US 9,071,191 B2Granted

Prefabricated solar array system

OwnerJohn L Patrickinventor

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Abstract

In one embodiment, a solar array system is described. The example solar array system is prefabricated as a single unit. The solar array system includes a plurality of solar panels. The solar panels of the plurality of solar panels are configured to be electrically connected to one another. At least one solar panel of the plurality of solar panels is electrically connected to a mini-inverter. The mini-inverter is configured to perform maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and apply a load to at least one solar panel of the plurality of solar panels. The mini-inverter is also configured to convert direct current (DC) power generated by the plurality of solar panels to alternating current (AC) power. The solar array system further includes a plurality of locking hinges. The locking hinges are configured to allow the plurality of solar panels to be folded on top of one another.

Claims5

Dependent claims

A solar array system, comprising:

a plurality of solar panels,
where a member of the plurality of solar panels is fabricated with at least one mini-inverter to perform maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and to apply a load to the member,
where members of the plurality of solar panels are electrically connected to an electrical grid with AC cabling,
where members of the plurality of solar panels are selected for inclusion in the plurality of solar panels based, at least in part, on a measurement of the output of the members during fabrication and on impedance matching of the members during fabrication,
where the at least one mini-inverter of the solar panel is configured to convert direct current (DC) power generated by the solar panel to alternating current (AC) power, and
where the plurality of solar panels are fabricated together as a unit;
and
a plurality of locking hinges, where the locking hinges are configured to allow the plurality of solar panels to be grouped together and folded.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/338,458Filed 28 Dec 2011
Published: US 2013/0169054 A14 Jul 2013
Granted: 30 Jun 2015
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification16 codes

H02S 40/32
Electrical components: comprising DC/AC inverter means associated with the PV module itself, e.g. AC modules
F24S 25/67
Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules: for coupling adjacent modules or their peripheral…
H02S 30/20
Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion: collapsible or foldable PV modules
F24S 2025/012
Special support components; Methods of use: foldable support elements