Patent ID: 7856769
Filing Date: 2010-12-28
Classification: F24S,H02S,Y02B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A rack assembly for mounting solar modules over an underlying body, the rack assembly comprising: a plurality of rail structures that are arrangeable over the underlying body to form an overall perimeter for the rack assembly; one or more retention structures provided with the plurality of rail structures, wherein the retention structures are configured to support one or more solar modules at a given height above the underlying body; and one or more channels underneath the solar modules that guide air flow; one or more strut runners that extend directly over the underlying body and support the plurality of rail structures; wherein at least some of the plurality of rail structures are adapted to enable individual rail structures in the plurality of rail structures to be sealed over the underlying body so as to guide air flow underneath the one or more solar modules; and wherein at least one of (i) one or more of the rail structures, or (ii) the one or more retention structures are adjustable so as to adapt the rack assembly to accommodate solar modules of varying forms or dimensions; and wherein the one or more channels are multi-directional, so as to each include one or more bends or turns that guide air flow in both vertical and horizontal directions under the solar modules.