Structure for supporting a photovoltaic module in a solar energy collection system

A structure for supporting an energy conversion module above a surface, said structure comprising:

• a frame having a first leg, a second leg, and a base tensioning member, said first leg having a first leg end, said second leg having a second leg end, said first and second legs being configured to rest on and extend upwardly from said surface to join at an apex, and said base tensioning member being interposed between said first leg end of said first leg and said second leg end of said second leg;
• a torque tube pivotally retained by said frame at said apex and configured for attachment of said energy conversion module;
• a foot member for rotatably retaining a tube end of said torque tube and configured to rest on said surface;
• a first tensioning member coupled between said foot member and said first leg;
• a second tensioning member coupled between said foot member and said second leg;
• and
• a pre-tensioning member extending from said apex of said frame and configured for attachment to said surface, said attachment of said pre-tensioning member to said surface establishing a single attachment point of said structure to said surface, and said pre-tensioning member being configured to extend approximately vertically relative to horizontal.

A solar energy collection system comprising:

• an array of energy collection modules, said array exhibiting a tracking surface having a surface area of at least two hundred square feet;
• and
• a structure for supporting said array of energy conversion modules above a surface, said structure comprising:
• a frame having a first leg, a second leg, and a base tensioning member, said first and second legs configured to extend upwardly from said surface and join at an apex, and said base tensioning member being interposed between said first and second legs;
• a torque tube pivotally retained by said frame at said apex and configured for attachment of said energy conversion module;
• a foot member for rotatably retaining a tube end of said torque tube and configured to contact said surface;
• a first tensioning member coupled between said foot member and said first leg;
• a second tensioning member coupled between said foot member and said second leg;
• and
• a pre-tensioning member extending from said apex of said frame and configured for attachment to said surface.