Retractable Solar Panel Housing for Weather Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar systems are vulnerable to damage from wind, snow, and other adverse weather conditions, leading to increased costs due to the need for stable and weather-resistant structures, and are prone to dirt accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A retractable solar system design where panels are housed in a protective position at night and can be automatically moved between operating and rest positions based on weather conditions, using mechanisms like cable pulls, chains, or scissor lattice mechanisms, with an integrated cover plate for protection and an electric drive for automated positioning, and an optional cleaning device for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are permanently exposed to maximize energy harvesting, then energy generation is improved, but damage from wind, snow, and dirt accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel system transitions from a static permanently exposed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system that can change its state between exposed and retracted positions. The panels are mounted on movable supports that allow them to be pulled back into a housing, enabling the system to adapt its exposure level based on environmental conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous energy generation and protection from weather damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels are nested within a housing structure when in the retracted position. The housing contains the panels in a compact configuration, protecting them from external environmental factors. This nesting arrangement allows the panels to be both exposed for energy harvesting and protected when needed, without requiring separate storage structures.
2Reliability
If a stable supporting structure is used to resist wind and weather, then structural reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using an overly robust static supporting structure to withstand all possible weather conditions, the system uses a dynamic retraction mechanism that reduces the structural requirements. The supporting structure only needs to handle the panels during installation, operation, and retraction, not continuously resist extreme weather forces, thereby reducing material costs while maintaining adequate stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels are extracted from the permanent exposed position and moved into a protected housing when adverse weather conditions are detected. This extraction removes the panels from the harmful environmental exposure, reducing the requirement for expensive weather-resistant structural support while maintaining system reliability through active protection.
3Productivity
If solar panels are constantly exposed, then energy harvesting is maximized, but dirt accumulation and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts panel exposure based on environmental conditions. When contamination risk is high (such as during sandstorms, heavy dust conditions, or nighttime), the panels are automatically retracted into the housing, minimizing their exposure to dirt and contaminants. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize between energy harvesting and keeping panels clean.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are retracted into the housing in advance before significant contamination can occur. By detecting adverse conditions early (such as approaching sandstorms or nighttime conditions), the system proactively protects the panels from dirt accumulation, preventing rather than just reacting to contamination.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a solar system (11) with a plurality of solar panels (19) arranged in a row and at least one holding element (13) on which the solar panels (19) are held one behind the other. The solar panels (19) can be moved along the at least one holding element (13) from an extended operating position to a retracted rest position using an engagement means.