Methods and apparatus for structurally supporting geometrically complex solar modules using a rigid substrate and point support connections
OwnerTodd Dalland, Robert Lerner +1inventors
InventorsTodd Dalland, Robert Lerner, Colin Touhey
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Abstract
Geometrically complex solar panels are disclosed. The geometrically complex solar panels disclosed herein can take advantage of the flexibility of monocrystalline solar cells while enhancing security and functionality of the cells and to widen the design limits faced by architects and builders in planning for the use of solar energy panels by custom creating a pre-formed rigid shell mount that fixes and stabilizes the cell arrays in the desired form
Claims16
A geometrically complex solar module, comprising:
- a rigid shell comprising a mounting surface, wherein the mounting surface comprises a curvature that is curved in at least one dimension;
- at least one flexible solar module comprising a plurality of flexible monocrystalline solar cells, wherein the at least one flexible solar module is coupled to and follows the curvature of the mounting surface.
A mounting system for geometrically complex solar panels, comprising:
- a mounting member, comprising:
- a base plate comprising at least two base apertures;
- a post extending obliquely from an area of the base plate located between the two base apertures, the post comprising a distal end opposite the base plate, the distal end comprising a post aperture;
- a rod-coupled at a first end to the post aperture;
- and
- a lug plate coupled to a second end of the rod, opposite the first end.
A solar module, comprising:
- a rigid shell comprising a mounting surface, wherein the mounting surface comprises a plurality of perforations formed therethrough;
- at least one flexible solar module each comprising a plurality of flexible monocrystalline solar cells, wherein the at least one flexible solar module encases the pluratliy of flexible monocrystalline solar cells in a transparent material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.