The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 02, 2016
Filed:
Feb. 25, 2011
James F. Wolter, Spring Lake, MI (US);
James F. Wolter, Spring Lake, MI (US);
Other;
Abstract
A solar panel system comprises a monocoque forming an enlarged solar-facing generally-convex outer support surface when in an installed position and that supports solar cells at optimal angles for capturing solar energy. The monocoque provides a stressed-skin support reducing weight while maintaining strength, optimal support surface, and minimizing cost. A post engages and supports adjacent edges of a pair of adjacent monocoques. An electrical circuit connects the solar cells for electrical flow and power management, and preferably includes a controller for controlling power from the solar cells, including combining them in series or parallel as optimal for a given systems configuration. The illustrated monocoque includes a roll formed sheet or a number of sheets, stacked vertically together and anchored to spaced posts using connectors in a 'fence-like' pattern.