A part of the device that extends above the ground may support a solar panel (5).

Also, surface area of the solar panel on the space-based power generation unit orbiting about the sun is much less than the surface area required of a ground-based solar panel or a solar panel in earth orbit.

And all parts of the solar array are clear of the ground now.

The solar panel assembly 20 includes solar panels 16 (1), 16 (2), 16 (3).