I have this idea, and while I have not done an exhaustive search, I think it might be somewhat novel: Solar Arrays might be more affordable, acceptable and adaptable if they got off the roof and onto a pole. The pole could be set in a concrete base, so all installations are the same, maximizing economy of scale and minmizing installation steps. The array could rotate and tilt for maximum output per square meter, and might fold in half for more compast storage and reduced windage during stowage, when commanded to come down into a case as wind speed and gustiness threatened it. Since it is not on the roof, any location and any building along any axis with unshaded exposure could employ it. The computerized controls should be almost 100% automatic, including lowering it, except for the safety basics like permission to raise itself. The poles could vary in height and wall thickness to clear local obstacles, but share a common diameter. A well grounded pole with lightning points above the machinery would also be a lightning protection many homes lack. The raising attachments would run over pulleys at the top and give a mount ring, once raised into a top 'home' locking position, a stable orientation as a base to rotate the array into alignment with the sun. The weight of the array rectangle would balance on the ring (except when folded when the weight would rest against a second ring). The case would wrap around the pole, at one end for a folded array or at one side of center for non-folding, and could have a top that opens to a flare, so as to guide the folded array into the case even with a cross wind pushing it out of alignment. The main purpose of the case is wind protection when stowed, but the top should close to keep debris out. The output of the array would not be so high that special wiring is needed (<1440 watts = 80% loading of a 15 A 120 V circuit); it should plug into a standard outlet. Anyone should be able to install it if they can read, dig a hole, mix cement, read a level, tighten bolts and plug in a cord. All moving parts of the final installation would be high enough to clear people and animals nearby, or inside the case. Stored power or gravity could ensure it can stow itself if the input power failed, especially at night, although it need not be stowed at night ordinarily. A modular design would allow several large parts to be interchanged or exchanged for replacement or improvements. As the idea got traction and a greater variety of sizes are needed, Government and Industry agreements could ensure that there is a standard, graduated set of sizes for system parts, so there is level competition for like systems, replacement parts and upgrades.
Of course, even with all these mass production and easy installation aspects, the payback break even may still be a bit long. As cells get cheaper and more efficient, the idea would get better. Careful design to use cheap and light materials would help the equation. Despite recent fluctuations, energy will get more expensive, and we may learn ways and create devices to use less. I think the sentiment is out there. People individually and society would have a safety net against wastful, expensive and pollutiing power sources and transmission losses.
Mass Producing Solar Arrays
Re: Mass production Solar Array.
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