US 2014/0190096 A1 · SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING STRUCTURAL SOLAR PANELS

Abstract

A modular assembly of solar panels is held together in a rigid fashion through the use of two J-channels arranged on either side thereof in oppositely facing directions. Brackets hold these J-channels to flanges on the underside of the solar panels. In the argot of solar panel installation, the J-channels extend in the north-south direction. Between each solar panel there is disposed a liquid collecting pan extending in the east-west direction. This collecting pan also acts as a clip providing both a structural and electrical connection between adjacently disposed solar panels in a column assembly which is rendered capable of installation as a single unit from the ground.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A solar panel module comprising:

a plurality of solar panels arranged in a column, said solar panels having frames with inwardly directed, substantially horizontal frame edges on undersides of said panels;
a pair of J-channel supports disposed in mirror image fashion on both sides of said column of solar panels, said J-channel supports extending beyond said solar panel frames with taller portions of said J-channel supports being disposed distally from said frames;
and
a plurality of brackets affixed to said horizontal frame edges and to interior facing portions of said J-channel supports, whereby said column of solar panels is supported on either side by J-channel supports so as to form a substantially rigid structure which is installable as a single unit.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method of assembling structural solar panels

Life of this patent

System and method of assembling structural solar panels

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20