Title: Sensing, interlocking solar panel system and installation method

Abstract

A preassembled solar panel module includes a solar panel configured for receiving and converting solar radiation to produce electrical power. Multiple panel rails are coupled in preassembly to a backside surface of the solar panel, including at least two panel rails disposed halfway or more along opposing longest edges of the solar panel. Multiple snap connector components are each coupled to one of the at least two rails and are each configured to couple with a complimentary snap connector component of an adjacent preassembled solar panel module or of a wind deflector accessory, or both. One or more mounting feet are each coupled at a selected location to one of the at least two panel rails and are each configured for coupling at a selected location to a roof or to other sunlight receiving surface.

Inventors:

Goldberg, Neil; Tyler, Troy Douglas; Kim, Eugene; Davis, Bron; Schultz, David; Lopes Praca, Miguel Martinho; Wolfe, John

Issue Date:

2020-01-14

Research Org.:

Smash Solar, Inc., Richmond, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1632446

Patent Number(s):

10536108

Application Number:

15/748,653

Assignee:

Smash Solar, Inc. (Richmond, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

H - ELECTRICITY H02 - GENERATION H02S - GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRA-RED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES 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

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H - ELECTRICITY H02 - GENERATION H02S - GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRA-RED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES

H02S30/10 - Frame structures

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES 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

Y02E10/50 - Photovoltaic [PV] energy

H - ELECTRICITY H02 - GENERATION H02S - GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRA-RED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES

H02S40/36 - characterised by special electrical interconnection means between two or more PV modules, e.g. electrical module-to-module connection
H02S20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
H02S20/24 - specially adapted for flat roofs

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES 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

Y02B10/10 - Photovoltaic [PV]
Y02B10/20 - Solar thermal

H - ELECTRICITY H02 - GENERATION H02S - GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRA-RED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES

H02S20/20 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object

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DOE Contract Number:  

EE0006457

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 07/27/2016

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English