Self-shielding photovoltaic module tracker apparatus

A solar panel assembly, comprising:

• a plurality of solar panel arrays, each substantially parallel, where the plurality of solar panel arrays comprises a windward array located at an upwind perimeter of the solar panel assembly, where each of the plurality of solar panel arrays comprises a plurality of racking structures comprising
• a stationary structural member secured to a surface;
• a rotatable shaft secured to the stationary structural member via a bearing and to which at least first and second solar panels are mounted via a clamp;
• a drive mechanism coupled at a proximate end to the rotatable shaft and coupled at a distal end to a drive actuator that causes the rotatable shaft to rotate;
• where the rotatable shaft of the windward array comprises a thickness and a length that provides a torsional stiffness, which allows the rotatable shaft of the windward array to deflect 60-80 degrees from a horizontal plane, that is perpendicular to a length of the stationary structural member, in response to an applied torque from wind speeds on the windward array in excess of 70 mph, thus positioning the solar panels mounted to the windward array to shield the plurality of solar panel arrays located downwind from the windward array from high wind loads.