U.S. patent application number 12/689688 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-19 for system and method for forming an interlocking solar panel array.
This patent application is currently assigned to JAC Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey M. Aftanas.
Application Number | 20100206301 12/689688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41796416 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100206301 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aftanas; Jeffrey M. |
August 19, 2010 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMING AN INTERLOCKING SOLAR PANEL ARRAY
Abstract
A mounting system for supporting solar panel cells above a
support surface. The system may have a frame including a plurality
of frame sections that are secured to a solar panel cell. At least
one of the frame sections may include a pair of walls forming a
first channel for receiving an edge portion of the solar panel
cell, and a second channel spaced apart from the first channel. The
second channel may have a curving inner wall. The at least one
frame section may also have a base portion. The mounting system may
also include a mounting bracket having a pair of flanges and
forming a third channel therebetween. One of the flanges of the
third channel may form a curving flange. The curving flange and the
second channel of the frame section may cooperatively secure the
frame section and the mounting bracket together.
Inventors: |
Aftanas; Jeffrey M.;
(Ortonville, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Assignee: |
JAC Products, Inc.
Saline
MI
|
Family ID: |
41796416 |
Appl. No.: |
12/689688 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61145635 |
Jan 19, 2009 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/680 ;
248/309.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C07K 2317/732 20130101;
C07K 2317/41 20130101; A61K 2039/505 20130101; A61K 45/06 20130101;
A61P 31/00 20180101; C07K 2317/34 20130101; C07K 2317/565 20130101;
A61P 37/06 20180101; A61P 19/02 20180101; C07K 2317/52 20130101;
A61K 39/3955 20130101; A61P 35/00 20180101; C07K 2317/24 20130101;
C07K 2317/31 20130101; A61P 35/04 20180101; A61P 29/00 20180101;
C07K 2317/73 20130101; C07K 16/2803 20130101; C07K 2317/56
20130101; A61P 37/02 20180101; C07K 16/3061 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/680 ;
248/309.1 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/46 20060101
F24J002/46; F16B 1/00 20060101 F16B001/00 |
Claims
1. A mounting system for supporting solar panel cells panels above
a support surface, the system comprising: a frame including a
plurality of frame sections that are secured to a solar panel cell;
at least one of the frame sections including: a pair of walls
forming a first channel for receiving an edge portion of the solar
panel cell; a second channel spaced apart from the first channel,
the second channel having a curving inner wall; and a base portion;
a mounting bracket having a pair of flanges and forming a third
channel therebetween, with one of said flanges forming a curving
flange, and wherein said curving flange and said second channel of
said frame section cooperatively secure said frame section and said
mounting bracket together.
2. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein said curving flange of
said mounting bracket and said curving inner wall of said second
channel of said frame section enable said frame section to be
positioned non-perpendicular to said mounting bracket, and then
rotated about an arc into a position generally perpendicular to
said mounting bracket, wherein said curving flange is captured in
said second channel.
3. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein: said frame section
includes an angled notch formed in said base portion; and said
mounting bracket includes a barbed edge in one of the flanges that
engages with the angled notch when the mounting bracket is fully
engaged with the frame section.
4. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the pair of walls that
form the first channel comprise a pair of parallel arranged walls
having a thickness generally in accordance with a thickness of the
edge portion of the solar panel cell.
5. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein said mounting bracket
further includes a base portion for supporting the mounting bracket
on the support surface.
6. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket
includes an additional pair of flanges extending in a direction
opposite to the pair of flanges, the additional pair of flanges
forming a fourth channel, with one of the flanges of the additional
pair of flanges forming an additional curving flange.
7. The mounting system of claim 6, wherein the third and fourth
channels open facing in opposite directions.
8. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the third channel formed
in the mounting bracket includes a raised internal shoulder that
limits a depth of insertion of the frame section into the third
channel.
9. The mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket
includes an additional pair of flanges extending in a direction
opposite to the pair of flanges, the additional pair of flanges
forming a fourth channel, with both of the flanges of the
additional pair of flanges extending generally parallel to one
another.
10. A mounting system for supporting solar panel cells panels above
a support surface, the system comprising: a frame including a
plurality of frame sections that are secured to extend around a
periphery of a solar panel cell; at least one of the frame sections
including: a pair of walls forming a first channel for receiving an
edge portion of the solar panel cell; a second channel spaced apart
from the first channel, the second channel having a curving inner
wall; and a mounting bracket having a curving flange shaped
generally in accordance with said curving inner wall, the curving
flange and curving inner wall cooperatively enabling the frame to
be oriented non-perpendicular to the mounting bracket when the
curving flange is initially inserted into the second channel, and
then enabling the frame to be rotated into a position generally
perpendicular to the mounting bracket.
11. The mounting system of claim 10, wherein the curving flange is
captured within the second channel when the frame is rotated into
the perpendicular position relative to the mounting bracket.
12. The mounting system of claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket
includes a generally flat flange that, in connection with the
curving flange, forms a third channel.
13. The mounting system of claim 12, wherein the mounting bracket
includes an additional pair of flanges that form a fourth channel,
the fourth channel extending generally in a direction opposite that
of the third channel.
14. The mounting system of claim 13, wherein one of the additional
pair of flanges of the mounting bracket comprises a curving
shape.
15. The mounting system of claim 13, wherein both of the flanges of
the additional pair of flanges of the mounting bracket are formed
as generally flat flanges extending parallel to one another.
16. The mounting system of claim 12, wherein: at least of the flat
flange of the mounting bracket and the frame section includes a
notch, and the other one of the mounting bracket and the frame
section includes a barb shaped to engage with the notch.
17. A frame adapted to support a solar panel cell, the frame
including: a plurality of frame sections adapted to be secured
around a perimeter of the solar panel cell, at least one of the
frame sections including: a first channel for engaging with an edge
portion of the solar panel cell; and a second channel having a
curving inner wall for engaging with an external mounting bracket,
to thus permit the at least one frame section to be initially
engaged with the mounting bracket in an orientation
nonperpendicular to the mounting bracket, and then rotated into a
position generally perpendicular to the mounting bracket, wherein
the mounting bracket is then captured in the second channel.
18. The frame of claim 17, wherein the first channel and the second
channel open in generally different directions.
19. A mounting bracket for supporting a frame of a solar panel cell
above a support surface, the mounting bracket including: a channel
having a pair of flanges forming a channel therebetween, wherein
the channel receives therein a frame section of the solar panel
cell frame when the mounting bracket is coupled to the frame
section; and one flange of the pair of flanges having a curving
shape that permits the frame section to be engaged in the channel
in an orientation non-perpendicular to the mounting bracket, and
then pivoted into a position generally perpendicular to the
mounting bracket so that the frame section is captured in the
channel of the mounting bracket.
20. The mounting bracket of claim 19, wherein one of the pair of
flanges includes a barbed portion for engaging with the frame
section when the frame section is fully inserted into the channel
of the mounting bracket, to thus help capture the frame section in
the channel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/145,653, filed Jan. 19,
2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference into the present application.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to solar panel arrays, and
more particularly to a system and method for supporting a plurality
of independent solar panel modules adjacent to one another and
interlocking the modules to form a solar panel array.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not
constitute prior art.
[0004] Solar panel systems are growing in popularity and interest
at the present time. A solar panel array is typically formed by a
plurality of independent solar panel modules that are positioned
closely adjacent to one another. The modules may be coupled to
frame sections so that they are fixedly secured relative to one
another after the installation is complete. If only a few modules
are used, then they may be arranged in a single row. However, in
medium and large scale installations involving dozens or even
hundreds or more independent modules, then the modules will
typically be arranged in a grid of rows and columns.
[0005] Typically the independent solar panel modules each are
formed by a solar panel cell that is supported with a frame
structure. Typically a plurality of brackets is fixedly attached at
one end thereof to the frame with independent fasteners, and the
other ends of the brackets are secured either to a support base or
possibly directly to a roof of a structure or residence. In either
event, the need to attach the brackets manually with fastening
elements adds significantly to the time required to install a solar
panel array. Since the labor cost in installing a solar panel array
can be significant, there is a strong interest in simplifying and
expediting the manner in which a solar panel assembly is attached
to a roof of a building or residence or other support
structure.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect the present disclosure relates to a mounting
system for supporting solar panel cells above a support surface.
The system may comprise a frame including a plurality of frame
sections that are secured to a solar panel cell. At least one of
the frame sections may include a pair of walls forming a first
channel for receiving an edge portion of the solar panel cell, and
a second channel spaced apart from the first channel. The second
channel may have a curving inner wall. The at least one frame
section may also have a base portion. The mounting system may also
include a mounting bracket having a pair of flanges and forming a
third channel therebetween. One of the flanges of the third channel
may form a curving flange. The curving flange and the second
channel of the frame section may cooperatively secure the frame
section and the mounting bracket together.
[0007] In another aspect the present disclosure relates to a
mounting system for supporting solar panel cells panels above a
support surface. The mounting system may comprise a frame including
a plurality of frame sections that are secured to extend around a
periphery of a solar panel cell. At least one of the frame sections
may include a pair of walls forming a first channel for receiving
an edge portion of the solar panel cell, and a second channel
spaced apart from the first channel, with the second channel having
a curving inner wall. The mounting system may also include a
mounting bracket having a curving flange shaped generally in
accordance with the curving inner wall. The curving flange and
curving inner wall cooperatively enable the frame to be oriented
non-perpendicular to the mounting bracket when the curving flange
is initially inserted into the second channel, and then enable the
frame to be rotated into a position generally perpendicular to the
mounting bracket.
[0008] In still another aspect the present disclosure relates to a
frame adapted to support a solar panel cell. The frame may include
a plurality of frame sections adapted to be secured around a
perimeter of the solar panel cell. At least one of the frame
sections may include a first channel for engaging with an edge
portion of the solar panel cell, and a second channel having a
curving inner wall. The curving inner wall permits the at least one
frame section to be initially engaged with the mounting bracket in
an orientation nonperpendicular to the mounting bracket, and then
rotated into a position generally perpendicular to the mounting
bracket, in which the mounting bracket is then captured in the
second channel.
[0009] In still another aspect the present disclosure relates to a
mounting bracket for supporting a frame of a solar panel cell above
a support surface. The mounting bracket may include a channel
having a pair of flanges forming a channel therebetween, wherein
the channel receives therein a frame section of the solar panel
cell frame when the mounting bracket is coupled to the frame
section. One flange of the pair of flanges may have a curving shape
that permits the frame section to be engaged in the channel in an
orientation non-perpendicular to the mounting bracket, and then
pivoted into a position generally perpendicular to the mounting
bracket so that the frame section is captured in the channel of the
mounting bracket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure in any way.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solar panel array disposed
on a roof of a structure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a plan view of one solar panel module illustrating
the four frame sections that make up the frame;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of one bracket of the
present disclosure that is used to assemble the solar panel plan
modules into an array;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of another bracket of
the present disclosure to assemble the solar panel modules into an
array;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of still another
bracket of the present disclosure that is used to assemble the
solar panel module into an array;
[0016] FIG. 6 a side view of two solar panel modules being
supported by two different ones of the brackets of the present
disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of one of the frame sections
shown in FIG. 6;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side view showing how one of the solar panel
modules may be angled during attachment of one of its frame
sections to one of the brackets;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one of the modules with all
three of the different brackets attached to different ones of its
frame sections;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing two of the solar panel
modules being coupled together;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a third one of the
solar panel modules being coupled to two other coupled solar panel
modules;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing how a fourth solar
panel module may be coupled to two other modules; and
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing how the fourth solar
panel module of FIG. 11 is spaced slightly apart from the second
solar panel module as it is laid flat with the other three modules,
before being slid towards the second module to complete the
assembly process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a solar panel array 10
in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The
array 10 in this example includes four rectangular solar panel
modules 12a-12d, although it will be appreciated that the modules
could be square in shape or may be formed in various other shapes
as well. Thus, the illustration of rectangular modules 12 is only
meant to show one shape that the modules 12a-12d may each have. The
solar panel array 10 is mounted on a roof 14 of a structure such as
a residence or building. However, it will be appreciated that the
array 10 could also be mounted close to a ground surface, such as
on some type of support base positioned on the side of a hill or
mountain.
[0025] The modules 12a-12d each include a photovoltaic panel in the
form of a solar panel cell 16, and a frame 18 that secures to an
edge portion of the solar panel cell 16. As shown in FIG. 2, each
frame 18 may be comprised of four frame sections 18a, 18b, 18c and
18d. The frame sections 18a and 18b in this example have identical
lengths, while the frame sections 18c and 18d have identical
lengths. The frame sections 18a-18d may all be of identical
construction and in one embodiment are formed from aluminum. The
frame sections 18a-18d may be extruded from aluminum or they may be
formed in accordance with other manufacturing techniques. However,
it is anticipated that extrusion molding is likely to prove to be
an especially attractive manufacturing method.
[0026] With further reference to FIGS. 6, the cross-sectional
construction of frame sections 18c and 18d for modules 12a and 12b
can be seen. It will be appreciated that the construction (i.e.,
cross-sectional configuration) for each of the frame sections
18a-18d is identical in this example, the only difference between
the frame sections being that sections 18a and 18b are longer than
sections 18c and 18d in order to form rectangular shaped frames. In
view of this, only the construction of frame section 18d will be
discussed, with it being understood that the description applies
equally to the other frame sections 18a, 18b and 18c.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 6A, frame section 18d includes an upper
channel 20 formed by spaced apart parallel walls 20a and 20b. The
upper channel 20 has width and depth dimensions that enable it to
receive an edge portion of solar panel cell 16. An intermediate
channel 22 is formed to open in a direction opposite to channel 20
at an intermediate point along the height of the frame section 18d.
The intermediate channel 22 has a curving inner wall 22a, the
purpose of which will be described in the following paragraphs. The
frame section 18d also has a longitudinal wall portion 23, a back
wall 25 and a base 24 that cooperatively define a hollow area 27.
Portions 23, 24 and 27 also add significant rigidity to the frame
section 18d. The base 24 has a longitudinally extending groove or
angled notch 26 in its lower surface, the purpose for which will be
described in the following paragraphs, that may extend the full
length of the frame section 18d. The frame sections 18a, 18b, 18c
and 18d for a given module 12 are all arranged such that the base
24 of each faces inwardly to reside under the solar cell 16 of the
module 12 when the frame 18 of each module 12 is fully assembled.
The bases 24 may also be miter cut at their joining ends to avoid
interference issues.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, support brackets 30, 32
and 34 are shown. Bracket 30 includes an upper flaring pair of
flanges 30a and a lower pair of flat flanges 30b that each has a
barbed edge 30c. The bracket 30 also includes a base 30d having a
hole 30e. Hole 30e accepts a fastener that may be used to secure
the bracket via a threaded fastener to a support base or possibly
directly the roof 14. One pair of flanges 30a and 30b cooperate to
form a channel 30f while the other pair of flanges cooperate to
form a channel 30g. Raised internal shoulders 30h provide stops
that limit insertion of the frame sections 18 to a predetermined
depth within the channels 30f and 30g.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, bracket 32 is similar in construction
to bracket 30 but only includes a single upper flaring flange 32a
and a single flat flange 32b having a barbed edge 32c. A base
portion 32d has a hole 32e for receiving a fastener. The flanges
32a and 32b cooperatively form a channel 32f. Internal shoulder 32h
limits the depth of insertion of the frame section 18 that is
inserter into the channel 32f.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, bracket 34 is also similar in
construction to bracket 30 but includes a straight upper flange
34a1 and an opposing upwardly flaring flange 34a2. A pair of
opposing straight flanges 34b each having a barbed edge 34c are
formed below the flanges 34a1 and 34a2 to form channels 34f and
34g. The bracket 34 also has a base 34d having a hole 34e for
receiving a fastening element. Raised internal shoulders 30h limit
the depth of insertion of the frame sections 18 into the channels
34f and 34g.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 7-12, the assembly of the solar panel
modules 12a-12d using the brackets 30-34 will be described.
Initially referring to FIG. 7, one or more brackets 32 may be
secured to frame section 18c of module 12b. Frame section 18c thus
forms an outer perimeter edge of the array 10. The bracket 32 is
secured by first inserting upwardly flaring flange 32a in channel
22 of the frame section 18c while the bracket 32 is positioned
non-perpendicular to the plane of the outer vertical side surface
of the frame section 18c, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 7.
[0032] As the bracket 32 is rotated clockwise into the position
shown in FIG. 7, the flat flange 32b moves over the lower surface
of the frame section 22 so that the longitudinal wall portion 23
enters the channel 32f. As this happens, the flat flange 32b flexes
downwardly slightly and then barbed edge 32c engages within the
angled notch 26 in the base 24 of the frame section 18c, thus
securing the bracket 32 to the frame section. The longitudinal wall
portion 23 contacts the internal shoulder 32h of the frame section
18c when the frame section 18c is fully inserted in the channel
32f. The curving inner wall 22a of the intermediate channel 22 and
the curving shape of the flange 32a cooperatively enable this
rotational movement to engage the frame section 18c within the
channel 32f of the bracket 32, and to thus permit the frame section
18c to be captured within the intermediate channel 22.
[0033] Depending on the length of the frame section 18c, typically
two or more brackets 32 will be secured to the frame section 18c in
the above described manner, and then moved slidably along the frame
section 18c to achieve an appropriate spacing from one another that
will depend on the overall length of the frame section 18c. The
brackets 32 may then each be secured to the roof 14 via a separate
fastener 40, or to some other support structure suitable for
supporting the array 10 of the solar panel modules 12. It will also
be appreciated that the angled notch 26 and the barbed edge 32c
could be switched so that the barbed edge 32c is formed on the
frame section 18c and the angled notch 26 is formed as a groove in
the flat flange 32b.
[0034] With further reference to FIG. 7, typically a plurality of
brackets 30 will be attached to frame section 18d in the same
manner as bracket 32 was attached to frame section 18c. Again,
however, only one bracket 30 is visible in FIG. 7. The brackets 30
may then each be secured via separate fastener, such as fastener
42, to the roof 14 or to other support structure.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 8, a plurality of brackets 34 may be
secured to frame section 18b of module 12b in the manner described
above, by positioning the upwardly curving flange 34a2 in the
channel 22 while the bracket is held at an angle. The bracket 34
may then be rotated downwardly (as described for brackets 30 and
32) until the channel 34f engages with the frame section 18b and
the barbed edge 34c engages the angled notch 26 in frame section
18b. The brackets 34 are preferably spaced apart along the frame
section 18b prior to rotating them into engagement with the frame
section 18b as described above. The brackets 34 attached to the
frame section 18b may then be fastened to the roof 14 or to other
support structure via fasteners 44. While not visible in FIG. 8,
frame section 18a, at this point, may have two or more brackets 32
secured to it, and then fastened to the roof 14 or to other support
structure via fasteners such as fasteners 44. Frame section 18a
thus forms an outer perimeter section of the array 10 as well.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, module 12a may then be secured
to module 12b. This is accomplished by angling module 12a as shown
in FIGS. 7 and 9 so that the free upwardly curving flange 30a
engages the channel 22 of frame section 18c, and then rotating
module 12a counterclockwise in accordance with arrow 50 in FIG. 7.
At this point the frame section 18c of module 12a and frame section
18d of module 12b will be interlocked. Additional brackets 30 may
be installed on frame section 18b of module 12a, and additional
brackets 30 may be installed on frame section 18d of module 12a.
The brackets 30 of module 12a may then all be fastened to the
separate support base or possibly to roof 14 using fasteners such
as fasteners 44. While not shown, it will be appreciated that an
additional plurality of brackets 32 may be installed on frame
section 18a. Both of modules 12a and 12b will then be fixedly
secured to either a support structure or to the roof 14.
[0037] At this point module 12c may be secured to module 12a. This
is accomplished by angling module 12c as shown in FIG. 10 while
inserting the upwardly flaring flange 30a of each bracket 30
(attached to frame section 18b of module 12a) into the channel 22
of frame section 18a of module 12c. The module 12c is then lowered,
as indicated by arc 52, so it is positioned parallel to module 12a.
A plurality of brackets 30 may then be attached to frame section
18c of module 12c. Additional brackets 30 or 32 may then be secured
to frame section 18b of module 12c, depending on whether additional
modules will be positioned adjacent to frame section 18b of module
12c. In this example since only four modules 12a-12d are being
shown, and since frame section 18b of module 12c forms an outer
edge of the array 10, this means that no other modules will be
positioned along frame section 18b of module 12c, so in this
example brackets 32 may be used on frame section 18b of module 12c.
Likewise, since no additional module will be positioned adjacent to
frame section 18d of module 12c (i.e., frame section 18d of module
12c forms an outer edge of the array 10), brackets 32 may be
secured to frame section 18d of module 12c as well. However, if an
additional module was to be secured to frame section 18d of module
12c, then brackets 30 would be used on frame section 18d of module
12c. Similarly, if an additional module was to be secured adjacent
to frame section 18b of module 12c, then brackets 30 would be used
in place of brackets 32 on frame section 18b of module 12c.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 11, the last module 12d is then
secured to modules 12b and 12c by first securing frame section 18d
of module 12d to frame section 18c of module 12c. This is done by
angling module 12d as shown in FIG. 11 and engaging the upwardly
flaring flange 30a of each of the brackets 30 that have been
attached to frame section 18c of module 12c, in the channel 22 of
frame section 18d of module 12d. Preferably module 12d is also
positioned with a spacing from module 12b, as it is being secured
to module 12c, so that when module 12d is lowered its frame section
18a will clear the brackets 34 attached to frame section 18b of
module 12b. Module 12d is then lowered to a position generally
parallel to the other modules 12a, 12b and 12c, in accordance with
an arc 54, into the position shown in FIG. 12. The module 12d may
then be slid slightly towards frame section 18b of module 12b. This
causes the frame section 18a of module 12d to engage within the
channel 34g of each bracket 34 secured to frame section 18b of
module 12b. The fully assembled array 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Since
the channels 34 attached to frame section 18b of module 12b are
positioned with flat flanges 34a1 facing outwardly, the frame
section 18a of module 12d fits snugly in the channel 34g of each
bracket 34. When the barbed edge 34c of each bracket 34 engages the
angled notch 26 in the frame section 18a of module 12d, then frame
section 18b of module 12b and frame section 18a of module 12d will
be fixedly secured together. A plurality of brackets 32 may then be
secured to the frame sections 18b and 18c of module 12d, and then
secured to roof 14 or to other support structure by fasteners 44.
However, in FIGS. 1, 11 and 12, brackets 34 are illustrated as
being secured along frame sections 18b of modules 12c and 12d to
enable the additional of further modules 12 at a later date.
[0039] From the foregoing it will be apparent that the brackets 30,
32 and 34 allow a modularly expandable solar panel array 10 to be
formed. The brackets 30, 32 and 34 permit virtually any number of
additional solar panel modules 12 to be attached to one another in
an X-Y grid of modules. Since the brackets 30, 32 and 34 engage
with the channel 22 of each frame section 18 of each module 12, no
separate fastening elements are needed to secure each bracket 30,
32 and 34 to its associated frame section 18. This significantly
expedites the assembly of the modules 12a-12d into the array 10 and
reduces the amount and cost of the hardware necessary to install
the array on a support base, a roof or other structure.
[0040] Another advantage of the array 10 construction described
herein is if an array having a given number of modules is initially
installed, and then at a later date it is desired to add additional
modules to the array, the frame 18 construction and brackets 30, 32
and 34 readily permit such modular expansion. This may involve
removing certain ones of the brackets 32 that are positioned along
exterior (i.e., exposed) frame sections 18 of the array 10,
replacing them with either brackets 30 or 34, and then adding the
additional modules 12 in the manner described herein. Likewise, if
an array 10 needs to be made smaller at some future time after the
array is initially installed, the frame 18 construction and the
brackets 30, 32 and 34 enable selected modules 12 of the array 10
to be easily removed.
[0041] While various embodiments have been described, those skilled
in the art will recognize modifications or variations which might
be made without departing from the present disclosure. The examples
illustrate the various embodiments and are not intended to limit
the present disclosure. Therefore, the description and claims
should be interpreted liberally with only such limitation as is
necessary in view of the pertinent prior art.
* * * * *