Module-frame rack for solar modules in naturemount applications
Assignee1st Avenue Nova, LLC
InventorThomas BUTTGENBACH
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus includes an array of at least two solar panel modules. Each solar panel module from the at least two solar panel modules includes a photovoltaic cell and a frame from a plurality of frames. The apparatus also includes a coupler. The coupler has at least a first side and a second side that define an included angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. A first solar panel module from the at least two solar panel modules is affixed to the first side of the coupler and a second solar panel module from the at least two solar panel modules is affixed to the second side of the coupler, such that a predefined angle exists between a plane of the first solar panel module and a plane of the second solar panel module.
Claims21
An apparatus, comprising:
- an array of at least two solar panel modules, each solar panel module from the at least two solar panel modules including a photovoltaic cell and a frame from a plurality of frames, each frame from the plurality of frames including a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and a third sidewall disposed between, in contact with, and substantially orthogonal to each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall,
- a first solar panel module from the at least two solar panel modules fixedly attached to a second solar panel module from the at least two solar panel modules so that the third sidewall of the frame of the first solar panel module abuts at least a portion of the frame of the second solar panel module such that a plane of the first solar panel module is substantially orthogonal to a plane of the second solar panel module.
An apparatus, comprising:
- an array of at least two solar panel modules, each solar panel module from the at least two solar panel modules including a photovoltaic cell and a frame from a plurality of frames;
- and
- a coupler having at least a first side and a second side that define an included angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees,
- a first solar panel module from the at least two solar panel modules affixed to the first side of the coupler and a second solar panel module from the at least two solar panel modules affixed to the second side of the coupler, such that a predefined angle exists between a plane of the first solar panel module and a plane of the second solar panel module.
A method of assembling a solar panel assembly, the method comprising:
- forming an array of at least two solar panel modules, each solar panel module from the at least two solar panel modules including a photovoltaic cell and a frame, by:
- affixing a first solar panel module from the at least two solar panel modules to a first side of a coupler having the first side and a second side, the first side and the second side of the coupler defining an included angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees, and
- affixing a second solar panel module from the at least two solar panel modules to the second side of the coupler, such that a predefined angle exists between a plane of the first solar panel module and the second solar panel module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.