GB2550612A

GB2550612A - Solar power system

Info

Publication number: GB2550612A
Application number: GB1609239.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hunt Pete; Savidis Alex; Caseley Steven
Original assignee: Solar Capture Tech
Current assignee: Solar Capture Tech
Priority date: 2016-05-25
Filing date: 2016-05-25
Publication date: 2017-11-29
Also published as: GB201609239D0

Abstract

A box or enclosure 100 may include one or one or more PV solar panels 101, at least one storage battery 102, a charge controller or regulator 103 that may be used to power a device 104. Said housing may be removably affixed to a structure which may be a building (Fig 5) and may be mounted in a variety of angles (Figs 3 7). The device may be fitted with a solar tracking means (Fig 19). The housing may be fitted with louvers to aid cooling (Fig 10) and may be made from an extruded section 124. The PV panels may be bifacial (Fig 12) and the housing assembles may be daisy chained together to create an array (Fig 11). Reflector panels (Figs 13 and 14, 117) may be fitted to promote solar capture. An antenna (Fig 20, 129) may be fitted for remote communication.

Description

Title

Solar Powersystem

The present invention relates to a stand-alone solar powersystem including, but not limited to, a housing unit, one or more solar panels, one or more storage batteries and a charge controller.

Background

Conventionally, stand-alone solar systems comprise a range of devices including, but not limited to one or more solar panels, one or more batteries and a charge controller for control ling the electrical characteristics of the power the batteries receive from the solar panel. This apparatus is utilised to collect and store energy from light to be used by electrical device when needed.

Such systems are employed where it is eithertoo costly for grid connected power to be supplied to an electrical device, orforsomeotherreason,such as sustainability, simplicity and soon.

Typically, the components com prised in a stand-alone solar system are bought separately and are installed in proximity to each other, however they are rarely packaged together in one com plete system. The separate components that make up the solar system are then connected using a series of cables and wires.

Install ingall of the components comprised in a stand-alone solar system and then connecting them together is time-consuming, this can be extremely costly forthe installer, especially in areas where access is difficult, or surrounding areas need to be closed to the public during installation, such as roads and railways.

Installing the separate components comprised in a stand-alonesolarsystem in this mannercan also lead to a visually displeasing solution, due to the fact that system appears disjointed.

Installing the devices in this manner and having wires and/orcables exposed also leads to the risk of accidental damageand vandalism. Attempts are sometimes made to hide the wiring inside of a support structure, howeverthis may compromise the structural integrity of said support structure.

Attempts have been made to alleviate the aforementioned issues by packaging solar systems together inside a housing unit. This often solves some or all the issues presented above, howeverthe devices are notfixedtothe internal of the housingunitmeaningthatany movement can cause damage to the components comprised in the stand-alone solar system and wiring and or cabling to become dislocated. Furthermore, present systems only provide a single method forattachmentto specific support structures, meaning that different systems are needed fordifferent locations, settings and support structures. There is also no flexibility offered in the electrical characteristics of the solar panel or solar pane Is and storage capacity of the battery or batteries, this limits the useful ness of the solar system to many electrical devices requiring energy.

To overcome these problems, the present invention proposes a housing unitthat houses one or more batteries and charge controller, the housing unit also provides a surface forthe attachment of one or more solar panels which provides powertoan internal orexternal device, orset of devices requiring electrical power. It may also house other electrical devices such as, but not limited to, sensors, lighting, recording equipment, cameras, computers, communication equipment and data loggers. Each of the components being housed can be mounted securely and located on internal featuresofthe housingunit.

Wherein the housingunit provides external structures to allow it to be fixed into position, th rough method of various attachments onto many support structures, such as, but not limited to, the floor, postsand masts, walls, roofs and rails. The attachment method may be fixed or floating allowing the userto adjustthe elevation and orthe azimuth angle of the panel.

Wherein the housing unit is easily disconnected from the attachment methods in order for maintenance and trouble-shooting to be carried out with ease. This also al lows systems to be easily sited in different locations when needed, such as seasonally, as many attachment methods can be permanently fixed to the support structure, and the housing unit and internal components can be mounted in each location when needed. The attachment method may be secured tothe supporting structure in a variety of ways depending on the application, such as, but not limited to screws, bolts, straps, jubilee clips, magnets,adhesives, tapes and cable ties.

Wherein a specialised tool may be needed to disconnect the housing unit from the attachment method in order to prevent theft, vandalism and unauthorised access.

Wherein the housingunit may have apertures to promote ventilation, andorto stop gases from batteries from building up. Such apertures may befitted with valves to retain a desired level of weatherproofing. Such apertures may be fitted with louvres to prevent the ingress of water.

Wherein the housingunit provides space for internal wiring, meaningthatthe system is less susceptibleto vandalism, is more visuallyappealingand the structural integrity ofthe support structure is not compromised in an attempt to hide wiring.

Wherein the electrical output, in terms of power, current and voltage, ofthe solar panel can be tailored to suit the application during the manufacturing process.

Wherein the form ofthe housing unit can be designed to fit surrounding architecture and aesthetics of its surroundings.

Wherei n the housi ng unit is designed i n such a way as to reduce wi nd load, al lowing the system to be mounted on less structu ral ly strong support structures and/oral lowing the system to mounted higheron said support structures.

Wherein a plurality of systems can be arranged to provide more powerthana single unit.

Wherein the housingunit may be made of a metallic material so that it can be utilised as an antenna and/orsignal boosterforcommunications devices housed eitherinsideor externally to the invention.

Wherein the system may utilise a solar panel with light concentration, provided by for example, but not limited to mirrors, and or lenses.

Wherein the housing unit and the solar panel can be thermally coupled allowing the housingunit to be used as a heatsink, allowing the solar panel to perform better due to lower ope rating temperatures. Thermally conductiveadhesivesand/ortapes may be used to provide a thermal couple.

Wherein the invention may utilise a solar panel with bi-facial cel I technology, in this embodiment the surfacefor mounting the solar panel will be partially missing ortransparent and the inside of the housing unit will be reflective allowing reflected light to be converted to energy on the reverse of the solar panel. In this instance the light may enterthe housing unit through gaps in between the solar cel Is through and/or additional apertures in the housing unit.

Wherein the system may provide powertoa hinge, allowingthe elevation of the system to be adjustedautomatically in relation to the position of the sun.

Wherein the system may provide powertoa rotational device, allowingthe azimuth of system to be adjustedautomatically in relation to the position of the sun.

The first embodiment provides a housing unit which consists of an extruded member of substantially continuous cross section.

Wherein with the housing unit includes features to mount a bottom end cap and/or a top end cap.

Wherein the bottom end cap and top end cap may seal the extruded member to provide weather protection to any internal components.

Wherein the end caps are detachable providing access to internal components.

Wherein the end caps may house electrical components such as, but not limited to sensors, lighting, recording equipment, cameras, computers, communication equi pmentand data logge rs.

Wherein at I east one face of the extruded member provides a surface on which at least one solar panel can be mounted. Said surface may befully covered with solar pane Is. Wherein portions of the surface may be left uncovered to be used for mounting dev ices such as, but not limited to lighting, displays, screens and also, but not limited to branding and signage can be applied.

Wherein the surface on which a solar panel or solar panels is mounted may deflator radiused al lowing a radiusedorf lexible solar panel to be utilised to collect more sunlight from different angles and, therefore, longer periods of the day.

Wherein the extruded member can be adjusted in length according to the desired electrical characteristics, forexample the length of the extruded member can be adapted to provide more or less energy generation. Another example is the length of the extruded member can be adapted to provide more mounting space for more batteries if more energy storage is required or more, or largerinternal electrical devices.

Wherein a plurality of extruded members can be connected longitudinally to provideone, longand seamless system, in which the end caps may be used as mechanical and electrical connectors between two or more housing units.

The second embodiment provides a housing unit which externally comprises a revolved profile around a central axis.

Wherein the profile is revolved through an angle between 20and 180 degrees around said axis, wherein the profile is preferably revolved through an angle of90 degrees around said axis.

Wherein the solar panel is detachable in orderto provide access to the internal components.

Wherein a gasket may be used between the solar panel and the housing unit to seal the housingunit

Wherein the top part of the profile is between 20 and -20 degrees from the perpendicularto the revolvingaxis.

Wherein if the top part of the profiie isangied and not perpendicuiartothe revoiving axis the housing unit may have recessed portions to provide a fiat surface to mount the soiarpanei.

Wherein a piuraiity of housing units can be arranged radiaiiy in orderto increase the angie of revoiution and thus provide more power. introduction to the drawings Figl

Fig.lis an expioded perspective view of thefirstembodimentaccordingto the invention Fig 2

Fig.2is a cross sectionaitopviewofthefirstembodiment

Fig 3

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment, mounted on the fiooron both a fixed and fioatingattachment.

Fig 4

Fig.4is a perspective view of the first embodiment, mounted on a post on both a fixed and fioating attachment.

Figs

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the first embodiment, mounted on a waii on both a fixed and fioating attachment.

Fig 6

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the first embodiment, mounted on a horizontai raii on both a fixed and fioatingattachment.

Fig 7

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the first embodiment, mounted on a verticai raii on both fixed and fioatingattachment.

Figs

Fig. 8 is a ciose up, perspective view of the first embodiment, showing apertures forventiiation, one such aperture isfitted with a vaive to retain weatherproofing.

Fig 9

Fig.9is a perspective view of two of the first embodiment, with different soiarpanei s, and therefore diffe re nt e iectricai characte risties.

Fig 10

Fig. 10 is a topviewof how the first embodi me nt can be designed in different ways in orderto manipuiate wind ioading.

Fig 11

Fig. 11 is a perspectiveviewof a piuraiity of the first embodiments can be arranged in matrix to provide more power.

Fig 12

Fig. 12 is a perspectiveviewof a piuraiityof the first embodiments arranged in a radiai pattern around a post or mast to provide more power.

Fig 13

Fig. 13 is a perspectiveviewof the first embodiment, with a mirrored system to concentrate the sun's light onto the solarpanel.

Fig 14

Fig. 14 is a topviewof the first embodi ment with a mirrored system to concentrate the sun's light ontothe solarpanel showing how heatistransferredthroughthe housingunit.

Fig 15

Fig. 15 is a perspectiveviewof the first embodi me nt, with a lensed system to concentrate the sun's light ontothe solar panel.

Fig 16

Fig. 16 is a topviewof the first embodiment with a lensed system to concentrate the sun's light onto the solar panel showing how heat is transferred through the housing unit.

Fig 17

Fig. 17 is a perspectiveviewof the first embodiment, where the surface for mounting the solar panel ismissing, al lowing a bi-facial solar module to be utilised and the inside of the housingunit is reflective.

Fig 18

Fig. 18 is a topviewof the first embodiment, where the surface for mounting the solarpanel is missing, allowing a bi-facial solar module to be utilised. The diagram shows the light entering the housing unit through gaps between the cells in the solar panel.

Fig 19

Fig. 19 is a perspectiveviewof the first embodiment, where a motor, or other dynamic device, not shown, is utilised in order to tilt and/or rotate the invention in relationship to the sun.

Fig 20

Fig.20isa perspectiveviewof different end caps, with different functions, fitted onto a housingunit as inthe firstembodiment.

Fig 21

Fig. 21 is a perspectiveviewof the first embodiment, where the solar surface on an extruded member is only partially covered by the solarpanel or solar pane Is and branding is applied to the uncovered surface.

Fig 22

Fig. 22 is a cross sectional viewof the first embodiment, where the surface to which to mount the solarpanel is radiused.

Fig 23

Fig. 23 is a perspectiveviewof two versions of the first embodiment, where the extruded member has differing lengths and thus the solar panel has differing electrical output.

Fig 24

Fig.24isa perspectiveviewof a plurality of the first embodiment arranged longitudinallyto create a long seamless system.

Fig 25

Fig. 25 Isa perspectiveviewof the second embodiment according to the invention, showing a housing unit with a profile revolved around an axis.

Fig 26

Fig.26 is a cross sectional viewof the second embodiment, showing a possible profile that may be revolved.

Fig 27

Fig.27isan exploded viewof the second embodiment, showing internal features for mounting devices.

Fig 28

Fig.28isa perspectiveviewof the second embodiment, showinganarrangementof a plurality of said embodiment.

Fig 29

Fig.29 is a perspectiveviewof the second embodiment, showinganarrangementof a plurality of said embodiment mounted on a post or mast.

Fig 30

Fig.SOisa perspectiveviewof the second embodiment, showing an indented section in the top surface of said embodiment to provide a flat surface on which a solar panel to be located.

Detailed Description

In Fig. land Fig. 2, a housing unit 100 has a surface 125 in order for a solar panel 101 or solar pane Is to be mounted. The housing unit 100 includes internal structures 105 for securing all or any of; a battery 102 or batteries, a charge controller 103 and a device or devices requiring electrical power 104. The housing unit 100 provides space for internal wiring to be run and hidden 115. The housing unit 100 provides external structures 106 in order forthe device to be mounted to support structures 107-110, shown in Fig.3-Fig.7.

Fig.3-Fig.7showsa range of support structures the invention can be mounted on. This includes, but is not Iimitedtothefloorl07, posts and masts 108, walls 109, roofsand rails 110. The inventioncan be eithermounted with a fixed attachment 111, or with a floating attachment 112 in which the angle of the invention can be adjusted to suit the location and application of the invention.

Such attachment methods 111 and 112 can be securely mountedtosupportstructuressuch as but not limitedtothefloorl07, postsand masts 108, wallsl09, roofsand railsllO viaa numberof methods, such as, but not limited to screws, bolts, straps, jubileeclips, magnets, adhesives, tapes and cableties.The housingunitlOO, with attachedsolarpanel 101 and havinginternal structures 105 forlocatingand securingat leastone battery 102, a charge controllerl03 and at leastone device requiring electrical power 104, utilises external structures 106, so that it can be attached to said attachment methods 111 and 112 via an easy to disconnect connection. This connection may require specialised tool ing to allow disconnection such as but not limited to a key, to discourage theft and vandalism of the invention.

Fig. 8 shows that the housing unit 100 may include apertures or vents 113 to allow gases to escape that may build upas the battery 102 is discharging. Said apertures or vents 113 may be fitted with valves 114 orsimilardevicesthatallowthe builtupgasto escape, butdo not compromise the weatherproofing of the invention. Alternatively, the apertures or vents may be fitted with louvres, not shown, to prevent the ingress of water.

The housingunit 100 provides internal space 115 forwiresto be passed in orderto connectdevices 101, 102, 103 and 104 together.

The solar panel 101 utilised in the invention can be manufactured in such a way as to tailorthe electrical output for the application to suit the internal or external device requiring electrical power 104. Fig.9 shows identical solar systems, apart from the solar panels 101. The solar panel 101 on the left has fewer, larger solar cel Is than the solar pane 1101 on the right, thus the electrical outputs of the two solar panels differs. The solar panel 101 with fewer, larger cel Is will have a higher electrical currentand lowervoltagethanthesolarpanel 101 on the right.

The housingunit 100 can be designed in such a way so that it complements the aesthetic of the surround environment. Aspects such as, but not limited to the form, colour, texture and size of the housingunit 100 can be altered.

Fig. 10 shows how the overall design of the housingunit 100 can be presented in such a way to reduce wind loading 141 on the invention. This allows the invention to be mounted on less structurally strong supportstructures 107-110 such as but not limited to the floor 107, postsand masts 108, walls 109, roofs and rails 110, this allows the invention to be mounted on a greater array of said supportstructures 107-110. This also allows the invention to be mounted higher up said supportstructures 107-110 such as but not limitedtothefloor 107, postsand masts 108, walls 109, roofsand rails 110, meaningthatthe device can be mounted in positions where shadows from nearby objects are less likely to reduce the solar panel's 101 performance.

Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 show a plurality of the invention mounted in different configurations meaning that supportstructures 107-110 such as but not limitedtothe floor 107, postsand masts 108, walls 109, roofsand rails 110 can be utilised more effectively and more powercan be generated. Fig.llshows how a plurality of the invention can be connected in a matrix to maximise the area that said invention covers. Fig. 12 shows a plurality of the invention arranged radially around a central axis 116 so that the light is converted into electricity by the solar panels 101 for a longer period of the day, thus providing more power to the connected devices 102,103 and 104.

The housingunit 100 may be manufactured using metal lie mate rial, and isolated from the ground in orderfor it to be used as an antenna and ora signal booster for devices requiring electrical power 104 such as, but not limited to internal or external communications devices

In Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 mirrors 117 are used in orderfor light 143 from the sun to be concentrated on the solar panel 101. Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 shows a lens system 118 being used for the same purpose. Concentrating the light 143 from the sun allows more electricity to degenerated by the solar panel 101.

The housing unit 100 can be used to dissipate heat 142 as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig.l6, in this i nstance, thermal ly conductive adhesives and/ortapes, not shown, may be used to the rmal ly couple the housing unit 100 to the solar panel 101.

In Fig.l7and Fig.lSthe solarpanel 101 utilises bi-facial cell technology 119, allowingthesolarpanel 101 to convert light 143 intoelectricityfrom both sides. Inthisinstancethe surface for mounting a solar panel or solar panels 125 to mountthe solar panel is partially missingortransparent, some or all of the inside of the housing unit 100 reflects light 143 onto the reverse ofthe solar panel 101 with bi-facial cell technology 119. In this instance the light 143 may enterthe housing unit 100 through gaps in between the solar cel Is in the solar panel 101 and/orthrough additional apertures in the housingunit, notshown.

In Fig. 19, the invention shown utilises a floating attachment method 112 where poweris supplied to the hinge 120 all owing the elevation 121 of the system to betiltedautomatically in relation to the sun. The invention may also have power provided to a rotational device 122, allowing the azimuth 123 of system to be adjusted automatically in relation to the sun.

In thefirstembodiment, the housingunit 100 may consist ofan extruded member 124of substantially continuous cross section as shown in Fig.l-Fig.24. The extruded memberis capped at the top and bottom by end caps 126. The end caps 126 may seal the extruded memberl24 in order to protect the internal devices 102,103 and 104 from the external environment.

Fig.20 shows that the end caps 126 are detachable allowing access to the internal devices 102,103 and 104. Fig.20alsoshowsthattheendcaps 126 may house electrical componentssuch as, but not limited to sensors 127, lighting 128, recording equipment, cameras, computers, communication equipment 129and data loggers.

The extruded member 124 incorporates a surface 125 inorderforthe solarpanel 101 or solar panels to be mounted to the housingunit 100. Fig. 21 shows portions 130 of said surface 125 left uncovered by the solar panel 101 so that devices such as, but not limited to lighting, displays, screens can be mounted and also, but not limited to brandingl31and signage can beapplied on the uncovered portion of said surface 125.

In Fig. 22 the surface 125 in order to mountthe solar panel or solar panels 101 is radiused 132, this allows flexible or radiused solar panels 101 to be utilised. This allows sunlight from more acute angles to the invention to be converted to electricity more effectively by said solar panels 101, thus all owing energy col lection for longer periods of the day. The radiused surface 132 has a radius of at least 500mm, preferably said radiused surface 132 has a radiusof at least 150mm, most preferably said radiused surface 132 has a radius of at least 100mm.

In Fig.23 the two housing units 100 eachconsistingofan extruded member 124 are shown with different lengths 133. The length 133 can be varied in orderto change the electrical output as desired. The solarpanel 101 attached to the shorter housing unit 134 provides I ess current at the same voltage as the solarpanel 101 attached to the longerhousingunitl35 and thus saidsolar panel 101 provides less powerto the internal devices 102,103 and 104.

Fig.24showsa plurality of the invention, with a housingunit 100 comprising an extruded member 124 connected longitudinallyto provide one seamless system ofanextended length 133. This may be needed to counter various logistical issuesduringmanufacturingthat may limit the length 133 of the solar panel 101 or the extruded member 124. Where the endcaps 126 may be used to connect the extruded members 124 together. The endcaps 124 may also include mechanical fixings and electrical connectors in orderto mechanically and electrically connect the systems in this arrangement.

In the second embodiment, the housing unit 100 may externally comprise a revolved profile 136 as shown in Fig.25. Where said revolved profile 136 is revolved around a central axis 116 through an angle 137 of between 20and 180 degrees to create the exteriorform of the housing unit 100. Said profile 136 is preferably revolved around said axis 116 through an angle 137 of 90 degrees. External structures 106 for mounting the invention are also shown. Inthisdiagram, the top surface 138 of the housingunit 100 isshown at an angle perpendiculartothe central axis 116. A cross sectional viewof said housingunitlOO isshown in Fig.26.

Fig. 27 shows an exploded viewof the second embodiment, where the solar panel 101, is detachable providing access to internal components such as, but not limited to a battery 102, a charge controller 103 and a device requiring electrical power 104. Said internal components are located and secured using internal structures 105. A gasket, not shown, may be included between the solar panel 101 and the housingunit lOOto seal the housingunit 100.

Fig. 28 shows a pi urality of the second embodi ment arranged in such a way as to double the area of the solar panels 101. This means that more powercan be provided to the internal components such as, but not limited to a battery or batteries 102, a charge controller 103 and a device ordevices requiringelectrical power 104.

Fig. 29 shows a pluralityof the second embodimentarranged around a post or mast 108 as to quadruple the area of the solar panels 101. This means that more powercan be provided to the internal componentssuch as, but not limitedtoa battery 102, a charge controllerl03 and an internal orexternal device requiringelectrical powerl04.

In some cases of the second embodiment it may be beneficial to angle the top surface 138 of the revolved profile 136angled between 20 and minus 20 degreesfromthe perpendiculartothe central axis 116, to allow water drainage, reduce dirt build up and reduce possible snow loading, or in fact justfor aesthetical purposes. An angle 139 of greater than 90 degreesfromthe central axis 116 is shown in Fig.30, wherein indentations 140 have been made to allow the solar panel or panels 101 to be seated on a flat surface 125.

Claims

1. A solarsystem comprisinga housingunit, one ormore solarpanels, one ormore batteries and a charge controller, wherethe housingunit has internal structuresformountingand securing said components, and a surface on which said solar pane I or solarpanels can be mounted.

2. A solar system as in claim 1, in which the housing unit comprises external structures to allow it to be fixed via either a fixed or floating attachment method to various support structures.

3. A solarsystem as in claim 2, in which the housingunitcan be easily detached from the attachment method.

4. A solarsystem as in claim 3, in which a specialised tool is required to detach the housingunit from the attachment method.

5. A solarsystem as any previous claim, in which the housing unit may contain apertures to promote ventilation.

6. A solarsystem as in claim 5, in which said apertures can be fitted with valves or similar devices.

7. A solarsystem as in claim 5 in which said apertures can befitted with louvres to prevent wateringress.

8. A solarsystem as in any previous claims, in which the housingunit provides space for wiring to be passed internally.

9. A solarsystem, as in any previous claims, in which the solar panel's electrical characteristics can be tailoredtosuitthe application.

10. A solarsystem as in any previous claims, in which the housingunitcan be designed to fit in with the architecture and aesthetics of its surroundings.

11. A solarsystem, as in any previous claims, in which the housingunit is designed to reduce wi nd load on the system.

12. A solarsystem as in any previous claims, in which a plural ity of said systems can be arranged to provide more powerthan a single system.

13. A solarsystem, as in any previous claims, in which the housing unit is madeof a metallic material so that it can be used as an antenna and/or signal booster.

14. A solarsystem, as in any previous claims, in which light is concentrated onto the solar panel to provide more power.

15. A solarsystem as in any previous claims, in which the housing unit is used to dissipate heat.

16. A solarsystem as inany previous claims,inwhich the solarpanel utilises bi-facial cell technology.

17. A solarsystem as in any previous claims in which power is provided to a hinge allowing the elevation of the system to be adjusted automatically in relation tothe position of the sun.

18. A solarsystem, as in any previousclaims, in which power is provided to a rotational device, all owing the azimuth of the system to be adjusted in relation tothe position of the sun.

19. A solarsystem, as in any previousclaims, in which the housingunitconsistsof an extruded memberof substantially continuous cross section.

20. A solarsystem as in claim 19, in which the housing unit includes features to mount a top and/or bottom end cap.

21. A solarsystem as in claim 20, in which the top and bottom end caps seal the extruded memberto provide weather protection to any internal components.

22. A solarsystemas inclaim 20, inwhichtheendcaps are detachable to provide access to internal components.

23. A solar system as in claim 20, in which the end caps house electrical components.

24. A solar system as in claim 19, where one face of the extruded member provides a surface for a solar panel orsolar panels to be mounted.

25. A solar system as in claim 24, in which portions of the surface for mounting the solar panel or solar panels are uncovered by the solar pane I or solar pane Is, all owing other components or bandingor signage to be used on said surface.

26. A solar system as in claim 19, in which the surface for mounting a solar panel radiused, allowing a flexible or radiused solar panel to be utilised.

27. A solar system, as in claim 19, in which the extruded member can be adjusted in length to tail or the solar system to the application.

28. A solar system as in claim 19, in which a plurality of extruded members is connected longitudinally to provide one long, seamless system.

29. A solarsystem as inclaim28, in which theend caps are used as mechanical and electrical connectors between two or more housingunits.

30. A solarsystem as in claim 1, in which the housing unit externally comprises revolved profile.

31. A solarsystem as in claim 30, in which the profile is revolved through an angle of between 20 and 180 degrees.

32. A solarsystem as in claim 30, in which the profile is revolved through an angle of 90 degrees.

33. A solarsystem as in claim 30, in which the solar panel is detachable providing access to internal components.

34. A solarsystem as in claim 33, in which a gasket is used to prevent water ingress.

35. A solarsystem as in claim 30, in which the top surface of the profile is angled between 20 and -20 degrees from the perpendiculartothe revolving axis.

36. A solarsystem as in claim 30, in which indentations are made in the top surface to provide a flatsurface on which to mountthe solarpanel orsolarpanels

37. A solarsystem as in claim 30, in which a plurality of systems can be arranged in order to provide more power.