Suspended Solar Module Mounting for Uneven Terrain Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar module installation methods are costly and time-consuming, especially for large ground-mounted installations, and often require extensive preparation and support structures, limiting their placement to smooth terrain.
Innovation Solution
A solar module installation system using suspended support cables between anchor structures, allowing solar modules to be slidably attached and repositioned along the cables, reducing the need for ground preparation and complex support systems, and enabling installation on uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional ground-mounted support structures are used, then solar modules can be installed on smooth terrain, but extensive land preparation and complex support systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the solar modules from direct ground contact by suspending them on cables between towers. This removes the need for complex ground preparation and distributed support structures, replacing them with a simplified aerial support system that reduces both land preparation requirements and support system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from ground-level installation to aerial suspension, moving the solar modules from the horizontal ground plane to a three-dimensional space between towers. This dimensional change eliminates the need for extensive land preparation and simplifies the support system by using tensioned cables instead of numerous ground-mounted structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ground-mounted support structures are used, then solar modules can be installed, but extensive land preparation and grading are required
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting solar modules from ground contact and suspending them aerially, the system bypasses the need for land preparation entirely. The modules are installed in the air above the terrain, making the installation process independent of ground conditions and eliminating time-consuming grading and clearing operations
Solution Approach 2:
Moving the installation to an aerial dimension allows the system to span across various terrain types without requiring ground preparation. The cables and towers create a suspended platform that adapts to underlying terrain variations, enabling rapid deployment on rocky, uneven, or sensitive lands
3Ease of operation
If solar modules are fixed in position, then installation is straightforward, but repositioning requires multiple equipment and personnel locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic repositioning capability by allowing solar modules to move along the suspended cables. Modules can be repositioned by sliding or rolling along the cable length, enabling easy adjustment of module positions without requiring complex reinstallation procedures or multiple equipment locations
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel installation includes at least one support cable and at least two support structures configured to hold the at least one support cable in suspension therebetween. The solar panel installation includes at least one solar module having a frame and at least one cable retaining structure secured to the frame. The at least one support cable is configured to support the solar module aloft when the at least one support cable is being held in suspension between the first and the second anchor. The solar module is configured to be slid along the at least one support cable between the support structures when the solar module is being held aloft by the at least one support cable.