AU2020102020A4 - Solar Panel Array - Google Patents

Abstract

A solar panel module comprising a plurality of solar panel assemblies attached to each other with each solar panel assembly comprising solar panel modules joined together and surrounded by a frame having side rails and upper and lower end rails, and a ridge assembly for attachment to the upper end rails of the solar panel assemblies for attaching the solar panel assemblies to each other, wherein the ridge assembly is adapted to orient the solar panel assemblies at a particular angle less than 900with respect to each other. There is also provided a solar panel array comprising at least one solar panel module attached to footings adapted to be secured to the ground in a cyclone proof manner. I2t6 10g

Description

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Solar Panel Array.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to arrays of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar photovoltaic panels thereof.

[0002] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to solar PV panels and the solar PV panel arrays defined when joining together the panels.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Solar PV panels (also referred to as simply "solar panels") are currently being mounted on roofs of houses and industry buildings as well as directly on the ground for defining solar panel arrays (also referred to as solar farms).

[0005] With the objective of generating an amount of electric power suitable for a small or medium city or industrial park, solar farms are being constructed with a relatively large quantity of solar panels. Assembly of a solar farm of a relatively large extension is time consuming and cumbersome. This is particularly true because of the relatively large quantity of the solar panels that are needed, which are required to be firmly secured to the ground to resists rough weather conditions typical of the one existing in cyclone prone areas. Currently, no solar panels arrays have been developed that can be rapidly deployed and that provide Region D cyclonic wind compliance.

[0006] Moreover, assembly of a solar farm of a relatively large extension is time consuming and cumbersome. This is particularly true because the solar panels have a relatively large surface, thus handling these solar panels during assembly of a solar panel array and attaching them to the support surface secured to the ground is difficult requiring relatively large numbers of labor; thus, increasing the cost for assembling the solar panel array.

[0007] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a solar panel module comprising a plurality of solar panel assemblies attached to each other with each solar panel assembly comprising solar panel modules joined together and surrounded by a frame having side rails and upper and lower end rails, and a ridge assembly for attachment to the upper end rails of the solar panel assemblies for attaching the solar panel assemblies to each other, wherein the ridge assembly is adapted to orient the solar panel assemblies at a particular angle less than 900 with respect to each other.

[0009] Preferably, the ridge assembly comprises an upper cover and a lower cover for attachment to the upper end rails of the solar panel assemblies such that sections of the upper end rails are sandwiched between the upper and lower covers.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a solar panel array comprising at least one solar panel module in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the solar panel array comprising a plurality of footings, each footing comprising a body having an upper surface substantially parallel to the ground on which the footing rests, a lower surface for resting on the ground, two sides with each side having a slanted face, and fastening means attached to the slanted face for attaching the solar panel assembly to the footing, the fastening means comprising groove means for receiving the lower end rail of the solar panel assembly, wherein the groove means is adapted to keep the solar panel assembly in a slanted condition when the solar panel assembly is attached to the footing permitting attachment of the one or more ridge assemblies to the upper end rails of the solar panel assemblies to join together the solar panel assemblies attached to neighbouring footings.

[0011] Preferably, each footing comprises one or more openings traversing transversally the footing permitting spears traversing the footing through the openings for securing the footing to the ground in a cyclone-proof manner.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for assembling the solar panel array in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of:

a. mounting the plurality of footings on the ground in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other;

b. securing the footings onto the ground via spears traversing the footings and penetrating the ground;

c. attaching to each footing a solar panel assembly by inserting the lower end rails of the solar panel assembly into the groove means;

d. joining together the upper end rails of solar panel assemblies attached to neighbouring footings via one or more ridge assemblies.

[0013] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of electrically connecting the solar panel modules together.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a solar panel array comprising at least one solar panel module having a plurality of solar panel assemblies, a support structure for releasably attaching the solar panel assemblies to the support structure, and fastening means for attaching the solar panel assembly to the support structure, wherein the fastening means are adapted to slideablely receive particular sections of the solar panels.

[0015] Preferably, the support structure comprises a plurality of footings arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other.

[0016] Preferably, each footing comprises a body having an upper surface substantially parallel to the ground on which the footing rests, a lower surface for resting on the ground, and two sides, each side having a slanted face.

[0017] Preferably, the slanted face extends towards the ground.

[0018] Preferably, each side of the footing comprises a vertical face extending from the end of the slanted face towards the ground on which the footing rests.

[0019] Preferably, the slanted face is adapted to receive a lower side of the solar panel assembly.

[0020] Preferably, the slanted face defines a surface oriented at 700 with respect to the upper surface of the support structure.

[0021] Preferably, the fastening means comprise a groove means for receiving edges of the solar panel assembly.

[0022] Preferably, the groove means is adapted to keep the solar panel assembly in a slanted condition.

[0023] Preferably, the groove means is adapted to orient the solar panel assembly at an angle of 200with respect to the upper surface of the footing.

[0024] Preferably, the groove means is defined by a U-bar attached to the slanted face of the support structure.

[0025] Preferably, the solar panel array comprises a plurality of solar panel assemblies, each solar panel assembly being attached to a footing of a plurality of spaced apart footings, wherein upper edges of the solar panel assemblies of each solar panel module are spaced apart with respect to each other defining a gap therebetween.

[0026] Preferably, distance between the upper edges is 20 mm long.

[0027] Preferably, the upper sides of the solar panel assemblies of each solar panel module when attached to the footing define a ridge.

[0028] Preferably, the solar panel array further comprise covering means for covering of inner and outer portions of the ridge.

[0029] Preferably, the covering means comprise a ridge assembly.

[0030] Preferably, the ridge assembly comprises an upper cover and a lower cover for attachment to the upper sides of the solar panel assemblies while the solar panel assemblies are attached to the footings.

[0031] Preferably, the lower surface of the footing comprises recesses spaced apart with respect to each other and arranged in such a manner that forks of forklifts may be received within the recesses.

[0032] Preferably, the body of the footing comprises openings traversing the body.

[0033] Preferably, the solar panel array further comprises securing means for securing the footings on the ground.

[0034] Preferably, the securing means are adapted to make the solar panel solar panel cyclone-proof.

[0035] Preferably, the solar panel array provides Region D cyclonic wind compliance.

[0036] Preferably, the securing means comprise a plurality of spears and the openings traversing the body of the footing. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a solar panel module comprising a plurality of solar panel assemblies, and a ridge assembly for attachment to upper ends of the solar panel assemblies, wherein the ridge assembly is adapted to orient the panels at a particular angle less than 900 with respect to each other.

[0037] Preferably, the particular angle is 500.

[0038] Preferably, the ridge assembly comprises an upper cover and a lower cover for attachment to the upper ends of the solar panel assemblies such that sections of the upper ends are sandwiched between the upper and lower covers.

[0039] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a footing for attachment of a solar panel assembly for defining a solar panel array comprising at least one solar panel assembly, the footing comprising a body having an upper surface substantially parallel to the ground on which the footing rests, a lower surface for resting on the ground, two sides with each side having a slanted face, and fastening means comprising a groove means for receiving edges of the solar panel assembly, wherein the groove means is adapted to keep the solar panel assembly in a slanted condition.

[0040] Preferably, the slanted face extends towards the ground.

[0041] Preferably, each side of the footing comprises a vertical face extending from the end of the slanted face towards the ground on which each footing rests.

[0042] Preferably, the slanted face is adapted to receive a lower side of the solar panel assembly.

[0043] Preferably, the slanted face defines a surface oriented at 700 with respect to the upper surface of the support structure.

[0044] Preferably, the groove means is adapted to orient the solar panel assembly at an angle of 200with respect to the upper surface of the footing.

[0045] Preferably, the groove means is defined by a U-bar attached to the slanted face of the support structure.

[0046] Preferably, the lower surface of the footing comprises recesses spaced apart with respect to each other and arranged in such a manner that forks of forklifts may be received within the recesses.

[0047] Preferably, the body of the footing comprises openings traversing the body.

[0048] Preferably, the solar panel array further comprises securing means for securing the footings on the ground.

[0049] Preferably, the securing means are adapted to make the solar panel solar panel cyclone-proof.

[0050] Preferably, the solar panel array provides Region D cyclonic wind compliance.

[0051] Preferably, the securing means comprise a plurality of spears and the openings traversing the body of the footing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a particular arrangement of a solar panel array comprising a plurality of solar panel modules in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a particular arrangement of a solar panel module shown in figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side view of the solar panel module shown in figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side view of a particular arrangement of a footing of the solar panel array shown in figure 1;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a particular arrangement of a solar panel assembly of the solar panel module shown in figure 2;

Figure 6 is a side view of the solar panel module shown in figure 2 during assembly thereof;

Figure 7 are end views of U-bars of a frame of the solar panel assemblies of the solar panel module shown in figure 2;

Figure 8 are end and top perspective views of a particular arrangement of the upper cover of a ridge assembly in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention for joining together two adjacent solar panels assemblies for defining a solar panel module;

Figure 9 are end and top perspective views of a particular arrangement of the lower cover of a ridge assembly in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention for joining together two adjacent solar panels assemblies for defining a solar panel module;

Figure 10 is a detail of a side view of the solar panel module shown in figure 2 in assembled condition;

Figure 11 is a side view of the solar panel module shown in figure 2 in assembled condition;

Figure 12 is a close up view of Detail A shown in figure 10; and

Figure 13 is a close up view of Detail B shown in figure 10.

[0053] The figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

[0054] Figure 1 show a particular arrangement of a solar panel array 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

[0055] As shown in figures 1, the solar panel array 10 comprises two pairs of solar panels modules 12a and 12b with each module 12a and 12b having a pair of solar panel assemblies 14a and 14b joined together in such a manner that each solar panel module 12 takes a triangular configuration.

[0056] In the particular arrangement shown in the figures, the solar panel assemblies 14a and 14b are joined together at a particular angle a with respect to each other. The particular angle in this arrangement has a value of 500.

[0057] Further, the solar panel array 12 comprises a support structure 16 adapted to receive the solar panel modules 12a and 12b. The support structure 16 comprises a plurality of footings 18a to 18c arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other.

[0058] The spacing between neighbouring footings 18 is such that the angle a, at which the solar panel assemblies 14a and 14b are oriented with respect to each other, has the desired value such as for example 500. The spacing between the footings 18 will vary depending on the dimensions of each pair of solar panel assemblies 14, in particular, the width of the solar panel assemblies 14 defined by the distance between the upper and lower sides 20 and 22 of the solar panel assemblies 14 - see figure 2.

[0059] Referring now to figures 2 and 3, figure 2 and 3 shows solar panel module 12a in assembled condition.

[0060] The solar panel module 12a comprises solar panel assemblies 14a and 14b with their upper sides 20 defining a ridge 24 having a gap 21.

[0061] In accordance with the present embodiment of the invention, upper edges 23 of the upper sides 20 of the solar panel assemblies 14a and 14b do not join each other; instead they are spaced apart defining the gap 21 - see figure 12. In one arrangement the distance between the upper edges 23 is 20 mm long.

[0062] At least inner and outer portions 25a and 25b of the ridge 24 are covered by at least one ridge assembly 26. In the particular arrangement shown in figure 2, there are a plurality of ridge assemblies 26 arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other.

[0063] As will be described with respect to the method of assembly of each solar panel module 12, each ridge assembly 26 comprises an upper and lower cover 28 and between which a section of the ridge 24 is sandwiched, see figure 12.

[0064] Figure 12 is schematic drawing showing the ridge assembly 26 in exploded condition for illustration purposes only. In assembled condition, the upper cover 28 (acting as a ridge cap) is attached to the upper faces 32 of the upper sides 20 of the solar panel assemblies 14; and the lower cover 30 is attached to the lower faces 34 of the upper sides 20 of the solar panel assemblies 14. The attachment may occur via conventional fastening means such as bolts and screws.

[0065] Referring back to figure 3, as shown in figure 3, each solar panel module 12 is supported on a support structure 16 adapted to rest on the ground. The support structure 16 comprises a plurality of footings 18 arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. In the particular arrangement shown in figure 3, there are two footings 18a and 18b spaced apart with respect to each other with each footing 18 receiving the solar panel assemblies 14; in particular, lower sides 38 of the solar panel assemblies 14 are received by partially slanted sides 40 of the footings 18 - see figure 10.

[0066] As shown in figure 4, each footing 18 comprises a body having an upper surface 42 and a lower surface 44, and sides 46a and 46b. The upper surface 42 defines a horizontal straight surface. The lower surface 44 comprises recesses 49 spaced apart with respect to each other and arranged in such a manner that the forks of forklifts may be received within the recesses 48 for handling of the footings 18.

[0067] Further, as shown in figure 10, each side 46 of the footing 18 comprises a slanted face 50 extending from the upper surface 42 towards the ground and a vertical face 52 extending from the end of the slanted face 50 towards the ground on which each footing rests. In this manner a chamfered body is defined. The chamfered configuration of each footing 18 is particularly useful because it provides the slanted face 50 for receiving a lower side 22 of a solar panel assembly 14.

[0068] The slanted faces 50 of neighbouring footings (such as 18a and 18b) permits orienting the solar panel assemblies 14a and 14b with respect to each other at an angle lesser than 900 to a triangular configuration. In the particular arrangement shown in the figures such as figure 3, the angle between the solar panel assemblies 14 is 500. In order for orienting the solar panel assemblies 14 at such an angle, the slanted faces 50 of each footing 18 is oriented at an angle of 700 degrees with respect to the upper surface 42 of each footing 18.

[0069] Referring now to figures 10 and 13 and in particular to the detail B best depicted in figure 13, the footing 18 comprises a U-bar 54 attached to the slanted face 50. The U-bar 54 defines groove means for receiving the lower side 48 of the panel assembly 14 with the objective of attaching the solar panel assembly 14 to the footing 18.

[0070] The use of the U-bar 54 for attachment of the solar panel assembly 14 is particular advantageous because, as will be described with reference to the method of assembly of the solar panel array 10, permits inserting the corner 56 (see figure 5) defined by an end 58 and the lower side 20 of the solar panel assembly 14 and applying a pushing force to the other end 60 of the solar panel assembly 14 in order for attaching the solar panel assembly to the footing 18 as is shown in, for example, figure 6.

[0071] The solar panel assemblies 14 once received within the U-bars 54 are kept in the slanted condition (as shown in the figure 6), permitting joining the upper sides 20 of the solar panel assemblies 14 by assembling the ridge assembly 26 through initially attaching the upper cover 28 as illustrated in figure 11 and subsequently the lower cover 30.

[0072] Moreover, the solar panel array 10 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention, is cyclone-proof. In particular, the solar panel array 10 provides Region D cyclonic wind compliance.

[0073] As shown in, for example, figure 3, the footings 18 are attached to the ground via spears 62 that traverse openings 64 made in the footings 18. The spears 62 are configured (e.g. have a particular length and strength) to ensure that the solar panel array is cyclone-proof.

[0074] In the particular arrangement of footing 18 depicted in figure 4 there are three openings 64a to 64c traversing the thicker sections of the footing 18 between the recesses 49 adapted to receive forks of forklifts permitting handling of the footings 18 during assembly and disassembly of the solar panel array 10.

[0075] Referring now to figures 5 and 7, figure 5 depicts a particular arrangement of a solar panel assembly 14 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention. Each solar panel assembly 14 comprises a plurality of solar panel modules 66 mechanically attached to each other and electrically connected to each other defining solar panel assembly 14. A frame 68 surrounds the solar panel assembly 14. The frame 68 comprises side rails 70 and end rails 72 joined to each other. Figure 7 shows cross sections of the rails 70 and 72. The solar panel assembly 14 comprises a support beam 74 extending from one end 58 to the other end 60 of the solar panel assembly 14 and being parallel to the sides 70a and 70b.

[0076] Each solar panel module 66 comprises a plurality of solar cells electrically connected to each other, a support surface for receiving the solar cells and a transparent cover permitting sunlight to reach the solar cells. The support surface and the transparent cover are joined together in such a manner that the solar cells are protected from the elements such as dust, water and humidity.

[0077] The solar panel modules 12 of the solar panel array 10 are adapted to be electrically connected to each other to form a string with the objective to create an electric circuit though which the current, generated by the solar cells, flows. The solar panel array 10 is connected to an inverter for conversion of the direct current power generated by the plurality of solar cells to alternate current power for use at home and delivered to the grid.

[0078] The solar panel array 10 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention may comprise one of more rows of solar panel modules 12, with each having solar panel modules 12 arranged in tandem arrangement and mounted on a support structure 16. The support structure 16 comprises a plurality of footings 18 arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other for receiving the solar panel modules 12 as was described before.

[0079] The method for assembling the solar panel array 10 comprises defining initially the support structure 16 by mounting the plurality of footings 18 on the ground. This may be done via a forklift carrying the footings 18 and dismounting the footings 18, one at a time, as the fork lifts travel over the ground for arranging the footings 18 in spaced apart relationship with respect to each other to define the support structure 16 comprising a single row of footings 18. Additional rows of footings 18 may be mounted on the ground side by side to define a solar panel array 10 comprising a multitude of rows of footings 18.

[0080] As the footings 18 are mounted on the ground each footing 18 is secured to the ground via spears 62 by inserting the spears 62 into the opening 64 and pushing the spears 64 fully into the ground.

[0081] Once the support structure 16 has been secure to the ground, the solar panel assemblies 14 are attached to the footings 18; this is done by attaching the lower side 22 of each solar panel 14 to the U-bar 54 attached to the slanted face 50 of a footing 18. Attachment of the solar panel assembly 14 to a footing 18 comprises the step of sliding the lower side 22 of the solar panel assemblies 14 into the U-bar 54 in order to attach each solar panel assembly 14 to the footing 18, as is shown in figure 6.

[0082] At this stage, the upper sides 20 of each of solar panel assemblies 14a and 14b are joined together via the ridge assemblies 26 arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other along the ridge 24 as shown in figure 1.

[0083] In particular, as shown in figure 11, the upper covers 28 of the ridge assemblies 26 may be attached to the exterior of the ridge 24 acting as ridge caps. And, the lower covers 30 of the ridge assemblies 26 may be attached to the interior of the ridge 24 as is shown in figure 10.

[0084] Upon completion of the assembly of the solar panel arrays all solar panel assemblies are electrically connected to each other as is currently being done with conventional solar panel arrays.

[0085] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. For example, the slanted faces 46 of the footings 18 shown in the figures comprise U-bars; however, the slanted faces may comprise groove means for receiving the lower sides 22 of the solar panel assemblies. The grove means ident into the slanted face 50.

[0086] Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed.

[0087] The language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0088] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (5)

1. A solar panel module comprising a plurality of solar panel assemblies attached to each other with each solar panel assembly comprising solar panel modules joined together and surrounded by a frame having side rails and upper and lower end rails, and a ridge assembly for attachment to the upper end rails of the solar panel assemblies for attaching the solar panel assemblies to each other, wherein the ridge assembly is adapted to orient the solar panel assemblies at a particular angle less than 900with respect to each other.

2. A solar panel module according to claim 1 wherein the ridge assembly comprises an upper cover and a lower cover for attachment to the upper end rails of the solar panel assemblies such that sections of the upper end rails are sandwiched between the upper and lower covers.

3. A solar panel array comprising at least one solar panel module as defined in claims 1 or 2, the solar panel array comprising a plurality of footings, each footing comprising a body having an upper surface substantially parallel to the ground on which the footing rests, a lower surface for resting on the ground, two sides with each side having a slanted face, and fastening means attached to the slanted face for attaching the solar panel assembly to the footing, the fastening means comprising groove means for receiving the lower end rail of the solar panel assembly, wherein the groove means is adapted to keep the solar panel assembly in a slanted condition when the solar panel assembly is attached to the footing permitting attachment of the one or more ridge assemblies to the upper end rails of the solar panel assemblies to join together the solar panel assemblies of the solar panel module attached to neighbouring footings.

4. A solar panel array according to claim 3 wherein each footing comprises one or more openings traversing transversally the footing permitting spears traversing the footing through the openings for securing the footing to the ground in a cyclone proof manner.

5. A method for assembling the solar panel array as defined in claims 3 or 4, the method comprising the steps of:

i. mounting the plurality of footings on the ground in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other;

ii. securing the footings onto the ground via spears traversing the footings and penetrating the ground;

iii. attaching to each footing a solar panel assembly by inserting the lower end rails of the solar panel assembly into the groove means;

iv. joining together the upper end rails of solar panel assemblies attached to neighbouring footings via one or more ridge assemblies.