A non-penetrating net based solar panels installation system
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SOLATICS
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure IL2026050106_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] A NON-PENETRATING NET BASED SOLAR PANELS INSTALLATION SYSTEM
[0002] BACKGROUND
[0003] There is a global demand to develop more sustainable energy sources; photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar projects are becoming more common. There has been an increase in efficiency in the technology used in photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels and an increase in manufacturing scales, which resulted in a dramatic reduction in their cost over time. According to the Ministry of Energy in Israel, Israel's aims in 2024 were to increase renewable energy generation to 30% of the total energy consumption over the following five years. One way they aim to achieve this is by increasing the number of solar energy systems. Solar and wind energy are among the biggest renewable energy generators worldwide. In many countries, this share of energy production is expected to reach over 50% in the next decade, with long-term goals to achieve 100% electricity production from renewable sources. Hence, new and more efficient ways to develop and construct photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solarprojects must be advanced.
[0004] Rural open areas in remote spaces are ideal locations for a photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar projects because they are anyway unused by the general public. They typically involve little surrounding infrastructure, which benefits the panels' efficiency. There will be less shade, so the panels will be exposed to optimum sunlight.
[0005] Construction of such solar projects over landfill sites requires special engineering and is complex due to the instability of the ground and the potential gases released from the landfill. Constructing a photovoltaic array on the landfill may also suffer these issues when the panels are mounted and secured to the ground with ground-penetrating methods.
[0006] The use of a geomembrane when constructing a solar array on sloped or level ground addresses various associated challenges in particular when the array is installed over landfills. The geomembrane serves as a seal over the ground surface, preventing harmful and hazardous chemicals from escaping from the sloped or level ground beneath it.
[0007] Additionally, the geomembrane acts as a barrier to stop water from seeping into the ground,which could damage the structure by destabilising the ground; as a result, the photovoltaic array would become unstable.
[0008] Some commercially available photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel systems include soil nails or ground fasteners, a geomembrane and tie-up racks.
[0009] The geomembrane is laid on the ground to cover it, and then the soil nails are inserted through the geomembrane. The soil nails may support the racks, onto which the photovoltaic panels can be mounted.
[0010] The soil nails may enhance the stability of the ground, when for example the ground's soil is expansive or soft, which typical in banks of water reservoirs, landfills or roadside banks and embankments.
[0011] However, the penetration of the geomembrane might pose a problem because the sealing properties of the geomembrane are locally compromised, and water may enter the ground underneath the geomembrane and destabilize it and promote growth of weeds that interfere with maintaining the panels, as well as allow the escape of gases from the ground. One solution is to seal the points of entrance of the soil nails into the geomembrane.SUMMARY
[0012] Lexicon:
[0013] Geogrid - a flexible, stiff and strong network formed from intersecting arrays of flexible strong material arranged to define a layer with polygonal or rounded openings.
[0014] Geomembrane - a protective lining placed over sloped ground, formed of a durable, UV-protected material capable of withstanding wide thermal variations and exposure to external weathering and internal landfill chemicals.
[0015] Trench weight -a dense, heavy component suitable to be placed inside a horizontal trench typically dug along a slope.
[0016] Panel support beam - a structural element positioned beneath solar panels to provide their support, and to enhance their stability and prevent photovoltaic panel movement.
[0017] Connection beam - a structural beam that may be fastened to a photovoltaic support beam and, providing adjustable attachment points for hooks.
[0018] Hook - an elongated metal component having one end bent into a double-angled configuration .
[0019] Panel / Solar panel - an energy collecting panel configured to receive solar radiation and convert it into energy. The panel may comprise:
[0020] (i) A photovoltaic panel to convert solar radiation into electrical energy
[0021] (ii) A thermo- solar panel to convert solar radiation into thermal energy
[0022] (iii) A thermo-photovoltaic panel to generate electrical energy from heat.According to one aspect, a non-penetrating structure for suspending panels over sloped and / or level ground, the structure comprising:
[0023] at least one geomembrane to cover a surface of the sloped and / or level ground; at least one grid essentially parallel to the at least one geomembrane, wherein the at least one geomembrane is positioned in between the sloped and / or level ground and the at least one grid;
[0024] at least one trench weight, which by its self-weight, secures the at least one grid and the at least one geomembrane onto the sloped and / or level ground; and
[0025] a plurality of panel support beams,
[0026] wherein each one of the plurality of support beams couples one or more of at least one panel, selected from a group consisting of a photovoltaic panel, a solar-thermal panel and a thermo-photovoltaic panel, to a plurality of connections, each connection of the plurality of connections comprising at least one hook; and wherein the at least one hook hangs onto one or more of the at least one grid.
[0027] According to another aspect, a non-penetrating structure for suspending panels over sloped and / or level ground, the structure comprising:
[0028] at least one geomembrane to cover a surface of the sloped and / or level ground; at least one grid essentially parallel to the at least one geomembrane, wherein the at least one geomembrane is positioned in between the sloped and / or level ground and the at least one grid;
[0029] at least one trench weight, which by its self-weight, secures the at least one grid and the at least one geomembrane onto the sloped and / or level ground; and
[0030] a plurality of panel support beams,
[0031] wherein each one of the plurality of support beams couples one or more of at least one panel, selected from a group consisting of a photovoltaic panel, a solar-thermal panel and a thermo-photovoltaic panel, to at least one hook; and wherein the at least one hook hangs onto one or more of the at least one grid.
[0032] In some embodiments, the at least one hook is constructed from a single elongated piece of metal bent at one edge such as to weave around one or more of the at least one grid.In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of connections are attached to at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel support beams,
[0033] wherein at least one bolt couples the at least one hook to at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel support beams.
[0034] In some embodiments, the at least one grid comprises a shade net and / or is constructed with a metal and / or a polymer material and / or composite material to form a geogrid.
[0035] In some embodiments, the polymer material is weaved, mould injected, punched, welded and / or stretched to form the geogrid.
[0036] In some embodiments, at least one geomembrane is constructed from a polymer material selected from HDPE, PP and PVC.
[0037] In some embodiments, at least one geomembrane is positioned essentially parallel to the at least one geogrid without being attached thereto.
[0038] In some embodiments, at least one spacer is secured to the at least one geogrid, between the at least one geogrid and the at least one geomembrane.
[0039] According to yet another aspect, a method for mounting a solar panel array onto sloped and / or level ground, the method comprising:
[0040] digging a trench ditch into the sloped and / or level ground;
[0041] laying a geomembrane on the sloped and / or level ground and over the ditch; laying a grid over the geomembrane, to cover the trench ditch and the sloped and / or level ground;
[0042] providing at least one trench weight, at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel;
[0043] filling the trench ditch with one or more of the at least one trench weight, wherein the self-weight of the at least one trench weight secures the geomembrane and grid;further providing a plurality of photovoltaic panel support beams and a plurality of connections, each connection comprising at least one hook;
[0044] coupling with each one of the plurality of support beams one or more of the at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel to the plurality of connections; and
[0045] hanging each of the at least one hook onto one or more of at least one grid.
[0046] In some embodiments, further comprising weaving each of the at least one hook onto the grid.
[0047] In some embodiments, each of the at least one trench weight has a minimum height of 10 cm.
[0048] In some embodiments, the trench weight has a minimum length of 0.5m.
[0049] In some embodiments, further comprising casting each of the at least one trench weight from concrete into a cylinder to be placed into the trench ditch.
[0050] In some embodiments, each of the at least one trench weight consists of sack / s or sleeve / s filled with a dense material selected from: sand, rocks, gravel, pebbles and mixtures thereof.
[0051] In some embodiments, at least one photovoltaic panel, thermo-photovoltaic or thermosolar is positioned laterally offset from the at least one trench weight.
[0052] In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beams are fastened to the at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel.
[0053] In some embodiments, a load from the at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel to the at least one grid and the at least one geomembrane, wherein the load doesnot cause the at least one grid or the at least one geomembrane to tear or deform.In some embodiments, the sloped and / or level ground is part of a landfill site.
[0054] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of connections further comprises at least one bolt and a connection beam, and wherein the connection beam and / or the at least one hook comprises an elongated hole;
[0055] the method further comprising: loosely coupling one of the at least one hook with the connection beam via the at least one bolt;
[0056] moving the hook such that the bolt slides along the elongated hole until the hook is in the desired location; and
[0057] tightening the bolt to hold the hook firmly engaged to the connection beam.
[0058] In some embodiments, wherein the method excludes creating holes in the at least geomembrane or providing the at least one geomembrane with holes.
[0059] According to yet another aspect, a method for mounting a solar panel array onto ground, the method comprising:
[0060] providing at least one trench weight, at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel, at least one geomembrane and at least one grid;
[0061] laying the at least one geomembrane on the ground followed by the at least one grid; and
[0062] fixing the panels to at the least one grid and securing the panels to the ground with the at least one trench weight.
[0063] According to yet another aspect, a method for mounting a solar panel array onto sloped and / or level ground, the method comprising:
[0064] digging a trench ditch into the sloped and / or level ground;
[0065] providing at least one trench weight, at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel, at least one geomembrane and at least one grid; laying the geomembrane followed by the grid, to cover the trench ditch and sloped ground;
[0066] whereby the at least one geomembrane is positioned in between the sloped ground and the at least one grid;filling the trench ditch with one or more of the at least one trench weight, wherein the self-weight of the at least one trench weight secures the geomembrane and the grid; further providing a plurality of photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel support beams and at least one hook; and
[0067] coupling with each one of the plurality of support beams one or more of the at least one photovoltaic panel to the at least one hook onto one or more of the at least one grid.
[0068] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0069] 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 numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. Unless indicated otherwise, the drawings provide help in understanding the disclosure and embodiments as a whole, and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings:
[0070] The invention may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings in which:
[0071] Figure 1 schematically shows a portion of a structure, including a photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels, photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermosolar support beams and trench weights;
[0072] Figure 2a is an enlarged view of a trench weight, representing how it is positioned inside a trench on sloped ground securing a geomembrane and a geogrid which is connected to a support beam that holds photovoltaic panels;
[0073] Figure 2b schematically shows a side view of the portion shown in Figure 2a;
[0074] Figure 3a shows an enlarged view of connections used to attach the geogrid to a photovoltaic support beam;
[0075] Figure 3b schematically shows an exploded view of the connection shown in Figure 3a;
[0076] Figure 4 shows a close up side view of the connection depicted in Figure 3a exhibiting how the connection is attached to the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel support beam using bolts and how a connection hook is secured aroundthe geogrid with a hook lining cushioning the end of the hook where it encounters the geogrid and is proximal to the geomembrane;
[0077] Figure 5 schematically shows another connection used to attach the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel support beams to the geogrid;
[0078] Figure 6a is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connection depicted in Figure 5 used with a photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel support beam;
[0079] Figure 6b is a side view of the connection shown in Figure 6a;
[0080] Figure 7 presents a schematic perspective upper view of another connection;
[0081] Figure 8 is a side view of another embodiment showing a spacer positioned between the geomembrane and the geogrid.
[0082] Figure 9 is a side view of another embodiment showing a shade net instead of a geogrid, with attachment means fastening the mesh layer to the support beams;
[0083] Figure 10 is a side view of another embodiment showing a shade net in place of a geogrid, with attachment means engage the shade net to the support beams without penetrating the shade net or the geomembrane, and
[0084] Figure 11 is a photo of a section of a shade net for illustrative purposes.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0085] The subject matter discussed in this section should be assumed to be something other than prior art merely due to its mention in this section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in this section or associated with the subject matter provided as background should not be assumed to have been previously recognised in the prior art. The subject matter in this section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed structure.
[0086] Construction with photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels on sloped and / or level ground such as a reservoir bank or landfill has many associated challenges due to the load applied to the structure because of the weight of the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure structures for photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels can withstand the load. In addition, some types of ground such as landfills require coverage, for example to prevent ingress of water and egress of gases. Therefore, we describe hereinbelow structures that include geomembranes and components that bear the load of the panels. In general, principles described below can be implemented on any application that requires bearing a load and sealing with a geomembrane cover.
[0087] A geomembrane is very low permeability synthetic membrane liner or barrier used with any geotechnical engineering related material so as to control fluid (liquid or gas) migration in a human-made project, structure, or system. Geomembranes are made from relatively thin continuous polymeric sheets, but they can also be made from the impregnation of geotextiles with asphalt, elastomer or polymer sprays, or as multilayered bitumen geocomposites. Continuous polymer sheet geomembranes are, by far, the most common.
[0088] Soil-penetrating nails are a new commercially available, invented by us, solution for mounting photovoltaic panel arrays on an embankment or sloped ground. The nails ensure the panels are secured to the ground. These soil-penetrating nails are typically very long and may need specific ground conditions with strong soil to ensure they can support the structure's load.In addition, water penetrating the ground via holes in a geomembrane cover from soil nails may destabilize the ground, promote weed growth and cause other changes to the ground that might make the photovoltaic array unstable and / or difficult to maintain.
[0089] To overcome these challenges, the present structure provides a construction method and system that is non-penetrating (i.e. without soil penetrating nails).
[0090] Described below is a non-penetrating structure that achieves stable support for suspending the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels on sloped and / or level ground by distributing the load across multiple support beams, fixing them to a grid, and securing them to the ground using weights in trench ditches.
[0091] However, note that in some embodiments the panels may be directly connected to the at least one grid, i.e., a method is provided for mounting a photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar array onto ground, the method comprising:
[0092] providing at least one trench weight, at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel, at least one geomembrane and at least one grid;
[0093] laying the at least one geomembrane on the ground followed by the at least one grid;
[0094] fixing the panels to at the least one grid, and securing the panels to the ground with the at least one trench weight.
[0095] The panels may be constructed in various ways to enable their direct attachment to the grids. For example, they may have serrated edges that can engage the grids.
[0096] A landfill site is an option for sloped and / or level ground. Constructing a photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar array over a landfill site without penetration of the geomembrane may provide a simpler and more dynamic construction process compared to constructing with penetration of a geomembrane. For example, the maintenance of the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar array may be more straightforward since it may be easier to remove sections of the array to fix or replace them rather than somethingsecured into the ground. Another advantage of mounting without ground-penetrating nails is that the cover over the landfill remains intact without holes, preventing harmful or unpleasant gases from escaping and polluting the surrounding air. For example, methane in the landfill, which is a flammable, poisonous greenhouse gas [considered roughly 25 times more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide], may be safely suppressed in the landfill.
[0097] Thus, the landfill preferably remains completely sealed off, with no option for escaping liquids or gases and / or for water to go into the landfill.
[0098] In some embodiments, the gases emitted from the landfill are collected. The collection is done without penetrating the geomembrane. These gases are very harmful however they for example methane, can be used to produce energy. Thus, capturing them and utilising them for their energy is beneficial.
[0099] We now refer to Figure 1 and Figures 2a and 2b. Figure 1 schematically shows a portion of a structure, including photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels 102, a photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel support beam 103 and a trench weight lOlt, 101b.
[0100] Figure 2a is an enlarged view of a trench weight 101, representing how it is positioned inside a trench ditch securing a geomembrane 109 and a geogrid 104 which is connected to a support beam 103 that holds the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels.
[0101] Figure 2b schematically shows a side view of the portion shown in Figure 2a.
[0102] The structure 100 includes four central elements constructed together: at least one trench weight 101, at least one geomembrane 109, at least one geogrid 104, and at least one panel support beam 103; the structure 100 supports panels 102.
[0103] Any reference in the specification to panels or solar panels shall be understood to include any one of the following: photovoltaic panels, thermo-photovoltaic panels or thermo-solar panels (as defined above in the lexicon).
[0104] By "trench weight," we refer to a dense and heavy structure that is used to fix the geogrid 104 and geomembrane 109 to the ground by applying its load onto them inside a trenchditch and preventing their movement. Once the ground has been deemed suitable for construction, a trench is dug. The trench is dug essentially horizontally along the sloped ground, roughly perpendicular to the up-down direction of the slope. One trench ditch may be dug at the upper edge of the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar array, and another may be dug essentially horizontally along the lower edge of the array. This is shown in Figure 1 with the upper horizontal trench weight lOlt and the lower horizontal trench weight 101b. This trench ditch may then be layered with the geomembrane 109 and the geogrid 104. A trench weight 101 is used to hold down the geomembrane 109 and geogrid 104, shown in Figure 2b.
[0105] In some embodiments, at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel 102 is positioned laterally offset from the at least one trench weight 101. The photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels 102 are not placed directly above the trench weight 101, as they are attached to the geogrid rather than the trench weight 101. This lateral offset allows for easier repair and replacement of the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels without obstruction from the trench weight or any direct connection between the trench weight and the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel. Furthermore, positioning the panels laterally offset from the trench weight provides greater flexibility in installation and orientation, making the system less restrictive and more adaptable. The trench may also be constructed on level ground, for example at the top of a landfill there may be a level surface. In such cases the trench on the level ground will typically be dug essentially parallel to the trenches on the sloped ground beneath. In some embodiments there may be several trenches on the level ground, and these may not be perpendicular to each other, since the intention may be to secure the geogrid and the panels thereon from moving in several directions.
[0106] The landfill usually has a top layer of road or track dirt [generally not containing landfill waste] which may have a depth of roughly half a metre. For example, the dirt may include crushed asphalt, crushed concrete, crushed stone of roughly mm size, ground up rubber, and / or coarse sand, or mixtures thereof, optionally mixed with cohesive particulate material, The trenches are dug into this top layer. The trench may be manually dug with a shovel and other manual tools, and / or with mechanized devices such as a small tractor, or with avehicle equipped with a telescopic or long arm and a shovel at the end of the arm. Typically, the trench will have a depth of roughly 20cm, a width of roughly 20cm, and a length [roughly perpendicular to the up / down direction]. The trench weight will typically fit in its entirety inside the trench. The dirt and / or earth removed for the digging may be used to cover the weight after it is placed in the trench, to help protect it from weathering, and / or conceal it.
[0107] The trenches may be dug roughly every 10m down a slope or along level ground.
[0108] In some embodiments, the trench weight 101 is made of concrete. The concrete can be cast into cylinders or poured into plastic or fabric sleeves on-site or off-site, whichever is more convenient or cost-effective, and used within the trench ditches on the sloped ground to weigh down and secure the geomembrane and the grid. Each trench weight has for example a height of 10- 40cm [to match a trench of 10+ cm depth] and a minimum length of 0.5m with a density of 2.2 - 2.5 g / cm3. Using concrete enables construction to be more flexible since cylinders can be cast off-site or cast on-site. The concrete can be conveyed via a sleeve connected to a concrete mixer [static stand-alone machine or lorry], directly into a trench.
[0109] The benefits of construction using concrete include its durability and strength, making it a long-lasting material. In some embodiments, steel beams or rods can be used inside the concrete trench weight as reinforcements, increasing the strength of the trench weight.
[0110] In some embodiments, a dense material such as sand, rocks, gravel, pebbles or a mixture of them can be used for the trench weights. These dense materials are usually used inside a shell, case or sack since they do not hold a solid shape. The filled sacks and / or shells can be compacted into the trench above the geomembrane and grid when used as a trench weight. The sand can also be mixed with a solidifier and moulded like concrete.
[0111] Sand and concrete are beneficial construction materials, as they are both very dense and unaffected by weathering. This is an important consideration, given that the photovoltaic array will be outdoors.In some embodiments, cement can be poured directly into the trench ditch on top of the geomembrane and grid, creating a more permanent trench. In this embodiment, it will not be possible to detach the grid from the trench weight, as they will be attached when the cement is poured into the trench ditch. If the cement is poured into the ditch depression rather than being precast, the trench weight will be smaller. Since the trench ditch is on sloped ground, on an incline, and cement is viscous, it will not fill the entirety of the trench.
[0112] By "geomembrane," we refer to a protective lining that covers the surface of landfill ground. The geomembrane should be selected based on its ability to meet the necessary requirements. It is a durable material that may be exposed to a wide range of thermal conditions, including hot and cold weather. Since the geomembrane will be outside, it must also be UV-protected, even though it may be predominantly covered by photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels.
[0113] The geomembrane may be exposed to external weathering and internally to chemicals from the landfill. Therefore, the material used for the geomembrane must withstand these environmental factors and may be chemically inert.
[0114] The lifespan of the geomembrane is a significant consideration. The material used for the geomembrane needs to last a long time (at least 25 years) because once the trench weights 101, the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels 102 and the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beams 103 have been assembled and mounted, the process to replace the geomembrane, if it tears or gets damaged, will be very cumbersome. Consequently, when the initial geomembrane is installed, it will typically be with the intention of having a long lifespan.
[0115] The geomembrane is required to have low permeability since it will be used to cover landfill. Harmful or hazardous products could be under the geomembrane; with low permeability, we are trying to prevent them from escaping. This can also be done by increasing the thickness of the geomembrane. It is recommended that the geomembrane thickness generally be between 0.2 - 3 mm. The optimal thickness of the geomembrane used on the landfill site will vary depending on the specific material used.The geomembrane can be constructed using high-density polyethene (HDPE), PP (polypropylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), LDPE, LLDPE, HDPP, TPO, or reinforced PVC. These are suitable for the geomembrane in different variants. HDPE, PP and PVC are strong materials, strength is important for landfill geomembranes. Not only should the geomembrane be strong enough to contain what is underneath, but it also needs to be robust enough to prevent water from entering, which could become contaminated and lead to large-scale water contamination.
[0116] The geomembrane 109 covers the surface of the sloped ground, with the geogrid 104 resting parallel above this layer. The geomembrane 109 is directly beneath the geogrid 104, as it covers the ground. The geogrid 104 must be positioned above the geomembrane 109, since this serves as support for the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beams 103 and the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels 102.
[0117] By "grid", we refer to a structure made from a first array of substantially parallel lines of material crossing a second and optionally a third array of substantially parallel lines of material to form rectangle-like shapes.
[0118] The rectangle-like shapes can have curved sides or junctions.
[0119] "grid" includes geogrid structures and shade nets. For an example of suitable shade nets see for example
[0120]
[0121] Geogrid may be defined as follows:
[0122] A geosynthetic material used to reinforce soils and similar materials. Soils pull apart under tension. Compared to soil, geogrids have high tensile strength. This property allows them to transfer forces to a larger area of soil than would otherwise be the case.
[0123] Geogrids are commonly made of polymer materials, such as polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, or polypropylene. They may be woven or knitted from yarns, heat-welded from strips of material, or produced by punching a regular pattern of apertures in sheets of material, then stretched into a grid, and / or mould-injected.The key feature of all geogrids is that the openings between the adjacent sets of longitudinal and transverse ribs, called "apertures," are large enough to allow for soil on both sides of the geogrid. The ribs of some geogrids are often quite stiff compared to the fibres of geotextiles. Not only is rib strength important, but junction strength is also essential. The reason for this is that in anchorage situations, the soil within the apertures bears against the transverse ribs, transmiting the load to the longitudinal ribs via the junctions. The junctions are, of course, where the longitudinal and transverse ribs meet and are connected. They are sometimes called "nodes".
[0124] Currently, there are three categories of geogrids. The first, and original, geogrids are called unitized or homogeneous types, more commonly referred to as 'punched and drawn geogrids'.
[0125] The second category of geogrid is more flexible, textile-like geogrids using bundles of polyethylene-coated polyester fibres as the reinforcing component or polyester yarn geogrids made on textile weaving machinery. In the later process, hundreds of continuous fibres are gathered together to form yarns which are woven into longitudinal and transverse ribs with large open spaces between. The cross-overs are joined by kniting or intertwining before the entire unit is protected
[0126] by a subsequent coating. Bitumen, latex, or PVC are the usual coating
[0127] materials. Geosynthetics within this group are manufactured by many companies manufacturing coated yarn-type polyester geogrids.
[0128] The third category of geogrids is made by laser or ultrasonically bonding polyester or polypropylene rods or straps in a grid-like patern.
[0129] The grid is alternatively made of metal, for example is a metal net such as chicken wire, chain link, chains, ferrocement and other metal or composite nets. Tension wires may be added to borders of the geogrid to keep the geogrid taut. In some embodiments cables may be laid going from the top of a slope to the botom of the slope, and support beams may be secured to the cables. Some additional beams may be secured to adjacent cables to impart rigidness against lateral movements of the panels. However, net-like grid structures have an advantage that maintenance personnel may scale the slope by walking along the net.
[0130] 1 / The sloped ground can have a gradient of about 20-30 degrees. Slopes in that range of inclination can have lower coefficient of friction, especially when the slopes are wet or dusty, which makes the surface more slippery. The geogrid reduces the risk of falling during servicing and improves grip on the sloped ground.
[0131] The arrangement of the geogrid 104, the trench weights 101, and the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel support beams 103 allows for effective load distribution. The photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels 102 impart large loads onto the structure. To prevent all this load from being directly transferred to the geo 104 and geomembrane 109, the support beams 103 and connections 10 distribute this load across numerous locations on the geogrid 104.
[0132] To allow the load to be distributed across multiple locations on the geogrid, in some embodiments, there are at least four connections 10 per photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel 102. If each photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel weighs around 30 kg, the load per connection is reduced to around 7 kg when the panels are laid over level ground, and less when the panels are laid on a slope, depending upon the angle of slope. With a load of 7 kg, the local forces applied to the geogrid 104 are minimized and will not cause the geomembrane 109 to tear. Consequently, the geomembrane 109 has a greater load-bearing capacity in this embodiment and can support a more significant load. We will elaborate on the arrangement further below.
[0133] Another benefit of this arrangement, where the geogrid is positioned above the geomembrane, is that when maintenance or work is conducted on the sloped ground, the likelihood of the geogrid slipping is reduced. Figure 2a illustrates the relationship between the trench weights 101 and the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beams 103. The trench weights 101 are essentially horizontal across the upper and lower boundaries of the array on the sloped ground. By contrast, the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beams 103 are secured essentially perpendicular to the trench weight 101 from the top trench weight lOlt to the bottom trench weight 101b.
[0134] Numerous photovoltaic support beams are used within the array, and they are equally spaced along the width of the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar array, with at least two photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beams 103under each photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel 102. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel support beams 103 will overhang on top of the trench weights 101, as shown in Figure 2a. It may be advantageous to have the overhang to help prevent theft or undesired movement of the panels and the structure. Pouring some concrete over the geogrid as described above may further help to discourage tampering.
[0135] Figure 3a shows an enlarged view of the connection 10 used in structure 100 and demonstrates the arrangement of a photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel support beam 103 to geogrid 104 with hooks 105 and bolts 106b.
[0136] Figure 3b schematically shows an exploded view of this connection, demonstrating that the hooks 105 have a hook lining 108 and how the hooks 105 are connected to a connection beam 107 using a disk 106a and a bolt 106b.
[0137] Figure 4 shows a close-up side view of structure 100, exhibiting how the connection 10 is attached to the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beam 103 using the bolts 106, and how the connection hook 105 is secured around the geogrid 104 with the hook lining 108 cushioning the end of the hook where it encounters the geogrid 104 and the geomembrane 109. In some embodiments there is no lining on the hooks. In other embodiments there is cushioning only on the external side of the hook, i.e., the side that faces the geomembrane.
[0138] The connection 10 of Structure 100 comprises a connection beam 107, which is bolted 106 to the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beam 103. In some embodiments, there are hooks 105 on both ends of connection 10, as is shown in the figure. These hooks 105 are at one end bolted to the connection beam 107 and, at the other end, hooked to the geogrid.
[0139] The hook 105 is constructed from a single elongated piece of metal with a length (105 L) greater than width (105 W). Within connection 10 one end of the metal piece is bent. It is bent roughly 90 degrees. The bent edge is then bent an additional roughly 90 degrees inwards, forming the hook at one end of the metal and allowing it to weave around the geogrid 104. The hook 105 weaves around the geogrid 104 since part of the hook 105remains above the geogrid 104 while the other end of the hook 105 is directed below the geogrid 104. The opposite side of the metal piece (the hook) is secured to a connection beam, 107. The latter is fastened to another hook 105, and to a photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel support beam 103. The hooks 105 are attached to the connection beam 107 using a bolt 106, and the connection beam 107 is secured to the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beam 103 with several bolts or rivets.
[0140] In some embodiments, the position of the hook 105 on the connection beam 107 is variable. As shown in Figure 3b, there is no small round hole for the bolt 106 to exactly fit into on the hook 105. Instead, there is an elongated hole, for example a slot, in the hook 105, allowing the bolt 106 to affix the connection beam 107 at a range of intervals along the length of the hook 105. For example, adjustment can be by loosely coupling a hook with a connection beam via an untightened bolt. The hook can then be moved such that the bolt slides along a slot in the hook until the hook is in the desired location for the hook to firmly engage the geogrid but not warp it. The bolt can then be tightened to hold the hook firmly engaged.
[0141] With the passage of years the engagement may become loose, and the bolt may be loosened, the hook placement adjusted and then the bolt retightened. This aids the construction because the hooks are adjustable, and the array can be altered after assembly. The benefit of this is easy maintenance and adjustment of the array.
[0142] Similarly, the connection beam can comprise an elongated hole instead of or in addition to the hooks, for adjustment.
[0143] In some embodiments a connection is simply a cable or a metal chain to affix the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beam to grid.
[0144] In some embodiments the structure includes one or more hooks oriented in one direction and one or more hooks in an opposite direction. Opposing hooks can be engaged with a shared connection beam or with separate connection beams. The opposing hooks may help prevent dislodging the panels from the structure, for example due to heavy equipmentworking next to or on the sloped ground, an earthquake, or to theft attempts, or to restrict movement of the geogrid in several directions, for example when the structure is laid on level ground.
[0145] In some embodiments, at least some of the hooks are manufactured with holes going therethrough, for example one in the straight part and another exactly below in the bent part. Then a pin or rivet or bolt may be passed through both holes after the hook engages the grid, to further help secure the hook to the grid.
[0146] A hook lining 108, which may be rubber or plastic, may be affixed around the edge that hooks onto the geogrid 104. The hook lining 108 comes into contact with the geogrid 104 and the geomembrane 109 rather than the metal hook 105. The lining reduces the direct pressure applied from the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels onto the geomembrane, reducing the stress on the geomembrane and preventing it from tearing.
[0147] Figure 5 schematically shows an upper perspective view of another connection 20 used to attach the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beams to geogrid 104. The figure depicts how the hook 205 of the connection weaves around the geogrid 104 to secure itself.
[0148] Figure 6a is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connection 20 and how it is secured to the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beam 103.
[0149] Figure 6b is a side view of the connection shown in Figure 6a.
[0150] In this embodiment, the connection 20 consists of only the hook element 205 and the bolts 206 with no connection beam. Each of these connections has only one hook 205. However, when using connection 20, more of them would be required to support the structure since there is only one hook 205.
[0151] Connection 20 comprises of fewer components consequently, applying pressure in a more concentrated area.
[0152] Another benefit of this embodiment is the ease of connection; since there is only one hook 205, less coordination is required to ensure that the hooks on either side of the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support align with the support beam.Instead, one hook in one location is attached to one side of the support beam 103. In turn, this will increase the efficiency and ease of construction.
[0153] Figure 6b illustrates the hook 205 of the connection 20, which bends to rest under the geogrid 104 but above the geomembrane 109. The Figure illustrates the geogrid 104 and geomembrane 109 under the trench weight 101. The bolt 206in this embodiment serves a different purpose from that of the bolt in the connection 10, since with connection 20 they are used to secure the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beam 103. In contrast, in this connection 10, the support beam 103 is bolted to the connection beam 107, and the bolts 106 are used to couple the hooks 105 to the connection beam 107.
[0154] The hook 205 is constructed from a single elongated piece of metal that is greater in length (205 L) than width (205 W). Within connection 20, half of the metal piece is bent; it is bent roughly 90 degrees (forming an L shape with the piece of metal). The bent edge is then bent outwards, creating a step in the piece of metal 205, allowing it to weave around the geogrid 104. The hook 205 weaves around the geogrid 104 since part of the hook 205 remains above the geogrid 104 while the other end of the hook 205 is directed below the geogrid 104. The side of the metal, which is not secured under the geogrid 104, is fastened using bolts 206 to the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beam 103. The shape of the hook in connection 20 is clearly shown in Figure 6b.
[0155] Considering the nature of the structure and the fact that there are multiple connection points used for each of the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beams, it is possible that both connection 10 and connection 20 can be used within the same photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar array. This combination may be beneficial since the two different connections may apply stress to the geogrid 104 differently. Consequently, using both connections together may reduce the overall stress on the geogrid structure and geomembrane, and the array may be more stable.
[0156] Figure 7 presents a schematic perspective upper view of another connection 305.This connection is z- or s-shaped. The connection has pin-holes 307a, 307b through which a pin, bolt or similar article can be pushed. The pin-holes 307a, 307b may have a smooth bore or a thread. For engagement of a bolt, at least the bottom pin-hole 307b may have a thread. The top pin-hole 307a may extend throughout the connection 305, i.e., a pin or bolt can be pushed from above the connection 305, throughout the top pin-hole 307a, and into the bottom pin-hole 307b. The bottom pin-hole 307b may not extend throughout the connection 307, i.e., it is like a well, to prevent accidental puncture of the geomembrane underneath the pin. The pin may be used to further secure the connection to the geogrid and minimize the movement of the connection relative to the geogrid.
[0157] Figure 8 is a side view of another embodiment 800 showing a spacer 810 positioned between the geomembrane 809 and the geogrid 804. In this embodiment, the geogrid 804 and the geomembrane 809 are secured in place by the trench weight 801. The spacers 810 are fastened to the geogrid 804, between the geomembrane 809 and geogrid 804 to create a larger gap between them.
[0158] The spacers 801 provide additional clearance below the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beam 803 and the geogrid 804 for example to facilitate water drainage. Since the geomembrane 809 covers the ground and prevents water absorption into the soil, surface water drains through the space between the geomembrane and the geogrid. Increasing this space increases the drainage capacity, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
[0159] In addition, the spacers 810 may assist in distributing of the load more evenly across the structure. Rather than the load being supported directly by the geogrid 804 and the trench weight 801, a portion of the load is transferred through the spacer 810 to the geomembrane 809, thereby improving the overall stability.
[0160] In some embodiments, the at least one grid comprises at least one shade net (shown in Figure 11). Figure 9 is a side view of another embodiment 900 showing a shade net 912 instead of a geogrid, with attachment means 913 fastening the shade net to the support beams 903. The shade net 912 may be formed from a polymer material, for example amaterial of the type used for shade or safety nets in playground applications. Such a material may be flexible, durable, low cost and available in various colours (e.g. green), allowing it to conform with the slope while maintaining sufficient strength to support the overlying structure.
[0161] The shade net 912 may be secured to the sloped ground, for example, beneath the trench weight 901, to hold the edges of the geomembrane 909 in place and prevent them from lifting or flapping in the wind. This configuration can increase the stability and accessibility of the structure, particularly in exposed or high-wind environments. In addition, the shade net 912 may provide friction for maintenance personnel moving on the sloped surface performing work on the structure. This can reduce the risk of slipping and allow for safe access for inspection, cleaning or repair.
[0162] The shade net 912 may be attached to the support racks 903 with wires, fishing hooks or other attachment means 913. The wires can be threaded through the apertures in the shade net and tied to themselves. Other options are barbs etc., which can engage the shade net without going through the apertures.
[0163] Figure 10 is a side view of another embodiment 1000 showing a shade net 1012 in place of a geogrid, with attachment means 1013 engage the shade net 1012 to the support beams 1003 without penetrating the shade net 1012 or the geomembrane 1009, such that fastening is achieved by surface engagement or compression rather than penetration.
[0164] The solar panel array without soil nails is designed to be constructed on landfill embankments. Landfill construction is challenging due to the poor load-bearing capacity and instability of the ground. Therefore, additional structural reinforcement is needed to ensure the stability of the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar array. This photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar array surprisingly does not rely on the stability of the soil or ground-penetrating nails to secure it. Trench weights do not have the same structural requirements as ground-penetrating nails.
[0165] In some embodiments the support beams comprise slots along which the hooks can be slid and engaged with a bolt or screw.The geomembrane, which is positioned above the landfill and below the geogrid, is preferred to remain intact without any penetrations; this is to prevent harmful liquids and gases from escaping the landfill, which could contaminate the environment, or for rain to enter the landfill, which might destabilize it or cause growth of weeds that would interfere with the maintenance of the solar array or its function. Using the trench weight is an effective and functional solution to reduce the geomembrane's stress without soilpenetrating nails. The arrangement with the trench weight and multiple connections along the geogrid results in a load that is distributed across various locations rather than all in one place; thus, there is less stress on each individual connection.
[0166] Construction over landfill sites could increase the usage of photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels, as landfills are located in large open rural spaces. Due to the lack of ground stability under landfill construction, the options for building over these sites are limited; consequently, there is a smaller chance of development on this land.
[0167] Therefore, there is a substantial area of land with limited shade; shade provides a barrier that limits UV rays, which reduces the efficiency of the photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panels.
[0168] Clauses:
[0169] Clause 1. A non-penetrating structure for suspending panels over sloped and / or level ground, the structure comprising:
[0170] (i) at least one geomembrane to cover a surface of the sloped and / or level ground; (ii) at least one grid essentially parallel to the at least one geomembrane, wherein the at least one geomembrane is positioned in between the sloped and / or level ground and the at least one grid;
[0171] (iii) at least one trench weight, which by its self-weight, secures the at least one grid and the at least one geomembrane onto the sloped and / or level ground; and
[0172] (iv) a plurality of panel support beams,
[0173] wherein each one of the plurality of support beams couples one or more of at least one panel, selected from a group consisting of a photovoltaic panel, a solar-thermal panel and a thermo-photovoltaic panel, to a plurality of connections, each connection of the plurality ofconnections comprising at least one hook; and wherein the at least one hook hangs onto one or more of the at least one grid.
[0174] Clause 2. A non-penetrating structure for suspending panels over sloped and / or level ground, the structure comprising:
[0175] (i) at least one geomembrane to cover a surface of the sloped and / or level ground; (ii) at least one grid essentially parallel to the at least one geomembrane, wherein the at least one geomembrane is positioned in between the sloped and / or level ground and the at least one grid;
[0176] (iii) at least one trench weight, which by its self-weight, secures the at least one grid and the at least one geomembrane onto the sloped and / or level ground; and
[0177] (iv) a plurality of panel support beams,
[0178] wherein each one of the plurality of support beams couples one or more of at least one panel, selected from a group consisting of a photovoltaic panel, a solar-thermal panel and a thermo-photovoltaic panel, to at least one hook; and wherein the at least one hook hangs onto one or more of the at least one grid.
[0179] Clause 3. The structure of Clause 1 or 2, wherein the at least one hook is constructed from a single elongated piece of metal bent at one edge such as to weave around one or more of the at least one grid.
[0180] Clause 4. The structure of Clause 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of connections are attached to at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermosolar support beams,
[0181] wherein at least one bolt couples one or more of the at least one hook to at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beams.
[0182] Clause 5. The structure of any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the at least one grid comprises a shade net and / or is constructed with a metal and / or a polymer material and / or composite material to form a geogrid.
[0183] Clause 6. The structure of Clause 5, wherein the polymer material is weaved, mould injected, punched, welded and / or stretched to form the geogrid.
[0184] Clause 7. The structure of any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the at least one geomembrane is constructed from a polymer material selected from HDPE, PP and PVC.Clause 8. The structure of any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the at least one geomembrane is positioned essentially parallel to the at least one geogrid without being attached thereto.
[0185] Clause 9. The structure of any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein at least one spacer is secured to the at least one geogrid, between the at least one geogrid and the at least one geomembrane.
[0186] Clause 10. A method for mounting a solar panel array onto sloped and / or level ground, the method comprising:
[0187] digging a trench ditch into the sloped and / or level ground;
[0188] laying a geomembrane on the sloped and / or level ground and over the ditch; laying a grid over the geomembrane, to cover the trench ditch and the sloped and / or level ground;
[0189] providing at least one trench weight, and at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel;
[0190] filling the trench ditch with one or more of the at least one trench weight, wherein the self-weight of the at least one trench weight secures the geomembrane and grid; further providing a plurality of photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel support beams and a plurality of connections, each connection comprising at least one hook;
[0191] coupling with each one of the plurality of support beams one or more of the at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel to the plurality of connections; and
[0192] hanging each of the at least one hook onto one or more of the at least one grid.
[0193] Clause 11. The method of Clause 10, further comprising weaving each of the at least one hook onto the grid.
[0194] Clause 12. The method of Clause 10 or 11, wherein each of the at least one trench weight has a minimum height of 10 cm.
[0195] Clause 13. The method of any one of Clauses 10 to 12, wherein the trench weight has a minimum length of 0.5m.
[0196] 1Clause 14. The method of any one of Clauses 10 to 13, further comprising casting each of the at least one trench weight from concrete into a cylinder to be placed into the trench ditch.
[0197] Clause 15. The method of any one of Clauses 10 to 13, wherein each of the at least one trench weight consists of sack / s or sleeve / s filled with a dense material selected from: sand, rocks, gravel, pebbles and mixtures thereof.
[0198] Clause 16. The method of any one of Clauses 10 to 15, wherein the at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel is positioned laterally offset from the at least one trench weight.
[0199] Clause 17. The method of any one of Clauses 10 to 16, wherein at least two of the plurality of photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar support beams are fastened to the at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel.
[0200] Clause 18. The method of any one of Clauses 10 to 17, further comprising applying a load from the at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel to the at least one grid and the at least one geomembrane, wherein the load does not cause the at least one grid or the at least one geomembrane to tear or deform.
[0201] Clause 19. The method of any one of Clause 10 to 18, wherein the sloped and / or level ground is part of a landfill site.
[0202] Clause 20. The method of any one of Clauses 10 to 19, wherein one or more of the plurality of connections further comprises at least one bolt and a connection beam, and wherein the connection beam and / or the at least one hook comprises an elongated hole; the method further comprising: loosely coupling one of the at least one hook with the connection beam via the at least one bolt;
[0203] moving the hook such that the bolt slides along the elongated hole until the hook is in the desired location; and
[0204] tightening the bolt to hold the hook firmly engaged to the connection beam.
[0205] Clause 21. The method of any one of Clauses 10 to 20, wherein the method excludes creating holes in the at least one geomembrane or providing the at least one geomembrane with holes.
[0206] Clause 22. A method for mounting a solar panel array onto ground, the method
[0207] comprising:providing at least one trench weight, at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel, at least one geomembrane and at least one grid;
[0208] laying the at least one geomembrane on the ground followed by the at least one grid; and
[0209] fixing the panels to at the least one grid and securing the panels to the ground with the at least one trench weight.
[0210] Clause 23. A method for mounting a solar panel array onto sloped and / or level ground, the method comprising:
[0211] digging a trench ditch into the sloped and / or level ground;
[0212] providing at least one trench weight, at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel, at least one geomembrane and at least one grid; laying the geomembrane followed by the grid, to cover the trench ditch and sloped ground;
[0213] whereby the at least one geomembrane is positioned in between the sloped ground and the at least one grid;
[0214] filling the trench ditch with one or more of the at least one trench weight, wherein the self-weight of the at least one trench weight secures the geomembrane and the grid; further providing a plurality of photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel support beams and at least one hook; and
[0215] coupling with each one of the plurality of support beams one or more of the at least one photovoltaic, thermo-photovoltaic or thermo-solar panel to the at least one hook onto one or more of the at least one grid.
[0216] 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.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.
[0217] 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.
[0218] 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.
[0219] 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.
[0220] 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.
[0221] 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, beexcised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a sub combination or variation of a sub combination.
[0222] 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.
[0223] 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.
[0224] Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations.
[0225] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some examples, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and / or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures.
[0226] 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 system components 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.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.
[0227] 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.
[0228] Conjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with 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.
[0229] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms "approximately," "about," "generally," "essentially", "roughly" and "substantially" represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that sb’ll performs a desired function or achieves a desired result.
[0230] Unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms "approximately," "about," "generally," "essentially", and "substantially" are to be construed as up to ±10% of the stated value. The term "roughly" is to be construed as up to ±20% of the stated value, or if not acceptable to the examining authorities, as up to ±15% of the stated value, or if not acceptable to the examining authorities, as up to ±10% of the stated value, but the inventors maintain that the proper interpretation is ± 20% of the stated value.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
CLAIMS:
1. A non-penetrating structure for suspending panels over sloped and / or level ground, the structure comprising:(i) at least one geomembrane to cover a surface of the sloped and / or level ground; (ii) at least one grid essentially parallel to the at least one geomembrane, wherein the at least one geomembrane is positioned in between the sloped and / or level ground and the at least one grid;(iii) at least one trench weight, which by its self-weight, secures the at least one grid and the at least one geomembrane onto the sloped and / or level ground; and(iv) a plurality of panel support beams,wherein each one of the plurality of support beams couples one or more of at least one panel, selected from a group consisting of a photovoltaic panel, a solar-thermal panel and a thermo-photovoltaic panel, to a plurality of connections, each connection of the plurality of connections comprising at least one hook; and wherein the at least one hook hangs onto one or more of the at least one grid.
2. A non-penetrating structure for suspending panels over sloped and / or level ground, the structure comprising:(i) at least one geomembrane to cover a surface of the sloped and / or level ground; (ii) at least one grid essentially parallel to the at least one geomembrane, wherein the at least one geomembrane is positioned in between the sloped and / or level ground and the at least one grid;(iii) at least one trench weight, which by its self-weight, secures the at least one grid and the at least one geomembrane onto the sloped and / or level ground; and(iv) a plurality of panel support beams,wherein each one of the plurality of support beams couples one or more of at least one panel, selected from a group consisting of a photovoltaic panel, a solar-thermal panel and a thermo-photovoltaic panel, to at least one hook; and wherein the at least one hook hangs onto one or more of the at least one grid.
3. The structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one hook is constructed from a single elongated piece of metal bent at one edge such as to weave around one or more of the at least one grid.
4. The structure of claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of connections are attached to at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic support beams,wherein at least one bolt couples the at least one hook to at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic support beams.
5. The structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one grid comprises a shade net and / or is constructed with a metal and / or a polymer material and / or composite material to form a geogrid.
6. The structure of claim 5, wherein the polymer material is weaved, mould injected, punched, welded and / or stretched to form the geogrid.
7. The structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one geomembrane is constructed from a polymer material selected from HDPE, PP and PVC.
8. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the at least one geomembrane is positioned essentially parallel to the at least one grid without being attached thereto.
9. The structure of claim 1, wherein at least one spacer is secured to the at least one geogrid, between the at least one geogrid and the at least one geomembrane .
10. A method for mounting a solar panel array onto sloped and / or level ground, the method comprising:digging a trench ditch into the sloped and / or level ground;laying a geomembrane on the sloped and / or level ground and over the ditch; laying a grid over the geomembrane, to cover the trench ditch and the sloped and / or level ground;providing at least one trench weight, and at least one photovoltaic panel or solarthermal panel or thermo-photovoltaic panel;filling the trench ditch with one or more of the at least one trench weight, wherein the self-weight of the at least one trench weight secures the geomembrane and grid; further providing a plurality of photovoltaic panel or solar-thermal panel or thermo-photovoltaic panel support beams and a plurality of connections, each connection comprising at least one hook;coupling with each one of the plurality of support beams one or more of the at least one photovoltaic panel or solar-thermal panel or thermo-photovoltaic panel to the plurality of connections; andhanging each of the at least one hook onto one or more of at least one grid.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising weaving each of the at least one hook onto the grid.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the at least one trench weight has a minimum height of 10 cm.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the trench weight has a minimum length of 0.5m.
14. The method of claim 10, further comprising casting each of the at least one trench weight from concrete into a cylinder to be placed into the trench ditch.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the at least one trench weight consists of sack / s or sleeve / s filled with a dense material selected from: sand, rocks, gravel, pebbles and mixtures thereof.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one photovoltaic panel or solar-thermal panel or thermo-photovoltaic panel is positioned laterally offset from the at least one trench weight.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein at least two of the plurality of photovoltaic support beams are fastened to the at least one photovoltaic panel or solar-thermal panel or thermo-photovoltaic panel.
18. The method of claim 10, further comprising applying a load from the at least one photovoltaic panel or solar-thermal panel or thermo-photovoltaic panel to the at least one grid and the at least one geomembrane, wherein the load does not cause the at least one grid or the at least one geomembrane to tear or deform.
19. The method of claim 10, wherein the sloped and / or level ground is part of a landfill site.
20. The method of claim 10, wherein one or more of the plurality of connections further comprises at least one bolt and a connection beam, and wherein the connection beam and / or the at least one hook comprises an elongated hole;the method further comprising: loosely coupling one of the at least one hook with the connection beam via the at least one bolt;moving the hook such that the bolt slides along the elongated hole until the hook is in the desired location; andtightening the bolt to hold the hook firmly engaged to the connection beam.
21. The method of claim 11, wherein the method excludes creating holes in the at least one geomembrane or providing the at least one geomembrane with holes.
22. A method for mounting a solar panel array onto ground, the method comprising: providing at least one trench weight, at least one photovoltaic panel or solar-thermal panel or thermo-photovoltaic panel, at least one geomembrane and at least one grid; laying the at least one geomembrane on the ground followed by the at least one grid; andfixing the panels to at the least one grid and securing the panels to the ground with the at least one trench weight.
23. A method for mounting a solar panel array onto sloped and / or level ground, the method comprising:digging a trench ditch into the sloped and / or level ground;providing at least one trench weight, at least one photovoltaic panel or solar-thermal panel or thermo-photovoltaic panel, at least one geomembrane and at least one grid; laying the geomembrane followed by the grid, to cover the trench ditch and sloped ground;whereby the at least one geomembrane is positioned in between the sloped ground and the at least one grid;filling the trench ditch with one or more of the at least one trench weight, wherein the self-weight of the at least one trench weight secures the geomembrane and the grid;further providing a plurality of photovoltaic panel or solar-thermal panel or thermo- photovoltaic panel support beams and at least one hook; andcoupling with each one of the plurality of support beams one or more of the at least one photovoltaic panel or solar-thermal panel or thermo-photovoltaic panel to the at least one hook onto one or more of the at least one grid.