IP Library Granted Patent US 9,252,307
Granted Patent B2
US 9,252,307 · App. 14/470,151 · Granted Feb 2, 2016

Photovoltaic module support system

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,252,307
App. No.
14/470,151
Granted
Feb 2, 2016
Kind
B2
Abstract

A support system for a solar panel includes a triangular truss with connection points for mounting a photovoltaic module, and a cradle structure that supports the triangular truss and is connected to at least two side supports of the triangular truss. The cradle structure may be driven for rotation about an axis for tracking the sun and several cradle structures can be linked together for tracking movement using a buried linkage system. The truss may also be foldable for ease of transportation and storage.

Claims (8)

1. A support system for a solar panel comprising:

a triangular truss with connection areas for mounting at least one photovoltaic module thereon;

a two-sided cradle structure adapted to be non-rotatably supported on a foundation structure and supporting the triangular truss, said cradle structure connected to two side supports of the triangular truss, wherein the cradle structure is configured such that the side supports of the triangular truss meet at a point that is off-center relative the foundation structure, and the photovoltaic module is fixed at an angle relative to the ground level.

2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a photovoltaic module mounted to the triangular truss.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the lowest point of the photovoltaic module is 18 inches above a surface structure or ground.

4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the photovoltaic module is angled at a 25 degree angle relative a surface structure or ground.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the two side supports of the triangular truss meet at a right angle.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cradle structure is secured to the foundation structure by a member extending from one of the two sides of the cradle structure.

Assignments (4)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 30, 2024
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: NOVASOURCE POWER HOLDINGS, INC.
Reel/Frame 068733/0660 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENT RIGHTS Recorded Nov 15, 2021
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Reel/Frame 058132/0566 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 2, 2021
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Reel/Frame 055808/0194 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 12, 2017
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 043177/0581 →