Solar Panel Pivoting Side Supports for Faster Roof Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of solar power systems on roofs is costly and labor-intensive due to the need for complex framing and mounting systems, which increases the overall cost and time required for setup, especially on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic module design featuring repositionable side supports that can be folded for compact shipping and easy mounting, allowing for efficient stacking and reduced labor costs, with features like pivoting supports, electrical grounding, and adjustable height for uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex framing and mounting systems are used to ensure structural integrity, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: rails that can be independently positioned and secured, and solar panels that can be separately mounted. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation by enabling step-by-step assembly without requiring complex pre-assembled framing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable and repositionable elements that allow for dynamic adaptation to different roof configurations. The rails can be positioned at various locations and angles, and the entire system can be adjusted after installation to accommodate settlement or thermal expansion, reducing the need for overly rigid complex framing.
2Strength
If complex framing and mounting systems are used to ensure structural integrity, then strength is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rails and mounting components are pre-fabricated with precise dimensions and pre-drilled holes for fastening. This preliminary preparation allows installers to quickly assemble the system on-site without requiring complex measurements or custom fabrication during installation, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates self-aligning features and tool-less adjustment mechanisms that allow installers to quickly position and secure components without requiring specialized equipment or complex procedures. The system is designed to be intuitive and self-explanatory, reducing installation time while ensuring proper structural assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard mounting systems are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to uneven surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable support elements at specific locations along the rails that can be independently positioned to accommodate local variations in roof surface height and orientation. This allows the system to adapt to uneven surfaces without requiring custom fabrication of entire rail sections, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system uses adjustable and repositionable support brackets that can be modified after installation to accommodate uneven roof surfaces. These dynamic elements allow the rails to be positioned at optimal angles and heights regardless of surface irregularities, providing adaptability without requiring complex custom fabrication for each installation scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
A folded down support (12) allows for stronger solar panels (10) and the support replaces most of the solar racking required for solar installation which further reduces the cost of the photovoltaic solar system. The solar panels (10) can be arranged so that solar panels form a solar collector solar panel array. The solar panel (10) can be set on a surface by itself or with ballast (43). It can also be attached to the surface by fastening the solar panel to the side supports. If the solar panel frame and supports are electrically conductive, the design allows for self electrical grounding between these conductive parts when the side supports are pivoted to the down position. The folded up support allows for high density storage and shipping.