Abstract:
The present invention relates to a solar power generation assembly and method for providing same involving an array of solar generating modules on a dual-incline structure, which can achieve high energy yields over a wide range of azimuths/orientations. The assembly consists of canopy wings providing for the dual-incline structure, where, depending on specifications, the canopy wings can differ in length, width, angle of inclination, structural material and solar module or other material mounted on the surface. The canopy wings may be pivoted or hinged to enhance the energy generation and/or other functional benefits of the assembly or system, including display elements, advertising, rainwater/precipitation and snow drainage and collection and energy transmission. The assembly or system is modular and may be assembled in a long continuous configuration in which the inclination, width and tilt of the canopy wings may vary of a long distance to maintain substantially consistent energy yields as the assembly or system orientation changes.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/077,851, filed Jul. 2, 2008, entitled “ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL SYSTEM INVOLVING SOLAR ARRAYS AND VISUAL INDICIA AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME,” which is incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to PCT Application No. ______, entitled “SOLAR POWER GENERATION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SAME,” filed on the same day as this application. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a solar power generation assembly and methods for providing same. Specifically, the present invention relates to a solar power generation assembly and method for providing same involving an array of solar generation modules on a dual-incline structure, which can achieve high energy yields over a wide range of azimuths/orientations. The assembly consists of canopy wings providing for the dual-incline structure, where, depending on specifications, the canopy wings can differ in length, width, angle of inclination, structural material and solar module or other material mounted on the surface. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    To reduce dependence on fossil fuels (both domestic and imported) and reduce the negative environmental impacts of such fuel emissions, there is a need to increase the distributed power generation base. Similarly, there is a need to maximize the value and productivity of single-use real estate to facilitate such things as mounting for PV modules, shade for cars, shade for outdoor activities and other events and purposes. Complications and limitations associated with rooftop installations make incorporating solar power generation systems in underutilized open spaces one such means of addressing these needs. This will necessitate an increase of the electrical transmission infrastructure. 
         [0006]    Conventional support structures for PV power systems are typically designed such that the module arrays are oriented along a single slope plane. Several drawbacks of these structures are limited sight lines from beneath the structures, avalanching of snow and ice from the system, and difficulty of deployment on parking lots that are not ideally geographically oriented. 
         [0007]    Many arrangements have been proposed, but in general the currently available support structures for solar power generation do not integrate a high level of design aesthetics with multi-functionality and safety features. A need exists for protective structures/systems that shelter from snow, rain, and other precipitation. There is also a need for protection from excessive heat and UV rays from the sun (e.g. reducing the “heat island” effect in populated areas, limiting damage to cars, protecting people from the sun). 
         [0008]    To both conserve water and minimize the amount of filtration required to reuse captured water, there is a need for systems which collect rainwater/melted snow before it is further polluted by contact with asphalt or other outdoor surfaces. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved solar power generation assembly and methods for providing same. 
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    It is an object of the invention to provide the highest value and most efficient use of solar power generation systems by addressing the need for systems which provide multiple economic and public benefits (e.g., high energy yields, shading, alternative fuel stations, charging stations, outdoor seating, WiFi, electrical outlets, lighting, media placement and other potential revenue sources, public awareness). It is therefore desirable to create multifunctional solar power systems, which also provide most, if not all of the aforementioned benefits, and may also impact the wide-spread adoption of solar technology by making its installation attractive, simpler, and more accessible to a larger segment of the potential market. 
         [0011]    Another object of the invention is to reduce light pollution. 
         [0012]    Another object of the invention is to facilitate the reclamation of water. 
         [0013]    Another object of the invention is to facilitate the deployment of electrical transmission lines, telecommunications lines, cable lines and other networks. 
         [0014]    In accomplishing the foregoing and related objects the invention provides an improved solar generation assembly and method of providing same, which combines high energy production, an aesthetically pleasing design, protection from the elements, water reclamation, media placement and a plurality of other benefits/features. 
         [0015]    The novel system comprises a dual-inclination support structure and an array of photovoltaic module assemblies mounted on the structure, which can achieve high energy yields over a wide range of azimuths/orientations. Specifically, the individual canopy wings of the dual-incline structure can differ in length, width, angle of inclination, structural material and solar module or other material mounted on the surface. The canopy wings may also be pivoted or hinged to enhance the energy generation and/or the other functional benefits of the assembly or system. Furthermore, the improved dual-incline support system is modular and may be assembled in a variety of patterns or in a long continuous configuration in which the inclination, width and tilt of the canopy wings may vary over a long linear distance to maintain substantially consistent energy yields as the system orientation changes (e.g., along a highway). 
         [0016]    Present invention differs from prior art because of its dual-incline structure and its multiple uses—including advertising, rainwater/precipitation and snow collection, energy transmission, and ability to place the solar cells at different angles to improve yields. 
         [0017]    In the preferred form the support structure has a decking surface that both conceals and protects the wiring assembly and collects rainwater/precipitation by channeling water which falls through spacings between or around the modules to a gutter or drain. A space exists between the decking surface and the solar module array that allows for air ventilation for the modules and housing for electrical wiring, electrical components and/or transmission lines (e.g. high voltage electrical, cable, fiber optic). This space is enhanced when the decking surface is mounted below the purlins. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment of the design, the decking may be removed or replaced by a non-rigid material. In this embodiment, the spacing between the solar modules can be sealed with an interstitial gasket to create a water-tight surface. Rainwater and other precipitation would drain from the edges of the dual-incline surface towards the central drainage cavity and gutter. 
         [0019]    The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts and in which: 
           [0021]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C and  1 D depict various two-dimensional embodiments of solar power generation assemblies or systems according to the invention; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C depict various three-dimensional embodiments of solar power generation assemblies or systems according to the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  depicts a three-dimensional embodiment of a solar power generation assembly or system according to the invention; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C depict three-dimensional embodiments of solar power generation assemblies or systems illustrating potential array, support structure and other elements according to the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a solar power generation assembly or system illustrating how water, snow and other elements may be managed according to the invention; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 6A-6K  depict various two-dimensional embodiments of solar power generation assemblies or systems according to the invention illustrating the adjustments that may be made according to the invention as a result of geographic location and orientation/azimuth of the location; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 7A-7D  and  FIGS. 8A-8G  depict various three-dimensional embodiments of solar power generation assemblies or systems illustrating the use of various support structures according to the invention; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 9A-9F  depict various two-dimensional embodiments of solar power generation assemblies or systems illustrating the use of pivots/hinges according to the invention; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 10A-10K  depict various three-dimensional embodiments of solar power generation assemblies or systems illustrating the use of rotational elements according to the invention; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 11A-11C  depict various three-dimensional embodiments of solar power generation assemblies or systems illustrating the use of display elements (e.g., media or decorative) according to the invention; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 12A-12F  depict various embodiments of an array and array portions that can be incorporated into a solar power generation assembly or system according to the invention; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 13A-13B  depict various three-dimensional embodiments of solar power generation assemblies or systems illustrating the use of lighting elements according to the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  depicts an embodiment of a solar power generation assembly or system illustrating the use of charging stations and/or alternative fuel dispensing points according to the invention; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 15A-15C  depict various three-dimensional embodiments of solar power generation assemblies or systems according to the invention; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 16A-16C  depict various three-dimensional embodiments of solar power generation assemblies or systems illustrating the joining of such assemblies or systems according to the invention; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 17A-17F ,  FIGS. 18A-18D ,  FIGS. 19A-19D ,  FIGS. 20A-20E  and  FIGS. 21A-21D  depict various patterns of coverage or layout or groupings for solar power generation assemblies or systems according to the invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  depicts a simplified system view of various patterns of coverage or layout or groupings for solar power generation assemblies or systems illustrating how various locations or facilities can be linked according to the invention; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  depicts a descriptive flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for creation of and a system for operation of a solar power generation assembly or system according to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0039]    Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down, over, above, and below may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words “connect,” “couple,” and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but may also include connections through mediate elements or devices. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C,  1 D,  2 A,  2 B and  2 C illustrate the basic components of a solar power generating assembly or system  100  that is the subject of the invention. Solar power generating assembly or system  100  comprises one or more support structure  107  to or on which canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  are attached or disposed, directly or indirectly. Disposed between canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing  102  is a drainage cavity  121  through which water, ice, melting snow and other elements can pass and subsequently drop into gutter  117 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C,  1 D,  2 A,  2 B and  2 C, canopy wing A and/or canopy wing B can be curved or flat and with or without PV material. The assembly or system  100  may or may not be connected to the public electrical grid or may be connected directly to the owner&#39;s electrical system or may be used to power elements connected directly to the assembly or system  100 . Assembly or system  100  may be located in open areas, parks, sidewalks, parking lots, roadways, sidewalks, parks, campuses, watersheds, reservoirs, canals, gathering places for education and/or entertainment, areas that facilitate: roller-skating, ice skating, car shows, horse riding, housing the homeless, soccer matches, tennis matches, concerts, lightshows, fitness, transportation nodes, and other uses. 
         [0041]    Each canopy wing A  101  or canopy wing B  102  is comprised of one or more transverse supports  110  which are attached to purlins  112  and may or may not also include decking or membrane  118 . Each canopy wing A  101  or canopy wing B  102  is also comprised of array support structure  114  to which array  113  is attached. Each array  113  may consist of one or more array portions  122  which may be energy producing (photovoltaic or other), decorative or signage (for advertising or design purposes, as illustrated in, for example, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/077,851, filed Jul. 2, 2008, entitled “ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL SYSTEM INVOLVING SOLAR ARRAYS AND VISUAL INDICIA AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME” and related U.S. application Ser. No. ______ and PCT Application No. ______, both entitled “SOLAR POWER GENERATION DISPLAY ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SAME,” filed on the same day as this application) or other (water capture, lighting, heating element, etc.). The array  113  may consist of photovoltaic modules, photovoltaic thin film or any other energy producing material, or may also consist of decorative modules which are transparent or translucent, with or without decorative designs. Photovoltaic elements may be made of monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS), thin film, or any other photovoltaic technology. The array  113  may also be a passive or active solar thermal system. Array portions  122  in array  113  may also include lighting or heating elements, solar thermal elements, and may include a wide range of structures including pumps, water storage containers and other elements for water collection and drainage. Array portions may also include structures for fans, pumps, tubing, elements for cooling such as spray misters, fans, skylights, antennas, cellular repeaters, illuminated panels, phosphorescent or similar panels to provide passive nighttime illumination, and other structures as may be suitable and desired. Array portions may also include signage, inverters, combiner boxes, sub-combiner boxes, direct current shutoff boxes, junction boxes, acoustical control panels, hydrogen production and/or storage devices. Array  113  may also include heating and cooling elements. Array portions  122  may be individually attached to array support  114  or connected to each other using a bonding material, gasket or other device in inter-portion gap  120 . The decking or membrane  118  may be constructed of steel, aluminum, plastic, canvas or other material. In addition, the decking or membrane  118  may be one piece or several, and may be attached to the bottom, top or any other part of the purlins  112 . 
         [0042]    The decking or membrane  118  captures water, ice, snow and other elements and distributes them into the drainage cavity  121 , for subsequent collection into gutter  117  and then further disposition as shown in  FIG. 5 . In addition, the decking or membrane  118  provides shade to cars, pedestrians and other users of the assembly or system  100 . In warmer climates it may be possible to generate revenue by selling access to the shade provided by the decking or membrane  118 . The transverse supports  110  which comprise part of canopy wing A  101  are inclined at canopy wing incline angle A  105 , and the transverse supports  110  which comprise part of canopy wing B  102  are inclined at canopy wing B incline angle B  106 . The purlins  112  and transverse supports  110  may be of steel, aluminum or other structurally appropriate materials. Incline angles  105  and  106  may be the same or different and are typically adjusted to improve the energy yield of the assembly or system  100  subject to the location of the installation site, the orientation of the installation, customer preferences, local zoning limitations, structural considerations, and other conditions which may exist at the installation site. In addition, the ability to adjust incline angles  105  and  106  provides for better sight-lines and less limitation of visibility than a single-incline system of equivalent size, thereby further enhancing the aesthetics of the installation. Inclined canopy wings also facilitate the self-cleaning of the array  113  with ambient moisture. 
         [0043]    The transverse supports  110 , which may or may not comprise part of canopy wing A  101 , are of length L 1  and the transverse supports  110  which may or may not comprise part of canopy wing B  102  are of length L 2 . Array  113 , which is disposed directly or indirectly on canopy wing A  101 , has a length L 3 , and the array  113 , which is disposed directly or indirectly on canopy wing B  102  has a length L 4 . Lengths L 1  and L 2  and lengths L 3  and L 4  may be equal or different and are typically adjusted to improve the energy yield of the of the assembly or system  100  subject to the location of the installation site, the orientation of the installation, customer preferences, local zoning limitations, structural considerations, the incline angles  105  and  106 , and other conditions that may exist at the installation site. 
         [0044]    Each canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  also may be comprised of multiple cavities  111  between the array support  114  and the decking or membrane  118  which allows for the circulation of air  123  to facilitate the cooling of the array  113 , which may increases the performance of the array  113  where, for example, the array consists of a type of photovoltaic material which typically declines in output as the temperature of the material increases. In addition, inter-portion gap  120  also allows for the circulation of air  123  from and between cavities  111  and the general environment in which assembly or system  100  is placed. 
         [0045]    Cavities  111  may or may not contain cavity elements  115  which may be used for high- or low-voltage transmission lines, cable lines, telecommunications lines, fiber optic lines, internet systems, conduits, and other distribution systems or transmission lines, which also benefit from cooling provided by the circulation of air  123 . Cavity elements  115  may rest inside cavity  111 , be attached to purlins  112 , and may also be attached to transverse supports  110 . In the case where there is no decking or membrane  118 , the cavity elements  115  would be attached to the transverse supports  110 , the decking or membrane  118 , or other appropriate element. Cavity elements  115  may or may not be connected to local telephone, cable, electrical or other networks in order to facilitate the distribution of and access to electricity, telephony, internet access, television or other services. Cavities  111  may also contain inverters and combiner boxes, sub-combiner boxes, and/or junction boxes  125 . In addition, inverters and/or combiner boxes, sub-combiner boxes and/or junction boxes may rest inside cavity  111 , be attached to purlins  112 , and may also be attached to transverse supports  110 . In the case where there is no decking or membrane  118 , the inverters and/or combiner boxes, sub-combiner boxes and/or junction boxes would be attached to the transverse supports  110 , the decking or membrane  118 , or other appropriate element. Each canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  also may be comprised of outer cavity  119  which primarily serves to further ventilate array  113  and may also contain cavity elements  115 . Fascia  116 , which may be of aluminum composite material, other metal or other materials, provides a partial enclosure to outer cavity  119  while still allowing for the circulation of air  123 . Fascia  116  may or may not include design or display elements, advertising indicia, lighting, heating or other elements, and may or may not be partially perforated to increase air circulation. 
         [0046]    Support structure  107  may consist of a vertical support column  124  and further consist of or be disposed on or supported by foundation pier  108 , which may consist of or be disposed on or supported by foundation footing  109 . Both the foundation pier  108  and the foundation footing  109  may be made of concrete or other adequate foundation material subject to local requirements, structural considerations, seismic considerations, and other requirements and preferences, and may also consist of transverse support  110  which may be connected directly or indirectly to both canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  (as illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 1B and 1C ) or only to one of canopy wing A  101  or canopy wing B  102 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 1D  illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system  100  that has vertical support structure  124  attached only to the transverse support  110 , which is part of canopy wing B  102 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 1C  illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system  100  that has a centrally located support structure  107  and in which the transverse supports  110  are contained between the decking or membrane  114  and the array  113 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 1D  illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system  100 , which comprises a canopy wing A  101  which may or may not have energy producing surfaces and is curved to facilitate the capture of water, snow, ice and other elements as they accumulate from canopy wing B  102 . In this embodiment, canopy wing A  101  may be constructed from an energy producing material such as thin-film photovoltaic material, or may have disposed on it an array  113  which has energy producing elements. In addition, the energy producing material on canopy wing A  101  may be on both sides of the element to increase energy production. As with all embodiments of canopy wings A and B ( 101 ,  102 ), the canopy wing A  101  and/or canopy wing B  102  may or may not include heating elements. In this embodiment, the inclusion of heating elements in canopy wing A  101  could facilitate the melting of ice and snow for capture in drainage cavity  121 . 
         [0050]    In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2A , canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  are of equal length from the drainage cavity  121  to the edge. The vertical support structure  124  supports the transverse supports  110  and are disposed on, directly or indirectly, foundation pier  108  and foundation footing  109 . The foundation pier  108  and foundation footing  109  may be made of concrete or any material which meets the structural, seismic and local code requirements of the site where the system is to be installed. The vertical support structure  124  may be steel or any another structural material with adequate properties and may also be of different heights. Canopy wing A incline angle  105  and canopy wing B incline angle  106  are the same, as are the canopy wing lengths L 1  and L 2 . In this embodiment the array  113  consists of photovoltaic (PV) modules so that the assembly or system  100  also acts as a source of electricity. The electricity can be used for a variety of purposes including being transformed into alternating current and feeding the commercial electrical grid, powering lighting (elements  1301 - 1306 ) or heating elements, charging batteries and dispensing alternative fuels (elements  1401 - 1404 ), powering electrical outlets (element  1503 ), powering a charging station or alternative fuel station ( FIG. 14 ). 
         [0051]    In another embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2B , canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  are of different lengths L 1  and L 2  from the drainage cavity  121  to the edge. The vertical support structure  124  is mounted on foundation piers  108  and foundation footings  109  and the transverse supports  110  are both supported by vertical support structure  124 . The array  113  may consist of multiple array portions  122  which may be energy-producing, decorative, light-generating, or allow for other uses. The array  113  may consist of photovoltaic modules, photovoltaic thin film or any other energy producing material, or may also consist of decorative modules which are transparent or translucent, with or without decorative designs. Photovoltaic elements may be made of monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS), thin film, or any other photovoltaic technology. The array  113  may also be a passive or active solar thermal system. Array portions  122  in array  113  may also include lighting or heating elements, or solar thermal elements, and may include a wide range of structures including pumps, water storage containers and other elements for water collection and drainage. Array portions may also include structures for fans, pumps, tubing, elements for cooling such as spray misters, fans, skylights, antennas, cellular repeaters, illuminated panels, phosphorescent or similar panels to provide passive nighttime illumination, and other structures as may be suitable and desired. Array portions may also include signage, inverters, acoustical control panels, hydrogen production and storage devices. Array  113  may also include heating and cooling elements. 
         [0052]    In another embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2C , canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  are of different lengths L 1  and L 2  from the drainage cavity  121  to the edge. The vertical support structure  124  is mounted on foundation piers  108  and foundation footings  109  and one set of transverse supports  110  is supported by vertical support structure  124 . 
         [0053]    All of the embodiments may include foundation pier  108 , and may include foundation footing  109 , subject to the requirements of the installation site. 
         [0054]      FIG. 3  illustrates an another embodiment of the assembly or system  100  with symmetrical canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  emphasizing that transverse supports  110  may be adjusted in size to suit the requirements of the array  113 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 4A  illustrates another embodiment of the assembly or system  100  with two vertical support structures  124  and consisting of array  113 , which may include different array portions  122 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 4B  illustrates another embodiment of the assembly or system  100  in order to show the purlins  112  are above the decking or membrane  118 . It is this system design choice which creates the cavity  111  that facilitates the airflow  123  under the array  113  helping to keep it cool. In addition, cavity  111  is where the other elements such as rain, melting snow and other elements travel towards the drainage cavity  121 . Inbound electricity  401  may be alternating- or direct-current depending on which elements require power, and outbound electricity  402  may be alternating- or direct-current depending on the power generated by the assembly or system  100  and what is excess beyond the needs of the system itself and can therefore be fed to the client or owner or into the electrical grid, and whether a direct- to alternating-current transformer is included as part of assembly or system  100 . Outbound electricity  402  may or may not be connected to the public electrical grid or may be connected directly to the owner&#39;s electrical system or may be used to power elements connected directly to the assembly or system  100 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 4C  illustrates another embodiment of the assembly or system  100  with two supports  107  consisting of vertical supports  124  joined to curved transverse supports  110 , and wire chase  403  which may or may not contain electrical or other elements and conduits. Canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  are not of equal size. Canopy wing B  102  is curved to facilitate the capture of water, snow, ice and other elements as they accumulate from canopy wing A  101 . In this embodiment, canopy wing B  102  may be constructed from an energy producing material such as thin-film photovoltaic material, or may have disposed on it an array  113  which has energy producing elements. In addition, the energy producing material on canopy wing B  102  may be on both sides of the element to increase energy production. As with all embodiments of canopy wings A and B ( 101 ,  102 ), the canopy wing A  101  and/or canopy wing B  102  may or may not include heating elements. In this embodiment, the inclusion of heating elements in canopy wing B  102  could facilitate the melting of ice and snow for capture in drainage cavity  121 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of the assembly or system  100  to demonstrate how water, snow and other elements  501  travel under the array  113  towards the drainage cavity  121  and then into gutter  117  which then feeds into downspout  502 . Downspout  502  may drain at or near ground level  503  or underground, or may feed water pipe  504  which may or may not connect to a cistern or other storage or filtration container or system  505 . The cistern or other storage or filtration container or system  505  may be used to store and disburse water for greywater uses including irrigation and toilet flushing, or it may be filtered to generate potable water. If there is no storage or filtration container  505 , then the water collected via downspout  502  and water pipe  504  may feed directly into the local greywater system or be used for local irrigation or similar use. Downspout  502  may be located inside or adjacent to each vertical support  124  or the assembly or system  100  may be designed to contain multiple vertical supports  124  and only one downspout  502 . Using one downspout  502  for an assembly or system  100  with multiple vertical supports  124  reduces the trenching and groundwork required upon installation 
         [0059]      FIGS. 6C ,  6 F and  61  illustrate embodiments of the assembly or system  100  where canopy wing A incline angle  105  is not equal to canopy wing B incline angle  106 , canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  are different lengths L 1  and L 2  and vertical support structure  124  supports the transverse supports  110  under both wings. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 6D ,  6 G and  6 J illustrate embodiments of the assembly or system  100  where canopy wing A incline angle  105  is not equal to canopy wing B incline angle  106 , canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  are different lengths L 1  and L 2  and vertical support structure  124  supports the transverse supports  110  under either canopy wing A  101  or canopy wing B  102 , but not both. 
         [0061]    In all cases, the wing lengths L 1  and L 2  and the angles of inclination  105  and  106  may be adjusted depending on the geographic location of the parking area  600  and the specific orientation/azimuth  601  of the parking spaces  602  in order to improve the energy output of the assembly or system  100  and to meet any client, zoning, or other requirements.  FIGS. 6B ,  6 E,  6 H, and  6 K illustrate different potential parking lot orientations  601 .  FIG. 6A  illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system  100  where canopy wing A incline angle  105  and canopy wing B incline angle  106  are equal, and canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  are of equal lengths L 1  and L 2 .  FIGS. 6A ,  6 C,  6 D,  6 F,  6 G,  61 , and  6 J illustrate different embodiments of the assembly or system  100 , which vary as the azimuth  601  of the parking lot  600  varies. The azimuth  601  determines the orientation of the canopy wings ( 101 ,  102 ). For example, in  FIG. 6H  the azimuth runs from NE (45°) to SW (225°) therefore all canopy wings A  101  will face NW typically at the minimum inclination of 1° so that water will flow to the drainage cavity  121  and the canopy wings B will be tilted at 15° which is a sufficiently steep incline to increase energy production without significantly impacting engineering and manufacturing costs. Data from PV Watts  1  (a calculator developed to determine the energy production of photovoltaic systems in different geographic locations subject to their orientation and inclination) is presented below in TABLE 1 for the NE/SW azimuths if they were located in Newark, N.J. The system size of each canopy wing A, B ( 101 , 102 ) is 100 kilowatts. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 NE-Facing Panel (45°) 
                 SW-Facing Panel (225°) 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 AC 
                 Canopy Wing 
                 AC 
                 Canopy Wing 
               
               
                 kWh/year 
                 Inclination Angle 
                 kWh/year 
                 Inclination Angle 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 100,622 
                 0° 
                 100,622 
                 0° 
               
               
                 99,961 
                 1° 
                 101,337 
                 1° 
               
               
                 99,281 
                 2° 
                 102,030 
                 2° 
               
               
                 98,580 
                 3° 
                 102,702 
                 3° 
               
               
                 97,858 
                 4° 
                 103,351 
                 4° 
               
               
                 97,127 
                 5° 
                 103,969 
                 5° 
               
               
                 96,371 
                 6° 
                 104,558 
                 6° 
               
               
                 95,580 
                 7° 
                 105,120 
                 7° 
               
               
                 94,758 
                 8° 
                 105,646 
                 8° 
               
               
                 93,922 
                 9° 
                 106,141 
                 9° 
               
               
                 93,077 
                 10°  
                 106,610 
                 10°  
               
               
                 92,216 
                 11°  
                 107,053 
                 11°  
               
               
                 91,340 
                 12°  
                 107,470 
                 12°  
               
               
                 90,446 
                 13°  
                 107,859 
                 13°  
               
               
                 89,542 
                 14°  
                 108,226 
                 14°  
               
               
                 88,623 
                 15°  
                 108,569 
                 15°  
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Source: PV Watts 1, using system size 100 kilowatts, 0.77 derate factor and varying inclination angle. Panel azimuths are NE (45°) and SW (225°). 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0062]    In further explanation of the benefits of inclining the canopy wings A, B ( 101 ,  102 ) Tables 2A, 2B and 2C are presented showing the improvement in yield of an assembly or system  100  with equal sized canopy wings A, B ( 101 ,  102 ) and canopy wing A incline  105  and canopy wing B incline  106 , and also another assembly or system  100  with canopy wing A  101  supporting an array  113  of PV panels three times the area of an array  113  on canopy wing B  102  and canopy wing A incline  105  and canopy wing B incline  106 , and also another assembly or system  100  with equal sized canopy wings A, B ( 101 ,  102 ) and canopy wing A incline  105  and canopy wing B incline  106 . For reference, the system outputs of the preceding systems  100  are compared to the output of an assembly or system  100  where the canopy wing incline angles ( 105 ,  106 ) are both zero. Data is presented for three different geographic locations: Los Angeles, Calif. (Table 2A), Newark, N.J. (Table 2B) and Raleigh, N.C. (Table 2C). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2A 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Overall Summary for Los Angeles, CA using PV Watts 1 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Canopy Wing 
                 System 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Azimuths 601 
                 Angles 
                 Production 
                 kWh 
                 % 
               
               
                 NORTH (0°)/SOUTH (180°) 
                 105 and 106 (N/S) 
                 AC/year (kWh) 
                 gain 
                 Gain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Equal Wings 
                 1°/15° 
                 135,375 
                 6,091 
                 4.7% 
               
               
                 Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 
                 1°/15° 
                 138,956 
                 9,672 
                 7.5% 
               
               
                 Standard 5/5 
                 5°/5°  
                 129,111 
                  (174) 
                 −0.1% 
               
               
                 Flat/Flat 
                 0°/0°  
                 129,284 
                      0 
                 0.0% 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Canopy Wing 
                 System 
               
               
                 Azimuths 601 
                 Angles 
                 Production 
                 kWh 
                 % 
               
               
                 EAST (90°)/WEST (270°) 
                 105 and 106 (E/W) 
                 AC/year (kWh) 
                 gain 
                 Gain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Equal Wings 
                 1°/7° 
                 129,699 
                 415 
                 0.3% 
               
               
                 Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 
                 1°/7° 
                 129,984 
                 700 
                 0.5% 
               
               
                 Standard 5/5 
                 5°/5° 
                 129,167 
                 (118) 
                 −0.1% 
               
               
                 Flat/Flat 
                 0°/0° 
                 129,284 
                  0 
                 0.0% 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Canopy Wing 
                 System 
               
               
                 Azimuths 601 
                 Angles 
                 Production 
                 kWh 
                 % 
               
               
                 NW (315°)/SE (135°) 
                 105 and 106 (NW/SE) 
                 AC/year (kWh) 
                 gain 
                 Gain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Equal Wings 
                 1°/15° 
                 132,350 
                 3,066 
                 2.4% 
               
               
                 Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 
                 1°/15° 
                 134,183 
                 4,899 
                 3.8% 
               
               
                 Standard 5/5 
                 5°/5°  
                 129,165 
                      0 
                 −0.1% 
               
               
                 Flat/Flat 
                 0°/0°  
                 129,284 
                     (120) 
                 0.0% 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Canopy Wing 
                 System 
               
               
                 Azimuths 601 
                 Angles 
                 Production 
                 kWh 
                 % 
               
               
                 NE (45°)/SW (225°) 
                 Angles (NE/SW) 
                 AC/year (kWh) 
                 gain 
                 Gain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Equal Wings 
                 1°/15° 
                 134,167 
                 4,883 
                 3.8% 
               
               
                 Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 
                 1°/15° 
                 137,054 
                 7,770 
                 6.0% 
               
               
                 Standard 5/5 
                 5°/5°  
                 129,120 
                     (164) 
                 −0.1% 
               
               
                 Flat/Flat 
                 0°/0°  
                 129,284 
                      0 
                 0.0% 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Comparison of Equal size canopy wings with custom inclines, 3:1 canopy wing size with custom inclines, equal canopy wing size with 5° inclines, and equal size canopy wings laid flat 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2B 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Overall Summary for Newark, NJ using PV Watts 1 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Canopy Wing 
                 System 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Azimuths 601 
                 Angles 
                 Production 
                 kWh 
                 % 
               
               
                 NORTH (0°)/SOUTH (180°) 
                 105 and 106 (N/S) 
                 AC/year (kWh) 
                 gain 
                 Gain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Equal Wings 
                 1°/15° 
                 106,303 
                 5,681 
                 5.6% 
               
               
                 Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 
                 1°/15° 
                 109,631 
                 9,009 
                 9.0% 
               
               
                 Standard 5/5 
                 5°/5°  
                 100,488 
                     (135) 
                 −0.1% 
               
               
                 Flat/Flat 
                 0°/0°  
                 100,622 
                     0 
                 0.0% 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Canopy Wing 
                 System 
               
               
                 Azimuths 601 
                 Angles 
                 Production 
                 kWh 
                 % 
               
               
                 EAST (90°)/WEST (270°) 
                 105 and 106 (E/W) 
                 AC/year (kWh) 
                 gain 
                 Gain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Equal Wings 
                 4°/1° 
                 100,676 
                 54 
                 0.1% 
               
               
                 Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 
                 4°/1° 
                 100,704 
                 82 
                 0.1% 
               
               
                 Standard 5/5 
                 5°/5° 
                 100,564 
                 (58) 
                 −0.1% 
               
               
                 Flat/Flat 
                 0°/0° 
                 100,622 
                  0 
                 0.0% 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Canopy Wing 
                 System 
               
               
                 Azimuths 601 
                 Angles 
                 Production 
                 kWh 
                 % 
               
               
                 NW (315°)/SE (135°) 
                 105 and 106 (NW/SE) 
                 AC/year (kWh) 
                 gain 
                 Gain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Equal Wings 
                 1°/15° 
                 104,471 
                 3,849 
                 3.8% 
               
               
                 Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 
                 1°/15° 
                 106,746 
                 6,124 
                 6.1% 
               
               
                 Standard 5/5 
                 5°/5°  
                 100,498 
                     (124) 
                 −0.1% 
               
               
                 Flat/Flat 
                 0°/0°  
                 100,622 
                     0 
                 0.0% 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Canopy Wing 
                 System 
               
               
                 Azimuths 601 
                 Angles 
                 Production 
                 kWh 
                 % 
               
               
                 NE (45°)/SW (225°) 
                 Angles (NE/SW) 
                 AC/year (kWh) 
                 gain 
                 Gain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Equal Wings 
                 1°/15° 
                 104,265 
                 3,643 
                 3.6% 
               
               
                 Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 
                 1°/15° 
                 106,417 
                 5,795 
                 5.8% 
               
               
                 Standard 5/5 
                 5°/5°  
                 100,548 
                   (74) 
                 −0.1% 
               
               
                 Flat/Flat 
                 0°/0°  
                 100,622 
                     0 
                 0.0% 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Comparison of Equal size canopy wings with custom inclines, 3:1 canopy wing size with custom inclines, equal canopy wing size with 5° inclines, and equal size canopy wings laid flat 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2C 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Overall Summary for Raleigh, NC using PV Watts 1 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Canopy Wing 
                 System 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Azimuths 601 
                 Angles 
                 Production 
                 kWh 
                 % 
               
               
                 NORTH (0°)/SOUTH (180°) 
                 105 and 106 (N/S) 
                 AC/year (kWh) 
                 gain 
                 Gain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Equal Wings 
                 1°/15° 
                 120,007 
                 5,574 
                 4.9% 
               
               
                 Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 
                 1°/15° 
                 123,284 
                 8,851 
                 7.7% 
               
               
                 Standard 5/5 
                 5°/5°  
                 114,290 
                     (143) 
                 −0.1% 
               
               
                 Flat/Flat 
                 0°/0°  
                 114,433 
                      0 
                 0.0% 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Canopy Wing 
                 System 
               
               
                 Azimuths 601 
                 Angles 
                 Production 
                 kWh 
                 % 
               
               
                 EAST (90°)/WEST (270°) 
                 105 and 106 (E/W) 
                 AC/year (kWh) 
                 gain 
                 Gain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Equal Wings 
                 2°/2° 
                 114,494 
                 61 
                 0.1% 
               
               
                 Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 
                 2°/2° 
                 114,510 
                 77 
                 0.1% 
               
               
                 Standard 5/5 
                 5°/5° 
                 114,371 
                 (62) 
                 −0.1% 
               
               
                 Flat/Flat 
                 0°/0° 
                 114,433 
                  0 
                 0.0% 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Canopy Wing 
                 System 
               
               
                 Azimuths 601 
                 Angles 
                 Production 
                 kWh 
                 % 
               
               
                 NW (315°)/SE (135°) 
                 105 and 106 (NW/SE) 
                 AC/year (kWh) 
                 gain 
                 Gain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Equal Wings 
                 1°/15° 
                 118,075 
                 3,642 
                 3.2% 
               
               
                 Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 
                 1°/15° 
                 120,243 
                 5,810 
                 5.1% 
               
               
                 Standard 5/5 
                 5°/5°  
                 114,335 
                   (98) 
                 −0.1% 
               
               
                 Flat/Flat 
                 0°/0°  
                 114,433 
                      0 
                 0.0% 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Canopy Wing 
                 System 
               
               
                 Azimuths 601 
                 Angles 
                 Production 
                 kWh 
                 % 
               
               
                 NE (45°)/SW (225°) 
                 Angles (NE/SW) 
                 AC/year (kWh) 
                 gain 
                 Gain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Equal Wings 
                 1°/15° 
                 118,189 
                 3,756 
                 3.3% 
               
               
                 Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 
                 1°/15° 
                 120,400 
                 5,967 
                 5.2% 
               
               
                 Standard 5/5 
                 5°/5°  
                 114,315 
                     (118) 
                 −0.1% 
               
               
                 Flat/Flat 
                 0°/0°  
                 114,433 
                      0 
                 0.0% 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Comparison of Equal size canopy wings with custom inclines, 3:1 canopy wing size with custom inclines, equal canopy wing size with 5° inclines, and equal size canopy wings laid flat 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0063]      FIG. 7B  illustrates an embodiment of the system equivalent to  FIG. 1A , with a single vertical support  124  supporting each pair of transverse supports  110 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 7A  illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system  100  with separate vertical support structure  124  to support canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 7D  illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system  100  with complex vertical support  701  to support canopy wing A  101  and another vertical support  701  to support canopy wing B  102 . The various complex vertical supports  701  may be side by side or at different locations in order to adequately support canopy wings A and B ( 101 ,  102 ). 
         [0066]      FIG. 7C  illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system  100  with complex vertical support structure  701  supporting canopy wing A  101  and supporting canopy wing B  102 , where the various embodiments of complex vertical support structure  701  overlap when seen from a section or perspective view. Complex vertical support structure  701  may comprise one piece of steel or other structural material that is bent, or may comprise multiple pieces of steel or other structural material that are welded, bolted or otherwise joined together. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 8A-8G  illustrate different embodiments of the assembly or system  100  where the vertical support structure  124  and transverse supports  110  vary in size, orientation, connection angle and method, form of curvature, and general design, and the canopy wings A  101  and canopy wings B  102  also vary in their lengths L 1  and L 2 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 8D  illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system  100  which comprises a plurality of canopy wings A  101  of varying sizes attached to a plurality of vertical support structures  124  and transverse supports  110  of varying heights, inclinations and other dimensions. The curvature of transverse supports  110  each have a radius  801 , all of which may be the same or different. 
         [0069]      FIG. 8G  illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system  100  which comprises vertical support structure  124  which are individually or jointly supported by horizontal base supports  802 . 
         [0070]      FIGS. 9A-9F  illustrate embodiments of the assembly or system  100  which include one or more pivots/hinges  901 . Pivot/hinge  901  may be constructed in a variety of ways which will be familiar to those skilled in the art. Pivot/hinge  901  allows for the adjustment of attached canopy wings A and/or B ( 101 ,  102 ) throughout the year in order to increase the energy output of the assembly or system  100 , manage energy yields, wind loads, snow loads, sight lines, water capture, and other requirements and preferences. Adjustments may be performed manually or through the operation of mechanical or motorized systems. 
         [0071]      FIG. 9A  illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system  100  which comprises one or more complex vertical supports  701  which are cantilevered to connect to pivot/hinge  901  and canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102 . Each canopy wing incline angle A  105  and canopy wing incline angle B  106  may be adjusted individually and may or may not be equal in order to adjust the energy output of the assembly or system  100  and also to incorporate specific site requirements, including wind loads, sight lines, water capture, and other requirements and preferences. 
         [0072]      FIG. 9B  illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system  100  which comprises vertical support structure  124  without cantilevering supporting hidden transverse supports  110 , which comprise part of canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  and which in turn are attached to pivot/hinge  901  to allow for the individual adjustment of canopy wing incline angle A  105  and canopy wing B incline angle  106 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 9C  illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system  100  with a pivot/hinge  901  to which canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  are attached and in which canopy wing B  102  has a hinge interspersed within it so that the portions of canopy wing B  102  can be adjusted at various incline angles  903 . Canopy wing A incline angle  105 , canopy wing B incline angles  106  and  903  are all adjustable and need not be equal. In this embodiment, canopy wing A incline angle  105  and canopy wing incline angle  106  are adjusted so that canopy wing A  101  and a portion of canopy wing B  102  form a flat surface at an incline of canopy wing A incline angle  105  and the other portion of canopy wing B incline angle  903  is adjusted so that the other portion of canopy wing B  102  forms a dual-incline structure. 
         [0074]      FIG. 9E  illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system  100  which comprises three pivot/hinges  901 , allowing portions of canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  to adjust at various points and at various incline angles  105 ,  106 ,  902 , and  903 . Each of the canopy wing incline angles  105 ,  106 ,  902 , and  903  may be the same or different to incorporate specific site requirements, including energy yields, wind loads, sight lines, water capture, and other requirements and preferences. 
         [0075]      FIG. 9F  illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system  100  where canopy wing incline angle A  105  and canopy wing incline angle B  106  are both equal to zero degrees so that a portion of canopy wing A  101  and a portion of canopy wing B  102  form a flat central area and the other portions may be inclined or flat to incorporate specific site requirements, including energy yields, wind loads, sight lines, water capture, and other requirements and preferences. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 10A-10K  illustrate embodiments of assembly or system  100  with different ways of inclination.  FIGS. 10A-10F  illustrate embodiments of assembly or system  100  where canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  may be inclined along the axis of drainage cavity  121 , perpendicular to the axis of drainage cavity  121 , and at an angle to the axis of drainage cavity  121  all of which serve to allow for a highly customizable inclination for the entire assembly or system  100  in order to improve energy yields, facilitate water capture, increase safety, and meet the aesthetic and other requirements of the site. 
         [0077]      FIGS. 10G-10K  illustrate embodiments of assembly or system  100  where canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102  may be rotated in the plane perpendicular to the axis of vertical support structure  124 . In addition, any assembly or system  100  may be rotated in a combination of all of the above described methods. 
         [0078]      FIGS. 11A-11C  illustrate embodiments of the assembly or system  100  with various media or decorative elements. Various display elements may be included in the assembly or system  100  among others, end fascia display element  1101 , side fascia display element  1102 , transverse support display element  1103 , vertical support display element  1104 , central divider display element  1105 , and ventral display element  1106 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 11C  illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system  100  with array  113  and display element  1107 . Any, all or some of the display elements enumerated may contain advertising, decorative, display, photographic, lithographic, electronic, electrical, or other display materials. The display elements allow the owner of the assembly or system  100  to customize the appearance of the system to suit site requirements, customer preferences and other needs, while at the same time creating the possibility of revenue generation via the sale of said display elements for advertising and the possibility of an enhanced parking experience by displaying pleasing images or useful information (e.g. weather conditions, traffic conditions, sporting scores, financial market information). 
         [0080]      FIGS. 12A-12B  illustrate embodiments of array  113  consisting of array portions  122  where the array portions may or may not have decorative, advertising, display or other elements, and are subsequently arranged in different patterns. As noted above, such display elements are illustrated in, for example, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/077,851, filed Jul. 2, 2008, entitled “ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL SYSTEM INVOLVING SOLAR ARRAYS AND VISUAL INDICIA AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME” and related U.S. application Ser. No. ______ and PCT Application No. ______, both entitled “SOLAR POWER GENERATION DISPLAY ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SAME,” filed on the same day as this application. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 13A-13B  illustrate embodiments of the assembly or system  100  with various lighting elements. Various lighting elements may be included in the assembly or system  100  among others, end fascia lighting element  1301 , side fascia lighting element  1302 , transverse support lighting element  1303 , vertical support lighting element  1304 , central divider lighting element  1305 , and ventral lighting element  1306 . Lighting elements may be metal halide, LED, halogen, incandescent, other lighting technology or any combination of several technologies. Lighting elements are oriented to be downward facing or directed towards the canopy wings A, B ( 101 ,  102 ) to reflect down and therefore do not add to light pollution. 
         [0082]      FIG. 14  illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system  100  which also includes several alternative energy charging stations  1401  and  1403 , and alternative fuel dispensing points  1402 , and alternating- and/or direct-current outlets or charging points  1503 , all of which may or may not be suspended from lateral support  1404 , may be ground mounted, attached to the underside of a canopy wing A  101  or canopy wing B  102 , and which connection and transmission elements may or may not be carried inside cavity  111  inside a cavity element  115 , or directly inside a cavity element  115  where there is no cavity  111 . The flexibility of the elements allows for one assembly or system  100  to provide for the charging and dispensing of multiple fuel technologies at one point, such as electrical charging, hydrogen generation, and hydrogen dispensing, and also to later incorporate additional technologies as they are developed, so that vehicles  1405  of various technologies may all benefit from the availability of this and related embodiments. 
         [0083]      FIGS. 15A-15C  illustrate embodiments of assembly or system  100  which may be used in parks, gardens, playgrounds, corporate campuses, universities, schools, colleges, and other sites as previously described. These embodiments are designed to have a smaller footprint and simplified canopy wings A and B ( 101 ,  102 ), which may or may not have a solid decking or membrane  118 .  FIG. 15A  illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system  100  which comprises vertical support structure  124  to which multiple transverse supports  110  are attached and which support canopy wing A  101  and canopy wing B  102 . Column accessories  1501  are attached and may be elements including plants, planters, bird houses, bird feeders, wireless hubs or routers, loudspeakers and other elements depending on the preferences of the owner, the weather conditions of the site, and local regulations. Seating  1502  may be circular around vertical support structure  124  or any other shape such as square, rectangular, triangular, and oval. Alternating- and/or direct-current outlets or charging points  1503  may also be available to allow for the re-charging and powering of laptops, personal digital assistants, mobile telephones, and other electrical or electronic devices. 
         [0084]      FIG. 15B  illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system  100  with vertical support display elements  1103  and transverse support display elements  1104 , which may be decorative, advertising, reflect the name of the owner or campus, or other display information. 
         [0085]      FIG. 15C  illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system  100  with vertical support lighting element  1304 , transverse support lighting element  1303 , and ventral lighting element  1306 . Alternative embodiments may reflect a combination of lighting and display elements, accessories, and outlets/charging points. 
         [0086]      FIGS. 16A-16C  illustrate embodiments of assembly or system  100  where several canopy wings A and B ( 101 ,  102 ) are joined together or placed adjacent and have one or more seating  1502  elements. 
         [0087]      FIGS. 17A-17F  illustrate embodiments of assembly or system  100  in various groupings  1700  consisting of more than one assembly or system  100 , and illustrate different patterns of coverage that assembly or system  100  may provide over a particular site. Patterns of coverage may be geometric, a design, lettering, or any preferred layout.  FIG. 17A  illustrates an embodiment of grouping  1700  where each assembly or system  100  covers one grouping of parking spaces  602 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 17B  illustrates an embodiment of grouping  1700  where each assembly or system  100  covers a curving grouping of parking spaces  602 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 17C  illustrates an embodiment of grouping  1700  where each assembly or system  100  covers a row of space which may be a park, garden, campus, parking space or other location. 
         [0090]      FIG. 17D  illustrates an embodiment of grouping  1700  where the plan view of the site shows the arrangement of systems  100  to reveal a shape of curved and straight boundaries. 
         [0091]      FIG. 17E  illustrates an embodiment of grouping  1700  which completely covers the site. 
         [0092]      FIG. 17F  illustrates an embodiment of multiple groupings  1700  each of which comprises multiple systems  100 . 
         [0093]      FIGS. 18A-18D  illustrate embodiments of groupings  1700  with different shapes for canopy wings A and B ( 101 ,  102 ), such as circular ( FIG. 18A ), triangular ( FIG. 18B ), hexagonal ( FIG. 18C ), and square or rectangular ( FIG. 18D ).  FIGS. 19A-19D  illustrate embodiments of groupings  1700 .  FIG. 19A  illustrates an embodiment of grouping  1700  where each assembly or system  100  consists of support structure  107 , canopy wing A  101 , canopy wing B  102 , with canopy wing A incline angle  105  equal to canopy wing B incline angle  106 , where canopy wing A length L 1  and L 2  are equal, and which are placed adjacent to limit or eliminate rainfall between two adjacent systems  100 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 19B  illustrates an embodiment of grouping  1700  where each assembly or system  100  consists of support structure  107 , canopy wing A  101 , canopy wing B  102 , with canopy wing A incline angle  105  and canopy wing B incline angle  106 , where each assembly or system  100  is directly adjacent or where each support structure  107  may or may not be of varying heights to provide a grouping  1700  with systems  100  of alternating or otherwise varying heights. 
         [0095]      FIG. 19C  illustrates an embodiment of grouping  1700  where canopy wing A length L 1  is not equal to canopy wing B length L 2 , and where support structure  107  is attached only to the transverse supports  110  of canopy wing B  102 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 19D  illustrates an embodiment of grouping  1700  where canopy wing A incline angle  105  is equal to canopy wing B incline angle  106 . 
         [0097]      FIGS. 20A-20E  illustrates embodiments of groupings  1700  similar to that illustrated and explained with respect to  FIGS. 19A-19D . 
         [0098]      FIG. 21A  illustrates a plan view of travel route  2101  such as a highway, road, railway, tramway, canal, river, walkway or other conduit for transportation which has multiple groupings  1700  in and around it. The groupings  1700  can be used to provide shade, shelter and protection from the elements, generate electricity, carry transmission and distribution conduits and wires, and other uses. For example, groupings  1700  may be installed along the center median of a highway and also along each shoulder of the same highway to generate electricity which is distributed to the local utility grids, to capture water which is channeled to local water systems for greywater usage or possible filtration, and to carry a variety of telephony, cable, media, electrical and other conduits to speed the expansion of the electrical grid, quickly grow the reach of cable and telephony to rural and other locations, and generally improve the power and communications infrastructure of the site. 
         [0099]      FIG. 21B  illustrates an elevation view of travel route  2101  with groupings  1700  and travel vehicles  2102 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 21C  illustrates a section view of travel route  2101  with groupings  1700  and travel vehicles  2102 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 21D  illustrates a section view of an alternate embodiment along a railway or tramway travel route  2101  with passenger and freight vehicles  2103 . 
         [0102]      FIG. 22  illustrates a simplified system view of how cities  2202 , towns, suburbs, exurbs, rural and other inhabited areas  2203 , power transmission and distribution systems, telecommunications network, cable network, and other communications and alternative and conventional power generation facilities, power storage facilities, can all be linked by travel routes  2101  where multiple groupings  1700  are installed. In this way electricity generated at  2204  can be transmitted to cities  2202  and other inhabited regions  2203  using existing transmission facilities and also using transmission networks that can be quickly deployed as part of  1700 . In addition, electricity generated by groupings  1700  can be tied into existing transmission networks, distributed by new transmission networks deployed with  1700  or fed in part or in whole directly to private or public locations without first going through a utility-owned network. Incline angles  105  and  106  may be varying throughout the groupings  1700  or may be fixed at angles which provide a consistently high yield regardless of orientation, for example each  105  and  106  set equal to 5°. 
         [0103]      FIG. 23  illustrates a method  2300  for developing and designing a grouping  1700  or individual assembly or system  100 .  FIG. 23  shows an initial step of determining site specifics  2300 A which may include geographic location, orientation/azimuth of the desired grouping  1700  or assembly or system  100 , altitude, and other data points, preferences and regulations, a second step  2300 B of determining of system size, canopy incline angles  105 ,  106  and system output based on previously determined site specifics, further variables  2300 C and other necessary inputs. A third step  2300 D is shown of determining canopy wing A, B  101 ,  102  dimensions L 1 , L 2 , and linear feet of total assembly or system  100  or grouping  1700 , and also the number of vertical supports  124  which will be required, based on input variables  2300 E. A fourth step  2300 F is shown of determining the physical layout of the assemblies or systems  100  or groupings  1700  on the installation site, of determining the final system size, recalculating the system output and determining the number of photovoltaic panels, photovoltaic thin film or quantity of other energy producing material required based on input variables  2300 G. A fifth step  2300 H of constructing the assembly or system  100  or grouping  1700  is followed by an installation  2300 J and testing  2300 I which may iterate until installation is complete and functional. Lastly, a management system overview  2300 K is provided to familiarize the client with the full installation, and is then followed by remote management of the system  2300 L to monitor energy production, change display media as required, determine maintenance requirements, and other monitoring as necessary. 
       Illustrative Example 
       [0104]    Client has requested a 1 megawatt (MW) system for their site in Newark, N.J. Parking aisles run southeast/northwest (therefore cars are parked facing northeast and southwest). Client requests the system be able to withstand a wind load of 90 mph and a snow load of 30 lbs. per square foot. In addition, the client requests an asymmetric dual-incline structure where the ratio of the canopy wings is 3:1 (i.e., one set of wings may be 30 feet from center to outside edge and the other set of wings may be 10 feet form center to outside edge. The actual dimensions will be calculated in this example.). Client also requests steel decking, drainage connected to a set of cisterns, and that the whole system be connected to the client&#39;s electrical system. Client has specified Suntech 220 panels. Client also requests their corporate logo be placed on the central divider, end fascia and side fascia of each canopy, and the division name be placed on the transverse supports. Lastly, the client requests that all system output calculations be performed using PV Watts Version 1 (available at http://www.nrel.gov/rredc/pvwatts/versionl.html). 
         [0105]    Given the panels requested by the client, the large canopies will have strips of 8 panels running from the center cavity to the outside edge, and the small canopies will have strips of 4 panels. The exact system size is therefore 1.0056 megawatts. The small canopies will be approximately 13.5 feet from center to edge and the large canopies will be approximately 27 feet. Using spacing of 32 feet from the center of one vertical support to the next results in a requirement of 59 columns in total for the system. The site layout is such that 3 systems of 15 columns and 1 system of 14 columns will be laid out. 
         [0106]    Given a system size of 1 megawatt, and knowing that the canopies will tilt north-east and south-west, and further knowing that the south-west facing canopies will contain three times as many panels as the north-east facing canopies, PV Watts Version 1 is used to calculate the system production. Using the data from PV Watts shows that the south-west facing canopies should be inclined to 15° (further inclination increases output, but with decreasing benefits for each additional degree of inclination and requires additional engineering and construction costs). Using the data from PV Watts as shown previously in Table 1, shows that the north-east facing canopies should be inclined to 1° (no inclination would be slightly better, but in order to capture the safety and water reclamation benefits of the dual-incline system, a minimum of 1° is suggested). Total system output will be 1,064,763 kilowatt-hours (kWh). 
         [0107]    At this point the manufacturing, transportation, labor, and parts orders may be initiated to prepare for installation and operation of the assembly or system. 
         [0108]    As employed herein, those of skill in the art of solar power generation will recognize distinctions between the phrases array, cell, module, amorphous, and crystalline. However, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art, that when viewed in the particular exemplary circumstance the use of array or module or cell may be interchanged without restriction or confusion. 
         [0109]    In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw&#39;s helical surface positively engages the wooden part, and a bolt&#39;s head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the art as equivalent structures. 
         [0110]    Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes, modifications, and adaptations may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.