WO2013028883A1

WO2013028883A1 - Solar energy rain gutter system

Info

Publication number: WO2013028883A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/052097
Authority: WO
Inventors: James L. PRENTICE
Original assignee: Prentice James L
Priority date: 2011-08-24
Filing date: 2012-08-23
Publication date: 2013-02-28
Also published as: US20120047817A1

Abstract

A solar energy rain gutter system includes a solar panel connectable to a gutter. One or a multitude of solar panels can be connected in series along the length of the gutter to power various electrical devices. The solar panel can be angularly adjusted to collect a maximum amount of light while also allowing rain water to still flow within the gutter. The solar panels can be controlled from a control box including a rechargeable battery and control logic, such as a timer for automatically activating and deactivating various devices at night or during the day.

Description

SOLAR ENERGY RAIN GUTTER SYSTEM DESCRI PTION

FIELD OF INVENTION

[Para 1 ] The present invention generally relates to solar panels and rain gutters. More particularly, the present invention relates to a solar panel which is attachable within a rain gutter for the operation of various landscape electronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[Para 2] A rain gutter (also known as eaves trough, eaves channel guttering or simply as a gutter) is a narrow channel, or trough, forming the component of a roof system which collects and diverts rainwater shed by the roof. The main purpose of a rain gutter is to protect a building's foundation by channeling water away from its base. It also helps to reduce erosion, prevent leaks in basements and crawlspaces, protect painted surfaces by reducing exposure to water, and provide a means to collect rainwater for later use. Water collected by a rain gutter is fed, usually via a downspout (also sometimes called a leader or conductor), from the roof edge to the base of the building where it is either discharged or collected. A collection system strategy for water carried from rain gutters may include a rain barrel or a cistern. [Para 3] Rain gutters can be constructed from a variety of materials, including cast iron, lead, zinc, galvanized steel, painted steel, copper, painted aluminum, PVC (and other plastics), concrete, stone, and wood. A rain gutter may be a trough integral along the lower edge of the roof slope which is fashioned from the roof covering and flashing materials. Alternatively, a rain gutter may also be a wall integral structure beneath the roof edge, traditionally constructed of masonry, fashioned as the crowning element of a wall. However, in a large majority of applications a rain gutter is simply a trough of metal or other material that is suspended beyond the roof edge and below the projected slope of the roof.

Typically, all gutters have a flat backing which is fixedly attached to the wall with a fastener and an aesthetically formed front portion with a lip/edge facing inwardly at the top.

[Para 4] Some property owners have installed metal and plastic screens on their gutters in an attempt to keep the leaves and debris out. A screen may be preformed to securely attach within existing rain gutters. More specifically, a screen may have a v-shaped channel formed at its leading edge which captures the inside lip/edge of a traditional rain gutter. This allows the screen to be securely held in place such that leaves and other large debris do not enter the gutter and potential clog the downspout.

[Para 5] Solar panels use light energy (photons) from the su n to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect (this is the photo-electric effect). A solar panel (photovoltaic module or photovoltaic panel) is a packaged interconnected assembly of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. The solar panel is used as a component in a larger photovoltaic system to offer electricity for commercial and residential applications. The structural (load carrying) member of a module can either be the top layer (superstrate) or the back layer (substrate). The majority of modules use wafer-based crystalline silicon cells or a thin-film cell based on cadmium telluride or silicon. Crystalline silicon, which is commonly used in the wafer form in photovoltaic (PV) modules, is derived from silicon, a commonly used semi-conductor. Because a single solar panel can only produce a limited amount of power, many installations contain several panels. This is known as a

photovoltaic array. A photovoltaic installation typically includes an array of solar panels, an inverter, batteries and interconnection wiring.

[Para 6] Solar panels/arrays are commonly installed on the roof of a residential or commercial property to take advantage of the usable real estate on rooftops. Solar panels are used to generate power for the building they are installed upon and necessarily cover a large amount of surface area to generate enough usable power. Solar panel installation is typically professionally installed and is therefore quite labor intensive and expensive.

[Para 7] Unfortunately, there are many applications where even a small amount of solar power would be beneficial to provide for landscape lighting, motion sensor lighting, or other general outside electricity needs which do not require a large and costly solar panel/array installation. Accordingly, there is a need for an easily installable solar panel which can be configured to power various outdoor electrical needs. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Para 8] The present invention concerns a solar energy rain gutter system which comprises a rain gutter for collecting and diverting water shed by a roof, the rain gutter forming a trough having an upper opening defined, at least in part, by a front lip and a rear lip, and a solar panel affixed to the rain gutter and attached to the front lip, the rear lip, or both.

[Para 9] In a preferred form of the invention, the position of the solar panel relative to the rain gutter is adjustable. This is accomplished, in one embodiment, by means of a clip which engages at least one of the rain gutter lips. The clip has a plurality of notches which allow the angle of the solar panel to be adjusted relative to the rain gutter.

[Para 1 0] The solar panel itself may comprise a plurality of solar panels which are electrically connected together.

[Para 1 1 ] One or more outdoor electrical devices may be electrically connected to the solar panel. The electrical devices may comprise a night light, a security light, a motion activated light, a motion sensor, a remote video camera, a pool pump, a pool filter, and air conditioning (AC) unit, a fan, an outside speaker, a radio, or the like.

[Para 1 2] A control box is typically included in the system for controlling the one or more electrical devices and how energy is managed. The control box may include a rechargeable battery which is charged during daylight hours and which provides power to the electrical device or devices during the nighttime. [Para 1 3] Other featu res and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[Para 1 4] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such

drawings:

[Para 1 5] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary solar energy rain gutter system embodying the present invention;

[Para 1 6] FIGURE 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a single solar panel similar to FIG. 1 ;

[Para 1 7] FIGURE 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 , now showing the panel removed from the rain gutter;

[Para 1 8] FIGURE 4 is a sectional side view taken along line 4-4 from FIG. 2;

[Para 1 9] FIGURE 5 is a sectional side view similar to FIG. 4;

[Para 20] FIGURE 6 is a top plan view of a single solar panel;

[Para 21 ] FIGURE 7 is a top plan view of solar panels prior to being electrically connected together;

[Para 22] FIGURE 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, where the two solar panels are now connected; and

[Para 23] FIGURE 9 is a diagrammatic view showing the solar energy rain gutter system of the present invention powering various outdoor electrical devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[Para 24] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention is directed to a solar energy rain gutter system, referred to generally by the reference number 1 0. In FIGURE 1 , a multitude of solar panels 1 2 are shown attached in series along a gutter 1 4. The gutter 1 4 is shown connected at the end of a roof 1 6 and can be formed as one continuous gutter or a multitude of attached shorter sections. During a rain storm, water collects on the roof 1 6 and drains into the gutter 1 6. The gutter 1 4 can be formed in a multitude of profiles, but is typically shaped as shown in FIGURES 1 -5. The solar panel 1 2 is raised such that water can still flow u nderneath the panel 1 2 and collect within the gutter 1 4.

[Para 25] FIGURE 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a rain gutter 1 4 and a single solar panel 1 2. The solar panel 1 2 can be attached to the gutter 1 4 in a multitude of methods, and this disclosure is not intended to limit it to the precise form shown herein. This particular embodiment shows the solar panel front edge 1 8 engaging the inwardly facing front lip 20 of the gutter 1 4. The solar panel 1 2 then attaches to the gutter 1 4 through the use of a rear clip 22 that engages the inwardly facing rear lip 24 of the gutter 1 4.

[Para 26] FIGURE 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, now showing the panel 1 2 removed from the gutter 1 4. The phantom lines show more specifically how the front edge 1 8 of the solar panel 1 2 captu res and engages with the front lip 20 of the gutter 1 4. [Para 27] FIGURE 4 is a sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 showing the front edge 1 8 engaged with the front lip 20 of the gutter 1 4. The rear clip 22 can have several notches 26 for the rear lip 24 to engage. The notches 26 allow the angle of the solar panel 1 2 to be adjusted.

[Para 28] The solar panel 1 2 can be positioned at a high angle such that a large gap exists between the solar panel 1 2 and water in the gutter 1 4, or alternatively, the solar panel 1 2 can be positioned at a lower angle as shown. This adjustability is best shown in FIGURE 5 where the solar panel 1 2 can be seen being positioned at two different angles. The adjustability of the angle of the solar panel 1 2 is also used to set an appropriate angle of the solar panel 1 2 such that a maximum amount of light can be gathered. Different designs of gutters 1 4 and roofs 1 6 may require the angle to be adjustable. The angling of the solar panel 1 2 allows an installer to set the solar panel 1 2 at the best possible position.

[Para 29] The rear clip 22 can be of different designs and this disclosure is not limited to the precise form shown herein. The rear clip 22 can be spring loaded or made from a resilient material that can be snapped into position. Alternatively, the solar panel 1 2 can also be fastened to the gutter 1 4 through the use of a fastener such that it will not blow off in a high wind. In another embodiment, the gap that exists between the rear edge 28 of the solar panel 1 2 and the roof 1 6 can be filled with a screen like mesh. This prevents leaves and other debris from falling within the gutter 1 4 and later clogging a downspout. In another alternative embodiment, the solar panel 1 2 can be flush with the roof 1 6 where no gap exists between the rear edge 28 and the inwardly facing rear lip 24 of the gutter 1 4, yet a gap now exists between the front edge 1 8 of the solar panel 1 2 and the front lip 20 of the gutter 1 4. Rain water would then flow over the solar panel 1 2 before it is captured within the gutter 1 4.

[Para 30] FIGURES 6, 7 and 8 are top views of the solar panel 1 2. FIG. 6 shows a single solar panel 1 2 with electrical connectors 30, where one side has a male connector 32 and the opposite side has a female connector 34. FIG. 7 shows how two panels 1 2 can be aligned such that the male connector 32 can be attached to a female connector 34 of an adjacent solar panel 1 2. FIG. 8 shows the two panels 1 2 now connected together. This connection method is convenient to allow a plurality of panels 1 2 to be connected in series along a gutter 1 4. Typically, a solar panel 1 2 is 4 feet long, whereas a roof-line can be 20-30 feet. A multitude of solar panels 1 2 can be fitted to the gutter 1 4 such that all available space may be utilized. Each solar panel 1 2 is designed to generate electricity either alone or in series. The more solar panels 1 2 used results in more energy generated.

[Para 31 ] FIGURE 9 is a diagrammatic view of the solar energy rain gutter system 1 0 powering various outdoor electrical devices 36. The outdoor electrical devices 36 can be any of a number of devices such as night lights, security lights, motion activated lights, motion sensors, remote video cameras, pool pumps, pool filters, AC units, fans, outside speakers, radios and the like. Power lines 38 shown as a dashed line can be routed from the solar panels 1 2 to the various electrical devices 36. A control box 40 can be used that further controls the operation of the all the electrical devices 36 and how energy is managed. For instance, in one

embodiment, the power generated during the day can be sent to the electrical grid for use by other facilities and people. Then at night power can be pu lled from a local power plant or supply. In another embodiment, the control box 40 may contain a rechargeable battery which is charged during the daylight hours for use later at night. An integrated timer can then automatically activate and deactivate the night lights or other electrical devices when needed. In yet another

embodiment, it may be a combination of the first two, where a battery is first charged and then excess power is sent into the grid.

[Para 32] An advantage of the solar energy rain gutter system 1 0 is it can be easily retrofitted to existing structu res that already have gutters 1 4. Installing a full sized solar panel array can be difficult and expensive and require the use of trained experts for installation. Whereas the solar energy rain gutter system 1 0 can be installed by a low-skilled do-it-yourselfer and does not need to be wired to existing electrical lines or systems. The present invention is significantly safer to install to a solar powered external light due to it not being tied directly into an existing live wire which is part of a person's home or business. The present invention can be sold at a hardware store and installed by the purchaser in a few minutes.

[Para 33] Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

What is clai med is:

[Claim 1 ] A solar energy rain gutter system, comprising:

a rain gutter for collecting and diverting water shed by a roof, the rain gutter forming a trough having an upper opening defined, at least in part, by a front lip and a rear lip; and

a solar panel fixed to the rain gutter and attached to the front lip, the rear lip, or both.

[Claim 2] The system of Claim 1 , wherein the position of the solar panel relative to the rain gutter is adjustable.

[Claim 3] The system of Claim 2, wherein the solar panel includes a clip for engaging at least one of the rain gutter lips, the clip having a plurality of notches which allow the angle of the solar panel to be adjusted relative to the rain gutter.

[Claim 4] The system of Claim 1 , wherein the solar panel comprises a plurality of solar panels.

[Claim 5] The system of Claim 4, wherein adjacent solar panels are

electrically connected together.

[Claim 6] The system of Claim 1 , including one or more outdoor electrical devices electrically connected to the solar panel.

[Claim 7] The system of Claim 6, wherein the outdoor electrical devices comprise a night light, a security light, a motion activated light, a motion sensor, a remote video camera, a pool pump, a pool filter, an air conditioning (AC) unit, a fan, an outside speaker, or a radio.

[Claim 8] The system of Claim 6, including a control box for controlling the one or more electrical devices and how energy is managed.

[Claim 9] The system of Claim 8, wherein the control box includes a rechargeable battery.

[Claim 1 0] A solar energy rain gutter system comprising:

a rain gutter for collecting and diverting water shed by a roof, the rain gutter forming a trough having an upper opening defined, at least in part, by a front lip and a rear lip;

a solar panel fixed to the rain gutter and attached to the front lip, the rear lip, or both, wherein the position of the solar panel relative to the rain gutter is adjustable; and

one or more outdoor electrical devices electrically connected to the solar panel.

[Claim 1 1 ] The system of Claim 1 0, wherein the solar panel includes a clip for engaging at least one of the rain gutter lips, the clip having a plurality of notches which allow the angle of the solar panel to be adjusted relative to the rain gutter. [Clai m 1 2] The system of Claim 1 0, wherein the solar panel comprises a plurality of solar panels electrically connected together.

[Clai m 1 3] The system of Claim 1 0, wherein the outdoor electrical devices comprise a night light, a security light, a motion activated light, a motion sensor, a remote video camera, a pool pump, a pool filter, an air conditioning (AC) unit, a fan, an outside speaker, or a radio.

[Clai m 1 4] The system of Claim 1 0, including a control box for controlling the one or more electrical devices and how energy is managed.

[Clai m 1 5] The system of Claim 1 4, wherein the control box includes a rechargeable battery.

[Clai m 1 6] A solar energy rain gutter system, comprising:

a solar panel fixed to the rain gutter and attached to the front lip, the rear lip, or both, wherein the position of the solar panel relative to the rain gutter is adjustable, the solar panel comprising a plurality of solar panels electrically connected together;

one or more outdoor electrical devices electrically connected to the solar panels; and a control box for controlling the one or more electrical devices and how energy is stored.

[Claim 1 7] The system of Claim 1 6, wherein the solar panel includes a clip for engaging at least one of the rain gutter lips, the clip having a plurality of notches which allow the angle of the solar panel to be adjusted relative to the rain gutter.

[Claim 1 8] The system of Claim 1 6, wherein the outdoor electrical devices comprise a night light, a security light, a motion activated light, a motion sensor, a remote video camera, a pool pump, a pool filter, an air conditioning (AC) unit, a fan, an outside speaker, or a radio.

[Claim 1 9] The system of Claim 1 6, wherein the control box includes a rechargeable battery.