IE20100671U1 - Mobile photovoltaic power - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a transportable photovoltaic power generation assembly including a plurality of solar panels which are permanently mounted on a transport-ready container; the plurality of solar panels being movable on said container between a stowed position inside the container, and, a deployed position outside the container; and, the container further comprising an electrical power storage unit and/or a control unit housed therein which is connected to the plurality of solar panels, wherein, the plurality of solar panels are nested in the container so as to be stowed side—by—side within the container and are rotatable from their stowed position into their deployed position, with each solar panel beings cantilevered to an upright support mast which is mounted on bearings intermediate a pair of complementary runner tracks within the transport—ready container. The advantage of providing a transportable photovoltaic power generation system is that a photovoltaic power generation system can be of a generic design that may be immediately purchased and swiftly transported to an installation site in a relatively short period of time. The plurality of solar panels may be moved from the stowed position into their deployed position in a fast and efficient manner. As all of the components of the photovoltaic power generation system are pre—mounted and pre-connected to the transport~ready container and one another, the set-up time and the take-down time for the photovoltaic power generation system of the present invention are far less than any other similar photovoltaic power generation systems. The photovoltaic power generation system is easy to setup and install and requires little maintenance thereafter.

Description

A mobile hotovoltaic ower unlt Introduction This invention relates to a photovoltaic power unit. In particular, this invention is directed towards a transportable photovoltaic power unit.

In many Third World countries and economically deprived areas, the lack of a readily available power supply affects the daily lives of many people. Without a reliable and steady supply of electrical power, everyday tasks have to be done manually which is both time-consuming and strenuous. Furthermore, electrical power which can be used to provide basic facilities such as hot water and/or refrigeration is often absent and prevents people from living in better, more hygienic environments.

In sub-Saharan Territories such as Central Africa, the availability of electrical power is particularly scarce. The present invention is particularly directed towards providing electrical energy in hot, dry territories as are found in sub-Saharan Territories.

Various types of power generation units for sub-Saharan Territories currently exist.

However, the vast majority of the power generators found in sub-Saharan Territories are driven by diesel engines or other fuel-based engines. These fuel-based power generators are hard to maintain in good working order in the intense heat of the sub- Saharan Territories. indeed, many of the power generation units that are to be found in the sub-Saharan Territories have been donated to the region through charities and the like. Consequently, these power generation units are not suited to running in the intense heat and frequently break down due to overheating. Furthermore, the cost of running the fuel-based generators fluctuates with the market price of the fuels. This is disadvantageous as the cost of the electricity could increase rapidly in unsteady World markets. Lastly, the fuel for the power generators must be delivered to the sub-Saharan Territories and thus the cost of running the power generators is higher as a result of the delivery costs of the fuel. In very bad weather conditions, the delivery of the fuel may be prohibited and the people relying on the power generator for electricity could find themselves without electricity at particularly difficult times.

E 100630 Generators that use renewable energy sources solve the problem of having to rely on fuel based generators. However, many of these renewable energy based generators are completely unsuitable for use in sub-Saharan Territories where the prevailing weather conditions are extremely hot with little wind and almost no naturally running water sources. Therefore, any water-based electrical energy generator systems or any wind-based electrical energy generator systems are for the most part ineffective in these sub-Saharan territories.

It is known that photovoltaic power supplies are suited to these hot, dry territories, however, existing photovoltaic power supply units are unsuitable for economic and technical reasons which are outlined hereinafter.

Existing photovoltaic power supply units predominantly fall into two categories.

The first category relates to bespoke photovoltaic power supply systems that are designed and built for a particular installation site. Exact measurements relating to the optimum angle and location for all of the solar cells are taken, and, the photovoltaic power units are subsequently manufactured and installed on-site taking account of the measurements relating to the optimum angle and location for the solar cells.

These installations, sometimes referred to as "solar tanns", are extremely large-scale and specifically designed and purpose-built for each installation site. The initial costs for designing and installing such large-scale solar farms is too high for the majority of potential customers in the sub-Saharan territories. The inhabitants of these regions simply cannot afford these types of photovoltaic power systems due to the high-costs associated with the bespoke design, manufacturing and installation.

Moreover, this first category of photovoltaic power supply system is inherently fixed in situ once it has been installed. This is disadvantageous as some communities in sub- Saharan territories are known to be quasi-nomadic, moving their villages/settlements from place to place. This is normally done when natural resources close to their original village/settlement location have become dilapidated and a new village/settlement location with fresh natural resources near-by must be sought out.

The second type of photovoltaic system relates to smaller roof-mounted solar cells E 100630 that may be used to provide power to a small dwelling or group of dwellings. Such photovoltaic power units are considerably more affordable than the above-mentioned large-scale solar farms, however, on an individual basis, inhabitants may not be able to afford such photovoltaic power systems for their own dwelling. Furthermore, if a group of two hundred dwellings install these roof-mounted solar cells on each of the dwellings, the cost of the installation will be relatively high as a large amount of work is involved in the installation of each solar cell.

A further problem with this category of solar cells is that a separate control unit is required to be installed inside the dwelling to control the small roof-mounted solar cell and possibly store electrical energy generated by the roof-mounted solar cell. This increases the installation time and consequently increases the cost of the installation.

Furthermore, connections need to be established between the roof-mounted solar cell and the control unit and/or the electoral power storage unit. Again, this will increase the installation time and will also increase the installation cost.

Photovoltaic power generation assemblies are also known to be used in other environments. For example, photovoltaic power generator assemblies have been specifically designed and manufactured for use in space. An example of such an assembly can be found in US Patent Number US4,380,013 (Slysh). US Patent Number US4,380,013 discloses an extendable solar panel array which is stored within a canister during transportation into space and is subsequently deployed when in space. It will be readily appreciated that such assemblies would be completely unsuitable for use on Earth, and would not have the mechanical strength to withstand the rigours of rough handling as is common during transportation of solar cells that are to be subsequently installed at the destination site.

Moreover, a number of photovoltaic power generator assemblies are known whereby the photovoltaic power generator assemblies comprise solar panels that are stowed in an accordion-like state and are deployed by extending and unfolding the solar panels. It will be readily appreciated that these types of photovoltaic power generator assemblies comprise complex mechanisms and structures to allow the photovoltaic power generator assemblies to be stowed in a relatively small area and to be deployed outwardly from this relatively small area. Such structures are prone to lE1ooe30 failure and comprise many moving parts which need constant maintenance. As a result of the complexity of these photovoltaic power generator assemblies, these photovoltaic power generator assemblies tend to be expensive to manufacture and expensive to keep in operating condition.

It is a goal of the present invention to provide an apparatus/method that overcomes at least one of the above mentioned problems.

Summag of the Invention The present invention is directed towards a transportable photovoltaic power generation assembly including a plurality of solar panels which are permanently mounted on atransport-ready container; the plurality of solar panels being movable on said container between a stowed position inside the container, and, a deployed position outside the container; and, the container further comprising an electrical power storage unit and/or a control unit housed therein which is connected to the plurality of solar panels, wherein, the pluratity of solar panels are nested within the container so as to be stowed side-by-side within the container and are rotatable from their stowed position into their deployed position, with each solar panel being cantilevered to an upright support mast which is mounted on bearings intermediate a pair of complementary runner tracks within the transport-ready container.

It will be understood that the term "transport-ready container" is intended to define any type of container that is ready to be transported without requiring additional packaging or housing within further boxes or containers. Usually, these transport- ready containers will be both weather resistant and robust enough to withstand the rigours of being roughly handled during transportation. It will be understood that in a preferred embodiment the transport-ready container refers to a shipping container or cargo container, which is sometimes referred to as an lSO container. These containers may be of varying length but are typically manufactured as either 20' container, a 40' container, a 40’ high-cube container, a 45' container, a 45' high-cube container or a 48' container.

The advantage of providing a transportable photovoltaic power generation system is lE1oo67t that the photovoltaic power generation system can be of a generic design that may be immediately purchased and swiftly transported to an installation site in a relatively short period of time. Once the photovoltaic power generation system arrives at the installation site, the plurality of solar panels may be moved from the stowed position into their deployed position in a fast and efficient manner so that the installation process for the photovoltaic power generation system is quick and uncomplicated.

Furthermore, as the transportable photovoltaic power generation system has its own power control unit and electrical energy storage unit, no further installation of a separate control units or electrical energy storage unit is required. The connections between the solar panels and the control unit and/or electrical energy storage unit already exist within the transport-ready container. This greatly simplifies and quickens the installation process.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the photovoltaic power generation system is highly mobile and can be used to provide power to temporary installations such as military bases and the like. As all of the components of the photovoltaic power generation system are pre-mounted and pre-connected to the transport-ready container and one another, the set-up time and the take-down time for the photovoltaic power generation system of the present invention are far less than any other similar photovoltaic power generation systems, which generally require a greater degree of construction and components are not pre-connected and pre- mounted to one another. in fact, the photovoltaic power generation system of the present invention can be packed up and moved within a 24-hour period if necessary.

The photovoltaic power generation system is easy to setup and install and requires little maintenance thereafter.

The present invention is further directed to a transportable photovoltaic power generation assembly including a plurality of solar panels which are permanently mounted on atransport-ready container; the plurality of solar panels being movable on said container between a stowed position inside the container, and, a deployed position outside the container; and, the container further comprising an electrical power storage unit and,/or a control unit housed therein which is connected to the lE1oos30 plurality of solar panels.

In a further embodiment, the plurality of solar panels are nested within the container so as to be stowed side-by-side within the container and are rotatable from their stowed position into their deployed position. lnalurther embodiment, the plurality of solar panels are arranged in substantially parallel, spaced-apart positions relative to one another when in their deployed positions.

In a further embodiment, each solar panel comprises a plurality of solar cells.

In a further embodiment, each solar panel is cantilevered to an upright support mast.

In a further embodiment, one or more of the upright support masts is mounted on bearings intermediate a pair of complementary runner tracks within the container.

In a further embodiment, one of the pair of complementary runner tracks is fixed to the roof of the container and the other of said pair of complementary runner tracks is fixed to the floor of the container. in a further embodiment, the container is a standard-sized ISO high cube container.

The advantage of using a standard-sized ISO high cube container is that existing shipping channels can be used to quickly transport the photovoltaic power generation assembly to its destination. This will also reduce transport costs as bespoke assemblies, requiring specific transport plane and vehicles would drive up the cost of delivering the photovoltaic power generation assembly to its destination.

In a further embodiment, the container comprises corresponding runner tracks along its roof and floor panels; and, the runner tracks are at an angle to and adjacent to longitudinal edges of the roof and floor panels of the container-.

Inafurther embodiment, at least one of the runner tracks is at an angle of IE 100630 substantially 2.4° relative to the longitudinal edges of the roof and floor panels of the container.

Inafurther embodiment, at least one of the runner tracks is at an angle of substantially 1.6° relative to the longitudinal edges of the roof and floor panels of the container.

In a further embodiment, the electrical power storage unit and/or the control unit are housed within a security compartment in the container so as to prevent unauthorised access to the electrical power storage unit and/or the control unit.

In a further embodiment, the control unit comprises a transformer.

In a further embodiment, the photovoltaic power generation assembly further comprises a backup electrical generator to provide auxiliary power from the photovoltaic power generation assembly.

In a further embodiment, the container further comprises one or more solar cells mounted atop the root of the container.

In a further embodiment, the electrical power storage unit comprises a bank of batteries.

In a further embodiment, the security compartment comprises cooling means to cool the bank of batteries to provide more efficient power generation.

In a further embodiment, the electrical power storage unit comprises a bank of batteries, and, the security compartment comprises cooling means to cool the bank of batteries to provide more efficient power generation.

In a further embodiment, the photovoltaic power generation assembly further comprises communication means connected to the control unit to allow remote operation and/or monitoring of the photovoltaic power generation assembly.

IE 100630 In a further embodiment, the communication means comprises a radio network transceiver. This allows remote monitoring and control of the photovoltaic power generator assembly. Thus, the operating costs can be reduced by allowing a central operating centre to monitor, detect faults, correct faults, and control the operation of the photovoltaic power generator assembly.

In a further embodiment, the communication means comprises a cellular network transceiver. This is advantageous as remote control and monitoring of the photovoltaic power generator assembly is possible over a network. In a preferred embodiment, the network may be a satellite link which does not rely on local cellular based network infrastructure as this infrastructure may not be in place in sub- Saharan Territories.

In a further embodiment, the communication means comprises a communication bus for connecting to one or more of an optical fiber communication network, a wireless communication network or an Ethernet communication network.

In a further embodiment, the photovoltaic power generation assembly further comprises an inverter in the control unit to produce an AC output from the photovoltaic power generator assembly.

Detailed Description of Embodiments The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a photovoltaic power generator assembly in accordance with the present invention in its stowed state; Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the photovoltaic power generator assembly of Figure 1 in a partially installed state; Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the photovottaic power generator lE1oo630 assembly of Figure 1 in an instailed, deployed state; Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the photovoltaic power generator assembly of Figure 1 in the installed, deployed state; Figure 5 is a front elevated view of the photovoltaic power generator assembly of Figure 1 in the installed, deployed state; Figure 6 is a front perspective diagrammatic view of a photovoltaic power generator assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, showing the photovoltaic power generator assembly in a stowed state; Figure 7 is a front perspective diagrammatic view of the photovoltaic power generator assembly of Figure 6 in a partially installed state; Figure 8 is a front perspective diagrammatic view of the photovoltaic power generator assembly of Figure 6 in a partially installed state; Figure 9 is a front perspective diagrammatic view of the photovoltaic power generator assembly of Figure 6 in a partially installed state; Figure 10 is a front perspective diagrammatic view of the photovoltaic power generator assembly of Figure 6 in a partially installed state; Figure 11 is a front perspective diagrammatic view of the photovoltaic power generator assembly of Figure 6 in a partially installed state; Figure 12 is a front perspective diagrammatic view of the photovoltaic power generator assembly of Figure 6 in an installed, deployed state; Figure 13 is a front perspective diagrammatic view of a photovoltaic power generator assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention in a partially installed state; lE1ooe30 Figure 14 is a front perspective diagrammatic view of the photovoltaic power generator assembly of Figure 13 in a partially installed state; and, Figure 15 is a front perspective diagrammatic view of the photovoltaic power generator assembly of Figure 13 in a partially installed state.

Referring to Figure 1, there is provided a photovoltaic power generator assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. The photovoltaic power generator assembly 100 comprises a transport-ready container 102. In a preferred embodiment, the transport-ready container 102 is a 40 foot ISO high cube container as is commonly known in the field of cargo transportation.

With reference to Figure 2, there is shown the photovoltaic power generator assembly 100 in a partially installed state. A plurality of solar panels 104A-104H are rotated from within the transport-ready container 102 so as to extend outwardly from the transport-ready container 102. The plurality of solar panels 104A-104H are arranged in two rows, each row extending outwardly from opposing sides of the transport-ready container 102. Each row comprises four solar panels which are co- linear with the four solar panels in the row on the opposing side of the transport-ready container 102.

Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the photovoltaic power generator assembly 100 is shown in a fully installed, deployed state. The solar cells 104A-104H are mounted on corresponding frameworks 106A-106H by a hinged connection which is located at uppermost edge of both the 104A-104H and the 106A-106H.

The solar panels 104A-104H are tilted relative to the frameworks 106A-106H so that the solar panels 104A-104H are aligned to be at an optimum angle for receiving a maximum amount of sunlight based on the geographical location of the photovoltaic power generator assembly 100. Each of the solar panels 104A-104H is connected to a control unit (not shown) and an electrical power storage unit (not shown). The control unit and the electrical power storage unit are housed within the transport- ready container 102. With particular reference to Figure 5, it can be seen that each IE 100630 .11. solar panel 104A-104H is comprised of a plurality of solar cells 108. In a further embodiment (not shown), it is envisaged that the angle of tilt applied to each of the solar panels 104A-104H will be automatically changed over the course of the day.

With reference to Figures 6 to 12, the installation process for a photovoltaic power generator assembly is described.

Referring to Figure 6, wherein like parts previously described have been assigned the same reference numerals, a further embodiment of a photovoltaic power generator assembly indicated generally by reference numeral 600 is shown to comprise a transport-ready container 102 which is mounted on a trailer-bed 602. The trailer—bed 602 comprises a plurality of wheels 604 and a front support leg 606. As the photovoltaic power generator assembly 600 comprises a transport-ready container 102 which fonns the outermost dimensions of the photovoltaic power generator assembly 600, the trailer-bed 602 can be used to transport the photovoltaic power generator assembly 600 by road to an installation site. It will be understood that the photovoltaic power generator assembly 600 may be detached from the trailer-bed 602 by a crane or other such mechanical means to be transported by sea or air.

Upon arrival at the installation site the photovoltaic power generator assembly 600 may be de-mounted from the trailer-bed 602, or in an alternative embodiment, the photovoltaic power generator assembly 600 may be left in situ in its mounted position on the trailer-bed 602.

Two of the solar panels 104E, 104H can be seen in their fully stowed state within the transport-ready container 102.

With reference to Figure 7, the left full-fonvard solar panel 104A is rotated outwardly from a stowed position within the transport-ready container 102 into a partially deployed position, extending substantially orthogonally outwardly from the transport- ready container 102. The left full-fowvard solar panel 104A is cantilevered from an upright support mast (not shown) which is mounted within the transport-ready container 102. Similarly, a right full-forward solar panel 104H is also rotated outwardly from its stowed position within the transport-ready container 102 into a partially IE 100630 deployed position. The right full-forward solar panel 104H is oo-linear with the left full- forward solar panel 104A and extends orthogonally outwardly from an opposing side of the transport-ready container 102 in comparison to the left full-iorward solar panel 104A. The right full-forward solar panel 104H is also cantilevered from an upright support mast that is mounted within the transport-ready container 102. During transportation, the left full-fozward solar panel 104A and the’ right full-forward solar panel 104H may form outer sides of the transport-ready container 102.

In a further embodiment (not shown), the left full-forward solar panel 104A and the right full-forward solar panel 104H, comprise anti-vandalism outer casings that form the outer sides of the transport-ready container 102. The anti-vandalism outer casings assist with protecting the photovoltaic power generator assembly 100 during transportation, and, also assist with prohibiting unauthorised access to the photovoltaic power generator assembly 100 whilst the photovoltaic power generator assembly 100 is being transported.

A left full-back solar panel 104D and a right full-back solar panel 104E are also rotated from their stowed positions within the transport-ready container 102 into partially deployed positions. As before, the left full-back solar panel 104D and the right full-back solar panel 104E are both cantilevered from upright support masts that are, in turn, mounted within the transport-ready container 102.

Referring to Figures 8 and 9, a left half-fonivard solar panel 104B and a right half- forward solar panel 104G are rotated from their stowed positions within the transport- ready container 102 into partially deployed positions, that extend orthogonally outwardly from the transport-ready container 102. The left half-forward solar panel 1043 and the right half-fonivard solar panei 104G are cantilevered from slidable upright support masts (not shown) within the transport-ready container 102. A left half—back solar panel 104C and a right half-back solar panel 104F are also rotated from their stowed positions within the transport-ready container 102 into their partially deployed positions. The left half—back solar panel 104C and the right half-back solar panel 104F are also both cantilevered from slidable upright support masts (not shown) within the transport-ready container 102.

With reference to Figure 10, the photovoltaic power generator assembly 600 also comprises a security compartment 110. The security compartment 110 houses control circuitry (not shown), electrical storage devices such as battery banks (not shown), communication means (not shown), one or more backup electrical generators (not shown) and other electrical components such as circuit breakers, inverters, transformers and regulators as are associated with any photovoltaic power generators. In a preferred embodiment, the security compartment 110 may also comprise cooling means to keep the components within the security compartment 110 at efficient operating temperatures.

The next step of the installation process is to slide the left half-forward solar panel 104B, the left half-back solar panel 104C, the right half-forward solar panel 1046 and the right half-back solar panel 104F towards their deployed positions. The left half- fomrard solar panel 104B is moved reanrvard towards the left full-back solar panel 104D. The left half-back solar panel 104C is moved forward towards the left full- forward solar panel 104A. The right half-forward solar panel 104G is moved reanivard towards the right full-back solar panel 104E. And lastly, the right half-back solar panel 104F is moved forward towards the right full-forward solar panel 104H.

In this manner, the plurality of solar panels 104A-104H become substantially evenly spaced apart along two rows on opposing sides of the transport-ready container 102.

With reference to Figure 11, the distance, given by reference letter X, between adjacent solar panels is substantially constant. In a further embodiment (not shown), it is envisaged that the distances between adjacent solar panels may be varied.

Referring to Figure 12, the next step of installing the solar panels 104A-104H into their deployed positions is shown. The solar panels 104A-104l-l are tilted. Depending on the geographical latitude of the installation site for the photovoltaic power generator assembly 600, the solar panels 104A-104H will need to be tilted and set at a particular angle in order to be exposed to the maximum amount of sunlight during the course of a day.

Each solar panel 104A-104!-l is mounted on an associated supporting framework 106A-106H and is hingedly mounted on the associated supporting framework 106A- IE 100630 H with an uppermost edge of the solar panel 104A-104H hingedly connected to an uppermost edge of each associated framework 106A-106H respectively. This allows the solar panels 104A-104H to be tilted into their fully installed, deployed positions relative to the associated frameworks 106A-106H. Once each of the solar panels 104A-104H have been tilted to the optimum angle, the solar panels 104A- 104H are permanently braced and locked at this optimum angle.

Referring to Figures 13 to 15, wherein like parts previously described have been assigned the same reference numerals, a further embodiment of a photovoltaic power generator assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 1300 is shown. Similarly to the previously-described photovoltaic power generator assembly 600, the photovoltaic power generator assembly 1300 in Figures 13 to 15 comprises eight solar panels 104A-104H. In this embodiment, the sequence in which the solar panels 104A-104H are deployed has been altered.

The left half-back solar panel 104C and the right half-back solar panel 104F are rotated from their stowed positions within the transport-ready container 102 into partially deployed positions, before the left half-fonvard solar panel 104B and the right half-forward solar panel 104G are rotated from their stowed positions within the transport-ready container 102 into partially deployed positions. Furthermore, only the left full-fonrvard solar panel 104A and the right fall-forward solar panel 104H are cantilevered on upright support masts substantially adjacent a front end of the transport-ready container 102. The remaining solar panels are all cantilevered on upright support masts that are located substantially adjacent a rear end of the transport-ready container 102.

With particular reference to Figure 15, the left half-forward solar panel 104B and the right half-forward solar panel 104G are moved tonlvard, substantially two-thirds of the length of the transport-ready container 102, towards the left full-forward solar panel 104A and the right full-fonrvard solar panel 104H respectively, in order to position the left half-fonlvard solar panel 104B and the right half-forward solar panel 104G in their partially deployed positions.

The left half—back solar panel 104C and the right half-back solar panel 104F are also IE 100630 moved fonivard, substantially one-third of the length of the transport-ready container 102, towards the left full-fonivard solar panel 104A and the right full-forward solar panel 104H respectively, in order to position the left half-back solar panel 104C and the right half-back solar panel 104H in their partially deployed positions.

In this manner, the plurality of solar panels 104A-104H become evenly spaced apart along two rows on opposing sides of the transport-ready container 102 as has been previously described with reference to Figure 11.

Thereafter, the solar panels 104A-104H are tilted into their fully installed, deployed positions as has been previously described reference to Figure 12.

In such a manner, a transportable photovoltaic power generation assembly can be quickly deployed and installed by as fewer as two operators with four to six hours.

This is a vast improvement over the complexity of current structures used in transportable photovoltaic power generation assemblies.

In a further embodiment (not shown), the roof of the transport-ready container may be designed to receive further roof solar panels. In this embodiment it is further envisaged that connections and cabling between mounting points on the roof of the transport-ready container for the roof solar panels and the requisite components in the security compartment would already be in place within the transport-ready container.

It will be understood that the solar panels 104A-104H may be opened out into their deployed positions in various different sequences, and, in that the solar panels 104A- 104H may be rotated outwards from either end of the transport-ready container 102, and transitioned into place using an appropriate runner track.

It will be understood that the present invention may be deployed in any geographical location, and is not solely limited to use in sub-Saharan territories. Furthermore, the mobile nature of the photovoltaic power generator assembly makes the present invention ideal for providing power to temporary military installations, and travelling industries such as fairgrounds, circuses and the like.

IE 100671 The terms "comprise” and “include” and any variations thereof required for grammatical reasons are to be considered to be interchangeable and accorded the widest possible interpretation.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS A transportable photovoltaic power generation assembly including a plurality of solar panels which are permanently mounted on a transport-ready container; the plurality of solar panels being movable on said container between a stowed position inside the container, and, a deployed position outside the container; and, the container further comprising an electrical power storage unit and/or a control unit housed therein which is connected to the plurality of solar panels, wherein, the plurality of solar panels are nested within the container so as to be stowed side-by-side within the container and are rotatable from their stowed position into their deployed position, with each solar panel being cantilevered to an upright support. mast which is mounted on bearings intermediate a pair of complementary runner tracks within the transport-ready container. A transportable photovoltaic power generation assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, one of the pair of complementary runner tracks is fixed to the roof of the container and the other of said pair of complementary runner tracks is fixed to the floor of the container, and, the runner tracks are at an angle of substantially 1.6° or substantially 2.4” relative to the longitudinal edges of the roof and floor panels of the container and are also adjacent to longitudinal edges of the roof and floor panels of the container. A transportable photovoltaic power generation assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, the container is a standard-sized ISO high cube container and the container further comprises one or more solar cells mounted atop the roof of the container. A transportable photovoltaic power generation assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, the photovoltaic power generation assembly further comprises communication means connected to the control unit to allow remote operation and/or monitoring of the photovoltaic power generation assembly, wherein, the communication means comprises a radio frequency network transceiver. A transportable photovoltaic power generation assembly as described in the accompanying description and shown in the accompanying drawings.