed, the system alternatingly applies one of the set of tracking modes based on the solar azimuth, the grid lines and the system dimensions, or according to a predefined scheme with a predefined tracking azimuth for a given time and date.

[0041] In some embodiments, the tracking azimuth is parallel with a horizontal component of a normal to the solar panel.

[0042] A vertically tracking solar panel system comprising a set of solar assemblies arranged at a plurality of positions, e.g. in a horizonal plane, wherein each solar assembly of the set of solar assemblies is arranged to be rotated about a respective vertical rotation axis for enabling vertical tracking of a position of a sun with said each solar assembly, wherein the respective vertical axis is located at a respective position of the plurality of positions, wherein the plurality of positions define a grid structure, formed by triangles.

[0043] In some embodiments, a solar surface of the solar assemblies of the set has an aspect ratio of 1 :2,5 or less, 1 :3 or less, 1 :4 or less, or 1 :5 or less, or the like.

[0044] In some embodiments, each triangle of the triangles has a side that is parallel with a predefined compass direction.

[0045] In some embodiments, the predefined compass direction is north, south, east, west, northeast, southeast, southwest, or northwest, or the like.

[0046] In some embodiments, each solar assembly of the set of solar assemblies comprises a respective solar panel arranged to rotate, using a hinge assembly connecting to a horizontal rotation axis of said each solar assembly, from a predefined angular position of the solar panel about the horizontal rotation axis due to wind.

[0047] In some embodiments, the triangles are equilateral triangles, isosceles triangles, or the like.

[0048] In some embodiments, all triangles of the system have a common shape and common dimensions.

[0049] In some embodiments, each solar panel of the solar assemblies comprises a light-weight solar panel, having a weight of less than 10 kg per square meter. In some embodiments, the system and / or a control unit is configured to perform one or more of the methods herein.

[0050] As an example, there is provided a solar panel mounting system for mounting one or more solar panels comprises a rotatable vertical support member, a lower solar panel support member for supporting the at least one solar panel in a rest position, an upper solar panel support member rotatably attached to the at least one solar panel, and one or more connection members attaching the at least one solar panel to the upper solar panel support member, allowing the at least one solar panel to rotate relative to the upper solar panel support member, wherein wind force upon a surface of the at least one solar panel causes the at least one solar panel to rotate around the upper solar panel support member out of the rest position. In the rest position, the solar panel can have a predefined angle relative to a horizontal plane. The solar panel mounting system further comprises a motor connected to the rotatable vertical support member for driving rotation of the rotatable vertical support member. The solar panel mounting system further comprises a computing unit for controlling the motor, such as a drive unit, or the like. The computing unit controls the motor to rotate the rotatable vertical support member such that a rear surface of the at least one solar panel faces the direction of incoming wind. In some cases, this embodiment, one of these embodiments, can be excluded from the method of maneuvering the solar assemblies herein based on wind direction.

[0051] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The various aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, including particular features and advantages thereof, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described in the following.

[0053] Figure 1 is a schematic overview of an example of a vertically tracking solar assembly. Figure 2 is an exemplifying illustration of a vertically tracking solar panel mounting system.

[0054] Figure 3 is a schematic overview of an example of a vertically tracking system according to some embodiment herein.

[0055] Figure 4 is a schematic overview of an example of a vertically tracking solar assembly according to some embodiments herein.

[0056] Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of an example of the vertically tracking solar assembly according to some embodiments herein.

[0057] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating examples of a method, e.g. performed by the system and / or control unit.

[0058] Figures 8, 9 and 10 are top views illustrating tracking azimuth of a number of solar assemblies according to various embodiments herein.

[0059] Figure 11 is a top view illustrating locations of vertical rotation axes for the solar assemblies of examples of the vertically tracking solar panel system herein.

[0060] Figures 12, 13 and 14 are top views illustrating tracking azimuth in relation to solar azimuth according to some examples herein.

[0061] Figure 15 is another flowchart representing illustrative examples of the methods herein.

[0062] Figures 16 through 21 illustrate examples of the solar assembly with a predefined angle assumed by the solar panel in a resting position. Figure 22 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the solar assembly including drive unit.

[0063] Figure 23 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method herein.

[0064] Figure 24 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the control unit and / or system, or modules of the system, according to at least some embodiments herein.

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a vertically tracking solar assembly 1 . The vertically tracking solar assembly 1 includes one or more solar panels 2 forming a surface 7 to be illuminated by a sun.

[0067] Each solar panel 2 can include one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells 3, which forms one or more active areas of each solar panel 2. In the active areas, electricity can be generated when the PV cell(s) 3 are illuminated by light, e.g. from the sun.

[0068] The solar panels 2 are titled at an angle 4, such as 20 to 80 degrees, e.g. from a horizontal plane HP. The angle 4 can be referred to as being predefined, or static, i.e. not adjusted to track the sun with the solar panels 2. Generally, the angle 4 may be selected based on a location of the system 1 .

[0069] The vertically tracking solar assembly 1 further comprises a mounting structure 5, such as a pilar, a bar, a tower, an elongated truss, or the like. The mounting structure 5 can be provided (not shown) with fastening means for attaching one or more solar panels 2. The fastening means can be embodied by consoles, rails, a board, etc., cooperating with clips, screws, nails, bolts, and the like, to fasten the solar panels 2. In order to allow the solar panels 2 to track the sun, i.e. the sun’s position, as it apparently traverses the sky in the course of a day, the mounting structure 5 is rotatable about a vertical axis, e.g. being perpendicular to the horizontal plane HP. The rotation can be achieved by a drive unit 6, such as a motor, an engine, or the like. The drive unit 6 can be powered by electricity, e.g. from the solar assembly itself, or a fuel, such a liquid fuel, a fossil fuel, gasoline, etc.. In this manner, a vertical tracking operation, e.g. rotation of panels about the vertical rotation axis, ensures that rays hit the solar panels with a 90-degree angle in the horizontal plane HP, or at least matched to the direction of the rays.

[0070] A vertically tracking solar panel system 10 is shown in Figure 2, which is a top view as seen along the vertical rotation axis VR. The vertically tracking solar panel system 10 includes a plurality of vertically tracking solar assemblies 1 , e.g. of the kind described above. Each vertically tracking solar panel assembly 1 of the plurality of vertically tracking solar panel assemblies 1 has a respective vertical rotation axis VR about which it is rotatable by means of the drive unit 6 associated with said each vertically tracking solar panel assembly 1 .

[0071] As used herein, the term “azimuth” generally refers to a direction and / or an angle in the horizontal plane.

[0072] As used herein, the term “system”, “solar panel system”, “vertically tracking solar panel system”, “solar panel mounting system”, and the like, may have been used interchangeably to refer to a solar panel system configured to control the solar panel’s tracking azimuth according to the sun. The system can be arranged to have wind-responsive solar panels, e.g. which intentionally and / or deliberately, e.g. by means of configuration, mounting arrangement or the like, can move due to wind, e.g. when wind speed exceeds a threshold, preferably from a predefined angle relative to the horizontal plane and more preferably towards a horizontal orientation. Each solar panel is arranged to rotate from a predefined angular position when exposed to wind, e.g. impinging at a rear surface thereof, capable of lifting and rotating the solar panel away from the predefined angular position, e.g. towards a horizontal orientation of the solar panel. As an example, during the rotation towards the horizontal orientation, at least gravity of the solar panel is overcome by the wind. That is to say, in cases where the solar panel is biased to the predefined angle, the wind may need to overcome both gravity and a biasing force, e.g. originating from a spring, or the like.

[0073] The terms “predefined angle” and "predefined angular position” may have been used interchangeably herein.

[0074] In order to avoid that solar assemblies 1 in a first row 21 have their shadows falling onto solar panel assemblies 1 in a second row 22, the solar assemblies 1 are spaced away from each other at a distance 24. The first and second rows 21 , 22 can be directly adjacent to each other. In this manner, when the solar panel assemblies 1 in the first and second rows 21 , 22 are rotated, e.g. 45 degrees, there will not be an overlap in a sun direction 26. This is illustrated by a tilt direction 25. The sun direction 26 refers to a direction to the position of the sun, i.e. oppositely to a travel direction of rays impinging on the vertically tracking solar panel system 10. The tilt direction 25 is parallel with the sun direction 26. A disadvantage is, hence, that the distance 24 is adapted to a worst-case scenario, i.e. that of a tilt direction 25 of 45 degrees, e.g. relative to a square grid formed by the vertical rotation axes VR of the system 10. In other tilt directions, it would be desired to extend the solar assemblies 1 in a direction perpendicular to the sun direction 26 to catch as much sun as possible. For example, as shown by the dotted solar panel assemblies 1 , for a tilt direction 25 of 0 degrees with respect to a north / south aligned squared grid formed by the vertical rotation axes VR of the plurality of solar assemblies 1 , the distance 24 is unnecessarily long, or wide. In order to increase use of incident sun rays, it would be desired that the distance 24 is zero, or merely minimal, e.g. with a margin to ensure that the solar assemblies 1 do not collide, e.g. when aligned with the grid of the vertical rotation axes VR, e.g. colinear with the lines of the grid.

[0075] Given a certain point in time, the sun is located at particular position in the sky, then a shading effect due to the overlap can only happen when the sun is not located high enough, therefore when the panels are lower, i.e. their extension in the vertical plane is smaller, the shading effect is reduced, but to remain the same area of the surface 7, a width of the surface 7 need to be increased, e.g. to a corresponding degree.

[0076] Thus, it is desired that the surface 7 is elongated in a horizontal direction running in the horizontal plane HP. That is, a ratio of a height of the surface 7 to a width of the surface 7 is 1 :2,5 or less, such as 1 :3 or less, 1 :4 or less, 1 :5 or less, or the like.

[0077] Notably, the ratio of height to width of the surface, or the solar panel(s) of the assembly can be combined with any embodiment herein. In particular, embodiments that enable a reduction of the load, such as strain, torque or the like, on the solar assembly due to wind can benefit from having solar panels with said ratio to increase solar production. Therefore, it shall be understood that it is a total ratio of the wind and / or sun exposed area or surface that is used when calculating the ratio, i.e. not a ratio for an individual solar panel even if that may be the case in some examples, where the solar assembly only includes one solar panel. Clearly, in general the solar assembly includes one or more solar panels, preferably two solar panels, or preferably three solar panels, or preferably four solar panels depending on specific implementation and preferences.

[0078] However, the wider the surface 7 becomes, i.e. to increase extension in the horizontal direction, the more sensitive to wind the vertical tracking solar assembly 1 becomes. In more detail, the torque on the assembly resulting from wind increases as the surface 7 becomes wider, i.e. in the horizontal direction. As a result, the mounting structure 5 and / or related supporting mechanical parts is / are required to be made more sturdy to be able to withstand increased load due to wind. Disadvantageous^, weight as well as cost of the mounting structure 5 and / or the related supporting mechanical parts increase(s), which in turn requires a more powerful drive unit 6. Additionally, power consumption of the drive unit 6 undesirably increases.

[0079] Hence, the present inventors have realized that there is a need for a different approach to tackle the wind and shade problems arising in connection with vertically tracking solar panel systems.

[0080] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a vertically tracking solar panel system 100 according to some embodiments herein. The vertically tracking solar panel system 100 comprises a plurality of vertically tracking solar assemblies 110. The plurality of vertically tracking solar assemblies 1 10 are typically of one and the same kind, but they may also, or alternatively, be of slightly different kinds. For simplicity, one vertical tracking solar assembly 110 of a particular kind is described. Yet, other examples of vertical tracking solar assemblies 110 can be employed in the vertically tracking solar panel system 100 according to various embodiments thereof.

[0081] With reference to Figure 4 through Figure 6, examples of the vertically tracking solar assembly 110 are shown. In some examples, a vertical tracking solar assembly 110 has a surface 117 provided with a plurality of PV cells, distributed on one or more solar panels 200. Accordingly, the surface 117 can include or represent said one or more solar panels 200. The PV cells are illustrated by the pattern of crossing lines on the surface 117. The vertically tracking solar assembly 110 is provided with a means for holding the solar panel such that the surface 117 is at a predefined angle with respect to the horizontal plane HP, while the surface 117 at the same time is allowed to be tilted, or rotated, by wind, e.g. towards a position in which the surface 117 can become parallel, or almost parallel, with the horizontal plane HP. The tilting, or rotation, can occur about a horizontal rotational axis HR that is parallel with the horizontal plane HP. The means for holding the surface 1 17 at the predefined angle can be a holding device 118, a blocking structure, a wire, etc. as described in more detail in section “Examples of blocking structures” below.

[0082] According to the embodiments herein, the vertically tracking solar assembly 110 includes the aforementioned one or more solar panels. The vertically tracking solar assembly 1 10 is arranged to hold each solar panel at the predefined angle, e.g. in a resting position. The vertically tracking solar assembly 110 can be arranged to bias said each solar panels towards the resting position. In some examples, the solar assembly 1 10 biases said each solar panel towards the resting position in that gravity of the solar panel 200 brings, e.g. rotates, the panel to the resting position, e.g. the panel rests due to gravity at the predefined angle.

[0083] The solar panels according to at least some embodiments herein have a ratio of a height of the solar panel to a width of the solar panel that is 1 :2,5 or less, such as 1 :3 or less, 1 :4 or less, 1 :5 or less, etc..

[0084] A projection on the horizontal plane HP of a normal N to the surface 117 and / or said one or more solar panels 200 is a respective tracking azimuth HT of each surface 117 and / or each one or more solar panels 200 associated with the surface 117. As used herein, the term “solar panel”, e.g. in singular, can be used for simplicity when referring to the respective tracking azimuth HT. Thus, the respective tracking azimuth HT of the solar panel 200 can refer to the respective tracking azimuth HT of the surface 117 and / or said one or more solar panels 200 associated with the surface 117. When all, or a majority of the solar panels 200, are align, e.g. parallel, a tracking azimuth HTS, as shown in Figure 3, can indicate a common direction, or a direction common to the majority of the solar panels 200.

[0085] Furthermore, the vertically tracking solar assembly 110 includes a drive unit 120 that is arranged to rotate the surface 1 17 of the solar panel(s) about a vertical rotation axis VR. The drive unit 120 can drive the vertical support member 102, e.g. as a realization of the vertical rotation axis VR, via sprockets, gears, belts, wires, cardans, or the like. See e.g. Figure 22 showing an illustrative implementation.

[0086] The vertically tracking solar panel system 100 can include a control unit 130, such as a computer, a microcomputer, a stationary computer, a laptop, a microcomputer board, a computing unit, a processor, a processing module, an embedded computer device, or the like. The control unit 130 can control the tracking azimuth HTS and / or the respective tracking azimuth HT, jointly or individually. In some examples, the control unit 130 can be a main control unit for the system as a whole. The primary control unit can then include a number of sub control units 131 , where each sub control unit 131 is configured to control the respective tracking azimuth of a corresponding vertical tracking solar assembly 110 associated thereto. Expressed differently, each vertical tracking solar assembly 110 can include a respective sub control unit 131. In some examples, the control unit 130 can obtain instructions for how to control the solar assemblies from a server, a cloud function, or the like.

[0087] Furthermore, the vertically tracking solar panel system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can obtain wind information including a wind direction indication indicating a direction of the wind and a speed indication indicating a speed of the wind.

[0088] The wind information can be obtained from an anemometer, from a data source on the Internet, provided that the vertically tracking solar panel system 100 and / or the control unit 130 has been configured with a location of the system, or is provided with a Global Position System (GPS) unit, or the like.

[0089] The vertically tracking solar panel system 100 can thus sometimes include a wind measuring device, such as an anemometer, an electronic wind vane providing information about the downwind direction, or the like. The control unit 130 can then be configured to read the downwind information from the wind measuring device, e.g. read a measure of wind. In other examples, the control unit 130 can be configured to retrieve the wind information from the data source on the Internet. This means for example that the control unit 130 can be connected to the anemometer, the electronic wind vane, the Internet, and similar as required, to obtain, such as retrieve, receive, fetch, or the like, the wind information.

[0090] With the vertically tracking solar assembly 110, the orientation of the surface 117 is adjusted such that the normal vector to the surface 117, or a projection of the normal on the horizontal plane, remains matched to, e.g. aligned with, parallel with, almost parallel with, or the like, the direction of incoming sunlight projected on the horizontal plane. To achieve this, control information, to be provided to the drive unit 120, is required. The control information enables precise rotation about the vertical rotation axis VR, typically via the aforementioned drive unit 120. The control information may be obtained through a variety of means, e.g. based on solar position calculations derived from known astronomical data. The control information can typically be derived from the wind information, e.g. at least during high wind conditions, i.e. the wind exceeds a threshold as explained herein.

[0091] As an example, the control information can be determined using an ephemerisbased tracking method. This approach relies on a predefined solar position algorithm which calculates the sun’s azimuth and elevation angles for any given time and geographic location. The required input parameters - namely, the system’s 100 latitude and longitude, the current date, and the current time - can be obtained from a local clock and / or a positioning module, such as a GPS unit. The location of the system 100 can also or alternatively be provided from a memory, a user, an operator, from a GPS unit of the system, or the like. The predefined solar position algorithm outputs the sun’s position in the sky with high precision, and this information is used to generate commands for the drive unit 6 to orient the surface 117 appropriately. Since the surface 117 is only rotated in the horizontal plane, only the azimuth angle of the sun is typically used in determining the appropriate rotation angle. In some examples, alternatively or additionally, sensor-based tracking can be employed to obtain real-time feedback on the direction of sunlight. Such vertically tracking assemblies may include a photodiode or a light-dependent resistor (LDR), aka sun sensors, arranged in a quadrant configuration. These sensors detect differences in light intensity, and a control unit of the assembly adjusts the panel orientation to minimize a differential signal from the sensors, thereby aligning the panel more directly towards the sun. Sensor data may be used continuously or intermittently to correct mechanical inaccuracies, installation misalignment, or local environmental effects that are not accounted for by purely algorithmic methods.

[0092] Regardless of the specific method employed to determine the sun’s position, the resulting control information is used, by the control unit 130, 131 , to operate the drive unit 6. The drive unit 6 is configured and arranged to rotate the surface 117 about a vertical rotation axis VR so as to track the sun’s azimuthal apparent movement across the sky. This controlled movement allows the surface 117 to remain favorably oriented toward the sun throughout the day, thereby maximizing the incident solar irradiance on the active surface and improving the overall efficiency of the system 100. The control information can be determined by the control unit and provided, such as sent, to the drive unit 6 to achieve the desired direction, i.e. tracking azimuth, relative to the sun.

[0093] As used herein, the term “predefined angular position” refers to an angle relative to the horizontal plane HP, e.g. when the solar panel rests, or is biased towards, in the predefined angular position, a predefined angle is defined by the solar panel’s active surface relative to the horizontal plane HP. The predefined angular position is maintained during rotation of the solar panel about the vertical rotation axis, e.g. associated therewith. As used herein, the term “wind-responsive” in connection with solar panels, i.e. “wind-responsive solar panels” refers to solar panels, which intentionally and / or deliberately, e.g. by means of configuration, mounting arrangement or the like, can move due to wind, e.g. when wind speed exceeds a threshold, preferably from a predefined angle relative to the horizontal plane and more preferably towards a horizontal orientation. Each solar panel is thus arranged to rotate from a predefined angular position when exposed to wind, e.g. impinging at a rear surface thereof, capable of lifting and rotating the solar panel away from the predefined angular position, e.g. towards a horizontal orientation of the solar panel. Due to the predefined angle the rear surface of the solar panel is the side of the panel that faces downwards, e.g. as opposed to a surface, generating electricity, facing upwards at the predefined angle. As an example, during the rotation towards the horizontal orientation, at least gravity of the solar panel is overcome by the wind. In some examples, the predefined angular position is maintained during rotation, about the vertical rotation axis, of the solar panel. Thus, wind-responsive mainly concerns rotation of the solar panel, having the predefined angle herein, about a horizontal axis, as triggered by wind, e.g. sufficiently strong wind.

[0094] As used herein, the term “wind-adaptive” in connection with solar panels and / or solar assemblies refers to that the solar assembly and / or solar panel can be controlled, e.g. by a control unit, to increase solar generated electricity and / or to protect the solar assemblies from damage due to wind, e.g. by rotating one or more of the solar assemblies of the system, e.g. about their respective vertical rotation axis. Thus, wind-adaptive mainly concerns control of tracking azimuth of one or more solar panels.

[0095] As used herein, the term “horizontal orientation of the solar panel” refers to when the solar panel parallel with the horizontal plane HP. As used herein, the terms “tracking azimuth” and “tracking direction in the horizontal plane”, refer to a projection of a normal direction to the solar panel(s) of a solar assembly on the horizontal plane, i.e. the terms refer to a direction in the horizontal plane, a direction projected onto the horizontal plane, or the like.

[0096] As used herein, the terms “solar azimuth”, “solar azimuth direction”, “horizontal solar component”, or the like, refer to a horizontal component of a position of the sun, e.g. an azimuth component of the position of the sun, a horizontal direction towards the position of the sun, or the like.

[0097] As used herein, the expression “tracking of the sun”, “tracking the sun with the solar panel”, or the like, refers to vertically tracking the sun by rotating the solar panel about a vertical rotation axis, whereby a tracking azimuth of the solar panel can be aligned with, e.g. parallel with, a horizontal component of a direction to the sun, e.g. given a known location of the solar panel and known time of the day. The tracking azimuth is a horizontal component of a normal to the solar panel, e.g. to a sheet, or a layer, of PV cells of the solar panel.

[0098] As used herein, the expression “system”, “solar panel system”, “vertically tracking solar system”, or the like, can refer to a solar panel mounting system configured to track a sun by rotating each solar panel of the system about a respective vertical axis associated with said each solar panel, or solar assembly.

[0099] As used herein, the term “downwind direction", “wind flow direction”, “direction of wind force”, and the like, refers to the direction in which the wind propagates, e.g. a horizontal component of the direction in which the wind propagates.

[0100] As used herein, the term “adjustment angle”, “sun adjustment angle”, or the like, refer to angular difference between solar azimuth and the tracking azimuth of a solar assembly or a solar panel. As used herein, the terms “solar panel”, “panel”, are used interchangeably.

[0101] Sometimes, solar panel can refer to solar assembly or vice versa as evident from the context.

[0102] As used herein, the term “deviation angle”, “wind deviation angle”, or the like, refer to angular difference between the tracking azimuth of a solar assembly or a solar panel.

[0103] As used herein, “wind speed”, “wind speed indication”, “wind speed value”, or the like, may have been used interchangeably. The same, similar, or corresponding terms may have been used interchangeably with respect to “downwind direction”.

[0104] The expressions “normal direction”, “normal”, “normal direction of, or to, the solar panel”, “normal direction of the solar panel’s surface”, “normal direction to an active surface of the solar panel” refers to the mathematical and geometric concept “normal”. The active surface is active in that it generates electricity in photovoltaic cell in a layer located interior to the surface” may have been used interchangeably. In general, a direction that is perpendicular to a surface, or a plane, is referred to as a “normal direction”, or the like. A geometric plane has two possible normal directions. However, herein, the normal direction of a panel, sheet or layer, refers to the direction that points away from the panel or sheet, rather than towards a central plane of the panel, sheet or layer. As an example, the normal to the active surface of a solar panel is opposite to the normal to the rear side of the solar panel, where the rear side clearly refers to the opposite side of the solar panel as compared to the active surface. Yet, sometimes, the solar panel can have two opposing active surfaces, in which case the rear side will face away from the sun, and / or towards the ground, or based on which the solar assembly, holding the panel, is installed, or mounted.

[0105] “rear surface”, “rear surface of the solar panel” is located oppositely the active surface of the solar panel. When the rear surface is directed in a direction, it can mean that a horizontal projection of the normal to the rear surface is directed in said direction.

[0106] As used herein, the term “bias” refers to mechanical bias, e.g. achieved due to gravity, a resilient member, a spring, a coil, an elastic string or the like. The resilient member can be incorporated into the hinge assembly, or interact with the solar panel, e.g. the frame or an extension from the frame from a static portion of the solar assembly, i.e. static with respect to rotation about the horizontal axis, but still e.g. rotatable about the vertical rotation axis. The elastic string can be arranged in a similar manner between any portion of the rotating solar panel, i.e. rotating about the horizontal axis, and a static portion of the solar assembly as explained above.

[0107] As used herein, the term “grid lines”, “principal grid line”, “grid directions”, “principal grid direction”, or the like, refer to a line along which a side of a polygon, forming the grid, runs. Corners of the polygon are positioned at the vertical rotation axes of the vertically tracking solar assemblies of the systems herein. The polygon can be a square, a rectangle, a triangle, an equilateral triangle, an isosceles triangle, or the like. In more detail, a principal line, e.g. in a triangular grid, can be the shortest, or among the shortest distances in cases of an isosceles triangular grid, direct connection between adjacent grid nodes, e.g. positions of the vertical rotation axes, or the like. As an example, a triangular grid can comprise nodes, i.e. the positions of the vertical rotation axes, connected by grid lines, each grid line extending between adjacent nodes at a shortest internode distance, the grid lines forming three sets of parallel lines, where e.g. each set is oriented at 60-degree angles relative to each other in case of equilateral triangles.

[0108] As used herein, the term “panel alignment direction” refers to a direction that is perpendicular to a corresponding grid line. The panel alignment direction typically extends in the horizontal plane. As an example, in an equilateral triangle grid, e.g. a grid built up by equilateral triangles, there are three grid lines, wherein each one of the three grid lines has two corresponding panel alignment directions. ’’Corresponding” refers to that the two panel alignment directions are associated with opposite directions, which are perpendicular to the grid line associated with the two panel alignment directions. When panels are directed according to one of the grid lines, groups of panels being parallel with said one of the grid lines are colinear with each other or arranged in colinear manner, i.e. colinear within each group. Clearly, when the sun is located in, or near, a panel alignment direction of the grid, it can be beneficial to direct the panel’s tracking azimuth parallelly with said panel alignment direction, e.g. especially when no inter-shading occurs. Inter-shading refers to when a panel in a first row casts a shadow on, or shades, e.g. at least partially shades, another panel, in a second row being directly adjacent to the first row.

[0109] As used herein, two directions can be considered parallel, or almost parallel, when the two directions point in the same direction, or approximately the same direction.

[0110] Similarly, two directions can be said to match when the two directions are parallel, or almost parallel. As an example, the directions can be considered to match, e.g., be aligned, when a dot product of normalized directions, or unit vector directions, exceeds a threshold value, preferably close to 1 , such as 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 0.95 or the like. The threshold is thus set to determine when to consider the directions to be matching. Alternatively, the directions may be considered to match when the magnitude of their cross product is below a threshold, preferably close to zero, such as 0.3, 0.2, 0.1 , 0.05, or the like. In this manner, both the dot product and the cross product can provide measures of angular proximity between the directions.

[0111] As used herein, two directions can be anti-parallel, or almost anti-parallel, when the two directions point in opposite directions. Consequently, when two directions are parallel, the directions point in one and the same direction, but not necessarily colinearly, i.e. two parallel directions, at a distance from each other, do still point in the same direction.

[0112] Turning to Figure 5, there is provided a solar panel mounting system having an inner vertical member 103 fixed to the ground, either directly or via a ground anchoring system. Located over the inner vertical member 103 is a rotatable vertical support member 102, which rotates around the inner vertical member 103. A central longitudinal geometric axis of the inner vertical member 103 coincides with a vertical rotation axis of the rotatable vertical support member 102 Fixedly attached to the rotatable vertical support member 102 is a horizontal axis HR, preferably the point of attachment of the horizontal axis to the rotatable vertical support member is at or around the center of the horizontal axis HR. The horizontal axis, or horizontal rotation axis, HR, can run along or in an upper solar panel support member 105. Accordingly, in some examples, the horizontal axis HR can be embodied by the upper solar panel support member 105. Attached to the horizontal axis HR are one or more solar panels, these panels are attached such that they may hang from the horizontal axis and sway in the presence of wind, e.g. sway from a resting position in which the panel(s) rest on the lower solar panel support member 104. The rotatable vertical support member 102 may be rotated by a motor 120, the motor 120 may be driven by a computing device, such as the control unit 130, 131. The computing device can, or can be configured to, determine the desired orientation of the solar panels based on measured or predicted wind conditions, or other conditions or requirements. To reduce or limit friction between the inner vertical member 103 and the rotatable vertical support member 102, bearings (not shown) may be positioned adjacent the top of the inner vertical member 103 and the bottom of the rotatable vertical support member 102. In an alternative embodiment, the inner vertical member may be rotatable, while the rotatable vertical support member is not rotatable but is rather fixed to, or anchored to, the ground as is herein described. As shown in the examples of Figures 5 and 6, there is provided a solar assembly 110 of the solar panel mounting system 100 comprising the rotatable vertical support member 102, the lower solar panel support member 104, the upper solar panel support member 105, and at least one solar panel 200 having a front surface 200A and a rear surface 200B. Optionally, the rotatable vertical support member 102 may be connected to a motor 120 for driving rotation of the rotatable vertical support member 102. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the upper solar panel support member 105 runs along and coincides with the horizontal rotation axis HR.

[0113] The at least one solar panel 200 is attached to one or more connection members 201 , which in turn are connected to the upper solar panel support member 105. The connection member 201 is in the form of a hinge or alternative mechanism, that functions to allow one item to rotate relative to another item. Expressed differently, a hinge assembly 203 can be formed by said one or more connection members 201 and the upper solar panel support member 105. In this case, the solar panel 200 rotates relative to, and about, the upper solar panel support member 105, while the upper solar panel support member 105 remains static.

[0114] The drive unit 120 rotates the rotatable vertical support member 102, to place the solar panel mounting system into a desired orientation relative to the position of the sun in the sky, or direction of wind force present. One desired position may be such that the rear surface 200B is facing the direction of any wind force present, upon the wind force contacting the rear surface 200B, the rear surface 200B will rotate around the upper solar panel support member 105 by the connection member(s) 201 . As an example, this can mean that, in said desired position, the respective tracking azimuth of each, or at least a majority of, the panels 200 or solar assemblies 110, points in the same direction as the wind, i.e. in the downwind direction. Figure 6 shows another view of the solar assembly 1 10 of Figure 5. According to Figure 6, the solar panel 200 is rotated in the presence of wind from direction X. The wind causes the solar panel 200 to rotate, about the horizontal rotation axis HR, and towards, or even into, a horizontal orientation, in which the solar panel is parallel with, or almost parallel with, a horizontal plane HP.

[0115] Figure 7 illustrates examples of a method, performed by a solar panel system 100, for maneuvering a solar panel 200, wherein the solar panel 200 arranged to rotate, e.g. at least partially freely, due wind, wherein the solar panel system 100 comprises the solar panel 200, a control unit 130, a drive unit 120, and optionally a wind measuring device 160. The system 100 is arranged to enable tracking of a position of a sun with the solar panel 200 by rotation of the solar panel 200, about a vertical rotation axis VR, wherein the control unit 130 is configured to control the drive unit 120 to rotate the solar panel 200.

[0116] Thus, according to some examples, there is provided a solar panel system 100, for maneuvering a first set of solar assemblies 110. Each solar assembly 110 of the first set of solar assemblies 110 comprises a respective solar panel 200 arranged to rotate, using a hinge assembly 203 connecting to a horizontal rotation axis HR, such as an upper solar panel support member 105, or the like, of said each solar assembly 110, from a predefined angular position of the solar panel 200 about the horizontal rotation axis HR due to wind, wherein the solar panel system 100 comprises the first set of solar assemblies 110, a control unit 130, a drive unit 120, and optionally a wind measuring device 160. The system 100 is arranged to track a position of a sun with the solar panel 200 by rotation of the solar assembly 110, about a vertical rotation axis VR. The control unit 130 is configured to control the drive unit 120 to rotate the solar assembly 110 about the vertical rotation axis VR.

[0117] One or more of the following actions can be performed in any suitable order. Action A105 is described further below.

[0118] Action A110

[0119] The system 100 and / or the control unit 130 tracks, i.e. vertically tracks, the sun with the solar panel 200.

[0120] In more detail, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 tracks, i.e. vertically can track, the position of the sun with the solar panel 200, e.g. by adjusting a tracking azimuth of the solar assembly 110 based on a horizontal solar component of the position of the sun. Moreover, it can be that the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can track a solar azimuth with the tracking azimuth of the solar assembly 110. The tracking can be continuous, almost continuous, stepwise in that the tracking azimuth is fixed for a time duration, e.g. in a range of 10 min to 120 min, 15 min to 60 min, or the like. As explained below, end points of the range can be derived from solutions to the optimization problem outlined further below.

[0121] In some examples, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can vertically track the sun with the solar panel 200 by aligning a tracking azimuth of the solar panel 200 with a solar azimuth, aka a horizontal component of the position of the sun. The tracking azimuth is parallel with a horizontal component of a normal direction of the solar panel 200. This can be beneficial when a grid of all the vertical axes of the solar panel assemblies 110 is built up by squares and the distance between the solar panel assemblies 110 is sufficiently large.

[0122] In some examples, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 tracks the sun as explained in the following with reference to the system 100 for reasons of simplicity, but the control unit 130 can also, or alternatively, perform the tracking. The system 100 can have an equilateral triangle grid, with one of the sides of the triangle being in the north-south direction, as explained further below. It is assumed that North is 0 degrees, East is 90 degrees, South is 180 degrees, etc. Hence, expressed differently, the sides of the triangle can be understood as that a first side can face 90 degrees or 270 degrees, a second side can face 60 degrees or 240 degrees, and a third side can face 120 degrees or 300 degrees. In the morning, the system 100 directs the panels to face east. This means that the panels are lined up parallelly to north south lines. Expressed differently, the respective tracking direction of each panel is 90 degrees.

[0123] After a while, the sun is high enough, e.g. altitude of the sun. Then, there will be no inter-shading between solar panels. The system 100 continuously, or semi- continuously, tracks the sun with the panels, for example moving the tracking direction gradually, or using small steps, from 120 degrees to 135 degrees When panels start to cause shade on each other when tracking the sun as in the paragraph directly above, the system 100 can stop continuous tracking, and instead line-up the panels to face 150 degrees, i.e. 90 degrees plus 60 degrees due to equilateral triangle grid, with the tracking direction. In this manner, the panels align with the grid and all panels are parallel and form rows of the grid. Later, for example at noon, the system 100 redirects the panels to face 210 degrees in order to improve efficiency, thereby reducing an angle of incident rays as compared to when panels face 150 degrees

[0124] Again, after some time, the system 100 can continuously track the sun with the panels, e.g. the sun is followed exactly with the panels. The sun is now so high in the sky that no inter-shading occurs. In this manner, the system 100 controls the panels gradually from 225 degrees to 240 degrees Furthermore, when some more time has elapsed, intra-shading can again occur, in which case the system 100 sets all panels lined-up to face 270 degrees, i.e. straight west. In this manner, the panels are aligned, or colinear, with the rows of the grid, i.e. a group of panels associated with a row of the grid are colinear.

[0125] As the sun sets, intra-shading occurs again when the panels face remains at 270 degrees. Intra-shading refers to shading on one row, where the shading is caused by panels in another row. Therefore, the system 100 rotates the panels away from the sun to an extent required to eliminate, or at least reduce, the intra- shading. As the panels, now continuously, or almost continuously, follow the sun intra-shading can be eliminated or at least reduced. In the following morning, the sequence above can be repeated, e.g. while being slightly adjusted due to date, and location if the system is moved to a new location. This is an example and other tracking sequences can be applied.

[0126] In general, the system 100 can set the panels in the most favorable, e.g. in terms of electricity generation, tracking azimuth, while making a trade-off between angle of incident rays and shading occurring on the panels. Clearly, the incident rays should preferably be parallel to, or almost parallel to, a normal of the panels’ active surfaces. If the angle of incident rays is measured from the normal, then the angle should be less than an incident angle threshold. The incident angle threshold can be 35 degrees, 30 degrees, 25 degrees, or the like. Beyond the incident angle threshold, the electricity generation efficiency can typically begin to degrade significantly. Taking this into account, the trade-off can be formulated as an optimization problem, where e.g. a gain function reflects electricity generated by the system. Then, the gain function can be maximized by selecting the panels’ tracking direction, e.g. an azimuth angle, that achieves the best compromise between minimizing shade and maximizing efficiency with respect to the incident angle.

[0127] Action A115

[0128] The system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can obtain, such as select, assign, or the like, a second set of solar assemblies 110, e.g. from among the first set of solar assemblies 1 10. Then, the second set of solar assemblies 110 can be a subset of the first set of solar assemblies 110.

[0129] Alternatively, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can be preconfigured with the first set of solar assemblies and the second set of solar assemblies. The pre-configuration can be provided, such as retrieved from a memory, input, e.g. by an operator, or the like, to the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 upon mounting / installation of the system, just before it is put into operation or even dynamically set, or updated, during operation of the system 100. Action A117

[0130] The system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can obtain, such as select, assign, or the like, a peripheral row solar assemblies 110, e.g. from among the first and / or second set of solar assemblies 110. Then, the peripheral row of solar assemblies can be a subset of the first and / or second set of solar assemblies.

[0131] Alternatively, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can be preconfigured with the peripheral row of solar assemblies and the first and second sets of solar assemblies. The pre-configuration can be provided, such as retrieved from a memory, input, e.g. by an operator, or the like, to the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 upon mounting / installation of the system, just before it is put into operation or even dynamically set, or updated, during operation of the system 100.

[0132] Action A120

[0133] The system 100 and / or the control unit 130 obtains, such as receives, measures, fetches, or the like, a measure of wind in proximity to the solar panel system 100, wherein the measure of wind comprises a wind speed and a downwind direction. In more detail, a wind speed indication can indicate the wind speed and / or a downwind direction indication can indicate the downwind direction.

[0134] The measure of wind is an example of the wind information mentioned above. The measure of wind can thus originate from a local anemometer or be received, e.g. via the Internet, e.g. from a database, e.g. including forecasts, actual measurements, e.g. in real-time, or the like.

[0135] Action A120 can be performed repeatedly, e.g. in a regular or irregular manner, such as at a predetermined frequency, in response to an event, or the like. The event can be obtained from sensor input about stress, strain, torque, or the like, on the system 100, i.e. when the sensor input satisfies, or fails to satisfy a threshold value for allowed, or forbidden, stress, strain, torque, or the like. Action A125

[0136] The system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can evaluate whether or not the wind speed exceeds a wind threshold, e.g. for allowing vertical tracking without considering the measure of wind. If the wind speed indication exceeds the threshold, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 proceeds with execution of action A130 below. In some examples, the threshold can be derived from a combination of wind speed, wind direction and / or tracking azimuth of the system 100, e.g. using a weighted average, or the like.

[0137] In some examples, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can evaluate the wind speed indication against the threshold mentioned above, or a further threshold, i.e. there can be two different thresholds.

[0138] The further threshold can be related to wind speeds which allow the solar panels to be directed according to the sun, but the wind speed is high enough to risk that resonance and / or vibrations can disadvantageously occur in the system 100.

[0139] Also or alternatively, the wind speed can be high enough to risk that the structure of the assembly, such as anchoring to ground, vertical rotation beams, or the like, can be damaged due to too much torque and / or force.

[0140] When wind flows past a number of standing or tilted solar panels 200 spaced apart from each other, it can induce vibration and / or resonance through aerodynamic interactions. One mechanism responsible for causing this effect is known as vortex shedding. As wind encounters the surface of each solar panel, alternating vortices are formed, or generated, on the leeward side of the solar panels. These vortices are periodically shed, or released, from edges of the solar panels 200. This generates fluctuating pressure forces that act on the solar panel 200, the system 100 and / or the solar panel assembly 110. The frequency at which vortices are shed depends on parameters such as wind speed, panel geometry, and air density. As used herein, the terms “wind speed” and “wind velocity” can be used interchangeably to denote the same physical quantity. If the vortex shedding frequency coincides with the natural frequency of the solar panel 200, the system 100 and / or the solar panel assembly 110 and / or an associated mounting structure, resonance may occur. In such a condition, the induced vibrations are amplified, which can lead to significant oscillations even at moderate wind speeds. This effect may increase stress on the system 100 and / or on parts thereof, such as the solar panel(s) 200, the solar panel assembly 110, and the like, and contribute to fatigue over time.

[0141] In addition to vortex-induced vibrations, wind may also excite acoustic resonance within the gaps between adjacent solar panels 200. When the solar panels 200 are arranged with a particular spacing, the intervening air volume can behave like a resonant cavity. As wind passes over and through these gaps, it may induce standing pressure waves, resulting in a resonant acoustic response. This can manifest as audible tones or whistling noises and may also transmit vibrational energy to the panels or their supports.

[0142] Furthermore, when multiple solar panels are positioned in close proximity, aerodynamic interference can occur. A wake, i.e. a region of lower air pressure, generated by one solar panel 200 can impinge upon adjacent solar panels 200, leading to forced oscillations. Such interactions may result in coupled vibrations where several panels begin to oscillate in phase or at harmonically related frequencies. This problem is articulated in systems having solar panels that can lift, or rotate towards a horizontal orientation, e.g. from a predefined angle, due to wind. That is the solar panels are configured and / or designed to rotate from the predefined angle upon being exerted to wind, e.g. wind above a threshold as explained herein.

[0143] In certain configurations, the aerodynamic forces exerted by the wind may also trigger self-excited vibration phenomena such as galloping or flutter. These effects are more likely to arise in cases where the solar panel structure or mounting permits a degree of flexibility, or where asymmetries in panel shape or orientation exist. Galloping and flutter are characterized by increasing oscillation amplitude driven by feedback between the panel motion and the aerodynamic forces.

[0144] Overall, the interaction of wind with a spaced array of standing solar panels can result in complex dynamic behavior, including both mechanical and acoustic resonance, which may have implications for the structural integrity and operational longevity of the installation.

[0145] Thus, both mechanical strength and / or acoustic challenges and disadvantages may need to be reduced or eliminated.

[0146] Action A130

[0147] Accordingly, when the wind speed exceeds a wind threshold for a maximum wind speed that is allowed when performing vertical tracking without taking the measure of wind into account, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 adjusts the tracking azimuth to match the downwind direction, while optionally overriding the adjusting of the tracking azimuth according to the tracking A110 of the sun. The system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can adjust the tracking azimuth away from the solar azimuth towards an alignment with the downwind direction, e.g. of the wind direction indication.

[0148] As shown in Figure 8, in a top view of the system 100, the solar assemblies 110 tracking azimuth can match, such as be parallel with, or the like, the wind direction 801 , thereby allowing the wind to push the solar panel 200 into a horizontal orientation, e.g. in which the surface 1 17 is substantially parallel, i.e. parallel preferably with some margin, with the horizontal plane HP. This means that the tracking azimuth HTS points in the downwind direction. In some examples, the examples of the method in Figure 7 can proceed to action A O depending on the wind speed indication relatively the wind threshold and / or the further wind threshold, e.g. as evaluated in action A125. Action A O can also be performed after action A130.

[0149] Action AMO

[0150] In some examples, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can be configured to control a respective tracking azimuth of each solar panel 200. This means that the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can control the respective tracking azimuth individually, e.g. all solar panels 200 need not necessarily be directed along the downwind direction. For example, less than four fifths of the solar panels 200 of the system 100 can be adjusted along the downwind direction, e.g. being directed to match the downwind direction, e.g. having the direction of the propagating wind.

[0151] The system 100 can comprise a second set of solar assemblies 1 10. The second set of solar assemblies 110 can be different, or distinct, from the first set of solar assemblies 110.

[0152] Accordingly, when the wind speed exceeds the wind threshold and / or a further wind threshold, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can set the respective tracking azimuth of each solar assembly 110 of the second set of solar assemblies 110 to deviate by at least a respective deviation angle from the downwind direction. The further wind threshold may indicate a maximum wind speed that is allowed when performing vertical tracking without taking the measure of wind into account.

[0153] In this manner, all solar panels 200 do not have one and the same respective tracking azimuth. As a result, symmetry, e.g. along the downwind direction, is reduced. In turn, reduced symmetry can at least mitigate resonance and / or vibrations and / or strain and / or torque and / or forces in the system 100, due the wind, e.g. propagating on or towards the solar panel system 100. In order to break symmetry, it can be preferred that the second set of solar assemblies 110 are distributed, e.g. evenly, among the first set of solar assemblies 110. In this manner, it can be ensured that symmetry is broken along all, or almost along, lines running parallelly to the downwind direction, where the lines pass any number of solar assemblies 1 10, wherein said any number of solar assemblies 1 10 comprises at least one solar assembly of the first set and at least one solar assembly of the second set.

[0154] In some examples, it can be that the second set of solar assemblies 110 were controlled according to action A130, in which case action A130 is overridden, or replaced by, this action A O. Therefore, the second set of solar assemblies 110 can, at least sometimes, be a subset of the first set of solar assemblies 110. Yet, in other examples, action A130 is performed for the first set of solar assemblies and action A O is performed for the second set of solar assemblies.

[0155] In some examples, when the wind speed indication exceeds, such as is greater than, reaches, or the like, the threshold and / or the further threshold, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can adjust the respective tracking azimuth of some solar panels 200 to deviate by at least a deviation angle from the wind direction such as to break symmetric of the system’s 100 tracking azimuth, thereby reducing effects of resonance and / vibration due to wind. The deviation angle can be at least 10 degrees, at least 15 degrees, at least 20 degrees, at least 30 degrees or the like. It may be preferred that the deviation angle is less than 45 degrees, less than 40 degrees, less than 35 degrees, or the like. Said some solar panels 200 can be at least one fifth of all the solar panels 200, e.g. along a direction of the wind.

[0156] In particular, it can be noted that the resonance and / or vibration in the system 100 occurs more frequently than in systems without solar panels that are designed to deliberately move from a predefined angle when exposed to wind above a threshold as explained herein. This is due to the fact that when the solar panel has left, due to wind, its predefined angular position, variations in wind speed will cause the solar panel to either approach or back off from the predefined angular position. Accordingly, the variations in wind speed can easily cause patterns of vibration and / or resonance, which can interfere, e.g. by constructive interference, to periodically raise and / or lower the solar panel, e.g. by rotation about the horizontal axis related to the predefined angular position. A further reason for this is that as soon as the solar panel has left the predefined angular position it can be, e.g. almost, freely rotate, or oscillate, e.g. either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

[0157] In general, the deviating solar panels 200 are distributed evenly among the solar panels 200 of the system 100, e.g. while avoiding deviating solar panels 200 at the periphery of the system 100, i.e. a peripheral solar panel lacks at least one neighboring solar panel 200 in at least one direction, e.g. a horizontal direction.

[0158] In some examples, every other deviating solar panel 200 is deviating in the clockwise direction and in the counter-clockwise direction, respectively.

[0159] As shown in Figure 9, in a top view of the system 100, the respective tracking azimuths of a majority of the solar panels 200 aligns with, e.g. are parallel with, the downwind direction 801 , while some solar panels 200 deviate in a counterclockwise direction from the downwind direction 801 .

[0160] In other examples, as shown in Figure 10, in a top view of the system 100, the respective tracking azimuths of the majority of the solar panels 200 do again align with, e.g. are parallel with, the downwind direction 801 , while every other of said some solar panels 200 deviates in a counter-clockwise direction and in a clockwise direction, respectively, from the downwind direction 801 . An angle of deviation from the wind direction can be the same, or equal, for all deviating solar panels 200, at least the absolute value of the angle of deviation. However, in some examples the angle of deviation can differ between two or more deviating solar panels 200.

[0161] Furthermore, in order to disrupt, or at least reduce, any resonance and / or vibration-inducing uniformity among the solar panels 200, it may be that the angle of deviation is randomly set in an interval about the wind direction. The wind direction can be at a center of the interval, but not necessarily. The wind direction can for example be at the beginning or end of the interval instead or even at a randomly chosen point within the interval. It can be preferred to center the interval about the wind direction to evenly distribute, e.g. with a simple and easily computation, the deviating solar panels 200 among clockwise and counterclockwise deviating solar panels 200.

[0162] The interval can span, or have a range of, up to 90 degrees, up to 80 degrees, up to 70 degrees, up to 60 degrees, up to 50 degrees, up to 45 degrees, up to 30 degrees, or the like. Assuming the wind direction to be represented by a deviation of zero degrees, the interval can start at - 45 degrees, - 30 degrees, - 20 degrees, - 10 degrees, 0 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or the like.

[0163] In some examples, when the angle of deviation is set randomly, a respective angle of deviation can be set for each solar panel 200 of the system 100, i.e. all solar panels 200 of the system 100 can have its respective angle of deviation set within the interval.

[0164] Notably, Figure 9 and Figure 10 are schematic and illustrative, and as mentioned above, it can be that the majority of the solar panels 200 constitutes less than four fifths of the solar panels 200 of the system 100. The majority refers to 50% or more of the solar panels 200. Action A150

[0165] As mentioned, the system 100 can comprise the peripheral row of solar assemblies 110, wherein the peripheral row, or rows as the case may be, can be located along, and / or close to, at least one side of the solar panel system 100. The peripheral row(s) of solar assemblies 1 10 can thus be associated with a corresponding peripheral row(s) of solar panels 200. The peripheral row of solar assemblies 110 can be different from, or distinct from, the first and second sets of solar assemblies 1 10.

[0166] When the wind speed indication exceeds the wind threshold and / or a further wind threshold, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can set, or adjust, the respective tracking azimuth of solar panels 200 in the peripheral row of solar panels 200 to be directed towards the downwind direction. Said at least one side can thus face the downwind direction. For example, the respective tracking azimuth of the solar assemblies in the peripheral row, is opposite to, or antiparallel with, the downwind direction.

[0167] In this manner, solar panels in leeward of the peripheral row of solar panels are shielded, e.g. protected, or the like, from the wind, e.g. experiencing less wind. Said at least one side faces the downwind direction.

[0168] Expressed differently, shielding means that solar panels in leeward of the peripheral row of solar panels are exposed to less wind thanks to that the peripheral row obstructs, at least to some extent, the propagation of the wind, the advancing wind front, or the like.

[0169] In some examples, action A150 can be performed directly after action A120 and / or action A125, while optionally, and overriding, or e.g. only partially overriding, the tracking A110 of the sun with the solar panels 200.

[0170] This can mean that, in some examples, the peripheral row of solar assemblies can be a subset of the first set of solar assemblies. Then, the system can select the peripheral row set of solar assemblies from among the first set of solar assemblies. Alternatively, the system can be preconfigured with the peripheral row of solar assemblies, e.g. the peripheral row can thus be selected once, and preferably never changed, or changed if solar assemblies are added or removed from the system. Which solar assemblies to be assigned to the peripheral row can be determined, e.g. during installation, configuration, set-up of the system. Thus, in some examples, the system can perform tracking with all solar assemblies, e.g. the first and / or second set and the peripheral row of solar assemblies, and then employ the shielding, as in action A150, with solar assemblies in the peripheral row, while continuing tracking with the first set of solar assemblies.

[0171] For reasons of simplicity, the peripheral row is referred to as singular, but in some examples, e.g. to enhance shielding, the peripheral row can be one or more peripheral rows, e.g. close to, or at, an edge, e.g. outer edge, of the system 100.

[0172] In some examples, the further wind threshold is less than the wind threshold. In these examples, the method can refrain from executing action A130, i.e. action A130 is not performed according to some examples. In this manner, the system 100 can continue to track the sun with the solar panels, e.g. according to any one of the manners described herein. This can be possible thanks to the fact that the peripheral row reduces the perceived wind force, or wind speed, at the solar panels 200 that are shielded by the peripheral row. Advantageously, electricity output from the system 100 can be increased, e.g. as compared to when a majority of the solar panels, i.e. those panels that are not in the peripheral row, have their tracking azimuth(s) matched to, such as aligned with, parallel with, or the like, the downwind direction.

[0173] In some examples, the further wind threshold is greater than the wind threshold.

[0174] In these examples, the method can typically perform action A130. It can further be preferred to combine these examples with embodiments where the peripheral row is reinforced. Thanks to the shielding provided by the peripheral row, solar panels that are shielded can perceive a reduced wind force, or wind speed. Advantageously, a risk of damaging the solar panels and / or the solar assemblies due to vibrations, resonance, and the like, can be reduced.

[0175] In view of the above, in some examples, there is provided a wind-responsive solar tracking system that employs the peripheral row such as to form an adaptive, aerodynamic shielding structure under elevated wind conditions, thereby reducing residual wind loading experienced by interior rows, i.e. rows located one or more rows away from an edge of the system, and enhancing both structural resilience and energy production.

[0176] Specifically, each solar assembly is configured with a rotatable vertical support member and a solar panel mounted via a horizontal hinge, which e.g. enables passive lifting of the panel under wind-induced aerodynamic moment acting upon its rear surface. The system further comprises a control unit configured to determine a prevailing wind direction and to selectively command perimeter rows of the array to adopt a wind protection orientation when a wind load index W meets or exceeds a first predetermined threshold Ti.

[0177] Upon issuance of a wind protection command, trigged by that the wind load index meets or exceeds the first predetermined threshold, the control unit actuates the vertical support members of the solar assemblies in the peripheral row such that the rear surfaces of the associated panel structures are aligned toward the incident wind vector, i.e. the downwind direction. This orientation maximizes aerodynamic pressure on the rear surface, inducing , e.g. passive, lifting of the panels via the horizontal hinge, aka hinge assembly, and thereby reducing effective frontal area and structural loading.

[0178] When the solar panels of the solar assemblies in the peripheral row have lifted in response to aerodynamic forces, they collectively define an elevated, semi- porous barrier extending along the perimeter of the system. This dynamic winddampening curtain mitigates wind velocity and turbulence transmitted to interior assemblies, enabling those interior rows to remain in their power-tracking orientation at wind speeds that would otherwise necessitate full-field stow.

[0179] In a further example, the solar assemblies in the peripheral row are grouped into independent mechanical drive loops, each loop comprising at least one continuous wire and associated wheels operatively coupled to a motor, or drive unit. The control unit is configured to activate only the perimeter loops when W > Ti, while interior tracker assemblies remain in their power-tracking orientation. If the wind load index exceeds a second, higher threshold T2, all assemblies — including interior and protected rows — are rotated to the wind protection orientation, ensuring comprehensive structural safeguarding.

[0180] In a further embodiment, the perimeter loops are configured to rotate in opposite angular directions, allowing the system to align the rear surfaces of perimeter assemblies with the prevailing wind vector regardless of its approach direction. For example, opposing northern and southern perimeter groups may rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise, respectively, with the control unit selecting the appropriate group(s) based on real-time or forecast wind data.

[0181] To address asymmetric loading that may arise from oblique wind vectors, the system further applies differential azimuth offsets between adjacent perimeter assemblies. In one illustrative example, every N-th perimeter assembly (preferably one in five) is rotated by at least twenty degrees relative to its immediate neighbor, forming a chevron-like azimuth pattern. This alignment equalizes the yaw angle of each panel at the moment hinge preload is exceeded, synchronizing passive lift events across the perimeter and maintaining uniform mechanical loading on the shared drive loops. By integrating active perimeter zone rotation, passive hinge lift, and zone-aware threshold logic, at least some embodiments herein delivers a structurally efficient and energy-optimized response to variable wind conditions that is uniquely suited to wind-responsive solar panel systems. The perimeter shielding functionality reduces peak structural loads, preserves energy yield for interior solar assemblies, and enables the system to dynamically adapt to real-time environmental conditions while minimizing actuator complexity and drive system cost.

[0182] In some examples, the peripheral row of solar panels 200 comprises reinforced vertical tracking solar assemblies 1 10. The reinforced vertical tracking solar assemblies 110 can be mechanically reinforced to be able to directed towards the downwind direction even when the wind speed exceeds the wind threshold and / or the further wind threshold, while preferably the wind speed at the same time, or simultaneously, falls short of, i.e. is less than, a yet further wind threshold for wind speed that the reinforced vertical tracking solar assemblies 110 is capable of withstanding.

[0183] The peripheral rows of solar panels can be reinforced, such as stabilized, made more robust, or the like, in multiple different manners. For example, by using stronger materials, thicker beams, bars, blocking structures, or the like, and other suitable manners to achieve reinforced vertically tracking solar assemblies. By doing so some of the problems / limitations that can arise as a result of having solar panels that can respond to wind can be overcome. This can be achieved thanks to that inner panels, e.g. solar panels in leeward of the outer rows of solar panels catch less wind than when not being protected from wind by the outer rows of solar panels.

[0184] Returning to the examples of Figure 2, it can be seen that the vertical rotation axes VR of solar panels 200 in the system 100 define a grid structure built up by squares. The vertical rotation axes VR are located in the corners of the squares. In some examples, the vertical rotation axes VR define a grid structure built up by trilateral triangles, e.g. as shown in Figure 11 . In the Figure, only the respective vertical rotation axes VR for each solar panel 200 (not shown) are illustrated.

[0185] This implies that the solar panels 200 along a line 1101 along respective sides of the trilateral triangles can have their respective tracking azimuths HT (only one shown for simplicity) aligned, e.g. parallel with each other, without causing any shade on each other in the same line. Expressed differently, a respective longitudinal extension direction of each one of the solar panels 200 coincide with the line 1101 , or any one of the other lines 1102, 1103, e.g. depending on desired tracking azimuth HT. The solar panels 200 in the line 1101 are thus orientated in the panel alignment direction. For each of the lines 1101 , 1102 and 1103, there are two oppositely directed tracking azimuths HT in which the solar assemblies can be said to be orientated in the panel alignment direction, e.g. to the east or west for a line running in the north / south direction. Therefore, with the grid structure, formed by equilateral triangles, there are in total six different tracking azimuths HT, e.g. pairwise parallel with each other. In the three pairwise parallel directions, the solar panels 200 can be oriented in the panel alignment direction. As a comparison, with the grid structure having squares, e.g. as shown in Figure 2, there are only four different tracking azimuths HT, in which the solar panels 200 are oriented in the panel alignment direction.

[0186] The line 1101 can be oriented in the east-west direction, the north-south direction, or the like. As an example, further away from equator where the sun often sweeps further across the sky than just from East to West, it can be advantageous to have East / West direction in combination with a couple of directions that are closer to south, i.e. have panels aligned, or colinear, at 90 degrees, 150 degrees, 210 degrees and 270 degrees. On the other hand - if the sun is lower such as winter - it can be an advantage to be able to align the panels in a straight southern direction, and then have the possibility to align panels at 120 degrees, 180 degrees and 240 degrees direction. In the context of the grid of the system 100, it can be noted that a pitch, or a pitch distance, is defined by a side of the triangle, or triangles, from which the grid is formed. In examples with equilateral triangles, the pitch is the same along three directions. In other examples with generic triangles, the pitch can be different along the three directions. Furthermore, in yet other examples with isosceles triangles, a first pitch can be the same along two of the three grid lines and different from a second pitch along the remaining grid line.

[0187] In yet further examples, the grid may be formed by a plurality of triangles, where at least some triangles differ from the other triangles of the grid in terms of one or more angles and / or in terms of length of one or more sides of the triangles.

[0188] Examples of the system 100 having the grid structure formed by triangles, such as equilateral triangles, isosceles triangles, or the like, can be combined with any one of the embodiments herein. As used herein, such system can be referred to as a “triangle system”, “triangle grid system” or the like. For example, the methods of Figure 7 can be applied to examples of the system 100 having the grid structure formed by triangles.

[0189] Furthermore, in some examples, with the system 100, the solar assemblies 110 can be arranged according to a triangular grid, or a triangular grid structure. The triangular grid comprises nodes connected by grid lines, each grid line extending between adjacent nodes at the shortest possible inter-node distance. The grid lines define three sets of parallel lines, each oriented at approximately 60 degrees relative to the others. This arrangement enables a high-density, structurally efficient layout in which each solar panel can be positioned at a node and aligned in a direction that is perpendicular to one of the grid lines. In particular, high density refers to that the margin between panels allowing them to rotate with out collision can be minimal, e.g. with some tolerance though. This grid becomes particularly relevant when the solar panels have a non-square geometry, and in particular when the panel structures are substantially wider than they are tall. This is emphasized with the examples of preferred ratio of a height of the panel to a width of the panel. Such horizontally extended, elongated panels, which are in single vertical-axis tracking system 100 as described herein, tend to present a relatively large surface area perpendicular to any lateral wind flow. As a result, they are more susceptible to wind-induced torque, forces, strain, and dynamic loads, especially when the panel’s tracking azimuth is anti-parallel with the downwind direction, e.g. the tracking azimuth oppositely matches the downwind direction.

[0190] Due to a large moment arm associated with the elongated, wide panel geometry, the torque acting on the rotation mechanism of each solar assembly can become significant under high wind conditions. This can lead to undesirable mechanical stress, increased wear, or the risk of structural failure, particularly if the panels are arranged in a regular pattern that may promote resonance effects or vortex shedding. In this context, the triangular grid, while beneficial for energy harvesting and land use, can give rise to aerodynamic regularities that amplify such effects, such as resonance, vibration and more.

[0191] To address this, at least some examples of the system 100 can be configured with a wind-adaptive tracking function, which enables temporary deviation from a nominal electricity-maximizing orientation, e.g. typically that the tracking azimuth matches the solar azimuth. In particular, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can adjust the tracking azimuth of one or more solar assemblies in response to detected or forecasted wind conditions. For example, the solar panels may be reoriented into a wind-safe stow position, e.g. in which tracking azimuth matches the downwind direction, or the like, to reduce aerodynamic loading, or the alignment of individual panels may be selectively varied across the array to break uniformity and suppress resonance effects. The combination of a triangular grid structure and wind-adaptive tracking thus enables a trade-off between electricity generation efficiency and structural robustness, e.g. being less sensitive to potentially harmful wind. The grid provides geometric regularity and efficient land usage, while the wind-adaptive behavior mitigates the mechanical challenges posed by wind loads on the horizontally elongated solar panels, thereby enhancing overall system durability and performance.

[0192] More generally, the vertically tracking solar panel system 100 can comprise a set of solar assemblies 110 arranged at a plurality of positions, e.g. in a horizonal plane. Each solar assembly 110 of the set of solar assemblies 110 can be arranged to be rotated about a respective vertical rotation axis VR for enabling vertical tracking of a position of a sun, i.e. the solar azimuth, with said each solar assembly 110. The respective vertical axis VR can be located at a respective position of the plurality of positions. The plurality of positions define a grid structure, formed by, e.g. composed by, or the like, triangles. Each triangle of the triangles can typically have vertices coincide with three of the plurality of positions.

[0193] The triangle grid provides the system 100 with six panel alignment directions, instead of four with a system having a square grid.

[0194] Thanks to the triangular grid, distance between panels in a row and / or pitch between rows can be very short, e.g. with just a sufficient margin to avoid that one panel of a first solar assembly collides with another panel of a second solar assembly. The first and second solar assemblies are directly adjacent along a grid line of the grid, or a row of the system 100.

[0195] In some examples, a solar surface of the solar assemblies 110 of the set has an aspect ratio of 1 :2,5 or less, 1 :3 or less, 1 :4 or less, 1 :5 or less, or the like. The aspect ratio refers to the ratio of heigh of the panel to the width of the panel. The solar surface, i.e. active surface, can be composed of one or more solar panels of a corresponding solar assembly 110.

[0196] In some examples, each triangle of the triangles has a side that faces in a predefined compass direction, e.g. a horizontal component of a normal to the side is directed in the predefined compass direction. The predefined compass direction can be north, south, east, west, northeast, southeast, southwest, or northwest, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the predefined compass direction can be set based on the location of the system.

[0197] In some examples, each solar assembly 110 of the set of solar assemblies 110 comprises a respective solar panel 200 arranged to rotate, using a hinge assembly 203 connecting to a horizontal rotation axis HR of said each solar assembly 110, from a predefined angular position of the solar panel 200 about the horizontal rotation axis HR due to wind.

[0198] In some examples, the triangles are equilateral triangles, isosceles triangles, or the like.

[0199] In some examples, all triangles of the system 100 have a common shape and common dimensions. Expressed differently, the triangles have the same shape and the same dimensions.

[0200] The grid can be a two-dimensional grid.

[0201] As an example, the positions of the respective vertical rotation axes define the grid in which each axis is located at a vertex of a mesh of equilateral triangles

[0202] In some examples, each solar panel 200 of the solar assemblies 110 comprises a light-weight solar panel, having a weight of less than 10 kg per square meter. Figure 12 and Figure 13 illustrate examples of equilateral triangle systems 100, in which the sun emits rays in a direction 26 towards the solar panels 200. The direction 26 must not be parallel with any row 1101 , 1102, 1103 forming the grid structure of the system 100. The solar panels 200 can be oriented in the panel alignment direction(s), as shown by the solar panels 200 drawn with dashed- lines. However, in Figure 12 and Figure 13, the sun is not sufficiently high up in the sky to be able to illuminate the entirety, in particular lower parts thereof, of the solar panels 200 furthest away from the sun. As a result, for example, solar panels 200 in row 1 101 are shaded, at least to some extent, by the solar panels 200 in a closer row 1101 s, i.e. a row closer to the sun than the row 1101.

[0203] An incident angle of incoming rays on the solar panel 200 can be measured between the tracking azimuth HTS and the sun direction 26. In order to mitigate the shading, it is proposed herein to increase the incident angle by rotating the solar panels 200 away from the sun, e.g. such that the horizontal direction HTS points further away from the sun. As shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13, an apparent distance between solar panels 200 in the closer row 1101 s and the row 1101 is increased. Given a fixed position of the sun in the sky, this implies that a greater portion of the solar panels 200 in the row are illuminated as compared to when the solar panels 200 are oriented in the panel alignment direction.

[0204] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, examples of the system 100 having a grid structure formed by squares can benefit from placing the solar panels 200 at angles deviating from the panel alignment direction. Again, as above, when the incident angle is increased by rotating the solar panels 200 away from the sun, the apparent distance between solar panels 200 increases. As above, when the sun direction 26 is parallel with lines of the grid structure, the apparent distance cannot be increased. The system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can be configured to perform an adjustment of the angle of the tracking azimuth HT as described herein, e.g. with reference to Figure 12, Figure 13 and Figure 14.

[0205] In view of Figure 12, Figure 13 and Figure 14, there is provided a method, e.g. performed by the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 and / or the respective sub control unit 131 , for maneuvering solar panels 200 of a vertically tracking solar panel system 100. The method is illustrated in Figure 15. For simplicity, the system 100 is assumed to perform the method in the following description, but the system 100 shall be understood as referring to the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 and / or the sub control unit 131.

[0206] Optionally, the solar panel 200 is arranged to rotate, e.g. at least partially freely, due wind, as explained herein..

[0207] As mentioned, the solar panel system 100 comprises the solar panel 200, a control unit 130, a drive unit 120, and optionally a wind measuring device 160. The drive unit 120 can be an example of the aforementioned drive unit 6. The system 100 is arranged to enable tracking of a position of a sun with the solar panel 200 by rotation of the solar panel 200, about a vertical rotation axis VR. The control unit 130 is configured to control the drive unit 120 to rotate the solar panel 200.

[0208] One or more of the following actions may be performed in any suitable order.

[0209] Action B110

[0210] The system 100 tracks the sun with the solar panel 200 by adjusting a tracking azimuth of the solar panel 200 based on a solar azimuth. The tracking azimuth is parallel with a horizontal component of a normal direction of the solar panel 200. This action can be similar to action A110.

[0211] Action B120 The system 100, preferably repeatedly, obtains an indication of a vertical component of the rays from the sun, e.g. at the location of the solar panel and / or the system or at least in the vicinity thereof. As explained herein, the position of the sun in the sky can be obtained from a database, e.g. on the Internet, by algorithms taking location and time as input, by sensors for sensing vertical and / or horizontal position of the sun, or the like.

[0212] Action B125

[0213] The system 100 can determine, preferably repeatedly, a sun threshold based on one or more of time of day, date, a location of the system 100 and system dimensions, preferably based on the position of the sun at the location of the system 100 and the system dimensions. The day is of course the current day.

[0214] As an example, the system dimensions refer to one or more of:

[0215] • distance between rows of panels, or pitch,

[0216] • length of sides of polygons in the grid

[0217] • width and length of solar panels, aka dimensions of the solar panels,

[0218] • predefined angular position of the solar panel assemblies, and

[0219] • the like.

[0220] As an example, the time of day, a current date and the location of the system 100 implies a specific location of the sun. Then, using standard trigonometry with the dimensions of the solar panel, the predefined angular position and the distance between panels or rows of panels as input, the sun threshold can be calculated.

[0221] Action B127

[0222] The system 100 can determine, preferably repeatedly, the adjustment angle based on one or more of time of day, date, a location of the system 100 and system dimensions, preferably based on the position of the sun at the location of the system 100 and the system dimensions.

[0223] As an example, the time of day, the current date and the location of the system

[0224] 100 implies a specific location of the sun. Then, using standard trigonometry with the dimensions of the solar panel, the predefined angular position, the distance between panels or rows of panels, and the sun threshold as input, the adjustment angle can be calculated.

[0225] Action B130

[0226] When the vertical component falls short of a threshold for a minimum vertical component that is allowed when performing vertical tracking without taking the indication of the vertical component into account, the system 100 adjusts the tracking azimuth away from the horizontal direction of rays by an adjustment angle, wherein the adjustment angle can be set to completely remove, or sometimes reduce or minimize, shadow, or shadows, on the solar panels and / or to increase and / or maximize efficiency of the solar panels. Accordingly, a goal can be to eliminate shadows from one panel falling on another panel, e.g. in an adjacent row. When performing action B130, the tracking of the sun as in action B110 can be temporarily overridden.

[0227] The threshold for the minimum vertical component depends on the location of the solar panel 200 and / or the system 100. Notably, the vertical component also varies with time of the day and over the year, e.g. depending on season, or the like.

[0228] The method described directly above can be combined with the method of Figure 7. Notably, action A110 and B110 are the same or at least similar. For example, the method of Figure 15 can, e.g. only, be performed when the wind speed is below the threshold for maximum wind speed that is allowed when performing vertical tracking using the solar panels.

[0229] When the location and / or position of the system and / or the solar panel is discussed herein, it is typically sufficiently accurate to consider the location of the system as a whole. However, an improved accuracy can be obtained when considering the exact locations of each and every solar panel and e.g. determine horizontal and / or vertical components of the sun individually for said each panel and apply them in the methods herein, e.g. by the control unit or the sub control units.

[0230] Returning to Figure 7, in a further example, there is provided a method, e.g. performed by the system 100 and / or the control unit 130, for tracking the solar azimuth with the tracking azimuth as follows.

[0231] One or more of the following actions can be performed in any suitable order.

[0232] Action A105

[0233] The system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can obtain, such as receive, retrieve, fetch, or the like, e.g. from an internal or external memory, an internal or external database, or the like, a set of tracking modes.

[0234] The set of tracking modes comprises, such as is defined by, or the like:

[0235] • a regular continuous vertical tracking mode, e.g. in which the azimuth tracking of the solar assemblies 110 is parallel with the solar azimuth, wherein the tracking azimuth is continuously, or almost continuously, updated by the control unit 130, e.g. adjusted by the drive unit 120 as controlled by the control unit 130,

[0236] • a tilted continuous vertical tracking mode, e.g. in which the tracking azimuth of the solar assemblies 110 deviates from the solar azimuth with the adjustment angle, wherein the tracking azimuth is continuously, or almost continuously, updated by the control unit 130, e.g. adjusted by the drive unit 120 as controlled by the control unit 130, and

[0237] • a static tracking mode, in which the tracking azimuth of the solar assemblies 110 is parallel with a panel alignment direction of a set of panel alignment directions associated with the grid, wherein each panel alignment direction of the set of panel alignment directions is perpendicular to a respective grid line of the grid, wherein the tracking azimuth is stationary during the static tracking mode, i.e. not updated by the control unit 130.

[0238] With reference to action A110 above, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can perform the tracking A110 as follows.

[0239] Action A111

[0240] When the wind speed indication falls short of the wind threshold for maximum wind speed, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130 can alternatingly apply one of the set of tracking modes based on the solar azimuth, the grid lines and the system dimensions, or according to a predefined scheme with a predefined tracking azimuth for a given time and date.

[0241] As an example, the static tracking mode can preferably be applied when no intershading occurs in said static tracking mode and the angle of incident rays on an active surface of the solar assembly is less than 35 degrees, or the like.

[0242] As mentioned before, the tracking azimuth is parallel with a horizontal component of a normal to the solar panel 200, e.g. to an active surface of the solar panel 200.

[0243] According to some embodiments herein, the tracking can be performed while maintaining the predefined angular position, e.g. when a wind force acting on the solar panel is not sufficient to displace, e.g. raise, the panel from the predefined angular position, e.g. by rotation about the horizontal rotation axis HR, e.g. towards the horizontal orientation.

[0244] As explained herein, the tracking A110 / A111 can at any time, as triggered by e.g. wind speed in relation to the various thresholds described herein, be interrupted, for some or all solar assembly, by e.g. action A130 taking downwind direction into account, action A O breaking resonances and / or vibration etc., action A150 providing shielding and / or the like. Determination of the sun threshold

[0245] As an example, assume the following to be known: A panel length S, such as a height of the panel, albeit not the vertical height, but the height of the panel surface. A fixed panel tilt angle 0 as an example of the predefined angle.

[0246] A solar altitude a, and a solar azimuth cp_sun, e.g. given a certain time, date and location. A panel azimuth cp_panel, which is the rotation about the vertical axis, is unknown. That is the tracking azimuth required at different times, dates and locations is not known. A row pitch, P, is the distance between panel rows measured along the solar azimuth. The pitch P can be given for a triangular grid or a square grid.

[0247] When the panel is rotated by an angle Acp = cp_panel - cp_sun, the effective vertical height projecting a shadow along the solar azimuth is reduced by the factor cos(Acp). This is because only the component of the panel’s vertical height aligned with the solar azimuth contributes to the shadow length.

[0248] Therefore, the effective vertical height casting the shadow becomes H_eff = S ■ sin(0) ■ cos(Acp)

[0249] The corresponding shadow length along the solar azimuth is L_shadow = H_eff ■ cot(a) = S ■ sin(0) ■ cos(Acp) ■ cot(a)

[0250] To avoid shading, the shadow length must be less than or equal to the pitch, so S ■ sin(0) ■ cos(Acp) ■ cot(a) < P

[0251] Rearranging this inequality gives cos(Acp) < P / (S ■ sin(0) ■ cot(a))

[0252] Defining a sun threshold as C = P / (S ■ sin(0) ■ cot(a)), the minimum rotation angle away from the sun azimuth is |Acp| = cos-1(C). If C is greater than or equal to 1 , the inverse cosine is not defined, indicating no tilted tracking is needed and the panels can face the sun directly, i.e. without causing any shade between different rows of solar panels and / or solar assemblies.

[0253] Otherwise, when C < 1 , the panels must be rotated by the angle |Acp| away from the sun azimuth to avoid shading. This means the panel azimuth is set as cp_panel = cp_sun ± cos-1(P / (S ■ sin(0) ■ cot(a))).

[0254] In summary, if the ratio P / (S ■ sin(0) ■ cot(a)) is greater than or equal to one, no tilted tracking is necessary, and the panel faces the sun. Otherwise, the panel must be rotated away from the sun by the angle given above to prevent shading.

[0255] Examples of structures configured to achieve predefined angle

[0256] Figure 16 to Figure 20 illustrate examples of how to realize structures that can hold the solar panel 200 at a predefined angle, e.g. with respect to the horizontal plane HP, i.e. rotated to a particular angle about a horizontal axis.

[0257] Figure 16 demonstrates a solar assembly 110 of a solar panel mounting system 100 according to a further example of the present invention, where there is provided a vertical support member 102 supporting a solar panel support member 105, rotatably attached to the solar panel support member 105 is at least one solar panel 200. The solar panel support member 105 corresponds to the aforementioned upper solar panel support member. The rotatable hinge assembly between the solar panel 200 and the solar panel support member 105 is achieved by at least one connection member 201 . Weights 400 are attached to the solar panel 200, or to the solar panel mounting system 100 such that the weights 400 provide a counterweight to the weight of the solar panel 200. In other words, the weights 400 bias, e.g. by gravity, the solar panel 200 about the solar panel support member 105 to a resting position when there is no, or little, wind present against the solar panel 200. Figure 17 demonstrates a solar assembly 110 of a solar panel mounting system 100 according to a further example of the present invention, where there is provided a vertical support member 102 supporting a solar panel support member 105, rotatably attached to the solar panel support member 105 is at least one solar panel 200. The rotatable hinge assembly between the solar panel 200 and the solar panel support member 105 is achieved by at least one connection member 201 . Further provided are additional solar panel support members 107 supporting the solar panel 200, attached to which is a weight 400. In this example, the weight 400 is in the form of one or more cylinders, however it should be understood by a person of skill in the art that any form, or shape, of weight or heavy material may be suitable. The weight 400 provides a counterweight to the weight of the solar panel 200. In other words, as in the examples of Figure 16, the weight 400 biases the solar panel 200 about the solar panel support member 105 to a resting position when there is no, or little, wind present against the solar panel 200.

[0258] Figure 18 illustrates a still further example of the system 100. In this example, a structure 700 is arranged and / or configured to prevent the wind-responsive solar panel from assuming a vertical position, e.g. when a main extension plane of the wind-responsive solar panel is parallel with a vertical plane. The structure 700 is thus arranged to provide, such as hold, support, or the like, the solar panel 200 at the predefined angle. This is achieved by a flexible elongated member 761 , as an example of the structure 700, that can be realized by means of one or more lines 761 , such as wires, ropes, strings, cables, cords, threads, filaments, strands, ribbons, tapes, bands, strips, or the like. Generally, the structure is elongated and flexible. The flexible elongated member 761 can be installed in the system 100 in combination with a protruding element 763 of the elongated arrangement 600, e.g. extending from the elongated arrangement 600. The elongated arrangement comprises the solar panel 200. In this manner, the solar panel 200 can assume a desired angle with respect to a vertical plane, e.g. at least when not exposed to winds that are strong enough to displace the solar panel from its resting position at the desired angle. The desired angle is thus the predefined angle. The resting position is assumed to due gravity and the combination of the protruding element and the flexible elongated member, e.g. as mentioned together prevent further downward movement, or rotation.

[0259] As shown in Figure 19, the predefined angle can be achieved by that a bracket 109, or one or more brackets 109, is fixedly connected, such as glued, screwed, bolted, or the like, to the upper solar panel support member 105, preferably at a respective end thereof. However, depending constructional considerations, said one or more brackets 109 can be located anywhere along the upper solar panel support member 105. Said one or more brackets 109 can extend from the upper solar panel support member 105 in a direction given by the predefined angle. In this manner, said one or more brackets 109 can present a resting surface on which the solar panel(s) 200 can abut when in assuming the orientation given by the predefined angle, i.e. the resting position.

[0260] Figure 20 is a detailed view of the embodiment according to Figure 19. Said one or more brackets 109 can have an elongated shape, e.g. having a longitudinal elongation direction along the direction given by the predefined angle. As an example, said one or more brackets 109 can extend in along the predefined angle’s direction. In this manner, said one or more brackets 109 can define the resting position.

[0261] As shown in Figure 21 , the predefined angle can be achieved by that an elongated, flexible string 108 is attached to an upper portion of the solar panel’s 200 periphery, e.g. its frame, at or near the rotating hinge part 104, or the like, and to the rotatable vertical support member 102. In this manner, the string 108, or strings 108, can connect, or span, between the solar panel periphery and the rotatable vertical support member 102 and become(s) taut, e.g. at a prescribed length, thereby define the predefined angle, e.g. limited by a maximum downward excursion of the panel 200. The string can be a flexible tether or strap. In a longitudinal direction of the string, the string can be non-elastic. During vertical rotation, the string’s fastening points remain at the same relative positions and orientations. In this manner, it is ensured that the predefined angle does not depend on the tracking azimuth.

[0262] In some examples, as is evident from the above, the horizontal rotation axis HR can be realized by a member referred to as the upper solar panel support member, the support member, or the like, according to various examples herein.

[0263] Figure 22 illustrates a wheel for rotating a solar panel 200, where the wheel is driven via a wire and second wheel attached to a motor 120.

[0264] A rotatable vertical member 102 supports a solar panel support member 105. The solar panel support member 105 holds one or more solar panels 200. A wheel 250 is positioned below the solar panel support member 105 and is connected to a wire 260. The wire 260 wraps around the wheel 250 and extends to a second wheel 250, which is connected to a motor 120. The motor 120 drives the second wheel 250, which in turn controls the tension and movement of the wire 260.

[0265] The wire 260, by being wrapped around the wheel 250, enables the rotation of the solar panel support member 105 and the attached solar panels 200 around the vertical axis of the rotatable vertical member 102. The motor 120, through the second wheel 250, provides the necessary force to adjust the orientation of the solar panels 200 by controlling the wire 260.

[0266] The configuration allows for the solar panels 200 to adapt to strong winds by rotating around the horizontal axis, thereby reducing the torque exerted on the panels. The wire 260 ensures that the panels can be rotated in any direction, providing flexibility in panel orientation. The placement of the wire 260 and the wheel 250 below the point of the solar panels 200 ensures that the panels can rotate freely without interference.

[0267] To further elaborate on the above, the solar panels 200 may rotate freely around the solar panel support member 105 which reduces force exerted on the panels 200 and thus the torque exerted on the vertical member 102. One possible method by which the solar panels 200 are rotated around the solar panel support member 105 is via wind force on the solar panels 200. The solar panels 200 may be rotatably connected to the solar panel support member 105 via a rotatable connection such as a hinge, or they may be fixedly connected to the solar panel support member 105 which may then rotate itself. Any form of rotation of the solar panels 200 around the solar panel support member 105 is contemplated and should be understood by a person of skill in the art.

[0268] The rotatable vertical member 102 is rotatable, typically via mechanical means but may be by any form of force. It may be directly rotated through connection to a motor, which may be achieved via gears or the like as would be understood by a person of skill in the art. One possible method for achieving rotation of the rotatable vertical member 102 is via a wheel250 as is further described in this document. Utilising a wheel 250 to rotate the vertical member 102 allows the solar panels 200 to be fixed in a certain orientation to allow for reduced torque on the vertical member 102 in the presence of certain wind conditions. In an embodiment comprising multiple solar panel systems, each system comprises solar panels 200, a vertical member 102, and a solar panel support member 105, each system may have one or more wheels 250 to orient the solar panels 200 to reduce torque exerted on the respective vertical members 102. Driving of the wheels 250 to cause rotation of the vertical members 102 will be described further herein.

[0269] In an alternative embodiment, the solar panels are fixed in the horizontal direction but rotate around the rotatable vertical support member 102. This configuration allows for the solar panels 200 to adapt to strong winds by rotating around the vertical axis, thereby reducing the torque exerted on the panels. The wire 260 ensures that the panels can be rotated in any direction, providing flexibility in panel orientation. The placement of the wire 260 and the wheel 250 below the point of the solar panels 200 ensures that the panels can rotate freely without interference.

[0270] Figure 23 shows an example of a method for controlling and adjusting the tracking azimuth of the solar assemblies 110 of any one of the systems 100 herein.

[0271] At step 1000 the method is initialized and enters a recurring environmental- sampling loop. At step 1001 the control unit 130, 131 acquires a wind load index, the index being derived either from direct anemometer measurements or from the tensile or electrical loading of the drive train.

[0272] At step 1002 the control unit retrieves, from non-volatile memory, the zone identifier that was assigned to the present solar panel system 100 during site commissioning, e.g. mounting, installation or the like. Proceeding to the decision node of step 1003, the control unit selects an appropriate pair of wind-trigger thresholds - namely a first (lower) threshold and a second (higher) threshold - according to whether the row of solar assemblies is classified as outer (step 1004), corner (step 1005), inner (step 1006) or protected (step 1007).

[0273] The first comparison is performed at step 1008. If the wind load index is less than the first threshold the control unit remains in normal sun-tracking state, represented by step 1009, and the method returns to step 1001 on the next cycle. If, however, the wind load index meets or exceeds the first threshold the control unit advances to step 1010, energizing the drive unit to rotate solar panel 200 and / or the solar assembly 110 about the vertical support member 102 until a narrow edge of the panel 200 is aligned with the incident wind vector. Upon completion of edge-on rotation as above the method enters step 1011 , a dwell period during which residual motor load or wire tension is sampled; during this period any aerodynamic moment that exceeds the hinge preload may cause the panel to feather passively about the horizontal axis defined by the upper support member 105. At the termination of the dwell the residual load is compared with the second, higher threshold at step 1012.

[0274] If the load is less than the second threshold the tracker is deemed to be within the safe operating band and is held at the edge-on azimuth while the control unit continues to monitor wind conditions, as represented by step 1013. If, on the other hand, the residual load meets or exceeds the second threshold, step 1014 is executed; in this escalation branch the control unit may command any stilltracking rows to adopt the same orientation, may initiate a full-array stow, may disengage a release mechanism in the motion-transmission system 204, and / or may transmit an alarm to site supervision.

[0275] Regardless of whether the method resides in the hold branch of step 1013 or the escalation branch of step 1014, it next performs the recovery test of step 1015. Normal sun-tracking operation is permitted to resume only when the wind load index has fallen below the first threshold reduced by a hysteresis margin, thereby ensuring stable state transitions and preventing oscillation between stow and track. In one embodiment, the hysteresis margin is defined as 20% of the first threshold value. For example, if the first threshold is triggered at a wind load index of W = 100, normal operation will not resume until W < 80. This prevents rapid toggling between modes in fluctuating wind conditions and ensures that trackers do not exit stow prematurely during intermittent gusts. When this condition is satisfied, control returns to step 1009; otherwise the method loops back to the monitoring state of step 1011. Step 1016 denotes the termination of the current execution cycle, after which the algorithm returns to step 1001 at the next scheduled sampling interval. By employing zone-specific dual thresholds and relying solely on rotation of the vertical support member 102 together with the passive feathering capability of the hinge, the foregoing method supplies graded, self-recovering storm protection without the need for active hinge actuation or additional sensor hardware. As used herein, a hysteresis margin refers to the deliberate offset between the activation and deactivation thresholds for wind protection, typically defined as 20% of the activation threshold unless otherwise configured.

[0276] Moreover, in the context of wind protection and stow logic, the term ’’zone” refers to the positional classification of a row of assemblies within the broader array layout in the system 100. Zones are primarily determined by proximity to the perimeter of the system: for example, outermost rows are considered perimeter zones, while inner rows are assigned to secondary or protected zones depending on their relative distance from the edge of the system. This classification reflects the fact that perimeter rows experience the highest direct exposure to wind loading and therefore require earlier or more frequent stow action. Stow and wind protection refers to that the panel’s tracking azimuth are set to match downwind direction, thereby reducing harmful effects on the system, which disadvantageously could cause malfunction or damage. In addition, mechanical considerations may also inform zone assignment: in wire-driven rows of assemblies, aerodynamic torque induced by wind accumulates progressively along the drive path, with the greatest cumulative tension typically occurring farthest from the drive unit. As a result, zone-based logic may take into account both spatial placement (e.g., “first outer row”) and dynamic factors such as local wire tension or motor-side proximity. This dual framework enables the system to apply differentiated control strategies — such as staggered stow thresholds or shielded tracking windows — based on each row’s structural role and exposure profile. In one example, any reference in this disclosure to a wind load index, load metric, aerodynamic force estimate, or similar term may be understood to represent a scalar quantity that characterizes the effective wind loading on a solar panel or tracker assembly. This quantity may be derived analytically, empirically, or via sensor input. In a representative implementation, the total wind force Fwind acting on a module may be approximated by the equation: where:

[0277] Cd is the drag coefficient of the module and support frame (typically between 1.1 and 1 .3 for flat plates normal to flow), A is the panel surface area in square meters,

[0278] X is the panel tilt angle from horizontal (0° = flat, 90° = vertical), aka predefined angle,

[0279] Y is the yaw or attack angle between the wind vector and the panel normal (0° = full-on, 90° = edge-on), aka deviation angle, and

[0280] S is the wind speed in meters per second.

[0281] This computed value may be used as the wind load index for triggering stow decisions, adjusting thresholds by zone, or validating tension-based estimates. The specific formulation used may vary between embodiments depending on available sensor data and computational resources.

[0282] Further, during installation or commissioning, the system may perform a set of baseline measurements to establish reference values for normal operation. These include measuring the initial preload in each tensioned drive wire, which may be approximately 500 N in a typical configuration. This wire tension may be measured using inline load cells, strain gauges affixed to structural members, or mechanical tensiometers applied during setup. In addition, the system may be calibrated by recording the angular response of each tracker row to known motor commands, verifying the relationship between motor rotation and panel orientation. Other parameters such as initial panel tilt angles, wind sensor alignment, and module geometry may also be recorded to ensure correct operation of the tracking, wind-stow, and orientation-estimation algorithms. Figure 24 illustrates an example of the system 100 and / or the control unit 130, 131 in which the embodiments herein may be implemented.

[0283] The system 100 and / or the control unit 130, 131 can include a processing module 2401 for performing the methods described herein. The processing module can be embodied in the form of one or more hardware modules and / or one or more software modules. The term “module” may thus refer to a circuit, a software block or the like according to various embodiments as described below.

[0284] The system 100 and / or the control unit 130, 131 may further include a memory 2402. The memory can include, such as contain or store, instructions, e.g., in the form of a computer program 2403, which can include computer readable code units.

[0285] According to some embodiments herein, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130, 131 and / or the processing module 2401 includes a processing circuit 2404 as an exemplifying hardware module, which can include one or more processors. Accordingly, the processing module 2401 may be embodied in the form of, or ‘realized by’, the processing circuit 2404. The instructions may be executable by the processing circuit 2404, whereby the system 100 and / or the control unit 130, 131 is operative to perform the methods herein. As another example, the instructions, when executed by the system 100 and / or the control unit 130, 131 and / or the processing circuit 2404, may cause the system 100 and / or the control unit 130, 131 to perform the methods herein.

[0286] In view of the above, in one example, there is provided a system 100 and / or the control unit 130, 131 configured to perform the methods herein. Again, the memory 2402 contains the instructions executable by said processing circuit 2404 whereby the system 100 and / or the control unit 130, 131 is operative to perform the actions / steps herein.

[0287] Figure 24 further illustrates a carrier 2405, or program carrier, which provides, such as comprises, mediates, supplies and the like, the computer program 2403 as described directly above. The carrier 2405 may be one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, a computer readable medium, a non-transitory computer readable medium, and a computer program product, and the like.

[0288] In some embodiments, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130, 131 and / or the processing module 2401 may comprise one or more of a tracking module 2410, an obtaining module 2420, a setting and / or adjusting module 2430, a determining module 2440, an applying module 2450 as exemplifying hardware modules. The term “module” may refer to a circuit when the term “module” refers to a hardware module. In other examples, one or more of the aforementioned exemplifying hardware modules may be implemented as one or more software modules.

[0289] Moreover, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130, 131 and / or the processing module 2401 may comprise an Input / Output module 2406, which may be exemplified by the receiving module and / or the sending module when applicable. Accordingly, the system 100 and / or the control unit 130, 131 is configured for maneuvering the solar panels and / or the solar assemblies according to the methods herein.

[0290] As used herein, the term “module” may refer to one or more functional modules, each of which may be implemented as one or more hardware modules and / or one or more software modules and / or a combined software / hardware module in a node. In some examples, the module may represent function realized as software and / or hardware of the node. As used herein, the term “computer program carrier”, “program carrier”, or “carrier”, may refer to one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, and a computer readable medium. In some examples, the computer program carrier may exclude transitory, propagating signals, such as the electronic, optical and / or radio signal. Thus, in these examples, the computer program carrier may be a non-transitory carrier, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0291] As used herein, the term “processing module” may include one or more hardware modules, one or more software modules or a combination thereof. Any such module, be it a hardware, software or a combined hardware-software module, may be a determining means, estimating means, capturing means, associating means, comparing means, identification means, selecting means, receiving means, sending means or the like as disclosed herein. As an example, the expression “means” may be a module corresponding to the modules listed above in conjunction with the Figures.

[0292] As used herein, the term “software module” may refer to a software application, a Dynamic Link Library (DLL), a software component, a software module, a software object, a React component, an object according to Component Object Model (COM), a software function, a software engine, an executable binary software file or the like.

[0293] The terms “processing unit” or “processing circuit” may herein comprise one or more processors, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field- Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or the like. The processing circuit or the like may comprise one or more processor kernels.

[0294] As used herein, the expression “configured to / for” can refer to that a processing circuit can be configured to, such as adapted to or operative to, by means of software configuration and / or hardware configuration, perform one or more of the actions described herein. As used herein, the term “action” may refer to an action, a step, an operation, a response, a reaction, an activity or the like. It shall be noted that an action herein may be split into two or more sub-actions as applicable. Moreover, also as applicable, it shall be noted that two or more of the actions described herein may be merged into a single action.

[0295] As used herein, the term “memory” may refer to a hard disk, a magnetic storage medium, a portable computer diskette or disc, flash memory, random access memory (RAM) or the like. Furthermore, the term “memory” may refer to an internal register memory of a processor or the like.

[0296] As used herein, the term “computer readable medium” may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a Blu-ray disc, a software module that is received as a stream of data, a Flash memory, a hard drive, a memory card, such as a MemoryStick, a Multimedia Card (MMC), Secure Digital (SD) card, etc. One or more of the aforementioned examples of computer readable medium may be provided as one or more computer program products.

[0297] As used herein, the term “computer readable code units” may be text of a computer program, parts of or an entire binary file representing a computer program in a compiled format or anything there between.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1 . A method, performed by a solar panel system (100), for maneuvering a first set of solar assemblies (110), wherein each solar assembly (110) of the first set of solar assemblies (110) comprises a respective solar panel (200) arranged to rotate, using a hinge assembly (203) connecting to a horizontal rotation axis (HR) of said each solar assembly (110), from a predefined angular position of the solar panel (200) about the horizontal rotation axis (HR) due to wind, wherein the solar panel system (100) comprises the first set of solar assemblies (110), a control unit (130), a drive unit (120), wherein the system (100) is arranged to track a position of a sun with the solar panel (200) by rotation of the solar assembly (110), about a vertical rotation axis (VR), wherein the control unit (130) is configured to control the drive unit (120) to rotate the solar assembly (110) about the vertical rotation axis (VR), wherein the method comprises vertically tracking (A110) the position of the sun with the solar panel (200) by adjusting a tracking azimuth of the solar assembly (110) based on a solar azimuth of the position of the sun, obtaining (A120) a measure of wind in proximity of the solar panel system (100), wherein the measure of wind comprises a wind speed and a downwind direction in which the wind propagates, and when the wind speed exceeds a wind threshold for a maximum wind speed that is allowed when performing vertical tracking without taking the measure of wind into account, adjusting (A130) the tracking azimuth to match the downwind direction.

2. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the system (100) comprises a second set of solar assemblies (110), wherein the method comprises, when the wind speed exceeds the wind threshold and / or a further wind threshold:setting (A O) a respective tracking azimuth of each solar assembly (1 10) of the second set of solar assemblies (110) to deviate by at least a respective deviation angle from the downwind direction.

3. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the second set of solar assemblies (110) is different from the first set of solar assemblies (110).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (100) comprises a peripheral row of solar assemblies (110) located along at least one side of the solar panel system (100), wherein the method comprises, when the wind speed indication exceeds the wind threshold and / or a further wind threshold: setting (A150) the respective tracking azimuth of solar panels (200) in the peripheral row of solar panels (200) to be directed towards the downwind direction, wherein said at least one side faces the downwind direction.

5. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the peripheral row of solar assemblies (110) is different from the first and second sets of solar assemblies (110).

6. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the peripheral row of solar panels (200) comprises reinforced vertical tracking solar assemblies (110), wherein the reinforced vertical tracking solar assemblies (110) are mechanically reinforced to be able to be directed towards the downwind direction even when the wind speed exceeds the wind threshold and / or the further wind threshold, while preferably the wind speed at the same time falls short of a yet further wind threshold for wind speed that the reinforced vertical tracking solar assemblies (110) is capable of withstanding.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises, when the wind speed falls short of the wind threshold for maximum wind speed: obtaining (B120) a sun indication of a vertical solar component of the sun, e.g. at the location of the solar panel and / or the system or at least in the vicinity thereof, and when the vertical solar component falls short of a sun threshold for a minimum vertical solar component that is allowed when performing vertical tracking without taking the sun indication of the vertical solar component into account, adjusting (B130) the tracking azimuth away from the solar azimuth by an adjustment angle, wherein the adjustment angle can be set to reduce and / or eliminate shadow on the solar panels and / or to increase and / or maximize efficiency of the solar assemblies (1 10), while optionally overriding the tracking (A110, B110) of the sun.

8. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the adjustment angle is defined relative to the horizontal solar component.

9. The method according to any one of claim 7-8, wherein method comprises: determining (B125), preferably repeatedly, the sun threshold based on one or more of time of day, date, a location of the system (100) and system dimensions.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein method comprises: determining (B127), preferably repeatedly, the adjustment angle based on one or more of time of day, date, a location of the system (100) and system dimensions.11 .The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: obtaining (A105) a set of tracking modes, wherein the set of tracking modes comprises: o a regular continuous vertical tracking mode, o a tilted continuous vertical tracking mode, and o a static tracking mode, in which the tracking azimuth of the solar assemblies (110) is parallel with a panel alignment direction of a set of panel alignment directions associated with the grid, wherein each panel alignment direction of the set of panel alignment directions is perpendicular to a respective grid line of the grid, wherein the tracking azimuth is stationary during the static tracking mode, i.e. not updated by the control unit (130), and wherein the tracking (A110) comprises: when the wind speed indication falls short of the wind threshold for maximum wind speed, alternating ly applying (A111 ) one of the set of tracking modes based on the solar azimuth, the grid lines and the system dimensions, or according to a predefined scheme with a predefined tracking azimuth for a given time and date.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tracking azimuth is parallel with a horizontal component of a normal to the solar panel (200).

13. A vertically tracking solar panel system (100) comprising a set of solar assemblies (110) arranged at a plurality of positions, wherein each solar assembly (110) of the set of solar assemblies (110) is arranged to be rotated about a respective vertical rotation axis (VR) for enabling vertical tracking of a position of a sun with said each solar assembly (110), wherein the respective vertical axis is located at a respective position ofthe plurality of positions, wherein the plurality of positions define a grid structure, formed by triangles.

14. The system (100) according to any one of claims 13-16, wherein each solar assembly (110) of the set of solar assemblies (110) comprises a respective solar panel (200) arranged to rotate, using a hinge assembly (203) connecting to a horizontal rotation axis (HR) of said each solar assembly (110), from a predefined angular position of the solar panel (200) about the horizontal rotation axis (HR) due to wind.

15. The system (100) according to any one of claims 13-14, wherein a solar surface of the solar assemblies (110) of the set has an aspect ratio of1 :2,5 or less, 1 :3 or less, 1 :4 or less, or 1 :5 or less.

16. The system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein each triangle of the triangles has a side that is parallel with a predefined compass direction.

17. The system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the predefined compass direction is north, south, east, west, northeast, southeast, southwest, or northwest.

18. The system (100) according to any one of claims 13-17, wherein the triangles are equilateral triangles, isosceles triangles.

19. The system (100) according to any one of claims 13-18, wherein all triangles of the system (100) have a common shape and common dimensions.

20. The system (100) according to any one of claims 13-19, wherein each solar panel (200) of the solar assemblies (110) comprises a light-weight solar panel, having a weight of less than 10 kg per square meter.

21. The system (100) according to any one of claims 13-20, wherein the system (100) and / or a control unit (130, 131 ) is configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 -12.

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