Solar module mounting and support system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar module racking systems are complex, costly, and environmentally invasive, hindering the widespread adoption of solar energy, especially in developing regions, due to their permanent nature and requirement for extensive installation efforts.
Innovation Solution
A ballasted support and mounting system that uses a free-standing, hollow base with a curved bottom to anchor solar modules without permanent modifications, utilizing ballast materials like concrete or aggregates, and employs clip-based or groove-based attachment methods to secure modules without metal components or threaded fasteners, allowing for easy installation and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional racking systems are used to mount solar modules, then the modules are securely fixed, but the installation becomes complex, costly, and environmentally invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a base unit with curved bottom for positioning, and modular clips for securing modules. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional top-down mounting approaches with complex metal structures, the invention inverts the approach by using a curved bottom base that engages with the ground surface from below, combined with simple clips that attach modules to the base. This inverted methodology eliminates the need for extensive metal racking systems.
2Reliability
If conventional racking systems are used, then solar modules are securely mounted, but permanent modifications to the environment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential mounting function from complex metal racking systems and concentrates it into a simple curved bottom base that works with natural ground surfaces. This extraction eliminates the need for permanent environmental modifications while maintaining secure mounting capability.
3Strength
If traditional metal components and threaded fasteners are used, then solar modules are firmly attached, but installation requires specialized labor and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical fastening systems (threaded fasteners, metal brackets) with a simplified clip-based mechanism that utilizes the curved bottom base geometry for positioning and simple clipping actions for attachment. This substitution maintains attachment strength while dramatically improving ease of installation without specialized tools or labor.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional racking systems are deployed, then solar modules are stable, but the systems are difficult to remove and reconfigure
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from static permanent installations to dynamic, easily reconfigurable structures. The curved bottom base provides stable positioning while the clip mechanisms allow for quick attachment and detachment, enabling the system to adapt to different configurations or locations as needed.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An apparatus for mounting and supporting one or more solar modules are provided. The apparatus can include a front wall and a rear wall. The apparatus can further include a curved surface that joins the front wall and the rear wall to form a base of the apparatus. The base of the apparatus can have a curved bottom. Furthermore, the base of the apparatus can be configured to mount and support the one or more solar modules. Related methods are also provided.