Panel and panel mount system

Solar panels are widely used to collect and convert solar energy into electricity or heat. Generally, solar photovoltaic panels utilize the sun\'s energy, which excites the atoms in a silicon layer between two protector panels. Electrons from these excited atoms form an electric current.

Such panels are often mounted on buildings or other structures raised from the ground. However, because they are raised off the ground (often at an angle relative to the ground), solar arrays can act as a sail. In a stiff wind, the arrays can cause an uplifting force, which can damage the underlying building or structure.

What is needed in the art are mechanisms for reducing or eliminating damage to structures underlying panels or arrays.

The above-described and other problems and disadvantages of the prior art are overcome and alleviated by the present panel mount and system for mounting a panel, which mount incorporates a hinge on a portion thereof to allow the panel mount to move in response to wind forces.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge is located near an upper edge of the solar panel and a corresponding portion of a mount base. Wind sufficient to move the mass of the panel and to overcome any friction in the hinge (described herein as a “threshold wind”) causes a lower edge to raise.

In other exemplary embodiments, shock-absorbing materials or mechanical dashpots are utilized to prevent damage to the solar panel when the wind subsides. For example, the lower mounting position may incorporate a shock absorbing material such as an elastomeric strip to absorb shock forces as the solar panel returns to a resting position.

Other exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail below.

As is discussed above, the present invention relates to a hinged panel mount and system for mounting a panel, wherein the hinge provides the panel with the ability to move responsive to a threshold level of wind force. While the following is described generally with regard to a photovoltaic solar panel mount, the claimed mount may be useable with any type of panel, including for example hot water circulation panels (with the addition of a flexible water conduit connection between the mount and the panel). The following is also equally applicable to single panel mountings or panel array mountings.

Referring now to PRIOR ART FIG. 1, an exemplary standard solar panel mount is illustrated generally at 10. The solar panel 12 is supported by an exemplary base, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises two bracket assemblies, shown generally at 14 and 16. The bracket assemblies include a lower bracket piece 18, which mounts to a flat building or structure surface, a solar panel support piece 20, which attaches to the solar panel 12, and a riser piece 22, which is adjusted and fixed to provide the desired angle for the solar panel.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary hinged solar panel mount is illustrated in elevation view. An exemplary bracket assembly 24 may be seen to include a lower bracket piece 18 (configured to engage a building or structure 11), a solar panel support piece 20, and a riser piece 22. The solar panel support piece additionally includes a hinge mount 26, configured to receive a hinge eye 28 of the solar panel 12. While the hinge eye is illustrated as being attached to the solar panel, the hinge eye may alternately be attached to the solar panel support piece 20. Alternately, a hinge portion may depend from an intermediate piece, such as a solar panel frame configured to receive and secure standard non-hinged solar panels. Also, while the hinge is illustrated near an upper edge of the solar panel, the hinge may alternately be provided anywhere on the panel, including lower or side edges or more central regions on the back of the panel, as long as the panel is configured to swing about the hinge in response to directional wind forces.