Rigid-Framed Flexible Panel Solar Array

A solar panel assembly, comprising:

• a frame defining a mounting area and formed from interconnected modular segments;
• a first portion of the interconnected modular segments comprising receiving features configured to accept spline elements positioned about a perimeter of a flexible photovoltaic panel that mount the flexible photovoltaic panel into the mounting area;
• and
• a second portion of the interconnected modular segments comprising expansion members configured to establish a circumferential force about the frame and apply a radial tension to the flexible photovoltaic panel.

A method of forming a solar panel assembly, comprising:

• forming a frame defining a mounting area and assembled from interconnected modular segments;
• mounting a flexible photovoltaic panel into the mounting area by insertion of spline elements positioned about a perimeter of the flexible photovoltaic panel into receiving features positioned on first ones of the interconnected modular segments;
• and
• wherein based on the flexible photovoltaic panel being mounted, second ones of the interconnected modular segments are configured to establish a circumferential force about the frame and apply a radial tension to the flexible photovoltaic panel.