Method and system for providing a wind load resistant, tracking photovoltaic (PV) array

A method for providing a wind load resistant, tracking photovoltaic solar array system comprising:

• mounting a solar cell with a transverse axis adjustment system on a pivot base, wherein the solar cell comprises a photovoltaic cell for producing electrical energy;
• providing a tube with a wind load resistant geometry;
• positioning the solar cell on a pivot base within the tube;
• securing the solar cell within the tube;
• coupling a longitudinal axis adjustment system to the cell and the tube;
• providing at least one electrical coupling for the solar cell which serves both as a conductor for carrying electrical current in addition for providing mechanical movement of the solar cell, the electrical coupling comprises an electrical cable for supporting electrical current and a ball-and-socket joint for promoting mechanical movement of the solar cell;
• sealing ends of the tube with end caps;
• securing a support structure to the tube;
• coupling a cleaning device coupled to the support structure;
• and
• dispensing a fluid to clean an exterior surface of the tube with the cleaning device.

A system for providing a wind load resistant, tracking photovoltaic solar array system comprising:

• means for mounting a solar cell with a transverse axis adjustment system on a pivot base, wherein the solar cell comprises a photovoltaic cell for producing electrical energy;
• means for providing a tube with a wind load resistant geometry;
• means for positioning the solar cell on a pivot base within the tube;
• means for securing the solar cell within the tube;
• means for promoting mechanical movement of the solar cell, the mechanical movement promoting means comprising at least one electrical coupling for the solar cell which serves both as a conductor for carrying electrical current in addition to providing mechanical movement of the solar cell, the electrical coupling comprises an electrical cable for supporting electrical current and a ball-and-socket joint for facilitating movement;
• means for coupling a longitudinal axis adjustment system to the cell and the tube;
• means for sealing ends of the tube;
• means for securing a support structure to the tube;
• and
• means for cleaning an exterior surface of the tube, the cleaning means comprising a fluid dispenser for dispensing a fluid to clean an exterior surface of the tube with the cleaning device.