Solar Module with a Frame for Mounting a Solar Panel
First Claim
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1. A frame for mounting a solar panel, the frame comprising:
- at least one angle member, the at least one angle member having a length and a generally L-shaped cross section transverse to the length, the at least one angle member comprising a span element connecting generally perpendicular to a riser element, the riser element having a generally straight section extending from the span element and an arcuate section extending from the generally straight section; and
a flange in combination with the at least one angle member for receiving at least a portion of the solar panel.
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Abstract
This invention relates to a frame for mounting a solar panel, where an angle frame member has a generally L-shaped cross section. The highly contoured frame member includes a riser element and a span element, where the riser element includes a straight section below an arcuate section bending towards the inside of the angle frame member. This invention also relates to solar modules, arrays of solar modules and methods of mounting solar modules, all having a highly contoured frame member.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A frame for mounting a solar panel, the frame comprising:
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at least one angle member, the at least one angle member having a length and a generally L-shaped cross section transverse to the length, the at least one angle member comprising a span element connecting generally perpendicular to a riser element, the riser element having a generally straight section extending from the span element and an arcuate section extending from the generally straight section; and a flange in combination with the at least one angle member for receiving at least a portion of the solar panel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A solar module for anchoring to a structure, the solar module comprising:
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a solar panel including at least one solar cell disposed between a transparent sheet and a backing sheet; a frame for mounting the solar panel including at least one angle member, the at least one angle member having a length and a generally L-shaped cross section transverse to the length, the at least one angle member comprising a span element connecting generally perpendicular to a riser element, the riser element having a generally straight section extending from the span element and an arcuate section extending from the generally straight section; and a flange in combination with the at least one angle member for receiving at least a portion of the solar panel. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An extruded member for mounting a solar panel to a structure, the extruded member comprising:
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a first linear portion having a length, a first end and a second end, the first linear portion extending generally horizontally; a first arc portion having a length, a first end and a second end, the first end of the first arc portion extending from the second end of the first linear portion and curving upwards from the first linear portion until the second end of the first arc portion aligns generally perpendicular and above with respect to the first linear portion, the first arc portion having a length about one tenth to about one half the length of the first linear portion; a second linear portion having a length, a first end and a second end, the first end of the second linear portion extending generally vertically and above from the second end of the first arc portion and having a length about one tenth to about equal to the length of the first linear portion; a second arc portion having a radius, an angle, a length, a first end and a second end, the first end of the second arc portion extending from the second end of the second linear portion and curving inwards toward the first end of the first linear portion with a radius about one tenth to about twice the length of the first linear portion and an angle of at least about 120 degrees until the second end of the second arc portion generally vertically aligns with the first end of the second arc portion, the second arc portion having a length about one quarter to about twice the length of the first linear portion; a third linear portion having a length, a first end and a second end, the first end of the third linear portion extending generally horizontally from the second end of the second arc portion and towards the first end of the first linear portion, the third linear portion having a length about one tenth to about three quarters the length of the first linear portion; a fourth linear portion having a length, a first end and a second end, the first end of the fourth linear portion extending generally vertically from and above the second end of the second arc portion and having a length about one tenth to about one half the length of the first linear portion; and a fifth linear portion having a length, a first end and a second end, the first end of the fifth linear portion extending from the second end of the fourth linear portion toward the first end of the first linear portion and generally parallel with respect to the third linear portion, the fifth linear portion having a length about one tenth to about three quarters the length of the first linear portion. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification