Title: Sensing, interlocking solar module system and installation method

Abstract

A solar module system is coupled directly to a fixed structure either individually or collectively as an array. Universal mounting brackets attached to the back of each solar panel module each connect to one or more other brackets of adjacent solar panels and/or to mounting feet that anchor to the fixed structure. Mounting brackets interlock with mounting brackets on adjacent solar modules and include a flexible snap coupling mechanism including a locking feature to selectively flexibly connect to and disconnect from other mounting brackets of adjacent solar panels.

Inventors:

Goldberg, Neil; Tyler, Troy Douglas; Johnson, David Mathew

Issue Date:

Tue Nov 20 00:00:00 EST 2018

Research Org.:

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

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1494132

Patent Number(s):

10135386

Application Number:

14/521,245

Assignee:

Smash Solar, Inc. (Richmond, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F24 - HEATING F24S - SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01L - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES

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F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F24 - HEATING F24S - SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS

F24S2025/012 - {Foldable support elements}
F24S2025/014 - {Methods for installing support elements}
F24S2025/6002 - {by using hooks}
F24S2025/6005 - {by screwed connection}
F24S2025/6006 - {by using threaded elements, e.g. stud bolts}
F24S2030/16 - {Hinged elements
F24S25/11 - using shaped bodies, e.g. concrete elements, foamed elements or moulded box-like elements
F24S25/16 - Arrangement of interconnected standing structures
F24S25/30 - using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the supporting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors
F24S25/40 - using plate-like mounting elements, e.g. profiled or corrugated plates
F24S25/60 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
F24S25/61 - for fixing to the ground or to building structures
F24S25/632 - Side connectors
F24S25/67 - for coupling adjacent modules or their peripheral frames
F24S25/70 - with means for adjusting the final position or orientation of supporting elements in relation to each other or to a mounting surface
F24S40/00 - Safety or protection arrangements of solar heat collectors

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01L - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES

H01L31/05 - Electrical interconnection means between PV cells inside the PV module, e.g. series connection of PV cells

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

H02S20/00 - Supporting structures for PV modules
H02S20/23 - specially adapted for roof structures
H02S20/24 - specially adapted for flat roofs
H02S40/32 - comprising DC/AC inverter means associated with the PV module itself, e.g. AC modules
H02S40/36 - characterised by special electrical interconnection means between two or more PV modules, e.g. electrical module-to-module connection

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]

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

Y02E10/47 - Mountings or tracking
Y02E10/50 - Photovoltaic [PV] energy

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DOE Contract Number:  

EE0006457

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2014 Oct 22

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

14 SOLAR ENERGY