Abstract:
A mobile solar power system provides electricity to various electronic devices needing a source of electricity in remote locations. The mobile solar power system may be transported in a compact form to a remote location by a trailer configured for securely transporting the mobile solar power system. Arrays for containing solar panels may be attached to the mobile solar power system. When a user is ready to deploy the solar panels of the various arrays, the arrays may be slid out from the mobile solar power system and/or unfolded from the mobile solar power system. After the arrays are deployed, the arrays including solar panels may be angled such that the solar panels may be exposed to solar energy which may be subsequently passed through to the various electronic devices needing a source of electricity.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/885,823 for MOBILE SOLAR POWER SYSTEM WITH OPTIMIZED DEPLOYED-TO-TRANSPORT RATIO AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYING SAME, filed on Oct. 2, 2013; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/885,801 for SELF-DEPLOYING MOBILE SOLAR POWER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYING SAME, filed on October 2, 2013; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/885,783 for MOBILE SOLAR POWER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYING SAME, filed on October 2, 2013. The present invention incorporates herein by reference the entirety of the U.S. Provisional Patent Applications listed herein above. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of power systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mobile solar power system having a compact, transportable trailer, and which may be quickly and readily deployed in the field. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    In recent years, a significant movement toward development of power through alternative energy sources such as solar power generation has arisen. However, solar power generation systems have several drawbacks. One particularly relevant drawback is that conventional systems are not designed for easy transportation from one generation site to another. Although various prior art systems have been disclosed which attempt to address this transportation issue, the prior art systems are not sufficiently compact or transportable. 
         [0004]    For example, systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,492,120 B2 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0057512 A1 do not provide for a sufficiently large deployed footprint from a sufficiently small transport footprint. Thus, energy collecting capacity is smaller than desired, and the package size is larger than desired. A survey of the prior art suggests that the current deployed-to-transport footprint ratio is approximately 1.5/1 to 3/1, meaning that the fully deployed footprint is 1.5 to 3 times the size of the transport footprint. This ratio is smaller than desired. 
         [0005]    Another drawback of conventional mobile power systems is difficulty of deployment once the systems are transported to a specific site. Setup time may be measured in hours and typically requires a crew of three or more individuals to deploy the heavy solar energy gathering panels. Such setup is more difficult and time consuming than is desired. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, a need has arisen for a mobile solar power system that provides a better deployed-to-transport ratio than is seen in the prior art, coupled with ease of self-deployment by a single person into operating configuration in less time than is needed with the prior art, particularly in emergency situations. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention relates to the field of mobile solar power systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of transporting a mobile solar power system to a desired remote location, where a plurality of arrays including solar panels contained therein may be slid out from and/or unfolded from the mobile solar power system. The mobile solar power system may be transported by a trailer adapted to transport the mobile solar power system. The trailer may include outriggers and jacks that may be used to level and stabilize the mobile solar power system after it has been delivered to a desired location. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the mobile solar power system may include a front sliding array and a rear sliding array that may slide out from the mobile solar power system. The mobile solar power system may also include at least two left folding arrays and at least two right folding arrays that may be attached to the left and right side portions, respectively, of the mobile solar power system in a folded position. After the front sliding array and rear sliding array are slid out from the mobile solar power system, the left and right folding arrays may be unfolded from one another such that they may be in substantial longitudinally alignment with one another. The unfolded left and right folding arrays may subsequently be extended from the sides of the mobile solar power system. 
         [0009]    Next, an angled actuator within the mobile solar power system may be used to tilt the various arrays which include solar panels to a desired angle. The solar panels of the arrays may absorb solar power which may subsequently be used by external electronic devices needing electricity when the external electronic devices are connected to an electronic panel associated with the mobile solar power system. 
         [0010]    In an alternative embodiment, the mobile solar power system may include sliding arrays that overlap when stowed in a compact form within the mobile solar power system prior to deployment. The sliding arrays may extend from the sides of the mobile solar power system when deployed. Similarly to the embodiment described above, the sliding arrays may include solar panels therein. When the sliding arrays are extended from the sides of the mobile solar power system, a center panel of the mobile solar power system, which was previously positioned, located, and stowed under the sliding arrays, may be exposed. The center panel may also include a solar panel contained therein for absorbing solar power. An angled actuator located within the mobile solar power system may subsequently tilt the sliding arrays and center panel such that they may be angled at a desired location to sufficiently absorb solar energy from the sun. 
         [0011]    In both described embodiments above, the arrays and/or panels of the mobile solar power system may be stored compactly until ready for deployment. When deployed, the arrays and/or panels provide for a sufficiently large energy collecting area. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a mobile solar power system according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a leveling outrigger of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1  in a locked, stowed position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates an outrigger of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1  in a deployed position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a jack of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1  in a locked, stowed position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a jack of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1  in a deployed position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates a front sliding array of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1  in a locked, stowed position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side elevation view of the front sliding array and rear sliding array extending from the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom plan view of the front sliding array and rear sliding array extending from the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates a wing arm tip of a wing arm attached to the underside of the front sliding array of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates the wing arm tip of  FIG. 7  when it has been unattached from the front sliding array and attached to a lower frame of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  illustrates a portion of the wing arm of  FIGS. 7 and 8  including rotational slide pins associated therewith. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  illustrates a rotational slide pin illustrated of  FIG. 11  in a locked position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  illustrates the rotational slide pin of  FIG. 12  in an unlocked position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  illustrates a rear sliding array of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1  in a locked position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of the front sliding array and rear sliding array extending from the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  illustrates left folding arrays of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1  when the folding arrays have been unfolded, engaged with one another, and deployed. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  illustrates left folding arrays of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 16  in a latched position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  illustrates an outer folding array unfolded and adjacent to a center folding array of the left folding arrays of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  illustrates the wing arm and wing arm tip of  FIG. 18  attached to the center folding array of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  illustrates a remote control for extending, retracting, and tilting the left and right folding arrays of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective view of left folding arrays of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1  in an extended position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  illustrates a perspective view of left and right folding arrays of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1  in an extended position. 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  illustrates a side elevation view of the left folding arrays, center array, and right folding arrays of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1  in an extended and tilted position. 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  illustrates left and right slide arrays of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 24  in an extended, secured position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  illustrates a locking mechanism for securing a slide array of the mobile solar power system of  FIGS. 24 and 25 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  illustrates a slide array of the mobile solar power system of  FIGS. 24 and 25  in an extended, secured position. 
           [0040]      FIG. 28  illustrates an angle guide for adjusting the angle of the left and right side arrays, and center panel of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 24 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 29  illustrates the left and right side arrays, and center panel of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 24  as the arrays and panel are adjusted to a particular angle. 
           [0042]      FIG. 30  illustrates the left and right side arrays, and center panel of the mobile solar power system of  FIG. 24  when the arrays and panel have been fully adjusted to a particular angle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0043]    The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention. 
         [0044]      FIG. 1  illustrates a mobile solar power system  1 , hereinafter referred to as simply “the power system” or “the unit”). The power system may be constructed so that it may be easily transported in the compact form illustrated in  FIG. 1  until it is delivered to a deployment location. The power system  1  may include a right portion  5 , a left portion  10 , a front portion  15 , a rear portion  20 , a bottom portion  21  and a top portion  22 . The power system is structured and arranged to be transportable by being mounted on a trailer  25 , the trailer  25  being adapted to receive and secure the unit, as is known in the art. 
         [0045]    Trailer  25  may be attached to a truck or other towing vehicle to facilitate towing the power system to a desired location for deployment. By way of example and not of limitation, trailer  25  may include a deck, which is illustrated herein at  26  for reference. The deck may include reinforcing hitching mechanisms such as towing latches having chains, ropes and the like secured thereto which may further secure the trailer to a truck or towing vehicle. 
         [0046]    In at least one alternative embodiment, wheels  27  for transporting mobile solar power system  1  and a hitch for hauling it behind a truck or other towing vehicle may be integral with mobile solar power system  1 . In that embodiment, trailer  25  is not necessary. 
         [0047]    After the solar power system is delivered to a desired location, trailer  25  may be uncoupled from the truck or towing vehicle, and the wheels chocked or otherwise secured to prevent undesired movement thereof prior to deployment of the system, as will be described below. 
         [0048]    Before deployment, a user may inspect the solar power system looking for any damaged or loose structural items, any damaged wiring, any signs of hydraulic leaks, any damaged hydraulic hoses, and so forth to ensure that all enclosures are not damaged or missing. 
         [0049]    After a thorough inspection, a user may begin to deploy leveling outriggers  30  associated with front portion  15  and rear portion  20  of mobile solar power system  1 , an exemplary embodiment of which is illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Leveling outriggers  30  may be used to stabilize and level trailer  25  and mobile solar power system  1  when mobile solar power system  1  has been hauled to a desired location. Leveling outriggers  30  may include jacks  35 , which may be attached to outriggers  30 . In the embodiment shown, the power system  1  includes four leveling outriggers  30  and four jacks  35  attached thereto; although, more or fewer outriggers  30  and jacks  35  may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0050]    In order to deploy outriggers  30 , a user would first remove a top pin  45  associated with an inner bracket  50 . Top pin  45  and bracket  50  may keep leveling outriggers  30  in a locked, stowed position when the unit is in transit or is otherwise in a transportation configuration prior to deployment. Following removal of top pin  45  from bracket  50 , a user may slide a leveling outrigger  30  out and away from the system via a friction fit within inner bracket  50  such that each leveling outrigger will be substantially perpendicular to trailer  25 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0051]    Top pin  45  is positioned in aperture  51  ( FIG. 3 ) of outrigger  30  when outrigger  30  is in the locked, stowed position illustrated in  FIG. 2 . As each of the four leveling outriggers  30  are deployed, each leveling outrigger  30  is preferably re-attached to bracket  50  by inserting pin  45  into a second aperture  52  of outrigger  30  when outrigger  30  is in the deployed position illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Other means for deploying leveling outriggers  30  such as using a rail mechanism to slide the outriggers or other attachment means may also be employed without separating from the scope hereof. 
         [0052]    After deploying leveling outriggers  30 , a user may deploy a jack  35  connected to an end  37  of each leveling outrigger  30  respectively. To do so, a user may first remove a front pin  55  associated with each jack  35  that retains the jack in a locked, stowed position during transport, as shown in  FIG. 4 . After removing each front pin  55 , a user may rotate each jack  35  downward until it is substantially perpendicular to a ground surface and its associated outrigger  30  as shown in  FIG. 5 , whereupon front pin  55  is reinserted into end  37  of the outrigger in order to secure a jack  35  in its deployed position. The process for deploying jacks  35  may be repeated until all four jacks  35  are deployed and further secured. Other non-limiting mechanisms similar to using front pins  55  may also be used to secure jacks  35  in either their locked, stowed position or deployed position. 
         [0053]    With four jacks  35  deployed and secured, a user may begin the process of leveling the mobile solar power system  1  and trailer  25 . Typically, a user will open an electrical enclosure (not illustrated) associated with the power system. The electrical enclosure may include a control device to activate hydraulic mechanisms attached to the system to automatically level trailer  25  and the system on a variety of ground surfaces. While hydraulic mechanisms are preferably used to level trailer  25  and mobile solar power system  1 , are further contemplated herein. For example, pneumatics or other mechanical means known in the art may be used. 
         [0054]    After mobile solar power system  1  is leveled, a user may begin the process of using a combination of sliding and folding techniques to deploy solar panels contained within a plurality of arrays. A user may begin by deploying a front sliding array  60  from the front portion  15  of mobile solar power system  1 . Front sliding array  60  is illustrated as in its locked and stowed position in  FIG. 6 , which shows a portion of mobile solar power system of  FIG. 1  at its top portion  22 . In  FIG. 6 , front sliding array  60  may be stowed within a housing  62  in the top portion  22  of the unit. Housing  62  may house front sliding array  60  and rear sliding array  100  (described below) when arrays  60 ,  100  are in their locked and stowed positions. 
         [0055]    In the illustrated embodiment, front sliding array  60  is held in its stowed position by two slide bolts  65 . To begin deploying front sliding array  60 , a user may first disengage slide bolts  65 . Slide bolt  65  are L-shaped in the present embodiment, though other varieties and shapes of bolts for securing front sliding array  60  in a stowed position may be used in alternative embodiments. Once slide bolts  65  have been disengaged, front sliding array  60  may be pulled outwardly and away from front portion  15  such that front sliding array  60  may slide out from mobile solar power system  1  and extend therefrom. After the sliding array  60  has been slid fully outwardly, it may be attached to the system. Front sliding array  60  is preferably slid out from housing  62  using tracks and rails in a manner known in the art, though other sliding means such as roller ball bearings, wheels, and other non-limiting mechanisms may be used. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate various views of front sliding array  60  and a rear sliding array  100  extending from front and rear portions  15 ,  20  respectively of mobile solar power system  1  in a deployed position. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , when front sliding array  60  and rear sliding array  100  are deployed, they may be parallel to one another (and a ground surface) but lie in different vertical planes. Front sliding array  60  and rear sliding array  100  may lie in different vertical planes as a result of front sliding array  60  being positioned, located, and stored under rear sliding array  100  when arrays  60 ,  100  are stowed in housing  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 .  FIGS. 7 and 8  further illustrate wing arms  70  associated with arrays  60 ,  100  supporting and stabilizing arrays  60 ,  100  in their extended, deployed positions. Wing arms  70  and their methods of operation will be described in greater detail as additional drawings hereof are described. 
         [0057]      FIG. 9  illustrates the underside of front sliding array  60  as deployed from mobile solar power system  1 , and it further illustrates a wing arm  70  positioned on the underside of front sliding array  60  and attached thereto. As illustrated, the front sliding array  60  may be slid out and away from housing  62 , and a wing arm tip  75  of wing arm  70  may be pinned to the underside of front sliding array  60 . Wing arm tip  75  may be selectively attached to proximal portions  76  of arrays  60 ,  100  such that wing arm tips  75  may be attached to a frame member  85  of the unit, as arrays  60 ,  100  are deployed. Distal portions  77  of wing arms  70  may be hinged such that wing arms  70  may be rotatable thereabout. 
         [0058]    Wing arm tip  75  may be unpinned from the underside of front sliding array  60  after front sliding array  60  has been slid sufficiently outwardly and away from the unit. After unpinning wing arm tip  75 , wing arm tip  75  and wing arm  70  may be rotated downwardly as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . When wing arm  70  and wing arm tip  75  have been sufficiently rotated past an upper frame member  80  and to a lower frame  85 , wing arm tip  75  may be attached to the lower frame. In the illustrated embodiment, wing arm tip  75  is attached to lower frame  85  using a pin mechanism; however, other means and mechanisms for releasably attaching wing arm tip  75  to lower frame  85  may also be used without department from the scope hereof. 
         [0059]      FIG. 11  illustrates wing arm  70  at a position opposite from its wing arm tip  75 , near distal portion  77 . More specifically,  FIG. 11  illustrates rotational slide pins  90  which may aid to reinforce front sliding array  60  in an extended, deployed position. As illustrated in greater detail in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the pins  90  may be spring-loaded. After wing arm tip  75  has been attached to lower frame  85  in the manner described hereinabove, front sliding array  60  may be rotated upwardly. Because wing arm tip  75  may be secured to lower frame  85 , as front sliding array  60  is rotated upwardly, rotational slide pins  90  may slide within a track  95  within the wing arm until front sliding array  60  has been rotated sufficiently upward to be substantially parallel to a ground surface. Once front sliding array  60  has been rotated upwardly such that it is substantially parallel with a ground surface, the slide pins  90  may pop into an aperture (not illustrated) located on wing arm  70  and in line with track  95 . The apertures of wing arm  70  may be positioned and located such that rotational slide pins  90  pop into them when front sliding array  60  is parallel to a ground surface. Other means for securing front sliding array  60 , such as a latching device, track mechanism, or rail system, may be used to secure front sliding array  60  substantially parallel to a ground surface. 
         [0060]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the rotational slide pins  90  illustrated in  FIG. 11  may be in an open position or a closed position.  FIG. 12  illustrates a rotational slide pin  90  in a closed position, and  FIG. 13  illustrates a rotational slide pin  90  in an open position. It should be noted that in order to utilize the spring function of rotational slide pins  90  described herein, each rotational slide pin  90  should be in the open position illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 14  illustrates a locked, stowed rear sliding array  100  within housing  62  of mobile solar power system  1  and secured by slide bolts  65  substantially similar to those holding front sliding array  60  in its locked, stowed position within housing  62  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Rear sliding array  100  may be positioned and located on top of front sliding array  60  when both arrays  60  and  100  are in the compact form within housing  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Arrays  60  and  100  may be placed on top of one another within housing  62  such that both may be stored in mobile solar power system  1  when mobile solar power system  1  is in its compact form. 
         [0062]    After front sliding array  60  has been deployed in the manner described hereinabove, rear sliding array  100  may also be deployed in substantially the same manner as front sliding array  60 . After releasing rear sliding array  100  by unsecuring slide bolts  65 , and releasing wing arm  70  from the underside of rear sliding array  100  via wing tip  75 , rear sliding array  100  may be secured to lower frame  85  on rear portion  20  of the unit in a substantially similar manner to that described above the front sliding may. Rotational slide pins  90  substantially similar to those described hereinabove may also slide along track  95  of wing arm  70  associated with rear sliding array  100  before popping into apertures formed in wing arm  70  in the manner described hereinabove to reinforce rear sliding array  100  in an extended, deployed position. 
         [0063]      FIG. 15  illustrates the mobile solar power system  1  when arrays  60 ,  100  have been extended and deployed. After arrays  60 ,  100  have been deployed, a user may begin the process of deploying left and right folding arrays. Left folding arrays  105  are illustrated in a folded configuration in  FIG. 15 .  FIG. 16  illustrates an outer folding array  115 , center folding array  120 , and inner folding array  125  of left folding arrays  105  when they have been unfolded and deployed in the manner described herein below. When both outer folding array  115  and inner folding array  125  have been unfolded, the unit may appear as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . It should be noted that while outer folding tray  115  and inner folding tray  125  are parallel to center folding tray  120 , they may not lie in the same horizontal plane. Moreover, it should also be noted that in the deployed position, center folding tray  120  may be positioned higher than outer folding tray  115  and inner folding tray  125 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 17  illustrates a portion of mobile solar power system  1  showing left folding arrays  105  in a folded, compact configuration. Mobile solar power system  1  may include left folding arrays  105  and right folding arrays (illustrated in  FIG. 21 ), which are attached to the left portion  10  and right portion  5 , respectively, of the unit. Left folding arrays  105  may be positioned in a folded, compact position by latches  110  associated therewith. Latches  110  may prevent left folding arrays  105  from unfolding while mobile solar power system  1  is in transit or otherwise is unready for unfolding and deployment. Latches  110  may be of any variety known in the art. Other non-limiting means for securing left folding arrays  105  in a folded position are considered herein. 
         [0065]    In order to begin the process of unfolding left folding arrays  105 , the latches  110  may be unlatched. Outer folding array  115  may first be unfolded via a hinge positioned and located on the back of left folding arrays  105  (not illustrated). The hinge located on the back of left folding arrays  105  may attach outer folding array  115  with center folding array  120 . As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , inner folding array  125  may further be attached to center folding array  120  via hinges  130 . In the preferred embodiment, by way of example and not of limitation, center folding array  120  and inner folding array  125  are attached via four hinges  130 ; although embodiments employing a greater or lesser number of hinges are contemplated herein. Once outer folding array  115  is unlatched, it may be pushed outwardly around the hinge attaching it to center folding tray  120  (not illustrated) until it is substantially parallel with center folding array  120 . 
         [0066]    As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , and shown in greater detail in  FIG. 18 , outer folding array  115  may include a wing arm  70  substantially similar to the wing arm  70  described and associated with front sliding array  60 .  FIG. 18  illustrates outer folding array  115  and its wing arm  70  when wing arm tip  75  is attached to the back of outer folding array  115 . As outer folding tray  115  is folded outward such that it is parallel with center folding array  120 , wing arm tip  75  may be reattached to a center folding array frame  135 , as illustrated in  FIG. 19 . Attaching wing arm tip  75  to center folding array frame  135  may be substantially similar in operation and function to attaching wing arm tip  75  to lower frame  85 . When wing arm tip  75  associated with outer folding array  115  has been attached to center folding array frame  135 , outer folding array  115  may be rotated to the point that it is no longer parallel with center folding array  120  and should be pushed outwardly such that it may return to being parallel with center folding array  120 . 
         [0067]    Wing arm  70  of outer folding array  115  may include rotational slide pins  90  and a track  95  substantially similar to those described above. When unlocked, rotational slide pins  90  may move within track  95  as outer folding tray  115  is returned to being parallel with center folding array  120 . Apertures positioned within wing arm  70  of outer folding array  115  may be located such that rotational slide pins  90  pop into the holes of wing arm  70  (not illustrated) when outer folding array  115  is parallel with center folding array  120 . As above, rotational slide pins  90 , which may be spring-loaded, may engage with the holes of wing arm  70  in line with track  95  to reinforce outer folding array  115  in its open, extended position. 
         [0068]    After outer folding array  115  has been unfolded and deployed in its extended position, inner folding array  125  may be rotated about center folding tray  120  in a manner substantially similar to that described for outer folding array  115 . Inner folding array  125  may be rotated around center folding array  120  via hinges  130 . The means of attaching inner folding array  125  to center folding array  120  using wing arm  70  associated with inner folding array  125 , wing arm tip  75  associated with inner folding array  125 , and rotational slide pins  90  and track  95  associated with wing arm  70  may be substantially similar to that described for outer folding array  115 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 20  illustrates a remote control  140  for operating various functions of mobile solar power system  1 . Remote control  140  may include an extend button  145 , a retract button  150  and a tilt button  155 . As illustrated, tilt button  155  may include a left tilt function and a right tilt function. Other buttons which may effectively control various functions of mobile solar power system  1  may be included in alternative embodiments of remote control  140 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 21  illustrates extending left fold arrays  105  after outer folding array  115 , center folding array  120  and inner folding array  125  have been unfolded and attached in the manner described hereinabove. As illustrated, left folding arrays  105  may be substantially parallel to a center array  160  of the power system  1 . While left folding arrays  105  and center array  160  may be substantially parallel to one another, they may not lie in the same plane. Left folding arrays  105  may be extended via lateral actuators  165  (illustrated in  FIG. 23 ), which may be controlled by remote control  140 . In an embodiment, left folding arrays  105  may include two lateral actuators  165 . One lateral actuator  165  may be positioned and located toward front portion  15  of the unit, and a second lateral actuator  165  may be positioned and located at rear portion  20  thereof. In other embodiments, mobile solar power system  1  may include more or fewer lateral actuators  165 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 21  also illustrates right folding arrays  170 . Right folding arrays  170  may include an outer folding tray  115 , center folding tray  120 , and inner folding tray  125 , wherein folding trays  115 ,  120 ,  125  unfold and attach to one another in a manner substantially similar to folding trays  115 ,  120 ,  125  associated with left folding arrays  105 . 
         [0072]      FIGS. 22 and 23  illustrate mobile solar power system  1  when left folding arrays  105  and right folding arrays  170  both have been extended via lateral actuators  165  which may be controlled by remote control  140 . It should be noted that remote control  140  may activate lateral actuators  165 , but lateral actuators  165  also may be operated via a hydraulic method according to an embodiment. In other embodiments, lateral actuators  165  may be operated pneumatically or by a different mechanical means known or foreseeable in the art. Right folding arrays  170  may include two lateral actuators  165  positioned and located opposite from lateral actuators  165  associated with left folding arrays  105 ; however, more or fewer lateral actuators  165  may be associated with folding arrays  105 ,  170  without departing from the slope hereof. 
         [0073]      FIG. 23  illustrates mobile solar power system  1  when remote control  140  (or manual means) has been used to tilt left folding arrays  105 , right folding arrays  170  and center array  160  such that left folding arrays  105 , right folding arrays  170  and center array  160  of mobile solar power system  1  are angled. When angled, left folding arrays  105 , right folding arrays  170  and center array  160  may be exposed to sunlight at an angle of exposure desired by a user. When arrays  105 ,  170  and center array  160  have been tilted, they may be tilted from right portion  5  toward left portion  10  (as illustrated), or alternatively from left portion  10  to right portion  5 . Remote control  140  may operate angled actuators  175 , as illustrated in  FIG. 23 , to tilt left folding arrays  105 , right folding arrays  170 , and center array  160  to provide sunlight thereto. Angled actuators  175  may be operated hydraulically, although other means such as pneumatic control are further envisioned herein. In an embodiment, the hydraulic means used to control angled actuators  175  may be operated via remote control  140 ; however, the hydraulic means may be manually controlled. 
         [0074]    Left folding arrays  105 , right folding arrays  170  and the center array  160  include top surfaces  180  thereof solar panels (not illustrated). It is the exposure of sunlight to these solar panels that provides the power to the power system  1 , which may also include open space within its interior. In the interior of mobile solar power system  1 , an electronic control box or other electronic component panel may be provided, as known in the art. An external component which requires electricity to be supplied thereto may be hooked up to the electronic control box in order to receive power. Multiple external components may draw electricity from the electronic control box. When the system  1  is no longer needed, a user may return mobile solar power system  1  to its compact form, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , by performing the methods described herein in reverse order. When the unit is returned to its compact form illustrated in  FIG. 1 , trailer  25  may be reattached to a truck or other towing vehicle in a manner known in the art such that the truck or towing vehicle may haul trailer  25  and mobile solar power system  1  mounted thereon to another desired location. 
         [0075]      FIG. 24  illustrates another embodiment  185  of mobile solar power system in accordance with the teaching of the present invention. Mobile solar power system  185  may include a right portion  190 , a left portion  195 , a front portion  200 , and a rear portion  205 , and it may be mounted and attached to a trailer  210 . Trailer  210  may be larger than trailer  25 , as mobile solar power system  185  may be larger than mobile solar power system  1 .  FIG. 24  also illustrates an electronic compartment  215  associated with mobile solar power system  185 . Electronic compartment  215  may include various electronic controls for deploying mobile solar power system  185  and also for attaching thereto various external components that may require electricity to be supplied thereto. In other embodiments, electronic compartment  215  may be positioned and located elsewhere on mobile solar power system  185  or positioned externally of mobile solar power system  185 . 
         [0076]    Trailer  210  and the system may be leveled in a manner substantially similar to that described for mobile solar power system  1 . Power system  185  may include outriggers and jacks substantially similar to outriggers  30  and jacks  35  described herein above. The method for leveling mobile solar power system  185  using hydraulic means, or other non-limiting means may be substantially similar to those described above for mobile solar power system  1 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 25  illustrates mobile solar power system  185  when a right slide array  225  and a left slide array  230  both have been unlocked and extended therefrom. A center array  245  is also illustrated. The means by which right slide array  225  and left slide array  230  are extended and deployed, and center array  245  is exposed, are described herein below. 
         [0078]    As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , right slide array  225  may be positioned and located below left slide array  230  when both arrays  225 ,  230  have been extended and deployed. Right slide array  225  and left slide array  230  may be complimentarily positioned such that when right slide array  225  and left slide array  230  are in the compact position as shown in  FIG. 24 . The arrays  225 ,  230  overlap and may be contained and stored above center panel  245 . When the arrays  225 ,  226  are deployed and extended, center panel  245  may be revealed. When in the deployed configuration illustrated in  FIG. 25  (and  FIGS. 29 and 30 ), the system  185  may have a deployed-to-transport ratio of 5:1 or greater and may reach a deployed-to-transport ratio of 16:1. In other embodiments, right slide array  225  may be positioned and located above left slide array  230 , so long as right slide array  225  and left slide array  230  may complimentarily slide within the unit  185  such that one array is stacked on top of the other array and to the arrays  225 ,  230  do not collide when returned to the compact form illustrated in  FIG. 24 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 26  illustrates an array lock shown generally at  220  that may prevent the array  225 ,  230  from deploying or extending from mobile solar power system  185  while the system is in transit or is otherwise unready to be deployed. In the illustrated embodiment, the array lock is in the form of a star lock  235 . A user may unscrew lock  235  such that an array  225 ,  230  is no longer attached to mobile solar power system  185  and may freely slide therefrom. Other locks, latching mechanisms, or means for securing arrays  225 ,  230  to mobile solar power system  185  and prevent arrays  225 ,  230  from prematurely sliding away from and extending from mobile solar power system  185  are contemplated herein, as understood in the art. 
         [0080]      FIG. 27  illustrates right slide array  225  after array lock  220  has been unlocked such that right slide array  225  may slide away from the mobile solar power system  185 .  FIG. 27  further illustrates a pinning mechanism  240  that may secure right slide array  225  to a center panel  245  associated with the unit  185 . Pinning mechanism  240  also may use a star screw  235  substantially similar to star screw  235  illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 26  to secure right slide array  225  in its extended, deployed position. In alternative embodiments, other means for securing right slide array  225  in its extended, deployed position may be used. 
         [0081]      FIG. 28  illustrates an angle guide  250  which may be used to control an angle actuator (not illustrated but substantially similar to that angled actuator  175  illustrated in  FIG. 23 ) to tilt right slide array  225 , left slide array  230  and center panel  245  such that arrays  225 ,  230  and center panel  245 , and solar panels  250  associated therewith (illustrated in  FIGS. 29 and 30 ), are exposed to sunlight. The angled actuator (not illustrated) may be controlled via electronics positioned and located in electronic compartment  215  or elsewhere, including but not limited to a remote control substantially similar to remote control  140  in mobile solar power system  1 . 
         [0082]    When a remote control such as remote control  140  activates the angled actuator, or the angled actuator is otherwise manually activated, the angled actuator may use hydraulic methods substantially similar to those described herein above for tilting the arrays of mobile solar power system  1 . 
         [0083]      FIGS. 29 and 30  illustrate the arrays  225 ,  230  and center panel  245  as well as solar panels  250  thereof tilted in order to absorb solar energy. As illustrated, arrays  225 ,  230  and center panel  245  and solar panels  250  thereof tilt in the direction from front portion  200  to rear portion  205 , though an alternative embodiment is envisioned herein where they tilt in the direction from rear portion  205  to front portion  200 . 
         [0084]    In order to return mobile power system  185  to its compact form, the steps described herein should be completed in reverse order. After returning mobile solar power system  185  to its compact form as illustrated in  FIG. 24 , trailer  210  may be attached to a truck or other towing vehicle to be returned to a desired location. 
         [0085]    As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.