Vertical tracking solar assembly

Abstract

A vertical tracking solar assembly (110) comprises a solar panel (200) rotatably mounted at a horizontal rotation support member (105) and arranged to rotate from a predefined angle orientation of the solar panel (200) due to wind. A drive unit (120) is controlled to adjust a panel azimuth of the solar panel (200) to match a downwind direction when a wind speed of the wind is above a wind tracking threshold. A rotatable support structure (102, 103), extending from ground towards the horizontal rotation axis (HR), is arranged to hold, directly or indirectly, the horizontal rotation support member (105) above the ground. An angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement (104, 106) is arranged to mitigate resonance of the vertical tracking solar assembly (110).

Description

[0001] VERTICAL TRACKING SOLAR ASSEMBLY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The embodiments herein relate to vertical tracking solar assemblies, such as solar panel structures, solar panel arrangements, or the like. In particular, the vertical tracking solar assembly is rotatable about a vertical axis for tracking by directing solar panels thereof 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 systems enable 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, also known as photovoltaic (PV) cells, aligned with a horizontal component of the sun’s position as the sun appears to traverse the sky, for example 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] Known examples of single-pole vertical-axis tracking systems typically comprise a central support pole anchored to a foundation, from which one or more cantilevered arms extend to carry a set of solar panels. The vertical axis of rotation is defined by the central pole, and the panels are mounted so as to pivot in the horizontal plane about this axis, thereby achieving vertical tracking by rotation about the vertical axis of rotation. In such systems, solar azimuth tracking refers to the controlled rotation of the panels about the vertical axis to follow the apparent horizontal movement of the sun throughout the day.

[0008] In addition to azimuth tracking, some vertical tracking systems are also equipped with a mechanism for adjusting the solar altitude angle, i.e. the tilt of the panels relative to the horizontal plane. This altitude adjustment may be fixed at a predetermined angle chosen for the installation’s geographic latitude and expected seasonal solar path, or it may be motorized, allowing seasonal or realtime optimization of panel inclination. When such solar altitude adjustment is motorized, the system can act as a dual-axis tracking system, as it controls both azimuth and altitude angles of the panels, using motors. Systems with motorized altitude adjustment provide greater flexibility in optimizing energy capture, while fixed-angle systems offer mechanical simplicity and reduced cost.

[0009] These installations are generally built with a robust and rigid construction to withstand substantial wind loads. The central pole and supporting frame are typically made from high-strength structural materials, with reinforcement to maintain stability under dynamic conditions. Bearings, gearboxes, and drive assemblies are dimensioned both for the continuous daily tracking motion and for resistance to forces generated by gusty winds. The construction required for such robustness, however, is costly and adds considerable weight. This increased mass results in higher inertia, which in turn requires relatively high power consumption to manoeuvre the panels during tracking and stow operations.

[0010] Attempts have been made to reduce the weight and cost of such systems while maintaining sufficient structural strength. For example, patent publications SE2450289 and SE2351 170 disclose designs providing a light-weight construction that is less expensive compared to conventional heavy-duty systems. Even if the systems disclosed in SE2450289 and SE2351170 are fully functional, further improvements are desirable in terms of resilience against resonance and / or vibration induced by wind.

[0011] When wind flows across a single-pole solar panel system, aerodynamic interactions occur between the panel(s), their supporting structure, and the surrounding air. Under certain wind conditions, alternating vortices may form on the leeward side of the panels. This phenomenon, often referred to as vortex shedding, can induce oscillatory forces on the structure. If these oscillations occur at or near a natural frequency of the single-pole solar panel system, resonance may arise in one or more dimensions.

[0012] In such systems, the structural design inherently allows for multiple modes of natural vibration, including modes associated with the central support pole, cantilevered arms, and the mounted panels. Wind of varying strength can excite different modes at different times, depending on the instantaneous aerodynamic conditions. This can lead to sustained or intermittent oscillations within the same single-pole system. Resonance in a single-pole solar panel system can cause cyclic loading that exceeds normal operational stresses. Over time, this may result in fatigue, loosening of fasteners, deformation of support members, or even structural failure. Furthermore, such vibrations may impair the precision of solar tracking, thereby reducing overall energy yield.

[0013] The problem is further exacerbated by rapid changes in wind direction or speed, which can cause sudden transitions between different modes of vibration. The combined effect of these dynamic loads within a single-pole solar panel system can significantly reduce its operational life, time span between services, and operational reliability.

[0014] SUMMARY

[0015] There is therefore a need for improved vertical tracking single-pole solar panel systems that can mitigate resonance and vibration effects caused by wind of varying strength exciting different natural vibration modes of the system, thereby enhancing structural durability and operational performance.

[0016] An objective is to alleviate, or eliminate, one or more of the problems and / or disadvantages mentioned herein.

[0017] This objective, and possibly other objectives, is achieved by the vertical tracking solar assembly according to the independent claim enclosed herewith.

[0018] According to an aspect, there is provided a vertical tracking solar assembly comprising a solar panel rotatably mounted at a horizontal rotation support member using a hinge assembly, comprising the horizontal rotation support member. The solar panel is arranged to rotate from a predefined angle orientation of the solar panel due to wind, e.g. above a wind lift threshold indicating a wind speed required to lift the solar panel from the predefined angle orientation. The vertical tracking solar assembly further comprises an angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement arranged to hold the solar panel in the predefined angle orientation when the solar panel is at rest with respect to rotation due to wind, and a drive unit arranged to track a position of a sun with the solar panel by rotation of the solar assembly about a vertical rotation axis. The drive unit is controlled to adjust a panel azimuth of the solar panel to match a downwind direction when a wind speed of the wind is above a wind tracking threshold, e.g. indicating a maximum allowed wind speed during tracking of the sun. This manner of controlling is sometimes referred to as “controlling of the backside-to-wind orientation”, i.e., as mentioned above, the panel azimuth matches a downwind direction.

[0019] Furthermore, the vertical tracking solar assembly comprises a rotatable support structure, extending from ground towards the horizontal rotation axis and at least partly along the vertical rotation axis. The rotatable support structure is arranged to hold, directly or indirectly, the horizontal rotation support member at a vertical distance above the ground, wherein the drive unit is arranged to vertically rotate the rotatable support structure. The horizontal rotation support member runs parallel to an upper edge of the solar panel and at a distance of between 0% and 25% of a width of the solar panel from the upper edge, or 0% to 10% of the width from the upper edge.

[0020] Moreover, the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement is arranged to mitigate resonance of the vertical tracking solar assembly, wherein the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement is connected at a respective attachment point of a respective opposing side of the horizontal rotation support member with respect to the vertical rotation axis, wherein the respective attachment point is located at or beyond 30% of a distance from a centre of the horizontal rotation support member, wherein the distance extends between the centre of the horizontal rotation support member and a distal end of the horizontal rotation support member.

[0021] Additionally, the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement is connected at a fixation point of the rotatable support structure, wherein the fixation point is stationary with respect to the respective attachment point of the horizontal rotation support member, wherein fixation point is located at or below 75% of the vertical distance.

[0022] In some embodiments, the vertical tracking solar assembly comprises a control unit configured to control the drive unit to rotate the solar assembly about the vertical rotation axis,

[0023] In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to control the drive unit to adjust the panel azimuth of the solar panel to match the downwind direction when the wind speed of the wind is above the wind tracking threshold.

[0024] In some embodiments, the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement is a unified arrangement. As an example, the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement comprises one or more elements, such as beams, bars, wires, or the like, that provides both the predefined angle and the resonance mitigation. In more detail, the solar panel can rest on said elements, which at the same time stiffens the vertical tracking solar assembly, whereby resonance due to wind can be mitigated.

[0025] In some embodiments, the vertical tracking solar assembly can comprise a mechanical interface of a first solar panel and a second solar panel, where the solar panel already mentioned is referred to as “a first solar panel”.

[0026] The vertical tracking solar assembly comprises the second solar panel rotatably mounted at the horizontal rotation support member using the hinge assembly, wherein the second solar panel is arranged to rotate from the predefined angle orientation due to wind.

[0027] Moreover, the vertical tracking solar assembly comprises a first friction member and a second friction member forming the mechanical interface of the first and second solar panels, e.g. creating at least a partial transfer of rotational motion between the first and second friction members, The first friction member can at least partially enclose the horizontal rotation support member and is fixedly mounted to the first solar panel at a first edge thereof. The hinge assembly can comprise the first friction member, e.g. the first edge runs perpendicularly to the horizontal rotation support member, The second friction member can at least partially enclose the horizontal rotation support member and is fixedly mounted to the second solar panel at a second edge thereof. The hinge assembly can comprise the second friction member. The horizontal rotation support member can be provided with a biasing member that is arranged to bias the first and second friction members against each other, whereby the first and second solar panels are rotatable in a synchronized or a non-synchronized manner depending on friction force, e.g. at least partially originating from the biasing applied by the biasing member, between the first and second friction member.

[0028] In some embodiments, the hinge assembly comprises one or more friction members fixed to the solar panel. The one or more friction members can comprise the first friction member and / or second friction member, or the like.

[0029] In some embodiments, each one of the first and second friction members comprises a respective cylindrical sleeve, arranged to at least partially enclose the horizontal rotation support member and rotatably mounted at the horizontal rotation support member.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first friction member and the second friction member comprise a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface, respectively. Each one of the first and second abutment surfaces is formed as a respective cut through a respective one of the first and second friction members.

[0031] In some embodiments, the respective cut is oblique relative to a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal rotation support member, whereby the first and second abutment surfaces have extension in a longitudinal direction of the horizontal rotation support member.

[0032] The first and second friction members are arranged to, when rotating relative each other, cause a variation in an overlap, as seen along the longitudinal direction, between the first and second friction members. An in-phase magnitude of the overlap when the panels are in phase is greater than an out-of-phase magnitude of the overlap when the panels are at least out of phase, are approaching opposite phase, or are in opposite phase, whereby the friction force increases as the first and second solar panel rotates away from each other, becoming more and more out-of-phase. In this manner, the panels are pushed harder together the more out of phase they become.

[0033] In some embodiments, the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement does not comprise a lower solar panel support member, e.g. being horizontal, for supporting the solar panel in a rest position.

[0034] In some embodiments, the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement comprise a resonance mitigating arrangement and / or an angle holding arrangement.

[0035] In some embodiments, the vertical tracking solar assembly comprises at least one blocking element arranged to block rotation of the solar panel at a stop orientation of the solar panel, wherein said at least one blocking element is fixedly attached to and a protrusion of said at least one blocking element extends away from the horizontal rotation support member, wherein the stop orientation is defined in terms a stop rotation angle, indicating rotation about the horizontal rotation support member, e.g. relative to the predefined angle orientation.

[0036] The stop rotation angle can be equal to a horizontal orientation of the solar panel, optionally adjusted, such as increased, decreased, or the like, by a margin, e.g. + / - 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or the like. In some embodiments, one of said at least one blocking element is fixedly mounted at the horizontal rotation support member and, e.g. directly, adjacent to the biasing member, wherein said one of said at least one blocking element acts as a stop against which the biasing member acts at least during application of bias to the mechanical interface.

[0037] In some embodiments, the rotatable support structure comprises an upper rotatable structure, at which the horizontal rotation support member is fixedly mounted, and a lower structure anchored to the ground.

[0038] In some embodiments, the upper rotatable structure can be a beam, a bar, a rod, a tube, or the like.

[0039] In some embodiments, the lower structure can be a beam, a bar, a rod, a tube, or the like.

[0040] In some embodiments, the horizontal rotation support member can be a rod, a bar, an axle, a beam, or the like. Preferably, a cross-section of the horizontal rotation support member, e.g. an outer contour of the cross-section, is circular, round, or the like.

[0041] In some embodiments, the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement comprise a bracing arrangement and / or an angle holding arrangement. The angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement can comprise, such as be, be realized by, or the like, a unified arrangement configured to provide both angle holding and resonance mitigation. Alternatively, or even additionally, the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement can comprise a combination of two distinct arrangements comprising an angle holding arrangement and a bracing arrangement. Sometimes, the bracing arrangement can be referred to as a resonance mitigating arrangement. In some embodiments, the rotatable support structure comprises a vertical support member, a vertical support member, or a rod, a beam, a bar, or the like, which has a main extension direction component in the vertical direction. The rotatable support structure and the examples thereof can be vertical, or substantially vertical.

[0042] In some embodiments, the angle holding arrangement comprises a horizontal, or substantially horizontal support member, a horizontal support member, or a rod, a beam, a bar, or the like, which has a main extension direction component in the horizontal direction.

[0043] In some embodiments, the vertical tracking solar assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit is connected to the rotatable support structure by one or more wires, wherein said wires exhibits an axial compliance permitting a limited elongation in the longitudinal direction under load while maintaining sufficient tensile stiffness to suppress resonance and / or vibration of the rotatable support structure.

[0044] 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, or one of these embodiments, can be excluded from the vertical tracking solar assembly herein.

[0045] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] 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.

[0047] Figure 1 through Figure 32 are schematic views, such as overview, side views, perspective views, top views or the like, of various examples of the vertical tracking solar assembly, or examples of details of the vertical tracking solar assembly.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] As used herein, the term “predefined angle orientation” refers to an angle relative to the horizontal plane HP, e.g. when the solar panel rests, or is biased towards, in the predefined angle orientation, a predefined angle is defined by the solar panel’s active surface relative to the horizontal plane HP. The predefined angle orientation is maintained during rotation of the solar panel about the vertical rotation axis, e.g. associated therewith, e.g. unless a wind causes the panel to leave the predefined angle orientation.

[0050] 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 wind lift threshold, preferably from a predefined angle relative to the horizontal plane and more preferably towards a horizontal orientation. Notably, the wind lift threshold is a particular wind speed that is required to cause the solar panel to leave the predefined angle orientation in which it rests when the wind speed is below the wind lift threshold. The wind lift threshold indicates a wind speed required to lift the solar panel from the predefined angle orientation. Accordingly, the wind lift threshold is given by the physical properties of the solar assembly, such as weight of the solar panel, friction force related to rotation of the solar panel and so on. Each solar panel is thus arranged to rotate from a predefined angle orientation when exposed to wind, e.g. impinging at a rear surface thereof, capable of lifting and rotating the solar panel away from the predefined angle orientation, 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 angle orientation 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, i.e. above the wind lift threshold.

[0051] As used herein, the term “horizontal orientation of the solar panel” refers to when the solar panel parallel with the horizontal plane HP.

[0052] As used herein, the term “panel azimuth” refers to a projection of a normal direction to the solar panel(s) 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. The panel azimuth changes as the solar panel rotates about a geometric vertical axis when arranged in a predefined angle orientation that is different from a vertical plane.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 panel azimuth of the solar panel is determined based on the solar azimuth. E.g. the panel azimuth 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 panel 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.

[0055] As used herein, the expression “system”, “solar panel system”, “vertical tracking solar assembly”, “vertically tracking solar assembly”, or the like, can refer to that such system is configured to track a sun by rotating the solar panel(s) of the system about a vertical axis, e.g. one single vertical geometric axis, associated with the system.

[0056] 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.

[0057] As used herein, the terms “solar panel”, “panel”, are used interchangeably. Sometimes, “solar panel” can refer to solar assembly or vice versa as evident from the context. A length of the solar panel refers to the solar panel’s span along the horizontal axis HR. A width of the solar panel refers to the solar panel’s span perpendicular to the horizontal axis HR.

[0058] 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”.

[0059] 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.

[0060] “Rear surface”, “rear surface of the solar panel”, “back side”, or the like, 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.

[0061] As used herein, the term “bias” refers to mechanical bias, e.g. achieved due to gravity, a resilient member, a biasing 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.

[0062] 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. 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 value 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 value, 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The predefined angle is typically determined based on the latitude of a location on Earth of the vertical tracking solar assembly. The predefined angle can sometimes also take into account the time of year, e.g. season, with which the altitude of the sun varies. The predefined angle orientation can be, e.g. with respect to a horizontal plane, in a range from 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, or the like, to 75 degrees, 80 degrees, 85 degrees, or the like. The range can for example be 20-75 degrees, 30-60 degrees. As another example, the range can be the latitude minus 15 degrees for summer, latitude plus 15 degrees for winter, and the latitude itself for spring and fall or year-round optimum, or the like.

[0065] As used herein, the expression “flutter” can mean a self-excited aeroelastic instability in which aerodynamic loading couples with the panel’s structural or hinge compliance to produce sustained or growing oscillations and / or resonance about structural elements, where the oscillations and / or resonance are distinct from a one-time gust deflection. The structural elements refer to the parts forming the vertical tracking solar assembly, such as the rotatable support structure, the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement, the horizontal rotation support member, etc.

[0066] As an example, Figure 1 discloses a vertical tracking solar assembly 110. The vertical tracking solar assembly 1 10 can have a surface 117 provided with a plurality of PV cells, distributed among one or more solar panels 200. Accordingly, the surface 117 can include or represent said one or more solar panels 200. Expressed differently, the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 includes the aforementioned one or more solar panels. The PV cells are illustrated by the pattern of crossing lines on the surface 117. The solar panels according to at least some embodiments herein have a ratio of a width of the solar panel to a length 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..

[0067] The vertical tracking solar assembly 110 is provided with a means for holding the solar panel, such as the horizonal support, 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 117 at the predefined angle can be an angle holding arrangement 118, such as a biasing structure arranged to bias the panel toward the predefined angle, a wire, a horizontally running support bar, or the like, as described in more detail in section “Examples of structures configured to achieve predefined angle”. As mentioned, the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 is arranged to hold each solar panel at the predefined angle, e.g. in a resting position. The vertical tracking solar assembly 1 10 can be arranged to bias said each solar panels towards the resting position. In some examples, the solar assembly 110 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. More generally, the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 is arranged, e.g. by means of the angle holding arrangement, to allow the solar panel(s) to rest in a predefined angle orientation.

[0068] 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 panel azimuth HT of the surface 117 and / or 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 panel azimuth HT. Thus, the respective panel azimuth HT of the solar panel 200 can refer to the respective panel azimuth HT of the surface 117 and / or said one or more solar panels 200 associated with the surface 117.

[0069] Furthermore, the vertical 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.

[0070] In some cases, the vertical tracking assembly 110 can experience a resonance and / or vibration about the vertical rotation axis VR. Such resonance and / or vibration can be efficiently suppressed, according to some examples, by connecting the drive unit 120 to the vertical support member 102 using wires. The chosen wires, as is generally the case for wires, exhibit an axial compliance that allows for limited elongation in the longitudinal direction under load, while maintaining sufficient tensile stiffness to transmit forces without significant slack. This axial compliance contributes to energy dissipation and thereby assists in suppressing undesired oscillations of the vertical support member 102. The axial compliance can be less than 5%, 3%, 2%, or the like. The vertical tracking solar assembly 110 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 panel azimuth HT.

[0071] Furthermore, the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 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.

[0072] The wind information can be obtained from an anemometer, from a data source on the Internet, provided that the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 and / or the control unit 130 has been configured with a location of the vertical tracking solar assembly, or is provided with a Global Position System (GPS) unit, or the like.

[0073] The vertical tracking solar assembly 110 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.

[0074] With the vertical tracking solar assembly 110, the orientation of the surface 117 is adjusted such that the normal vector N to the surface 117, or a projection of the normal N 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 wind tracking threshold for a maximum wind speed that is allowed when performing vertical tracking without taking the wind into account. When the wind tracking threshold is exceeded the panel azimuth is adjusted to match the downwind direction. The wind tracking threshold can be programmed into the control unit 130 and / or dynamically provided to the control unit, such as in the form of user-input, input from a manufacturer of the solar assembly 110.

[0075] As an example, the control information can be determined using an ephemerisbased tracking method, sensor-based tracking method, or the like, as is well- known in the art.

[0076] Regardless of the specific method employed to determine the sun’s position, the resulting control information is used, by the control unit 130, 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 1 17 to remain favourably oriented toward the sun throughout the day, thereby maximizing the incident solar irradiance on the active surface and improving the overall efficiency of the assembly 110. The control information can be determined by the control unit and provided, such as sent, or the like, to the drive unit 6 to achieve the desired direction, i.e. solar azimuth, relative to the sun. Expressed differently, as an example, the control unit 130 can be configured to send the control information to the drive unit 120. The control information can instruct the drive unit 120 to adjust the panel azimuth to, or towards, a given direction. The control information can be derived from wind information. The wind information can be obtained from weather forecasts, e.g. provided in databases, on the Internet, from a wind measuring device, a vane, or the like. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the solar assembly 110 can comprise, e.g. be provided with, have, or the like, an inner vertical member 103 fixed to the ground, either directly or via a ground anchoring system (not shown). Located at least partially over the inner vertical member 103 is a rotatable vertical support member 102, which rotates around the inner vertical member 103. The inner vertical member 103 can thus be at least partially enclosed by the rotatable vertical support member 102, A central longitudinal geometric axis of the inner vertical member 103 coincides with a vertical rotation axis of the rotatable vertical support member 102. The rotatable vertical support member 102 is an example of the upper rotatable structure, at which the horizontal rotation support member 105 is fixedly mounted. The inner vertical member 103 is an example of the lower structure 103 anchored to the ground. Again, 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 centre of the horizontal axis HR. The horizontal axis, or horizontal rotation support member, 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 HR 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 controlled by the control unit 130. The control unit 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.

[0077] The horizontal rotation support member 105 can be a bar, a beam, a rod, an axle, or the like. The horizontal rotation support member 105 preferably has a circular cross-section, at least at certain portions along its longitudinal axis to form part of the hinge assembly.

[0078] As shown in the examples of Figures 2 and 3, there is provided a solar assembly 110 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, aka backside. 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] The drive unit 120 rotates the rotatable vertical support member 102, to place the vertical tracking solar assembly into a desired orientation relative to the position of the sun in the sky, or direction of wind force present. As shown in Figure 3, 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 panel azimuth of the panel 200 or solar assembly 110, points in the same direction as the wind, i.e. in the downwind direction. Controlling of the panel azimuth parallelly with the downwind direction can be employed, such as activated, started, or the like, when wind speed exceeds a wind tracking threshold.

[0081] Accordingly, the solar panel 200 is rotated in the presence of wind from direction X when the tracking threshold is exceeded. 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.

[0082] Aforementioned examples can achieve a reduction of the overall aerodynamic loading but may sometimes suffer from resonance effects or oscillations of the vertical and horizontal axes. In particular, due to gusts and transient shifts in wind direction, residual excitation may still cause the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 to oscillate at or near one or more natural frequencies, resulting in structural fatigue, reduced operational reliability, and increased maintenance requirements. A straightforward solution would be to make the vertical and horizontal axes stronger, e.g. by selecting larger dimensions, selecting more durable materials of the vertical and horizontal axes, but it is here presented a solution according to a different path.

[0083] Namely, to address the above-identified problem, the vertical tracking solar assembly is provided with structural bracing, such as brace elements, which in combination with the wind-responsive mounting and controlling of backside-to- wind orientation. The structural bracing can be realized by at least two brace elements 106 that are arranged between the horizontal rotation axis and the vertical support axis, with attachment points positioned symmetrically or asymmetrically, for example at or beyond about 30% of a span of the horizontal axis from its midpoint and a fixation point at the rotatable vertical axis, or rotatable vertical structure. In more detail, the fixation point, at which the brace element 106 can be attached can be at or below 75% of a vertical height, at which the horizontal axis is located above the ground. There can be a respective brace element 106, referred to as the brace element 106, for each end of the upper solar panel support member 105. Notably, the brace element 106 has a first end, connected to a stationary portion of the horizontal axis, i.e. stationary with respect to the fixation point associated with the vertical axis. Furthermore, the brace element 106 has a second end, connected to the fixation point, wherein the fixation point is associated with, e.g. fixedly connected to, a rotating portion of the vertical axis, e.g. being rotating with respect to the ground. Yet, the rotating portion of the vertical axis is stationary with respect to the stationary portion of horizontal axis. This arrangement of the brace element 106 can alter the dynamic behaviour of the vertical tracking solar assembly 1 10 by stiffening the vertical tracking solar assembly 1 10 with respect to resonance and / or vibration. As an example, the resonance can arise due to that oscillations can occur at or near a natural frequency of the vertical tracking assembly. The oscillatory motion occurs substantially about a rotation centre associated with the vertical support structure, such rotation centre can be located proximate the anchoring of the support to ground or at another structurally defined location of the assembly. The resonance can occur primarily in, but not necessarily exclusively in, a vertical, or substantially vertical, plane coinciding with the horizontal axis HR. In this manner, the relevant natural frequencies are shifted, e.g. towards higher frequencies, whereby wind induced resonances can be reduced or even eliminated. In synergy with the wind-responsive mounting, which reduces excitation in other directions, e.g. in the downwind direction, and the backside-to- wind azimuth mode, which lowers aerodynamic torque reversals, the structural bracing, such as the brace element(s) 106, substantially suppresses oscillations and / or vibrations e.g. by solely providing the brace elements 106 within the main extension box. This is in contrast to a typical use of brace elements 106 where at least three brace elements are directed in three different directions, preferably four or more brace elements in four or more different directions. The brace elements 106 result in improved stability of the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 under gusty winds and / or reduced mechanical fatigue at the overall construction of the vertical tracking solar assembly, such as at the anchoring of the vertical support structure, at a branching at the distal end of the vertical support structure, and the like. Advantageously, as above, prolonged energy production can be achieved and / or reduced time between service occasions can be achieved.

[0084] In more detail, to further elaborate on the complexity of the resonance problems in prior art, it can be noted that resonance around a mast, such as the rotatable support structure 102, in a depth direction, e.g. parallel with the panel azimuth, can be amplified if restricting resonance in the length direction of the solar panel as is done with the brace elements. Therefore, it is common practice to apply bracing in both depth and length directions. With the embodiments herein, it is not possible to restrict in the depth direction since the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 mainly extends in one plane, i.e. a geometrical vertical plane or geometric box having a vertical main elongation direction and the panels are wind-responsive. Due to that the panels are wind-responsive any bracing in the depth direction cannot have any substantial extension in the depth direction, thus having limited or no resonance mitigating effect in the depth direction.

[0085] Therefore, the brace elements according to at least some embodiments herein can only provide sufficient resonance mitigation if combined with the wind- responsive panel and the controlling of the back side of the panels towards the wind.

[0086] Therefore, in a joint effort aiming at providing a low cost, durable and robust vertical tracking solar assembly that can withstand winds, e.g. gusty and / or strong winds, e.g. having varying wind speed and / or direction, it has been realized that resonances in the structures is a wearing and tearing factor.

[0087] With the embodiments herein, the controlling of the back side towards the wind, the wind-responsive solar panel, and the bracing elements synergistically and jointly provides such robust and low-cost vertical tracking solar assembly.

[0088] The bracing elements in combination with the wind-responsive panel together reduces the resonance in both length and depth direction, but can only be achieved when combined with the controlling of the back side towards the wind, which allows the panels to rotate without becoming obstructed by the bracing elements. If the panels are not rotated to present the back side towards the wind, the panels would present a larger surface area towards the wind and not lift, or yield, due to the wind, i.e. since the bracing elements are in the way, or obstructs the rotational motion of the panel. Thereby, the vertical tracking solar assembly would be exposed to larger wind forces, which would imply the need of a more sturdy, rigid, and / or stable construction. As a result, an aim of providing a low- cost solution would fail.

[0089] According to various examples herein, the brace elements 106 can be stiff, ridged, unyielding, inflexible or the like. The brace elements 106 can comprise rods, bars, beams, or the like. Sometimes, the brace elements 106 can be flexible, e.g. realized by strings, wires, lines, ropes, or the like. In any example, it can be preferred that the brace elements 106 are inflexible, unyielding or the like, in the longitudinal direction thereof.

[0090] As shown in Figure 4, there can be one solar panel 200 at each side, e.g. along the horizontal rotation support member 105, of the rotatable support structure 102, 103. Generally, said each side comprises at least one solar panel 200, at least two solar panels 200, or the like. The number of solar panels 200 at each side need not necessarily be the same at said sides at shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, said each side comprises 2,5 solar panels 200. Yet, it is preferred that said each side extends, e.g. perpendicularly, away from the rotatable support structure by the same length, or the same distance.

[0091] In order to facilitate understanding of benefits and advantages of the solutions herein, the following can be noted.

[0092] Wind contains kinetic energy due to the motion of air. When the wind interacts with a structure, such as the vertical tracking solar assembly 110, the amount of energy transferred to the structure depends on both the speed of the wind and the surface area of the structure exposed to that wind. A larger exposed area means more aerodynamic force is applied, and thus more potential to excite the structure, which upon release, i.e. when the wind speed decreases, can cause structural vibrations and / or resonance.

[0093] Notably, wind is not steady. The wind exhibits variations, fluctuations, and turbulence across a wide range of frequencies. These variations will be translated into variations of the aerodynamic forces applied to the structure. Every structure has one or more natural frequencies (fn) at which it prefers to vibrate. If the frequency of wind-induced fluctuations coincides with such a natural frequency, resonance and / or flutter occur(s), amplifying structural motion. The degree of excitation therefore depends on:

[0094] • Wind velocity, aka speed of the wind (higher speed more energy input),

[0095] • Exposed surface area of the structure (larger area stronger aerodynamic forces),

[0096] • Spectral overlap between frequency of wind fluctuations, or wind speed variations, and the structure’s natural frequency, and

[0097] • Damping properties of the structure, i.e. how quickly vibrations die out. For the wind-exposed vertical tracking solar assembly herein, a design goal is to increase the natural frequency fn. This is beneficial for the following reason(s): Reduced overlap between frequency of variation of the aerodynamic forces with the natural frequencies. If the structure’s natural frequency fnis higher, it lies outside these energy-rich frequency bands. The result is less risk of dynamic amplification of the aerodynamic forces.

[0098] In order to achieve an increase of the natural frequency of the structure, it is desired to increase the stiffness of the structure, e.g. as shown in Figure 4.

[0099] Therefore, expressed somewhat differently, Figure 4 illustrates as an example that the vertical tracking solar assembly comprises: a solar panel 200 rotatably mounted at a horizontal rotation support member 105 using a hinge assembly 203, comprising the horizontal rotation support member 105, wherein the solar panel 200 is arranged to rotate from a predefined angle orientation of the solar panel 200 due to wind, e.g. above a wind lift threshold indicating a wind speed required to lift the solar panel 200 from the predefined angle orientation, an angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement 104, 106, 106u arranged to hold the solar panel 200 in the predefined angle orientation when the solar panel 200 is at rest with respect to rotation due to wind, a drive unit 120 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.

[0100] Furthermore, the drive unit 120 is controlled to adjust a panel azimuth of the solar panel 200 to match a downwind direction when a wind speed of the wind is above a wind tracking threshold, e.g. indicating a maximum allowed wind speed during tracking of the sun.

[0101] Additionally, the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 comprises a rotatable support structure 102, 103, extending from ground towards the horizontal rotation axis HR and at least partly along the vertical rotation axis VR, wherein the rotatable support structure 102, 103 is arranged to hold, directly or indirectly, the horizontal rotation support member 105 at a vertical distance VD above the ground, wherein the drive unit 120 is arranged to vertically rotate the rotatable support structure 102, 103, wherein the horizontal rotation support member 105 runs parallel to an upper edge of the solar panel 200 and at a distance of between 0% and 25% of a width of the solar panel from the upper edge. Moreover, the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement 104, 106 is arranged to mitigate resonance of the vertical tracking solar assembly 110, wherein the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement 104, 106 is connected at a respective attachment point of a respective opposing side of the horizontal rotation support member 105 with respect to the vertical rotation axis VR, wherein the respective attachment point is located at or beyond 30% of a distance from a centre of the horizontal rotation support member 105, wherein the distance extends between the centre of the horizontal rotation support member 105 and a distal end 204 of the horizontal rotation support member 105. The angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement 104, 106, 106u is connected at a fixation point of the rotatable support structure 102, 103, wherein the fixation point is stationary with respect to the respective attachment point of the horizontal rotation support member 105, and wherein fixation point is located at or below 75% of the vertical distance VD.

[0102] Furthermore, when the solar panels reach near-horizontal positions or even above horizontal positions (or orientations), the wind can impinge both above and below the panels, giving rise to considerable unstable fluttering effects. In these cases, the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 can be subjected to amplified vibrations and loss of control. Therefore, the present inventors have realized that a blocking element 530 that constrains, such as stops, blocks, dampens, or the like, the maximum tilt angle of the panels can reduce, or even eliminate, such fluttering effects.

[0103] The blocking element, such as a blocking mechanism, limits the maximum tilt angle of the solar panels, for example to a position corresponding to the horizontal orientation adjusted by, e.g. increased or decreased, by a small additional angle, such as 20 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees or the like.

[0104] If the small additional angle is too large, two distinct cases can be identified. On the one hand, the panel of the assembly can be stopped too much before the horizontal orientation, which will cause wind will to put unnecessary stress and / or load on the vertical tracking solar assembly 110. On the other hand, the panel of the assembly can be stopped too much after passing the horizontal orientation, which will fail to reduce the fluttering.

[0105] In general, the blocking element can be arranged to prevent the panels from entering near-flat positions where wind can alternately act on the upper and lower surfaces, a condition that otherwise may give rise to flutter-like aerodynamic instabilities. In synergy with the backside-to-wind tracking, the blocking element ensures that the panels remain within a range of tilt angles, even under sudden gusts or rapid direction changes, in which range fluttering is reduced or unlikely to occur. This combination of the brace element, wind-responsive mounting of panels, controlling of backside-to-wind, and the blocking to prevent fluttering, e.g. provided by the blocking element, increases the resilience of the vertical tracking solar assembly, reduces the risk of uncontrolled oscillations, and extends the operational lifetime thanks to reduced fatigue and / or load and / or stress on the overall construction of the solar assembly. The overall construction refers to e.g. the vertical and / or horizontal axes, the solar panel(s), the wind-responsive hinge assembly, the blocking element, the angle holding arrangement, and / or the like. Advantageously, as above, prolonged energy production can be achieved and / or reduced time between service occasions can be achieved.

[0106] Figure 5 illustrates an example of the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 with bracing elements 106. The bracing elements 106 are arranged similarly to as is described with reference to Figure 4. In this example, however, the angle holding arrangement 104 is provided in the form of a lower support member extending parallel to the horizontal rotation support member 105. The angle holding arrangement 104 can be displaced, e.g. in a direction that is perpendicular to the vertical rotation axis VR.

[0107] In some examples, the angle holding arrangement 104 can be achieved by two separate bars extending downwards according to the predefined angle from the horizontal rotation support member 105 at which each of the two separate bars are fixedly mounted. In, for instance, the preceding examples the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement comprises, such as is, is embodied by, or the like, a combination of two distinct arrangements, i.e. the angle holding arrangement and the bracing arrangement.

[0108] In the examples of, for instance, Figure 6 through Figure 9, the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement comprises, such as is, is embodied by, or the like, a unified structural arrangement configured to provide the functions of both the angle holding arrangement and the resonance mitigating arrangement, aka a unified angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement.

[0109] Figure 6 illustrates an example of the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 provided with the unified angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement 106u. The unified angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement 106u is arranged to support the solar panel 200 when assuming the predefined angle orientation. The unified angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement 106u can be realized by three beams, such as bars, rods, or the like, extending, e.g. directly or indirectly, from the vertical support member 102. At least two of the beams, preferably all of them, spans a geometric support plane at, or parallelly with, the solar panel 200 is oriented when located in the predefined angle orientation.

[0110] At least two of the beams, preferably all of them, can further be fixedly attached to the vertical support member 102.

[0111] Furthermore, at least two of the beams, preferably all of them, can further be fixedly attached to the horizontal rotation support member 105.

[0112] When the unified angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement 106u is realized by two beams, as e.g. shown in Figure 8, a central beam 106u extending from a distal end of the rotatable support structure 102 to the horizontal rotation support member 105 is omitted.

[0113] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the vertical tracking solar assembly 1 10 according to Figure 6. Figure 8 illustrates an example of the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 provided with the unified angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement 106u. In this example, the unified angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement 106u is realized by two beams, e.g. only two beams, in the same or similar manner as in Figure 6 and Figure 7. Generally, the unified angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement 106u is realized by at least two beams extending between the vertical support member 102 and the horizontal rotation support member 105. Thanks to that the two beams and the horizontal rotation support member 105 spans a geometric plane, capable of support the solar panel in the predefined angle orientation, which can be described by a triangle having a lower corner at the distal end of the rotation support structure 102 and a respective upper corner towards the distal ends of the horizontal rotation support member 105, both angle holding and resonance mitigation is provided. The respective upper corner can be located similarly to the respective attachment points as described for the resonance mitigating arrangement and / or for the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement.

[0114] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the vertical tracking solar assembly 1 10 according to Figure 8.

[0115] In some examples, e.g. with reference to one or more of Figure 10 through Figure 15a / b, there are at least two wind-responsive solar panels provided at the horizontal axis, e.g. at the horizontal rotation support member 105. The at least two wind-responsive panels can be referred to as “the two panels”, “the two solar panels”, or the like, in the following. In order to achieve an inertness to the wind- responsive nature of the two solar panels, the two panels are arranged to interface and / or interact with each other via, or at, a mechanical interface 500. Thanks to the mechanical interface 500, a rotational motion can be transferred, in a sliding manner, between a first solar panel 200 of the two solar panels and a second solar panel 200 of the two solar panels. In some examples, the mechanical interface 500 comprises a first abutment surface 503a associated with the first panel and a second abutment surface 503b associated with the second panel, where the first surface and the second surface are biased to abut against each other by means of a biasing member 520, such as a spring element, a spring, a helical spring, a flexible member, or the like.

[0116] An example of the biasing member 520 is shown in Figure 11 . The biasing member 520 can be a helical spring as shown, but in other examples the biasing member 520 can be an elastically flexible element, a flexible rubber body, a spring, a wave spring, a leaf spring, or the like. The biasing member 520 can be arranged to elastically return to an unbiased state, while when forced to leave the unbiased state, the biasing member 520 provides a bias in that the biasing member 520 naturally attempts to return to the unbiased state.

[0117] At least one of the two panels can preferably be provided with the biasing member 520 that is arranged to bias said at least one of the two panels towards abutment with the other one of the two panels, e.g. by that the biasing member 520 is connected to a stop element 525 by means of which the biasing member 520 can urge, e.g. by pushing, pulling, displacing or the like, the two panels into the abutment.

[0118] The stop element can be fixedly attached to the horizontal rotation support member 105, or be an integral part thereof.

[0119] The biasing member 520 can be freely movable along the horizontal rotation support member 105. Alternatively, the biasing member 520 can be fixed to the stop element 525 or the solar panel 200. Sometimes, a portion, or an end, of the biasing member 520 can be fixedly attached to the horizontal rotation support member 105, whereby the stop element 525 can be omitted.

[0120] In some examples, see Figure 11 , a further friction member 501 can be arranged to interact with the biasing member.

[0121] Contrary to what is shown in Figure 11 , the biasing member 520 can be arranged at a portion of the horizontal rotation support member 105 that overlaps, partially or completely, with the solar panel 200, e.g. as seen in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal rotation support member 105.

[0122] An advantage is that the mechanical interface 500 can compensate for irregularity in wind speed. With the mechanical interface, the two panels are rotatable synchronously or asynchronously. Synchronous, e.g. in-phase or out-of- phase, rotation can occur when the friction between the first and second surface manages to fix the first and second surface relatively each other. Consequently, asynchronous rotation can occur when the first and second surfaces slide relative to each other. In this manner, alternating synchronous rotation and asynchronous rotation can reduce fluttering of the solar panels, e.g. rotational fluttering about the horizontal axis.

[0123] Turning to Figure 12, in some examples, of the mechanical interface 500, the first and second abutments surfaces 503 can be planar and perpendicular to the horizontal rotation support member 105. Expressed differently, each of the first and second abutment surfaces 503 can be planar, e.g. coincide with a respective plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal rotation support member 105.

[0124] In some examples, see e.g. Figure 13, the biasing of the first and second surfaces 503 can be dependent on the rotational angle of at least one of the panels. For example, it may be that the biasing increases as said at least one of the panels rotates away from the predefined angle orientation. In this manner, the panels may still react quickly to winds above the wind lift threshold when resting in the predefined angle, but then become more impeded by the friction between the first and second surfaces as the at least one panel rotates away from the predefined angle orientation. As seen in Figure 13, the first and second abutment surfaces 503 can, when abutting, describe a surface, or plane, that is titled with respect to the horizontal rotation support member 105. Figure 14a and 14b illustrate two different views of an example of a friction member 501 , such as the first and / or second friction member. Figure 14a is a sideview of the friction member 501 as seen along the horizontal rotation support member 105 and Figure 14b is a view, e.g. as seen perpendicularly to the horizontal rotation support member 105 and along the solar panel 200.

[0125] Each solar panel 200 can be provided with one or more friction members 501 , such as two friction members 501 , or the like. The friction member 501 can thus be fixedly attached to, such as mounted at, fixed to, fastened at, or the like, the solar panel 200.

[0126] The friction member 501 can extend beyond the solar panel 200 in a longitudinal direction of the horizontal rotation support member 105. In this manner, the friction member 501 presents an abutment surface 503, e.g. facing in the longitudinal direction. The abutment surface 503 can be located at least a margin distance 507, in the longitudinal direction, e.g. from an edge of the solar panel 200. Notably, the abutment surface 503 can be tilted as described below. Then some portions of the abutment surface 503 can be located further away than the distance 507.

[0127] When two adjacent panels 200 are provided with a respective friction member 501 a total distance between them in the longitudinal direction can be at least twice the margin distance 507. Thanks to the total distance it can be ensured that two adjacent panels do not collide with each other when rotating in an unsynchronized manner.

[0128] Figure 14b shows that the friction member 501 can be fixed to a side of the solar panel 200, to the backside of the panel 200, or the like, e.g. depending on design considerations. For example, the friction member 501 can be provided with a socket configured to receive the solar panel 200, or other suitable ways of fixedly attaching the solar panel to the friction member 501.

[0129] The friction member 501 can have a through-hole 509, such as a circular through-hole. The through-hole 509 is adapted to the horizontal rotation support member 105, e.g. such as to fit snuggly at the horizontal rotation support member 105. For example, a diameter of the through-hole 509 matches a diameter of the horizontal rotation support member 105.

[0130] Figure 15a and 15b illustrate detailed views of the mechanical interface 500 between two adjacent solar panels 200 (not shown) in a first mode and a second mode. Here, each of the friction members 501 a, 501 b has a respective abutment surface 503a, 503b, e.g. a first abutment surface 503a and a second abutment surface 503b.

[0131] In Figure 15a, the two adjacent solar panels 200 are in phase, i.e. the rotation angles of the two adjacent solar panels 200 with respect to rotation about the horizontal rotation support member 105 matches, such as are the same, are equal, or the like.

[0132] In Figure 15b, the two adjacent solar panels 200 are out of phase, i.e. the rotation angles of the two adjacent solar panels 200 with respect to rotation about the horizontal rotation support member 105 unmatched, such as are different, not the same, nonequal, or the like.

[0133] Accordingly, as shown by Figure 15a and Figure 15b, a distance 510 is greater in Figure 15b than in Figure 15a. This has an effect of increasing the friction force between the first and second abutment surfaces 503a, 503b. As a result, as a difference in phase between the solar panels 200 increases, the friction force increases. This leads to that once one of the solar panels begins to rotate, due to wind, it can first quickly respond to the wind and then as the difference in phase with respect to its, e.g. one or more, adjacent solar panels 200, the friction force will induce rotation of the adjacent solar panel(s) 200. Thereby, fluttering and / or resonance among and / or between adjacent panels 200 can be reduced, or even eliminated.

[0134] In view of the detailed description of the mechanical interface 500 above, a somewhat differently worded description thereof is provided here. Thus, the vertical tracking solar assembly 1 10 can comprise, or be provided with, or the like, the second solar panel 200 rotatably mounted at the horizontal rotation support member 105 using the hinge assembly 203, wherein the second solar panel 200 is arranged to rotate from the predefined angle orientation due to wind. The vertical tracking solar assembly 110 comprises a first friction member 501 , 501 a and a second friction member 501 , 501 b forming a mechanical interface 500 of the first and second solar panels 200, e.g. creating at least a partial transfer of rotational motion between the first and second friction members 501 , 501 a, 501 b. The first friction member 501 , 501 a at least partially encloses the horizontal rotation support member 105 and is fixedly mounted to the first solar panel 200 at a first edge thereof, wherein the hinge assembly 203 comprises the first friction member 501 , 501 a, e.g. the first edge runs perpendicularly to the horizontal rotation support member 105. The second friction member 501 , 501 b at least partially encloses the horizontal rotation support member 105 and is fixedly mounted to the second solar panel 200 at a second edge thereof, wherein the hinge assembly 203 comprises the second friction member 501 , 501 b. The horizontal rotation support member 105 is provided with a biasing member 520 that is arranged to bias the first and second friction members 501 , 501 a, 501 b against each other, whereby the first and second solar panels 200 are rotatable in a synchronized or a non-synchronized manner depending on friction force between the first and second friction member 501 , 501 a, 501 b.

[0135] Furthermore, e.g. with reference to embodiment according to Figure 15a and Figure 15b, the first friction member 501 , 501 a and the second friction member 501 , 501 b comprise the first abutment surface 503 and the second abutment surface 503, respectively, wherein each one of the first and second abutment surfaces 503, 503a, 503b is formed as a respective cut through a respective one of the first and second friction members 501 , 501a, 501 b. This means that the shape of said each one of the first and second abutment surfaces 503, 503a, 503b has the appearance as if cut off, but the method of manufacturing the surfaces need not necessarily involve cutting. Expressed differently, the first and / or second friction member 501 , e.g. being formed as a cylindrical sleeve, or the like, has a truncated shape, where a geometrical cut at a surface of the truncation, i.e. first and / or second abutment surface 502, is perpendicular, oblique, tilted, or the like, with respect to a longitudinal direction of the horizontal rotation support member 105 at which the friction members 501 can be mounted.

[0136] Accordingly, in some examples, the respective cut is oblique relative to a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal rotation support member 105, whereby the first and second abutment surfaces 503, 503a, 503b have extension in a longitudinal direction of the horizontal rotation support member 105, wherein the first and second friction members 501 , 501 a, 501 b are arranged to when rotating relative each other cause a variation in an overlap, as seen along the longitudinal direction, between the first and second friction members 501 , 501 a, 501 b. An in-phase magnitude of the overlap when the panels are in phase is greater than an out-of-phase magnitude of the overlap when the panels are at least out of phase, are approaching opposite phase, or are in opposite phase. In this manner, the friction force increases as the first and second solar panel 200 rotates away from each other, becoming more and more out-of-phase.

[0137] Examples of structures configured to achieve predefined angle 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.

[0138] Generally, for various examples of the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 the solar panel 200 is rotatably mounted at the horizontal rotation support member 105 of the vertical tracking solar assembly 110. The vertical tracking solar assembly 110 is arranged to allow the solar panel 200 to rotate from the predefined angle orientation of the solar panel 200 about the horizontal rotation support member 105 due to wind that exceeds the wind lift threshold. The predefined angle can be achieved by the angle holding arrangement, such as by means of one or more of the structures, configured to achieve the predefined angle, as described in the following or other similar structures. In general, the angle holding arrangement 104 is fixedly mounted to a rotatable part of the rotatable support structure 102 and configured to present one or more wires and / or beams at which the solar panel 200 rests when wind is below the panel lift threshold. The angle holding arrangement 104 is also fixedly arranged with respect to the horizontal rotation support member 105.

[0139] As an example, the angle holding arrangement 104 can comprise a lower solar panel support member, or the like as described herein.

[0140] Figure 16 demonstrates a solar assembly 110 according to a further example, 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 assembly 110 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.

[0141] Figure 17 demonstrates a vertical tracking solar assembly 110 according to a further example, 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.

[0142] Figure 18 illustrates a still further example of the solar assembly 1 10. 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 solar assembly 110 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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. Accordingly, the angle holding arrangement 104 can be realized by the flexible string(s) 108. 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 nonelastic. 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 panel azimuth.

[0146] 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. The examples above thus describe various manners on how to achieve the predefined angle.

[0147] Figure 22 illustrates that the vertical tracking solar assembly 110, according to some examples, can be provided with at least one blocking element 530, referred to as “the blocking element 530” for short. The blocking element 530 can be fixedly attached to the horizontal rotation support member 105 in any suitable manner, such as by clamping, with glue, by screws, or the like. When fastened the blocking element 530 extends away from the horizontal rotation support member 105, e.g. in a main direction that is perpendicular to the horizontal rotation support member 105.

[0148] Figure 23 shows the solar panel 200 when located in a stop orientation, in which the upper edge, or upper portion, of the solar panel 200 is pushed against the blocking element 530, e.g. at a protruding part, or protrusion 531 , thereof, due to wind that is above the wind lift threshold.

[0149] Notably, the blocking element 530 and the controlling of backside-to-wind orientation synergistically cooperates with each other in order to reduce flatter and / or resonating movement and / or vibrations. When the wind is above the wind tracking threshold, the panel azimuth of the vertical tracking solar assembly 110 is matched to the downwind direction, which in turn, if or when the wind is above the wind lift threshold, can cause the solar panel to lift from the predefined angle orientation. The blocking element 530 can preferably block the solar panel 200 from reaching the horizontal orientation, sometimes with a margin of e.g. 1 , 2, 3, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or the like. In this fashion, the blocking element 530 orients the solar panel 200 such that wind hits the back side of the solar panel 200, while generating at least some turbulence at the active side of the solar panel 200, whereby the solar panel 200 is stabilized by abutting against the blocking element 530. Should wind alternatingly impinge the back side and the active side of the solar panel 200, fluttering, resonance and vibrations can harm the vertical tracking solar assembly 110, in particular the solar panel 200.

[0150] Figure 24 illustrates, as a further example, that the blocking element 530 and the stop element 525 can be separate structural entities or a joint entity. In some examples, as mentioned, the biasing member 520 can be located along the horizontal rotation support member 105 to at least partially, preferably entirely, overlap with the solar panel, e.g. as seen in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal rotation support member 105. In these examples, it can be beneficial to combine the blocking element 530 and the stop element 525 into one unified element as shown in Figure 24 and Figure 25.

[0151] Figure 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view along the line SS in Figure 24. A side 527 of the unified element can be presented towards the biasing member 520. Figure 25 can also be seen as a cross-sectional view of the blocking element 530, where it is illustrated that the blocking element 530 is provided with the protrusion 531 as mentioned above.

[0152] According to, for example Figure 26 through Figure 32, there is provided a solar panel mounting system containing one or more solar panels. The same or similar features and examples can be applied to any one or more of the previous examples relating to the vertical tracking solar assembly 110. The one or more solar panels sway around a horizontal axis, the horizontal axis attached to a vertical support member around the centre of the horizontal axis. The vertical support member is rotatable such that the vertical support member may be rotated to follow the movement of the sun in the sky.

[0153] Furthermore, there is provided a solar panel mounting system having an inner vertical member fixed to the ground, either directly or via a ground anchoring system. Located over the inner vertical member is a rotatable vertical support member, which rotates around the inner vertical member. Fixedly attached to the rotatable vertical support member is a horizontal axis, preferably the point of attachment of the horizontal axis to the rotatable vertical support member is at or around the centre of the horizontal axis. Attached to the horizontal axis 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. The rotatable vertical support member may be rotated by a motor, the motor may be driven by a computing device which can 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 and the rotatable vertical support member, bearings may be positioned adjacent the top of the inner vertical member and the bottom of the rotatable vertical support member. 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 the ground as is herein described.

[0154] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, there is provided a solar panel mounting system 100 comprising a rotatable vertical support member 102, a lower solar panel support member 104, an upper solar panel support member 105, and at least one solar panel 500 having a front surface 500A and a rear surface 500B. Optionally, the rotatable vertical support member 102 may be connected to a motor 300 for driving rotation of the rotatable vertical support member 102.

[0155] The at least one solar panel 500 is attached to one or more connection members 200, which in turn are connected to the upper solar panel support member 105. The connection member 200 is in the form of a hinge or alternative mechanism, that functions to allow one item to rotate relative to another item. In this case, the solar panel 500 rotates relative to the upper solar panel support member 105, while the upper solar panel support member 105 remains static.

[0156] The motor 300 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 500B is facing the direction of any wind force present, upon the wind force contacting the rear surface 500B, the rear surface 500B will rotate around the upper solar panel support member 105 by the connection member(s) 200. Figure 27 demonstrates an example of the solar panel mounting system 100 shown in Figure 26, where the solar panel 500 is rotated in the presence of wind from direction X.

[0157] Figure 28 shows the solar panel mounting system of Figures 26 and 27, where the motor 300 has rotated the solar panel mounting system via the rotatable vertical support member 102. This Figure clearly shows the front surface 500A of the at least one solar panel 500.

[0158] In a further example, as shown in Figure 29, there is provided a solar panel mounting system 100 comprising a rotatable vertical support member 102, a lower solar panel support member 104, an upper solar panel support member 105, and at least one solar panel 500 having a front surface 500A and a rear surface 500B. Optionally, the rotatable vertical support member 102 may be connected to a motor 300 for driving rotation of the rotatable vertical support member 102.

[0159] The at least one solar panel 500 is attached to one or more connection members 200, which in turn are connected to the upper solar panel support member 105. The connection member 200 is in the form of a hinge or alternative mechanism, that functions to allow one item to rotate relative to another item. In this case, the solar panel 500 rotates relative to the upper solar panel support member 105, while the upper solar panel support member 105 remains static. Provided on the lower solar panel support member 104 are one or more dampening members 110, which function to cushion the contact between the one or more solar panels 500 and the lower solar panel support member 104. The dampening members 110 may be a piece of foam, rubber or similar soft material, alternatively they may be a spring or other elastic component. Any material or component capable of cushioning contact between two items may be suitable for use as a dampening member, as would be readily understood by a person of skill in the art.

[0160] The motor 300 rotates the rotatable vertical support member 102, to place the solar panel mounting system into a desired orientation relative to the location of the sun in the sky, or the direction of wind force present. One desired position may be such that the rear surface 500B is facing the direction of any wind force present, upon the wind force contacting the rear surface 500B, the rear surface 500B will rotate around the upper solar panel support member 105 by the connection member(s) 200.

[0161] In a further example, as shown in Figure 30, there is provided a solar panel mounting system 100 comprising a rotatable vertical support member 102, a lower solar panel support member 104, an upper solar panel support member 105, at least one vertical solar panel support member 106, and at least one solar panel 500 having a front surface 500A and a rear surface 500B. Optionally, the rotatable vertical support member 102 may be connected to a motor 300 for driving rotation of the rotatable vertical support member 102.

[0162] The at least one solar panel 500 is attached to one or more connection members 200, which in turn are connected to a vertical solar panel support member 106. The connection member 200 is in the form of a hinge or alternative mechanism, that functions to allow one item to rotate relative to another item. In this case, the solar panel 500 rotates relative to the vertical solar panel support member 106, while the vertical solar panel support member 106 remains static.

[0163] The motor 300 rotates the rotatable vertical support member 102, to place the solar panel mounting system into a desired orientation relative to the direction of wind force present. One desired position may be such that the rear surface 500B is facing the direction of any wind force present, upon the wind force contacting the rear surface 500B, the rear surface 500B will rotate around the vertical solar panel support member 106 by the connection member(s) 200.

[0164] In a further example, as shown in Figure 31 , there is provided a solar panel mounting system 100 comprising a rotatable vertical support member 102, a lower solar panel support member 104, an upper solar panel support member 105, at least one vertical solar panel support member 106, at least one diagonal solar panel support member 107, and at least one solar panel 500 having a front surface 500A and a rear surface 500B. Optionally, the rotatable vertical support member 102 may be connected to a motor (not shown) for driving rotation of the rotatable vertical support member 102.

[0165] The lower solar panel support member 104, upper solar panel support member 105, vertical solar panel support member 106, and diagonal support member 107 serve to support the at least one solar panel 500 atop the rotatable vertical support member 102. Generally, the greater the number of support members 104 to 107, the more rigid and stable the solar pane mounting system 100 is in the presence of wind force.

[0166] The at least one solar panel 500 is attached to one or more connection members 200, which in turn are connected to the upper solar panel support member 105. The connection member 200 is in the form of a hinge or alternative mechanism, that functions to allow one item to rotate relative to another item. In this case, the solar panel 500 rotates relative to the upper solar panel support member 105, while the upper solar panel support member 105 remains static.

[0167] The motor 300 rotates the rotatable vertical support member 102, to place the solar panel mounting system into a desired orientation relative to the direction of wind force present. One desired position may be such that the rear surface 500B is facing the direction of any wind force present, upon the wind force contacting the rear surface 500B, the rear surface 500B will rotate around the upper solar panel support member 105 by the connection member(s) 200.

[0168] In a further example, the rotatable vertical support member 102 may attach directly to the upper solar panel support member 105. Connected to the upper solar panel support member 105 are solar panels 500, connected via connection members 200, as has been previously described.

[0169] In a further example, as shown in Figure 32, there is provided a solar panel mounting system 100 comprising a rotatable vertical support member 102, a lower solar panel support member 104, an upper solar panel support member 105, and at least one solar panel 500 supported by the upper and lower solar panel support members 105, 104. Located at one distal end of the rotatable vertical support member 102 is a horizontal support member 109, while the other distal end of the rotatable vertical support member 102 is secured to the ground via a foundation 50. The rotatable vertical support member 102 may rotate around the foundation 50 using a ball bearing joint. Attached to the horizontal support member 109 are arms 108, which further attach to the upper and lower support members 105, 104. The horizontal support member 109 is rotatable such that rotation of the horizontal support member (such as via wind force) causes the arms 108 to raise, and in turn raise the upper and lower support members 105, 104 which in turn raise the at least one solar panel 500.

[0170] According to any of the examples herein described, a measurement device (not shown) may be used to drive rotation of a solar panel 500 via a motor 300. The measurement device may measure properties of wind or other external force present, these properties include but are not limited to speed, and direction. Upon the measurement device measuring a property at a predetermined threshold, or meeting a different condition, the motor may be directed to rotate the solar panel 500 to a determined orientation. This determination of the required orientation, and control of the motor may be performed by a computing unit (not shown). Ideally, the solar panel 500 is rotated such that the rear surface 500B faces a direction that allows the solar panel 500 to minimize the force excerpted by the wind upon the panel 500 by means of rotating to a position with reduced angle of attack with respect to the wind, or the direction of wind force present, such that the wind force causes the solar panel 500 to rotate to a position such as that demonstrated in Figure 27. Then, the solar panel 500 is substantially parallel to the direction of the wind. In this manner, in the presence of high wind or other external forces, the solar panel 500 may rotate to a position whereby wind or other external force is permitted to pass by the solar panel 500, with minimal resistance.

[0171] In some or all embodiments and examples herein, the solar panel mounting system 100 and / or the vertical tracking solar assembly 1 10 may be secured to the ground via a ground anchor (not shown) or similar. The ground anchor may be attached to the vertical support member 102. The ground anchor may be in the form of a ground screw as would be understood by a person of skill in the art, preferably the ground screw extends above ground by approximately 20-80cm and contains a hollow aperture within which the vertical support member 102 may be placed. Is this manner, the ground anchor is embedded within the ground, and the vertical support member 102 is secured within it. This provides a solid and stable foundation for the solar panel mounting system 100. Other forms of ground anchors would also be suitable as would be understood by a person of skill in the art., for example multiple ground anchors 103 could be embedded in the ground at different angles, or alternative ballast or weight could be placed atop the ground in the place of a ground anchor. The ground anchors for example may be in the form of a screw which upon rotation into the ground secures the ground anchor within the ground, or they may be in the form of a metal bar having a cross section designed to provide strength, which may include a “C” cross section, “H” cross section, “I” cross section or the like, which may be driven into the ground by force. Further, the ground anchor may have a substantially flat bottom portion. Some embodiments will now be described with regard to the general logic for controlling the solar panel mounting system 100. When wind force meeting a predefined threshold is forecast, the measured wind speed meets a predefined threshold, or other forces meet a predefined threshold, it is optimal for the solar panel mounting system 100 to rotate such that the solar panels to meet a desired condition, for example:

[0172] • An angle which allows the solar panels to rotate while avoiding resonance or turbulence.

[0173] • An angle which allows efficient maintenance of the solar panel mounting system to be carried out.

[0174] • An angle which allows for the maintenance, planting, or care of grass or crops located below the solar panel mounting system. For example, in the case of multiple solar panel mounting systems, all panels in a single row of solar panel mounting systems may be rotated to maximize space for machinery, or every second row could be rotated 180 degrees differently.

[0175] In a further example, it is possible that any rotated of the solar panel mounting system may be controlled by a remote system, such as via an app on a phone. The app may communicate directly, or via a remote server, with motors which control rotation of individual or a group of solar panel mounting systems.

[0176] Some embodiments will now be described with reference to solar tracking systems. A solar tracking system moves the solar panels in a solar system to track the sun's movement across the sky to maximize electricity production. Traditionally, there are three forms of solar tracking systems, dual axis trackers, horizontal single-axis trackers (HSAT), and vertical single-axis trackers (VSAT). Dual axis trackers rotate solar panels around both a horizontal and vertical axis, HSAT rotate solar panels around a horizontal axis, and VSAT rotate solar panels around a vertical axis. At least some embodiments relate to solar mounting systems that operate like a VSAT which adapt to the presence of wind, by allowing wind to control rotation of solar panels around a horizontal axis. When wind blows towards rotatable solar panels, with a vertical rotation axis in, or near, the centre of the solar panels, the wind will induce torque on the solar panels that will - unless the surface is limited from rotating in some way - rotate the solar panels to face the wind. By making it possible for the solar panels to rotate around a horizontal axis based on the wind, the surface can rotate around this horizontal axis away from the wind and as a result reduce this torque.

[0177] Further when the wind blows toward solar panels, the wind will induce force on the solar panels that can damage or topple the solar panel structure unless it is strong enough to handle this force and attached firmly enough not to topple. By making it possible for the solar panels to rotate around a horizontal axis based on the wind, this will cause less strain on the solar panels and make it harder for the wind to topple the body.

[0178] In order to efficiently operate the solar panel mounting system according to some examples herein, it is preferable that the tracking of the sun by the solar panel mounting system is efficient with regard to all variables. For example, in the case of the solar panel mounting system being placed in the northern hemisphere, it is desirable for the solar panels to face toward the southeast in the morning, the south at midday, and southwest in the afternoon and evening. Preferably the configuration of solar panels in the solar panel mounting system are optimised to form as close as possible to a solid line when facing southeast and southwest, while minimising the presence of shadows cast behind them. This optimises land use density. The exact aspect ratio of solar panels can vary depending on latitude and desired land density and shadowing, but for example a ratio of 3:1 width: height may be suitable. It should be understood by a person of skill in the art that the material chosen to manufacture the solar panel mounting system 100 from is important, it may be a lightweight material such as aluminium or the like, or portions of the system 100 may be manufactured from a heavier material such as steel to provide ballast to the system 100.

[0179] The solar panel mounting system described herein is versatile and can be used with various types of solar panels. This includes, but is not limited to, crystalline silicon solar panels, thin-film solar panels, and other photovoltaic technologies. The system's design allows for easy adaptation to different panel sizes, shapes, and configurations, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of commercially available solar panels. Whether the solar panels are framed or frameless, the mounting system can securely support and optimize their orientation for maximum sunlight capture and wind resistance. This flexibility makes the one or more examples herein suitable for diverse applications, from residential rooftop installations to large-scale solar farms.

[0180] Each embodiment, example or feature disclosed herein may, when physically possible, be combined with one or more other embodiments, examples, or features disclosed herein.

[0181] Even though embodiments of the various aspects have been described above, many different alterations, modifications and the like thereof will become apparent for those skilled in the art. The described embodiments are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0182] Itemised list of examples

[0183] 1. A solar panel mounting system (100) for mounting one or more solar panels (500), including: at least one solar panel (500), a lower solar panel support member (104) for supporting the at least one solar panel (500) in a rest position, an upper solar panel support member (105) rotatably attached to the solar panel, a rotatable vertical support member (102) supporting a solar panel support member, wherein wind force upon a surface of the at least one solar panel (500) causes the at least one solar panel (500) to rotate around the upper solar panel rotation member (105) out of the rest position.

[0184] 2. The solar panel mounting system (100) of example 1 , further comprising a motor (300) connected to the rotatable vertical support member (102) for driving rotation of the rotatable vertical support member.

[0185] 3. The solar panel mounting system (100) of example 2, further comprising a computing unit for controlling the motor (300).

[0186] 4. The solar panel mounting system (100) of example 3, wherein the computing unit controls the motor (300) to rotate the rotatable vertical support member (102) such that the rear surface (500B) of the at least one solar panel (500) faces the direction of incoming wind.

[0187] 5. The solar panel mounting system (100) of example 3, wherein the computing unit determines the future direction of incoming wind.

[0188] 6. The solar panel mounting system (100) of example 5, wherein the computing unit controls the motor (300) to rotate the rotatable vertical support member (102) such that a surface of the at least one solar panel (500) faces the determined future direction of incoming wind. 7. The solar panel mounting system (100) of example 3, wherein the computing unit controls the motor (300) to rotate the rotatable vertical support member (102) such that a surface of the at least one solar panel (500) faces within seventy degrees of the direction of present or predicted incoming wind. 8. The solar panel mounting system (100) of example 1 , further comprising a ground anchor attached to the rotatably vertical support member for attaching the solar panel mounting system (100) to the ground.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A vertical tracking solar assembly (110) comprising: a solar panel (200) rotatably mounted at a horizontal rotation support member (105) using a hinge assembly (203), comprising the horizontal rotation support member (105), wherein the solar panel (200) is arranged to rotate from a predefined angle orientation of the solar panel (200) due to wind, an angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement (104, 106, 106u) arranged to hold the solar panel (200) in the predefined angle orientation when the solar panel (200) is at rest with respect to rotation due to wind, a drive unit (120) 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 drive unit (120) is controlled to adjust a panel azimuth of the solar panel (200) to match a downwind direction when a wind speed of the wind is above a wind tracking threshold, a rotatable support structure (102, 103), extending from ground towards the horizontal rotation axis (HR) and at least partly along the vertical rotation axis (VR), wherein the rotatable support structure (102, 103) is arranged to hold, directly or indirectly, the horizontal rotation support member (105) at a vertical distance (VD) above the ground, wherein the drive unit (120) is arranged to vertically rotate the rotatable support structure (102, 103), wherein the horizontal rotation support member (105) runs parallel to an upper edge of the solar panel (200) and at a distance of between 0% and 25% of a width of the solar panel from the upper edge, wherein the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement (104, 106) is arranged to mitigate resonance of the vertical tracking solar assembly (110), wherein the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement (104, 106) is connected at a respective attachment point of arespective opposing side of the horizontal rotation support member (105) with respect to the vertical rotation axis (VR), wherein the respective attachment point is located at or beyond 30% of a distance from a centre of the horizontal rotation support member (105), wherein the distance extends between the centre of the horizontal rotation support member (105) and a distal end (204) of the horizontal rotation support member (105), wherein the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement (104, 106, 106u) is connected at a fixation point of the rotatable support structure (102, 103), wherein the fixation point is stationary with respect to the respective attachment point of the horizontal rotation support member (105), and wherein fixation point is located at or below 75% of the vertical distance (VD).

2. The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical tracking solar assembly (110) comprises a control unit (130) configured to control the drive unit (120) to rotate the solar assembly (110) about the vertical rotation axis (VR).

3. The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (130) is configured to control the drive unit (120) to adjust the panel azimuth of the solar panel (200) to match the downwind direction when the wind speed of the wind is above the wind tracking threshold.

4. The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement (104, 106) is a unified arrangement.

5. The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge assembly (203) comprises one or more friction members (501 , 501 a, 501 b) fixed to the solar panel (200).

6. The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solar panel (200) is referred to as “a first solar panel (200)”, wherein the vertical tracking solar assembly (110) comprises a second solar panel (200) rotatably mounted at the horizontal rotation support member (105) using the hinge assembly (203), wherein the second solar panel (200) is arranged to rotate from the predefined angle orientation due to wind, wherein the vertical tracking solar assembly (110) comprises a first friction member (501 , 501 a) and a second friction member (501 , 501 b) forming a mechanical interface (500) of the first and second solar panels (200), e.g. creating at least a partial transfer of rotational motion between the first and second friction members (501 , 501 a, 501 b), wherein the first friction member (501 , 501a) at least partially encloses the horizontal rotation support member (105) and is fixedly mounted to the first solar panel (200) at a first edge thereof, wherein the hinge assembly (203) comprises the first friction member (501 , 501 a), e.g. the first edge runs perpendicularly to the horizontal rotation support member (105), wherein the second friction member (501 , 501 b) at least partially encloses the horizontal rotation support member (105) and is fixedly mounted to the second solar panel (200) at a second edge thereof, wherein the hinge assembly (203) comprises the second friction member (501 , 501 b), wherein the horizontal rotation support member (105) is provided with a biasing member (520) that is arranged to bias the first and second friction members (501 , 501 a, 501 b) against each other, whereby the first and second solar panels (200) are rotatable in a synchronized or a nonsynchronized manner depending on friction force between the first and second friction member (501 , 501a, 501 b).

7. The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein each one of the first and second friction members (501 , 501 a, 501 b) comprises a respective cylindrical sleeve, arranged to at least partially enclose the horizontal rotation support member (105) and rotatably mounted at the horizontal rotation support member (105).

8. The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein the first friction member (501 , 501 a) and the second friction member (501 , 501 b) comprise a first abutment surface (503) and a second abutment surface (503), respectively, wherein each one of the first and second abutment surfaces (503, 503a, 503b) is formed as a respective cut through a respective one of the first and second friction members (501 , 501 a, 501 b).

9. The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the respective cut is oblique relative to a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal rotation support member (105), whereby the first and second abutment surfaces (503, 503a, 503b) have extension in a longitudinal direction of the horizontal rotation support member (105), wherein the first and second friction members (501 , 501 a, 501 b) are arranged to when rotating relative each other cause a variation in an overlap, as seen along the longitudinal direction, between the first and second friction members (501 , 501 a, 501 b), wherein an in-phase magnitude of the overlap when the panels are in phase is greater than an out-of-phase magnitude of the overlap when the panels are at least out of phase, are approaching opposite phase, or are in opposite phase, whereby the friction force increases as the first and second solar panel (200) rotates away from each other, becoming more and more out-of- phase.

10. The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement (104, 106, 106u) does not comprise a lower solar panel support member for supporting the solar panel (200) in a rest position.11 . The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle holding and resonance mitigating arrangement (104, 106) comprise a resonance mitigating arrangement (106) and / or an angle holding arrangement (104).

12. The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical tracking solar assembly (110) comprises at least one blocking element (530) arranged to block rotation of the solar panel (200) at a stop orientation of the solar panel (200), wherein said at least one blocking element is fixedly attached to and a protrusion of said at least one blocking element (530) extends away from the horizontal rotation support member (105), wherein the stop orientation is defined in terms a stop rotation angle, indicating rotation about the horizontal rotation support member (105), e.g. relative to the predefined angle orientation.

13. The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to the preceding claim, when directly or indirectly depending on claim 6, wherein one of said at least one blocking element (530) is fixedly mounted at the horizontal rotation support member (105) and, e.g. directly, adjacent to the biasing member (520), wherein said one of said at least one blocking element (530) acts as a stop against which the biasing member (520) acts at least during application of bias to the mechanical interface (500).

14. The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable support structure (102, 103)comprises an upper rotatable structure (102), at which the horizontal rotation support member (105) is fixedly mounted, and a lower structure (103) anchored to the ground.

15. The vertical tracking solar assembly (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (120) is connected to the rotatable support structure (102, 103) by one or more wires, wherein said wires exhibits an axial compliance permitting a limited elongation in the longitudinal direction under load while maintaining sufficient tensile stiffness to suppress resonance and / or vibration of the rotatable support structure (102, 103).

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