Solar Collector Supported On Existing Roof Structure Patents (Class 126/623)
  • Patent number: 8281782
    Abstract: A system and method of arranging a solar cell and reflector to replace a typical solar cell oriented normal to the incoming sunlight inside a module (i.e. parallel to a module's transparent cover plate or opening). The present invention in a preferred embodiment uses a solar cell oriented at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight, and a reflective surface oriented perpendicular to the cell and at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight. The solar cell and the mirror are the same length/size and form a V shape where the angle between the sloped sides is 90 degrees. Any light falling normally on the arrangement will hit the solar cell either directly or after reflection. In another embodiment, two adjacent reflectors can be used making angles of around 60 degrees and around 30 degrees with respect to the cover or opening. An alternate embodiment can include a second reflector added to the base of the cell and reflector pairings also at an approximate 45 degree angle with the cover or opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Simon
  • Patent number: 8272176
    Abstract: A solar energy collection assembly includes a wind deflector and a solar module. A method of assembling includes roll forming frame sections of channel from sheet metal, connecting the frame sections to form an upright frame, and attaching the wind deflector and solar module to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: SunEdison, LLC
    Inventor: Linus Eric Wallgren
  • Patent number: 8266848
    Abstract: A solar array mounting system having unique installation, load distribution, and grounding features, and which is adaptable for mounting solar panels having no external frame. The solar array mounting system includes flexible, pedestal-style feet and structural links connected in a grid formation on the mounting surface. The photovoltaic modules are secured in place via the use of attachment clamps that grip the edge of the typically glass substrate. The panel mounting clamps are then held in place by tilt brackets and/or mid-link brackets that provide fixation for the clamps and align the solar panels at a tilt to the horizontal mounting surface. The tilt brackets are held in place atop the flexible feet and connected link members thus creating a complete mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. J. Miros, Margaret Birmingham Mittan, Martin N. Seery, Rodney H. Holland
  • Patent number: 8266846
    Abstract: A solar panel roof surface effectively uses solar panels supported by an open roof support substructure having a series of parallel hollow support beams. These hollow beams support the solar panels on a top surface and accommodate drainage along the beams. The solar panels are secured to an upper surface of the hollow support beams and in combination therewith define a closed sloped roof surface. The series of solar panels are positioned on the beams to define elongate segments of abutting panels. The abutting panels include a sealing arrangement between panels to allow flow of water along the length of the elongate segments. The hollow support beams include a top surface with a central securing slot positioned between panel segments and panel segment support surfaces either side of said securing slot for supporting edges of the solar panels. Fasteners engage the securing slot and the upper edge of the panels to secure the panels to the upper surface of the support beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ontario Inc.
    Inventor: George Schoell
  • Patent number: 8256169
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Northern States Metals Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Cusson, Robert J. Voytilla, Michael G. Greenamyer, Thomas P. Kilar, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8245459
    Abstract: A rooftop photovoltaic module mounting system includes a footer and a photovoltaic module mounting framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc
    Inventors: Michael A. Belikoff, Henry B. Cabuhay, Chris Mahn, Michael J. Monaco, David Pappicco, Mark Zeni
  • Patent number: 8245460
    Abstract: A supporting clasp which supports a securing member for securing a roof-installed object to be installed on a roof includes a bottom portion having a substantially rectangular shape which is secured onto a roof material through a base member, plate-form installing pieces which extend to the upper side from two sides of the bottom portion, which are opposed to each other, and which enable the securing member to be installed on upper edges of the installing pieces, and plate-form holding pieces which extend to the upper side from two sides of the bottom portion, which are substantially perpendicular to the two sides from which the installing pieces extend, so as to be higher than the installing pieces, are coupled to the installing pieces in a continuous manner at lower positions with respect to the upper edges of the installing pieces, and are capable of holding the securing member in a state where upper portions of the holding pieces with respect to the installing pieces nip the securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Yanegijutsukenkyujo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Yamanaka, Joji Tsuzuki, Shuichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8240109
    Abstract: Precise parameters are maintained in a support structure for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding structure which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Easy installation with unskilled labor is facilitated by attaching one support joist to a substrate and then unfolding the entire support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Northern States Metals Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Cusson, Robert J. Voytilla
  • Patent number: 8234824
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
  • Patent number: 8220210
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Carl J. S. Lenox, Matthew Culligan, Matt Danning
  • Patent number: 8209919
    Abstract: A mounting support for mounting photovoltaic modules constructed with at least one glass pane on a flat roof surface includes a flexible elongated strip having a bottom side with a substantially smooth surface for attachment to the roof surface and a top side with a substantially smooth surface for supporting the photovoltaic modules. The top side of the strip includes recesses oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip and separating strip segments which allows the mounting support or strip to be easily rolled up. The strip segments include integrally formed fastening members configured to engage with cooperating fasteners for securing the photovoltaic modules on top side of the strip. The top surface may also include longitudinal grooves or tubes holding the fastening members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Blitzstrom GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Beck
  • Patent number: 8196360
    Abstract: The invention provides a modular system that includes a composite tile, with or without integrated photovoltaic cells, a track system for assembly of the tiles to a structure, and a wiring system for the photovoltaic tile. The track and tiles are made of composite material. Molding and extrusion processes can be used for the manufacturing of the tile and track, including the integration of photovoltaic cells. The track lengths are fastened to the structure. The track and tile have mating features, such that the tile can be interlocked with the track. Adjacent tiles are installed with overlap. Photovoltaic cells can be molded into or assembled with the tile. A busbar or wire harness is assembled to the track. When the photovoltaic tile is interlocked with the track, the connectors of the photovoltaic cells engage the busbar or wiring harness to provide an electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: MSR Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Erich Christian Metten, Timothy James Roddick, Jason Leonard Scultety
  • Patent number: 8191321
    Abstract: The system provides an n-s rail bracket that both supports a plurality of solar panels structurally, provides view-guards to hide electrical components, and a water conduit to channel water shed from the solar panel to a desired collection point provided by the structure. As such, the system includes an n-s structural rail consisting of a bottom wall and two vertically extending sidewalls. An intermediate horizontal member extends between the two sidewalls at or near their midpoint to form a compartment between the intermediate horizontal member, a lower portion of the left sidewall, the bottom wall, and a lower portion of the right side wall. Also, the intermediate horizontal member cooperates with an upper portion of the left side wall and an upper portion of the right sidewall to form a U-shaped channel. Each distal end of the respective left and right side wall includes a T-shaped shoulder for supporting the solar module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: Vncent Jack McClellan, Eric Roy Morrison, Ry Reuter Heller
  • Patent number: 8188414
    Abstract: A grid support system for tracker-mounted solar panel array for rooftop applications includes a base frame having a plurality of interconnected lateral members which define a generally planar area substantially parallel with the rooftop. The system also includes a set of support legs corresponding to each one of the tracker devices. The set of support legs are secured to the lateral members and extend upward and inward toward one another to a respective tracker mounting plate. The tracker mounting plate supports a tracker device and associated solar panel(s). A plurality of ballast trays are secured to the base frame and are adapted to hold a plurality of ballast weights for applying a downward force on the base frame to stabilize and resist movement of the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Opel, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Linke
  • Patent number: 8181402
    Abstract: A building-integrated photovoltaic power unit comprising: a solar cell module including a solar panel, a functional member, and a frame body including a first frame formed with an installation part extending outward and holding the functional member and the opposing edges of the solar panel facing each other; a processed rafter including a supporting member, the processed rafters including processed rafters configured as a structure of a roof, each having a width to allow installation parts of different solar cell modules facing each other to be installed thereon in a state where supporting members are successively installed stepwise in a longitudinal direction; and a cap member fixed to the processed rafter including a ceiling part covering upper surfaces of the first frames of the solar cell modules installed such that the respective installation parts face each other on an upper surface of the processed rafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Yanegijutsukenkyujo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joji Tsuzuki, Shuichi Kobayashi, Kenji Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20120108158
    Abstract: An energy management method and system for incorporation when constructing a building such that solar energy and waste heat is intercepted and diverted, in turn causing a reduction in the demand on the artificial heating and cooling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Aubrey Eugene Hamby
  • Patent number: 8161964
    Abstract: A direct accumulation tank, defining a closed volume (2), comprising an inlet (3) for filling the tank with a fluid, and an outlet (4) for emptying the tank of the fluid, and exhibiting an upper surface (Ia) exposed to solar rays. The upper surface (Ia) exhibits a plurality of reliefs (5, . . . 5n) for defining a greater surface extension exposed to the solar rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: G.F. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giorgio Gaiti
  • Patent number: 8156697
    Abstract: A solar array mounting system having unique installation, load distribution, and grounding features, and which is adaptable for mounting solar panels having no external frame. The solar array mounting system includes flexible, pedestal-style feet and structural links connected in a grid formation on the mounting surface. The photovoltaic modules are secured in place via the use of attachment clamps that grip the edge of the typically glass substrate. The panel mounting clamps are then held in place by tilt brackets and/or mid-link brackets that provide fixation for the clamps and align the solar panels at a tilt to the horizontal mounting surface. The tilt brackets are held in place atop the flexible feet and connected link members thus creating a complete mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sunlink Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. J. Miros, Margaret Birmingham Mittan, Martin N. Seery, Rodney H. Holland
  • Patent number: 8141306
    Abstract: A solar battery module device (14), wherein an bottom-side end part (22) is fixed onto a placing surface (23) by fitting the top-side end part (19) as one-side of a rectangular shape of a rectangular flat plate-like solar battery module (16) to the engagement part (20) of an upper frame (21) forming a frame (17) from the lower side of a roofer and by fitting a fixing cover (27) to a lower frame (24) in a state in which the bottom-side end part (22) as the opposite-side of the rectangular shape of the solar battery module (16) is placed on the placing surface (23) of the lower frame (24) forming the frame (17). According to the solar battery module device of the present invention, operations such as installation work and maintenance and inspections for the device can be easily and safely performed without damaging the solar battery module (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroto Masuda, Futoshi Takahashi, Toshiaki Ohno
  • Publication number: 20120067337
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a structure comprises a plurality of reflective panels secured to the structure. Each reflective panel has an axis of rotation. A processing element controls an orientation of each reflective panel about its axis of rotation to direct solar energy within the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Craig Boswell, Eric Gardner, David Allred
  • Patent number: 8122879
    Abstract: A solar collector device for mounting on the outside of a support structure and including a fluid circuit for receiving a fluid for heating by solar radiation, the device further comprising a length of connection piping connected to the fluid circuit and moveable relative to the fluid circuit while thus connected thereto from a protected position to an installation position where the distal end thereof extends to the inside of said support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Viridian Concepts Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Elmes, Kok Thong Tan, Martin Davies
  • Patent number: 8122648
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for mounting equipment, such as solar panels, to a roof that has shingles. A base plate has at least one mounting aperture therethrough for securing to the roof with a mechanical wood fastener, and at least one bracket projection in an upper surface thereof for securing with a mechanical machine fastener. A flashing plate has a base plate recess formed in a lower surface thereof for receiving the base plate therein. A mounting bracket has at least one aperture therein for receiving one of the bracket projections therethrough for securing the mounting bracket to the at least one bracket projection in the base plate, and through corresponding apertures in the flashing plate. The mounting bracket further includes an attachment aperture adapted to be fixed with the equipment. Additional advantages include using fewer parts by integrating above elements to reduce the costs and steps of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Jun Liu
  • Publication number: 20120037150
    Abstract: A solar water heating system, including: (a) a solar heating collector, having: (i) an array of convex lenses; (ii) a panel disposed below the array of convex lenses, wherein the array of convex lenses focuses sunlight on the panel to heat areas of the panel; (iii) a fluid chamber disposed below the panel; and (iv) a plurality of members extending from the panel into the fluid chamber to transfer heat from the panel into fluid in the fluid chamber; (b) a fluid reservoir; (c) a fluid inlet line for moving fluid from the fluid reservoir into the fluid inlet of the solar heating collector; (d) fluid outlet line for moving fluid from the fluid chamber of the solar heating collector to the fluid reservoir; and (e) a pump for moving fluid cyclically through the fluid chamber of the solar collector and the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Cyrous Gheyri
  • Patent number: 8109048
    Abstract: 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 inventive 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 inventive coupling member 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Zap Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. West, Christina C. Manansala, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
  • Patent number: 8100122
    Abstract: A solar tracking system for mounting on a roof having one or more rooftop planar surfaces includes an array of solar tracking assemblies for at least one of the one or more rooftop planar surfaces, each array of solar tracking assemblies mountable at substantially the same orientation on the rooftop planar surface, each solar tracking assembly including a mounting structure, a steering mechanism, and one or more energy converting units that convert solar energy into electrical energy, the steering mechanism supported at least in part by the mounting structure and the one or more energy converting units steered by the steering mechanism; a drive mechanism that drives multiple steering mechanisms of the array of solar tracking assemblies; and a control processor that controls the drive mechanism so that the one or more energy converting units follow the sun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Collins, Foster D. Collins
  • Patent number: 8098434
    Abstract: A decollimator for a daylighting system includes a conical section having a circular end, a square end, and a conical shape tapering inwardly from the circular end to the square end. A mixing zone section is attached to the square end of the conical section and has a square cross sectional shape of a substantially constant cross sectional dimension. The decollimator also includes either a window with a converging Fresnel lens on the circular end of the conical section, a window with a diverging Fresnel lens on an end of the mixing zone section opposite the conical section, or both. When the conical section receives collimated light, the conical section, the mixing zone section, and the Fresnel lens together decollimate the light and provide the decollimated light out of the mixing zone section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hoffend, Jr., David G. Freier, Kenneth A. P. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20110303215
    Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a modular solar house having a modulate structure that can be installed individually or in combination to meet specific space requirements. The modular solar house includes a modular main body and a roof capable of mounting a plurality of solar panel devices. The main body comprises a plurality of vertically disposed modular walls. The modular solar house further comprises at least one solar cell, one solar water heater detachably mounted on the roof, and a hot water reservoir disposed inside the prefab room for storing the water flowing through the solar water heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: LITE-ON GREEN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Mei-Chen CHUANG
  • Publication number: 20110290234
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solar ventilator and a ventilating system with the solar ventilator, wherein the solar ventilator comprises: a solar panel, a shell pedestal, a horizontal-shaft fan, a controller, an energy storage unit; as the cover plate of the horizontal-shaft fan is set onto the grid plate of the shell pedestal, and the horizontal-shaft fan is aligned with the shell pedestal's air intake and air outlet, meanwhile the controller and the energy storage unit are accommodated into the shell pedestal, so the solar panel can be incorporated onto the top surface of the shell pedestal to form a solar ventilator. The solar ventilator can also be applied to the external surface or interlayer of the roof of the building to form a ventilating system as a novel utility model with better applicability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: 4G Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsai-Ju CHENG
  • Patent number: 8065844
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module assembly including a PV module and a ballast tray. The PV module includes a PV device and a frame. A PV laminate is assembled to the frame, and the frame includes an arm. The ballast tray is adapted for containing ballast and is removably associated with the PV module in a ballasting state where the tray is vertically under the PV laminate and vertically over the arm to impede overt displacement of the PV module. The PV module assembly can be installed to a flat commercial rooftop, with the PV module and the ballast tray both resting upon the rooftop. In some embodiments, the ballasting state includes corresponding surfaces of the arm and the tray being spaced from one another under normal (low or no wind) conditions, such that the frame is not continuously subjected to a weight of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Sunpower Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning
  • Patent number: 8061091
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sunpower Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
  • Publication number: 20110232213
    Abstract: A solar roofing panel includes at least one photovoltaic device, including a front structure and a rear structure, and at least one solar collector capable of delivering hot water, including a front structure and a rear structure. The respective front structures of the photovoltaic device and of the solar collector include glass substrates forming a cover that has an upper face, to face an external environment, and an opposed inner face, the respective rear structures of the photovoltaic device and of the solar collector being placed beneath the cover, facing the inner face. The glass substrates have no metal frames and are joined together, or are separated by other transition glass substrates, so as to form a uniform unitary glass cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Didier Jousse, Jean-Pierre Douche, Chantal Sergent
  • Publication number: 20110197877
    Abstract: A solar panel system (10) comprising a solar panel (12) to be fixedly located such as to receive sunlight from a first direction (A), and a light guidance device (15) having an inlet (16) for receiving sunlight and an outlet (18) for projecting light, said light guidance device (15) having an operative or in use condition in which it is positioned with its inlet (16) directed in a second direction (B), and with its outlet (18) directed to project light therefrom towards the solar panel (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Kuldip Singh Virk
  • Patent number: 7971586
    Abstract: A solar heating system for mounting under a roof includes a panel formed of a sheet material, the panel having substantially opposed first and second surfaces and adapted for attachment under the roof with the first surface substantially facing the roof. A plurality of tubing fasteners extend outward from the second surface of the panel, and at least one run of tubing is held against the second surface of the panel by the plurality of tubing fasteners. The plurality of tubing fasteners can be partially cut-out and bent portions of the sheet material. The system can also include a sidewall formed by folding a portion of the sheet material toward the second surface along a line of weakness and standoff tabs extending from the first surface formed as partially cut-out and bent portions of the sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Michael J. Hanken
  • Patent number: 7967009
    Abstract: A glazed solar collector with a frame surrounding an absorber (3a), an insulating layer (2) disposed beneath the absorber (3a) and a cover pane (4) spaced above the absorber (3a). Absorber tubing (3b) is connected to an supply header (15) and to an return header (16). The axis (X) of the supply/return header (15,16) is arranged at an angle to a plane (Z) coinciding with the cover pane (4) with the distance between the axis (X) and the plane (2) increasing along the axis (X) in a direction leading away from the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventor: Brent Møller
  • Publication number: 20110146661
    Abstract: A solar module arrangement for, in particular, solar-thermal and/or photovoltaic energy production, comprising at least three solar module elements (2) which are arranged in a substantially horizontal, flat composite and are each inclined relative to one another with respect to the horizontal plane (H) in such a way that side edges (4) which frame the solar module arrangement (1) are lower or higher than a substantially middle central region (6) relative to the horizontal plane (H). Furthermore, a roof arrangement with a plurality of solar module arrangements of the above-mentioned type, wherein the solar module arrangements (1) are arranged on subsections (22), which run substantially parallel to one another, of the side borders (4) of adjacent solar module arrangements (1) to form an, in particular, diamond-shaped, roof arrangement (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Mirko Dudas
  • Patent number: 7963074
    Abstract: A fixing device for fixing a photovoltaic module on a sloping roof having a roof structure and a roof covering with individual roof covering elements includes a roof-side connecting piece disposable beneath the roof covering and a module-side connecting piece disposable on an edge of the photovoltaic module. A flexible retaining element interconnects the roof-side connecting piece and the module-side connecting piece. The flexible retaining element is loadable by pulling and adapted to be guided through the roof covering without altering a position or shape of the individual roof covering elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Solon SE
    Inventors: Sascha Oliver Schwarze, Maik Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7921843
    Abstract: A mounting system that is used to mount a solar panel array to a flat roof. The system utilizes mounting supports that hold solar panels at an inclined angle. Each mounting support includes a first mounting ledge, a second mounting ledge, a flat base section and an inclined section that is disposed between the flat base section and the first mounting ledge. The first mounting ledge, second mounting ledge, flat base section and inclined section are all integrally formed from a common sheet of metal. A solar panel is attached between two of the mounting supports. Once mounted, the solar panel extends from the first mounting ledge of a first mounting support to a second mounting ledge of a second mounting support. Weights are then placed on the flat base section of the mounting supports to passively anchor the assembly to the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Lyle K. Rawlings
  • Publication number: 20110079214
    Abstract: A solar power station includes a plurality of solar panels each connected to a leaf, the leaf including a roof beam; a plurality of bearing plates respectively attached to the roof beams of the leaves; a first supporting structure connected to the bearing plates; a second supporting structure rotatably connected to the first supporting structure and fixedly mounted to a base; and a plurality of hydraulic jacks. One end of each hydraulic jack is fixed with the first supporting structure, and another end of the hydraulic jack is pivotally mounted to the roof beam of one of the leaves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Wai Man HON
  • Patent number: 7918221
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a solar array on the roof of a residence or the like which uses a pan in the installation of the solar modules that make up the array. The pan may also be used as part of the packaging of the solar modules. The pan is comprised of a length of material having a trough-like cross-section. For packaging, shipping inserts are fitted into the trough of each pan. Opposite edges of a solar module are fitted into respective slots in the inserts of two facing pans and a protector is fitted over each end thereof to form a package for shipping. Once on site, the packages are disassembled, the pans are mounted on the roof, and the modules are connected to the pans to form the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Donald B. Warfield, Paul L Garvison, Dinesh S. Amin
  • Publication number: 20110073103
    Abstract: A system for heating water and cooling a house has a power cell including a first tube to contain the water so that the water cools the power cell, a power unit that produces the electricity from light, a mirror that reflects the light onto the power unit, and a lens that helps focus the light onto the power unit; a water heater including a second, generally transparent tube to contain the water that is warmed by the light, a third tube inside the second tube to contain the water that is further warmed by the light, and a reflective material on the second tube that helps reflect the light onto the third tube; and a thermal barrier including a base made of material that provides thermal isolation and shade for cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: William Butler
  • Patent number: 7915519
    Abstract: A fixing member (3, 40, 43, 50, 53) which fixes a first frame body (1) of a solar battery module main body (9) slides along the first frame body, and the solar battery module main body includes a connecting portion (10) and a to-be connected portion (11) which connects the first frame bodies which are adjacent to each other through the fixing member. With this, a position of the fixing member can freely be moved with respect to the first frame body, the fixing member is slid to a position where there is a structure member (32) which supports a roofboard at predetermined intervals, and the fixing member is mounted at that position. With this, the fixing member can be mounted more strongly, and the adjacent two first frame bodies (31) can be fixed by the fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Yanegijutsukenkyujo Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7905227
    Abstract: A non-penetrating, roof-mounted, solar energy concentrator is disclosed. The invention in the preferred embodiment includes a receiver adapted to convert light into electricity; one or more reflectors adapted to direct solar light to the receiver; and a frame affixed to the receiver and one or more reflectors. The frame includes a plurality of footings adapted to frictional affix the frame to a roof, such that the concentrator is detachably secured to the roof with compromising the integrity of the roof. The footings may include or receive ballast used to increase the weight of the concentrator, thereby increasing the friction used to affix the concentrator to the roof without fasteners that penetrate the roof. The footings in some embodiments are also configured to deflect the wind, thereby reducing the wind load on the concentrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Energy Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg Frederick Luconi, Kevin Hickerson
  • Publication number: 20110047869
    Abstract: Reflecting device (1) for adjustably reflecting light, such as sunlight, comprising a transparent first wall (3), a transparent second wall (40), which is arranged substantially parallel to and at a distance from the first wall (3), and a regulating layer (7), which is provided with a duct (10), which is bounded between the first wall (3) and the second wall (40), and which regulating layer (7) substantially allows light which impinges on the first wall (3) through to the second wall (40) if the duct (10) is filled with a transparent liquid (9) and reflects light which impinges on the first wall (3) if the duct (10) is empty, the regulating layer (7) being provided with a structure (11) which is prismatic in cross section, characterized in that, the reflecting device is provided with a third wall (41), which is arranged substantially parallel to and at a distance from the second wall (40), and a second regulating layer (7?), which is provided with a second duct (10?), which is bounded between the second wall
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: VERENIGING VU-WINDESHEIM
    Inventors: Ronald Pierre Griessen, Marinus Johannes Slaman
  • Publication number: 20110030674
    Abstract: An energy generating system comprising a conduit comprising an energy collection portion and a heat exchange portion, wherein the energy collection portion of the conduit is located within an air filled space or a sewer gas exhaust pipe or a ventilation duct, wherein the conduit is adapted to transport a first fluid, wherein the first fluid is adapted to absorb thermal energy when passing through the energy collection portion of the conduit and a first heat exchanger adapted to exchange heat with the first fluid passing through the heat exchange portion of the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Mykola Zaloga
  • Publication number: 20110023867
    Abstract: An assembly for supporting at least one solar panel includes two side brackets. Each side bracket includes a top member having an L-shaped cross-section with a top portion substantially perpendicular to a side portion, a bottom member having an L-shaped cross-section with a bottom portion substantially perpendicular to a side portion, and a height adjustment mechanism connecting the side portions. The height adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a height between the top and bottom members so that the top and bottom portions of each side bracket clamp onto respective top and bottom surfaces of at least one solar panel. The assembly also includes a width adjustment mechanism connecting the two side brackets and configured to adjust a width between the two side brackets. At least one of the side brackets includes a first connector configured to electrically connect to a second connector on the at least one solar panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: David J. Muchow, Adam Gutman, Sara V. Zulkosky
  • Publication number: 20100322784
    Abstract: A variety of arrangements and methods relating to a solar water heating system are described. Various implementations involve a relatively lightweight, affordable, low-pressure solar water heating system that is easier to ship and assemble and that is resistant to overheating and freezing damage. In one aspect of the invention, a solar water heating system includes a solar collector panel, a piping system and an improved, self-regulating expansion reservoir. Some designs involve automatic filtration, push fittings, a method for regulating power from a photovoltaic panel, UV resistant polymer components and/or other features. In a particular embodiment of the invention, multiple pumps, a heat exchanger and a controller for a solar water heating system are integrated into a single, compact module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: FAFCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Rubio, Carthel D. Boring, William E. Happersett, JR., Nathan A. Aronson, Shayne B. Turner, David C. Masse, Andrew J. Bacigalupo, Brian H. Smith, Joann C. Greene
  • Patent number: 7849849
    Abstract: The invention relates to a frame assembly for mounting solar modules (1), said frame assembly comprising at least two flat frames which are arranged at a distance, preferably forming a triangle respectively with the frame sides (2, 3, 4) thereof, respectively one frame side (4) being inclined in relation to the surface of the ground or the roof (5). Carrier profiled parts (6, 7) which can be respectively displaced and fixed and are used to support and fix a solar module (1) are respectively arranged on two adjacent frames on the inclined side (4) of the frame. The carrier profiled parts (6, 7) are used to ensure the connection to the adjacently arranged frame sides (2, 3) in such a way that they can be displaced and fixed in relation to each other. The frame sides (2, 3) are also connected in such a way that they can be displaced and fixed in relation to each other and/or comprise at least one length adjustment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Conergy AG
    Inventor: Gido Genschorek
  • Patent number: 7832267
    Abstract: A method for generating temporal solar irradiance values for a selected area. Binary format hillshade files are generated for selected azimuth and altitude points on the Sun's path for selected time points for the area. Data in the hillshade files is reclassified into reclassified files, on basis of the selected time points relative to the solar radiation data. The reclassified files are then summed to generate a set of normalized reclassified files, each representing a selected intermediate interval. The values for each corresponding one of the cells in the set of normalized reclassified files are summed to generate an irradiance-weighted shade file. The hillshade files are summed by inclusively OR-ing corresponding values for each of the cells in each of the hillshade files to generate respective composite files for each said selected intermediate interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ecometriks, LLC
    Inventor: Aaron William Woro
  • Patent number: 7832392
    Abstract: A solar air conditioning device (100) includes a solar collector assembly (30), an inlet assembly (10) at an entrance of the solar collector assembly, and an outlet assembly (50) at an exit of the solar collector assembly. The solar collector assembly includes a heat-absorbing set (31) and a transparent panel (38) being assembled to a top of the heat-absorbing set. The heat-absorbing set comprises a plurality of heat-absorbing units (32) engaged with each other. Each of the heat-absorbing units includes two adjacent supporting members (33) and a heat-absorbing plate (35) sandwiched between and buckled with the two supporting members. The heat-absorbing set defines an air channel (314) with the transparent panel and a heat-absorbing channel (315) below the air channel. The inlet and outlet assemblies are in fluidic communication with the heat-absorbing channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Xin-Jian Xiao
  • Patent number: 7819114
    Abstract: A plug and play solar panel assembly is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a substantially rectangular sheet having a first area configured to fit between a first layer and a second layer of a weatherproof surface. The sheet has a second area configured to protrude from the first layer and the second layer of the weatherproof surface. The second area includes a mounting area to attach one or more solar panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Solar Red Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E Augenbraun, John K Cammack, Darrell S Park