Patent Publication Number: US-2023133308-A1

Title: Mounting bracket assembly for solar tracker assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The following application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/275,166, filed Nov. 3, 2021, entitled Mounting Bracket Assembly For Solar Tracker System. The above-identified U.S. provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for any and all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a mounting bracket assembly for a solar tracker system or assembly and, more specifically, to a mounting bracket assembly secured to a torque tube beam of a solar tracker system and supporting longitudinally extending edge portions of first and second sets of bifacial photovoltaic modules, the first and second sets of bifacial photovoltaic modules being in landscape orientation and positioned on opposite sides of the torque tube beam. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various types of solar tracker assemblies are known including a horizontal, single axis solar tracker system. Solar tracker assemblies are also sometimes referred to in the industry as solar tracker systems, solar tracker assemblies, solar tracker apparatuses, solar tracking systems, solar tracking assemblies, or solar tracking apparatuses, and such terms are understood to be interchangeable throughout. A horizontal, single axis solar tracker assembly includes a torque tube beam and a plurality of photovoltaic modules, sometimes referred to as solar modules or panels. The plurality of photovoltaic modules is coupled to the torque tube beam via various components including mounting brackets, clamps and fasteners. The torque tube beam is typically comprised of one or more torque tube beam segments affixed in a linear fashion by couplers between adjacent segment ends. The torque tube beam is horizontal in that the torque tube beam extends parallel to the ground. The torque tube beam may be comprised of a plurality of segments of predetermined length, i.e., 40 foot segments. The modules of the plurality of photovoltaic modules are typically spaced uniformly along the torque tube beam. The solar tracker system includes a pivoting table. The solar tracker system table includes everything that pivots or swings about an axis of rotation of the table. The table of the solar tracking assembly typically includes: a) the torque tube beam; b) the plurality of photovoltaic modules; c) the movable or pivoting portions of a plurality of solar tracking bearing apparatuses that support the torque tube along its length; and d) various mounting components, such as module rails, clamps, brackets and/or fasteners, which are used to affix the plurality of photovoltaic modules to the torque tube beam. The axis of rotation of the table of the solar tracker system extends parallel to the torque tube beam and is defined by the axes of rotation of the pivoting portions of a plurality of solar tracking bearing apparatuses. A solar tracking system or assembly may comprise a single row layout, i.e., a single torque tube beam extending in a north-south direction or, alternately, a solar tracking system may comprise an array of solar tracking assemblies comprised of multiple parallel rows of solar tracking assemblies, that is, an array including multiple, spaced apart, parallel rows of torque tube beams, each extending in a north-south direction. 
     An extent of the table of a solar tracker system or solar tracking assembly extends in two dimensions, length, generally perpendicular to the path or arc of the sun in the sky, and width, generally parallel to the path of sun in the sky. An actuator mechanism, such as a slew drive or linear actuator, operating under the direction of a controller, is coupled to the torque tube beam to pivot or swing the torque tube beam about the axis of rotation to change an angle of inclination of the frame and thereby adjust the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of photovoltaic modules to track the movement of the sun across the sky so that the photovoltaic modules are maximally exposed to the sun throughout the day. That is, the goal of the solar tracker system is to move or pivot the table about an axis of rotation such that the light receiving surfaces of the photovoltaic modules are generally orthogonal to the position of the sun, within, of course, the limits of the angle of inclination range of the table of the solar tracking system. 
     In one typical embodiment of a horizontal, single axis solar tracker assembly or system, the torque tube beam extends horizontally along the length of the table and, to achieve a proper balance, a plurality of photovoltaic modules are positioned such that each is centered about the torque tube beam so that a total weight of the frame and the plurality of photovoltaic modules, and associated mounting components (e.g., module rails, clamps, brackets and fasteners), is approximately equally distributed on either side of the torque tube beam. A typical photovoltaic module in 1 meter wide by two meters long. Thus, in a so-called portrait orientation of the modules, each module is centered over the torque tube beam such that the shorter sides or extents, that is, the one meter sides (the width), extend along the length of the torque tube beam, while the two meter sides, that is, the longer two meter sides (the length), straddle the torque tube beam such that, when viewed in top plan view, one meter of the module is on one side of the torque tube beam and one meter of the module is on the opposite side of the torque tube beam. This orientation provides for a balanced weight load on both sides of the torque tube beam. 
     A slew drive or slew gear drive is approximately centered along the length of the torque tube beam and includes first and second journals. A first portion of the torque tube beam is affixed to and extends from the first journal on one side of the slew drive and a second portion of the torque tube beam is affixed to and extends from the second journal on the opposite side of the slew drive. For example, the first portion of the torque tube beam may extend north from the slew drive and may be comprised of five, 40-foot torque tube beam segments, while, the second portion of the torque tube beam may extend south from the slew drive and may similarly be comprised of five, 40-foot torque tube beam segments, thus providing a total north-south extent or length of the torque tube beam of 400 feet. Couplers are used between adjacent torque tube beam segments to splice the two torque tube beam segments together. The slew drive pivots the table of the about the axis of rotation of the table. It should be understood that drives other than a slew drive may be used to pivot the table, for example, one or more electrical linear actuators may be used to pivot the table of the solar tracking system in place of one or more slew gear drives. 
     The torque tube beam is supported for pivoting movement about the axis of rotation by the plurality of solar tracker bearing apparatuses. Each of the solar tracker bearing apparatuses are affixed to a respective one of a plurality of spaced apart upright support posts which are anchored to or anchored in a substrate, such as the ground. The upright support posts are stationary and support the plurality of solar tracker bearing apparatuses, which, in turn, pivotally support the frame and the plurality of photovoltaic modules. Typically, one solar tracker bearing apparatus is mounted or coupled to each upright support post. Each solar tracker bearing apparatus includes a stationary portion, affixed to a support post, and a rotating portion supporting the torque tube beam, which rotates about the axis of rotation. Additionally, the slew drive is also mounted to its own support post. 
     The plurality of solar tracker bearing apparatuses pivotally support the torque tube beam for movement or pivoting about the axis of rotation. The actuator mechanism, i.e., the slew drive or linear actuator, coupled to the torque tube beam and operating under the control of a controller, provides the motive force to pivot the table about the axis of rotation and thus change the angle of inclination of the table. The plurality of solar tracker bearing apparatuses rotatably disposed between the torque tube beam and the upright support posts permit the torque tube beam to pivot with respect to the upright support posts and thereby allows the angle of inclination of the table to be changed by the slew drive such that the plurality of photovoltaic modules is maximally exposed to the sun within the range of the angle of inclination of the solar tracking system. The axis of rotation of the table of the solar tracker system is defined by a combination of aligned individual axes of rotation of the individual solar tracker bearing apparatuses. The slew drive is positioned such that it pivots the torque tube beam about the axis of rotation. In a solar tracking system or assembly that includes an array of multiple, spaced apart, parallel rows of torque tube beams, each extending in a north-south direction, each row may include an independent slew drive coupled to the torque tube beam to pivot the table. Alternately, the torque tube beams of multiple rows may be mechanically coupled such that a single, larger slew drive, or another type of drive, may be used to pivot the respective tables of the multiple rows in unison. 
     Solar tracker assemblies or systems are often erected or installed at remote locations where sun exposure is maximized. As such, the solar tracker assembly components are utilized in outdoor locations, exposed to varying and potentially harsh weather conditions such as high wind and snow conditions. Under high wind load and snow load conditions, the mounting components of the table must be sufficiently strong and stable to mount the photovoltaic modules securely to the torque tube beam and mitigate undue flexing or wiggling of the mounting components and the photovoltaic modules. 
     A recent trend in single axis solar tracker assemblies is to utilize bifacial photovoltaic modules or panels in the assembly, as contrasted with monofacial photovoltaic modules or panels. Bifacial photovoltaic modules have solar energy cells on both the upper and lower surfaces (or front and back planar surfaces) of the module and are transparent, as contrasted with monofacial photovoltaic modules which have solar energy cells only on one surface of the module. Because a bifacial photovoltaic module includes solar energy cells on both upper and lower surfaces, it advantageously can absorb direct sunlight energy on the upper surface (facing the sun) and indirect sunlight energy on the lower or back surface (facing away from the sun) in the form of reflected or ambient sunlight. Thus, in a bifacial photovoltaic module, solar energy output and efficiency is enhanced by the energy output of the lower surface. 
     A number of issues result from the use of bifacial photovoltaic modules including orientation and position of the modules. Typically, as noted previously, a single row of photovoltaic panels in a single axis tracker typically are positioned in so-called portrait orientation, centered over the torque tube beam. Such a portrait orientation centered about the torque tube beam is not desirable for bifacial photovoltaic modules, however. Such an orientation and position of bifacial photovoltaic modules would result in the torque tube beam and bearing assemblies shading the lower surfaces of the modules, thus, decreasing solar energy output from the lower surfaces of the bifacial modules. Accordingly, for bifacial photovoltaic modules, it is generally desirable to position and orient the modules, as viewed in top plan view, in two spaced apart rows or sets of photovoltaic modules, one set on one side of the torque tube beam and the second set on the other side of the torque tube beam wherein the modules are in so-called landscape orientation. That is, the longer length or extent of the modules (i.e., the longer two-meter sides of the respective bifacial photovoltaic modules) extend parallel to the torque tube beam. The reason for the spacing between the two sets of modules is that it is desired to avoid, to the extent possible, shading or shadowing of the lower surfaces of the modules by the torque tube beam and bearing assemblies. The spacing and orientation of the two sets of modules, one on each side of the torque tube beam, and being in landscape orientation is that it is desired to both properly balance and minimize the torque required to pivot the table (the table including the torque tube beam, the moving portions of the actuator mechanism, such as a slew drive or linear actuator, the pivoting portions of the bearing assemblies, the mounting bracket assemblies and the two sets of bifacial photovoltaic modules) and to make the configuration less susceptible to twisting or flexing under high wind load and/or snow load conditions. 
     Additionally, the gap or spacing between the two sets of photovoltaic modules permits accumulated snow to be more readily dumped from the upper surfaces of the modules, than if the two sets of modules were contiguous. When mounting or coupling the two sets of bifacial photovoltaic modules in landscape orientation to the torque tube beam, because of the weight and characteristics of a bifacial photovoltaic modules, it is typically desired to support the modules along their longitudinally extending outer edges, that is, along the outer edges of the longer sides of the bifacial modules that extending along the longitudinal direction or axis of the torque tube beam. As such, for mounting or securing a first set of bifacial photovoltaic modules and a second set of photovoltaic modules to a torque tube beam, the first and second sets of modules being in landscape orientation and positioned on opposite sides of the torque tube beam, what is desired is a mounting bracket assembly secured to the torque tube beam that: a) positions the first and second sets of bifacial photovoltaic modules in landscape orientation, when viewed in plan view, the first set being on one side of the torque tube beam and the second set being on the opposite side of the torque tube beam; and b) supports and secures longitudinally extending edge portions of the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a mounting bracket assembly affixed to a torque tube beam of a solar tracker assembly and supporting longitudinally extending edge portions of first and second photovoltaic modules wherein, when viewed in top plan view, the first photovoltaic module is on a first side of the torque tube beam and the second photovoltaic module is on an opposite side of the torque tube beam and the longitudinally extending edge portions of the first and second photovoltaic modules extend parallel to the torque tube beam, the mounting bracket assembly comprising: a) a first mounting bracket extending along a first mounting bracket axis extending transverse to the torque tube beam, the first mounting bracket including a central wall and a first and second side walls extending from the central wall, the first mounting bracket having a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion extending between the first and second end portions; b) a first set of pedestals including a first central pedestal secured to the torque tube beam including a middle portion engaging the torque tube beam and first and second extending portions on opposite sides of the torque tube beam, the first central pedestal extending along the first mounting bracket axis and including a central wall and a lateral wall extending from the central wall, at least one of the first and second side walls of the first mounting bracket secured to the lateral wall of the first central pedestal; c) a first module support member including a first support arm and a second support arm, spaced from and extending parallel to the first support arm, the first support arm coupled to the first mounting bracket at the first end portion of the first mounting bracket, the second support arm coupled to the first extending portion of the first central pedestal; d) a second module support member including a third support arm and a fourth support arm, spaced from and extending parallel to the third support arm, the third support arm coupled to the first mounting bracket at the second end portion of the first mounting bracket, the fourth support arm coupled to the second extending portion of the first central pedestal; and f) wherein the first and second support arms are configured to support at least parts of the longitudinally extending edge portions of the first photovoltaic module and the third and fourth support arms are configured to support at least parts of the longitudinally extending edge portions of the second photovoltaic module. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a mounting bracket assembly affixed to a torque tube beam of a solar tracker assembly and supporting longitudinally extending edge portions of first and second photovoltaic modules wherein, when viewed in top plan view, the first photovoltaic module is on a first side of the torque tube beam and the second photovoltaic module is on an opposite side of the torque tube beam and the longitudinally extending edge portions of the first and second photovoltaic modules extend parallel to the torque tube beam, the mounting bracket assembly comprising: a) a first mounting bracket extending along a first mounting bracket axis and a second mounting bracket, spaced from the first mounting bracket, extending along a second mounting bracket axis, the first and second mounting bracket axes extending transversely to the torque tube beam, the first mounting bracket including a central wall and a first side wall extending from the central wall, the first mounting bracket including a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion extending between the first and second end portions, the second mounting bracket including a central wall and a first side wall extending from the central wall, the second mounting bracket including a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion extending between the first and second end portions; b) a first set of pedestals including a first central pedestal secured to the torque tube beam including a middle portion engaging the torque tube beam and first and second extending portions on opposite sides of the torque tube beam, the first central pedestal extending along the first mounting bracket axis and including an upper wall and a lateral wall extending from the upper wall, the first side wall of the first mounting bracket secured to the first lateral wall of the first central pedestal; c) a second set of pedestals including a second central pedestal secured to the torque tube beam including a middle portion engaging the torque tube beam and first and end portions on opposite sides of the torque tube beam, the second central pedestal extending along the second mounting bracket axis and including an upper wall and a first lateral wall, the first side wall of the second mounting bracket secured to the first lateral wall of the second central pedestal; d) a first module support member including a first support arm and a second support arm, spaced from and extending parallel to the first support arm, the first support arm coupled to the first mounting bracket at the first end portion of the first mounting bracket and coupled to the second mounting bracket at the first end portion of the second mounting bracket, the second support arm coupled to the first extending portion of the first central pedestal and coupled to the first extending portion of the second central pedestal; e) a second module support member including a third support arm and a fourth support arm, spaced from and extending parallel to the third support arm, the third support arm coupled to the first mounting bracket at the second end portion of the first mounting bracket and coupled to the second mounting bracket at the second end portion of the second mounting bracket, the fourth support arm coupled to the second extending portion of the first central pedestal and coupled to the second extending portion of the second central pedestal; and f) wherein the first and second support arms are configured to support at least parts of the longitudinally extending edge portions of the first photovoltaic module and the third and fourth support arms are configured to support at least parts of the longitudinally extending edge portions of the second photovoltaic module. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a mounting bracket assembly affixed to a torque tube beam of a solar tracker assembly and supporting longitudinally extending edge portions of a first photovoltaic module and respective longitudinally extending edge portions of a second photovoltaic module wherein, when viewed in top plan view, the first photovoltaic module is on a first side of the torque tube beam and the second photovoltaic module is on an opposite side of the torque tube beam and the longitudinally extending edge portions of the first and second photovoltaic modules extending parallel to the torque tube beam, the mounting bracket assembly comprising: a) a first mounting bracket coupled to the torque tube beam and extending along a first mounting bracket axis and a second mounting bracket, spaced from the first mounting bracket, coupled to the torque tube beam and extending along a second mounting bracket axis, the first and second mounting bracket axes, when viewed in top plan view, extending orthogonally to the torque tube beam, the first mounting bracket including a central wall and a first side wall extending from the central wall, the first mounting bracket including a first end portion, the first mounting bracket including a second end portion and a midpoint region between the first and second end portions, the second mounting bracket including a central wall and a first side wall extending from the central wall, the first mounting bracket having a first end portion, a second end portion and a midpoint region between the first and second end portions; b) a first module support member including a first support arm and a second support arm, spaced from and extending parallel to the first support arm, the first support arm coupled to the central wall of the first mounting bracket at the first end portion of the first mounting bracket and coupled to the central wall of the second mounting bracket at the first end of the second mounting bracket, the second support arm coupled to the central wall of the first mounting bracket between the first end portion and the midpoint region of the first mounting bracket and coupled to the central wall of the second mounting bracket between the first end portion and the midpoint region of the second mounting bracket; c) a second module support member including a third support arm and a fourth support arm, spaced from and extending parallel to the third support arm, the third support arm coupled to the central wall of the first mounting bracket at the second end portion of the first mounting bracket and coupled to the central wall of the second mounting bracket at the second end portion of the second mounting bracket, the fourth support arm coupled to the central wall of the first mounting bracket between the second end portion and the midpoint region of the first mounting bracket and coupled to the central wall of the second mounting bracket between the second end portion and the midpoint region of the second mounting bracket; and d) wherein the first and second support arms are configured to support at least parts of the longitudinally extending edge portions of the first photovoltaic module and the third and fourth support arms are configured to support at least parts of the longitudinally extending edge portions of the second photovoltaic module. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to combination of a mounting bracket assembly and a torque tube beam of a solar tracker assembly, the mounting bracket assembly secured to the torque tube beam and supporting longitudinally extending edge portions of first and second photovoltaic modules wherein, when viewed in top plan view, the first set of photovoltaic modules are on a first side of the torque tube beam and the second set of photovoltaic modules are on an opposite side of the torque tube beam and the longitudinally extending edge portions of the first and second photovoltaic modules extend parallel to the torque tube beam, the combination comprising: a) the torque tube beam extending along a longitudinal axis and including an upper wall and a lower wall spaced apart by first and second vertically extending side walls; and b) the mounting bracket assembly secured to the torque tube beam and including: i) a first mounting bracket extending along a first mounting bracket axis extending transverse to the torque tube beam, the first mounting bracket including a central wall and a first and second side walls extending from the central wall, the first mounting bracket having a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion extending between the first and second end portions; ii) a first set of pedestals including a first central pedestal secured to the torque tube beam including a middle portion engaging the torque tube beam and first and second extending portions on opposite sides of the torque tube beam, the first central pedestal extending along the first mounting bracket axis and including a central wall and a lateral wall extending from the central wall, at least one of the first and second side walls of the first mounting bracket secured to the lateral wall of the first central pedestal; iii) a first module support member including a first support arm and a second support arm, spaced from and extending parallel to the first support arm, the first support arm coupled to the first mounting bracket at the first end portion of the first mounting bracket, the second support arm coupled to the first extending portion of the first central pedestal; iv) a second module support member including a third support arm and a fourth support arm, spaced from and extending parallel to the third support arm, the third support arm coupled to the first mounting bracket at the second end portion of the first mounting bracket, the fourth support arm coupled to the second extending portion of the first central pedestal; and v) wherein the first and second support arms are configured to support the longitudinally extending edge portions of the first photovoltaic module and the third and fourth support arms are configured to support the longitudinally extending edge portions of the second photovoltaic module. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon consideration of the following description of the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals, unless otherwise described refer to like parts throughout the drawings and in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic top perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a solar tracker assembly or system of the present disclosure including a torque tube beam, a plurality of bifacial photovoltaic modules, and a plurality of mounting bracket assemblies of the present disclosure for securing the plurality of bifacial photovoltaic modules to the torque tube beam, the plurality of bifacial photovoltaic modules being in landscape orientation; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic top plan view of the solar tracker assembly of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic front elevation view of a portion of the solar tracker assembly of  FIG.  1    depicting a first exemplary embodiment of a representative mounting bracket assembly of the present disclosure and the torque tube beam to which the representative mounting bracket assembly is affixed; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a schematic enlarged front elevation view of a portion of the solar tracker assembly shown in  FIG.  3    that is within a dashed line labeled  FIG.  3 A  in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic bottom perspective view of a portion of the solar tracker assembly of  FIG.  1    showing features of the mounting bracket assembly of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic bottom perspective view of a portion of the solar tracker assembly of  FIG.  1    showing features of the mounting bracket assembly of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic side elevation view of a portion of the solar tracker assembly of  FIG.  1    showing features of the mounting bracket assembly of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic top plan view of the mounting bracket assembly of  FIG.  3    in an assembled or module supporting configuration; 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic top plan view of the module bracket assembly of  FIG.  3    in a folded or transportation configuration; and 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic front elevation view of a portion of a solar tracker assembly depicting a second exemplary embodiment of a mounting bracket assembly of the present disclosure, the mounting bracket assembly being configured for mounting to a lower wall or lower portion of a torque tube beam of the solar tracker assembly, referred to herein as a “below the torque tube beam” mounting configuration, for securing a plurality of bifacial photovoltaic modules in landscape orientation to the torque tube beam; 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic top perspective view of a portion of a solar tracker assembly depicting a third exemplary embodiment of a mounting bracket assembly of the present disclosure, the mounting bracket assembly being configured for mounting to a lower wall or lower portion of a torque tube beam of the solar tracker assembly to secure a plurality of bifacial photovoltaic modules in landscape orientation to the torque tube beam in a “below the torque tube beam” mounting configuration; 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic bottom perspective view of the mounting bracket assembly of  FIG.  10   , as seen from a plane indicated by the line  11 - 11  in  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic top plan view of the mounting bracket assembly of  FIG.  10   , as seen from a plane indicated by the line  12 - 12  in  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic top perspective view of a truncated version of the mounting bracket assembly of  FIG.  10   , the mounting bracket assembly truncated at a first mounting bracket to illustrate a configuration of an attachment structure including a first set of pedestals interposed between the first mounting bracket and a set of support arms of a photovoltaic module support framework; 
         FIG.  14    is a schematic enlarged, exploded top perspective view of a central portion of the truncated version of  FIG.  13    of the mounting bracket assembly of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a schematic front elevation view of the truncated version of  FIG.  13    of the mounting bracket assembly of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a schematic view, partly in front elevation and partly in vertical section, of the truncated version of  FIG.  13    of the mounting bracket assembly of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a schematic vertical section view of the view of the truncated version of  FIG.  13    of the mounting bracket assembly of  FIG.  10   , as seen from a plane indicated by the line  17 - 17  in  FIG.  16   ; and 
         FIG.  18    is a schematic front elevation view of two adjacent mounting bracket assemblies of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting bracket assemblies being configured for mounting to a lower wall or lower portion of a torque tube beam of the solar tracker assembly to secure a plurality of bifacial photovoltaic modules in landscape orientation to the torque tube beam in a “below the torque tube beam” mounting configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a mounting bracket assembly  200  for supporting a plurality of bifacial photovoltaic panels or modules  160  of a single axis solar tracker assembly  100  (also interchangeably referred to herein as a solar tracker system, a solar tracker apparatus, a solar tracking assembly, a solar tracking system, or a solar tracking apparatus) and coupling the plurality of bifacial photovoltaic modules  160  to a torque tube beam  120  of the solar tracker system or assembly or apparatus  100 . Specifically, the mounting bracket assembly  200  of the present disclosure, a first exemplary embodiment of which is depicted schematically in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , is configured to support the plurality of bifacial photovoltaic modules  160  in two spaced apart sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  in landscape orientation, that is, such that the longer edges of the first and second sets of modules  170 ,  180  extend parallel to the torque tube beam  120 . When viewed in top plan view, as best seen in  FIG.  2   , the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  are on opposite sides of the torque tube beam  120  and the facing longer edges of the modules are spaced apart by a gap or distance G. The gap G advantageously allows for sunlight to pass through the gap G and be reflected back from the ground/substrate and/or the torque tube beam  120  toward the lower or back surfaces surface (facing away from the sun) of the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  thereby increasing the quantity of indirect sunlight energy absorbed by those surfaces. The gap G also advantageously provides a central clearance area for dumping of snow from the upper or front surfaces of the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules if snow is sensed on the modules by a control systems of the tracker system  100  and a snow dumping routine is initiated by the control system to pivot the torque tube beam  120  (and thereby also pivot the plurality of modules  160  affixed thereto by the mounting bracket assembly  200 ) to remove the built up snow from the plurality of modules  160 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment disclosed in  FIGS.  1 - 5   , the solar tracker system  100  is a horizontal, single axis solar tracker system, however, it should be appreciated that the mounting bracket assembly  1200  of the present disclosure can be advantageously utilized in a variety of solar tracker systems having a plurality of photovoltaic modules  160  needing to be affixed or secured to a torque tube beam  120  wherein it is desired to have the modules  160  in landscape orientation, in two sets of modules separated by a gap G between facing edges of the two sets of modules, as schematically depicted in  FIG.  2   . The solar tracker assembly  100  will include a plurality of mounting bracket assemblies  200  of the present disclosure, extending along a length of the torque tube beam  120 . For simplicity, only a portion of the solar tracker assembly is depicted in the drawing figures. For example, one mounting bracket assembly is shown in its entirety and parts of two other mounting bracket assemblies of the present disclosure are shown in  FIG.  1   . The mounting bracket assemblies  200  are part of a table  110  of the solar tracker system  100  and used to mount the plurality of photovoltaic modules  160  to the torque tube beam  120  of the table  110 . The table  110  includes all components of the solar tracker system  100  that are driven by an actuator mechanism, such as a slew drive or linear actuator (not shown) to pivot about an axis of rotation of the table  110  of the solar tracker system  100 . The table  110  includes the plurality of photovoltaic modules  160 , the torque tube beam  120 , and a plurality of rotatable bearing assemblies  150  that support the torque tube beam  120 . Each of the bearing assemblies  150  is mounted to a support post  140 , which is driven into the ground or substrate. 
     The torque tube beam  120  comprises a plurality of torque tube beam segments  122 . Facing ends of adjacent torque tube beam segments  122  are coupled or affixed by a coupler  130 . The rotatable bearing assemblies  150  support the torque tube beam  120  and constrain the torque tube beam  120  to pivot or swing about the axis of rotation. In one exemplary embodiment, the torque tube beam  120  is a metal tube that is substantially square in cross section, having a hollow interior, and is centered about the torque tube beam longitudinal axis LA. In one exemplary embodiment the torque tube beam  120  is approximately 100 mm. by 100 mm. (approximately 4 in. by 4 in.) and includes a horizontal top or upper wall  124  and a horizontal lower wall  126 , spaced apart by a pair of vertically extending side walls  128 . Additional details regarding the solar tracker system  100  and the various components thereof are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,944,354 to Ballentine et al., issued Mar. 9, 2021, and entitled Solar Tracker Bearing Apparatus and in U.S. Pat. No. 11,271,518 to Ballentine et al., issued Mar. 8, 2022, and entitled Mounting Bracket for Mounting Photovoltaic Modules to Torque Tube Beam. U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,944,354 and 11,271,518 are both assigned to the assignee of the present application, and both are hereby incorporated by reference in their respective entireties herein. 
     First Exemplary Embodiment—Mounting Bracket Assembly  200   
     Individual mounting bracket assemblies  200  of the solar tracker assembly  100  are positioned in uniformly spaced apart locations along an extent of the torque tube beam  120 , that is, spaced along a longitudinal axis LA of the torque tube beam  120 , as schematically depicted in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . Each of the mounting bracket assemblies of the plurality of mounting bracket assemblies are substantially identical and thus it will be understood that the description of the representative mounting bracket assembly  200  of the present disclosure applies equally to all of the mounting bracket assemblies of the solar tracker system  100 . As mounted on the mounting bracket assemblies  200 , the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  160 ,  170 , when viewed in top plan view, are spaced by the gap G and are centered about and on opposite sides of the torque tube beam  120 . Additionally, as best seen in  FIG.  3   , the mounting bracket assemblies  200  position the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  160 ,  170  such that they are spaced vertically above (in the upward direction UP) above the torque tube beam  120 . As used herein, the direction X is a horizontal direction parallel to the torque tube beam longitudinal axis LA, typically, in the north-south direction, the direction Y is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the torque tube beam longitudinal axis LA, typically in the east-west direction, and the direction V is a vertical direction orthogonal to X and Y directions. The vertical direction V includes the upward direction UP, away from the ground/substrate, and the downward direction DW, toward the ground/substrate. The mounting bracket assemblies  200  both support first and second spaced apart sets of photovoltaic modules  160 ,  170  and secure or couple the sets of photovoltaic modules  160 ,  170  to the torque tube beam  120  such that the sets of photovoltaic modules  160 ,  170  pivot or rotate with the torque tube beam  120  and the upper surfaces of the sets of photovoltaic modules  160 ,  170  track the sun as the sun travels from east to west across the sky. As used herein, when referring to a horizontal position or orientation of components of the solar tracker assembly  100 , it is assumed that the solar tracker assembly is in a neutral position, as opposed to a tilted position, that is, with the sets of photovoltaic modules  160 ,  170  will be facing in the upward direction UP, as depicted, for example, in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . 
     With reference to the representative mounting bracket assembly  200 , the mounting bracket assembly supports three bifacial photovoltaic modules  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c  of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170  and three bifacial photovoltaic modules  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 . Specifically, the mounting bracket assembly  200  entirely supports the center modules  170   a ,  180   a  and partially supports the two flanking modules  170   b ,  180   b  on one side and partially supports the two flanking modules  170   c ,  180   c  on the opposite side. The modules  170   b ,  180   b  are supported by the combination of the mounting bracket assembly  200  and the adjacent mounting bracket assembly  200 ′ (as seen in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ) and the modules  170   c ,  180   c  are supported by the combination of the mounting bracket  200  and the adjacent mounting bracket  200 ″ ( FIGS.  1  and  2   ). To avoid potential damage or breakage, when bifacial photovoltaic modules such as the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  160 ,  170 , are supported by the mounting bracket  200  of the solar tracker system  100 , advantageously, each of the photovoltaic modules is supported and secured to the mounting bracket  200  along their longer longitudinal edges, as opposed to supporting the modules along the shorter transverse edges. As mentioned previously, it is also desired that the bifacial photovoltaic modules, like the first second sets of photovoltaic modules  160 ,  170 , be positioned in the landscape orientation (that is, the longer longitudinal edges of the modules extending parallel to the torque tube beam longitudinal axis LA). Advantageously, in the mounting bracket assembly  200  of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of photovoltaic modules  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  are supported along their respective longer longitudinal edge portions, as opposed to being supported by their shorter transverse edge portions. That is, in viewing a representative module  171  of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 , the module  171  is supported along its longitudinal edges or longitudinal edge portions  172   a ,  172   b  by the combination of mounting bracket assembly  200  and the adjacent mounting bracket  200 ′, as opposed to the shorter transverse edge portions  174  of the module  171  which extend orthogonally to the longitudinal edge portions  172   a ,  172   b . Similarly, in viewing a representative module  181  of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 , the module  181  is supported along its longitudinal edges or longitudinal edge portions  182   a ,  182   b  by the combination of mounting bracket assembly  200  and the adjacent mounting bracket  200 ′, as opposed to the shorter transverse edge portions  184  of the module  181  which extend orthogonally to the longitudinal edge portions  182   a ,  182   b.    
     As best seen in  FIGS.  2 ,  4 ,  6  and  7   , in one exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket assembly  200  includes: a) a module support framework  250  including a first module support member  500  for supporting a subset of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 , specifically, longitudinally extending edges of modules  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c , and a second module support member  550  for supporting a subset of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 , specifically, longitudinally extending edges of modules  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c ; and b) an attachment structure  280  including first and second base members  200 ,  250 , first and second mounting brackets  400 ,  450  and first and second securement members  600 ,  650  for securing or coupling the module support framework  250 , and thereby securing or coupling the first and second set of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180 , to the torque tube beam  120 . With respect to explaining the components of the representative mounting bracket assembly  200 , reference to the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180 , will be understood to mean the subset of modules  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c  of the first set of modules  170  and will be understood to mean the subset of modules  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  of the second set of modules  180 . The mounting bracket assembly  200  includes a central axis CA ( FIGS.  2  and  3   ) which is parallel to and vertically spaced above the torque tube beam longitudinal axis LA. A transverse axis TA of the mounting bracket assembly  200  intersects and is orthogonal to the central axis CA. Both the central and transverse axes CA, TA are coincident with a horizontal support plane SP defined by the mounting bracket assembly  200 . The support plane SP is defined by respective horizontal bases  512 ,  532  of first and second support arms  510 ,  530  of the first module support member  500  of the module support framework  250  of the mounting bracket assembly  200  and respective horizontal bases  562 ,  582  of the third and fourth support arms  560 ,  580  of the second module support member  550  of the module support framework  250  of the mounting bracket assembly  200  which function to support the longer or longitudinally extending edges of modules  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c  of the first set of modules  170  and the longitudinally extending edges of modules  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  of the second set of modules  180 . Stated another way, the module support framework  250 , at least in part, includes bases  512 ,  532 ,  562 ,  582  that define a plurality of support surfaces for supporting the longitudinally extending edges of modules  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c  of the first set of modules  170  and the longitudinally extending edges of modules  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  of the second set of modules  180 . The support surfaces defined by the bases  512 ,  532 ,  562 ,  582 , in turn, define the horizontal support plane SP. The support plane SP includes both the mounting bracket assembly central axis CA and the transverse axis TA. 
     With respect to the attachment structure  280  of the mounting bracket assembly  200 , the first and second base members  200 ,  250  and first and second mounting brackets  400 ,  450  extend along respective first and second mounting bracket axes MBA 1 , MBA 2  ( FIG.  7   ) that are horizontal and orthogonal to the mounting bracket assembly central axis CA and parallel to the transverse axis TA. With respect to vertical position, the first and second mounting bracket axes MBA 1 , MBA 2  are disposed between the central and transverse axes CA, TA of the mounting bracket assembly  200  and the torque tube beam longitudinal axis LA, that is, vertically upward UP with respect to the torque tube beam longitudinal axis LA and vertically downward DW with respect to the central and transverse axes CA, TA. 
     Attachment Structure  280   
     In one exemplary embodiment and as best seen in  FIGS.  3 ,  4  and  6   , the mounting bracket assembly  200  includes the attachment structure  280  comprising the first and second base members  200 ,  250 , the first and second mounting brackets  400 ,  450 , which respectively receive the first and second base members  300 ,  350  in nested relationship  432 , and first and second securement members  600 ,  650  for securing or coupling the module support framework  250  (and the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  mounted thereto) to the torque tube beam  120 . As best seen in  FIG.  6   , the first base member  300  of the attachment structure  280  extends along the first mounting bracket axis MBA 1  and includes a generally planar central or lower wall  310  and first and second side walls  320  extending upwardly from the central or lower wall  310 . The first and second side walls  320  are substantially parallel with each other and are substantially parallel to the first mounting bracket axis MBA 1 . The central wall  310  includes a plurality of openings and the central wall  310  and the first and second side walls  320  define a generally u-shaped opening  330 . Similarly, the second base member  350  of the attachment structure  280  is identical of the first base member  300  and extends along the second mounting bracket axis MBA 2  and includes a generally planar central or lower wall  360  and first and second side walls  370  extending upwardly from the central or lower wall  360 . The first and second side walls  320  are substantially parallel with each other and are substantially parallel to the second mounting bracket axis MBA 2 . The central wall  360  includes a plurality of openings and the central wall  360  and the first and second side walls  370  define a longitudinally extending generally u-shaped opening  330 . 
     The first mounting bracket  400  of the attachment structure  280  extends along the first mounting bracket axis MBA 1  and includes a central or upper wall  410  and first and second side walls  420  extending downwardly from the central or upper wall  410 , the first and second side walls  420  each includes horizontal end portions  422  that bear against the upper wall  124  of the torque tube beam  120 . The first and second side walls  420  are substantially parallel with each other and are substantially parallel to the first mounting bracket axis MBA 1 . The upper wall  410  includes a recessed central region  412  which includes a plurality of openings  415 . The central wall  410  and the first and second side walls  420  define an inverted u-shaped opening  430 . The inverted u-shaped opening  430  of the first mounting bracket  400  receives the first base member  300  in a nested relationship  432 , as best seen in  FIG.  6   . Looking along a length of the first mounting bracket  400 , the first mounting bracket  400  includes first and second end portions  440  spaced apart by a central portion  441 . The central portion  441  includes a midpoint region  442  which bisects a longitudinal extent, as measured along the first mounting bracket axis MBA 1  of the first mounting bracket  400 . 
     The second mounting bracket  450  of the attachment structure  280  is substantially identical to the first mounting bracket  400  and extends along the second mounting bracket axis MBA 2  and includes an upper wall  460  and first and second side walls  470  extending downwardly from the upper wall  460 , the first and second side walls  470  each includes horizontal end portions that bear against the upper wall  124  of the torque tube beam  120 . The first and second side walls  470  are substantially parallel with each other and are substantially parallel to the second mounting bracket axis MBA 1 . The upper wall  460  includes a recessed central region which includes a plurality of openings. The upper wall  460  and the first and second side walls  470  define an inverted u-shaped opening. The inverted u-shaped opening of the second mounting bracket  450  receives the second base member  350  in the nested relationship. Looking along a length of the second mounting bracket  450 , the second mounting bracket  450  includes first and second end portions  490  spaced apart by a central portion  491 . The central portion  491  includes a midpoint region  492  which bisects a longitudinal extent, as measured along the second mounting bracket axis MBA 2 , of the second mounting bracket  450 . 
     As mentioned above, the first base member  300  is disposed in a nested configuration or relationship  432  within the inverted u-shaped opening  430  defined by the upper wall  410  and side walls  420  of the first mounting bracket  400  and the second base member  350 , which is substantially identical to the first base member  300 , is similarly disposed in a nested configuration or relationship within the inverted u-shaped opening defined by the upper wall  460  and side walls  470  of the second mounting bracket  450 . As best seen in  FIG.  6   , the upper end portions  322  of the first and second side walls  320  of the first base member  300  bear against and provide support to the upper wall  410  of the first mounting bracket  400  thereby advantageously providing reinforcement and additional structural rigidity to the first mounting bracket  400  and enhancing the overall strength and structural rigidity of the mounting bracket assembly  200  as a whole. Similarly, the upper end portions of the first and second side walls  370  of the second base member  350  bear against and provide support to the upper wall  460  of the second mounting bracket  450  thereby advantageously providing reinforcement and additional structural rigidity to the second mounting bracket  400  and enhancing the overall strength and structural rigidity of the mounting bracket assembly  200  as a whole. As can best be seen in  FIG.  5   , in one exemplary embodiment, the first base member  300  is centered along a length of the first mounting bracket  400  and, as measured along the mounting bracket axis MBA 1 , a length of the first base member  300  is about 60% of the length of the first mounting bracket  400  as measured along the mounting bracket axis MBA 1 . Similarly, in one exemplary embodiment, the second base member  350  is centered along a length of the second mounting bracket  450  and, as measured along the mounting bracket axis MBA 2 , is about 60% of the length of the second mounting bracket  450 , as measured along the mounting bracket axis MBA 2 . 
     As best seem in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , the first securement member  600  of the attachment structure  280  includes a strap  610 . The strap  610  includes end portions  612  with openings  614 . The openings  614  at opposite end portions  612  of the strap  610  receive a first pair of connectors  630 . Each connector of the first pair of connectors  630  includes a threaded fastener body  632  and associated mating nuts. The threaded fastener body  632  passes through aligned openings of: a) the end portions  612  of the strap  610 ; b) the lower wall  310  of the first base member  300 ; and c) the recessed central region  412  of the upper wall  410  of the first mounting bracket  400 . When the strap  610  of the first securement member  600  is tightened against the lower wall  126  of the torque tube beam  120  by the first pair of connectors  630 : a) the strap  610  bears against the lower wall  126  of the torque tube beam  120 ; b) the lower wall  310  of the first base member  310  bears against the upper wall  124  of the torque tube beam  120 ; c) the horizontal end portions  422  of the side walls  420  of the first mounting bracket  400  bear against the upper wall  124  of the torque tube beam  120 ; and d) the upper ends of the side walls  322  of the first base member  310  bears against the upper wall  410  of the first mounting bracket  400 . Additionally, when the strap  610  of the first securement member  600  is tightened against the lower wall  126  of the torque tube beam  120  by the first pair of threaded connectors  630 , both the horizontal base  532  of the second support arm  530  of the first module support member  500  and the horizontal base  582  of the fourth support arm  580  of the second module support member  550  are secured to and bear against the upper wall  410  of the first mounting bracket  400  to thereby secure the first and second module support members  500 ,  550  to the first mounting bracket  400  and thereby securely couple the first and second module support members  500 ,  550  (along with the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  supported by the support members  500 ,  550 ) to the torque tube beam  120 . Further, as best seen in  FIGS.  3 - 6   , in addition to the first pair of threaded connectors  630  which function to secure the first base member  300  and the first mounting bracket  400 , the first base member  300  and the first mounting bracket  400  are additionally affixed by a plurality of threaded fasteners  325 , which are part of the attachment structure  280 . The plurality threaded fasteners  325  pass through aligned openings in the central wall  310  of the first base member  300  and the central wall  410  of the first mounting bracket  400  to secure the first base member  300  to the first mounting bracket  400 . 
     Similarly, the second securement member  650  of the attachment structure  280  is substantially identical to the first securement member  600  and includes a strap  660 . The strap  660  includes end portions  662  with openings. The openings at opposite end portions  662  of the strap  660  receive a second pair of threaded connectors  680 . Each connector of the second pair of connectors  680  includes a threaded fastener body  632  and associated mating nuts which thread onto the threaded fastener body. The threaded fastener body  632  passes through aligned openings of: a) the end portions  662  of the strap  660 ; b) the lower wall  360  of the second base member  350 ; and c) the recessed central region of the upper wall  460  of the second mounting bracket  450 . When the strap  660  of the second securement member  650  is tightened against the lower wall  126  of the torque tube beam  120  by the second pair of connectors  680 : a) the strap  660  bears against the lower wall  126  of the torque tube beam  120 ; b) the lower wall  310  of the second base member  360  bears against the upper wall  124  of the torque tube beam  120 ; c) the horizontal end portions of the side walls  470  of the second mounting bracket  450  bear against the upper wall  124  of the torque tube beam  120 ; and d) the upper ends of the side walls  322  of the first base member  310  bears against the central or upper wall  410  of the first mounting bracket  400 . Additionally, when the strap  660  of the second securement member  650  is tightened against the lower wall  126  of the torque tube beam  120  by the second pair of connectors  680 , both the horizontal base  532  of the second support arm  530  of the first module support member  500  and the horizontal base  582  of the fourth support arm  580  of the second module support member  550  are secured to and bear against the upper wall  460  of the second mounting bracket  450  to thereby secure the first and second module support members  500 ,  550  to the second mounting bracket  450  and thereby securely couple the first and second module support members  500 ,  550  (along with the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  supported by the support members  500 ,  550 ) to the torque tube beam  120 . Further, as best seen in  FIGS.  3 - 6   , in addition to the second pair of threaded connectors  680 , which function to secure the first base member  300  and the first mounting bracket  400 , the second base member  350  and the second mounting bracket  450  are additionally affixed by a plurality of threaded fasteners  375 , which are part of the attachment structure  280 . The plurality threaded fasteners  375  pass through aligned openings in the central wall  360  of the second base member  350  and the central wall  460  of the second mounting bracket  450  to secure the second base member  350  to the second mounting bracket  400 . 
     Module Support Framework  250   
     The module support framework  250  supports the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  and includes the first and second module support members  500 ,  550 . The module support members are affixed, via the attachment structure  280 , to the torque tube beam  120  such that the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  pivot with the torque tube beam  130 . As viewed in top plan view ( FIGS.  2  and  7   ), the first and second module support members  550 ,  550  are on opposite sides of and spaced from the torque tube beam  120  thereby defining the gap G between facing, longitudinally extending edges of the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180 . The gap G is substantially equal to the distance between a vertically extending ledge  540  of the second support arm  530  of the first module support member  500  and a vertically extending ledge  590  of the fourth support arm  580  of the second module support member  550 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the first module support member  500  includes two parallel support arms, namely, first and second support arms  510 ,  530 , which extend parallel to each other and the central axis CA of the mounting bracket assembly  200 . The second support arm  530  is closer to the central axis CA and the distance between the first and second support arms  510 ,  530  is sized to accept the shorter transverse sides of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 . The first support arm  510  includes the horizontal base  512  extending orthogonally from a vertically extending ledge  520 . The horizontal base  512  and the vertically extending ledge  520  advantageously provide support to and constrain movement of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170  with respect to the mounting bracket assembly  200 . The horizontal base  512  of the first support arm  510  includes openings  515  which are configured to receive connectors which secure the modules  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c  to the support arm  510 . Looking along a length or extent of the first support arm  510 , the first support arm  510  includes a central portion  522  which supports an entirety of an outwardly facing longitudinal edge of the photovoltaic module  170   a  of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 . The central portion  522  of the first support arm  510  extends between the end portion  440  of the first mounting bracket  400  and the end portion  490  of the second mounting bracket  450 . The first support arm  510  also includes first and second extending end portions  524 ,  525 . The first end portion  524  of the first support arm  510  extends beyond the end portion  440  of the first mounting bracket  400  and supports a portion of an outwardly facing longitudinal edge of the photovoltaic module  170   b  of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 , while the second end portion  525  of the first support arm  510  extends beyond the end portion  490  of the second mounting bracket  450  and supports a portion of an outwardly facing longitudinal edge portion of the photovoltaic module  170   c  of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 . By “inwardly facing longitudinal edge”, what is being referred to is the photovoltaic module longitudinally extending edge closer to and facing toward the mounting bracket assembly central axis CA, i.e., the longitudinal edge portion labeled  172   b  of the representative photovoltaic module  171  in  FIG.  2   . By “outwardly facing longitudinal edge”, what is being referred to is the photovoltaic module longitudinally extending edge further away from and facing away from the mounting bracket assembly central axis CA, i.e., the longitudinal edge portion labeled  172   a  of the representative photovoltaic module  171  in  FIG.  2   . 
     The second support arm  530  of the first module support member  500  includes the horizontal base  532  extending orthogonally from a vertically extending ledge  540 . The horizontal base  532  and the vertically extending ledge  540  advantageously provide support to and constrain movement of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170  with respect to the mounting bracket assembly  200 . The horizontal base  532  of the second support arm  530  includes openings  535  which are configured to receive connectors which secure the modules  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c  to the support arm  530 . Looking along a length or extent of the second support arm  530 , the second support arm  530  includes a central portion  542  which supports an entirety of an inwardly facing longitudinal edge of the photovoltaic module  170   a  of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 . The central portion  542  of the second support arm  530  extends between the end portion  440  of the first mounting bracket  400  and the end portion  490  of the second mounting bracket  450 . The second support arm  530  also includes first and second extending end portions  544 ,  545 . The first end portion  544  of the second support arm  530  extends beyond the end portion  440  of the first mounting bracket  400  and supports a portion of an inwardly facing longitudinal edge of the photovoltaic module  170   b  of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 , while the second end portion  545  of the second support arm  530  extends beyond the end portion  490  of the second mounting bracket  450  and supports a portion of an inwardly facing longitudinal edge of the photovoltaic module  170   c  of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 . 
     The third support arm  560  of the second module support member  550  includes the horizontal base  562  extending orthogonally from a vertically extending ledge  570 . The horizontal base  562  and the vertically extending ledge  570  advantageously provide support to and constrain movement of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180  with respect to the mounting bracket assembly  200 . The horizontal base  562  of the third support arm  560  includes openings  565  which are configured to receive connectors which secure the modules  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  to the support arm  560 . Looking along a length or extent of the third support arm  560 , the third support arm  560  includes a central portion  572  which supports an entirety of an outwardly facing longitudinal edge of the photovoltaic module  180   a  of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 . The central portion  572  of the third support arm  560  extends between the end portion  440  of the first mounting bracket  400  and the end portion  490  of the second mounting bracket  450 . The third support arm  560  also includes first and second extending end portions  574 ,  575 . The first end portion  574  of the third support arm  560  extends beyond the end portion  440  of the first mounting bracket  400  and supports a portion of an outwardly facing longitudinal edge of the photovoltaic module  180   b  of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 , while the second end portion  575  of the third support arm  560  extends beyond the end portion  490  of the second mounting bracket  450  and supports a portion of an outwardly facing longitudinal edge of the photovoltaic module  180   c  of the second set of photovoltaic modules  170 . 
     The fourth support arm  580  of the second module support member  550  includes the horizontal base  582  extending orthogonally from a vertically extending ledge  590 . The horizontal base  582  and the vertically extending ledge  590  advantageously provide support to and constrain movement of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180  with respect to the mounting bracket assembly  200 . The horizontal base  582  of the fourth support arm  580  includes openings  585  which are configured to receive connectors which secure the modules  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  to the support arm  580 . Looking along a length or extent of the fourth support arm  580 , the fourth support arm  580  includes a central portion  592  which supports an entirety of an inwardly facing longitudinal edge of the photovoltaic module  180   a  of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 . The central portion  592  of the fourth support arm  580  extends between the end portion  440  of the first mounting bracket  400  and the end portion  490  of the second mounting bracket  450 . The fourth support arm  580  also includes first and second extending end portions  594 ,  595 . The first end portion  594  of the fourth support arm  580  extends beyond the end portion  440  of the first mounting bracket  400  and supports a portion of an outwardly facing longitudinal edge of the photovoltaic module  180   b  of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 , while the second end portion  595  of the fourth support arm  580  extends beyond the end portion  490  of the second mounting bracket  450  and supports a portion of an outwardly facing longitudinal edge of the photovoltaic module  180   c  of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 . 
     It should be understood and appreciated that, for cost-saving purposes, especially under low-load conditions, it may be sufficient for the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  to only be secured to mounting bracket assembly by affixing (for example, by bolting or clamping) the transverse edge portions  174  of photovoltaic modules, such as the representative photovoltaic module  171 , of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170  to the upper walls  410 ,  460  of the first and second mounting brackets  400 ,  450  and similarly by affixing, by bolting or clamping, the transverse edge portions of photovoltaic modules of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180  to the upper walls  410 ,  460  of the first and second mounting brackets  400 ,  450 . That is, longitudinally extending edge portions  172   a ,  172   b  of the modules, such as the representative module  171 , of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170  may rest on (without being affixed to by, for example, bolting or clamping) the first and second support arms  510 ,  530  of the first module support member  500 . As such, the first and second support arms  510 ,  530  engage and support the respective longitudinally extending edge portions  172   a ,  172   b  of the photovoltaic modules, such as the representative photovoltaic module  171 , of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170  without the longitudinally extending edge portions  172   a ,  172   b  being affixed, by either bolting or clamping, to the first and second support arms  510 ,  530 . Similarly, longitudinally extending edge portions of the modules of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180  may similarly rest on (without being affixed to by, for example, bolting or clamping) the third and fourth support arms  560 ,  580  of the second module support member  550 . As such, the third and fourth support arms  560 ,  580  engage and support the respective longitudinally extending edge portions of the photovoltaic modules of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180  without the longitudinally extending edge portions being affixed, by either bolting or clamping, to the third and fourth support arms  560 ,  580 . Additionally, for cost-saving purposes, in such a configuration, one or more of the first and second support arms  510 ,  530  of the first module support member  500  and the third and fourth support arms  560 ,  580  of the second modules support member  550  may simply be eliminated from the mounting bracket assembly  200 . For example, the interior support arms, i.e., the second support arm  530  of the first module support member  500  and the fourth support arm  580  of the second module support member  550  may be eliminated for cost saving purposes. It is within the scope of the mounting bracket assembly of the present disclosure to include and encompass all such modifications discussed above, as well as other modifications of the disclosed mounting bracket assembly that would be recognized by those of skill in the art. 
     Transport Configuration  950  and Assembled Configuration  900   
     As best seen in a comparison of  FIGS.  7  and  8   , advantageously, the mounting bracket assembly  200  of the present disclosure can be partially assembled at the factory and transported to an installation site of the solar tracker system  100  in a partially folded or transport configuration  950  ( FIG.  8   ). The advantage of the partial assembly of the mounting bracket  200  at the factory, as compared to full assembly of the mounting bracket assembly  200  at a remote installation site is significant. Typically, labor costs at a remote installation site are significantly higher than at the factory, thus, every component of the mounting bracket assembly  200  that can be preassembled at the factory, as opposed to assembly of those components in the field, represents a significant cost reduction to the purchaser. Additionally, in the transport configuration  950 , the mounting bracket assembly  200  is a reduced sized configuration, this smaller footprint or volume of the mounting bracket assembly  200  advantageously provides for storage and transportation efficiencies. To facilitate folding the mounting bracket assembly  200  to the transport configuration  950  at the factory, the first and second sets of connectors  630 ,  680  are assembled loosely such that the second support arm  530  of the first module support member  500  and the fourth support arm  580  of the second module support member  550  are sufficiently loose to permit pivoting of the second support arm  530  and the fourth support arm  580  with respect to the first and second mounting brackets  400 ,  450 . 
     Additionally, two peripheral connectors  700  ( FIG.  7   ) which couple the first support arm  510  of the first module support member  500  to respective end portions  440 ,  490  of the first and second mounting brackets  400 ,  450  and two additional peripheral connectors  720  which couple the third support arm  560  of the second module support member  550  to respective end portions  440 ,  490  of the first and second mounting brackets  400 ,  450  are assembled at the factory with sufficient looseness to permit pivoting of the first support arm  510  and the third support arm  560  with respect to the first and second mounting brackets  400 ,  450 . This permits pivoting the first, second, third and fourth support arms  510 ,  530 ,  560 ,  580  of the first and second module support members  500 ,  550  with respect to the first and second mounting brackets  400 ,  450  to achieve the folded or transport configuration  950  of the mounting bracket assembly  200  by applying force to the third support arm  560  of the second module support member  550  in a folding direction (labeled FD in  FIG.  8   ). Once the mounting bracket assembly  200  is at the installation site, the mounting bracket assembly  200  is pivoted from the folded or transport configuration  950  to its open or assembled condition  900  and the first and second sets of connectors  630 ,  680  and the four peripheral connectors  700 ,  720  are fastened or tightened to lock the mounting bracket assembly  200  in the assembled configuration  900  and to further affix or secure the mounting bracket assembly  200  to the torque tube beam  120 . 
     It should be understood and appreciated that while the mounting bracket assembly  200  of the present disclosure is configured to support first and second sets of bifacial photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  in landscape orientation with the gap G between opposing or facing edges of the first and second sets of modules  170 ,  180 , the mounting bracket assembly  200  may also be used for supporting other types of photovoltaic modules or solar panels including, but not limited to, monofacial photovoltaic modules and/or supporting various combinations of photovoltaic modules or solar panels in a solar tracker assembly or system. 
     Second Exemplary Embodiment—Mounting Bracket Assembly  1200   
     A second exemplary embodiment of the mounting bracket assembly of the present disclosure is shown generally at  1200  in  FIG.  9   . The components of the mounting bracket assembly  1200  are similar in structure to the corresponding components of the mounting bracket assembly  200  of the first embodiment and, for brevity, will not be discussed in detail, reference being made to the prior discussion of the mounting bracket assembly  200 . One of the differences between the mounting bracket assembly  200  and the mounting bracket assembly  1200  is that the mounting bracket assembly  200  of the first exemplary embodiment was affixed to the torque tube beam  120  by the first and second securement members  600 ,  650  of the attachment structure  280  such that the first and second base members  300 ,  350  and the first and second mounting brackets  400 ,  450  were positioned and mounted on the upper wall  124  of the torque tube beam  120 . This can best be seen, for example, in  FIGS.  3 ,  3 A and  4   . By contrast, in the mounting bracket assembly  1200  of the second exemplary embodiment, first and second base members and first and second mounting brackets are mounted to the torque tube beam  120  such that the first and second base members and the first and second mounting brackets are positioned and mounted on or to the lower wall  126  of the torque tube beam  120 . Only the first mounting bracket  1450  of the mounting bracket assembly  1200  is schematically depicted in the front elevation view of  FIG.  9   . However, the first and second base members of the mounting bracket assembly  1200  of the second exemplary embodiment are similar in structure and function to the first and second base members  300 ,  350  of the mounting bracket assembly  200  of the first exemplary embodiment and the first and second mounting brackets of the mounting bracket assembly  1200  of the second exemplary embodiment are similar in structure and function to the first and second mounting brackets  400 ,  450  of the mounting bracket assembly  200  of the first exemplary embodiment. Specifically, the first base member of the attachment structure  1280  of the mounting bracket assembly  1200  interfits in a nested configuration  1432  within an upright oriented u-shaped opening  1430  defined by upper wall and side walls of the first mounting bracket  1400 . Similarly, although not shown, the second base member interfits in a nested configuration or relationship within an inverted u-shaped opening defined by upper wall and side walls of the second mounting bracket. 
     With respect to the attachment structure  1280  of the mounting bracket assembly  1200 , the first and second base members and first and second mounting brackets extend along respective first and second mounting bracket axes MBA 1 , MBA 2  that are horizontal and orthogonal to a central axis CA of the mounting bracket assembly  1200  and parallel to a transverse axis TA. In the mounting bracket assembly  1200 , the central axis CA and the transverse axis TA intersect and lie within a support plane SP of the mounting bracket assembly  1200 . With respect to vertical position, the first and second mounting bracket axes MBA 1 , MBA 2  are disposed below, that is vertically downward DW, of the central and transverse axes CA, TA of the mounting bracket assembly  200  and also below, that is vertically downward DW, of the torque tube beam longitudinal axis LA. As can be seen in  FIG.  9   , the positioning of the first and second base members and first and second mounting brackets below the lower wall  126  of the torque tube beam  120  results in the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180 , as well as the module support framework  1250 , including the first and second module support members  1500 ,  1550 , being positioned in the vertical direction V, between the upper and lower walls  124 ,  126  of the torque tube beam  120 . The “below the torque tube beam” mounting configuration of the mounting bracket assembly  1200  of the second exemplary embodiment is advantageous in that it brings the solar tracker system  100  closer to a desirable balance position wherein, as measured with respect to the vertical axis, a center of gravity of the table  110  of the solar tracker assembly  100  is close to a vertical position of an axis of rotation of the table  100 . A “balanced” configuration of the table  110  is advantageous in that a balanced table requires less torque and accordingly less energy to pivot the table, as compared to an unbalanced table. The table of the solar tracker assembly includes all the pivoting or moving parts of the solar tracker assembly  100  (including moving parts of the actuator mechanism, the torque tube beam, the moving parts of the solar tracker bearing apparatuses, the mounting bracket assemblies and the first and second sets of bifacial photovoltaic modules. A shortcoming of the “below the torque tube beam” mounting configuration of the mounting bracket assembly  1200  is that in the early and late parts of the day, when the sun is just rising above the horizon or just setting, the projection of the side walls  128  and upper wall  124  of the torque tube beam  120  will tend to shade portions of the upper surfaces of first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180 , even with the table at its maximum angles of inclination. This is referred to as undesired “shading” of the photovoltaic modules at near sunrise and near sunset periods. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket assembly  1200  of the second exemplary embodiment includes a module support framework  1250 , for supporting first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  in spaced apart relationship on opposite sides of the torque tube beam  120 , as viewed in top plan view, and an attachment structure  1280 , for coupling the module support framework  1250  to the torque tube beam  120 . The module support framework  1250  includes first and second module support members  1500 ,  1550 , which are similar in structure and function to the first and second module support members  500 ,  550  of the module support framework  250  of the mounting bracket assembly  200  of the first exemplary embodiment. In one exemplary embodiment, the first module support member  1500  includes a first support arm  1520 , an extending end  1524  can be seen in  FIG.  9   , and a second support arm  1530 , an extending end  1544  can be seen in  FIG.  9   . The first support arm  1520  includes a horizontal base  1512 , which engages and supports longitudinally extending edge portion  172   a  of the representative photovoltaic module  171  (which, in the depiction of  FIG.  9    is module  170   b ) of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 , and a vertically extending ledge  1520  extending upwardly from the horizontal base  1512 . Similarly, the second support arm  1530  includes a horizontal base  1532 , which engages and supports longitudinally extending edge portion  172   b  of the representative photovoltaic module  171  (which, in the depiction of  FIG.  9    is module  170   b ) of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 , and a vertically extending ledge  1540  extending upwardly from the horizontal base  1532 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the second module support member  1550  includes a third support arm  1560 , an extending end  1574  can be seen in  FIG.  9   , and a fourth support arm  1580 , an extending end  1594  can be seen in  FIG.  9   . The third support arm  1560  includes a horizontal base  1562 , which engages and supports longitudinally extending edge portion  182   a  of the representative photovoltaic module  181  (which, in the depiction of  FIG.  9    is module  180   b ) of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 , and a vertically extending ledge  1570  extending upwardly from the horizontal base  1562 . Similarly, the fourth support arm  1580  includes a horizontal base  1582 , which engages and supports longitudinally extending edge portion  182   b  of the representative photovoltaic module  181  (which, in the depiction of  FIG.  9    is module  180   b ) of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 , and a vertically extending ledge  1590  extending upwardly from the horizontal base  1582 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the attachment structure  1280  includes the first and second base members, the first and second mounting brackets, which respectively receive the first and second base members in nested relationship  1432 , and first and second securement members (only securement member  1600  is schematically depicted in  FIG.  9   ) for securing or coupling the module support framework  1250  (and the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  mounted thereto) to the lower wall  126  of the torque tube beam  120 . As only the first mounting bracket  1400  is schematically depicted in  FIG.  9   , only the first mounting bracket  1400  will be discussed, appreciating that the second mounting bracket is similar in structure and function. The first mounting bracket  1400  includes an upper wall  1410  and first and second side walls  1420  extending downwardly from the upper wall  1410 , the first and second side walls  1420  each includes horizontal end portions. The upper wall  1410  of the first mounting bracket  1400  bears against the lower wall  126  of the torque tube beam  120 . The upper wall  1410  also bears against and supports the respective horizontal bases  512 ,  532 ,  562 ,  582  of the first and second module support members  500 ,  550 . The upper wall  1410  and the first and second side walls  1420  define the upright u-shaped opening  1430 . The upright u-shaped opening  1430  of the first mounting bracket  400  receives the first base member in a nested relationship  1432 . Looking along a length of the first mounting bracket  1400 , the first mounting bracket  1400  includes first and second end portions  1440  spaced apart by a central portion  1441 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the first securement member  1600  of the attachment structure  1280  includes a strap  1610 . The strap  1610  includes end portions  1612  with openings. The openings at opposite end portions  1612  of the strap  1610  receive a first pair of connectors  1630 . Each connector of the first pair of connectors  1630  includes a threaded fastener body and associated mating nuts. The threaded fastener body passes through aligned openings of: a) the end portions  1612  of the strap  1610 ; b) a lower wall of the first base member; and c) a recessed central region of the upper wall  1410  of the first mounting bracket  1400 . When the strap  1610  of the first securement member  1600  is tightened against the upper wall  124  of the torque tube beam  120  by the first pair of connectors  1630 : a) the strap  1610  bears against the upper wall  124  of the torque tube beam  120 ; b) the upper wall  1410  of the first mounting bracket  400  bear against the lower wall  126  of the torque tube beam  120 ; and c) the upper ends of side walls of the first base member bears against the upper wall  1410  of the first mounting bracket  1400 . Additionally, when the strap  1610  of the first securement member  1600  is tightened against the upper wall  124  of the torque tube beam  120  by the first pair of connectors  1630 , both the horizontal base  1532  of the second support arm  1530  of the first module support member  1500  and the horizontal base  1582  of the fourth support arm  1580  of the second module support member  1550  are secured to and bear against the upper wall  1410  of the first mounting bracket  1400  to thereby secure the first and second module support members  1500 ,  1550  to the first mounting bracket  1400  and thereby securely couple the first and second module support members  1500 ,  1550  (along with the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  supported by the support members  500 ,  550 ) to the torque tube beam  120 . While the second securement member of the attachment structure  1280  is not shown in  FIG.  9    is not shown, it has a similar configuration and structure as the first securement member  1600 , as described above. 
     Third Exemplary Embodiment—Mounting Bracket Assembly  2200   
     A third exemplary embodiment of the mounting bracket assembly of the present disclosure is shown generally at  2200  in  FIGS.  10 - 17   . The mounting bracket assembly  2200  is a “below the torque tube beam” mounting configuration that is generally similar to the mounting bracket assembly  1200  of the second exemplary embodiment. Specifically, in the mounting bracket assembly  1200 , the first and second base members  2300 ,  2350  and first and second mounting brackets  2400 ,  2450  are mounted to the torque tube beam  120  such that the first and second base members  2300 ,  2350  and the first and second mounting brackets  2400 ,  2450  are positioned below and mounted or secured to the lower wall  126  of the torque tube beam  120 . The components of the mounting bracket assembly  2200  are similar in structure to the corresponding components of the mounting bracket assembly  200  of the first embodiment and the mounting bracket assembly  1200  of the second embodiment and, for brevity, will not be discussed in detail, reference being made to the prior discussion of the mounting bracket assemblies  200 ,  1200 . 
     As mentioned in connection with the mounting bracket assembly  1200  of the second exemplary embodiment, a shortcoming of the “below the torque tube beam” mounting configuration of the mounting bracket assembly  1200  is that in the early and later parts of the day, when the sun is near the horizon, the projection of the side walls  128  and upper wall  124  of the torque tube beam  120  will tend to shade portions of the upper surfaces of first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180 , even with the table at its maximum angles of inclination. To mitigate, at least to a degree, the aforementioned “shading” issue and, additionally and advantageously, to bring the solar tracker system  100  closer to the desirable balanced position by raising a center of gravity of the table  110  of the solar tracker assembly  100 , as necessary, such that the table center of gravity, as measured with respect to the vertical axis, is closer to the vertical position of the axis of rotation of the table  100 , in the mounting bracket assembly  2400  of the third exemplary embodiment, an intermediate spacer assembly or pedestal assembly  2800  is provided to effectively vertically raise or lift the first and second sets of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180 , with respect to the upper wall  124  of the torque tube beam  120 . The pedestal assembly  2800 , in one exemplary embodiment, includes: a) a first set of pedestals  2805  interposed between the first mounting bracket  2400  and the respective horizontal bases  2512 ,  2532  of the first and second support arms  2510 ,  2530  of the first module support member  2500  and the horizontal bases  2562 ,  2582  of the third and fourth support arms  2560 ,  2580  of the second module support member  2550 ; and b) a second set of pedestals  2855  interposed between the second mounting bracket  2450  and the horizontal bases  2512 ,  2532  of the first and second support arms  2510 ,  2530  of the first module support member  2500  and the horizontal bases  2562 ,  2582  of the third and fourth support arms  2560 ,  2580  of the second module support member  2550 . Advantageously, the pedestal assembly  2800  has the effect of vertically raising the upper surfaces of the first and second set of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  with respect to the torque tube beam  120 , thereby mitigating the shading effect at near sunrise and near sunset time periods and also has the effect of vertically raising the center of gravity of the table  100 , as necessary, to bring the solar tracker assembly  100  closer to a balanced condition. 
     The first set of pedestals  2805  include a first central pedestal  2810 , a first edge pedestal  2830 , and a second edge pedestal  2850 . The first central pedestal  2810  includes a generally planar upper or central wall  2812  and a pair of laterally extending side or lateral walls  2814  extending downwardly from the central wall  2812 . The first central pedestal  2810  includes a central or middle portion  2816  and extending side portions  2818 . As best seen in  FIG.  16   , the central wall  2812  and the lateral or side walls  2814  in the central or middle portion  2816  of the first central pedestal  2810  includes an upper cutout  2817 , which is configured to receive and engage a lower portion of the torque tube beam  120 . The lower portion of the torque tube beam  120  includes the lower wall  126  and lower portions of the side walls  128 , which are received in the lower cutout  2817  in a nested relationship  2810 . The first central pedestal  2810  is secured to the torque tube beam  120  by the strap  2610  of the first securement member  2600 . As best seen in  FIG.  14   , a pair of vertically oriented fasteners  2630  pass through aligned openings in end portions  2612  of the strap  2610  and the upper wall  2812  of the first central pedestal  2810 . The first mounting bracket  2810 , in turn, is affixed to the lateral walls  2814  of the first central pedestal  2810  by a set of horizontally oriented connectors or fasteners  2829  which pass through aligned openings in the lateral walls  2814  of the first central pedestal  2810  and side walls  2420  of the first mounting bracket  2400 . The horizontal bases  2532 ,  2582  of the second and fourth support arms  2530 ,  2580  are, in turn, are affixed to the upper wall  2812  of the first central pedestal  2810  by a pair of vertically oriented fasteners  2828  that pass through aligned openings in the upper wall  2812  of the first central pedestal  2810  and the horizontal bases  2532 ,  2582  of the second and fourth support arms  2530 ,  2580 . Additionally, the first base member  2300  is secured to mounting bracket  2400  by the vertically oriented fasteners  2630  passing through end portions  2612  of the strap  2610  of the first securement member  2600  and by a plurality of threaded fasteners  2325 , which can be seen in the schematic depictions of  FIGS.  10  and  17   . Similarly, the second base member  2350  is secured to the second mounting bracket  2450  by vertically oriented fasteners passing through end portions of a strap  2650  ( FIG.  10   ) of a second securement member and by a plurality of threaded fasteners  2375 , similar to the plurality of threaded fasteners  2375 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the first central pedestal  2810  comprises a two-part structure including matching, overlapping first and second members  2821 ,  2825 . The first member  2821  includes an upper wall  2822  and a side wall  2823  extending from the upper wall  2823 . The upper and side walls  2822 ,  2823  include an upper cutout  2817   a , which defines a part of the cutout  2817 . The second member  2825  also includes an upper wall  2826  and a side wall  2827  extending from the upper wall  2826 . The upper and side walls  2826 ,  2827  include an upper cutout  2817   b , which defines a part of the cutout  2817 . As can best be seen in the section view of  FIG.  17   , the respective upper walls  2822 ,  2826  are in overlapping vertical configuration when the mounting bracket assembly  2200  is assembled. In one exemplary embodiment, the pair of vertically oriented fasteners  2828  may comprise a bolt-rivet nut combination, with the rivet nut of the combination functioning to affix the overlapping first and second members  2821 ,  2825  of the first central pedestal  2810 . 
     The first set of pedestals  2800  also include the first edge pedestal  2830  and the second edge pedestal  2850 . The first edge pedestal  2830  includes an upper wall  2831  and a pair of downwardly extending lateral side walls  2832  and is positioned between the horizontal base  2512  of the first support arm  2510  and the first mounting bracket  2400 . As best seen in  FIG.  13   , the first mounting bracket  2810 , is affixed to the side walls  2832  of the first edge pedestal  2830  by a set of horizontally oriented connectors or fasteners  2838  which pass through aligned openings in the side walls  2832  of the first edge pedestal  2830  and side walls  2420  of the first mounting bracket  2400 . The horizontal base  2512  of the first support arm  2510  is affixed to the upper wall  2831  of the first edge pedestal  2830  by a vertically oriented fastener  2838  that passes through aligned openings in the upper wall  2831  of the first edge pedestal  2810  and the horizontal base  2512  of the first support arm  2510 . The second edge pedestal  2840  includes an upper wall  2841  and a pair of side walls  2842  and is positioned between the horizontal base  2562  of the third support arm  2510  of the second module support member  2550  and the first mounting bracket  2400 . As best seen in  FIG.  13   , the first mounting bracket  2810 , is affixed to the side walls  2842  of the second edge pedestal  2840  by a set of horizontally oriented connectors or fasteners  2848  which pass through aligned openings in the side walls  2842  of the second edge pedestal  2840  and side walls  2420  of the first mounting bracket  2400 . The horizontal base  2562  of the third support arm  2560  is affixed to the upper wall  2841  of the second edge pedestal  2830  by a vertically oriented fastener  2848  that passes through aligned openings in the upper wall  2841  of the second edge pedestal  2840  and horizontal base  2562  of the third support arm  2560 . 
     Of course, it should be appreciated that the pedestal assembly  2800  includes the second set of pedestals  2855  for the second mounting bracket  2450 . The second set of pedestals  2855  are similar in configuration and function to the first set of pedestals  2805 , except that the second set of pedestals  2855  are used in conjunction with the second mounting bracket  2450 . The second set of pedestals  2855  are affixed to the second mounting bracket  2450  and the support arms  2510 ,  2530 ,  2560 ,  2580 , as described with respect to the first of pedestals  2805  and the first mounting bracket  2400 . The second set of pedestals  2855  include: a) a second central pedestal, substantially identical in configuration and function to the first central pedestal  2810 , and b) third and fourth edge pedestals, substantially identical in configuration and function to the first and second edge pedestals  2830 ,  2840 , respectively. 
     The schematic depiction of the mounting bracket assembly  2200  shown in  FIGS.  13 - 17    is modified in that the first, second, third and fourth support arms  2510 ,  2530 ,  2560 ,  2580  are truncated at the first mounting bracket  2400  to better illustrate the configuration of the first set of pedestals  2805  and the fasteners/connectors used to secure the first mounting bracket  2400  and the support arms  2510 ,  2530 ,  2560 ,  2580  to the first central pedestal  2810  and the first and second edge pedestals  2810 ,  2840 . The truncated version of the mounted bracket assembly  2200 , as schematically depicted in  FIGS.  13 - 17   , would be used, for example at the respective ends of a row or set of bifacial photovoltaic modules, since there would be no need for extending portions of the first, second, third and fourth support arms  2510 ,  2530 ,  2560 ,  2580  at the end of a row of photovoltaic modules, for example, at the end of the two rows of photovoltaic modules  170 ,  180  which are schematically illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10 - 12  and  17   , in one exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket assembly  2200  includes an attachment structure  2280  includes a first base member  2300  received in a nested relationship  2432  within an upright u-shaped opening  2430  of the first mounting bracket  2400 . The first base member includes a central wall  2310  and first and second side walls  2320  extending from the opposite ends of the central wall  2310 . As can best be seen in  FIG.  17   , end portions  2322  of the first and second side walls  2320  bear against a central wall  2410  of the first mounting bracket. A plurality of fasteners affix the first base member  2300  to the first mounting bracket  2400  within the u-shaped opening  2430  of the first mounting bracket  2400 . The first mounting bracket  2400  includes the central wall  2410  and first and second side walls  2420  which extending from opposite ends of the central wall  2310 . The first and second side walls  2420  are substantially parallel with each other and are substantially parallel to the first mounting bracket axis MBA 1 . The central wall  2410  and the first and second side walls  2420  define the upright u-shaped opening  2430  of the first mounting bracket. The first mounting bracket  2410  includes a central portion or region  2441 , which receives the first base member  2300  and the first central pedestal  2810  of the first set of pedestals  2805  of the pedestal assembly  2800 , and a pair of first and second end portions  2440 , which respectively receive the first and second edge pedestals  2830 ,  2840  of the first set of pedestals  2805  and first support mark  3510  of the first module support member  3500  and the third module support member  3550  of the second module support member  3550 . The second mounting bracket  2450  and the second base member  2350 , which are part of the attachment structure  2280 , are substantially identical in configuration and function to the first mounting bracket  2400  and the first base member  2300 . The first and second side walls of the second mounting bracket  2450  are substantially parallel with each other and are substantially parallel to the second mounting bracket axis MBA 2 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket assembly  2200  includes a module support framework  2250 , including first and second module support members  2500 ,  2550 . As can best be seen in  FIGS.  10 - 12   , the first module support member  2500  includes the first support arm  2510  affixed to the upper wall  2831  of the first edge pedestal  2830  and the second support arm  2530  affixed to the upper wall  2812  of the first central pedestal  2810 . The first support arm  2510  includes the horizontal base  2512  and a downwardly extending vertical ledge  2520  extending from an outer edge of the base  2512 . The second support arm  2530  includes the horizontal base  2532  and an upwardly extending vertical ledge  2540  extending from the horizontal base  2532 . The downwardly extending vertical ledge  2520  of the first support arm  2510  facilitates loading of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170  onto the first module support member  2500  of the module support framework  2250  during assembly of the solar tracker assembly  100  in the field by eliminating the need to lift the modules of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170  over an upwardly extending vertical ledge or lip of the first support arm  2510 . Instead, the modules of the first set of modules  170  can simply be place on the horizontal base  2512  of the first support arm  2510  and slid inwardly toward the second support arm  2530  until the module contacts the upwardly extending vertical ledge  2540  of the second support arm  2530 . The modules of the first set of modules  170  are then secured in place by a plurality of fasteners that extend through a plurality of openings  2525  spaced along the horizontal base  2512  of the first support arm  2510  and a plurality of openings  2545  spaced along the horizontal base  2532  of the second support arm  2530 . As best seen in  FIG.  12   , the first support arm  2510  includes a central portion  2522  that spans the first and second mounting brackets  2400 ,  2450  and extending ends or end portions  2524  that extend beyond the first and second mounting brackets  2400 ,  2450 , while the second support arm  2530  likewise includes a central portion  2522  that spans the first and second mounting brackets  2400 ,  2450  and extending ends  2544  that extend beyond the first and second mounting brackets  2400 ,  2450 . 
     Similarly, the second module support member  2550  includes the third support arm  2560  affixed to the upper wall  2841  of the second edge pedestal  2840  and the fourth support arm  2580  affixed to the upper wall  2812  of the first central pedestal  2810 . The third support arm  2560  includes the horizontal base  2562  and a downwardly extending vertical ledge  2570  extending from an outer edge of the base  2562 . The fourth support arm  2580  includes the horizontal base  2582  and an upwardly extending vertical ledge  2590  extending from the horizontal base  2582 . The downwardly extending vertical ledge  2570  of the third support arm  2560  facilitates loading of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180  onto the second module support member  2550  of the module support framework  2250  during assembly of the solar tracker assembly  100  in the field by eliminating the need to lift the modules of the second set of modules  180  over an upwardly extending vertical ledge or lip of the third support arm  2560 . Instead, the modules of the second set of modules  170  can simply be place on the horizontal base  2562  of the third support arm  2560  and slid inwardly toward the fourth support arm  2580  until the module contacts the upwardly extending vertical ledge  2590  of the fourth support arm  2580 . The modules of the second set of modules  180  are then secured in place by a plurality of fasteners that extend through a plurality of openings  2575  spaced along the horizontal base  2562  of the third support arm  2560  and a plurality of openings  2595  spaced along the horizontal base  2582  of the fourth support arm  2580 . The third support arm  2560  includes a central portion  2572  that spans the first and second mounting brackets  2400 ,  2450  and includes extending ends or end portions  2574  that extend beyond the first and second mounting brackets  2400 ,  2450 , while the fourth support arm  2580  similarly includes a central portion  2592  that spans the first and second mounting brackets  2400 ,  2450  and extending ends or end portions  2594  that extend beyond the first and second mounting brackets  2400 ,  2450 . The central portions  2522 ,  2542  of the first and second support arms  2510 ,  2530  between the mounting brackets  2400 ,  2450  support the entirety of longitudinally extending edge portions  172   a ,  172   b  of a module  170   a  of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 , while the extending ends or end portions  2524 ,  2544  of the first and second support arms  2510 ,  2530 , function in combination with directly adjacent mounting assemblies of the solar tracker system  100 , to support portions of longitudinally extending edge portions of modules  170   b ,  170   c  of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 . Similarly, the central portions  2572 ,  2592  of the third and fourth support arms  2560 ,  2580  between the mounting brackets  2400 ,  2450  support the entirety of longitudinally extending edge portions  182   a ,  182   b  of modules  180   a  of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 , while the extending ends or end portions  2574 ,  2594  of the third and fourth support arms  2560 ,  2580 , function in combination with directly adjacent mounting assemblies of the solar tracker system  100 , to support portions of longitudinally extending edge portions of modules  180   b ,  180   c  of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 . 
     Fourth Exemplary Embodiment—Mounting Bracket Assembly  3200   
     A fourth exemplary embodiment of the mounting bracket assembly of the present disclosure is shown generally at  3200  in  FIG.  18   . The mounting bracket assembly  3200  is a “below the torque tube beam” mounting configuration that is generally similar to the mounting bracket assembly  2200  of the third exemplary embodiment. The primary difference between the mounting bracket assembly  3200  and the mounting bracket assembly  2200  is with respect to the configuration of the module support framework  3250  and specifically the extent of first and second supports arms  3510 ,  3530  of a first module support member  3500  and second and third support arms  3560 ,  3580  of a second module support member  3550  of the module support framework  3250 . In the schematic depiction of  FIG.  18   , two adjacent mounting bracket assemblies  3200  and  3200 ′ are shown. The mounting bracket assemblies  3200 ,  3200 ′ are substantially identical in configuration and function. Accordingly, only the mounting bracket assembly  3200  will be discussed in detail 
     As can be seen in comparing the schematic depiction of  FIGS.  10  and  18   , in the mounting bracket assembly  2200  of the third exemplary embodiment, the first and second support arms  2510 ,  2530  of the first module support member  2500  and the third and fourth support arms  2560 ,  2580  of the second module support member  2550  span, extend between, and are coupled, via the pedestal assembly  2800 , to the first and second mounting brackets  2400 ,  2450 . By contrast, in the mounting bracket assembly  3200  of the fourth exemplary embodiment, the first and second supports arms  3510 ,  3530  of the first module support member  3500  and the second and third support arms  3560 ,  3580  of the second module support member  3550  do not span or extend between first and second mounting brackets. Rather, the attachment structure  3280  of the mounting bracket assembly  3200  includes only a single, first mounting bracket  3400  (similar in configuration and function to first mounting bracket  2400  of the mounting bracket assembly  2200 ), a single, first base  3300  (similar in configuration and function to first base  2300  of the mounting bracket assembly  2200 ) and a pedestal assembly  3800  having only a single, first set of pedestals  3805  (similar in configuration and function to the first set of pedestals  2805  of the mounting bracket assembly  2200 ). 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket assembly  3200  includes the first base  3300 , with is received in a nested configuration within an upright, generally u-shaped opening of the defined by a central wall and two substantially parallel side walls of the first mounting bracket  3400 . The mounting bracket  3400  includes a central portion  3441  and first and second end portions. The first module support member  3500  of the mounting bracket assembly  3200  includes first and second support arms  3510 ,  3530  that extend substantially parallel to each other and extend substantially parallel to the central axis CA of the mounting bracket assembly  3200 . The first support arm  3510  includes a horizontal base  3512  and a downwardly extending vertical ledge  3520 . The downwardly extending vertical ledge  3520  facilitates installation of photovoltaic modules of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 , as previously discussed. The first support arm  3510  further includes a central portion  3522 , which is affixed, via a connector, to the first edge pedestal (not shown, but similar in structure and function to the first edge pedestal  2830  of the first set of pedestals  2805  of the mounting bracket assembly  2200  of the third exemplary embodiment) and a pair of end portions  3524  extending from the central portion  3533 . The extending edge portions  3524  of the first support arm  3510  extend along and support portions of respective outwardly facing longitudinally extending edge portions  172   a  of a pair adjacent modules of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 . The second support arm  3530  includes a horizontal base  3532  and an upwardly extending vertical ledge  2540 . The second support arm  3530  further includes a central portion  3542 , which is affixed, via a connector, to the first central pedestal  3810 , and a pair of extending end portions  3544  extending from the central portion  3542 . The extending edge portions  3544  of the second support arm  3530  extend along and support portions of respective inwardly facing longitudinally extending edge portions  172   b  of a pair adjacent modules of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 . The pair of adjacent modules of the first set of modules  170  are then secured in place by a plurality of fasteners that extend through a plurality of openings  3525  spaced along the horizontal base  3512  of the first support arm  3510  and a plurality of openings  3545  spaced along the horizontal base  3532  of the second support arm  3530 . 
     The third support arm  3560  includes a horizontal base  3562  and a downwardly extending vertical ledge  3570 . The downwardly extending vertical ledge  3570  facilitates installation of photovoltaic modules of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 , as previously discussed. The third support arm  3560  further includes a central portion  3572 , which is affixed, via a connector, to the second edge pedestal  3840  and a pair of extending end portions  3574  extending from the central portion  3572 . The extending edge portions  3574  of the third support arm  3560  extend along and support respective portions of outwardly facing longitudinally extending edge portions  182   a  of a pair adjacent modules of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 . The fourth support arm  3580  includes a horizontal base  3582  and an upwardly extending vertical ledge  2590 . The fourth support arm  3580  further includes a central portion  3592 , which is affixed, via a connector to the first central pedestal  3810  and a pair of extending end portion  3594 . The extending edge portions  3594  of the fourth support arm  3580  extend along and support portions of respective inwardly facing longitudinally extending edge portions  182   b  of a pair adjacent modules of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 . The pair of adjacent modules of the second set of modules  180  are then secured in place by a plurality of fasteners that extend through a plurality of openings  3575  spaced along the horizontal base  3562  of the third support arm  3560  and a plurality of openings  3595  spaced along the horizontal base  3582  of the second support arm  3580 . 
     Stated another way, facing extending end portions  3524  of respective first arms  3510  of two directly adjacent mounting bracket assemblies, for example, mounting bracket assemblies  3200 ,  3200 ′ in  FIG.  18   , would support portions of the outwardly facing longitudinally extending edge  172   a  of a photovoltaic module  170   a  of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 . Facing extending end portions  3544  of the two adjacent mounting bracket assemblies  3200 ,  3200 ′ would support portions of the inwardly facing longitudinally extending edge  172   b  of the photovoltaic module  170   a  of the first set of photovoltaic modules  170 . Facing extending end portions  3574  of the two adjacent mounting bracket assemblies  3200 ,  3200 ′ would support portions of the outwardly facing longitudinally extending edge  182   a  of the photovoltaic module  180   a  of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 . Facing extending end portions  3594  of the two adjacent mounting bracket assemblies  3200 ,  3200 ′ would support portions of the inwardly facing longitudinally extending edge  182   b  of the photovoltaic module  180   a  of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 . and facing extending end portions  3574 ,  3594  of the third and fourth support arms  3560 ,  3580  of the two directly adjacent mounting bracket assemblies  3200 ,  3200 ′ would support portions of the longitudinally extending edges  182   a ,  182   b  of a photovoltaic module  180   a  of the second set of photovoltaic modules  180 . 
     The mounting bracket assembly  3200  includes a strap  3610  of a first securement member of the attachment assembly  3280  of the mounting bracket assembly. End portions of the strap  3610  are affixed, via threaded fasteners, to the first central pedestal  3810 , as previously explained with respect to the strap  2610 , securing the first central pedestal  3810  and thereby securing the mounting bracket assembly  3200  to the torque tube beam  120 . 
     As used herein, terms of orientation and/or direction such as upward, downward, forward, rearward, upper, lower, inward, outward, inwardly, outwardly, horizontal, horizontally, vertical, vertically, distal, proximal, axially, radially, etc., are provided for convenience purposes and relate generally to the orientation shown in the Figures and/or discussed in the Detailed Description. Such orientation/direction terms are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, this application and the invention or inventions described therein, or the claims appended hereto. 
     What have been described above are examples of the present disclosure/invention. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components, assemblies, or methodologies for purposes of describing the present disclosure/invention, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the present disclosure/invention are possible. Accordingly, the present disclosure/invention is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.