Solar Panel Mounting Assembly With Integrated Grounding and Ballast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel mounting systems are complex to manufacture and install, and they fail to provide adequate adjustable grounding and ballasting solutions, often requiring additional grounding wires and not being compatible with uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel mounting apparatus with adjustable angle support, integrated ballast holders, and a grounding path that uses pivoting mounting members with raised portions to secure panels and provide electrical bonding, reducing the need for grounding wires and allowing for adjustable ballast weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional grounding wires are used to connect solar panels to grounding devices, then grounding is achieved, but the system becomes more complex and time-consuming to install as the number of panels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting module combines mechanical support and electrical grounding functions into a single integrated component. The mounting member with raised portions attaches to the solar panel frame while simultaneously providing a grounding path through conductive material, eliminating the need for separate grounding wires and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting module serves multiple functions: it mechanically supports the solar panel at the desired angle, provides electrical grounding through its conductive structure, and enables ballasting for stability. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the solar panel array.
2Ease of manufacture
If solar panels are mounted at a fixed angle, then installation is simplified, but the panels cannot be adjusted for uneven support surfaces or optimized for different sunlight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting member incorporates a pivot joint that allows the solar panel to be adjusted to different angles relative to the support surface. This dynamic adjustment capability enables installation on uneven surfaces and optimization for various sunlight conditions while maintaining a relatively simple mounting structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed weight ballast is used to stabilize solar panels, then installation is simpler, but the ballast weight cannot be adjusted for different wind conditions or support surface characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The ballasting mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of ballast weight by enabling the addition or removal of ballast blocks from the ballast holder. This adjustability permits optimization of stability for different wind conditions and support surface characteristics while maintaining a simple base structure.
4Device complexity
If the mounting apparatus provides integrated grounding, then grounding wires are reduced, but the manufacturing and installation process must accommodate the integrated design
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting module combines mechanical support and electrical grounding functions into a single integrated component. The mounting member with raised portions attaches to the solar panel frame while simultaneously providing a grounding path through conductive material, eliminating the need for separate grounding wires and reducing installation complexity.
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 apparatus simplifies installation and manufacturing, allows for adjustable panel angles on uneven surfaces, and provides effective grounding without additional wires, enhancing stability and reducing the need for ballast blocks through wind deflector distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting member may have one or more raised portions for penetrating the surface of the solar panel
Implementation Method 2
The mounting member may be made of a conductive material, or may have conductive material attached to it
Implementation Method 3
holding ballast of various masses to stabilize the solar panels
Implementation Method 4
adjust the mass of ballast according to the wind lift or any environmental factors that affect the stability
Data Source
AI summary
In various representative aspects, an assembly for supporting and penetrating metallic solar panel frames to provide a grounding path between the panels, holding ballast of various masses to stabilize the solar panels, and allowing the solar panels to tilt to an adjustable angle is disclosed herein. The assembly has a support member with a pair of vertical components, a ballast holder and a mounting member with at least a raised portion to penetrate a surface of a solar panel and form a grounding path between the assembly and the solar panel. The mass of ballast is adjustable by placing various number of ballast blocks in the ballast holder to stabilize the attached solar panel. The mounting member is pivotally coupled to at least one of the vertical components of the support member so that the angle between the solar panel and the assembly may be adjusted.