[1 ] The present invention relates to a portable power station and a solar panel array module attachment for a portable power station .

Background of the Invention

[2] Globally, climate change has driven the requirement for Emissions Reduction Targets and mandatory Carbon Emissions reporting. Together with the increasing electricity generation costs such as labour, logistics and fuels (e.g. coal, natural gas, diesel and LPG), these factors are increasing the demand for renewable energy technologies.

[3] It is desirable to provide an alternative way of producing electricity and reduce carbon emissions and fuel cost.

[4] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[5] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[6] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a portable power station comprising: a housing, and at least one panel structure having at least one solar panel thereon, wherein the panel structure is movable between a stowed position from within the housing to an extended position at which it extends from the housing and exposes the at least one solar panel, wherein the at least one solar panel comprises an adjustable tilt mounting.

[7] In a preferred embodiment, the housing comprises a base wall, side walls, end walls and a top wall and is configured substantially as a shipping container.

[8] In another preferred embodiment, the housing comprises container corners. [9] In another preferred embodiment, at least upper sections of the side walls and end walls are removable from the housing.

[10] In another preferred embodiment, the portable power station comprises a plurality of panel structures forming a solar array.

[1 1 ] In another preferred embodiment, the solar array comprises four generally horizontal panel structures.

[12] In another preferred embodiment, in the stowed position, the panel structures are arranged in a stacked manner under a top wall of the housing.

[13] In another preferred embodiment, in the extended position, each panel structure extends outwardly out of the housing in a respective lateral direction.

[14] In another preferred embodiment, internal surfaces of the upper sections comprise solar panels thereon.

[15] In another preferred embodiment, the top wall comprises solar panels thereon.

[16] In another preferred embodiment, the housing includes a top cover for protecting the top wall solar panels.

[17] In another preferred embodiment, internal components of the portable power station comprise at least one of: a generator, a battery bank, a solar inverter, a solar controller, a battery inverter, an AC/DC switchboard, a satellite communication modem and antenna, next G modem and antenna, CCTV, weather station, desalination - 46 a split system air conditioner and a water filtration unit.

[18] In another preferred embodiment, the housing comprises a movable bracket assembly for allowing the panel structures to be moved between their stowed and extended positions.

[19] In another preferred embodiment, the housing comprises a tilt mechanism to provide tilt adjustment of the respective panel structure.

[20] In another preferred embodiment, the tilt mechanism comprises one or more of a tilting brace, a ball joint, and/or position lockable telescopic poles.

[21 ] In another preferred embodiment, the stowed position of the panel structures comprises a vertical orientation thereof parallel to its respective adjacent wall. [22] In another preferred embodiment, each panel structure is pivotable about its top edge.

[23] In another preferred embodiment, the housing further comprises an internal roof aligned with lower edges of the upper sections.

[24] In another preferred embodiment, the portable power station further comprises at least one access door in at least one of the side walls and end walls.

[25] In another aspect, the present invention provides a solar panel array attachment assembly module comprising: a frame having an internal space, the frame having container corners; a solar array housed within the internal space and movable between stowed and extended positions;

wherein the assembly is attachable to a shipping container via the container corners.

[26] Preferably, the frame comprises a rectangular base, a rectangular top, and corner uprights extending therebetween.

[27] Preferably, the array attachment assembly comprise side covers and a top cover which are removable.

[28] Preferably, the solar array comprises four horizontally movable panel structures and a top panel.

[29] Preferably, the panel structures in the stowed position are arranged in a stacked manner under the top panel

[30] Preferably, the panel structures in the extended position extends outwardly out of the frame in a respective lateral direction.

[31 ] In another embodiment, each panel structure comprises a panel outer frame and a panel inner frame, wherein the panel outer frame has rollers at side edges thereof which are arranged to be Tollable along rails of the frame.

[32] In another embodiment, the solar panels are mounted to the panel inner frame which is pivotably attached at one edge thereof to the panel outer frame, wherein the panel inner frame can then be tilted to a desired angle and retained at the required tilt angle via supports at an opposite edge thereof. [33] In another embodiment, each deployed panel structure additionally includes bracing for attachment to the container side wall.

[34] In another embodiment, a middle panel structure is adapted to be deployable in either lateral direction such that the middle panel structure can be deployed towards one of opposing lateral directions.

[35] In another embodiment, the module further comprises a lifting assembly for the panel structure, the lifting assembly comprising a cap plate mountable to one of the panel inner frame or the panel outer frame, and a lifting pin mountable to the other of the panel inner frame or the panel outer frame, wherein the lifting pin has a central threaded hole, the lifting assembly further comprising an elongated threaded lifting rod insertable through the lifting pin to engage the cap plate such that rotation of the lifting rod moves the cap plate away from the lifting pin.

[36] In another embodiment, the supports comprise bar segments having spaced apertures, wherein the apertures are spaced to define sub-segments between adjacent apertures with each sub-segment adapted to provide a predetermined angle tilt between the panel outer frame and the panel inner frame.

[37] In another embodiment, bar segments can be connected to each other to provide the desired tilt angle.

[38] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[39] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[40] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portable power station in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in an open operational configuration thereof;

[41 ] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the portable power station of Figure 1 , in closed configuration thereof;

[42] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a movable bracket assembly for solar panels of the portable power station of Figure 1 ; [43] Fig. 4 shows components of the movable bracket assembly, where (a) is a top view of a solar panel in an extended position, (b) is a side view of (a), (c) shows a roller in a C-channel and (d) shows a stop tab in the C-channel;

[44] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the tilt assembly for the solar panels of the portable power station of Figure 1 where (a) is an exploded view and (b) is an assembled view;

[45] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an array attachment assembly module according to another aspect of the present invention, the array shown in the deployed position;

[46] Fig. 7 is an end view of a power station shipping container housing having the array attachment assembly module Of Figure 6 attached thereto;

[47] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 7; and

[48] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 7 with the array attachment assembly in the stowed position

[49] Fig. 10 is a perspective of an array attachment assembly module in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration with the covers removed;

[50] Fig. 1 1 is a perspective of the array attachment assembly module of Figure 10, in closed configuration thereof with the covers omitted;

[51 ] Fig. 12 is a front enlarged view of the movable panel structures of the array attachment assembly module of Figure 10;

[52] Figure 13 is a perspective view of two modules of Figure 10 side by side with covers on;

[53] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the two modules of Figure 13 without the covers and the solar panels in the fully deployed positions;

[54] Figure 15 is a side view of Figure 14;

[55] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the two modules of Figure 13 mounted on top of a shipping container;

[56] Figure 17 shows the assembly of Figure 15 with the solar panels fully deployed [57] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a lifting assembly for the panel structure, the lifting tools being attached from below;

[58] Figure 19(a) is an enlarged top view of the lifting point for the panel structure, (b) is a section through line A-A, (c) is a section through line B-B;

[59] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a lifting assembly for the panel structure, the lifting tools being attached from above;

[60] Figure 21 (a) is an enlarged top view of the lifting point for the panel structure, (b) is a section through line A-A, (c) is a section through line B-B;

[61 ] Figure 22 (a) to (f) shows the solar panel array of the panel structures at orientation angles of 5°, 10, 15°, 20°, 25°, and 30° respectively and the support brackets retaining the solar panel array at the required orientation angle.

Description of Embodiments

[62] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[63] Figures 1 and 2 show a portable power station 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The portable power station 10 is designed as a 100% portable complete system configured to provide power, contained within a standard-length shipping container (10 ft, 20 ft, 40 ft).

[64] The portable power station 10 comprises a housing 12 having a base wall 14, side walls 16, end walls 18 and a top wall 20. The housing 12 is a standard size shipping container having container corners 22 and provides the various structural advantages of a shipping container, such as rigidity, stackability and ease of handling, transport and shipping due to its standard size and the container corners 22. The container 12 can be of any standard length

[65] The side walls 16 and end walls 18 are omitted from Figure 1 for illustration purposes. As shown in figure 2, each of the side walls 16 and end walls 18 comprise a removable upper section 82. The upper sections 82 are rectangular elongate band sections extending downwardly from the top wall 20 and between corner structures 13 (see Figure 3) of the housing 12, and cover about 1/5 ^th of the area of the side wall 16 and end walls 18. The remainder of the side walls 16 and end walls 18 comprise a combination of permanent sections and access doors. [66] The housing 12 comprises an internal roof 17 (see Figure 3) extending across and aligned with lower edges of the upper sections 82. The internal roof 17 divides the internal space of the housing 12 into an upper internal space 23 and a lower internal space 24. The internal roof 17 is closed and provides a fluid seal for the lower internal space 24.

[67] One side wall 16 includes a permanent section 71 , a double door 72 having a width of between 2.6 m to 3 m, and a single door 76. One end wall 18 includes a full door 74. The opposite end wall 18 also includes another full door (not shown).

[68] The opposite side wall (not shown) will be a standard closed shipping container wall, but can also have additional similar doors 72 and 76 disposed in a mirror configuration thereto. Doors opening from both side walls 16 of the container provide the ability to walk though and out the other side.

[69] The upper sections 82 are removable from the housing 12. During transport, the upper sections 82 remain attached to the housing 12 to protect the internal components thereof housed within the upper internal space 23 of the portable power station 10. When in use, on site, the upper sections 82 are removed which allows access to the internal components and use thereof as required.

[70] The portable power station 10 comprises a solar array 30 which comprises four generally horizontal panel structures 32. The panel structures 32 are movable between a stowed position within the upper internal space 23 and an extended (in use) position. In the stowed position, the panel structures 32 are arranged in a stacked manner under the top wall 20 and can be enclosed within the housing 12 via the upper sections 82 as shown in Figure 2. In the extended position, each panel structure 32 extends outwardly out of the housing 12, in a respective lateral direction, as shown in Figure 1 .

[71 ] The solar array 30 is thus an integrated structure contained within the portable power station 10 roof area. The panel structures 32 are slid out from under the container top wall 20, one panel structure on each side of the housing 12. Each panel structure 32 carries a number of solar panels 34 on its top surface which are thus exposed in the extended position thereof.

[72] The top wall 20, upper sections 82 and the internal roof 17 thus act as covers for the solar array 30. The upper sections 82 act as covers which are removed and can be slid underneath its corresponding panel structure 32 or under the top wall 20. Alternatively, the upper sections 82 can be configured for other use, such as being connectable to provide a shade structure for personnel, or internal surfaces of such upper sections 82 can carry additional solar panels 34 which are then connectable to the portable power station 10. The top wall 20 can additionally carry solar panels 34, and the housing 12 can include another cover for protecting the top wall solar panels.

[73] The internal components within the internal space 24 will include a generator 41 , a battery bank 42 consisting of up to 120 battery cells, two solar inverters, two solar controllers, up to three (but at least one) battery inverters (off grid inverters), an AC / DC switchboard, a satellite communications modem and antenna, next G/communications modem and aerial/ antenna, a split system air conditioner and a water filtration unit.

[74] The battery bank section 42 is accessible via the double doors 72, the inverter sections via the door 74, the generator section via the door 76 and the other door (not shown) installed in the other end wall 16 adjacent the door 76. The opposite side wall, if fitted with additional similar doors 72 and 76 allows walk-through access for the battery bank 42 and generator 41 .

[75] The housing can also include two internal walls separating the inverter room from the battery room, and a wall separating the generator room from the battery room. The battery room is lined/insulated and ventilated. The generator room is also ventilated.

[76] Figures 3 and 4 show a movable bracket assembly 50 which allows the panel structures 32 to be moved between their stowed and extended positions. The bracket assembly 50 comprises a static brace member 51 mounted between corner structures 13 of the housing 12. A first pair of rollers 52 are mounted to the brace member 51 in a cantilevered manner. An intermediate member 53 having a C-shaped channel 54 receives the rollers 52 therein. The intermediate member 53 comprises a second pair of rollers 55 attached to its face 56 opposite the channel 54. A second member 57 also having a C-shaped channel 58 receives the second rollers 55 therein. The second members 57 are attached to or support the end edges of the panel structures 32. [77] The bracket assembly 50 above thus allows the intermediate member 53 to slide relative to the brace member 51 , and the second member 57 to slide relative to the intermediate member 53. Stop tabs 61 are used to limit the outward movement of the members 53 and 57. This results in allowing the respective panel structure 32 to be slid from under the top wall 20 to its extended position thus exposing the solar panels 34 thereon.

[78] The bracket assembly 50 and/or panel structures 32 have been designed to provide tilting of the respective panel structure 32 to an optimum solar panel exposure angle. Referring to Figure 5, a proximal end 33 of each panel structure 32 is pivotably attached to the second member 57. A distal end 35 of the panel structure 32 is unattached, allowing the panel structure 32 to be tilted. In the example shown, a tilting brace 67 is used to extend between the distal end 35 and the second member 57 for supporting the tilted panel structure 32.

[79] As shown in Figure 5, the solar panels 34 can be supported by right angle brackets 59 to the second member 57. Joining tabs 58 can be used to join the solar panels 34 to each other.

[80] The array will output approx. 3.5kW on an 8ft container, 4.5kW on a 10ft container, up to 13kW on a 20ft container and up to 22kW on a 40ft container

[81 ] The bracket assembly 50 and/or panel structures 32 can be configured in other manner to provide tilting of the panel structures 32 in other directions. For example, the panel structures 32 can be made to tilt along a pivot point at the distal end 35, or the panel structures 32 can be supported by a ball joint or other suitable mechanism (such as position lockable telescopic poles) which will allow the panel structures 32 to be tilted in any lateral direction.

[82] The portable power station 10 has a number of features as follows:

• 100% Portable. I.e. a complete power system contained within a standard size shipping container.

• Transportable including shipping which means exportable. The portable power station 10 will includes component smart absorber mounting techniques including battery bank, which also has an encapsulated housing and structure in case of a container drop on side or roof. Quick and easy to install and commission. I.e. no technicians required. A simple process of unlocking plugging in and turning on is required and is expected to take approximately hour for two people to set up and turn on.

Includes a Solar array as an integrated structure within the container roof area. The array area covers are simply removed and slid in underneath the array frame structure and the arrays slide out from within the container roof space one plane on each side. The array plane slide structure has been designed to allow tilting to an optimum insolation performance angle.

Flexible design from an output power of 3 kW power output to 160 kW continuous. Able to accept a wind turbine electrical input.

100% monitorable, i.e. via next G and Satellite communications technology, the system can be monitored for performance, maintenance and fault finding. Other important monitoring requirements can also be setup including fuel level alarms, weather monitoring, CCTV etc. The portable power station 10 can provide communication where other systems have failed.

Has the ability to incorporate water filtration or desalination plants for disaster relief applications or the like.

Reliability of supply. Three separate means, of electricity generation are provided by the portable power station 10 namely: Diesel generator AC, Solar/Battery/lnverter AC, Battery bank DC. This provides two potential layers of redundancy, if one of the systems may fail.

Replacement: where system service life is due, or system components require replacement, the power station 10 as a whole unit can be easily swapped for another. I.e. where lease term or service life has ended, a new unit turns up, is commissioned and the old goes back to the supplier or owner.

For use in controlling and regulating remotely mounted solar PV up to approximately double the inverters electrical rated continuous power output capacity.

For use in providing peak demand support and load profile shaping in diesel powered mini grids. [83] The portable power station 10 will effectively provide an alternative to power generation solution for sites currently powered by other unreliable or costly means such as various fuels. The portable power station 10 provides a portable turnkey solution for a range of different applications, such as monitoring stations, communications sites, mining camps, electricity grid support, emergency grid backup, emergency services natural disaster service, off grid residential and remote communities

[84] Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiments described.

[85] In possible modification, the stowed position of the panel structures 32 can be a vertical orientation thereof where it is parallel and adjacent its respective side or end wall. Each panel structure 32 can then be pivotable about its top edge.

[86] Figures 6 to 9 show a solar panel array attachment assembly module 1 10 according to another aspect of the present invention. The array attachment assembly module 1 10 is designed as an attachment to a portable power system contained within a standard size shipping container 200, for adding solar capability to the portable power system.

[87] The array attachment assembly 1 10 comprises a rectangular prism frame 1 12 having a rectangular base 1 14, a rectangular top 1 16, and corner uprights 1 18 extending therebetween, which together define an internal space 123. The array attachment assembly 1 10 comprises container corners 122 and provides the various structural advantages, such as rigidity, stackability, connectivity and ease of handling, transport and shipping due to the frame 1 12 and the container corners 122. The frame 1 12 has a height of between 1/5 ^th to ½ of the height of a standard shipping container.

[88] The array attachment assembly 1 10 comprise side covers 182 and top covers 184 which are removable. During transport, the covers 182 and 184 remain attached to protect the internal components housed within the internal space 123.

[89] The array attachment assembly 1 10 comprises a solar array 30 which comprises four horizontally movable panel structures 32 and a top panel 33. The panel structures 32 are movable between a stowed position within the internal space 123 and an extended (in use) position. In the stowed position, the panel structures 32 are arranged in a stacked manner under the top panel 33 and can be enclosed within the array attachment assembly 1 10 via the covers 182 and 184 as shown in Figure 2. In the extended position, each panel structure 32 extends outwardly out of the array attachment assembly 1 10, in a respective lateral direction.

[90] The panel structures 32 are slid out from under the top panel 33, one panel structure on each side of the housing 12. Each panel structure 32 comprises a movable bracket assembly similar to the embodiment shown above, or a suitable telescopic support assembly. Each panel structure 32 carries a number of solar panels on its top surface which are thus exposed in the extended position thereof. The top panel 33 additionally carries solar panels. The solar panels are pivotably attached to at least one edge and can be tilted to a desired angle via supports. The top cover 184 additionally comprises solar panels. In the embodiment shown, the top cover 184 is divided into three to six removable roof sections each having solar panels thereon.

[91 ] The array attachment assembly 1 10 is attachable to a portable power system housed in a shipping container 200 via twist lock connectors between the adjacent corners of the shipping container 200 and the array attachment assembly 1 10. Electric connection is then made between the solar array 30 and the power system.

[92] The array attachment assembly thus provides solar capability which can be added to portable power systems, particularly those housed in a shipping container. The array attachment assembly can be easily transported with the shipping container.

[93] Figures 10 and 1 1 show a solar panel array attachment assembly module 1 10b according to another aspect of the present invention. The array attachment assembly module 1 10c is similar to the array attachment assembly module 1 10 above and is designed as an attachment to a portable power system contained within a standard size shipping container 200, for adding solar capability to the portable power system.

[94] The array attachment assembly 1 10b also comprises a rectangular prism frame 1 12 having a rectangular base 1 14, a rectangular top 1 16, and corner uprights 1 18 extending therebetween, which together define an internal space 123. The array attachment assembly 1 10b comprises container corners 122 and provides the various structural advantages, such as rigidity, stackability, connectivity and ease of handling, transport and shipping due to the frame 1 12 and the container corners 122. The frame 1 12 has a height of between 1 /5th to ½ of the height of a standard shipping container.

[95] The array attachment assembly 1 10b comprise side covers 182 and top covers 184 which are removable. During transport, the covers 182 and 184 remain attached to the frame 1 12 to protect the internal components housed within the internal space 123.

[96] The array attachment assembly 1 10 comprises a solar array 30 which comprises three horizontally movable panel structures 32 and a top panel 33. The panel structures 32 are movable between a stowed position within the internal space 123 and an extended (in use) position. In the stowed position, the panel structures 32 are arranged in a stacked manner under the top panel 33 and can be enclosed within the frame 121 via the covers 182 and 184. In the extended position, each panel structure 32 extends outwardly out of the array attachment assembly 1 10, in a respective lateral direction.

[97] The panel structures 32 are slid out from under the top panel 33, one panel structure on each side of the housing 12, except for a connection side 85. Each panel structure 32 comprises a movable bracket assembly similar to the embodiment shown above, or a suitable telescopic support assembly. Each panel structure 32 carries a number of solar panels 34 on its top surface which are thus exposed in the extended position thereof. The top panel 33 additionally carries solar panels 34.

[98] Referring to Figures 12 to 18, each panel structure 32 comprises a panel outer frame 201 and a panel inner frame 202. The panel outer frame 201 has rollers 202 at side edges thereof which are arranged to sandwich complementary shaped rails 204 of the prism frame 1 12 therebetween and be rollable therealong. The uppermost panel structure 32 adjacent the top panel 33 is movable in a rearward direction, the middle panel structure 32 is movable in a lateral (sideways) direction, and the lowermost panel structure 32 is movable in a forward direction. The respective rails 204 are oriented accordingly.

[99] The solar panels 34 are mounted to the panel inner frame 202 which is pivotably attached at one edge thereof to the panel outer frame 201 . The panel inner frame 202 can then be tilted to a desired angle and retained at the required tilt orientation/angle via supports 206 at an opposite edge. Each deployed panel structure 32 additionally includes bracing 207 attached to the container side wall.

[100] The array attachment assembly 1 10b is attachable to a portable power system housed in a shipping container 200 via twist lock connectors between the adjacent corners of the shipping container 200 and the array attachment assembly 1 10b. Two assemblies 1 10b are attached side by side to a standard 30-foot shipping container, with the assemblies 1 10b connected to each other at their common side 85. The middle panel structure 32 is adapted to be deployable in either lateral direction such that the middle panel structures 32 can be deployed towards one of opposing lateral directions. Electric connection is then made between the solar array 30 and the power system.

[101 ] Figure 18 and 19 show a lifting assembly 300 for the panel structure 32, the lifting tools being attached from below. The panel inner frame 202 with the solar panels 34 are tilted to the required orientation when the panel structure 32 is in the extended position. Firstly, transport bolts at support lugs/points between the panel inner frame 202 and the panel outer frame 201 are removed. A lifting cap plate 304 is then attached at the panel inner frame 202. A lifting pin 308 is positioned into supports of the panel outer frame 201 . The lifting pin 308 has a central threaded hole 309.

[102] A handle 312 is attached to one end 316 of an elongated threaded lifting rod 314. The other end 317 of the lifting rod 314 is then screwed into the threaded hole 309 of the lifting pin 308. The lifting rod 314 is inserted from underneath through the lifting pin 308 until the free end 317 abuts the lifting cap plate 304 of the panel inner frame 202.

[103] The lifting rod 314 is rotated against the lifting pin 308 which stays in position in the panel outer frame 201 . The rod 314 thus extends increasingly through the lifting pin 308 and pushes the panel inner frame 202 upwardly. The lifting rod 314 is rotated until the panel inner frame 202 with the solar panels 34 is at the required tilt angle. Supports 206 are then positioned between the spaced ends of the panel outer frame 201 and the panel inner frame 202 as further described below with reference to Figure 22. Once the panel inner frame 202 is secured with the support brackets 206, the lifting tools are removed. For lowering the panel inner frame 202 to the transport/storage position, the steps are reversed.

[104] Figures 19 and 20 show a similar lifting assembly 300 for the panel structure 32, with the lifting tools being attached from above. In this case, the lifting cap plate 304 is attached at the panel outer frame 201 . The lifting pin 308 is positioned into supports of the panel inner frame 202. The free other end 317 of the lifting rod 314 is then screwed into the threaded hole 309 of the lifting pin 308. The lifting rod 314 is inserted from above through the lifting pin 308 until the free end 317 abuts the lifting cap plate of the panel outer frame 201 . The support brackets 206 are then removed.

[105] The lifting rod 314 is rotated in the opposite direction against the lifting pin 308 which stays in position in the panel inner frame 202. This lowers the inner frame 202 to the outer frame 201 .

[106] Figure 22 shows the supports 206. The supports 206 are comprised of segments 330 each having three spaced apertures 332. The apertures 332 are spaced to define sub-segments 334 between adjacent apertures 332. Each segment 330 thus has two sub-segments 334. Each sub-segment 334 is adapted to provide a 5° angle tilt between the panel outer frame 201 and the panel inner frame 202.

[107] Figure 22(a) shows a segment 330 with an end aperture 334 thereof mounted to the panel outer frame 201 and a mid-portion aperture 334 thereof mounted to the panel inner frame 202. The outer ends of the frames 201 and 202 are thus spaced by one sub-segment 334 providing a 5° tilt. Bolts or other suitable quick release fasteners are inserted through the required apertures 334.

[108] Figure 22(b) shows a segment 330 with an end aperture 334 thereof mounted to the panel outer frame 201 and an opposite end aperture 334 thereof mounted to the panel inner frame 202. The outer ends of the frames 201 and 202 are thus spaced by two sub-segments 334 providing a 10° tilt.

[109] Figure 22(c) uses two segments 330 to provide a spacing of three sub- segments 334 and thus a 15° tilt. A sub-segment 334 of the two segments 330 are overlapped with each other and connected. This results in the three sub-segments 334.

[1 10] Figures 22(d) to (e) uses three or more segments 330 to provide a spacing of four to six sub-segments 334 respectively and thus a 20°, 25° or 30° tilt. Sub- segments 334 are overlapped with each other and connected as needed and the support can also include segment connectors 338 for supporting the connected segments to provide the required length.

[1 1 1 ] The array attachment assembly thus provides solar capability which can be added to portable power systems, particularly those housed in a shipping container. The array attachment assembly can be easily transported with the shipping container.