MODULAR SOLAR FENCE SYSTEM

Abstract

A solar panel and a solar fence incorporating the solar fence. The solar panel has a fluid heating component adapted to absorb solar energy and mounted to a frame assembly. The solar panel may include an auxiliary line to facilitate alternative system configurations and convenient connection of inlet and outlet lines. The solar panel may also include a cover to selectively control the rate at which the fluid is heated. The solar panel may also include panels to provide privacy when the solar panel is incorporated into a solar fence.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 61/177,850 filed on May 13, 2009 bearing the title Modular Fence System and all disclosures are incorporated by reference herein. This application further claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 61/219,602 filed on Jun. 23, 2009 bearing the title Solar Water Heating System and Method and all disclosures are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various solar fluid heating systems have been created to collect a portion of the energy of the sun for various purposes by heating a fluid.

In some cases, the fluid heated is water. The heated water may then be used directly from the solar collector for consumption, for cleaning persons or objects, or for filling a swimming pool. In other cases, the heated water may be supplied to a residential or commercial potable water distribution system. Hot water from the water distribution system is stored for subsequent distribution to hot water lines throughout a building to outlet devices, such as faucets, or to appliances, such as clothes washers, dishwashers or water or steam based radiators. These are typically of two types—direct heating systems and indirect heating systems.

In still other cases, the fluid is used as a secondary fluid for collecting heat and thereafter transferring the heat to water through a heat transfer device. In some of these installations, a solar collector is part of a closed loop system using a secondary fluid, such as glycol, and the heat is transferred to the potable water using a heat exchanger. These systems are complex and inefficient, for example, in the transfer of heat between the secondary fluid and the potable water. It may therefore be desirable to provide a solar heating system where the solar collector heats the potable water directly so as to reduce the number of components and complexity and increase the overall efficiency of the system.

In a few other cases, the heat content of the fluid is converted to another form of energy or directly used to perform some task.

These systems typically consist of one or more solar panels holding one or more transparent fluid holding chambers each connected to a fluid inlet for supplying unheated fluid to the fluid holding chambers and to a fluid outlet for removing heated fluid from the fluid holding chambers. When the solar panels are exposed to the incoming sunlight, the fluid converts photons in the incoming solar rays into thermal energy. These solar fluid heating systems vary in efficiency but typically must be carefully oriented towards the angle of the incoming solar rays in order to achieve an acceptable efficiency.

For systems heating water for use in a building, these systems are typically mounted to the roof of the building. This requires long fluid lines running from the roof to the building water systems, which are typically located in the basement or first floor of the building. They may require structural modifications to the roof to assure that the roof can accommodate the weight of the solar panels and associated hardware. Such systems therefore typically require professional installation and may take several days to complete. The initial labor and material costs associated with installing such systems on roofs and of providing the long plumbing lines to transport fluid to and from the panels has a considerable impact on the payback associated with switching from more conventional gas or electric water heating systems to using such solar water heating systems.

In part because installation cost may be high even for the lowest cost solar water systems it is often only cost effective to install the more expensive, highest efficiency systems, and to optimize the system to gain maximum efficiency, further limiting the potential market for such systems. Building codes and lack of understanding of the technology by mortgage companies and insurance companies and concern about resale value may also discourage potential users.

For some installations, it may be necessary, to use a secondary fluid to collect solar heat and then use a heat transfer device to subsequently heat water for use in the home. While these secondary fluids may be more efficient than water in collecting or retaining heat, or may be able to operate in a different temperature range than water, there is inherently some loss of heat at the heat transfer device. Furthermore, the need for a heat transfer device in some cases may increase the cost and complication of the system.

Additionally, once a roof mounted solar water heating system is installed, it is hard to access for maintenance, upgrading or winterization, further increasing the difficulty, cost, and personal injury risk that may be associated with such activities.

For solar water heating systems used to heat a swimming pool, the solar panels may be mounted to a roof of a nearby pool house, thereby having the same disadvantages as those systems mounted to roofs of other buildings. Alternatively, the solar panels may placed on the ground, near the pool, detracting from the appearance of the pool and sometimes consuming a portion of the land adjacent the pool that may be used by people for entertainment purposes.

Furthermore, many existing solar water heating systems are difficult or impossible to adjust for output when the output of the system greatly exceeds the demand for heated water.

It would be beneficial, therefore, to provide a solar water heating system that does not require professional installation. Alternatively, it would be beneficial to provide a solar water heating system that is inexpensive to have professionally installed. It would further be beneficial to have a modular solar water heating system that may be rapidly delivered and installed. It would be further beneficial to provide a modular solar heating system that may be installed on the ground, yet have a minimal footprint interfering with the beneficial use of the ground. It would be still further beneficial to provide a solar water heating system that may be easily adjusted to decrease output, as needed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides a modular solar heating system having panels that may be rapidly and inexpensively installed in a vertical orientation adjacent a point of use or a water storage unit.

In particular, in one exemplary implementation, a modular solar system has a frame, a solar heat collection system mounted to the frame, the solar heat collection system having at least one fluid storage chamber with a fluid inlet thereto and a fluid outlet therefrom, an inlet line having an inlet port adjacent a first end of the frame and extending from the inlet port through the frame to the fluid inlet of the solar heat collection system, an outlet line having an outlet port adjacent a second end of the frame and extending from the outlet port through the frame to the fluid outlet of the solar heat collection system, and an auxiliary line extending through the frame from a first auxiliary port on the first end of the frame to a second auxiliary port on the second end of the frame.

In another exemplary implementation, the solar water heating system comprises a solar panel mounted between two fence posts. In a further implementation of this solar water heating system, an auxiliary fluid line is provided in the solar water heating panel to allow a choice between having the fluid outlet on the same end of the panel as the fluid inlet or at the opposite end thereof. In another implementation of this solar water heating system, a solar shade is provided for selectively covering at least a portion of the solar panel to selectively reduce the heated fluid output of the solar panel. In yet another implementation of this solar water heating system, a second solar water heating panel is mounted between the second fence post and a third fence post and an auxiliary line in both the first and second panels provides flexibility in locating the inlet and outlet lines at any of the three posts.

In yet another exemplary implementation, the solar water heating system comprises a plurality of modular solar panels mounted in series between adjacent pairs of plurality of fence posts. In a further implementation of this embodiment, each of the solar panels is provided with an auxiliary fluid line which may be used to selectively connect the solar panels in series while permitting the installer a choice between having the outlet at the same end of the series of panels as the fluid inlet or at the opposite end of the series of panels therefrom. The auxiliary fluid line also selectively permits the installer to bypass one of the panels or to install some of the panels in parallel rather than in series.

In another exemplary implementation, the solar water heating system includes a kit having one or more components selected from: fence posts, terminal fence post covers, intermediate fence post panels, solar panels, solar panel shades, and fittings connectable to fluid inlets or fluid outlets of solar panels.

In a further exemplary structure, a modular solar panel has fluid terminals defined by the connector ports for the inflow and outflow lines and auxiliary lines. These can be connected in alternative configurations depending on the installation and the needs of the user. The terminals are offset to one side so as to be offset from the posts when the solar panel is installed between posts.

A solar fence consisting of one or more solar panels may be used as a stand alone solar water heater station, with the chambers serving as a water storage tank to hold the heated water until needed. Alternatively, the solar fence may be used as a part of an integrated solar water heater system, continuously supplying heated water to a hot water storage tank for a water supply system for a building. Alternatively, the solar fence may be integrated into a pool water filtration and circulation system to heat the pool water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some configurations of the MODULAR SOLAR FENCE SYSTEM will now be described, by way of example only and without disclaimer of other configurations, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an exemplary solar fence unit including a plurality of tubular solar water heating components mounted to a rectangular frame, the frame being supported by a pair of fence posts.

FIG. 2 is a top sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing a portion of the tubular solar water heating components and a portion of a lower frame member of the rectangular frame.

FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the solar fence of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front sectional view of a portion of FIG. 2 illustrating a portion of the interior of two adjacent tubular solar water heating components and a portion of the inlet and outlet plumbing lines connected to the adjacent tubular solar water heating components, the tubular solar water heating components being connected in series.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2 illustrating a portion of the interior of a fence post cover and further illustrating a portion of the plumbing for the tubular solar water heating components extending through the lower frame member of the rectangular frame.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the upper frame member of the rectangular frame of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lower frame member of the rectangular frame of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary tubular solar water heating component usable in the solar fence of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of an exemplary solar fence system including a plurality of solar panels, each solar water heating panel including a plurality of tubular solar water heating components mounted to a rectangular frame, each frame being supported by a pair of fence posts, adjacent solar panels being connected in series.

FIG. 10 is top sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9 showing a portion of some of the tubular solar water heating components and a portion of lower frame members of adjacent rectangular frames.

FIG. 11 is a front sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10, a first solar panel mounted between a terminal fence post and one side of an intermediate fence post and a portion of a second solar panel mounted to the other side of the intermediate fence post and connected in series with the first solar panel.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged front sectional view of a portion of FIG. 11 illustrating a portion of the interior of two tubular solar water heating components of each of the first and second solar panels, a portion of the interior of the intermediate fence post, and a portion of plumbing lines connected to the tubular solar water heating components, the tubular solar water heating components being connected in series.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 2 illustrating a portion of the interior of two adjacent tubular solar water heating components of the first solar panel, a portion of the terminal fence post, and a portion of the plumbing lines connected to the adjacent tubular solar water heating components, the tubular solar water heating components being connected in series.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a lower frame member of one of the solar panels of FIGS. 10-13.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 13 illustrating a portion of the interior of a fence post and further illustrating a portion of the plumbing for the tubular solar water heating components extending through the lower frame member of the rectangular frame.

FIG. 16 is schematic partial side sectional views similar to FIG. 11 but illustrating alternative plumbing arrangements for the solar panels.

FIG. 17 is schematic partial side sectional views similar to FIG. 12 but illustrating alternative plumbing arrangements for the solar panels.

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of an exemplary solar fence unit similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 9 but further including a retractable solar cover system capable of selectively covering the plurality of tubular solar water heating components.

FIG. 19 is a side sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18 schematically illustrating the gearing of the retractable solar cover system of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a side sectional view taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 18 illustrating a portion of the solar cover, a portion of a representative intermediate barrier disposed between adjacent tubular solar water heating components, and a securing system removably securing the solar cover to the intermediate barrier in a fixed position.

FIG. 21 is a side sectional view similar to FIG. 20 but illustrating an alternative solar cover system and an alternative securing system.

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of another alternative exemplary solar fence unit including a plurality of tubular solar water heating components mounted to a rectangular frame, the frame using a clamp assembly.

FIG. 23 is a top sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22 showing a portion of the tubular solar water heating components and a portion of a lower frame member of the rectangular frame.

FIG. 24 is a top sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 22 showing a portion of the tubular solar water heating components and the clamping assembly.

FIG. 25 is a top view of a representative clip of the clip assembly of FIGS. 22-24.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the clip of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a partial side elevational view, with some tubing shown in phantom line, of the lower right side of the exemplary solar fence of FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is a partial front cutaway view, with the clip assembly removed, of the lower right side of the exemplary solar fence of FIG. 23 illustrating the plumbing connection of a representative tubular solar heating component.

FIG. 29 is a front elevational view of another alternative exemplary solar fence unit including a plurality of tubular solar water heating components mounted to a rectangular frame, the frame using a clamp assembly.

FIG. 30 is a partial top sectional view taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 29 showing portions of the tubular solar water heating components, the clamping assembly, and the lower frame member of the rectangular frame.

FIG. 31 is a top view of a pair of clamping plates of the clamping assembly of FIGS. 29 and 30.

FIG. 32 is a side elevational view of the pair of clamping plates of FIG. 31.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, exemplary modular solar fence systems and components are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent alternative configurations, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to provide a better illustration and explanation of a configuration. The configurations set forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to otherwise limit the device to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-8, a first exemplary solar fence 10 is illustrated consisting of a single solar panel 12, described later below, mounted between two terminal fence post assemblies 14.

It should be noted that solar panel 12 described below may heat water or another fluid. Water or other fluid circulated through solar panel 12 for heating may be ultimately used directly by a consumer, such as in a residential central water system or in a swimming pool, or may be used as the working fluid or a secondary fluid for collecting and storing heat which may then be transferred to the water or other fluid used directly by the consumer using an appropriate heat transfer system, (not shown). If water is used, for example, heated water may be directly delivered from solar panel 12 to the point of use, such as to a swimming pool, or may alternatively be delivered to a water storage tank, (not shown), for later use. If the water is delivered to a water storage tank, the tank may be a passive storage tank or may be a water heater tank having its own heating system to supplement the heating of the solar water heating system, for example, at a time when the demand for heated water exceeds the output of the solar water heating system. Alternatively, solar panel 12 may be used as a water storage tank itself, delivering heated water directly to the point of use when and if required and storing the water at other times.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each terminal fence post assembly 14 has a fence post 16, such as a conventional lumber, composite or synthetic fence post, of suitable dimension, such as those conventionally referred to as four by four (4×4) fence posts. Each fence post 16 is suitably planted in the ground 18 and secured there, for example, by concrete or cement 20. Each fence post 16 extends a suitable distance from the ground 18 to height appropriate for supporting solar panel 12. Each terminal fence post assembly 14 further includes a fence post cover 22 that partially surrounds fence post 16 and substantially covers the exposed portion of fence post 16 above the ground 18 and may extend higher than fence post 16. A trim cap 24 (FIG. 1) may be incorporated into fence post cover 22 or may be attached thereto.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, since solar fence 10 has only one solar panel 12, each fence post 16 is a terminal fence post, meaning that a fence system does not continue past this fence post, in contrast with an intermediate fence post, described later herein, which is disposed between two or more solar panels 12, between two or more standard fence panels, or between one or more solar panels 12 and one or more standard fence panels. Therefore, terminal fence post cover 22 has three walls 26a, 26b and 26c extending around three sides of fence post 16. Two walls, 26a and 26b may abut fence post 16 while a third wall 26c is spaced away from fence post 16 to provide a compartment 28 for plumbing components, described later herein, associated with the solar panel 12.

As shown generally in FIGS. 1-3, solar panel 12 is a rectangular panel that may be mounted to fence posts 16 and supported thereby. Solar panel 12 has a rectangular frame 30 comprising an upper frame member 32 (FIGS. 1 and 3), a lower frame member 34 and side frame members 36. Each side frame member 36 may be secured to one of the fence posts 16 by a suitable fastening means, (not shown). Side frame members 36 and fence post covers 22 may be provided with appropriate interlocking features, (not shown), for permanently or removably securing fence post covers 22 to side frame members 36.

As shown in FIG. 3, frame members 32, 34 and 36 surround and support a plurality of solar heat collecting components 40a through 40f. While six solar heat collecting components 40a through 40f are illustrated, the number used in any solar panel will depend on the dimensions of available or optimal solar heat collecting components and the desired proportions of solar panel 12. Since the solar heat collecting components are identical, as used herein solar heat collecting component 40 shall refer to any or all of these components 40a through 40f. Solar heat collecting component 40 may be tubular solar fluid heaters connected in series, in a manner described shortly. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, each solar heat collecting component 40 may comprise a double tubular structure having an outer transparent glass tube 42 and an inner glass tube 44 having a heat absorbing coating, bonded together at their respective bases 46a and 46b and having an evacuated space 48 therebetween to minimize conductive heat loss by the solar heat collecting component. The interior of the inner glass tube defines a fluid heat collecting chamber 50 to contain the fluid to be heated.

Referring again to FIG. 3, each solar heat collecting component 40 has a fluid inlet line 52 opening into fluid heat collecting chamber 50 to selectively supply unheated fluid to fluid heat collecting chamber 50. Each solar heat collecting component 40 further has a fluid outlet line 54 opening into fluid heat collecting chamber 50 to selectively retrieve heated fluid from fluid heat collecting chamber 50. Since heated fluid rises, fluid inlet line 52 opens at the lower end of fluid heat collecting chamber 50 while fluid outlet line 54 opens at the upper end of fluid heat collecting chamber 50.

Each solar heat collecting component 40 is seated at its lower end in a circular cavity 58 (FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 7) in lower frame member 34 and has its upper end inserted into a circular cavity 60 (FIGS. 3, and 6) in upper frame member 32. The solar heat collecting components 40 are thereby trapped between the upper frame member 32 and the lower frame member 34 as best shown in FIG. 3. Cavities 58 and 60 are longitudinally aligned with each other so as to position solar heat collecting components 40 in a single plane generally centered in the frame 30.

Lower frame member 34 may be a hollow tubular member, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 7, having a longitudinally extending cavity 62 for plumbing associated with solar panel 12. In particular, cavity 62 contains the fluid inlet lines and outlet lines for solar heat collecting components 40a through 40f.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a main fluid inflow line 64 for solar panel 12 extends from outside of lower frame member 34 through an aperture 66 in a side wall 68 of lower frame member 34 and leads to the inlet line 52 into a first solar heat collecting component 40a. The inlet end 70 of main fluid inflow line 64 is provided with an appropriate plumbing fitting or interface 72. Inlet end 70 is positioned so as to be disposed away from fence post 16 in the plumbing compartment 28 of fence post cover 22. Additional plumbing lines, (not shown), may be interconnected with inlet plumbing interface 72 to connect main fluid inflow line 64 to site plumbing, (not shown), ultimately leading to a supply of fluid. Depending on the application, the site plumbing may be connected, for example, to a heat transfer device to transfer heat to another fluid, a municipal water system, a domestic well or a pool water circulation system. These lines may extend through suitable apertures, (not shown), in wall 24b or 24c of fencepost cover 22 or may extend downwardly into the ground 18 to buried fluid lines. Since fluid inlet line may be more centrally located in lower frame member 34 and inlet plumbing interface 72 may be offset to avoid fence post 16, main fluid inflow line 64 has a jog or series of bends 74 between its inlet end 70 and its connection with fluid inlet line 52.

The fluid outlet line 54 of each sequential solar heat collecting component 40a-40e (except the final solar heat collecting component 40f) is coupled within cavity 62 to the fluid inlet line 52 of the next sequential solar heat collecting component such as to place the solar heat collecting component in series.

The fluid outlet of the final solar heat collecting component 40f is coupled to a main fluid outflow line 78 for solar panel 12, which extends from inside cavity 62 through an aperture 80 in a side wall 82 of lower frame member 34 to an outlet end 84. Outlet end 34 of outflow line 78 is provided with an appropriate plumbing fitting or interface 86. Like inlet end 70, outlet end 84 is positioned so as to be disposed away from a fence post 16 in the plumbing compartment 28 of a fence post cover 22. Main fluid outflow line 78 has a jog or series of bends 88 between its outlet end 84 and its connection with fluid outlet line 54, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5. Additional plumbing lines, (not shown), may be interconnected with plumbing interfaces 86 to connect main fluid outflow line 78 to site plumbing, (not shown). Depending on the application, the site plumbing may be connected, for example, to a pool water circulation system, a heat transfer device for transferring the heat from the fluid to another fluid, the interior of a domestic hot water tank, or any point of use or other system requiring warmed or hot water or fluid. These lines may extend through suitable apertures, (not shown), in wall 24b or 24c of fencepost cover 22 or may extend downwardly into the ground 18 to buried fluid lines.

Various types of fittings may be used for plumbing interfaces 72 and 86 depending on the nature of the installation, applicable code requirements, and the need for quick disconnect fittings or more permanent fittings. Valves, temperature sensors, and other devices may also be installed, where desired, in either compartment 28.

For ease of installation, solar panel 16 may be preassembled and delivered to the site for installation, along with a pair of post covers 22. The site may be prepared in advance by the installation of fence posts 16 and by installation of appropriate site plumbing lines leading to a fluid supply and to a water tank or other device or system that will use the heated fluid. Solar panel 12 is first attached to fence posts 16, the site plumbing lines are connected to plumbing interfaces 72 and 86, and post covers 22 are attached to posts 16 or to side frame members 36 of frame 30 of solar panel 12. Thus, the solar fence may be installed by the property owner in a short period of time and with little effort, or may be professionally installed at low cost compared to conventional systems.

Referring generally now to FIGS. 9-15, an alternative exemplary solar fence 100 is illustrated consisting of a plurality of solar panels 102, described later below, (not shown in FIG. 14) mounted between two post assemblies, which may be terminal fence post assemblies 104 (see FIGS. 9, 11 and 13) or intermediate fence post assemblies 106 (see FIGS. 9-12). Identical reference numerals to those used in FIGS. 1-8 are used in FIGS. 9-15 for identical components.

Terminal fence post assemblies 104 are identical to terminal fence post assemblies 14 described above, and are used at the terminal ends of solar fence 100. As best shown in FIG. 10, intermediate fence post assemblies 106 are used between adjacent solar panels 102 and, therefore differ from terminal fence post assemblies 14 and 104 in that they each include a fence post cover 108 that has two sides 110 and 112 that cover only two sides of a fence post 16, the other two sides of the fence post 16 being connected to solar panels 12. One side 110 may abut fence post 16 while the other side 112 is spaced away from fence post 16 to provide space for site plumbing connections in a manner similar to that described for terminal post assemblies 14.

Solar panels 102 are similar in construction and operation to solar panels 12 described previously except as described below. As shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, each solar panel 102 has fluid lines 52, 54, 64 and 78 and plumbing interfaces 72 and 86 similar to those described above for solar panel 12, extending through a lower frame member 116 of a frame 114. As shown in FIGS. 11-14, each solar panel 102 also has an auxiliary fluid line 120 extending longitudinally through frame member 116 between first and second auxiliary plumbing interfaces 122 and 124 disposed respectively adjacent plumbing interfaces 72 and 86. Auxiliary plumbing interfaces 122 and 124 are located so as to be disposed away from posts 16, when solar panel 102 is assembled between posts 16.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, lower frame member 116 may differ from lower frame member 34 of solar panel 12 by being molded over the various fluid lines, described above. Alternatively, the fluid lines may be installed in a cavity, (not shown), similar to longitudinally extending cavity 62 of lower frame member 34 of solar panel 12, and then the cavity may be filed with insulation material.

It will be appreciated that two or more solar panels 102 may be assembled in series using the terminal and intermediate fence post assemblies 104 and 106 to support adjacent solar panels 102, as shown in FIGS. 9-11, and by connecting the outlet plumbing interface 86 of one solar panel 102 to the inlet plumbing interface 72 of an adjacent solar panel 102 using an appropriate fitting 130, as shown generally in FIGS. 10-12. It will be further appreciated that, if preferred, two or more solar panels 12 of the type described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8, could be assembled instead of solar panels 102 in series using the same technique or solar panels 102 and 12 may be used together in a fence. However, as will be described below, auxiliary fluid line 120 included in solar panel 102 provides certain advantages.

In one implementation, auxiliary fluid line 120 may be used as a fluid return line allowing both the inlet and outlet site plumbing to be at the same post 16. This may be accomplished, for a single solar panel 102, as shown in FIG. 13, by using a “U”-shaped fitting 132 to connect the outlet plumbing interface 86 to the second plumbing interface 124 of auxiliary fluid line 120. This simple connection will convert the first auxiliary plumbing interface 122 (not shown in FIG. 13) into a fluid outlet interface for solar panel 102. Since the first auxiliary plumbing interface 122 is adjacent the inlet plumbing interface, all of the connections of this solar panel 102 to site plumbing may be accomplished at the same post 16.

This principle may be extended to a fence having multiple solar panels 102. As shown in FIGS. 11-13, by connecting the first auxiliary plumbing interface 122 of each solar panel to the adjacent second auxiliary plumbing interface 124 of an adjacent solar panel 102 by an appropriate fitting 134, the auxiliary fluid lines of a series of solar panels 102 may be placed in series. By attaching the “U”-shaped fitting 132 on the last solar panel 102 in the series to connect the outlet plumbing interface 86 to the second plumbing interface 124 of auxiliary fluid line 120, a return path through the series of solar panels 102 is provided to the first solar panel 102 in the series. It will be appreciated that, alternative solar panels 102 may alternatively be constructed and sold with or without fitting 132 so that they may alternatively be used as first, last or intermediate panels in a system of multiple solar panels 102.

It should be noted that the auxiliary line may be used as return line for returning fluid from the remote end of a solar panel or a series of solar panels back to a hot outlet of the system of panels adjacent the cold inlet. Alternatively, the auxiliary line may be used as a supply line, delivering cold fluid to the last solar panel in a series of panels, whereafter the fluid is heated sequentially through a series of panels, finally arriving at the first panel at hot outlet near the cold inlet. This later configuration is particularly beneficial to provide assurance that the fluid supplied from the hot outlet is, in fact hot, since fluid in a long auxiliary line may cool after leaving the last heating chamber 50 in the solar panel or series of solar panels.

It may be desirable to have all site plumbing near a single post 16 to simplify the installation, or to minimize the length of lines. This also facilitates reversing the inlet line and the outlet line if it is ever desirable to back flush the system, to bypass the solar water heating system, if desired, or to drain the system. Furthermore, this may simplify adding additional modules to the system later, as described shortly below.

It will be appreciated that, as illustrated generally in the drawings, a fence or barrier having a single solar panel 12 or 102 or a fence having multiple solar panels 12 or 102 may be created. Additional solar panels can be easily added at a later date, as desired, particularly if solar panels 102 are used as described above. When an additional solar panel 102 is added, it may only be necessary to remove the terminal post cover 22 and trim cap 24 from one of the existing panels, install an additional post, mount a new solar panel between the additional post and the one post, connect and reconnect the appropriate plumbing fittings, and install the post covers. A new intermediate post cover and cap and new fittings 130 and 134 will be required for the one post that was previously a terminal post, but the terminal post cover and cap removed from that post and “U”-shaped fitting can be reused for the new terminal post and for the last solar panel in the series. It will not be necessary to modify any of the site plumbing.

It will further be appreciated that a solar fence 100 may be formed from any convenient number of solar panels 102 mounted between consecutive spaced apart fence posts 16 in series with other types of fence panels also mounted between fence posts 16. These other types of fence panels, not illustrated may be, for example, stockade or lattice panels. They may alternatively be fence panels having aesthetics designed to complement the aesthetics of the solar panels or having other functionality, such as providing storage or hanging features for pool equipment, yard equipment, flower pots or sports equipment. These other panels may be removed at any time and replaced with additional solar panels as needed.

It is often desirable to have a fence system that changes direction once or more to partially or totally enclose an area, such as an area around a pool. Though not illustrated, it is contemplated that fence panels or solar panels 12 may be mounted to fence posts 16 at various angles, typically 90, 180 and 270 degrees relative to adjacent panels. Similarly, for some installations, fence systems may extend in multiple directions, such as where a pool fence system joins a yard fence system, and therefore have intermediate posts to which three or more fence panels or solar panels are mounted. For other installations, a terminal post may be mounted to or integrated into a building structure. It is contemplated that suitable fence post assemblies (not shown) including suitable fence post covers (not shown) may be provided for such alternative installations.

Furthermore, if the solar panels 12 or 102 are manufactured to standard sizes used for conventional fencing systems, a property owner having an existing fencing system having appropriate posts 16 spaced approximately the correct distance apart can replace fence panels with solar panels without having to install new posts. For that purpose, the property owner would select one or more ornamental fence panels to replace with solar panels 12 or 102 based on their solar exposure and their proximity to the point of use or the central water system to which they will be connected. Appropriate shimming or other suitable means may be used to accommodate moderate deviations between the spacing of the posts 16 and the width of the solar panel 12 or 102 and such construction may be hidden by appropriate trim pieces. If the spacing is too small, one post may be repositioned or replaced, and one ornamental fence panel may be trimmed to accommodate a solar panel 12 or 102.

It will be appreciated that there are other potential uses of the auxiliary fluid lines 120. It will be appreciated, therefore, that a solar panel 102 may be provided with two or more auxiliary fluid lines.

One alternative use for auxiliary fluid line 120 is to provide both a cold water and hot water supply at the end of a series of solar panels by connecting the heating components of the series of solar panels in a plumbing series and the auxiliary lines of the series of the solar panels in a plumbing series and using one end of the series as an inlet and the other end of the series as an outlet. For example, one end of a solar fence may be located by a well. Cold water provided by the well may be provided to both the inlet plumbing interface 72 and to the first auxiliary plumbing interface of a first solar panel located near the well. The final solar panel in the series will have a supply of hot and cold water.

Another use of auxiliary fluid line 120 is to bypass a solar panel 102 in a series of solar panels, should that become necessary or desirable. Such bypass may be achieved manually or through automated valves.

As shown in FIG. 16, for some installations, it may be desirable to have a bypass line 136 controllable by a valve 138 to bypass one or more of the solar heat collecting components 40, as shown in FIG. 16. Valve 138 may, for example, be a one way valve which is automatically operable when the flow is reversed, as for example may occur in a back-flushing operation. Alternatively, valve 138 may be selectively operable by the user or by a controller to bypass one or more solar heat collecting components 40 when desired.

It may be desirable for some installations to connect the solar panels in a parallel plumbing relationship rather than a series plumbing relationship. This can be accomplished, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, by connecting the outlet plumbing interface 86 of a first solar panel 102a to the first auxiliary plumbing interface 124 of a second solar panel 102b by a connector 140 while connecting the inlet plumbing interface 72 of the second solar panel 102b to the second auxiliary plumbing interface 126 of the first solar panel 102a by a connector 142. The inlet plumbing interface (not shown) and the first auxiliary plumbing interface (not shown) of the first solar panel 102a are both connected to the supply of unheated fluid. The outlet plumbing interface (not shown) and the second auxiliary plumbing interface (not shown) of the second solar panel 102b are both connected to the device or system using the heated fluid. A portion of the fluid therefore flows through the solar heat collecting components 40 of first solar panel 102a and then through the auxiliary fluid line of second solar panel 102b. Another portion of the fluid flows through the auxiliary fluid line of first solar panel 102a and then through the solar heat collecting components 40 of second solar panel 102b.

This arrangement may facilitate temporarily taking one of the solar panels 102a or 102b out of service while keeping the other solar panel in service.

It may also be desirable for adjacent solar panels to have totally independent plumbing. This may be desirable, for example, if one solar panel 102a is being used to draw water from a pool, heat the water and return it to the pool while the other panel 102b is being used to heat water for the pool house. This may also be accomplished, as shown if FIG. 17, by connecting the outlet plumbing interface 86 of a first solar panel 102a to the first auxiliary plumbing interface 124 of a second solar panel 102b by a connector 140 while connecting the inlet plumbing interface 72 of the second solar panel 102b to the second auxiliary plumbing interface 126 of the first solar panel 102a by a connector 142. However, for this application, the inlet plumbing interface (not shown) of the first solar panel 102a, and the second auxiliary plumbing interface 126 (not shown) of the second solar panel 102b may be connected to a first fluid circulation system, (not shown), such as to the water system of a pool house. The outlet plumbing interface (not shown) of the second solar panel 102b, and the first auxiliary plumbing interface 124 (not shown) of the first solar panel 102a are connected to a second fluid circulation system (not shown), such as to a pool water circulation system.

Alternatively, either independent or parallel plumbing arrangements can be accomplished while still maintaining all of the site plumbing at a single post by mounting two adjacent solar panels 102 in opposing orientations to a common intermediate post 16 (not shown) whereby the inlets of both solar panels 102 are adjacent common intermediate post 16 and the outlets of both solar panels are remote from intermediate post 16. For this arrangement, additional solar panels 102 may be added, in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 9-12, in a series plumbing connection to the remote end of either of the solar panels connected to common intermediate post 16.

As shown in FIG. 16, intermediate panels 146 may be provided between adjacent tubular solar heat collecting components 40 to permit the solar fence 10 to function as a wind or privacy barrier. Intermediate panels 146 may be opaque or translucent, as required, and fixedly secured to the upper and lower frame members. Alternatively, they may be movably or pivotably mounted to the upper and lower frame members 32 and 34 to selectively open to permit a breeze to pass through the gap between adjacent solar heat collecting components 40.

As also shown in FIG. 18, there may be times when the solar fence 10 generates more heated fluid than is needed. It can be inefficient to generate and then dispose of this excess heat, for example, by dumping heated water, since there is economic and environmental cost associated with the drawing, cleaning and delivery of replacement water to the solar fence 10. It therefore may be desirable to provide a shielding system, such as retractable shielding system 150, to temporarily shield the solar fence from some or all of the incoming radiation. The shielding system may be provided as a modular accessory and may, when installed, be permanently attached to solar panel 12 or be removable when not needed.

Retractable shielding system 150 may be removably or permanently attached to frame 30, such as by being attached by appropriate fasteners (not shown) to the top of upper frame member 32. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, retractable shielding system 150 has a housing 152 enclosing one or two cylinders 154 around each of which is wound a sun shade 156. Depending on the needs of the user, sun shade 156 may be chosen to partially or totally block the transmission of solar energy. For some installations, solar shade may also be selected to provide some protection of solar panel 12 from damage or unauthorized access. Each sun shade 156 may be provided with a hand grip feature 157, which may also incorporate a stiffened portion, as shown in the drawing. The hand grip feature may include further functionality (not shown), such as a fastener or tie-down for selectively securing the lower end of sun shade 156 to lower frame member 34.

The cylinders are coupled to a gear system 158, shown only schematically in FIG. 19, controlling the extension and retraction of each sun shade 156. Gear system 158 may, for example, be similar in design to the retraction mechanism used in residential roll up shade systems that allow manual retraction and rely on a spring to provide orderly retraction when needed. Alternatively, gear system 158 may be coupled to a motor, (not shown), to drive the retraction or to drive both the extension and retraction of each sun shade 156. If a motor is used, extension or retraction may be automated in response to such inputs as current temperature, weather forecasts, power usage, forecast of power usage, time of day, historical usage patterns and customer preferences.

Each sun shade 156 may be removably secured in a variety of positions partially or completely covering solar panel 12. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 18, there may be features on each sun shade 156, such as apertures 160, which cooperate with features on the solar panel to secure sun shade 156 to solar panel 12 against unintentional retraction or against undesirable motion due to wind. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, each intermediate panel 146 may be provided with a plurality of spaced apart pins 162 having enlarged buttons or heads 164 that may be used to removably engage apertures 160. The connecting and disconnecting of pins 162 to solar shade 156 may be facilitated by the resiliency of the solar shade 156 or the heads 164 or both.

Alternatively or additionally, apertures 160 may cooperate with features on side frame members 36 of frame 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, a plurality of pins 168 having heads 170 may be mounted to side frame member 36. It should be noted that, as an alternative to relying on resilient materials for the interconnection between pins 168 having heads 170 and apertures 160, the exemplary pins shown in FIG. 21 are rotatably mounted to side frame member 36 and apertures 160 and heads 170 have similar non-circular shapes, thereby permitting head 170 to pass through the apertures 160 in one angular orientation of head 170 and to secure sun shade 156 in another angular orientation.

Alternatively or additionally, side frame members 36 may have tracks 172 defining accepting and guiding the right and left edges of sun shade 156 for smooth upward and downward movement of sun shade 156.

It will be appreciated that, while the retractable solar cover system 156 is shown mounted to upper frame member 32 and retractably extendable downwardly to selectively cover solar panel 12, for some installations, it may be desirable or advantageous to mount a solar shielding system to lower frame member 34 or a side frame member 36 and retractably extending it therefrom to selectively cover solar panel 12.

Referring generally to FIGS. 22-28, another exemplary solar fence panel 202 is illustrated.

As shown generally in FIGS. 22-24, solar panel 202 is a rectangular panel having a rectangular frame 204 comprising rectangular upper frame member 206 (FIG. 22 only), a rectangular lower frame member 208 and two tubular side frame members 210. Each end of the upper and lower frame members 204 and 206 may be secured to fence posts by suitable fastening means, (not shown). A plurality of tubular solar heat collecting components 220 extend between frame members 204 and 206 and are connected in plumbing series through plumbing lines, described later herein, incorporated into collector base members 230, described later, which are mounted within lower frame member 206.

A clip system comprising a plurality of clips 250 and 260, shown in FIG. 22-26 may be provided. As best shown in FIGS. 23-26, clips 250 may be installed between the upper portions of adjacent collecting components 220 and between the lower portions of adjacent collecting components 220. As best shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, and shown generally in FIGS. 22 and 24, each clip may have resilient arcuate portions 252 proportioned to securely attach to the outer surface of a collecting component 220 and an intermediate portion 256 interconnecting the arcuate portions 252. The intermediate portion 256 may be cylindrically shaped and extend beyond the height of the arcuate portions 252. Each lower clip 250 may be positioned against a top surface of a pair of collector base members 230 with its intermediate portion 256 extending upwardly and each upper clip may be positioned adjacent the upper frame member 206 with its intermediate portion 256 extending downwardly. As best shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, tubular intermediate panels 270 may be mounted between a pair of adjacent collecting components 220 by being fitted over the intermediate portions 256 of the pair of clips 250 that are between the pair of adjacent collecting components.

Similarly, clips 260 may be provided near the upper frame member 206 and near the lower frame member 208 between the side frame members 210 and the first and the last collecting components 220 to further secure the collecting components in position relative to the rectangular frame 204, as best shown in FIGS. 22 and 24. As shown in FIG. 24, the clips 260 have an arcuate portion 262 proportioned to secure to the outer surface of a collecting component 220, and arcuate portion 264 proportioned to secure to the outer surface of a tubular side frame member 210, and an intermediate portion 266 proportioned to snugly fit inside a tubular intermediate panel 270. Tubular intermediate panels 270 may therefore be mounted between a pair of adjacent collecting components 220 by being fitted over the intermediate portions of a pair of clips 260, as shown in FIG. 22.

FIGS. 29-32 illustrate an alternate configuration wherein a pair of plates 290 are provided adjacent the upper frame member 206 to close the bottom of the upper frame member. As shown in FIG. 29, a second pair of plates 290 is provided adjacent the lower frame member 204 abutting a surface of the collector base members 230 to close the top of the lower frame member. The pairs of plates 290 may be used to further secure the various components of panel 202. Each pair of plates 290 cooperates to form apertures 292 and 294, respectively, for the tubular frame members 210 and the collecting components 220. Each pair of plates further cooperates to form posts 296, best shown in FIG. 32, for matting with passageways 258 and 268, respectively, in clips 250 or 260, as shown in FIG. 30.

As previously mentioned, each of the solar heating collecting components 220 has a collector base member 230 incorporating plumbing. As shown in FIGS. 23, 24 and 28, each collector base member 230 has a base cap portion 232 forming a closure for the bottom end of a collecting component 220. As best shown in FIG. 28, the base cap portion 232 is provided with a first seat 234 for coupling to a short upwardly extending inlet tube 236 for supplying fluid to a collecting component 220 and a second seat 238 for coupling to a long upwardly extending outlet tube 240 for drawing fluid from the collecting component 220. Each collector base member 230 is also provided with a pair of oppositely directed plates 242 and a pair of tubular lines 244, each tubular line connecting one of the seats 234 and 238 with an aperture, (not shown), through one of the plates. Adjacent plates 242 of adjacent collector base members 230 are connected together, using suitable fasteners such screws or clamps, (not shown), and suitable seals, such as o-rings, (not shown), adjacent the apertures, (not shown), to place the tubular lines 244 in fluid communication with each other and thereby connect the collecting members 220 in a plumbing series. The collector base members 230 may be formed from a single molded component.

The collector base members 230 for the first and last collecting components 220 in solar panel 202 may be connected to a pipe 246 to provide a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet to the solar panel 220. An auxiliary line 248 may also be provided through the lower frame member 204 for the purposes described above with reference to FIGS. 1-21. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 22-32, however, the auxiliary line 248 is horizontally displaced from the collector base members 230 to provide a low profile for the lower frame member 204. The auxiliary line 248 and the pipe 246 connected to the collector base members 230 may be staggered at the ends of the lower frame member, best shown in FIG. 27, to clear the fence posts, (not shown), to which the lower frame member 204 may be attached in use. It should be noted that solar panel 220 may therefore be designed to have a “front” face that is generally flush with the “front” faces of the fence posts and an opposite “back” face that extends beyond the opposite or “back” faces of the fences posts to provide clearance for the auxiliary line 248 and pipe 246.

As shown in FIG. 22, a temperature sensor T₁, may be provided in one of the collecting components for cooperating with a control system that may be used to control the operation of a pump or the opening of valves in a fluid distribution system using the solar panel 202. The temperature sensor T₁ may be provided in the last or second from the last collecting member 220 so as to provide a more accurate measurement of the temperature of the initial fluid that will be delivered by the solar panel 220 to a user of the heated fluid. For this purpose, at least one collector base member 230 is provided with a seat and aperture 222 for mounting a long tube 224 for containing a temperature sensor T₁ and suitable wiring 226. For ease of manufacturing, each of the collector base members may be provided with a seat and a portion of a passageway for the wiring, so that, during assembly of the solar panel, a temperature sensor may be added by merely drilling an appropriate aperture.

As shown in FIG. 22, a heater H may be provided in the lower frame member to protect against freezing of the supply line during cold weather.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many configurations and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description.

For example, solar panels may be provided with two or more auxiliary fluid lines to permit further flexibility in the connecting of multiple solar panels in series and parallel and in deciding where to route the outflow of each solar panel. As another example, the lower frame member may be insulated and/or provided with a heater to inhibit freezing of the lines extending through the lower frame member during colder weather. Similarly, post covers 22 may be insulated and/or provided with a heater. Furthermore, while disclosed for the purpose of directly heating water, or, alternatively, for heating a secondary fluid which is subsequently used for heating water, for some applications, the components and systems described above may be used for heating other fluids.

Features shown or described in association with one configuration may be added to or used alternatively in another configuration. The scope of the device should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the arts discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future configurations. In sum, it should be understood that the device is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims.

All terms are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a” and “the,” should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.

Claims

1. A modular solar system comprising:

a frame;

a solar heat collection system mounted to the frame, the solar heat collection system having at least one fluid storage chamber with a fluid inlet thereto and a fluid outlet therefrom;

an inlet line having an inlet port extending from the inlet port through the frame to the fluid inlet of the solar heat collection system;

an outlet line having an outlet port extending from the outlet port through the frame to the fluid outlet of the solar heat collection system; and

an auxiliary line extending through the frame from a first auxiliary port adjacent the inlet port and a second auxiliary port adjacent the outlet port.

2. A modular solar system according to claim 1, further comprising a return fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the outlet port and the second auxiliary port to provide for fluid flow therebetween such that auxiliary line provides a return path for return of fluid from the outlet port to the first side.

3. The modular solar system according to claim 1, wherein the bottom member further comprises heat insulation material to insulate said inlet, outlet and auxiliary lines.

4. The modular solar system according to claim 1, wherein the bottom member further comprises a heater to selectively heat said inlet, outlet and auxiliary lines.

5. The modular solar system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a second frame having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end;

a second solar heat collection system mounted to the second frame, the second solar heat collection system having at least one fluid storage chamber with a second fluid inlet thereto and a second fluid outlet therefrom;

a second inlet line having a second inlet port adjacent the third end of the second frame and extending from the second inlet port through the frame to the second fluid inlet of the second solar heat collection system;

a second outlet line having a second outlet port adjacent the fourth end of the second frame and extending from the second outlet port through the second frame to the second fluid outlet of the second solar heat collection system; and

a second auxiliary line extending through the second frame from a third auxiliary port on the third end of the second frame to a fourth auxiliary port on the fourth end of the second frame;

wherein the first mentioned outlet port is adapted to be selectively coupled to the second inlet port to configure the solar heat collection systems in plumbing series with each other.

6. The modular solar system according to claim 5, further comprising a fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the outlet port and the second inlet port to provide for fluid flow therebetween.

7. The modular solar system according to claim 6, further comprising:

a fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the second outlet port and the fourth auxiliary port to provide for fluid flow therebetween; and

a fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the second auxiliary port and the third auxiliary port to provide for fluid flow therebetween;

such that auxiliary line provides a return path for return of fluid from the second outlet port to the first side member.

8. The modular solar system according to claim 5, further comprising:

a fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the inlet port and the first auxiliary port to provide for fluid flow therebetween; and

a fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the second outlet port and the fourth auxiliary port to provide for fluid flow therebetween;

such that auxiliary lines provide separate return paths for return of fluid from the outlet ports to the area near the second post to accommodate a parallel connection of the solar heat collections systems.

9. The modular solar system according to claim 1 wherein the collection unit comprises multiple solar heat collection chambers connected in a plumbing series connection.

10. A modular solar system comprising:

a first and a second fence post capable of being installed partially in the ground spaced apart from each other and extending upwardly from the ground;

a frame having a top member, a bottom member and a first and second side members each extending between the top member and bottom member; said first and second side members being capable of being mounted respectively to the first and the second fence posts;

a solar heat collection system mounted between the top member and the bottom member of the frame, the solar heat collection system comprising at least one solar heat collecting fluid chamber with a fluid inlet thereto and a fluid outlet therefrom;

an inlet line having an inlet port adjacent the first side member and extending from the inlet port through the bottom member to the fluid inlet of the solar heat collection system; and

an outlet line having an outlet port adjacent the second side member and extending from the outlet port through the frame to the fluid outlet of the solar heat collection system.

11. The modular solar system according to claim 10 further comprising:

an auxiliary line having a first auxiliary port adjacent the first side member and a second auxiliary port adjacent the second side member, the auxiliary line extending through the frame from the first auxiliary port to the second auxiliary port;

wherein the auxiliary line provides an optional path for return of fluid from the outlet port to the first side member.

12. The modular solar system according to claim 11, further comprising a return fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the outlet port and the second auxiliary port to provide for fluid flow therebetween such that auxiliary line provides a return path for return of fluid from the outlet port to the first side.

13. The modular solar system according to claim 11, wherein the connectors of the return fitting are alternatively selectively connectable to the inlet port and the first auxiliary port to provide for fluid flow therebetween such that auxiliary line provides an intake path for fluid to the inlet port.

14. The modular solar system according to claim 11, further comprising: said third and fourth side members being capable of being mounted respectively to the second and the third fence posts;

a third fence post capable of being installed partially in the ground spaced apart from the first and second fence post and extending upwardly from the ground;

a second frame having a top member, a bottom member and a third and fourth side members each extending between the top member and bottom member of the second frame;

a second solar heat collection system mounted between the top member and the bottom member of the second frame, the second solar heat collection system comprising at least one heat solar heat collecting fluid chamber with a fluid inlet thereto and a fluid outlet therefrom;

a second inlet line having a second inlet port adjacent the third side member and extending from the second inlet port through the bottom member of the second frame to the second fluid inlet;

a second outlet line having a second outlet port adjacent the fourth side member and extending from the second outlet port through the second frame to the second fluid; and

a second auxiliary line having a third auxiliary port adjacent the third side member and a fourth auxiliary port adjacent the fourth side member, the second auxiliary line extending through the second frame from the third auxiliary port to the fourth auxiliary port;

wherein the outlet port is adapted to be selectively coupled to the second inlet port to configure the solar heat collection systems in plumbing series with each other, and further wherein said inlet port, said outlet port, said first auxiliary port and said second auxiliary port are each positioned to avoid interference with the first and second fence posts when the frame is attached to the fence posts.

15. The modular solar system according to claim 14, further comprising:

a fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the outlet port and the second inlet port to provide for fluid flow therebetween;

a fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the second outlet port and the fourth auxiliary port to provide for fluid flow therebetween; and

a fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the second auxiliary port and the third auxiliary port to provide for fluid flow therebetween;

such that auxiliary line provides a return path for return of fluid from the second outlet port to the first side member.

16. The modular solar system according to claim 14, further comprising:

a fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the inlet port and the first auxiliary port to provide for fluid flow therebetween; and

a fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the second outlet port and the fourth auxiliary port to provide for fluid flow therebetween;

such that auxiliary lines provide separate return paths for return of fluid from the outlet ports to the area near the second post to accommodate a parallel connection of the solar heat collections systems.

17. The modular solar system according to claim 10, wherein fluid is swimming pool water and the inlet line and the outlet line are connected in plumbing series with a swimming pool system having a pump capable of circulating water from the pool to and through the solar heat collection system.

18. The modular solar system according to claim 10, wherein the collection unit comprises multiple solar heat collection chambers connected in a plumbing series connection.

19. The modular solar system according to claim 10 further comprising a plurality of privacy panels each disposed between adjacent solar heat collecting fluid chambers to provide visual privacy through the frame.

20. The modular solar system according to claim 10 further comprising:

an auxiliary line having a first auxiliary port adjacent the first side member and a second auxiliary port adjacent the second side member, the auxiliary line extending through the frame from the first auxiliary port to the second auxiliary port; and

a return fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the outlet port and the second auxiliary port to provide for fluid flow therebetween such that auxiliary line provides a return path for return of fluid from the outlet port to the first side.

21. The modular solar system according to claim 10, further comprising a cover selectively operable to shield at least a portion of the collector from at least a portion of the incoming solar radiation.

22. The modular solar system according to claim 10, further comprising:

a third fence post capable of being installed partially in the ground spaced apart from the first and second fence post and extending upwardly from the ground; and

a decorative fence panel mounted between the second and the third fence posts.

23. The modular solar system according to claim 10, wherein the system is adapted to be integrated into the water supply system for a building.

24. The modular solar system according to claim 10, further comprising a shade selectively operable to cover at least a portion of solar collector to selectively reduce the amount of solar radiation reaching the fluid.

25. A modular solar system comprising:

a first and a second fence post capable of being installed partially in the ground adjacent each other and extending upwardly;

a frame having a top member, a bottom member and a first and second side members each extending between the top member and bottom member; said first and second side members being capable of being mounted respectively to the first and the second fence posts;

a solar heat collection system mounted between the top member and the bottom member of the frame, the solar heat collection system comprising a plurality of solar heat collecting water chambers each with a water inlet thereto and a water outlet therefrom, the solar heat collecting water chambers being connected in series;

a plurality of privacy panels each disposed between adjacent solar heat collecting water chambers to provide visual privacy through the frame;

an inlet line having an inlet port adjacent the first side member and extending from the inlet port through the bottom member to the solar heat collection system to supply water thereto;

an outlet line having an outlet port adjacent the second side member and extending from the outlet port through the frame to the solar heat collection system to receive water therefrom;

wherein said inlet port and said outlet port are each positioned to avoid interference with the first and second fence posts when the frame is attached to the fence posts;

an auxiliary line having a first auxiliary port adjacent the first side member and a second auxiliary port adjacent the second side member, the auxiliary line extending through the frame from the first auxiliary port to the second auxiliary port; and

a return fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the outlet port and the second auxiliary port to provide for water flow therebetween such that auxiliary line provides a return path for return of water from the outlet port to the first side.

26. A solar water heating system kit for use in conjunction with fence posts, the kit comprising:

at least one solar panel, said solar panel comprising a frame adapted for mounting between two said fence posts, a solar heat collection system mounted to the frame, the solar heat collection system having at least one fluid storage chamber with a fluid inlet thereto and a fluid outlet therefrom, an inlet line having an inlet port extending from the inlet port through the frame to the fluid inlet of the solar heat collection system;

an outlet line having an outlet port extending from the outlet port through the frame to the fluid outlet of the solar heat collection system; and an auxiliary line extending through the frame from a first auxiliary port adjacent the inlet port and a second auxiliary port adjacent the outlet port; and

a return fitting having connectors selectively connectable to the outlet port and the second auxiliary port to provide for fluid flow therebetween such that auxiliary line provides a return path for return of fluid from the outlet port to the first side.

27. The modular solar system according to claim 26, further comprising a plurality of fence post covers, each fence post cover being adapted to at least partially surround a fence post and the inlet, outlet and auxiliary ports of the system and a plurality of trim caps, each trim cap being adapted to selectively attach to and cover the uppermost portion of a fence post cover.