Solar module mounting and support system

An apparatus for mounting and supporting one or more solar modules are provided. The apparatus can include a front wall and a rear wall. The apparatus can further include a curved surface that joins the front wall and the rear wall to form a base of the apparatus. The base of the apparatus can have a curved bottom. Furthermore, the base of the apparatus can be configured to mount and support the one or more solar modules. Related methods are also provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to renewable energy, and more specifically to a system for mounting, supporting, and securing solar modules.

BACKGROUND

Alternative energy sources have become important to the economic and environmental well-being of society. Solar energy, in particular, provides a sustainable, renewable, and natural source of electrical power. Improvements in solar module and inverter technology continue to increase the efficiency of solar energy collection and its conversion to alternating current electrical energy.

SUMMARY

Methods, and articles of manufacture, including apparatuses, are provided for mounting, supporting, and securing one or more solar modules. In some example embodiments, there is provided an apparatus for mounting, supporting, and securing a solar module. The apparatus can include: a front wall; a rear wall disposed across from the front wall; and a curved surface joining the front wall and the rear wall to form a base of the apparatus. The base of the apparatus can have a curved bottom. The apparatus can be configured to mount and support the one or more solar modules.

In some variations, one or more features disclosed herein including the following features can optionally be included in any feasible combination. The radius of the curvature of the curved bottom can change along an axis that is parallel to the front wall and/or the rear wall. The radius of the curvature of the curved bottom changes along an axis that is perpendicular to the front wall and/or the rear wall.

In some variations, the base can be hollow. The base can be configured to accommodate, within a cavity of the base, one or more types of ballast. The cavity of the base can be divided into a plurality of compartments. One or more of the plurality compartments can be configured to accommodate the one or more types of ballast. The base can further include one or more protrusions and/or recesses along the front wall, the rear wall, and/or the curved surface joining the front wall and the rear wall. The one or more protrusions and/or recesses can be configured to receive at least one divider for dividing the cavity of the base into the plurality of compartments.

In some variations, the base can include a support rim along a top perimeter of the base. The support rim can include an upper support rim and a lower support rim. The upper support rim and the lower support rim can be separated by a groove. The one or more solar modules can be attached to the base via the groove. The lower support rim further includes one or more holes. The one or more holes can be positioned on a portion of the lower support rim along the rear wall of the base. The one or more holes can be configured to receive one or more pins and/or lugs. The one or more pins and/or lugs can be inserted into the one or more holes to secure the one or more solar modules to the base.

In some variations, the support rim can include a rear flange along the rear wall of the base and a front flange near the front wall of the base. The rear flange can be configured to engage with a top clip. The front flange can be configured to engage with a bottom clip. The one or more solar modules can be attached to the base via the top clip and the bottom clip. The top clip can include a first channel and the second clip can include a second channel. The first channel and the second channel can be configured to receive a frame of the one or more solar modules. The first channel and/or the second channel can include a cushion element.

In some variations, the support rim can include one or more recesses and/or protrusions configured to enable a dispersion of heat and/or moisture. The support rim and the base can be molded as a single piece. The support rim can be separate and detachable from the base. The front wall of the base can be lower than the rear wall of the base to form a slope across a top of the base. The one or more solar modules can be angled along the slope across the top of the base.

In some example embodiments, there is provided a method for installing one or more solar modules. The method may include attaching a first solar module to a first mounting and support system. The method may further include attaching a second solar module to the first mounting and support system. The first mounting and support system can mount and support both the first solar module and the second solar module.

In some variations, the method may include attaching the first solar module to a second mounting and support system. The first solar module can be mounted on and supported by both the first mounting and support system and the second mounting and support system.

Implementations of the current subject matter can include, but are not limited to, apparatuses consistent with the descriptions provided herein. The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. While certain features of the currently disclosed subject matter are described for illustrative purposes, it should be readily understood that such features are not intended to be limiting. The claims that follow this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Solar modules, such as photovoltaic cell (PVC) panels, are typically ground-mounted on a racking system having numerous components including, for example, metal pieces, specialized fixtures, threaded fasteners, and/or the like. These features of conventional racking systems make installation of solar modules time consuming and tedious as well as difficult to remove and upgrade. Currently the vast majority of conventional ground mount racking systems are permanent structures that require extensive and environmentally invasive installation efforts including ground penetration. Thus, despite improvements to solar module and inverter technology, widespread proliferation of solar energy, especially in developing regions, is hindered by the prohibitive cost and complexity associated with installing solar modules. Be it an industrial scale solar farm or a small scale installation, the design, development, permitting, construction, commission, financing, operation, and maintenance of a conventionally installed solar system often entail significant efforts by a panoply of specialists including engineers, lawyers, financiers, and consultants. As such, in some implementations of the current subject matter, solar modules can be installed using a ballasted support and mounting system instead of a conventional racking system.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, the ballasted support and mounting system can include at least one free-standing container configured to mount and support one or more solar modules such as photovoltaic cell (PVC) panels or modules. The free-standing container can include an open-top, hollow base, which can be filled with any type of ballast including, for example, concrete, cinder blocks, aggregates, sand, loose soil, and/or the like. The mass of the ballast can serve to anchor the free-standing container on an installation surface without any permanent and/or invasive modifications such as, for example, ground penetration. Furthermore, the front wall and the back wall of the base can be of different heights to form a slope along the opening of the free-standing container. This slope can position the solar modules attached to the free-standing container at an angle that maximizes exposure to solar radiation.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, the ballasted support and mounting system can be configured to mount and support solar modules without any metal components and/or threaded fasteners. For example, solar modules can be secured to the free-standing container using attachment clips instead of threaded fasteners. Such clips can be either separate components or fabricated integral to the support mounting system. Furthermore, the bottom and sides of the support base can form one continuous curved surface. This curvature can allow the free-standing container to be adjusted during installation as well as to accommodate rough and/or uneven installation surfaces. Variations in the radii of the curvature can allow the free-standing container to self-stabilize by preventing the free-standing container from rolling over onto any one side yet is easy to manipulate into the correct orientation by installers. It should be appreciated that installing solar modules using the ballasted support and mounting system does not require any specialized labor, tools, or significant environmental modifications such as ground penetration. Moreover, the resulting solar system can be deployed, removed, re-deployed, recycled, and/or upgraded with ease and flexibility.

FIG. 1Adepicts a perspective view of a ballasted support and mounting system100consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. Referring toFIG. 1A, the ballasted support and mounting system100can include a base115, which can be open-topped and hollow. The base115can include a rear wall129and a front wall159. In some implementations of the current subject matter, the front wall159can be shorter than the rear wall129, thereby forming a slope along the top of the base115. The angle of this slope can be configured to position the solar modules attached to the ballasted support and mounting system100in an angle that maximizes exposure to solar radiation. It should be appreciated that one or more solar modules can be attached to the ballasted support and mounting system in any orientation including, for example, horizontally and/or vertically.

According to some implementations of the current subject matter, the rear wall129and the front wall159can be joined by a curved surface that is wrapped under the rear wall129and the front wall159to form the bottom surface139of the base115. The curvature of the bottom surface139can allow the ballasted support and mounting system100to be adjusted during installation. Moreover, the curvature of the bottom surface139can allow the ballasted support and mounting system100to accommodate a wide range of installation surfaces including, for example, rough and/or uneven terrains. As shown inFIG. 1A, the rear wall129, the front wall159, and bottom surface139can be integrated form a cavity150. The cavity150can be filled with any type of ballast including, for example, loose dirt, sand, aggregate, cement, blocks, bricks and/or the like. The mass of the ballast can keep the ballasted support and mounting system100steady, stable, and in place.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, the ballasted support and mounting system100can include a bottom sole117. As shown inFIG. 1A, the bottom sole117can be curved. Furthermore, the bottom sole117can include features, such as one or more recesses123and/or projections133, configured to lend additional flexing strength, ground friction, drainage, and stability to the base115. The dimensions of the recesses123and/or the projection133can vary depending on the installation site for the ballasted support and mounting system100. Alternatively and/or additionally, the base115can include one or more drainage mechanisms such as, for example, holes, tubes, channels, and/or the like, configured to prevent the accumulation of moisture (e.g., from rain, condensation, and/or the like).

Referring again toFIG. 1A, the top of the base115can be bound by an upper support rim121and a lower support rim122. The upper support rim121and the lower support rim122can be separated by a narrow gap that forms an upper groove123and a lower groove124on the base115. The length of the upper grove123and/or the lower groove124can extend at least partially or fully across the rear wall129and/or the front wall159. One side of the lower support rim122, for example the side along the rear wall129, can include one or more holes130. The holes130can be configured to accept one or more stop lugs or pins105to ensure the solar modules are held securely in place.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, the support rim121can include a flat surface to support the solar module. To allow for heat dispersion, the support rim121can include one or more recesses and/or protrusions along its perimeter to at least partially expose the underside of the one or more solar modules attached to the ballasted support and mounting system100. Alternatively and/or additionally, to provide further support for the solar modules attached to the ballasted support and mounting system100the base115can include a base top cover (not shown) that extends from the rear wall129to the front wall159in a longitudinal direction and/or from a left wall to a right wall in a latitudinal direction.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, the recesses123and the projections133can further create channels configured to accommodate at least one divider125, which is shown in a non-inserted position. Inserting the divider125creates multiple compartments within the cavity150. It should be appreciated that the base115can be configured to accommodate any number of dividers to form any number of compartments within the cavity150. One or more of these compartments can be filled with varying amounts of ballast. For example, the ballast can be level-filled to different heights within the compartments in the base115. Here, the rear wall129, the bottom surface139, and/or the front wall159can include a visible marking (e.g., an indentation, a seam, and/or the like) indicating the required height of the ballast for each compartment. As shown inFIG. 1A, these visible markings can include an upper fill guide134and/or a lower fill guide132. The upper fill guide134and/or the lower fill guide132can enable an installer to quickly and accurately fill each compartment with different quantities of ballast.

FIG. 1Bdepicts a perspective view of the ballasted support and mounting system100consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. According to some implementations of the current subject matter, the curvature of bottom surface139can extend around all sides the base115. For example, as shown inFIG. 1B, the bottom sole117can curve around the front wall159and/or the rear wall129of the base115.

FIG. 1Cdepicts a perspective view of the ballasted support and mounting system100consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter.FIG. 1Ddepicts a front view of the ballasted support and mounting system100consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown inFIG. 1D, the curvature of the bottom surface139can have different radii. The radii of the curvature can change between the two ends of the base115, for example, along an axis that is perpendicular to the rear wall129and the front wall159. To further illustrate, the curvature of the bottom surface139can include a first radius R1at and/or near the rear wall129and a second radius R2at and/or near the front wall159. The first radius R1near the rear wall129may be greater than or less than the second radius R2near the front wall159. In this configuration, the depth of the base115can taper from the rear wall129to the front wall159. It should be appreciated that radius of the bottom surface139can prevent the ballasted support and mounting system100from rolling onto any one side, thereby allowing the ballasted support and mounting system100to self-stabilize and remain upright even in the absence of any ballast in the cavity150.

FIG. 1Ddepicts a front view of the ballasted support and mounting system100consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter.FIG. 1Edepicts a rear view of the ballasted support and mounting system100consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. In some implementations of the current subject matter, the radii of the curvature of the bottom surface139can also change between the two sides of the base115, for example, along an axis that is parallel to both the rear wall129and the front wall159. For instance, as shown inFIG. 1E, the curvature of the bottom surface139along the rear wall129can include the first radius R1and a third radius R3(not shown). As such, the curvature of the bottom surface139may have one radius (e.g., the first radius R1) along the sides of the rear wall129and a different radius (e.g., the third radius R3) along the bottom of the rear wall129. The third radius R3can be greater than or less than the first radius R1.

The rear wall129can have a different (e.g., greater) radius than the front wall159, thereby creating a curvature of bottom surface139that has different radii at different points between the rear wall129and the front wall159. This difference in radii (e.g., between the front wall159and the rear wall129) provides flexibility when aligning a solar module and the base115during initial assembly. Furthermore, the different in radii provides stability during installation as well as operation. As shown inFIG. 1D, front wall159can include a different and varying dimension radius than rear wall129, and rear wall129can include a varying radius that can provide shaped sections812,814that form the sole117.

FIG. 1Fdepicts the self-stabilization feature of the ballasted support and mounting system100consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown inFIG. 1D, the first radius R1near the rear wall129can be greater than the second radius R2near the front wall159of the ballasted support and mounting system100. Alternatively, the second radius R2can be greater than the first radius R1. Referring toFIG. 1F, the ballasted support and mounting system100may be destabilized and tipped towards one side. Here, the gravitational force against the ballasted support and mounting system100can return the ballasted support and mounting system100to an upright position up until when a vector182between the center-of-gravity180of the filled container and the center of the second radius R2has rotated past vertical. The angle184indicates an angle of rotation within which the ballasted support and mounting system100is able to self-stabilize.

FIG. 1Gdepicts a bottom view of the ballasted support and mounting system100consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown inFIG. 1G, the shape of the sole117can vary due to the difference in radii between the front wall159and the rear wall129. This difference in radii of a curved section939can create a triangular section T of the sole that is flatter than adjacent areas117.

FIG. 2A-Bdepict a clip-based attachment system140consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. Referring toFIGS. 1A and 2A, the clip-based attachment system140can include a top clip105and a bottom clip110. The support rim121can include a rear lip flange242along a top border161of the support rim121and a front lip flange244along a bottom border171of the support rim121. The rear lip flange242can be configured to receive the top clip105while the front lip flange244can be configured to receive the bottom clip110. It should be appreciated that the top clip105and/or the bottom clip110can be molded to be an integral part of the base115. Alternatively and/or additionally, the top clip105and/or the bottom clip110can be separate and/or detachable components of the ballasted mounting and support system100. In either case, the top clip105and the bottom clip110can be configured to receive and secure one or more solar modules onto the base115.

FIG. 3Adepicts the mounting of a solar module402via the clip-based attachment system140consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. In some implementations of the current subject matter, the solar module402can include a metal frame that includes a panel top bracket406and a panel bottom bracket411. However, it should be appreciated that the clip-based attachment system140can also be configured to secure one or more frameless solar modules to the base115of the ballasted mounting and support system100.

As shown inFIG. 3A, the panel top bracket406can include an upper leg404that is affixed to a top surface of the solar module402and a lower leg408that extends beneath a bottom surface of the solar module402. Similarly, the panel bottom bracket411can include an upper leg409that is affixed to the top surface of the solar module402and a lower leg413that extends beneath the bottom surface of the solar module402. The solar module402can be attached to the base115of the ballasted support and mounting system110by sliding the lower leg408of the top bracket406into the top clip105. Meanwhile, the panel bottom bracket409can be slid into the bottom clip110.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, the solar module402can be attached to the base115by sliding the solar module402downward along the slope of the supporting rim121into top clip105and bottom clip110. As the solar module402slid into the top clip105and the bottom clip110, the upper leg404of the panel top bracket406is received by a top clip channel646while the panel bottom bracket411is received by a bottom clip cavity753, thereby clamping the solar module402onto base115.FIG. 3Bdepicts a side view of the solar module402installed via the clip-based attachment system140consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. It should be appreciated that the top clip105and the bottom clip110can be dimensioned and manufactured to be installed and secured to the base115without the use of any special installation tools and/or personnel. The use of the top clip105and the bottom clip110can further obviate the need for threaded fasteners in attaching the solar module402to the ballasted mounting and support system100.

FIG. 3C-Edepict the clip-based attachment system140consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown inFIG. 3C, the top clip105can include a top clip retaining wall652on the underside of the top clip105. The top clip retaining wall652can extend downward and form an underside vertical channel662with a top clip back wall654. Meanwhile, the top clip back wall654can extend upward from the underside vertical channel662. Furthermore, the top clip back wall654can be bent to form substantially the same angle as the angle that is formed where the rear wall129meets the top border161of the support rim121(e.g., 70 degrees), thereby forming a top clip cover surface648. In this fashion, the top clip cover surface648can rest along the top border161of then support rim121when the top clip105is installed. The top clip cover surface648can extend longitudinally and can be bent to fold back over as an outer wall666, thereby forming the top clip channel646. As noted, the top clip channel646can be configured receive the upper leg404of the panel top bracket406. Alternatively and/or additionally, the top clip channel646can include a cushion element formed from, for example, rubber, urethane, silicone, and/or the like, to absorb and/or distribute the clamping pressure exerted against the solar module402by the top clip105along the top clip cover surface648.

Referring toFIGS. 3D-E, the bottom clip110can include a bottom clip retaining wall752on the underside of the bottom clip110. The bottom clip retaining wall752can extend downward and form an underside vertical cavity772along with a bottom clip back wall754. The bottom clip back wall754can extend upward from the underside vertical cavity772. The bottom clip back wall754can be formed at substantially the same angle as the angle that is formed where the front wall159meets the bottom border171of the support rim121, thereby forming a bottom clip cover surface748. In this fashion, the bottom clip cover surface748can be substantially parallel to the bottom border171of the support rim121when bottom clip110is installed on the base115. The bottom clip cover surface748can extend longitudinally to form the bottom clip cavity753. As noted, the bottom clip cavity752can be configured to receive the panel bottom bracket411of the solar module402. Here, the underside vertical cavity772can provide a clamping force on the solar module402when the solar module402is slid into the bottom clip110. Moreover, the bottom clip cavity753can include a cushion element formed from for example, rubber, urethan, silicone, and/or the like, to absorb and/or distribute the clamping pressure exerted against the solar module402by the bottom clip110along the bottom clip cover surface748.

Referring again toFIG. 2A, the top clip105can be attached to the base115by sliding the top clip105laterally across the top border161of the support rim121. Alternatively and/or additionally, the bottom clip110can be attached to the base115by sliding the bottom clip110laterally across the bottom border171of the support rim121. In doing so, the underside vertical channel662of top clip105can engage with the rear lip flange242of the base115while the underside vertical cavity772of bottom clip110can engage with the front lip flange244of the base115. Here, the top clip retaining wall652can be dimensioned and manufactured to apply pressure against the rear lip flange242, thereby securing the top clip105onto the base115. Likewise, the bottom clip retaining wall752can be dimensioned and manufactured to apply pressure against the front lip flange244, thereby securing the bottom clip110onto the base115.

FIG. 3Fdepicts a side view of a frameless solar module1200installed via a clip-based attachment system1210consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. The clip-based attachment system1210, which can include the top clip1212and the bottom clip1214, can be configured to attach the frameless solar module1200to the base151of the ballasted mounting and support system100. As shown inFIG. 3F, the bottom border171of the support rim1221can include the front lip flange1244, which extends into the cavity of the base115. The bottom clip1214can be inserted vertically into front lip flange1244. Meanwhile, the frameless solar module1200can be placed on the support rim1221and slid down so that the solar module1200rests in a bottom clip cavity1253of the bottom clip1214. The top clip1210can subsequently be slid over the rear lip flange242of the top border161of the support rim121, thereby securing the frameless solar module1200to the base151.

FIG. 3Gdepicts a side view of a solar module1300installed via the clip-based attachment system140consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown inFIG. 3G, the dimensions of the top clip105and/or the bottom clip110can be modified in order to accommodate the solar module1300, whether the solar module1300is framed and/or frameless. Alternatively and/or additionally, the top clip105and/or the bottom clip110can be attached to different locations along the support rim121in order to accommodate the solar module1300in various orientations (e.g., horizontal and/or vertical).

FIG. 3Hdepicts a side view of the clip-based attachment system140consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. Here,FIG. 3Hshows some example dimensions for the top clip105, the bottom clip110, and the ballasted mounting and support system100.

FIG. 4Adepicts a groove-based attachment system160consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. Referring toFIGS. 1A and 4A, the groove-based attachment system160can be integrated into the base115of the ballasted support and mounting system100. For example, the groove-based attachment system160can be molded as part of the base115and/or attached as a separate component. As shown inFIG. 2A, the groove-based attachment system160can include an upper groove section161and a lower groove section162. A length of the grove-based attachment system150for example, the distance separating the upper groove section161and the lower groove section162, can be variable. For instance, this length may vary depending on the dimensions of the solar modules being mounted onto the ballasted support and mounting system100.

FIG. 4Bdepicts an installation of the solar panel402via the groove-based attachment system160consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown inFIG. 4B, a lower frame flange311of the solar module402can be placed on the lower support rim122along the front wall159of the base115. The solar module402can subsequently be pulled towards the rear wall159of the base115, as shown by the directional arrow H, thereby engaging the lower frame flange311into the lower groove124.

FIG. 4Cdepicts an installation of the solar panel402via the groove-based attachment system160consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown inFIG. 4C, the depth of the lower groove124can be configured to allow an upper frame flange410of the solar module402to extend over the upper groove section161. Subsequent to pulling the solar module402towards the rear wall159as shown inFIG. 4C, the upper frame flange410can then be lowered along the directional arrow L such that the upper frame flange410rests on the lower support rim122along the rear wall129of the base115.

FIG. 4Ddepicts an installation of the solar panel402via the groove-based attachment system160consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. By lowering the upper flange410of the solar module402along the directional arrow L as shown inFIG. 4C, the upper frame flange410of the solar module402can come to rest on the lower support rim122along the rear wall129of the base115. The solar module402can subsequently be slid toward the front wall159in the direction of the downward arrow D.

FIG. 4Edepicts a side view of the solar panel402installed via the groove-based attachment system160consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown inFIG. 4E, in some implementations of the current subject matter, the upper frame flange410can partially or fully engage the upper groove section161and/or the lower frame flange311can partially or fully engage the lower groove section162, when the solar module402is in place. Here, one or more stop lugs or pins105can be inserted into the holes130to ensure that the solar module402is properly inserted into the groove system160as well as to prevent the402from vibrating and/or shifting toward the rear wall129, for example, due to wind and/or ground movements.

FIG. 4Fdepicts a side view of the solar panel402installed via the groove-based attachment system160consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. In some implementations of the current subject matter, the solar module310is secured to the base115because a portion of the upper frame flange leg312(e.g., a length b) is held down by the upper grove section while a portion of the lower frame flange leg311(e.g., a length d) is held down by the lower groove section162. A length c of the interior gap allows a lower frame flange leg311to be pulled into the lower groove section162such that an upper frame flange leg312can clear the upper groove section161and be placed on the lower support rim122along the rear wall129of the base115. The difference between a length a and the length d can be determined based on an amount of clearance necessary for the upper frame flange leg312to clear the upper grove section161.

FIG. 5Adepicts a perspective view of a ballasted mounting and support system500having an alternate base configuration consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter.FIG. 5Bdepicts a side view of a ballasted mounting and support system500having an alternate base configuration consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. Referring toFIGS. 5A-B, the ballasted mounting and support system500can include a hollow, free-standing baes having a variegated bottom surface. That is, the bottom surface of the ballasted mounting and support system500can be configured with one or more protrusions and/or recesses instead of and/or in addition to the curved base shown inFIGS. 1A-1G. The grooves and/or recesses of the variegated base can provide added stability as well as heat and moisture dispersion. Furthermore, the grooves and/or recesses can form compartments within the cavity of the ballasted mounting and support system500.

FIG. 6Adepicts a rear view of a ballasted mounting and support system600having an alternate base configuration consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter.FIG. 6Bdepicts a perspective view of the ballasted mounting and support system600having an alternate base configuration consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. Referring toFIGS. 6A-B, the ballasted mounting and support system600can include a hollow, free-standing base having a flat bottom surface that lacks any curvature as well as any protrusions and/or recesses. The ballasted mounting and support system600with a flat bottomed base can be used for solar installations on flat and/or even surfaces.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, a solar installation can be constructed using any number of solar modules and ballasted mounting and support systems. For example,FIG. 7Adepicts a solar installation710consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown inFIG. 7A, a single solar module712can be installed using a single ballasted mounting and support system714. Alternatively and/or additionally, a single solar module712can be installed using multiple ballasted mounting and support systems. For example,FIG. 7Bdepicts a solar installation720consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. The solar installation720includes the solar module712, which is mounted on and supported by both a first ballasted mounting and support system722and a second ballasted mounting and support system724.FIG. 7Ddepicts a solar installation740consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. The solar installation740includes the single solar module712, which is mounted on and supported by a first ballasted mounting system742, a second ballasted mounting system744, and a third ballasted mounting system746.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a single ballasted mounting and support system can be configured to mount and support multiple solar modules. For example,FIG. 7Cdepicts a solar installation730consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown inFIG. 7C, the first ballasted mounting and support system742can be configured to mount and support a first solar module732, which is further mounted on and supported by a second ballasted mounting and support system744. The first ballasted mounting and support system742can further be configured to mount and support a second solar module734, which is also mounted on and supported by a third ballasted mounting and support system746.

The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and subcombinations of several further features disclosed above. In addition, the steps or logic flow described herein in a certain order does not require the particular order stated or shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. When examples are described, they are to include all types of examples encompassed by the phrases and/or terms used and are not limited to the particular examples mentioned. Other implementations may be within the scope of the following claims.