Ground mounted solar module integration system
View Patent ↗Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to systems, devices for use with systems, and method of mounting and retaining solar panels. In some embodiments, an apparatus for mounting one or more solar panel modules above a supporting surface is disclosed, the apparatus including: three foundational members embedded in the supporting surface; a support frame configured to receive the solar panel modules; a support strut assembly configured to attach the support frame to the three foundational members to support the solar panel modules; where the support strut assembly includes a plurality of strut members, and includes one or more adjustment mechanisms that may be used to adjust a length or a joining angle of at least one of the strut members.
1. An apparatus for mounting a plurality of solar panel modules above a supporting surface, the apparatus comprising:
a plurality of foundational members embedded in a supporting surface and arranged in a triangular configuration having a first rear foundational member, a second rear foundational member, and a front foundational member;
a support frame configured to receive the plurality of solar panel modules;
a support strut assembly configured to attach the support frame to the plurality of foundational members to support the plurality of solar panel modules, the support strut assembly comprising a plurality of strut members, each strut member of the plurality of strut members having an adjustable length; and
a first kinematic mount fixed to a first one of the plurality of foundational members and configured to receive the plurality of strut members, the first kinetic mount comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a joining angle of at least one of the received strut members, wherein the support strut assembly comprises:
a front support structure comprising two struts joined at their base on the front foundational member;
a first side support structure comprising the first rear foundational member, the first kinematic mount, and two struts joined at their base on the first kinematic mount; and
a second side support structure comprising two struts joined at their base on the second rear foundational member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of strut members comprises at least three strut members.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support strut assembly is configured such that, when attached, the plurality of strut members receive substantially only tension and compression forces.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support strut assembly further comprises a cross brace.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the first side support structure further comprises the cross brace and the cross brace is joined at its base to the first kinematic mount.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a second support strut assembly configured to support a second plurality of solar panel modules above the supporting surface, wherein the first side support structure further comprises a first strut of the second support strut assembly and the first strut of the second support strut assembly is joined at the first strut's base to the first kinematic mount.