Expandable solar array
The embodiments herein provide a slide out solar array having a frame adapted to be fastened to the roof of a vehicle, a first solar panel attached to the frame, a linear rolling support attached to the frame, a second solar panel attached to the linear rolling support, and a vertical drive arm connected to the second solar panel. Embodiments include a wire routing compartment positioned between the frame and the first solar panel as well as raceways and rolling supports positioned within the linear rolling support. The vertical drive arm can be actuated manually by a user or can be actuated when a slide out for a recreational vehicle is extended/retracted.
1 . A slide out solar array comprising:
a frame adapted to be fastened to the roof of a recreational vehicle;
a first solar panel attached to the frame such that it remains fixed in place relative to the frame;
a pair of linear guides attached to the frame;
a second solar panel attached to the pair of linear guides so that the second solar panel can slide horizontally underneath the first solar panel; and
a vertical drive arm having two ends where a first end is connected to the second solar panel and the second end is adapted to connect to a slide out that extends from the recreational vehicle,
wherein the first solar panel and the second solar panel are longer than the slide out.
2 . The slide out solar array of claim 1 wherein:
the frame is further adapted to be placed above a slide out that extends from the recreational vehicle.
3 . The slide out solar array of claim 1 wherein:
the first solar panel and the second solar panel extend beyond the slide out.
4 . The slide out solar array of claim 1 further comprising:
a wire routing compartment between the frame and the first solar panel adapted to receive solar panel wires.
5 . The slide out solar array of claim 1 wherein:
each linear guide includes:
an outer linear guide attached to the frame;
an inner linear guide attached to the second solar panel;
a central linear guide positioned between the outer linear guide and inner linear guide and sliding in between the outer linear guide and inner linear guide.
6 . The slide out solar array of claim 1 further comprising:
a second linear guide attached to the frame; and
a third solar panel attached to the second linear guide via a rolling support.
7 . The slide out solar array of claim 1 wherein:
the first solar panel remains stationary while the second solar panel is permitted to slide horizontally.
8 . The slide out solar array of claim 1 wherein:
horizontal movement of the slide out causes the vertical drive arm to move the second solar panel horizontally while the first solar panel remains fixed.
9 . The slide out solar array of claim 1 wherein:
movement of the slide out causes the second solar panel to slide horizontally.
10 . The slide out solar array of claim 6 wherein:
the first solar panel, second solar panel, and third solar panel are all parallel.
11 . The slide out solar array of claim 5 further comprising:
rolling supports positioned only within the linear guides.
12 . The slide out solar array of claim 5 further comprising:
rolling supports positioned only between the second solar panel and the frame.
13 . The slide out solar array of claim 1 wherein:
the vertical drive arm extends upwardly to keep the second solar panel in a horizontal position as it slides.
14 . The slide out solar array of claim 1 wherein:
a surface area of the first solar panel and second solar panel is larger than a surface area of the slide out.
15 . A slide out solar array comprising:
a frame adapted to be fastened to the roof of a recreational vehicle;
a first solar panel attached to the frame such that it remains fixed in place relative to the frame;
a pair of linear guides attached to the frame;
a second solar panel attached to the pair of linear guides so that the second solar panel can slide horizontally underneath the first solar panel and immediately adjacent to the roof of the recreational vehicle; and
a vertical drive arm extending above the roof of the recreational vehicle and having two ends where a first end is connected to the second solar panel and the second end is adapted to connect to a slide out that extends from the recreational vehicle;
wherein the first solar panel and the second solar panel each extend beyond the slide out.
16 . The slide out solar array of claim 1 wherein:
the vertical drive arm has a removable connection with the second solar panel such that the vertical drive arm is configured to be removed and stored in the recreational vehicle.
17 . The slide out solar array of claim 1 wherein:
the vertical drive arm is configured so that a user can slide the second solar panel manually.