Integrated structural solar module and chassis
AssigneeSoloPower, Inc.
InventorsBruce Khouri, Mustafa Pinarbasi, Mark Ensor, Robert Campbell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A solar module having a curved surface to facilitate shedding of accumulated snow and water. The module can also be angled to achieve the same. The module includes a housing with a curved or angled upper surface and solar cells are positioned within the housing.
Claims27
A solar module assembly, comprising:
- a solar module having a convexly curved or angled plate like body defined by a curved or angled transparent top layer of the solar module disposed over a curved or angled bottom layer of the solar module, wherein a plurality of solar cells are disposed between the curved or angled transparent top layer and the curved or angled bottom layer such that light receiving sides of the solar cells face the curved or angled transparent top layer;
- and
- a curved or angled support to retain the curved or angled solar module, the curved or angled support including a curved or angled support top surface that substantially contacts and conforms to the curved or angled bottom layer of the solar module.
The solar module assembly of Claim, 5 wherein the plurality of support members includes at least two curved cross members extending between and secured to two side members.
The solar module assembly of Claim, 5 wherein the plurality of support members includes a center member and at least two curved rib members attached to and extending outwardly in opposite directions from the center member.
The solar module assembly of Claim, 1 further including retainer members to cooperate between the ends of a curved or angled support and the edges of the solar module to hold the solar module in engagement with the curved or angled support.
The solar module assembly of Claim, 1 further including attachment elements on the opposite side of the curved or angled support top surface to install the solar module assembly on an application surface.
A solar module comprising:
- a plurality of solar cells;
- a solar module body having a top transparent layer and a bottom layer and first and second lateral edges, wherein the transparent layer and bottom layer define a space that receives the plurality of solar cells and wherein a portion of the top transparent layer is elevated with respect to the first and second lateral edges to facilitate snow and water sliding off of the top transparent layer towards the first and second lateral edges.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.