초록

A strong, aesthetically pleasing solar power structure comprising a hollow-beam frame, a plurality of photovoltaic panels, a sub-assembly for holding the PV panels, and a plurality of columns is provided. Also provided is a kit for making such a structure.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A free-standing solar power structure, comprising: a plurality of PV panels;a frame for supporting the plurality of PV panels;a plurality of support columns coupled to and extending beneath the frame;a water-resistant sub-assembly mounted to the frame; andthe water-resistant sub-assembly is confi

1. A free-standing solar power structure, comprising: a plurality of PV panels;a frame for supporting the plurality of PV panels;a plurality of support columns coupled to and extending beneath the frame;a water-resistant sub-assembly mounted to the frame; andthe water-resistant sub-assembly is configured to secure the plurality of PV panels, expose for viewing from below the frame a portion of each PV panel bottom surface, and direct water away from the plurality of PV panels and the frame; wherein the water-resistant sub-assembly includes a flashing collar, formed flashing, a gutter; and the flashing collar, the formed flashing, and the gutter are configured to divert water away from the plurality of PV panels and the frame. 2. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 1, wherein the frame includes hollow beams each formed by joining a plurality of wood pieces. 3. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of support columns includes support columns that include: a metal support column;wood pieces; andthe metal support column is surrounded by the wood pieces forming a sheath around the metal support column. 4. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 3, wherein the frame includes hollow frame beams each formed by joining a plurality wood pieces. 5. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 1, wherein: the flashing collar and formed flashing form a pan around each PV panel; andthe pan is configured to divert water away from each PV panel to the gutter. 6. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 1, wherein the PV panels are elevated above the water-resistant sub-assembly by risers. 7. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 1, wherein the PV panels are elevated above the water-resistant sub-assembly by risers. 8. A free-standing solar power structure, comprising: a plurality of PV panels;a frame, configured to support the plurality of PV panels;the frame including hollow beams each formed by joined pieces of wood;a plurality of support columns attached to and extending beneath the frame; andeach support column including a load-bearing metal post and a hollow-beam column, the hollow-beam column constructed from wood and nested around the load-bearing metal post; wherein the water-resistant sub-assembly includes a flashing collar, formed flashing, a gutter; and the flashing collar, the formed flashing, and the gutter are configured to divert water away from the plurality of PV panels and the frame. 9. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 8, wherein the hollow-beam column or the hollow beams includes removable fascia. 10. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 8, wherein the frame is configured so that a portion of each PV panel bottom surface is viewable from below. 11. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 10, wherein: the plurality of PV panels are coupled to a water-resistant sub-assembly mounted to and above the frame; andthe water-resistant sub-assembly configured to so that substantial portions of each of the PV panel bottom surfaces are viewable from below. 12. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 11, wherein the water-resistant sub-assembly is configured to divert water away from the frame and PV panels. 13. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 12 further comprising: a plurality of electrical wiring and a plurality of electrical connectors routed through the hollow beams;an corner opening located at a corner joint of the frame for accessing a portion of the plurality of electrical wiring and the plurality of electrical connectors; anda protective cap configured to cover the corner opening and disposed to protect from water the portion of the plurality of electrical wiring and the plurality of electrical connectors. 14. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 8 further comprising: a plurality of electrical wiring and a plurality of electrical connectors routed through the hollow beams;a corner opening located at a corner joint of the frame for accessing a portion of the plurality of electrical wiring and the plurality of electrical connectors; anda protective cap configured to cover the corner opening and disposed to protect from water the portion of the plurality of electrical wiring and the plurality of electrical connectors. 15. A free-standing solar power structure, comprising: a plurality of translucent PV panels;a frame for supporting the plurality of translucent PV panels;a water resistant sub-assembly; andthe water resistant sub-assembly, the frame, and the plurality of translucent PV panels are configured so that water is diverted away from the frame and the plurality of translucent PV panels and a portion of light from above the plurality of translucent PV panels passes through the plurality of translucent PV panels to an area beneath the frame; wherein the water-resistant sub-assembly includes a flashing collar, formed flashing, a gutter; and the flashing collar, the formed flashing, and the gutter are configured to divert water away from the plurality of PV panels and the frame; a plurality of support columns attached to and extending beneath the frame. 16. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 15, wherein each support column is constructed of metal and surrounded by a hollow wooden shell. 17. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 16, wherein the frame includes hollow beams each formed by joining a plurality wood pieces. 18. A free-standing solar power structure of claim 15, wherein the frame includes hollow beams formed by joining a plurality wood pieces.