Structure and articulation system for solar collectors

An apparatus comprising:

• a solar energy collector supported by a base frame;
• a first ground interface coupled to the base frame through a linkage, the first ground interface configured to provide weight-bearing support for the base frame, the linkage providing two or more degrees of freedom;
• a second ground interface coupled to the base frame and configured to movingly engage a ground surface and provide weight-bearing support for the base frame;
• a third ground interface coupled to the base frame and configured movingly engage the ground surface and provide weight-bearing support for the base frame;
• and
• an azimuth drive system configured to pivot the base frame about the first ground interface, wherein the linkage is configured to accommodate a vertical movement of the base frame when the base frame is pivoting about the first ground interface, wherein the solar energy collector comprises an array of two or more inflated solar concentrators.

An apparatus comprising:

• a solar energy collector supported by a base frame;
• a first ground interface coupled to the base frame through a linkage, the first ground interface configured to provide weight-bearing support for the base frame, the linkage providing two or more degrees of freedom;
• a second ground interface coupled to the base frame and configured to movingly engage a ground surface and provide weight-bearing support for the base frame;
• a third ground interface coupled to the base frame and configured movingly engage the ground surface and provide weight-bearing support for the base frame;
• and
• an azimuth drive system configured to pivot the base frame about the first ground interface, wherein the linkage is configured to accommodate a vertical movement of the base frame when the base frame is pivoting about the first ground interface, wherein the solar collector comprises a 3×1 array of inflated solar concentrators.