# US 8,782,996 B2 · Systems and methods for ground mounted solar array

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- Number: US 8,782,996 B2
- Document ID: US8782996B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/158,257
- Filed: 2011-06-10
- Published: 2012-02-09
- Granted: 2014-07-22
- Earliest claimed: 2010-06-11
- Assignees: Douglas Moyles; Mike Christman
- Applicants: Mike Christman; Doug Moyles
- Inventors: Mike Christman; Doug Moyles
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8782996B2

## CPC

- H02S 20/10: Supporting structures directly fixed to the ground (H02S20/30 takes precedence)
- Y02B 10/10: Photovoltaic [PV]
- Y02E 10/50: Photovoltaic [PV] energy
- Y02P 80/20: using renewable energy
- Y10T 29/49355: Solar energy device making
- H02S: GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES (obtaining electrical energy from radioactive sources G21H1/12; light sensitive inorganic semiconductor devices H10F; light sensitive organic semiconductor devices H10K30/00; thermoelectric devices H10N10/00; pyroelectric devices H10N15/00)
- Y02B: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02P: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A modular oversized solar array with a support structure is provided that reduces land costs as a percentage relative to the production of electrical energy from solar installations. Components of the solar racking array may be manufactured using existing steel manufacturing facilities. The array may be configured to be temporarily held in place at a first position to allow workmen to perform panel installation work from ground level. The array may then be lifted, via a crane, to a second position (or a final tilted position) to allow for further assembly. The array may accommodate various topographical features or span over other structures, be lifted to higher than normal array heights or span over greater distances. The solar racking structure design has elevated minimum heights allowing for dual use of the underlying ground, as well as more efficient dismantling, decommissioning and relocation of the solar array.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of assembling a photovoltaic array comprising:
lifting a set of photovoltaic panels to a first position elevated above an underlying surface;
performing panel installation work to the photovoltaic array from beneath the photovoltaic array while the photovoltaic array is in the first position;
moving the set of photovoltaic panels to a second position elevated above the underlying surface;
further assembling an underlying frame to support the set of photovoltaic panels in the elevated second position;
setting the photovoltaic array onto the underlying surface;
wherein the set of photovoltaic panels comprises a plurality of frame sections;
wherein the plurality of frame sections each comprises a top surface and a bottom surface and the photovoltaic array comprises a first end and a second end; and
wherein the to surface of each of the plurality of frame sections is inclined and substantially coplanar with the to surface of an adjacent frame section of the plurality of frame sections from the first end of the photovoltaic array to the second end of the photovoltaic array.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the set of photovoltaic panels are lifted to the first position via a crane.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the set of photovoltaic panels are moved to the second position via a crane.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein one or more installer performs mechanical and electrical connections of the photovoltaic panels from beneath the photovoltaic array.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the underlying frame includes vertical supports whose lengths are variable to conform to the underlying surface while maintaining the set of photovoltaic panels at the second position.