Tracking system for lightweight solar collector assembly and array

A tracking system for a solar collector assembly array, the tracking system comprising

• a coplanar first and a second circular rim structure, each first and second circular rim structure each including multiple circular rims, with each circular rim fitted around respective first and second ends of a respective solar collector where each solar collector has a general shape of a sealed and inflated cylindrical tube housing having a longitudinal center axis and where each solar collector is in a horizontal planar array with respect to each other;
• a first and a second elongated frame structure, the first and second frame structures disposed at the respective first and second ends of the solar collector for supporting the respective first and second circular rim structures such that the circular rims are generally vertically coplanar with each other within the respective frame structure;
• a cable serially wrapped around the respective coplanar circular rims to form a closed cable loop where the wrapped cable forms a vertical coplanar loop with the loop contacting around the respective circular rim structure such that at least one generally complete gripping loop is formed on each rim;
• at least one actuator attached to the elongated frame structures, the actuator providing a controllable driving force to the closed cable loop to allow for controlled rotation of each solar collector around its respective longitudinal axis.

A tracking system for a solar collector assembly, the tracking system comprising

• a circular rim structure including multiple coplanar circular rims each fitted around a respective solar collector where each solar collector has a longitudinal center axis;
• a first elongated frame structure disposed at one end of the solar collector assembly for supporting the circular rim structure such that each circular rim of the circular rim structure is generally planar with respect to the center axis of the respective solar collector;
• a cable serially wrapped around the circular rim structure to form a closed cable loop where the wrapped cable forms a coplanar loop with the loop contacting around the circular rim structure such that at least one generally complete gripping loop is formed on the circular rim structure;
• an actuator attached to the frame structure, the actuator providing a controllable driving force to the closed cable loop to allow for controlled rotation of the solar collector around its respective longitudinal axis;
• and
• a set of casters associated with the circular rim, the set of casters fitting within a circumferential trough of the circular rim for effecting substantially circular motion of the solar collector with minimal or little translation.