초록 ▼

A structure for supporting an array of solar panels above a surface comprises finned poles, a horizontal spline, and a number of movable yokes coupling each of the solar panels to the spline, such that the solar panels may be secured to the spline, and later repositioned along the spline and re-secu

A structure for supporting an array of solar panels above a surface comprises finned poles, a horizontal spline, and a number of movable yokes coupling each of the solar panels to the spline, such that the solar panels may be secured to the spline, and later repositioned along the spline and re-secured to the spline. A pole includes one or more fins in a central portion, to stabilize the pole when set into the ground. The cross-section of the spline may take a variety of shapes, including quadrilateral shapes and conic sections. Constructing a solar array involves using commonplace, readily accessible materials, and construction equipment and methods with low-environmental-impact, all to produce an attractive, easy to construct environmentally friendly installation.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A yoke for mounting a solar panel to a spline in a solar panel mounting structure and supporting the solar panel above the ground, the yoke comprising: a base portion;a panel mounting frame coupled to the base portion, such that the base portion is between the panel mounting frame and the spline,

1. A yoke for mounting a solar panel to a spline in a solar panel mounting structure and supporting the solar panel above the ground, the yoke comprising: a base portion;a panel mounting frame coupled to the base portion, such that the base portion is between the panel mounting frame and the spline, the panel mounting frame further comprising a base bracket, and a panel bracket rotatably coupled to the base bracket such that the panel bracket is rotatable with respect to the panel bracket;at least one solar panel mounted to the panel mounting frame; andat least one arm portion coupled to the base portion and arranged to movably engage the spline, such that a single base portion and panel mounting frame support the at least one solar panel above the spline. 2. A yoke according to claim 1, wherein the base bracket is fixedly attached to the base portion. 3. A yoke according to claim 1, wherein the at least one arm portion comprises at least one securing arm, the base portion and the at least one securing arm together extending around the circumference of the spline. 4. A yoke according to claim 3, wherein the at least one securing arm comprises a U-shaped member secured to the base portion, an inner surface of the U-shaped member forming an aperture with a surface of the base portion. 5. A yoke according to claim 3, wherein the at least one securing arm and the base portion encircle the entire circumference of the spline. 6. A yoke according to claim 1, wherein the at least one arm portion comprises at least one pair of opposing securing arms, each of the securing arms having a base end coupled to the base portion, and a distal end, such the securing arms together encircle at least a portion of the spline. 7. A yoke according to claim 6 wherein the distal ends of the securing arms extend to encircle a portion of, but less than the entirety of, the spline. 8. A yoke according to claim 7 wherein the distal ends of the securing arms comprise a gap wider than a dimension of a pole supporting the spline, so as to allow the yoke to pass over a junction of the spline and a supporting pole.