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US 11,381,201 B1Granted
Compact portable foldable solar panel support system and methods of use
OwnerGregory K. Millerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing portable or fixed solar array support systems. Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus that holds four 60-cell rooftop-grade solar panels and folds up into a relatively small portable device that easily fits in a garage or shed. When open, the panels are displayed at near the nominal angle to the sun for the region. Adjustable angle supports are available in alternative embodiments.
Claims17
A portable solar panel support system comprising:
- a. a central support frame comprising a pair of elongated parallel side members and a plurality of cross member attached to and extending between the side members, said frame having a front and a back;
- b. a first pair of solar panel supports, each such support having a first end that is pivotally attached to said frame;
- c. a pair of angled support legs, each such leg having an end that is pivotally attached to an opposite end of one of said first pair of solar panel supports;
- and
- d. a pair of control arms, each such control arm having one end that is pivotally attached to said frame, and an opposite end that is pivotally attached to one of said support legs.
2 more elements
A method of deploying solar panels for use in remote locations comprising the steps of:
- a. Attaching a plurality of solar panels to a frame, the frame comprising (i) a central support frame comprising a pair of elongated parallel side members and a plurality of cross member attached to and extending between the side members, said frame having a front and a back;
- (ii) a movable brace pivotally attached to said side members at the back of said frame;
- (iii) a first pair of solar panel supports, each such support having a first end that is pivotally attached to said frame;
- (iv) a pair of angled support legs, each such leg having an end that is pivotally attached to an opposite end of one of said first pair of solar panel supports;
- and (v) a pair of control arms, each such control arm having one end that is pivotally attached to said frame, and an opposite end that is pivotally attached to one of said support legs;
- b. Collapsing the frame and panels in to a compact condition;
- c. Transporting the collapsed frame and panels to a desired location;
- d. Positioning the frame facing an estimated center of the day's sunshine path;
- e. Erecting the frame by (i) tilting the frame back against the movable brace;
- (ii) unfolding the first of said pair of solar panel supports (80) until the angled support leg of said support makes contact with the ground;
- and (iii) unfolding the second of said pair of solar panel supports until the angled support leg of said support makes contact with the ground, wherein each of said first and second solar panel supports are guided by one of said control arms.
8 more elements
A method of deploying solar panels for use at a location comprising the steps of:
- a. Attaching a plurality of solar panels to a frame, the frame comprising (i) a central support frame comprising a pair of elongated parallel side members and a plurality of cross member attached to and extending between the side members, said frame having a front and a back;
- (ii) a brace attached to said side members at the back of said frame for holding said frame at an angled orientation;
- (iii) a first pair of solar panel supports, each such support having a first end that is pivotally attached to said frame;
- (iv) a pair of angled support legs, each such leg having an end that is pivotally attached to an opposite end of one of said first pair of solar panel supports (80);
- and (v) a pair of control arms, each such control arm having one end that is pivotally attached to said frame, and an opposite end that is pivotally attached to one of said support legs;
- b. Positioning the frame at an angled orientation facing an estimated center of the day's sunshine path;
- c. Unfolding the frame by (i) unfolding the first of said pair of solar panel supports until the angled support leg of said support makes contact with the ground;
- and (ii) unfolding the second of said pair of solar panel supports until the angled support leg of said support makes contact with the ground, wherein each of said first and second solar panel supports are guided by one of said control arms.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.