Solar Collector Supported On Existing Roof Structure Patents (Class 126/623)
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Patent number: 8661747Abstract: A racking system for photovoltaic solar panels greatly reduces material, weight, labor and system profile as compared to previous mounting systems. Special pedestals are secured to a roof at far larger spacings and fewer number than required in previous systems. The pedestals are configured for efficient and dependable flashing for waterproofing the roof. In assembly the extruded aluminum components are fitted together quickly with efficient and strong connections, with the photovoltaic panels retained in a compact array and fully supported along the length of each panel. The fittings provide for field adjustment of the height of the uprights, helping accommodate uneven roof surfaces, such as flat roofs.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Kristian Eide
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Patent number: 8650812Abstract: An array of photovoltaic panels is supported in rows and columns spaced from one another using a foldable bi-directional span of support members. The support members include a plurality of support joists and support rails braced at an incline. Each support rail is tubular and generally rectangular, having a lower wall section with a T-slot channel for acceptance of the head of a bolt for adjustable attachment with the support joist. Also, the support rail may have a C-slot channel for retaining electrical wires. Clips are used to secure each panel to upper wall portions of underlying support rails. Each clip has a generally U-shaped gasket and is retained to a corresponding support rail through a threaded hole in a top wall of the support rail that receives a bolt or similar threaded fastener.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Northern States Metals CompanyInventor: Paul R. Cusson
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Patent number: 8650813Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module assembly including a PV module, a deflector, and a clip. The PV module includes a PV device and a frame. A PV laminate is assembled to the frame, and the frame includes a support arm forming a seat. The deflector defines a front face and a rear face, with the clip extending from either the trailing frame member or the rear face of the deflector. In a mounted state, the deflector is nested within the seat and is releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip. In some embodiments, the support arm forms a second seat, with the PV module assembly providing a second mounted state in which the deflector is in a differing orientation/slope, nested within the second seat and releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
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Patent number: 8640689Abstract: Embodiments provide a solar thermal receiver comprising: (a) a first containing member transparent to sunlight; (b) a second containing member comprising an inner surface reflective of sunlight; (c) an inlet proximate to the first containing member that is configured to receive injected heat transfer fluid; and (d) an outlet distal from the first containing member, where the first containing member and the second containing member together form a vessel configured to conduct injected heat transfer fluid from the inlet to the outlet under hydrostatic pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: eSolar, Inc.Inventors: Abraham Kribus, Dan Reznik, William Gross
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Patent number: 8640688Abstract: Disclosed is a heat collection system for a roof, the system including a roof deck, a membrane upwardly adjacent of the roof deck; a fluid channel disposed between the membrane and the roof deck, the fluid channel having a defined entry port and a defined exit port, the entry port and the exit port being disposed in fluid communication via the fluid channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Inventor: Thomas L. Kelly
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Patent number: 8635817Abstract: Technologies and implementations for reflective roofs are generally disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLCInventor: Keith Goossen
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Patent number: 8631629Abstract: A mounting system for a roof-mounted structure comprises: a roof having a surface; a shaft having a first end opposing a second end, and including a roof fastening portion at the first end and secured within the roof, an anchor portion for securing the roof-mounted structure at the second end, a drive part and a radially projecting shoulder surface oriented toward the roof fastening portion; and a washer positioned on the surface of the roof and disposed on the shaft such that the shoulder surface urges the washer into watertight sealing contact with the surface of the roof.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Inventor: Gregory M. Wiener
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Patent number: 8615941Abstract: A PV module kit for non-penetrating rooftop installation, including a plurality of PV modules and a plurality of connectors. Each of the PV modules includes a PV laminate and a frame forming a mounting region assembled thereto. The connectors include a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head, and a female connector having a female fastener assembled within a head. The heads are entirely formed of plastic. The kit provides a mounted array state including a junction at which the mounting region of at least two of the PV modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector. The so-formed junction is substantially electrically insulated. The plurality of connectors can further include a spacer connector including a head forming a bore sized to slidably receive the male fastener, with all of the connector heads being identical.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
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Patent number: 8615939Abstract: A photovoltaic module mounting system using clamps to attach the modules to a mounting structure, thereby providing a universal mounting structure for use with laminate or framed modules of differing shapes and sizes, from different manufacturers.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: SunLink CorporationInventors: Martin N. Seery, Rodney H. Holland, Jeff Hartnett, Isaac Childress, Todd Pelman
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Patent number: 8595996Abstract: A photovoltaic framed module array apparatus for mounting a first framed photovoltaic (PV) module and a second framed PV module is provided. The photovoltaic framed module array apparatus comprises a first rail. The first rail includes an insert slot for accommodating an insert edge of the first framed PV module, and a capture slot for accommodating a capture edge of the second framed PV module. The capture slot is positioned substantively parallel to the insert slot.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Charles Steven Korman, Neil Anthony Johnson, Jian Mi, Donald Michael Doherty
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Patent number: 8594973Abstract: A longitude/latitude ten-dimension XYZ digital-displaying spectrometer includes an imaging device combined with the digital-displaying spectrometer to work with a Z axis position processing unit and a coordinate processing unit and arranged in information connection with a plurality of displaying elements to allow of calculation of Z0° in horizontal of East, West, South, North, and the circumference with respect to the horizontal level of the compass through the combination of the imaging device with the processing units and displaying of the angles through the displaying elements, so as to provide an improvement of precise reading of the angles in the ten dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: XYZ Science Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chiu-San Lee
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Patent number: 8578666Abstract: A solar device for being configured on a platform is provided. The solar device includes a solar module, a splicing member, and a bracket. The solar module has a first connection hole. The splicing member has a body, a first latching pin, and a second latching pin. The first and second latching pins extend from the body and face against each other. The bracket is fixed to the platform and has a second connection hole. The first latching pin passes through and is locked to the first connection hole correspondingly, and the second latching pin passes through and is locked to the second connection hole correspondingly, such that the splicing member is connected between the solar module and the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Au Optronics CorporationInventor: Tung-I Yen
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Patent number: 8539734Abstract: A roof truss compatible for solar energy panels, and a method for installing the roof trusses, incorporates a non-structural top chord that may have a removable portion removed and replaced by a solar assembly. The truss is structurally designed to support the solar assembly without the presence of the non-structural top chord. A desired length of the non-structural top chord may be omitted or removed during manufacture of the truss, or may be removed at a future time for installation of solar panel assemblies. A solar assembly for inserting into the solar roof truss may include a panel enclosure which has a channel for holding a solar panel, where the panel is installed approximately flush with the roof line. The panel enclosure may have an air space underneath the solar panel, to allow for cooling air flow and water drainage.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Eco Solar Generation LLCInventor: Robert E. Heisler
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Patent number: 8528277Abstract: A photovoltaic plant includes a plurality of longitudinal solar panels, a plurality of longitudinal reflector sheets, and a plurality of bending-resistant clamping strips. The plurality of longitudinal solar panels are disposed with mounting rails on a substantially horizontally orientated flat substrate at a predetermined angle and in parallel rows with a predetermined spacing to one another. The plurality of longitudinal reflector sheets are arranged between the rows of the solar panels. The clamping strips are disposed in a spaced vertical arrangement between the mounting rails on a back of the solar panels. Each of the clamping strips are configured to connect an upper edge of a respective one of the solar panels to an upper edge of an adjacent first reflector sheet of the reflector sheets and a lower edge of the respective solar panel to a lower edge of an adjacent second reflector sheet of the reflector sheet.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Solon SEInventor: Sascha Oliver Schwarze
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Patent number: 8516754Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame, The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at an angle in the range of 3°-7° from horizontal, and can be entirely formed of a polymeric material. Optionally, the arm incorporates integral feature(s) that facilitate interconnection with corresponding features of a second, identically formed PV module.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Carl J. S. Lenox, Matthew Culligan, Matt Danning
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Publication number: 20130205778Abstract: The invention provides a solar power system for use as a solar roofing concept based on an absorber system with a solar thermal absorber and a circulation system for circulating absorber liquid through the absorber and a core system which extracts energy from the absorber liquid and provides hot water to a building. An intelligent controller uses data about external conditions to control the core system, where both current conditions and predicted conditions are taken into account. In preferred embodiments, the system can generate heat, hot water and electric energy to cover the need for a normal household. When excess heat is generated, the thermal energy can be used by an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) machine for electricity production. A forecasting and control unit using external weather measurements in combination with internet weather forecasts will by fuzzy logic calculate the optimum periods of time for use of the heat pump during the colder periods.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: INNOGIE APSInventor: Kristian Harley Hansen
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Patent number: 8505249Abstract: An energy generating system for placement on a roof structure is disclosed including one or more solar panels (10) being secured to roof system components. The solar panels are secured thereto with hook and loop fasteners (16, 78) that may be integral with the roof system components (86).Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Firestone Building Products Co., LLCInventor: John Geary
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Publication number: 20130199515Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for harvesting solar energy, and more particularly an energy-positive sky lighting system that may provide an integrated energy solution to a variety of commercial buildings. A plurality of skylight modules are provided, each having a plurality of louvers configured to reflect incoming sunlight onto a thermal receiver area on an adjacent louver to heat a working fluid in communication with the louvers (i.e., such that heat transfer is carried out between the thermal receiver and the working fluid), all while allowing control of the amount of daylight that passes through the module. The modules are constructed such that the balance of the solar energy not going into day lighting is captured in the form of thermal heat, which in turn may be applied to building system cooling and heating applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: MBC VENTURES, INC.Inventor: MBC VENTURES, INC.
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Publication number: 20130192587Abstract: A solar ballasted racking system holds hot water flat plate solar collectors in place on flat roofs without penetrating the roof surface. The racking system also holds the collector in place, providing a stable, long-term placement on the roof while protecting the roof surface with foam pads placed under the ballast tray. The ballast tray is built in two sections—one to hold the solar collector in place and a second to act as a wind deflector that deflects the wind off the solar collector. Ballast blocks are added into the ballast tray to hold the collector in place. The racking system may enhance the life of the roof while protecting the roof surface and allowing for lower ballasted weights due to the wind deflector.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Inventors: David B.P. Lewenz, Michael Joseph Moulder
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Patent number: 8495997Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for attaching a solar panel to a purlin is disclosed, the solar panel further including a frame having a set of frame holes. The apparatus includes a solar panel clip including a solar panel clip bearing surface, a key formed on the solar panel clip bearing surface, a perpendicular locking surface coupled to the solar panel clip bearing surface, and an upper solar panel spacing section configured to provide an expansion joint. The apparatus also may include a solar panel clip washer mount. A solar panel is positioned on the solar panel clip bearing surface and is secured to the purlin.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: MBL & Sons, Inc.Inventor: Robert B. Laubach
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Patent number: 8479459Abstract: A standalone or partially standalone solar photovoltaic structure and methods for assembling the structure are described. The solar photovoltaic structure can employ a hinged photovoltaic roof deck that can be folded for transportation. Described are hinges that can be removed after assembly and act as protective elements to facilitate transportation. Also described is an attachment arrangement for joining purlin or frame members to vertical support columns by locking the frame numbers into column capitals.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Phat Energy CorporationInventor: Nicholas Brady Tucker
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Patent number: 8481906Abstract: A tracking system is provided for a roof-mounted solar array. The system includes a sensor mechanism for sensing an orientation of the sun relative to the solar array, and a controller connected to the sensor mechanism that generates a signal that represents an optimal tilt angle of the solar array relative to the orientation of the sun. An actuator connected to the controller receives the signal from the controller and adjusts the tilt angle of the solar array in response to the received signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyInventors: Arkadiusz Sobolewski, Dunbar P. Birnie, III, Brian D. Viezbicke, Brian T. Doyle
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Patent number: 8474445Abstract: A concentrating solar energy device for use in buildings is configured to share structural elements with a building for cost savings. The device incorporates a shallow cylindrical trough mirror comprising mirrored sheets that are conformed to curved rafters, a receiver that is moveable within the cumulative area of focus of the cylindrical trough mirror, a secondary mirror integrated with the receiver that augments solar energy collection, and parallel linear tracking assemblies that move the receiver and that mount to a building's side walls.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Inventor: Joel Fairstein
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Patent number: 8474446Abstract: A solar collector includes a first header, a second header and one or more riser tubes that connect the first header and second header. The solar collector is mounted to a surface, e.g., a roof, such that the headers are substantially parallel to a horizontal axis. The first header is curved so as to define a low point that facilitates drainage of liquid from the solar collector.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Caleffi S.p.A.Inventors: Robert M. Rohr, Max J. Rohr
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Patent number: 8464496Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Northern States Metals CompanyInventors: Paul R. Cusson, Robert J. Voytilla, Michael G. Greenamyer, Thomas P. Kilar, Jr.
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Patent number: 8453986Abstract: The invention relates to a solar module attachment, comprising a Z-support (2), the one Z-side (2.1) of which is used directly as a roof attachment or can be connected to roof hooks or support posts in the case of a mounting system, while clamps (5) can be displaced over the other Z-side (2.2), the attachment means engaging in said clamps in order to fix solar module frames (1).Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Mounting Systems GmbHInventor: Sandy Schnitzer
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Patent number: 8448390Abstract: A system of suspended photovoltaic modules relative to a surface wherein modules are suspended generally parallel and spaced apart along the length of dual pairs of catenary cables. A hanger assembly permits initial attachment of a module during installation as the cables are mounted to the rear surfaces of the modules via mid clamp assemblies. End clamp assemblies attach the modules to the cables proximate stanchions having two spaced posts joined by cross beams, a top cross beam angled to define an inclined plane. The respective pairs of cables supporting the modules are joined with cable cross ties to form a catenary shape. The modules may be suspended in a generally consistent inclined plane or a slightly concave curve. The catenary cables and clips are sized and shaped to allow the modules limited sway movement as necessary to reduce stresses and forces during wind or other adverse weather events.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Olympic Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: Jonathan A. Clemens
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Patent number: 8448407Abstract: An apparatus for securing a roof-mounted structure to a roof is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a shaft extending along a longitudinal shaft axis and including a first end opposing a second end; the first end including a roof fastening portion; the second end including a drive part and an anchor portion for securing the roof-mounted structure to the shaft; and the shaft including a radially projecting shoulder surface disposed between the first and second ends and oriented toward the first end.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Inventor: Gregory M. Wiener
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Patent number: 8448391Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module assembly including a PV module, a deflector, and a clip. The PV module includes a PV device and a frame. A PV laminate is assembled to the frame, and the frame includes a support arm forming a seat. The deflector defines a front face and a rear face, with the clip extending from either the trailing frame member or the rear face of the deflector. In a mounted state, the deflector is nested within the seat and is releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip. In some embodiments, the support arm forms a second seat, with the PV module assembly providing a second mounted state in which the deflector is in a differing orientation/slope, nested within the second seat and releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
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Patent number: 8443794Abstract: Systems and methods for operating environmental equipment using heat absorbed by manufactured surface coverings from incident solar radiation where fluid in conduits carried in the manufactured surface covering is heated and supplied to a heat exchanger to provide heat for various environmental equipment such as a hot water supply, a turbine-driven electrical generator, a chiller, a water purification system, and/or a distillation system. Efficiencies are maximized by use of thermally conducted aggregates in the manufactured surface covering.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Inventor: Michael S. Hulen
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Patent number: 8438797Abstract: An outer frame drainage structure of a concentrator type solar cell module, wherein, a drainage element having a predetermined height is disposed between a side board and a frame edge, hereby keeping a drainage slit between said side board and the corresponding frame edge, so that moisture will not remain inside the concentrator type solar cell module, thus the concentrator type solar cell module is able to operate in an optimal light-to-electricity conversion efficiency. In a structure mentioned above, a concave slit is formed through engaging and positioning an extended and bent positioning portion of the side board into a positioning slot of the frame edge, and the concave slit is linked to the drainage slit, thus facilitating exit of moisture and preventing intrusion of foreign objects effectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council, Executive YuanInventors: Chun-Yi Chen, Hwa-Yuh Shin, Hung-Sheng Chiu
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Patent number: 8418688Abstract: An assembly for mounting solar panels to structural surfaces includes a frame member adapted to receive and retain a first end portion of a solar panel, and a mounting foot adapted for attachment to the structural surface, wherein the frame member and the mounting foot are adapted for interlocking engagement with each other to mount an end of a solar panel on the structural surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Greenray Inc.Inventors: Zachary Adam King, Miles Clayton Russell, Ruel Davenport Little
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Patent number: 8404963Abstract: An auxiliary member which is inserted into between a roof material and a fixing member including a base portion which is placed on the roof material and has a placement portion, a fixing portion, and a concave groove portion, an erected portion which extends to the upper side from the base portion, and a blocking portion which extends from an upper end of the erected portion to both sides so as to be in parallel with the placement portion and blocks the first frame from being moved to the upper side, includes an engagement convex portion which engages with the groove portion of the fixing member, a main body on which the engagement convex portion is formed on an upper surface, and a concave engagement concave portion which is formed on a lower surface of the main body and is engageable with the engagement convex portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Yanegijutsukenkyujo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shuichi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8397447Abstract: A roof truss compatible for solar energy panels, and a method for installing the roof trusses, incorporates a non-structural top chord that may have a removable portion removed and replaced by a solar assembly. The truss is structurally designed to support the solar assembly without the presence of the non-structural top chord. A desired length of the non-structural top chord may be omitted or removed during manufacture of the truss, or may be removed at a future time for installation of solar panel assemblies. A solar assembly for inserting into the solar roof truss may include a panel enclosure which has a channel for holding a solar panel, where the panel is installed approximately flush with the roof line. The panel enclosure may have an air space underneath the solar panel, to allow for cooling air flow and water drainage.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Eco Solar Generation LLCInventor: Robert E. Heisler
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Patent number: 8375654Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Zap Solar, Inc.Inventors: John R. West, Christina C. Manansala, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
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Patent number: 8375936Abstract: A solar energy system. The system includes a thermal solar system comprising a plurality of thermal modules spatially configured as an N by M array. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of thermal modules are configured to form an aperture region and a backside region. The system has an air moving device comprising a drive device coupled to a blower device. In a specific embodiment, the drive device is spatially disposed within a fluid drive region. The system has a controller operably coupled to the air moving device.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: EchoFirst, Inc.Inventor: Charles Wade Albritton
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Patent number: 8371287Abstract: The solar collector-reflector system includes at least one modular solar panel arranged singly or in an array, each solar panel having a solar collector-reflector assembly, a driver for selective collection or reflection of solar energy, attachment assembly, mounting assembly, ducting and a controller for controlling the solar energy collection and reflection configuration based on the sensed differential temperature between the solar panel or array and a dwelling set temperature. The solar collector-reflector assembly has surfaces that either collect or reflect solar energy, and the solar collector-reflector system utilizes air-to-air heat transfer to provide additional heating to an existing ducting system in the dwelling or reflect solar flux from the roof, thereby reducing heating and cooling energy consumption and costs.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventor: Lewis W. Fleischmann
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Patent number: 8365479Abstract: A standalone or partially standalone solar photovoltaic structure and methods for assembling the structure are described. The solar photovoltaic structure can employ a hinged photovoltaic roof deck that can be folded for transportation. Described are hinges that can be removed after assembly and act as protective elements to facilitate transportation. Also described is an attachment arrangement for joining purlin or frame members to vertical support columns by locking the frame numbers into column capitals.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Phat Energy CorporationInventor: Nicholas Brady Tucker
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Patent number: 8360050Abstract: A method for operating a thermal solar system, e.g., solar system, photovoltaic system, thermal system, includes providing a thermal array including a plenum. The thermal array may be subjected to a freezing condition, which can include, for example, one or more ice particles and/or crystals, e.g., ice crystal, frost, snow, sleet. The method includes operating a fan device coupled to a drive device in a first direction to cause fluid flow from a second region to a first region that includes at least the plenum for the thermal array. The fan is coupled to the drive device disposed in a fluid flow region between the first region and second regions. The method also includes transferring thermal energy to the thermal array using at least the flow of fluid from the second region to the first region to cause the one or more ice particles and/or crystals to thaw for removal of the one or more ice particles and/or crystals.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: EchoFirst, Inc.Inventor: Charles Wade Albritton
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Patent number: 8336277Abstract: Photovoltaic modules including a solar panel integrated with a supporting frame, and which are configured to be installed on a building rooftop. Modules according to the present teachings may be at least partially pre-assembled, with a solar panel oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the rooftop mounting surface of the supporting frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: SOLON CorporationInventors: David Rego, Daniel S. Alcombright, Jerrod Quinton Rodowca, Ben Michael Striner, John W. Rethans
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Patent number: 8316619Abstract: Photovoltaic modules including a solar panel integrated with a supporting frame, and which are configured to be installed on a building rooftop. Modules according to the present teachings may be at least partially pre-assembled, with a solar panel oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the rooftop mounting surface of the supporting frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: SOLON CorporationInventors: David Rego, Jerrod Quinton Rodowca, John W. Rethans
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Patent number: 8316618Abstract: Photovoltaic modules including a solar panel integrated with a supporting frame, and which are configured to be installed on a building rooftop. Modules according to the present teachings may be at least partially pre-assembled, with a solar panel oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the rooftop mounting surface of the supporting frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: SOLON CorporationInventors: Jerrod Quinton Rodowca, Ronald L. Starjnski, David Rego, Ben Michael Striner, Benjamin William Schams, John W. Rethans, William Richardson
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Patent number: 8316590Abstract: An array of photovoltaic panels is supported in rows and columns spaced from one another using a foldable bi-directional span of support members. The support members include a plurality of support joists and support rails braced at an incline. Each support rail is tubular and generally rectangular, having a lower wall section with a T-slot channel for acceptance of the head of a bolt for adjustable attachment with the support joist. Also, the support rail may have a C-slot channel for retaining electrical wires. Clips are used to secure each panel to upper wall portions of underlying support rails. Each clip has a generally U-shaped gasket and is retained to a corresponding support rail through a threaded hole in a top wall of the support rail that receives a bolt or similar threaded fastener.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Northern States Metals CompanyInventor: Paul R. Cusson
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Patent number: 8316841Abstract: An energy transmitting solar panel (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62) intended for invisible incorporation into a building, a part or component thereof, behind and in thermal contact with a climate shield (12, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61) on said building, a part or component thereof, is made of a heat-conducting material and has a substantial heat transmitting surface area and at least one through-going fluid impervious channel or duct (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65) embedded in or integrally connected with said panel for the flow of an energy carrying-capable fluid therein. The solar panel is mounted below and close up to a climate shield of a building so that good thermal contact is established there between providing excellent transmission of converted sun radiation to an energy carrying-capable fluid in the fluid impervious channel or duct.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Cupa Innovacion, S.L.U.Inventor: Per Stobbe
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Publication number: 20120291769Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to water heaters adapted to be mounted on or proximate the roof of a structure such as a building (e.g., residential home, commercial building, etc.). The liquid to be heated can be water, or other liquid, in different example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, at least one vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit is provided as part of the water heater structure in order to help preserve heat that has been absorbed and/or generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Andrew M. Fleszar, Martin D. Bracamonte, Jeffrey Jones
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Patent number: 8307606Abstract: Photovoltaic modules including a solar panel integrated with a supporting frame, and which are configured to be installed on a building rooftop. Modules according to the present teachings may be at least partially pre-assembled, with a solar panel oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the rooftop mounting surface of the supporting frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Solon CorporationInventors: David Rego, Jerrod Quinton Rodowca, Ben Michael Striner, John W. Rethans
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Patent number: 8309840Abstract: A solar panel overlay for mounting on an underlying roof deck comprises a substrate and at least one row of photovoltaic cells on the substrate. The photovoltaic cells define a solar collecting surface having an appearance mimicking that of the underlying roof deck. A solar panel overlay assembly comprising a plurality of interconnect solar panel overlays is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Spheral Solar Power Inc.Inventors: Gary Don Stevens, Milfred Dale Hammerbacher, Glen Alexander Crossley, Brett Michael Barnes, My Thi Hoai Hoang
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Patent number: 8307819Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar element with solar cell carrier, frame and temperature control device, in which, in order to be simply producible, the temperature control device is an integral part of the frame. The invention relates furthermore to a method for the production of such solar element as well as the use of same.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Inventor: Willi Bihler
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Patent number: 8291654Abstract: A PV module kit for non-penetrating rooftop installation, including a plurality of PV modules and a plurality of connectors. Each of the PV modules includes a PV laminate and a frame forming a mounting region assembled thereto. The connectors include a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head, and a female connector having a female fastener assembled within a head. The heads are entirely formed of plastic. The kit provides a mounted array state including a junction at which the mounting region of at least two of the PV modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector. The so-formed junction is substantially electrically insulated. The plurality of connectors can further include a spacer connector including a head forming a bore sized to slidably receive the male fastener, with all of the connector heads being identical.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
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Publication number: 20120255541Abstract: An integrated mounting apparatus, primarily for solar panels and other renewable energy panels, which reduces the need for anchors in the rooftop and provides energy storage and conversion options. The mounting apparatus has a base, sides, a front, a back, and a top. It is generally wedge-shaped. It has a depression designed to fit photovoltaic and solar thermal panels. It has a number of mounting mechanisms, including ballast, tethers, and fasteners. It has a ballast cavity, which, when filled with water, can store energy and inter-change that energy with the building.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventor: Reynold Hendrickson