System and method of assembling structural solar panels

摘要

A modular assembly of solar panels is held together in a rigid fashion through the use of two J-channels arranged on either side thereof in oppositely facing directions. Brackets hold these J-channels to flanges on the underside of the solar panels. In the argot of solar panel installation, the J-channels extend in the north-south direction. Between each solar panel there is disposed a liquid collecting pan extending in the east-west direction. This collecting pan also acts as a clip providing both a structural and electrical connection between adjacently disposed solar panels in a column assembly which is rendered capable of installation as a single unit from the ground.

主权项

1. A solar panel module comprising:
a plurality of solar panels arranged in a column, said solar panels having frames with inwardly directed, substantially horizontal frame edges on undersides of said panels; a pair of J-channel supports disposed in mirror image fashion on both sides of said column of solar panels, said J-channel supports extending beyond said solar panel frames with taller portions of said J-channel supports being disposed distally from said frames; and a plurality of brackets affixed to said horizontal frame edges and to interior facing portions of said J-channel supports, whereby said column of solar panels is supported on either side by J-channel supports so as to form a substantially rigid structure which is installable as a single unit.