Self regulating connection for the attachment of solar photovoltaic energy generation systems to unleveled grounds

Abstract

A system for mounting solar photovoltaic panels to supporting racks vertically spaced from a ground without regulating apparatus, with at least one soil nail and at least one supporting rack for supporting solar photovoltaic panels, each supporting rack respectively engaging securely with one or more of the at least one soil nail for vertically spacing the solar photovoltaic panels, and excluding any regulating apparatus. A method for mounting solar photovoltaic panels to supporting racks vertically spaced from a ground without regulating apparatus is disclosed.

Description

SELF REGULATING CONNECTION FOR THE ATTACHMENT OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY GENERATION SYSTEMS TO UNLEVELED GROUNDSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to racking systems for supporting solar photovoltaic modules on unlevel grounds for energy generation systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to self-regulating connectors for a racking system that supports solar photovoltaic modules on unlevel grounds for energy generation systems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Currently, regulating apparatuses are used to adjust the distance of photovoltaic panels from ground upon which they are supported as an important part of the placing of the panels relative to the ground.

[0003] A common setup is placing the panels on racks or a racking system and attaching the racks to regulating apparatuses. The regulating apparatuses can be used to indirectly adjust distances between the ground and the panels, by manipulating the regulating apparatuses.

[0004] Attaching solar photovoltaics panels to uneven and un-graded grounds is very' difficult and time consuming since the racking system must compensate for the height differences between the underneath ground and the solar panels that need to be placed on the same level and at the same angle. Therefore, ground based solar systems being built today are using regulating apparatuses to be able to adjust for these height differences. The regulating apparatuses are expensive but are also labour intensive (thus even more expensive) to install and to maintain for years because bolts, screws and attachment joints tend to loosen up over time. This is even a bigger challenge when trying to install solar panels on sloped grounds, landfills, brownfields, andlevees where dirt- work is basically not allowed and if allowed is extremely expensive and complex to carry out.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need in art for an improved connection of racking structure for supporting solar photovoltaic modules at a ground site. It is to such that the present invention is directed.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention meets the need in the art by providing an improved connection of a racking structure for supporting solar photovoltaic modules at a ground site. According to one aspect, the present invention provides a system for mounting photovoltaic panels to racking on a ground site, the system comprising:

[0007] (a) at least one soil nail;

[0008] (b) at least one supporting rack, each respectively engaging with one or more of the at least one soil nail,

[0009] and excluding any regulating apparatus,

[0010] whereby the engaged at least one soil nail driven into the ground and the at least one supporting rack supports a photovoltaic module spaced a predetermined distance from the ground.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a system for mounting photovoltaic panels to racking on a ground site, the system comprising:

[0012] (a) at least one photovoltaic panel;

[0013] (b) at least one soil nail, each having a diameter of 5mm to 30mm;

[0014] (c) at least one supporting rack, each respectively coupling one or more of the at least one soil nail to one or more of the at least one photovoltaic panel, and

[0015] (d) means for securing each of the at least one soil nail to one of the at least one supporting rack and each at least one supporting rack to one of the at least one photovoltaic panel,

[0016] wherein means for securing are not a regulating apparatus.10017] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for mounting photovoltaic panels on a slope of ground, the method comprising the steps of:

[0018] (a) providing:

[0019] at least one soil nail;

[0020] at least one supporting rack, and

[0021] at least one photovoltaic panel;

[0022] (b) determining a desired distance between a supported at least one photovoltaic panel and the slope;

[0023] (c) driving one soil nail into the ground sufficient for supporting one or more of the at least one photovoltaic panel, coupled to the one soil nail via one of the at least one rack, proximate the predetermined desired distance from the slope:

[0024] (d) coupling the one soil nail to the at least one photovoltaic panel,

[0025] wherein the coupling does not involve any regulating apparatus.

[0026] Objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be readily apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present disclosed subject matter will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which corresponding or like reference numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. Unless indicated otherwise, the drawings provide help in understanding the disclosure and the several illustrative embodiments as a whole, and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0028] Figures 1A and IB show in perspective view the several components of one example system for mounting photovoltaic panels on ground.

[0029] Figures 2A and 2B are bottom perspective and side eievational views of a similar example system illustrating in a partial view the system with a solar photovoltaic panel connected thereto.

[0030] Figure 2A is a larger bottom perspective view.

[0031] Figure 2B is a closer detailed side eievational view of the system connected to the panel.

[0032] Figures 3 A - 3E show several views of yet another example system, with bolting means comprising several components: a clasp; a nut; a washer, and a bolt.

[0033] Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate in several views et another similar system that comprises a clasp that has two wings, each through which a fastener can be inserted.

[0034] Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrates in several views yet another similar system that comprises a clasp that has one wing and a tooth that can engage a slot in a rack that supporting secures to a photovoltaic panel.

[0035] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate in several views yet another similar system that comprises a clasp that has two wings, respectively with a hole and a wing slot.

[0036] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate in several views yet another similar system that comprises a clasp that has additional defined holes that can be used to secure the nail to the rack with a matching lock.

[0037] Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate in several views yet another similar system that comprises a clasp that can be separately secured to a nail and to a rack, via different holes.

[0038] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate in several views yet another similar system that includes a soil nail that has an “,L” profile in cross-section, rather than the nails depicted in previous embodiments that are cylindrical, which system does not include a clasp.

[0039] Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D depict side-by-side four alternate embodiments of different soil nails, the leftmost is structured like a screw at a bottom part to facilitate driving the soil nail into the ground.

[0040] Figures 11 A, 11B, and 11C show in several views yet another similar system that includes a soil nail that has a disc positioned substantially below where securing of the nail to the rack with securing means is performed.

[0041] Figure 12 shows a self-regulating soil nail on sloped ground connecting to a rack for supporting a solar photovoltaic module.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] We hereby provide novel technology for self-alignment of the attachment racking of solar photovoltaic structures on sloped or uneven or un-graded grounds. The self-alignment structure may consist of only three components, which when assembled together, may create a level and flat racking support or base for the solar photovoltaic panels. Furthermore, this solution makes it much easier to attach solar panels to the ground and to adjust the panel arrays to optimal vertical spaced positions relative to the ground. The simplicity of the present inventive systems may also facilitate the use of semi-automatic equipment to install said arrays of solar panels in a very efficient (therefore less expensive) way.

[0043] Figures 1A and I B show several components of an example system 100 for mounting photovoltaic panels on ground 10, the system 100. Figure 1A illustrates a soil nail 110 inserted into ground 10. Figure IB illustrates an alternate embodiment nail 110 inserted into ground and coupled to a rack for supporting a photovoltaic panel. The system 100 comprises(a) at least one photovoltaic panel [not shown];(b) at least one soil nail 110, each having a diameter of 5mm to 30mm;(c) at least one supporting rack 120, each respectively coupling one or more of the at least one soil nail 110 to one or more of the at least one photovoltaic panel, and(d) means 130 for securing each of the at least one soil nail 110 to one of the at least one supporting rack 120 and each at least one supporting rack to one of the at least one photovoltaic panel.10044] Means 130 for securing is not a regulating apparatus

[0045] Figures 2A and 2B are views of a similar example system 100’ illustrating in a partial view the system with a solar photovoltaic panel 20 connected or coupled thereto. Figure 2A is a larger underside or bottom perspective view and Figure 2B is a closer detailed side view of the system 100’ supportingly connected to the solar photovoltaic panel 20.

[0046] In a departure from the common current practice of using a regulating apparatus to adjust the vertical positions of the solar photovoltaic panels 20 held onto supporting racks, the system 100 described herein does not use or even require a regulating apparatus, based on careful positioning of the at least one soil nail 110 driven in the ground 10. The end result of the careful positioning of the at least one soil nail 110 is a simpler racking system for supporting vertically spaced solar photovoltaic panels 20 connected thereto.

[0047] Currently, regulating apparatuses are used to adjust the distance of solar photovoltaic panels from the ground as an important part of the placing of the panels.

[0048] However, following many field tests we came to the surprising realization that such regulating apparatuses may be superfluous in some systems for mounting solar photovoltaic panels in vertically spaced relation on soil.

[0049] Currently, the solar photovoltaic panel systems are installed by inserting soil nails into ground, attaching thereto regulating apparatuses, attaching racks on the regulating apparatuses, and then mounting solar photovoltaic panels to the racks. The distance of the panels above the ground can then be adjusted with the regulating apparatuses.

[0050] However, we have now discovered that with careful tapping of the soil nails, preferably before connecting anything thereto, into the ground, there is no need for regulating apparatuses. Essentially, the soil nails can double as both anchoring components for coupling the solar photovoltaic panels to the ground and regulating components for vertically spacing of the solar photovoltaic panels relative to the ground without the separate regulating apparatuses therefor.

[0051] The soil nails may have a diameter of 5 to 30mm to allow for easy tapping of the soil nails into the ground, because larger diameters can be more difficult to deeply insert to a desired depth for leaving a distal end at a desired height, and it may be more difficult to accurately control the depth since large forces are used for the inserting.

[0052] Figures 3A - 3E show several views of yet another example system 100”. Securing means 130” in this illustrative embodiment comprises several components: a clasp 132”; a nut 134”; a washer 136”, and a bolt 138”. Figure 3A shows a detailed perspective view of the clasp 132” for securing the nail 110” to the rack 120”. Figure 3B show a side view and Figure 3C shows an exploded perspective view. Figure 3D illustrates the rack at an oblique angle. Figure 3E shows a top plan view.

[0053] The illustrated nut 134” is a diamond nut sized to snugly yet slidingly sit within a rack slot 112” in the rack 120”. In one method embodiment, the nut 134” is slid from one end of the rack slot 112” and along the rack slot 112” to an approximate desired position along the slot. In a separate action, the nail 110” is driven into the ground. In an action subsequent to both the insertion and the placing of the nut 134” into and along the rack slot 112”, the clasp 132” is aligned with the nut 134”. The the washer 136” is placed over the clasp 132”, and the bolt 138” is threaded through the washer 136”, the clasp 132”, and into engagement with the nut 134”. The bolt 138” can then be tightened to affix the rack 120” to the nail 110”.

[0054] Until the bolt 138” is tightened all the way to affix the rack 120 to the nail 110, there may be available some small degrees of freedom to move the various components relative to each other to make some minute adjustments of their relative positions. For example, in a u ti 1 i ly array of a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels, the racks may be 5-7 metres long, and small amounts of force may suffice to bend such solar photovoltaic panels or racking members up to 3-4 cm, for example, to align the bolt with the nut in the slot.

[0055] Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate in several views yet another similar system 100’”, that comprises a clasp 132’” having two opposing wings 133’”, each through which a bolt can beinserted. This embodiment allows for a more robust coupling but may be slightly harder to manipulate. Figure 4A shows a detailed perspective view of the clasp 132” for securing the nail 110” to the rack 120”. Figure 4B show a side view with the nail 110 at an oblique angle relative to the rack 120” and Figure 4C shows an exploded perspective view.

[0056] Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate in several views yet another similar system 100””. Figure 5A shows a detailed perspective view of the clasp 132”” for securing the nail 110” to the rack 120. Figure SB show a side view with the nail 110 at an oblique angle relative to the rack 120 and Figure 5C shows an exploded perspective view. The system 100”” comprises a clasp 132”” that has only one wing 133””. However, the wing 33”” has a tooth 150 that can engage the rack slot 112”” in the rack 110””. The wing 33”” further defines a wing slot 152. This embodiment allows for both a robust engagement and an easier coupling. This is accomplished by first inserting the tooth 150 into the rack slot 112”” and then sliding the bolt 138”” along the wing slot 152 in the wing 133””, rather than having to get the bolt 138”” through a closely matching aligned hole.

[0057] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate in several views yet another similar system 100””’. Figure 6A shows a detailed perspective view of the clasp 132’”” for securing the nail 110 to the rack 120. Figure 6B show a side view' and Figure 6C shows an exploded perspective view. The system 100””’ comprises a clasp 132””’ that has two wings 133a’””, 133b’””, each wing respectively with a hole 153 and a wing slot 152. This embodiment allows for an easier coupling by for example first inserting a bolt 138 into the hole 153 and then another bolt into the wing slot 152. This embodiment takes into consideration the different orientation of the rack and solar photovoltaic panel relative to the soil nail and eases the engagement of the second bolt.

[0058] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate in several views a similar system 100”””, that comprises a clasp 132””” that has additional holes [not shown] that can be used to lock the soil nail 110 to the rack 120 with a matching lock 30. Figure 7A illustrates the system 100””” and Figure 7B illustrates a side view. The lock 30 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a U-shape memberhaving threaded legs 31 extending from a base portion 32 for receiving fastening nuts 33. A gripping plate 34 sits opposing the base portion 32 on an opposing side of the soil nail and has through opening for receiving the legs 31 of the lock member 30.

[0059] Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate in several views a similar system 100’”””. Figure 8A illustrates the system 100’””” in perspective exploded view while Figure 8A illustrates in perspective view the assembly and Figure 8C illustrates the coupled nail and rack in side view. The system 100’””” comprises a clasp 132’””” as an L-shaped plate that can be separately secured to a soil nail and to a rack, via different holes as shown. The rack slot 122”””’ has an orientation that is perpendicular to that of the rack slots in the previous embodiments shown in the various embodiments in Figures 2 A to Figure 7B. A washer 154 may be welded under the clasp to help affix it to the nail and / or rack.

[0060] The clasps described above can be moved longitudinally along the soil nails before the securing bolting is performed. However, the clasps themselves are devoid of regulating, i.e., the clasps cannot be adjusted in their dimensions, as opposed to regulating apparatuses. On the positive side, the present supporting and securing systems with bolting means may be more robust themselves than regulating apparatuses, an advantage which may more than offset limitation of freedom of movement. Note that the movement of the unbolted clasps down along the nails may also be limited because leaving a part of the soil nail jutting above the panels may be hazardous, if the clasp is moved a great distance down the nail, and the movement of the clasp upwards along the nail is of course limited by the top of the nail. At any rate, the height of the racks above the ground is primarily determined by exactly howrdeep the nails are driven into the ground.

[0061] In some embodiments one or more bolting means disclosed herein is installed onto systems that have regulating apparatuses, i.e., the disclosed systems are retrofitted. In some cases, bolting means replace one or more or even all regulating apparatuses. In other cases, bolting means are added together with a matching soil nail, to proride additional support to the panels, and then do not replace the regulating apparatuses. In yet other embodiments hybrid systems are providedthat initially comprise both regulating apparatuses and bolting means, i.e., bolting means are integrated in the system. We have discovered that such systems comprising both regulating apparatuses and bolting means are particularly suitable for installation of panels on landfills that contain high amounts of materials prone to settling and / or sinking and / or collapsing, such as those containing soot, and exposed to heavy snowfalls.

[0062] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate in several views a similar system 200 that includes a soil nail 210 that has an “L” profile in cross-section, rather than the soil nails depicted in previous embodiments that are cylindrical. Figure 9A illustrates the system 200 in side view and Figure 9B illustrates in perspective exploded view. Note that this system 200 does not include a clasp. An advantage of this system is its simplicity, with minimum components, and uses readily available components.

[0063] Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D depict side-by-side side views of four different structured soil nails 320 (Figure 10A), 322 (Figure 10D), 324 (Figure 10B), and 326 (Figure 10C). Soil nail 320 is structured as an elongated screw with a helical flight 330 extending at a bottom part from a longitudinal shaft, which helical flight. The helical flight 330 facilitates driving the soil nail into the ground and during supporting use, for resisting movement communicated through the soil nail to the ground. The soil nail 322 is generally popular for installations of soil nails for various purposes. The soil nail 322 has a three-point star structure (end view) formed by three radially spaced elongated plates 332 that impart such soil nails with great strength for resistance to movement. Each of the ends of the respective soil nail may be crenelated or wavy to ease the driving of the soil nail into the ground. Further, a distal end of the plates in an embodiment are tapered to define a driving tip. The soil nail 324 is an elongated rod having spiral ridge 334 as a surface treatment for soil engagement and engagement with the clasp discussed above. The soil nail 326 is an elongated rectangular member.10064] The soil nails may be made of one materials selected from: a metal such as iron, for example, galvanized steel; wood, e.g., wooden fence posts; composite materials, and mixtures thereof.

[0065] Figures HA, 11B, and 11C show in several views a similar system 300 that includes a soil nail 310 that has a disc 155 positioned substantially below' where bolting is intended to be performed of the soil nail to the rack, using bolting means. Figure HA illustrates the system 300 in upper perspective view, Figure 11B in side elevational view’, and Figure 11C in underneath or bottom perspective view' (ground 10 not illustrated).

[0066] The disc 155 defines a stop for use of the system, as follows. In systems 100”-100’,,<”” [Figures 3A - 9B] the soils nails are essentially elongate cylindrical members (round in crosssection). In climates where there is snowing or land slides, there is a possibility that a pile-up of snow or earth on the solar photovoltaic panels w ill occur, potentially causing the increased weight of the solar photovoltaic panels, which may make the bolting means to slide longitudinally down the soil nail. To prevent or limit the extent of movement from such occurrence, the disc 155 can be affixed to the nail 310, in between where the soil nail is expected to penetrate into ground and where the securing or bolting means is affixed thereto. The distance may be between 50 and 100 cm from the top of the soil nail.

[0067] The disc 155 may be directly affixed to the soil nail 310 by welding for example, or alternatively, a small ring 312 as shown in Figure HC may be placed above the disc 155 and the ring may then be affixed to both the nail 300 and the disc 155, such as with a fastener 314.

[0068] In an alternate embodiment, a second disc may be placed underneath, farther away from the top of the soil nail and bolting means, for example about 50 cm below the first disc 155. The second disc may prevent bolting means from sliding upwards along the soil nail when the system sinks into the ground, for example, following heavy snow piling up on the solar photovoltaic panels supported on the racks. This second disc, w hen it reaches level with the ground underneath, also may serve to seal at least to some useful extent a hole into which the soil nail is inserted or whichwas made when driven into the ground. The sealing may limit or prevent ingress of liquid such a ambient environmental precipitation into the ground that might destabilize the ground.

[0069] In some embodiments, a carefid survey is made of the ground upon which the systems are to be installed. Subsequently, an order can be made for soil nails of specific lengths and / or types to suit the surveyed ground. For example, land with some gravel'pebbles therein needs shorter nails because the gravel / pebbles can grip the ground. The discs’ positions along the rails can also be determined by the survey. The manufacture of the soil nails with the discs can then be carried out at a factory.

[0070] The discs 155 may each have a thickness of 10-15mm for example.

[0071] The soil nails may have along their length markings that display distance, for example a distance from a top of the nail to the point where the marking is placed. These markings would thus essentially be a distance marker such as on a ruler or tape measure. In alternative embodiments the markings will exhibit a different distance, such as the estimated distance the bottom of a solar photovoltaic panel, coupled or tied to the soil nail via a rack, would be from the ground when the nail is driven into the ground up to that marking. In other embodiments, as described above, at least one disc is affixed to the soil nail and the at least one disc may both mark until which depth in the ground to drive the nail and serve as a stopper which mechanically halts the driving of the nail into the ground, when the at least one disc meets the ground. A marking may be attached to or be part of the soil nail, for example along the soil nail, at intervals or continuously, which can be detected by a sensor, to help automatically determining when the soil nail is driven to the desired depth. Such automatic determination may allow for less labour- intensive installation of the photovoltaic arrays. A processor and memory may be integrated into the installation to further automize the installation and / or provide independent supervision of the installation.

[0072] Figure 12 shows a self-regulating soil nail on sloped ground connecting to a rack for supporting a solar photovoltaic module.

[0073] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0074] It should be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block of a figure may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

[0075] A number of embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

[0076] The aspects and examples set forth herein and recited in the claims can be understood in view of the above definitions.

[0077] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail above (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

[0078] Throughout the specification “one example”, “another example”, “an example”, and so forth, means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, and / or characteristic) described inconnection with the example is included in at least one example described herein, and may or may not be present in other examples. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements for any example may be combined in any suitable manner in the various examples unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0079] It is to be understood that the ranges provided herein include the stated range and any value or sub-range within the stated range, as if such value or sub-range were explicitly recited. For example, a range from about 2 nm to about 20 nm should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of from about 2 nm to about 20 nm, but also to include individual values, such as about 3.5 nm, about 8 nm, about 18.2 nm, etc., and sub-ranges, such as from about 5 nm to about 10 nm, etc. Furthermore, when “about” and / or “substantially” are / is utilized to describe a value, this is meant to encompass minor variations (up to +!- 10%) from the stated value.

[0080] It is noted that the term “processor”, optionally in conjunction with a “memory”, as used herein, may additionally or alternatively refer to a confroller. Processor may be implemented by diverse types of processor devices and / or processor architectures including, for example, embedded processors, communication processors, graphics processing unit (GPU)-accelerated computing., soft-core processors and / or general-purpose processors. In some embodiments, processor may be implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an electronic circuit, an Integrated Circuit (IC), and / or the like.

[0081] Memory may be implemented by diverse types of memories, including transactional memory and / or long-term storage memory facilities and may function as file storage, document storage, program storage, or as a working memory. The latter may for example be in the form of a static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), read-only memory (ROM), cache and / or flash memory'. As working memory, memory may, for example, include, e.g., temporally-based and / or non-temporally based instructions. As long-term memory, memory may for example include a volatile or non-volatile computer storage medium, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, a magnetic storage medium, a flash memory' and / or other storage facility.A hardware memory facility may for example store a fixed information set (e.g., software code) including, but not limited to, a file, program, application, source code, object code, data, and / or the like. The system may comprise a communication device configured to enable wired and / or wireless communication between the various components and'or modules of the system and which may communicate with each other over one or more communication buses (not shown), signal lines (not shown) and / or a network infrastructure. Communication device may be operative to receive instructions such as navigation and / or operation instructions from a remote human and / or computerized operator, transmitting images and / or other data to an external system, receiving readings and / or other data from external sources, and / or the like, via the network infrastructure.

[0082] The network infrastructure may be configured for using one or more communication formats, protocols and / or technologies such as, for example, to internet communication, optical communication, cellular communication, RF communication, telephony-based communication technologies and / or the like. In some examples, communication device may include I / O device drivers (not shown) and network interface drivers (not shown) for enabling the transmission and / or reception of data over the network. A device driver may for example, interface with a keypad or to a USB port. A network interface driver may for example execute protocols for the Internet, or an Intranet, Wide Area Network (WAN), Local Area Network (LAN) employing, e.g.. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Personal Area Network (PAN), extranet, 2G, 3G, 3.5G, 4G, 5G, 6G mobile networks, 3GPP, LTE, LTE advanced, Bluetooth® (e.g., Bluetooth smart), ZigBee™, near-field communication (NFC) and / or any other current or future communication network, standard, and / or system. The components detailed below may be implemented as one or more sets of interrelated computer instructions, executed for example by processor or by another processor. The components may be arranged as one or more executable files, dynamic libraries, static libraries, methods, functions, sendees, or the like, programmed in any programming language and under any computing environment.10083 ] Any digital computer system, unit, device, module and / or engine exemplified herein can be configured or otherwise programmed to implement a method disclosed herein, and to the extent that the system, module and / or engine is configured to implement such a method, it is within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Once the system, module and / or engine are programmed to perform particular functions pursuant to computer readable and executable instructions from program software that implements a method disclosed herein, it in effect becomes a special purpose computer particular to embodiments of the method disclosed herein.

[0084] The methods and / or processes disclosed herein may be implemented as a computer program product that may be tangibly embodied in an information carrier including, for example, in a non-transitory tangible computer-readable and / or non-transitory tangible machine-readable storage device. The computer program product may be directly loadable into an internal memory of a digital computer, comprising software code portions for performing the methods and / or processes as disclosed herein.

[0085] The methods and / or processes disclosed herein may be as least partially implemented as a computer program that may be intangibly embodied by a computer readable signal medium. A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a non-transitory computer or machine-readable storage device and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or m connection with apparatuses, systems, platforms, methods, operations and / or processes discussed herein.

[0086] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments or example, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, example and / or option, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment, example, or option of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments, examples and / or options are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment, example and''or option is inoperative without those elements.

[0087] While several examples have been described in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosed examples may be modified. Therefore, the foregoing description is to be considered non-limiting.

[0088] While certain examples have been described, these examples have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0089] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing examples. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0090] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a sub combination or variation of a sub combination.

[0091] Although the description uses terms “first,” “second,” etc. to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first graphical representation could be termed a second graphical representation, and, similarly, a second graphical representation could be termed a first graphical representation, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first graphical representation and the second graphical representation are both graphical representations, but they are not the same graphical representation.

[0092] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that m some examples, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and / or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the example, certain of the steps described above may be removed or others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific examples disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional examples, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various systemcomponents in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0093] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular example. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0094] Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular example.[00951 Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood w’ith the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain examples require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0096] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about.” “generally,” and “substantially” represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result.

[0097] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred examples in this section or elsewhere in this specification and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A system for mounting photovoltaic panels on ground, the system comprising:(a) at least one soil nail:(b) at least one supporting rack, each respectively engaging with one or more of the at least one soil nail, and excluding any regulating apparatus, whereby the engaged at least one soil nail driven into the ground and the at least one supporting rack supports a photovoltaic panel spaced a predetermined distance from the ground.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for seeming the at least one soil nail to the at least one supporting rack.

3. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein means for securing comprises: a clasp for abutting a portion of the soil nail against a rack for supporting a photovoltaic panel; and a fastener for securing the clasp to the rail .

4. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein the rack defines a slot; and further comprising a nut for being received in the slot of the rail, for engagement by the fastener.

5. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein the clasp defines at least one laterally extending wing having a hole for receiving the fastener therethrough.

6. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein the clasp defines opposing first and second laterally extending wings, said first wing defines a hole for receiving the fastener and said second wing defines a slot for receiving a second fastener, whereby the orientation of the clasp relative to a side of the rack may be angled for securing the clasp to the rack.

7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one soil nail is an elongated cylindrical member.

8. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one soil nail comprises an elongated member that is L-shape in cross-section.

9. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one soil nail comprises an elongated member having three radially spaced elongated members.

10. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one soil nail comprises an elongated member with a portion having a helical flight extending outwardly.1 1 . The system as recited in claim i , further comprising a first disc attached to the at least one soil nail spaced from the engagement to the rack for a stop.

12. The system as recited in claim 11, further comprising a second disc attached to the at least one soil nail at portion for defining the predetermined distance for spacing the photovoltaic panel from the ground.

13. A system for mounting photovoltaic panels on ground, the system consisting of: at least one photovoltaic panel; at least one soil nail, each having a diameter of 5mm to 30mm; at least one supporting rack, each respectively coupling one or more of the at least one soil nail to one or more of the at least one photovoltaic panel, and means for securing each of the at least one soil nail to one of the at least one supporting rack, and each at least one supporting rack to one of the at least one photovoltaic panel; wherein means for bolting are not a regulating apparatus.

14. A method for mounting photovoltaic panels on a slope of ground, the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing: at least one soil nail; at least one supporting rack, and at least one photovoltaic panel;(b) determining a desired distance between a supported at least one photovoltaic panel and the slope;(c) driving one soil nail into the ground sufficient for supporting one or more of the at least one photovoltaic panel, coupled to the one soil nail via one of the at least one rack, is proximate the predetermined desired distance from the slope; and coupling the one soil nail to the at least one photovoltaic panel, wherein the coupling does not involve any regulating apparatus.

15. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising the step of securing the at least one soil nail to the at least one supporting rack with a fastener.

16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein step of securing further comprises: a clasp for abutting a portion of the soil nail against a rack with a clasp; and securing the clasp to the rack with the fastener extending through the clasp.

17. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the rail defines a slot; and further comprising placing a nut in the slot of the rack, for engagement by the fastener.

18. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the clasp defines at least one laterally extending wing having a hole for receiving the fastener therethrough .

19. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the clasp defines opposing first and second laterally extending wings, said first wing defines a hole for receiving the fastener and said second wing defines a slot for receiving a second fastener; and further comprising the step of orienting the clasp relative to a side of the rack by angling the clasp pinned by the fastener relative to the slot.

20. The method as recited in claim 14, farther comprising the step of attaching a disc to a portion of the at least one soil rail to define a stop.

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