Patent ID: 8381464
Filing Date: 2013-02-26
Classification: F24S,H02S,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A solar panel system comprising: a plurality of panel receivers each having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said panel receivers being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel array; a support system for supporting the panel receivers, the support system comprising a plurality of trusses supported between a plurality of columns, wherein each of the panel receivers are secured to the trusses at spaced locations along adjacent trusses, each of said trusses comprising (i) an upper main cable, (ii) a lower main cable and (iii) at least one interconnecting member for interconnecting the upper and lower cables, wherein each of said upper and lower cables are curved, said upper cables being curved oppositely to said lower cables, and said panel receivers being mounted to said upper cables and not in direct contact with said lower cables; and at least one vertical axis windmill incorporated on one of said columns, said vertical axis windmill comprising a proximal end at an upper end of one of said columns and a distal free end located above said proximal end, wherein said vertical axis windmill is positioned substantially above said support system, and a plurality of vanes disposed around said upper end of said column, said plurality of vanes being rotatable about said upper end of said column by wind that strikes said vanes, wherein said vertical axis windmill provides supplemental power to said solar panel system.