Solar tracking system with a mechanical drive mechanism using a flexible transmission shaft

A method for tracking the movement of the sun via a plurality of solar panels with a single motor, the method comprising the steps of:

• rotating a flexible transmission shaft with the mechanical drive mechanism using the single motor, wherein the flexible transmission shafts are rigidly connected to the mechanical drive mechanism;
• rotating a torsion bar having at least one solar panel of the plurality of solar panels mounted with the mechanical drive mechanism to provide a unison motion of the plurality of solar panels;
• and
• utilizing the flexible transmission shaft to compensate for misalignment between the plurality of solar panels and the torsion bar.

A solar tracking apparatus comprising:

• a flexible transmission shaft with a plurality of fixed joints at proximal ends, wherein the flexible transmission shaft comprises a telescoping length tolerance mechanism;
• and
• a mechanical drive mechanism connected to the connecting shaft via a flexible tube;
• wherein the plurality of drives comprise a first slewing drive and a second slewing drive,
• wherein each drive of the plurality divers comprises a bending rigid connection,
• wherein the flexible tube is comprised of a carbon fiber composite;
• wherein each drive of the plurality of drives compensates a predetermined amount of tolerance without limiting operation of a device.