Patent ID: 7968791

Claim:
A solar energy collection system that includes a collector row that extends along a longitudinal axis and tracks the sun in at least one dimension by rotating about a pivot axis, the solar energy collection system comprising: a plurality of longitudinally adjacent collectors that are coupled end to end along the longitudinal axis to form the collector row, the collector row including at least adjacent first and second collectors, each collector comprising: a reflector; at least one solar receiver, each solar receiver including at least one photovoltaic cell; and a support structure that supports the at least one receiver and the reflector; and a drive coupling device that connects the adjacent first and second collectors, the drive coupling device including a motor and being arranged to apply rotational torque to help rotate the reflectors of the adjacent first and second collectors, wherein substantially the entire motor is configured to rotate substantially in tandem with the reflectors of the first and second collectors.