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Solar panel system and method utilizing unframed solar panels

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-10-02
FOREFRONT INNOVATIVE TECH
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This insertion process must be done carefully to avoid damage to the edges of the glass and is often done by hand at significant expense.
However, the frames can hold water, leading to corrosion and poor reliability.
They can also trap dirt along the bottom edge of the solar panel and shade part of the panel from the sunlight, reducing efficiency.

Method used

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  • Solar panel system and method utilizing unframed solar panels
  • Solar panel system and method utilizing unframed solar panels
  • Solar panel system and method utilizing unframed solar panels

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0014]Referring first to FIGS. 1-2, an exemplary, ground-installed, prior art solar panel system 100 is illustrated. The prior art system 100 may comprise four vertical supports 102, two horizontal supports 104, each of which is coupled at each opposing end to a vertical support 102, and a plurality of solar panels 106 coupled to and positioned across the horizontal supports 104. Each solar panel 106 includes a frame 108 around an edge portion thereof.

[0015]Referring now to FIGS. 3-5A, assembly of a solar panel system 10 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The system 10 utilizes at least one and preferably a plurality of solar panels 16. Solar panels 16 are provided without framing therearound.

[0016]In one embodiment, assembly of a system 10 commences with installation of vertical supports 12, followed by the coupling thereto of horizontal supports 14 (see FIG. 3). Support beams 18 may then be coupled to the horizontal supports (see FIG. 4). The su...

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PUM

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Abstract

A solar panel system and method wherein unframed solar panels are positioned on support beams above a support structure in a configuration that leaves two of the edges of the solar panels unframed. This avoids trapping of water and dirt and the like, which occurs with prior art, framed panels. A liner comprised of a compliant material may be interposed between the support beams and the two panel edges so as to protect those two edges, while leaving the remaining two edges in their original, unframed condition.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to solar panel systems and methods and, more particularly, to a solar panel and system featuring unframed solar panels.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0002]Prior art systems and methods for mounting photovoltaic or other types of solar panels meet are intended to hold the solar panels against wind, hail, rain and snow. In a typical prior art installation, four-sided solar panels are shipped from the manufacturer with a metal frame around the four edges of the solar panel. During the manufacturing process, the unframed solar panels may be mounted into the frames by inserting the solar panel into a channel fabricated into the frame. This insertion process must be done carefully to avoid damage to the edges of the glass and is often done by hand at significant expense.[0003]In the field installation process for a prior art system, a supporting structure may be built consisting of horizontal beams supported by vertical posts. T...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): F24J2/46
CPCF24J2/465F24J2/5232Y02E10/47F24S80/70F24S25/12
Inventor KESHNER, MARVIN S.VAALER, ERIK
Owner FOREFRONT INNOVATIVE TECH
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