Adjustable Solar Panel Cap Mounting for Parapet Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for easily installable solar panels that can be attached to parapets or walls to efficiently generate electricity for various electrical needs, such as lighting, without requiring large and costly installations, and to optimize energy collection from sun-exposed areas like parapets and free-standing walls.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable solar panel cap system that includes a mounting bracket with a locking channel and pivot hinges, allowing the solar panel to be securely attached and adjustably positioned on a parapet or wall, with the option to connect multiple panels and devices like streetlights or batteries for enhanced energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar panels are professionally installed on rooftops to generate sufficient power, then electricity generation capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power system is segmented into a compact, self-contained cap unit that can be independently installed on parapets or walls. This modular approach eliminates the need for complex rooftop array installations while maintaining effective power generation for localized needs such as lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential solar power generation function from the complex rooftop installation system and relocates it to a simplified cap structure that can be mounted on existing parapets or walls, removing the need for extensive mounting hardware and professional installation.
2Power
If solar panels are installed to cover large surface areas for sufficient power generation, then electricity generation capability is improved, but available installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from horizontal rooftop surface utilization to vertical parapet and wall surface utilization. By mounting solar caps on vertical surfaces that would otherwise be unused, the system generates power without consuming additional horizontal installation space.
3Productivity
If adjustable mounting brackets are used to optimize sunlight capture, then energy collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates adjustable features that allow the solar panel angle to be dynamically modified during installation to optimize sunlight capture. This adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical components rather than complex automated systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables efficient and cost-effective installation of solar panels on parapets and walls, optimizing energy production by allowing adjustable angles for maximum sunlight capture and simplifying the installation process, ensuring stability against wind and harsh weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Solar panels use light energy (photons) from the sun to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect (this is the photo-electric effect).
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel cap and light cap secured to a wall or parapet through the use of a fixed coping having two vertical supports on either side of a locking channel. The vertical supports are biased or resilient to secure the coping to the top of the parapet or wall. The locking channel is configured to slidably receive a locking insert from a solar panel cap or light cap, each configured to connect to an adjacent cap such that they are electrically coupled. The solar panel caps include a horizontal base and an angled solar panel pivotally attached on one edge to the horizontal base. Support plates are pivotally attached to opposite edges of both the horizontal base and the angled solar panel such that when they overlap and are secured to one another the angled solar panel is adjustably positionable relative to the horizontal base.