Precise parameters are maintained in a support system for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding, support frame which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Installation on flat roofs is also facilitated through the use of a roof interface frame which rotatably supports the panel support frame of the support system and folds along with it at the assembly, staging site.

Support system for solar panels

Provided is a support assembly for mounting an array of photovoltaic panels (12) to a support surface such as the ground. According to the invention, there is provided a plurality of front (14) and rear support posts (16), each post having an anchor portion (18, 22) to be driven into the support surface and a leg portion (20, 24) which is nested therein and longitudinally adjustable to raise or lower corresponding front (32) and rear horizontal supports (34). Photovoltaic panels (12) are mounted lengthwise across the horizontal supports (32, 34) in a predetermined position to minimize the stress thereon caused by wind load. The horizontal supports further comprise wiring raceways to support wiring harnesses (38) originating from the photovoltaic panels and terminating at the end of each row of photovoltaic panels in the array.

Photovoltaic panel support assembly

Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for supporting a solar panel array includes the use of support columns and cables suspended between the support columns, with the solar panels received by solar panel receivers that are adapted to couple to the cables. The solar panel array may then be used to provide power as well as shelter. Cooling, lighting, security, or other devices may be added to the solar panel array.

Solar array support methods and systems

A supported PV assembly may include a PV module comprising a PV panel and PV module supports including module supports having a support surface supporting the module, a module registration member engaging the PV module to properly position the PV module on the module support, and a mounting element. In some embodiments the PV module registration members engage only the external surfaces of the PV modules at the corners. In some embodiments the assembly includes a wind deflector with ballast secured to a least one of the PV module supports and the wind deflector. An array of the assemblies can be secured to one another at their corners to prevent horizontal separation of the adjacent corners while permitting the PV modules to flex relative to one another so to permit the array of PV modules to follow a contour of the support surface.

Supported pv module assembly

A solar collector structural support system that affixes to a mounting surface without penetrating the mounting surface is disclosed. The invention in the preferred embodiment includes a base assembly comprising: a plurality of leg members, a center junction elements configured to receive (a) the proximal end of each of the plurality of leg members and (b) a support member configured to securely uphold at least one of the one or more one solar collectors, and at least one footing adapted to frictionally engage the mounting surface. Multiple base assemblies may be interconnected using peripheral junction elements to form arrays of solar collectors of arbitrarily large size. The peripheral junction element is configured to couple the leg members of multiple base assemblies. When connected with the present invention, a plurality of solar concentrators form an array with greater structural integrity and less susceptibility.

Solar collector mounting array

A system including at least a pair of mounting spars supported in a spaced-apart parallel relationship by modular sections constructed of standardized hardware for mounting one or more solar collector panels in predetermined positions on stationary surfaces. The system includes provisions for accommodating expansion and contraction of the collector panels and insulating the manifold pipes employed in a solar installation for preventing radiation heat losses.

Jerry L. Smith

Papers

System for mounting solar collector panels