Abstract:
Solar energy shade structures and methods of designing and installing the same. These structures are capable of supporting a contiguous solar panel holding structure solar panel at heights greater than 18 feet above their mounting surface. The solar energy shade structure may comprise a retaining mechanism accessible and operable from underneath for attaching/detaching a solar panel, and may comprise openings through which the solar panel can be passed when installing or removing the solar panel from beneath the structure. The structure may comprise rows of first and second force lateral brace frames the rows respectively proximate first and second sides for respectively counteracting lateral forces, and a plurality of vertical column supports for providing dead load support. The solar energy shade structure may have an arrangement of the plurality of solar panels that is uninterrupted by service or access lanes.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/185,190, filed Jul. 18, 2011, entitled “Solar Energy Collecting Systems and Methods,” and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/399,728, filed Jul. 16, 2010, entitled “Solar Energy Collecting Shade Structure,” which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to apparatus, systems and methods for collecting solar energy and relates more specifically to providing shade and collecting solar energy. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There is an unsolved need to collect large amounts of solar energy without causing a large negative impact to the local environment where the energy is collected. Some current solar energy collection technologies collect energy for personal use by mounting photovoltaic solar panels on the rooftops of homes or other buildings. These technologies are fine for personal use but they are restricted to collecting relatively small amounts of energy (50 kilowatts or less). Other current solar energy collection technologies collect large amounts of solar energy (one megawatt to several hundred megawatts) by converting large tracts of land into solar farms. These large installations make a major negative environmental impact on the land they occupy. In addition, large installations require the energy they generate to be transported to the cities where it is needed via new transmission lines. These new transmission lines are costly and have a further negative impact on the environment. 
     What is needed is a means to collect large amounts of solar energy in cities where the energy is used in a manner that improves and beautifies the local environment and has positive environmental externalities. 
     A second unsolved problem in the areas of the world which have intense sunshine is that many public and private open spaces are underutilized because the sun makes it uncomfortable for people to use those spaces during much of the year. It is too expensive to provide large amounts of shade for those areas. Additionally, many of the plants native to those areas would thrive in the shade if it could be provided. 
     What is needed is a cost effective means to provide shade for large public and private open spaces to make the spaces more comfortable for people to use. Furthermore, the shade should be provided in a manner that allows plants to flourish. 
     A third unsolved problem is that the large parking lots in cities with intense sunshine absorb large amounts of heat from the sun and then later reemit that heat. This absorbing and reemitting of heat is known as the heat island effect and makes the cities hotter during the day and hotter longer into the evening. Examples are large asphalt or concrete parking lots such as are typically found near shopping centers and large business areas. 
     What is needed is a cost effective means to reduce the heat absorbed by the large asphalt parking lots from the sun and thereby reduce the heat island effect in cities with intense sunshine. 
     A fourth unsolved problem is a way to minimize the area required to collect solar energy. Typically, once solar is installed on a tract of land the land cannot be used for anything else or has only limited uses. The land is generally fully occupied by being a solar collection facility. Further when the solar panels are placed near the ground, access roads and paths must be created consuming additional land area. Also, the placement of inverters and other necessary equipment such as transmission lines takes up even more land. Finally the solar panels generally need to be set back away from nearby tall objects such as trees, fences or buildings on adjacent land in order to function efficiently. 
     What is needed is a means to minimize the amount of land required to collect solar energy and further what is needed is a means to allow the land dedicated to collecting solar energy to be simultaneously used for other purposes. 
     A fifth unsolved problem is the cost of solar energy. Simply put solar energy costs much more to produce than tradition methods of generating electricity. Thus, a means is needed to reduce or offset the cost of solar energy produced. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a method of generating revenue with a solar structure is provided. This revenue may likely come from three or more sources, including for example, solar panel revenue, shade revenue, and structure revenue. The method includes providing a solar structure comprising a plurality of solar panels. The electricity generated from the solar panels may be sold to produce revenue. Advertising may also be affixed to the solar structure. Revenue may be collected by the solar structure owner from a business for affixing advertising provided by that business. Antennas may also be affixed to the solar structure. Revenue may be collected for affixing the antennas from owners of radio stations, cell phone companies and the like. Further, electric car charging stations may be provided beneath the solar structure. Revenue may be collected from electric car owners for use of the charging station and for power consumed. Revenue may also be generated from fees charged for using the shaded space provided by the solar structure, and from fees charged for parking in the shaded space provided by the solar structure. Donations may also be collected to offset the cost of the solar panels and/or the cost of construction of the solar structure. The names of donors may be displayed. 
     In an embodiment, the solar structure may be configured with electronic displays such as, for example, televisions or interactive kiosks. These displays may be configured to display information and/or advertising. In an embodiment, the displays may be interactive. 
     In an embodiment, a method for maintaining a solar structure is provided. The solar structure may have a height of at least 18 feet, a top side facing the sun and an opposing bottom side. The solar structure may comprise a plurality of solar panels. The solar panels may be installed on the top side at an angle between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 15 degrees, and may be accessible from the bottom of the solar structure. To maintain the structure, a user may access a retaining mechanism from the bottom side of the solar structure. The retaining mechanism may be configured to attach the solar panel to the solar structure. The solar panel may be disconnected from the structure by disconnecting the retaining mechanism. The solar panel may then be rotated, such that the solar panel passes from the top side to the bottom side. As noted above and as discussed in detail below the solar panels may be installed at varying angles. In an embodiment, the solar panels are installed on the top side at approximately 8 degrees. Moreover, the solar panels may be arranged in any suitable fashion. As such, in various embodiments, the solar panels are arranged to produce between approximately 10 kwh/ft 2  and approximately 15 kwh/ft 2 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a solar panel system comprises a structure installed over a public area. The public area may include for example, a parking lot, a walkway or mall, a public sitting area, a public court yard, an open air market, and/or the like. The structure may be configured to support and retain a plurality of solar panels. The plurality of solar panels may be spaced apart, such that natural light is permitted to pass through the structure. As such, trees and other vegetation may be located under the structure. This height may also allow for a plurality of security cameras to be installed on the structure. The security cameras may be installed at a height of at least 18 feet above the ground and unobstructed by the structure. 
     The structure may be supported by one or more vertical supports that are at least 20 feet tall. As such, the structure may be elevated such that the solar panels are subjected to a cooling airflow. The structure may also be configured to display advertisements. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a solar panel system may comprise a center structure, a side structure and a corner structure. The center structure may have generally rectangular shape having a first length. The side structure may have a generally rectangular shape having a second length and a second width. The side structure may be coupled to the center structure in a cantilevered configuration, wherein the first length of the center structure corresponds to the second length of the side structure. The corner structure may have a generally rectangular shape having a third length and a third width. The corner structure may be coupled to the side structure in a cantilevered configuration, wherein the second width of the side structure corresponds to the third width of the corner structure. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the solar panel system may further comprise a plurality of solar panels that are adjustably attached to the center structure. The solar panel system may also comprise a plurality of shade panels, wherein the shade panels are adjustably attached to the center structure. The system may comprise one or more support structures, which is fixedly attached to the corners of the center structure. The support structures may be at least 18 feet tall. 
     The plurality of solar panels may be uniformly or non-uniformly distributed across the center structure. The non-uniform arrangement may be configured such that light passing through the center structure provides a desired lighting profile. The desired lighting profile may be an approximation of a shade profile of a natural element. 
     In an exemplary method for designing a solar structure, a photograph is taken to capture the shade profile of a natural element. The photograph may be pixilated and adjusted based on a set of predetermined factors to achieve a design plan. Based on that design plan, a plurality of solar panels may be arranged corresponding to the design plan to approximate the shade profile of the natural element. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of solar panels may be installed on a structure in accordance with the design plan in a public area. In accordance with an exemplary method, the predetermined factors may include lifting force load, shearing force load, lighting requirements, and weight requirements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the Figures, and where: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary solar energy collecting shade structure showing people, a car and a tree under the structure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the columns that are attached to the edges of a Center Structure Module; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of joists in place between structural beams; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary a modular structure including solar panels arranged to achieve dappling beneath the modular structure; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary installation of a modular structure over a parking area; 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary installation of a modular structure over a parking area; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view of an uncladded brace-frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a perspective view of an cladded brace-frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6A - FIG. 6D  illustrate an exemplary method of creating the spacing of the shade panels from a pattern yielded from the process of pixilation of photographs of the shade profile of a tree; 
         FIG. 6A  is a photograph of an exemplary shade profile of a tree branch; 
         FIG. 6B  is an exemplary pixilation of the photograph of the shade profile of a tree branch; 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates an adjustment of the exemplary pixilation of the photograph of the shade profile of a tree branch; 
         FIG. 6D  illustrates a further adjustment of the exemplary pixilation of the photograph of the shade profile of a tree branch corresponding to a design plan for an arrangement of solar panels; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a top view of an exemplary modular structure loaded with solar panels in accordance with the design plan; and 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a perspective bottom view of an exemplary modular structure loaded with solar panels in accordance with the design plan to provide dappled light and installed in front of a store front. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is of various exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments including the best mode. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments, without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Moreover, many of the manufacturing functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. As used herein, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a physical connection, an electrical connection, a magnetic connection, an optical connection, a communicative connection, a functional connection, and/or any other connection. 
     For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques for mechanical system construction, management, operation, measurement, optimization, and/or control, as well as conventional techniques for mechanical power transfer, modulation, control, and/or use, may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a modular structure. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a modular structure comprises minimal structural support components and is capable of supporting a wide variety of solar energy collection panels above the ground. The structure may comprise a center structure module attached to one or more additional structure modules. The structure may be installed in public or private areas including, for example, parking lots, parks, walkways, driving lanes, playgrounds, outdoor markets, sport viewing areas, performing arts areas, and other public or private areas. Moreover, these structures may be configured to be at least 18 feet tall. The structures may also be configured to allow dappled light to hit the ground, which may provide direct sunlight for vegetation and other features located under the structures. 
     In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 1 , a modular structure  100  comprises a solar panel holding structure  110  (hereinafter “SPHS  110 ”) and one or more vertical supports  120 . In an embodiment, SPHS  110  is mounted to and supported by one or more vertical supports  120 . Modular structure  100  may further comprise one or more solar collection panels  130  and one or more shade panels  140 . In an embodiment, one or more solar collection panels  130  are installed in SPHS  110 . Similarly, one or more shade panels  140  may be installed in SPHS  110 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, vertical support  120  may be any structure suitable for supporting a shade structure and/or solar panels. In an embodiment, vertical support  120  is taller than a conventional vertical support for a shade structure. For example, in one embodiment, vertical support  120  may be approximately 18 feet to approximately 30 feet tall. In another embodiment, vertical support  120  may be approximately 22 feet to approximately 30 feet tall. In yet another embodiment, vertical support  120  may be approximately 25 feet to approximately 30 feet tall. In still another embodiment, vertical support  120  is approximately 25 feet tall between the ground and the bottom of the solar panel holding structure. The increased height of vertical support  120  provides greater visibility. For example, the increased height of vertical support  120  allows for security cameras to be placed beneath the SPHS  110 . This configuration allows security cameras to effectively monitor, while being positioned high enough from public spaces to avoid, vandalism, tampering, or an adverse impact on the environment. The increased height of vertical support also provides other advantages. For example, the increased height positions solar collection panels  130  further away from the ground which results in an increase in cooling airflow. This cooling airflow causes solar collection panels  130  to operate more efficiently by maintaining a cooler operating temperature. Also, the increased height reduces the likelihood of adjacent objects of structures shading the solar panels. 
     In another embodiment, the increased height of vertical support  120  facilitates planting trees, vegetation, and placing structures underneath modular structure  100 . For example, large trees and other types of vegetation that are less than 18 feet tall may be included under the structure. These trees and/or vegetation may be strategically placed under modular structure  100  so that they receive sunlight that is allowed to pass through modular structure  100 . Moreover, the ability to include trees and vegetation provides cooling and environmental ambiance not possible to obtain if the structure does not permit such vegetation due to its low clearance. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, solar collection panel  130  is any device or apparatus configured to receive sunlight and generate electricity. Moreover, solar collection panel  130  may also provide shade. In one embodiment, solar collection panel  130  is a photovoltaic solar panel. Solar collection panel  130  may be of any suitable size, including for example, a 4 foot by 8 foot panel. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, shade panel  140  may be any device or apparatus configured to provide shade. Shade panel  140  may be made of any suitable material, including for example, a textile, wood, metal, plastic, or any other suitable material capable of providing shade. In one embodiment, shade panel  140  may be an artistic element. Shade panel  140  may be opaque or translucent. Shade panel  140  may also comprise one or more colors. Shade panel  140  may also include a design element. This design element may be visible from above or below modular structure  100 . Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, the design elements are arranged to create visual creative works, messages, and/or art. In an embodiment, shade panel  140  may be the same size or half the size of solar collection panel  130 . Shade panel  140  may also be proportionally sized such that it may be installed with SPHS  110  with solar panels  130  to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In one embodiment, shade panel  140  may be any suitable size. 
     In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , SPHS  110  is any structure configured to support one or more solar collection panels. SPHS  110  may, in various exemplary embodiments, also support one or more shade panels  140 . In various embodiments, SPHS  110  may be modular or may have a unitary design. In one embodiment and with specific reference to  FIG. 2 , SPHS  210  is modular and may comprise a center section  211 . SPHS  110  may further comprise at least one of one or more side sections  212  and one or more corner sections  213 . In an embodiment, center section  211 , side section  212  and/or corner section  213  may have horizontal structural beams around their edges. 
     In an embodiment, side section  212  is configured to couple to center section  211 . Similarly, corner section  213  may be configured to couple to side section  212  or center section  211 . In an embodiment, one or more corner section  213  and/or one or more side section  212  may be coupled to center section  211  in cantilevered arrangements. The cantilevered arrangements provide modular structure  200  with an architectural lightness. Moreover, in various embodiments, one or more side sections  212  and one or more corner sections  213  may be coupled to center section  211  to provide customizable SPHS  210 . This allows modular structure  200  to be sized to fit the specific needs of the installation environment, site and context. 
     In an embodiment, center section  211  may be approximately 64 feet by 64 feet. In various embodiments, center section  211  may be larger than 20 feet by 20 feet but smaller than 64 feet by 64 feet. Moreover, in other embodiments, center section  211  may be larger than 64 feet by 64 feet but smaller than 128 feet by 128 feet. In an embodiment, side module  212  may be approximately 16 feet by 64 feet. In various embodiments, side module  212  may be larger than 8 feet by 20 feet but smaller than 16 feet by 64 feet. In various other embodiments, side structure  212  may be larger than 16 feet by 64 feet but smaller than 32 feet by 128 feet. In an embodiment, corner section  213  may be approximately 16 feet on a side. In various embodiments, corner section  213  may be larger than 8 feet on a side but smaller than 16 feet on a side. In various other embodiments, corner section  213  may be larger than 16 feet on a side but smaller than 32 feet on a side. Moreover, in various embodiments, dimensions of center section  211  (see also  FIG. 4A, 411 ), side section  212  ( 412 ), and corner section  213  ( 413 ) vary within a single structure. This allows modular structure  200  to cover any space. For example, in a parking lot installation, modular structure  200  may be laid out on a 64′ by 64′ grid to provide spacing for a parking lot layout and to minimize the number of columns extending vertically from places other than parking stall lines. Modular structure  200  may also be laid out on a grid matching the dimensions of an existing parking lot layout and to minimize the number of columns extending vertically from places other than parking stall lines. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, center section  211  may be bisected in one direction by a structural beam from approximately the center of one side to approximately the center of the opposite side of center section  211 . The installation of the structural beam may be configured to provide modular structure  200  with additional strength and rigidity under dead load, lift and/or shearing forces. 
     In another embodiment, modular structure  200  may comprise portions of the structure edged by structural beams. In one embodiment, the entire structure of modular structure  200  may be edged by structural beams. These structural beams may include, for example, I-beams, wide flange beams, square beams, tubes, and/or any other suitable structural beam or structure. 
     In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , modular structure  300  may further comprise one or more panel supports  350 . Panel support  350  may be coupled to SPHS  310  in any fashion and in any orientation. In an embodiment, panel support  350  is configured to couple to at least one of center section  311 , side section  312  or corner section  313 . Panel support  350  may couple to any one of center section  311 , side section  312  or corner section  313  in any orientation, such as for example, at a customizable angle. In an embodiment, panel support  350  is configured to couple to and support solar energy collection panel  130 . Similarly, panel support  350  may be configured to couple to and support shade panel  140 . 
     In various embodiments and with reference to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4B , and  FIG. 4C , one or more solar collection panels  430  are installed in SPHS  410  at one or more panel supports  350 . Solar collection panels  430  may be installed on SPHS  410  in a uniform manner. For example, solar collection panels  430  may be installed at every installation location on panel support  350  in SPHS  410  at a common angle. Similarly, solar collection panels  430  may be installed in a pattern at particular installation locations on panel support  350  in SPHS  410  at a common angle. For example, solar collection panels  430  may be arranged in a particular fashion to display a logo that can be viewed from above the structure. 
     In another embodiment, solar collection panels  430  may also be installed on SPHS  410  in a non-uniform manner. For example, solar collection panels  430  may be installed at some or all of the available installation locations on panel support  350  in SPHS  410  at different angles and directions. For example, rows of panels may be arranged in opposing directions such that a first group of panels receive sunlight in the morning as the sun rises and a second group of panels receive sunlight in the afternoon and as the sun sets. A third group of panels may he arranged such that they are relatively parallel with the ground so that they receive sun light during mid-day, when the sun is overhead and the intensity of the sunlight is highest. Solar collection panels  430  may be arranged in varying directions and at varying angles in a single structural module. The panels may also be arranged in varying directions and at varying angles by structural module, such that the orientation of a first group of solar collection panels  430  are consistent across of first structural module but are different from the orientation of a second group of solar collection panels  130  across a second structural module. 
     In another embodiment, solar collection panels  430  may be positioned and tilted in modular structure  400  at such an angle that their full length remains within the height of the edge beams. In various embodiments, solar collection panels  430  may be positioned at varying angles between approximately 5 degrees and 15 degrees. In one embodiment, solar collection panels  430  may be positioned at varying angles between approximately 5 degrees and 10 degrees. In another embodiment, solar collection panels  430  may be positioned at approximately 8 degrees. Solar energy collection panels  430  may also be positioned and tilted in modular structure  300 / 400  at such an angle that some portion of their length extends beyond the height of the edge beams. 
     In a typical solar installation in the Northern Hemisphere, solar panels are tilted to the south. As a general rule the optimal angle of panel tilt to the south approximates the latitude of the location. As an example, in the Phoenix, Ariz. area the latitude is about 33° N and solar panels might be tilted at angles approximating 30°. In addition it is important to note that the angle of the sun varies according to the season. As an example, in Phoenix, Ariz. the angle of the sun at noon varies from 32° in winter to 78° in summer. In a typical solar installation panels are spaced south to north so that the panel to the south does not shade its neighboring panel to the north even at the angle of the sun in the winter. However, when considering the design of a solar shade structure, the time the shade is most desired is in the summer. Panels placed at the optimum angle for energy collection and spaced to eliminate shading in winter would allow approximately 75% of the sunlight to reach the ground at noon in the summer. 
     Moreover, solar shade structures over public or private areas in urban areas need to cover an area determined by the space available. In such installations, solar panels placed at the optimal angle for efficiency per panel do not generate the optimum energy for the structure. As such, in an embodiment, modular structure  400  may comprise solar collection panels placed between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 15 degrees in order to provide adequate shade in the summer. Further, solar collection panels  430  placed at angles between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 10 degrees will allow more rows of solar collection panels  430  and generate more energy than structures with panels placed at steeper angles. As such, solar shade structures in fixed spaces may be best served with panels place at angles of 5° to 10° for two reasons; increased revenue from energy collected and increased shade provided in the summer months. 
     Moreover, in various embodiments, installation angles between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 15 degrees allow solar collection panels  430  to drain when subjected to rain. This range of angles may also allow panels to be arranged to allow drainage, while achieving a panel density to provide an effective amount of power output in a confined space. Where space is confined, solar collection panels may be installed at angles of less than 28 degrees to achieve more efficient power outputs. For example, where solar panels are installed as described herein, an installation with solar panels installed between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 15 degrees may yield between approximately 10 kwh/ft 2  and 15 kwh/ft 2 . In an embodiment, an installation with solar panels installed at approximately 8 degrees may yield approximately 13.1 kwh/ft 2 . 
     In an embodiment, the non-uniform placement of panels may be configured to achieve greater power generation efficiency based on the installation angle of each solar collection panel  430 . The ability to install solar collection panels  430  at different directions and angles may increase the power generation efficiency of the structure because the panels may be individually positioned such that they are engaged by sunlight for an optimum time as the sun moves across the sky throughout the day. Panels may also be arranged in particular configurations to capture sunlight that would otherwise be obstructed if the solar collection panels  430  were otherwise installed substantially parallel to the ground. 
     A non-uniform arrangement of solar collection panels  430  may be desirable for environmental or aesthetic reasons. For example, the non-uniform placement of solar collection panels  430  may be configured to provide a desired lighting effect. To further achieve the desired lighting effect, solar collection panels  430  may not be installed in particular locations to allow light to pass through modular structure  300 / 400  and reach the ground under modular structure  300 / 400 . 
     In various embodiments, one or more shade panels  440  may be installed in SPHS  310 / 410  at one or more panel supports  350 . Shade panels  440  may be installed in SPHS  310 / 410  with solar collection panels  430 . Shade panels  440  may be installed on SPHS  310 / 410  in a uniform manner. Shade panels  440  may also be installed on SPHS  310 / 410  in a non-uniform manner. This non-uniform arrangement of shade panels  440  may be desirable for environmental or aesthetic reasons. For example, the non-uniform placement of shade panels  440  may be configured to provide a desired lighting effect. Moreover, solar collection panels  430  and shade panels  440  may not be installed at specific installation locations along panel supports  350 . The omission of panels at a particular location(s) may be desirable to provide direct sunlight to vegetation or features placed under modular structure  300 / 400 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment and with momentary reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4B , solar collection panels  130 / 430  are attached, removed and serviced from underneath the solar panels. For example, the majority of, or all, panel attachment devices and support mechanisms of solar collection panel  130 / 430  can be accessed and operated from below the panels. Similarly, solar collection panels  130 / 430  can be removed from below and replaced with different and/or more efficient panels. Moreover, the supporting connections and circuitry required to use the energy created by solar collection panels  130 / 430 , including for example, an inverter(s)  150  may be located under and shaded by modular structure  100 / 400 . Moreover, the ability to access and service solar collection panels  130 / 430  facilitates greater panel density where installation space is confined because access from the top of the structure defining the confined space would require access lanes where panels could otherwise be installed. Further, in a ground installation (e.g. a solar farm) the support structure made access from the bottom of the panel impractical. Moreover, because ground installations do not generally have concerns about space, access lanes can easily be included. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, modular structure  100 / 400  comprises a supporting structure that does not restrict the ability to remove and install solar collection panels, and/or similarly does not comprise access lanes. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, modular structure  100 / 400  comprises one or more sections of the structure configured to either move or rotate up or down or may be removed entirely to allow a person to move through the modular structure  100 / 400  to clean, service or inspect solar collection panels  130 / 430  and shade panels  140 / 440 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment and with reference again to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4B , and  FIG. 4C , solar collection panels  430  and shade panels  440  may be spaced apart when installed along panel support  350 . As installed, SPHS  310 / 410  may be installed at a height of 18 feet or more. As a result, SPHS  310 / 410  may be subjected to increased air flow from wind. While this airflow does provide cooling, it may also exert forces, including for example, lift forces and shearing forces on SPHS  310 / 410 . As such, solar collection panels  430  and shade panels  440  may be spaced apart. This spacing allows the airflows to pass through SPHS  310 / 410 , which reduces the lift and/or shearing forces exerted on SPHS  310 / 410 . 
     In an embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B , the vertical support may be configured as a brace-frame  520 . One or more brace-frames  520  may be installed at any locations to support and restrain modular structure  200 . In various embodiments, the dead load of modular structure  200  is isolated from the lateral load of modular structure  200 . More specifically, as assembled, modular structure  200  has a unitary construction. As such, the lateral forces exerted on modular structure  200  are translated by the structure to every point on the structure. Therefore, these lateral forces may be counteracted at any point on the structure. This configuration reduces the structural requirements of the vertical column supports  220 / 320 / 420  by making use of brace-frame  520  to resist the lateral forces of the modular structure  200 . In an embodiment, lateral brace-frames are placed in an x and y orientation on every beam line thereby creating lateral stability. For example, center section  311  may be supported above the ground (or other structural surface) by two (2) or more vertical column supports  420  and by two (2) or more lateral brace-frames  520 . Moreover, brace-frames  520  may comprise a cladding support  522  and cladding  523 . Cladding  523  may be used as signage elements to provide decorative graphics and/or advertising space. Brace-frames  520  may be configured with signage elements that include, for example, backlit signs and electronically controlled signs. 
     In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIGS. 6A through 6C , of solar collections panels  430  and shade panels  440  may be arranged to simulate a natural environment. Moreover,  FIGS. 6A through 6D  show an exemplary process for laying out SPHS  410 . For example and with reference to  FIG. 6A , the shadow of a tree branch may be photographed. That photograph may be pixilated to create an approximation of the tree shadow. This approximation of the tree shadow can further adjusted, as shown in  FIG. 6C  and  FIG. 6D , to achieve the desired shade coverage and power output. Adjustments may be made based on a variety of factors. For example: (1) solar collection panels  430  may be added to increase the overall power generation of modular structure  400 ; (2) solar collection panels  430  and shade panels  440  may be removed to decrease the weight of modular structure  400 ; (3) solar collection panels  430  and shade panels  440  may be removed to decrease the effect of lift or shearing force on modular structure  400 ; (4) solar collection panels  430  and shade panels  440  may be removed to increase the amount of light that reaches vegetation or structures under modular structure  400 ; and/or (5) solar collection panels  430  and shade panels  440  may be added or removed to achieve a desired lighting effect (e.g. dappling or stippling of light) under modular structure  400 . Although the dappling pattern may be based off of a photograph, any suitable method of arriving at the pattern of solar panels and/or shade panels can be used. 
     In an embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B , solar collection panels  730  and shade panels  740  may be arranged in any suitable way to achieve a desired environmental effect. Similarly, the spacing between panels in SPHS  720 , the ability to achieve customizable lighting arrangements, and the increased height of modular structure  700  provide a more pleasing experience for a user under the structure. 
     In an embodiment, the increased height of SPHS  720 , due to the vertical supports, also provides greater visibility underneath the shade structure. For example, where modular structure  700  is installed over a parking lot in front of a store, the user of the parking lot is able to see the store front from beneath the modular structure  700 . Conventional shade structures over parking lots are generally low enough that they at least partially obstruct the view of the store front from the parking lot. This visibility of the store front is useful in advertising and/or promoting the store. This visibility is also useful for the consumer to maintain their bearings and/or find the store the consumer is looking for. In an exemplary embodiment, the enhanced visibility, the openness of the space underneath modular structure  700 , and/or the security cameras provide an environment of enhanced safety for the people under the structure. These features are also more likely to have a deterrent effect on theft, assault, vandalism, and other crime or mischief. 
     In an embodiment, installation of modular structure  100  may be used to generate revenue and offset the cost of producing solar energy. For example, signage may be attached to modular structure  100  in various locations. Signage may include advertising, information signs, and the like. Signage may be electronic media or printed in any fashion. In the form of advertising, revenue from the signage may be used to reduce or offset the cost of solar energy produced. In an embodiment, modular structure  100  is configured to provide shade. This shade may also be used to offset or reduce the cost of solar energy produced. For example, where modular structure  100  is installed over a parking lot, the parking lot owner may charge a fee to park in a shaded space. At least a portion of the revenue generated by the parking fees may be used to offset the cost of the solar energy produced. In an embodiment, modular structure  100  may be installed at a location as a result of donations. For example, modular structure  100  may be installed on a school campus, museum, zoo or similar location. Supporters of the location or associated organization may be given the opportunity to buy solar panels or donate toward the cost of solar panels or modular structure  100  construction. At least a portion of the revenue from the donations may be used to offset the cost of the solar energy produced. Given the height and size of the structure, revenue may also be generated by allowing antennas to be installed on the structure, by charging fees for using the space under the structure, by charging fees for locating electric car charging stations under the structure and/or the like. At least a portion of the revenue may be used to offset the cost of generating solar energy. 
     In an embodiment, a method of designing a solar structure may comprise capturing a shade profile of a natural element as a photograph; pixilating the photograph; adjusting a contrast ratio of the pixilated photograph based on a set of predetermined factors to achieve a design plan; and designing an arrangement of a plurality of solar collection panels to correspond to the design plan. In one embodiment, the plurality of solar collection panels may be installed on a structure in accordance with the design plan in a public area. In an embodiment, the predetermined factors include at least one of lifting force load, shearing force load, desired lighting effects, and weight requirements. 
     While the principles of this disclosure have been shown in various embodiments, many modifications of structure, arrangements, proportions, elements, materials and components (which are particularly adapted for a specific environment and operating requirements) may be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure and may be expressed in the following claims. 
     The present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to various embodiments. 
     However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. 
     When language similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” or “at least one of A, B, and C” is used in the claims or specification, the phrase is intended to mean any of the following: (1) at least one of A; (2) at least one of B; (3) at least one of C; (4) at least one of A and at least one of B; (5) at least one of B and at least one of C; (6) at least one of A and at least one of C; or (7) at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C. 
     In an example embodiment, a solar energy shade structure, comprises: a structure installed over a public area and configured to support and retain a plurality of solar panels, wherein the structure further comprises a plurality of vertical supports; wherein the majority of the plurality of solar panels are supported by the structure at an angle of approximately 5 degrees to approximately 15 degrees from level, and wherein the plurality of solar panels are spaced apart such that natural light is permitted to pass through the structure. 
     In a further example embodiment, each of the vertical supports is sufficiently long to support the horizontal portion of the structure at least 18 feet above a surface of the public area. 
     In a further example embodiment, the solar energy shade structure further comprises electricity conditioning equipment, wherein the electricity conditioning equipment is positioned under the structure such that they are cooled and protected by the shade. 
     In a further example embodiment, the structure is configured to support a non-energy producing element; wherein the non-energy producing element is at least one of a sign, an antenna, an information system, a television, an interactive, an electric car charging apparatus, and a security camera. 
     In an example embodiment, a solar panel system comprises: a center structure having a generally rectangular shape having a first length and a first width; a first plurality of solar panels attached to the center structure and retained by the center structure at an angle of approximately 5 degrees to approximately 15 degrees from level; a first support structure fixedly attached to a first corner of the center structure, wherein the first support structure has a length sufficient to support the center structure at least 18 feet above the surface of a public area; a side structure comprising a generally rectangular shape having a second length and a second width and coupled to the center structure in a cantilevered configuration, wherein the first length of the center structure corresponds to the second length of the side structure; and a corner structure comprising a generally rectangular shape have a third length and a third width and coupled to the side structure in a cantilevered configuration, wherein the second width of the side structure corresponds to the third width of the corner structure. 
     In a further example embodiment, the center structure provides a dappled shade effect when subjected to sunlight, and the desired lighting profile is an approximation of a shade profile of a natural element. 
     In a further example embodiment, the solar panel system is further configured to be maintained by a method, comprising: providing the solar panel system over a surface of a public area, wherein the solar panel system further comprises a top side facing the sun and an opposing bottom side, and wherein the plurality of solar panels are installed on the top side in an arrangement to produce between approximately 10 kwh/ft 2  and approximately 15 kwh/ft 2 , and wherein the plurality of solar panels are accessible from the bottom side of the solar structure; accessing a retaining mechanism from the bottom side, wherein the retaining mechanism is configured to attach the solar panel to the center structure; disconnecting the solar panel from the retaining mechanism; and removing the solar panel from the center structure through the bottom side. 
     In a further example embodiment, the solar energy shade structure is configured for installation over an existing parking lot, is configured for installation over trees, and is configured such that the structure, with the exception of one or more vertical supports of the structure, does not obstruct a pedestrian&#39;s view of store front signage proximate to the structure. 
     In a further example embodiment, a solar structure is configured to provide a dappled light pattern beneath the solar structure, wherein the dappled light pattern is an approximation of a natural element.