Apparatus for mounting a solar panel on a vehicle

A method of selectively positioning a solar panel configured to be attachable to a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving position data associated with the solar panel, the solar panel being coupled to a first actuator, a second actuator, and a third actuator, each actuator being pivotally coupled to a base, each actuator having an extendable arm;
• calculating an optimal position of the solar panel based on the received position data;
• and
• facilitating transition of the solar panel from a current position toward the optimal position via selective pivotal movement of at least one of the first, second, and third actuators, and movement of at least one extendable arm of the first, second, and third actuators.

A device for mounting a solar panel on a structure and for allowing selective positioning of the solar panel relative to the structure, the device comprising:

• a base frame attachable to the structure;
• a first actuator pivotally coupled to the base frame and being transitional relative to the base frame about a first pivot axis between a first retracted position and a first extended position;
• a second actuator pivotally coupled to the base frame and being transitional relative to the base frame about a second pivot axis between a second retracted position and a second extended position, the second pivot axis being angularly offset from the first pivot axis;
• a third actuator pivotally coupled to the base frame and being transitional relative to the base frame about a third pivot axis between a third retracted position and a third extended position, the third pivot axis being angularly offset from the first and second pivot axes;
• a hub coupled to the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator in a manner such that the hub is pivotable relative to each actuator about two axes, the hub being connectable to a solar panel;
• and
• the hub being selectively positionable relative to the base frame via selective positioning of the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator between their respective retracted and extended positions, and via selective pivoting of the first, second and third actuators relative to the base frame.