US20090266406A1 - Mounting for solar panels - Google Patents

Mounting for solar panels Download PDF

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Publication number
US20090266406A1
US20090266406A1 US12/350,339 US35033909A US2009266406A1 US 20090266406 A1 US20090266406 A1 US 20090266406A1 US 35033909 A US35033909 A US 35033909A US 2009266406 A1 US2009266406 A1 US 2009266406A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
frame
mounting
recess
solar panel
solar
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
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US12/350,339
Inventor
Mike David Duke
Loey Abdle Salam
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Solion Ltd
Original Assignee
Solion Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Solion Ltd filed Critical Solion Ltd
Priority to US12/350,339 priority Critical patent/US20090266406A1/en
Publication of US20090266406A1 publication Critical patent/US20090266406A1/en
Priority to US12/802,094 priority patent/US9127863B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
    • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
    • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
    • H02S20/25—Roof tile elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
    • F24S25/16—Arrangement of interconnected standing structures; Standing structures having separate supporting portions for adjacent modules
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
    • F24S25/11—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using shaped bodies, e.g. concrete elements, foamed elements or moulded box-like elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S40/00—Safety or protection arrangements of solar heat collectors; Preventing malfunction of solar heat collectors
    • F24S40/80—Accommodating differential expansion of solar collector elements
    • F24S40/85—Arrangements for protecting solar collectors against adverse weather conditions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
    • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
    • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
    • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
    • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
    • H02S20/24—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures specially adapted for flat roofs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2025/6007—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules by using form-fitting connection means, e.g. tongue and groove
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S80/00—Details, accessories or component parts of solar heat collectors not provided for in groups F24S10/00-F24S70/00
    • F24S2080/01—Selection of particular materials
    • F24S2080/015—Plastics
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/042—PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a mounting for solar panels which can be used on roofs etc.
  • BIPV Building Integrated Photovoltaics
  • PV photovoltaic
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,570,084 discloses PV assemblies which can be fixed to roofs.
  • the PV assemblies may be interengaged, such as by interengaging the bases of adjacent PV assemblies.
  • the base may include a main portion and a cover and the bases of adjacent PV assemblies may be interengaged by securing the covers of adjacent bases together.
  • the PV module may be an inclined PV module and the support assembly may be a multi-position support assembly which secures the PV module at shipping and inclined-use angles.
  • the interengaging of the modules is accomplished by securing the covers of adjacent bases together thus requiring the fitting of each module to the roof individually so that each module has to be resistant to forces such as wind forces acting on the module.
  • a mounting for solar panels which mounting comprises a frame having a recess for receiving solar panels, the frame having a front edge and a rear edge in which the front edge is narrower than the rear edge and the front edge of one frame is adapted to fit beneath and inside the rear edge of another frame and to be attached to the said other frame, the frame having side fixing means so that a plurality of frames can be attached to each other in a side-by-side arrangement and the frame sloping upwards from the front to the back.
  • Front, back, side and top refer to the frame when the frame is laid on a flat surface with the recess uppermost.
  • a solar panel or solar panels are placed in the recess in the frame so that sunlight can impinge on the solar panels.
  • a plurality of frames are connected together with the front edge of one frame fitting within and connected to the rear edge of another frame and/or frames being connected side by side. In this way any size of area can be covered with solar panels.
  • the frame is made by vacuum forming of a plastics material e.g. a recycled plastic.
  • the angle of slope of the mounting is preferably 5 to 20 degrees e.g. about 10 degrees and can be achieved by having a wedge shaped side piece attached to each side or under the mounting so the mounting has a wedge shape.
  • the recess in the top of the mounting preferably is of a size to allow a standard solar panel module to fit into the recess and in one embodiment the top of the solar module is flush with the top surface of the mounting.
  • the recess Preferably there is space in the recess to accommodate the solar panel junction box on the underneath of the solar module containing solar panels, with holes for wiring from the junction box to inside the mounting.
  • the solar panel module can be fixed to the mounting with either rivets or self-tapping screws through the underside of the mounting.
  • the back of the mounting preferably has an opening and a lip so that the front thinner end of another mounting can be inserted into the opening and fixed in place e.g. by riveting or screwing in place.
  • each frame enables the mountings to be attached to each other.
  • These fixing means can be of a conventional type e.g. with the attachment means on one side being smaller than one the other side allowing them to be interlocked with the fixing means on adjacent mountings.
  • the fixing means are hollow so that the cables etc. from the solar modules can be fed into each mounting without being seen and out of touch.
  • the mountings can be attached to each other by any fixing means e.g. by riveting or screwing to each other.
  • the front end of the wedge shaped mounting preferably has a flange to allow a covering to be overlapped with the flange so that the front of the flange is firmly held to a surface. This gives final security in case of high winds and ‘traps’ the interlocked array.
  • the outer mountings of the assembled interlocked array have additional ‘caps’ riveted or screwed through the sides and back thick wedge end to cover the holes and provide a flange for the floor covering to overlap ensuring the array is ‘trapped’ on all sides, thus minimising possible lift of the array due to high winds.
  • each solar module in a mounting can be connected to other solar modules to enable the electricity generated to be led a way.
  • the connections can be in parallel and/or series to produce the optimum current and voltage.
  • the PV arrays When the modules are in position the PV arrays can be inserted into the modules and fixed in the normal way; alternatively the PV arrays can be inserted into the modules before the modules are positioned on the roof or other support structure. This also enables the PV arrays to be transported together with the support structures in compact and stackable configuration saving transport cost and site assembly time.
  • flush modules in the mounting give an integrated appearance; it is easy to install so eliminating time spent on building work, it is low cost and is fast to install without highly skilled labour, reducing labour cost and is easy to dissassemble and stack so repairs and roof maintenance can be carried out.
  • the interlocking of the mounting ensures the complete solar array is one assembled ‘block’ and edge covering and interlocking ensures safety in high winds.
  • At least some of the end modules can have extra fittings attaching them to the roof or support surface or adjacent structure; these extra fittings can be attached to a strong or integrated structure, such as a joist or wall etc. so that the assembled structure is held as one unit by this extra fitting.
  • the mounting can easily be made from recycled plastics materials e.g. by vacuum forming.
  • an array can easily be mounted anywhere and is specifically designed for use with flat roofs; the modular arrangement enables shapes other than rectangular to be more nearly filled with solar panels.
  • the mounting will be orientated towards the south to maximize energy collection.
  • the light weight integrated nature of a structure is formed from a number of modules, thus making retrofit easier and reducing the cost for both retrofit and new construction.
  • the integrated nature of such a structure can reduce or eliminate the need for the use of roof membranes (or other support surface) penetrating fasteners; this helps to maintain the integrity of the membrane.
  • the assembly can serve as a protective layer over the roof membrane or support surface, shielding from temperature extremes and ultraviolet radiation.
  • an assembled structure of a number of modules can act as an insulator for a building increasing the thermal efficiency of the building.
  • FIG. 1 a shows a rear view of a mounting
  • FIG. 1 b shows a plan view of a module
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the module of FIG. 1
  • FIG. 3 a shows the front fixing to a surface
  • FIG. 3 b shows a side view
  • FIG. 4 shows a plan view of an assembled array
  • a mounting has a frame ( 1 ) with a recess into which a solar panel array ( 5 ) fits.
  • the mounting has a front edge flange ( 2 ) and a rear opening in edge ( 8 ).
  • the distance A is less than the distance B and there are fixing holes for rivets or screws at ( 6 ) and ( 7 ) and side interlocking fixings ( 4 a ) and ( 4 b ).
  • the rear edge ( 8 ) is in the form of an opening so that the front flange ( 2 ) of another mounting can fit into the opening and the mountings held together by rivets or screws passing through ( 6 ) and ( 7 ).
  • the front flange ( 2 ) is positioned under a mat ( 15 ) which is attached to a roof surface ( 12 ) to hold the front flange ( 2 ) firmly in place and to prevent entry of water and to prevent wind lifting the edge.
  • FIG. 3 b there is a PV or solar module ( 5 ) which fits into the recess ( 9 ).
  • the cables ( 11 ) pass out through side fixing ( 4 a ).
  • FIG. 4 To assemble the array shown in FIG. 4 a number of modules are interlocked with the front edge flange ( 2 ) of one mounting fitting into the rear opening of another mounting as shown in detail in FIG. 3 b.
  • the side fixings ( 4 a ) and ( 4 b ) are interconnected to lock the mountings together to form a continuous interlocked module.
  • the cables of the solar panels are connected together in the appropriate way and the whole array assembled for use.
  • a structure is formed on a roof which can cover the roof.

Abstract

A mounting for solar panels has fixings which enable it to be easily attached to other mountings for a solar array and can be made of recycled plastic by vacuum forming.

Description

  • The present invention relates to a mounting for solar panels which can be used on roofs etc.
  • Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is a rapidly growing industry worldwide (about 25% growth annually). BIPV involves solar modules mounted on buildings and the DC electricity generated fed to the national grid through DC/AC inverters.
  • Many existing systems require structural changes to the roof or penetration of the roof which can lead to leaks and can be difficult to install involving building work.
  • It is known to mount photovoltaic (PV) modules in mountings for attachment to roofs. U.S. Pat. No. 6,570,084 discloses PV assemblies which can be fixed to roofs. The PV assemblies may be interengaged, such as by interengaging the bases of adjacent PV assemblies. The base may include a main portion and a cover and the bases of adjacent PV assemblies may be interengaged by securing the covers of adjacent bases together. The PV module may be an inclined PV module and the support assembly may be a multi-position support assembly which secures the PV module at shipping and inclined-use angles. However such a structure is difficult to assemble in use on a roof and, although systems are disclosed to reduce the effect of wind on the modules, when they are assembled they are subjected to unacceptable forces and rain, etc. can penetrate between the modules. The interengaging of the modules is accomplished by securing the covers of adjacent bases together thus requiring the fitting of each module to the roof individually so that each module has to be resistant to forces such as wind forces acting on the module.
  • We have now devised a modular mounting for solar panels which can be interengaged with other mountings which overcomes these difficulties and which by assembling modules together can form an integrated solar array of any size.
  • According to the invention there is provided a mounting for solar panels which mounting comprises a frame having a recess for receiving solar panels, the frame having a front edge and a rear edge in which the front edge is narrower than the rear edge and the front edge of one frame is adapted to fit beneath and inside the rear edge of another frame and to be attached to the said other frame, the frame having side fixing means so that a plurality of frames can be attached to each other in a side-by-side arrangement and the frame sloping upwards from the front to the back.
  • Front, back, side and top refer to the frame when the frame is laid on a flat surface with the recess uppermost.
  • In use a solar panel or solar panels are placed in the recess in the frame so that sunlight can impinge on the solar panels. To cover a larger area a plurality of frames are connected together with the front edge of one frame fitting within and connected to the rear edge of another frame and/or frames being connected side by side. In this way any size of area can be covered with solar panels.
  • Preferably the frame is made by vacuum forming of a plastics material e.g. a recycled plastic.
  • The angle of slope of the mounting is preferably 5 to 20 degrees e.g. about 10 degrees and can be achieved by having a wedge shaped side piece attached to each side or under the mounting so the mounting has a wedge shape.
  • The recess in the top of the mounting preferably is of a size to allow a standard solar panel module to fit into the recess and in one embodiment the top of the solar module is flush with the top surface of the mounting.
  • In another embodiment there is a gap between the top of the solar panel module and the top of the recess and in order to allow for pressure equalisation e.g. reduced pressure on the upper surface caused by wind passing over the surface, there can be recesses, slots or holes on the upper face of the recess above the solar panel module connecting through the module. These recesses, slots or holes help with ventilation which can reduce the PV cells temperature and hence increase the cells efficiency.
  • Preferably there is space in the recess to accommodate the solar panel junction box on the underneath of the solar module containing solar panels, with holes for wiring from the junction box to inside the mounting.
  • The solar panel module can be fixed to the mounting with either rivets or self-tapping screws through the underside of the mounting.
  • The back of the mounting preferably has an opening and a lip so that the front thinner end of another mounting can be inserted into the opening and fixed in place e.g. by riveting or screwing in place.
  • This can be done with a number of mountings so that a row of interlocked mountings can be assembled. The design and size of the ends preferably minimises the shading effect of the back end on the solar panel in the next mounting module in the line.
  • The side fixing means of each frame enables the mountings to be attached to each other. These fixing means can be of a conventional type e.g. with the attachment means on one side being smaller than one the other side allowing them to be interlocked with the fixing means on adjacent mountings. Preferably the fixing means are hollow so that the cables etc. from the solar modules can be fed into each mounting without being seen and out of touch.
  • The mountings can be attached to each other by any fixing means e.g. by riveting or screwing to each other.
  • By attaching mountings to each other in columns and rows a completely interlocked solar array can be assembled of any size and there could be many hundreds of interlocked mountings making a complete installation.
  • In order to allow more secure fixing the front end of the wedge shaped mounting preferably has a flange to allow a covering to be overlapped with the flange so that the front of the flange is firmly held to a surface. This gives final security in case of high winds and ‘traps’ the interlocked array.
  • In an array preferably the outer mountings of the assembled interlocked array have additional ‘caps’ riveted or screwed through the sides and back thick wedge end to cover the holes and provide a flange for the floor covering to overlap ensuring the array is ‘trapped’ on all sides, thus minimising possible lift of the array due to high winds. There are preferably drainage channels on the base flange of the mounting to allow water to flow from under the mounting.
  • In use the wires from each solar module in a mounting can be connected to other solar modules to enable the electricity generated to be led a way. The connections can be in parallel and/or series to produce the optimum current and voltage.
  • When the modules are in position the PV arrays can be inserted into the modules and fixed in the normal way; alternatively the PV arrays can be inserted into the modules before the modules are positioned on the roof or other support structure. This also enables the PV arrays to be transported together with the support structures in compact and stackable configuration saving transport cost and site assembly time.
  • It is a feature of the mounting of the present invention that flush modules in the mounting give an integrated appearance; it is easy to install so eliminating time spent on building work, it is low cost and is fast to install without highly skilled labour, reducing labour cost and is easy to dissassemble and stack so repairs and roof maintenance can be carried out. When assembled the interlocking of the mounting ensures the complete solar array is one assembled ‘block’ and edge covering and interlocking ensures safety in high winds.
  • For increased security e.g. against wind etc. at least some of the end modules can have extra fittings attaching them to the roof or support surface or adjacent structure; these extra fittings can be attached to a strong or integrated structure, such as a joist or wall etc. so that the assembled structure is held as one unit by this extra fitting.
  • The mounting can easily be made from recycled plastics materials e.g. by vacuum forming.
  • As well as being mounted on roofs an array can easily be mounted anywhere and is specifically designed for use with flat roofs; the modular arrangement enables shapes other than rectangular to be more nearly filled with solar panels.
  • For the northern hemisphere the mounting will be orientated towards the south to maximize energy collection.
  • The light weight integrated nature of a structure is formed from a number of modules, thus making retrofit easier and reducing the cost for both retrofit and new construction. The integrated nature of such a structure can reduce or eliminate the need for the use of roof membranes (or other support surface) penetrating fasteners; this helps to maintain the integrity of the membrane.
  • When designed properly, the assembly can serve as a protective layer over the roof membrane or support surface, shielding from temperature extremes and ultraviolet radiation.
  • As well as providing power an assembled structure of a number of modules can act as an insulator for a building increasing the thermal efficiency of the building.
  • In order to transport a number of the modules they can be stacked with alternate orientations to provide a compact regular stack of modules.
  • The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 a shows a rear view of a mounting
  • FIG. 1 b shows a plan view of a module
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the module of FIG. 1
  • FIG. 3 a shows the front fixing to a surface
  • FIG. 3 b shows a side view
  • FIG. 4 shows a plan view of an assembled array
    •
  • Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a mounting has a frame (1) with a recess into which a solar panel array (5) fits. The mounting has a front edge flange (2) and a rear opening in edge (8). The distance A is less than the distance B and there are fixing holes for rivets or screws at (6) and (7) and side interlocking fixings (4 a) and (4 b). As can be seen in FIG. 1 a, the rear edge (8) is in the form of an opening so that the front flange (2) of another mounting can fit into the opening and the mountings held together by rivets or screws passing through (6) and (7).
  • Referring to FIG. 3 a the front flange (2) is positioned under a mat (15) which is attached to a roof surface (12) to hold the front flange (2) firmly in place and to prevent entry of water and to prevent wind lifting the edge.
  • Referring to FIG. 3 b there is a PV or solar module (5) which fits into the recess (9). The cables (11) pass out through side fixing (4 a). There are pressure equalisation holes (9 a) so that pressure above and below the assembled frame are equalised. These holes also increase the ventilation and help reduce the PV cell temperature and increase their efficiency.
  • To assemble the array shown in FIG. 4 a number of modules are interlocked with the front edge flange (2) of one mounting fitting into the rear opening of another mounting as shown in detail in FIG. 3 b. The side fixings (4 a) and (4 b) are interconnected to lock the mountings together to form a continuous interlocked module. The cables of the solar panels are connected together in the appropriate way and the whole array assembled for use. A structure is formed on a roof which can cover the roof.

Claims (12)

1-16. (canceled)
17. A mounting for solar panels, the mounting comprising:
a frame having a front edge, a rear edge, a top surface with a recess for receiving at least one solar panel, and side fixing means so that a plurality of like frames can be attached to each other in a side-by-side arrangement, the frame sloping upwards from the front to the back so that a solar panel received in said recess is inclined with respect to a surface on which said frame is supported in use;
wherein: said front edge of said frame is narrower than said rear edge of said frame, and said rear edge is configured to cooperate with said surface to define an opening adjacent said surface;
whereby said front edge of one said frame is capable of being inserted into and through a said opening in another like frame so that said front edge of said one frame fits beneath and inside the rear edge of said other like frame and can be attached to said other like frame.
18. A mounting according to claim 17, wherein the angle of slope of the mounting is 5 to 20 degrees.
19. A mounting according to claim 17, wherein said top surface of the frame includes an aperture to enable equalization of air pressure above and below the frame.
20. A mounting according to claim 17, wherein the recess in the top surface of the frame is configured to enable a standard solar panel to be fitted into the recess so that a top of the solar panel fitted in the recess is flush with the top surface of the mounting.
21. A mounting according to claim 17, wherein the recess includes a space for accommodating a solar panel junction box on the underneath of a solar panel, and the recess further comprises holes to enable wiring to pass from the junction box to inside the mounting.
22. A mounting according to claim 17, wherein the opening is partly defined by a lip in a rear face of the frame so that the front thinner end of another mounting can be inserted into the opening and fixed in place.
23. A mounting according to claim 17, wherein a base of the mounting includes drainage channels to allow water to flow from under the mounting.
24. A mounting according to claim 17, wherein the frame is made by vacuum forming of a plastics material.
25. A solar module which comprises a mounting according to claim 17 and a solar panel received in the recess of said mounting.
26. A solar array comprising a plurality of solar modules according to claim 25, wherein respective mountings are connected together.
27. A mounting for solar panels, the mounting comprising:
a frame having a front edge, a rear edge, a top surface with a recess for receiving at least one solar panel, and side fixings that enable a plurality of like frames to be coupled together in a side-by-side arrangement, the frame sloping upwards from the front to the back so that a solar panel received in said recess is inclined with respect to a surface on which said frame is supported in use;
wherein: said front edge of said frame is narrower than said rear edge of said frame, and said rear edge includes a recessed outwardly projecting lip portion that cooperates with said surface to define an opening when said mounting is installed on said surface;
whereby said front edge of one said frame is capable of being inserted into and through a said opening in another like frame until a top surface of said one frame abuts against said lip portion of said other like frame so that said front edge of said one frame fits beneath and inside the rear edge of said other like frame, said lip portion being configured to enable said one frame to be attached to said other like frame.
US12/350,339 2003-01-21 2009-01-08 Mounting for solar panels Abandoned US20090266406A1 (en)

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US12/350,339 US20090266406A1 (en) 2003-01-21 2009-01-08 Mounting for solar panels
US12/802,094 US9127863B2 (en) 2003-01-21 2010-05-27 Mounting for solar panels

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GB0301280.4 2003-01-21
GB0301280A GB2397645B (en) 2003-01-21 2003-01-21 Mounting for Solar Panels
PCT/GB2004/000222 WO2004066351A2 (en) 2003-01-21 2004-01-20 Mounting for solar panels
US10/542,995 US20060196128A1 (en) 2003-01-21 2004-01-20 Mounting for solar panels
US12/350,339 US20090266406A1 (en) 2003-01-21 2009-01-08 Mounting for solar panels

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PCT/GB2004/000222 Continuation WO2004066351A2 (en) 2003-01-21 2004-01-20 Mounting for solar panels
US10/542,995 Continuation US20060196128A1 (en) 2003-01-21 2004-01-20 Mounting for solar panels
US11/542,995 Continuation US7416478B2 (en) 2005-10-05 2006-10-04 Planetary drive heads for grinding/polishing pads

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US10/542,995 Abandoned US20060196128A1 (en) 2003-01-21 2004-01-20 Mounting for solar panels
US12/350,339 Abandoned US20090266406A1 (en) 2003-01-21 2009-01-08 Mounting for solar panels
US12/802,094 Expired - Fee Related US9127863B2 (en) 2003-01-21 2010-05-27 Mounting for solar panels

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US9127863B2 (en) 2015-09-08
EP1597765B1 (en) 2013-04-17
EP2302693A3 (en) 2011-07-06
EP1597765A2 (en) 2005-11-23
GB2397645A (en) 2004-07-28
WO2004066351A2 (en) 2004-08-05
GB0301280D0 (en) 2003-02-19
US20060196128A1 (en) 2006-09-07
US20110083381A1 (en) 2011-04-14
GB2397645B (en) 2006-08-30
EP2302693A2 (en) 2011-03-30
WO2004066351A3 (en) 2004-09-23

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