Device for photovoltaic installation

The invention relates to a solar power installation which is characterized in that the supports of the solar modules are stacked one above the other when in the “off” state and are extended by means of a transfer and lifting mechanism when in operating mode. The installation is also equipped with a controller which allows the installation to put the system into the safe off state in adverse conditions. The system is also advantageously suitable for stored energy sources and fueling electric vehicles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT/CH2019/050001 filed Jan. 28, 2019, which claims priority to Swiss Patent Application No. 00095/18 filed Jan. 28, 2018, the entirety of each of which is incorporated by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for a photovoltaic installation which allows the use of the area under the photovoltaic modules and optionally includes additional functions for energy storage and fueling electric vehicles.

PRIOR ART

Nowadays there is a variety of different photovoltaic installations that allows the use of the space under the installation. There are photovoltaic (PV) carport solutions, and solutions have already been implemented in which solar modules are fixed or rotatably installed on guy ropes. All of these systems require a large amount of material because the surface of the solar modules is exposed to the elements and must therefore be designed for extremely severe weather conditions at the respective location. Thus, for example in Central Europe, wind forces in the range of 800-1500 N/m2 may occur, which upon implementation requires massive foundations and support systems.

A special type of solar power installation, see published patent application WO2013/044404 (A1), which has already been implemented and has advantages over the prior art, is a system with foldable PV modules which can be folded in unfavorable weather conditions (snowfall, strong wind). In this solution, the modules are foldably suspended between two ropes and are extended by means of a drive in good weather or retracted in bad weather. Foldable roofs that are retracted in adverse weather have long been known as sun protection and/or rain protection and have also been equipped with photovoltaic elements. Overall, even this type of installation needs quite a lot of support material and anchoring, in particular steel or aluminum, because the support structures must be built sufficiently strong in order to absorb tensioning forces. Published patent application WO2014/179893 (A1) shows another system with foldable PV modules.

The published patent applications cited show module supports that are connected to one another and cannot be separated, both in the extended and in the retracted state. By folding they can be brought from an extended state to a folded state. The mechanism for unfolding is relatively complex. Module cleaning can only be integrated with difficulty and a rainproof solution is complex. Another problem is that active parts (mechanism) are distributed across the entire installation. Overall, the complex structure results in a relatively high cost (for installation and maintenance).

Advantages of the Invention

The invention provides lighter and therefore cheaper support structures for photovoltaic modules for solar roof solutions. The invention also provides an installation with low maintenance cost and to thus integrate additional functionality and added value (storage, electric vehicle charging station).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a photovoltaic installation with multiple movable photovoltaic module supports, a structure11for mounting the photovoltaic module supports1in the protection state and a supporting structure2for the photovoltaic module supports1in the extended operating state, the photovoltaic installation being characterized in that:

a) the module supports1are equipped at least on the top with one or more photovoltaic modules49that contain solar cells7,are stacked one above the other on a structure11in the protection state,are spread out in planar fashion on supporting structure2in the extended operating state,

b) a transfer mechanism3is present,which is designed so as to be able to displace the individual module supports1from the protection state laterally away from the stack4to a supporting structure2, and vice versa,which is designed so as to be able—during displacement of the individual module supports1away from the stack4to a supporting structure2—to spread the module supports1out in planar fashion,

c) a lifting mechanism15is present,which is designed to lift or to lower the stack4from module supports (1),which is designed to bring a module support1to be transferred in the stack4, e.g., the top most, in a transfer plane necessary for the displacement, so that the respective module support1can be moved in the extended operating state by means of the transfer mechanism,

d) coupling means9,10,13,145,147for the module supports1are present, which are attached to the module supports1and configured thatby a lifting movement of the lifting mechanism15, a coupling is formed between the module support1already extended and the module support1to be transferred next on the stack4,the module supports1in the extended state are coupled mechanically to each other,the module supports can be coupled to each other mechanically via the coupling means in such a way that the module supports already extended are laterally displaced by displacing an individual module support by means of the transfer mechanism together with the individual module support,

e) a controller32for controlling the transfer mechanism and the lifting mechanism is present, which controls, and can monitor, a process flow sequence for extending and retracting individual module supports1by means of the transfer mechanism3and the lifting mechanism15.

Starting from the prior art mentioned above, this invention or solution makes reference to the prior art of a solar roof solution, but goes far beyond the current prior art with a new PV module transfer and coupling mechanism. In addition, the concept offers automatic maintenance, which leads to a significant reduction in maintenance costs and also includes the integration of additional functionalities, which creates considerable added value for the customer.

Specifically disclosed is a photovoltaic installation with coupling means or coupling/decoupling means at module supports combined with lifting and displacement means at a buffer station. The coupling/decoupling means on each module support allows simple mechanical coupling and decoupling of each module support with the preceding and subsequent module support. The lifting means causes the coupling or decoupling of the respective module support with the respective preceding or subsequent module support by substantially vertical lifting and lowering the module support. Also, the lifting means serves the stacking of the module support in the decoupled state in the buffer station. The displacement means causes a horizontal displacement of the coupled module supports on the structure by pushing or pulling the respectively last coupled module support (this works, on the one hand, upon extending with subsequent coupling and, on the other hand, during retracting with subsequent decoupling). Expediently, the installation is equipped with a corresponding controller for an automatic process. The above coupling/decoupling means can be equipped for mechanical coupling between the module supports with mechanical coupling elements or/and for the electrical coupling between the module supports with electrical coupling elements.

Among other things, a photovoltaic installation is disclosed, with multiple movable photovoltaic module supports, a structure for mounting the photovoltaic module support in the protection state and a mounting structure for the photovoltaic module support in the extended state, the photovoltaic installation being characterized in that:

a) the module supportsat least on the top are equipped with one or more photovoltaic modules containing solar cells (e. g., crystalline solar cells, bi-facial solar cells, thin film cells or another cell type),are arranged on a structure one above the other (protection state), such as stacked (e. g., stacked with fixed distances), in particular stacked one above the other,can be displaced laterally with a transfer mechanism in one or more steps to a support structure, that is to say, spread in a planar fashion,

and may be mechanically coupled to one another in such a way that the already extended module supports are displaced laterally together by the displacement of an individual module support with the transfer mechanism,

b) the transfer mechanismcan move the individual module supports from the protection state, e.g., stacked one on top the other, laterally away from the stack to a mounting structure, and vice versa,may enable a lateral movement in both directions of the stack (if appropriate mounting structures are arranged on both sides of the stack for the displacement),may be controllable and may carry out the sequence of movements automatically,

c) a lifting mechanism is present,which is may be attached to the structure, andwhich may have a drive and a mounting to lift and lower the stack of modular supports,and brings the module support to be transferred in the stack, e.g., the top most, in a transfer plane necessary for the displacement, so that the respective module support can be moved in the extended position by means of the transfer mechanism,and which can also be controlled and may carry out the desired movement automatically,

d) a coupling for the module supportswhich couples the module supports mechanically to each other in the extended state,which may be attached to the lateral support structure of the module supports and may be designed such that by the lifting movement of the lifting mechanism, a coupling is formed between the module support already extended and the module support to be transferred next on the stack (e.g, the top most),

e) a controllerwhich may control and monitor the process flow sequence (extending and retracting) of the individual module supports with the transfer mechanism for laterally transferring and the lifting mechanism from the retracted state to the extended state,may be equipped with online access to weather data and forecasts (e. g., wind speed, wind direction, snowfall, rain, storm, temperature, humidity),and/or may access a local sensor system with current information on, e. g., wind speed, snowfall, temperature, video cameras,and may be equipped with a control software which, based on this information, decides whether the system should be in the extended operating state or should be transferred to the protection state.

The photovoltaic installation includes photovoltaic module supports1which are mounted one on top of the other on a support structure11, which may include a roof5, and in adverse weather conditions (e. g., strong wind, snow, protection against vandalism) are put in the operating state from an “off state” or protection state or idle state by being displaced by means of a transfer mechanism3,142to a guide structure2,140(in particular, from a rest position to an operational position). If a vertical transfer means (or lifting means)15is additionally present, this transfer takes place step by step. A first element1is, for example, displaced in the rails6on supporting structure2, by the transfer mechanism3which is, for example, equipped with an electric motor12with a spindle, mechanically couples an element1at position8by means of a latchable catch13on both sides and then displaces it by one element width.

Then, the next element1is brought up to the height of the rail6with the lifting means15. When lifting, there is a mechanical coupling9,10and may also be an electrical coupling to the previously transferred module support. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the elements may be electrically coupled by means of an integrated connector18,19, but also be hardwired among themselves, as illustrated inFIG. 15, 16.

The transfer process for elements1is triggered and monitored by a controller. This process is repeated until all elements1,1″,1″″ are extended or retracted. When retracting, the previously coupled module support, which is located on the stack, is decoupled by lowering the entire stack by means of the lifting mechanism. To ensure a safe decoupling, decoupling elements162, for example, springs or extendable studs are attached on top of the stack to ensure a reliable decoupling of the respective module support in addition to the gravity of the module support and/or in case of non-vertical stacking arrangements.

The installation or its controller may be designed in such a way that it can carry out at least the following steps in succession in order to extend the module supports into the operating state:(a) a module support (1″) arranged on a stack4of module supports1″,1′″ is displaced laterally in a transfer plane by one module support width by means of the transfer mechanism3and thereby taken off the stack4and placed onto a supporting structure2, wherein one or more preceding further module supports1′, which lie on the supporting structure2and are coupled directly or indirectly with the module support1″, are taken along during displacement, and thereby are also displaced laterally by one module support width,(b) thereafter the stack4is lifted by means of the lifting mechanism15until another module support (1′″) subsequent to the preceding module support1″ reaches the transfer plane and is at the same height as the preceding module support1″, wherein, upon lifting, the subsequent further module support1′″ is coupled mechanically with the preceding module support1″ and thereby is mechanically coupled therewith in the transfer plane,(c) steps (a) and (b) are repeated, preferably until all of the module supports1′,1″,1′″ have been taken from the stack4and are thereby spread out in a row in a planar fashion on the supporting structure2.

The installation or its controller may be designed in such a way that it can carry out at least the following steps in succession in order to retract the module support into the protection state:(d) a module support1′″ is displaced laterally to a stacking installation by one module support width by means of the transfer mechanism3, further module supports1″,1′, which are coupled directly, or indirectly via one or more further module supports in a row, to the first module support1′″, are taken along and also displaced laterally by one module support width, respectively,(e) thereafter, the stack4of module supports grown in the stacking installation is lowered by means of the lifting mechanism15, wherein the module support1″′ previously displaced to the stacking installation is taken along, and the coupling to the following support module1″ is released during the lowering (optionally supported by a decoupling mechanism162),(f) steps (d) and (e) are repeated, preferably until all module supports1′″,1″,1′ are lying one on top of the other on the stacking installation in a mechanically decoupled fashion, and thus are retracted.

In the case of a two-sided arrangement (module supports on both sides of the supporting structure11), for example, the elements1are first extended in one direction and then in the other direction. This process is repeated until all the module supports are displaced from the stack to the support structure, or are retracted again. The controller is equipped with logic and has a sensor system (wind and snow sensor, video camera, etc.) and/or online access to weather data to decide whether the installation should be in the operating state or the “off state”. The controller is also equipped with online monitoring.

For logical reasons, the supporting structures2,11are subjected to mechanical tensioning63,65to enable an implementation with low material requirements. A rail6is used as a sliding surface and the contact surface between the sliding surface of the rail and the sliding surface of the module support is designed (102) in such a way, that the contact surface is optimized to reject, for example, water and dirt from the contact surface. Lateral openings103allow dirt and water to escape. A web101prevents the module support from escaping from the support guide6.

Lateral rollers55on the supports can greatly reduce the frictional resistance and thus the necessary drive force for drive3and can be advantageous at certain applications.

Element1consists of a support structure with longitudinal members41,43at the ends and, depending on the width of the module support and design parameters, additional longitudinal members42below the solar elements, which are connected to cross members at the ends45or other cross members (depending on the support size) and on which one or more solar modules49, and light modules without glass, are attached. The solar modules contain interconnected solar cells7, for example, crystalline solar cells, bi-facial cells, thin film solar cells or another appropriate cell type.

The lateral rails41,43can be equipped with a drip edge51and run-off containment53to prevent dripping of rainwater between the module supports. To this end, a water collecting device (FIG. 18, 125) is attached to the ends of the module support at the end of the module support. Also, a small tilt of the position of the module support in the direction of the collecting device is recommended to ensure that when it is raining, the water is reliably collected at the side of the water collecting device125and can be discharged.

One or more module cleaning systems21, for example, arranged under the roof5, allows/allow, during the lateral transfer/retracting/extending of the module supports1, to clean them. The cleaning systems21may, for example, be implemented with tubular elements that are arranged longitudinally along the elements1, and that are equipped with optimized openings or nozzles22for air or a cleaning liquid and/or a mechanical brush23or a scraper. Rotating elements29in the vertical direction or alternatively also in the horizontal direction can considerably increase the cleaning efficiency in locations with a high degree of fouling. An automatic operation of the cleaning installation reduces the maintenance costs of the installation considerably.

Additionally, upon customer's request, the photovoltaic installation may be configured with lighting elements150and/or smart cell transmitters (i.e., for example mobile radio transmitters) or other types of radio equipment152to provide a further additional benefit for the customer at a low cost. The bottom160of the elements1can be designed as an advertising surface or can additionally be equipped with lighting elements, which can provide a further additional benefit.

So-called “jersey” concrete elements120, which serve as impact protection and tire deflectors for cars and can also be designed so that the installation does not require any further anchoring to the ground after installation, are advantageous.

Also advantageous is a locking mechanism for the stack in the retracted state, which ensures that the stacked elements1are mechanically secured or clamped, which can be achieved, for example, by lifting by means of the lifting mechanism15, the top most element1touching the bottom of the roof5and then a moment is applied to the spindle drive15at the drive so that the modules are clamped, cannot slip in the wind and thus an anti-theft device is guaranteed, since, for example, the drive is then locked in the switched-off state and would have to be unlocked from this locked state, which is associated with considerable effort and specialist knowledge.

The area under the module stack, but overhead, thus no parking space is sacrificed, is ideally suited for accommodating control box32with a controller, for accommodating inverters, high power connections for the network connection and the current distribution, but also electrical energy storage and means for fueling electric vehicles. If the installation is equipped with means for charging electric vehicles, pull-out or extendable cables33with plugs34can be lowered through the openings31. In this case, a control panel30for processing the fueling transaction of the customer is useful. A control box arrangement with one or more extendable cables on one or both sides of the vehicle is recommended for electric trucks with high power requirements, also a mechanically-controlled means can establish a plug connection to the vehicle automatically from the top, if the vehicle is equipped with corresponding receiving means. In this case, the height of the support structure11must be adjusted so that the truck can pass under the control box32and the controls box arrangement32must be adjusted accordingly, as well.

A particularly attractive combination for larger installations consists of the photovoltaic roof already described above, an electrical storage system to maximize the self-consumption of the photovoltaic electricity by the customer and a charge or fast charge means for the quick fueling of electric vehicles (>30 kW per vehicle). The charge or fast charge means accesses also the existing electrical storing system, if necessary, to provide the necessary high charging power without the power supply of the customer having to cover these high power peaks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The device in this invention is a lightweight solar power installation. A basic variant of it is shown inFIG. 1in the operating state. The solar module supports1are extended step by step. A supporting structure2provides lateral guides6(FIG. 2b) for solar module supports1. The lateral guide6can be equipped with a step101for mechanically securing the module supports (no slipping possible) (FIG. 2b). In addition, a minimized contact surface102on the rail, or alternatively a minimized contact surface on the lateral support45and lateral openings103increase the tolerance to fouling or freezing of the element1on the support. A drive, for example, configured with a motor12(FIG. 4), which is, for example, coupled to a threaded spindle, allows the modules to be transported horizontally.

The lift of the horizontal drive is configured in a length that allows a module support to be displaced at least one module width from the stack. The horizontal drive thus displaces the first module from the stack by one module width onto the support structure. The next module support is then lifted to the transfer position. Then, the horizontal drive displaces this next module together with the preceding module by one further module width.

As illustrated for example inFIG. 19andFIG. 20, the horizontal drive can also be configured with a ribbon, a rope or a belt142over the entire length of the horizontal guide6of a support structure2.

FIG. 2ashows the device in the retracted (“off”) state. The solar modules are retracted and stacked (stack4).FIG. 5shows a section of the device and thus the stacked solar modules (stack61) in more detail). A roof5protects the solar modules from snow loads or high wind loads. The supporting structure2is designed in such a way that it can, on the one hand, absorb the weight of the solar module supports1as well as the forces generated by the wind at moderate wind strength. It is further designed in such a way that due to the low windage area it can withstand very high wind loads (150 km/h), if the solar module supports1are retracted. Struts63,65increase the stability further. A mechanical safeguard75(FIG. 10) which may be attached to transverse struts of the structure11, and which may be equipped in addition with a stiffened full-area sheet-metal element for improved protection, prevents the slip of the individual solar module supports1in the stack4,61. A so-called “hurricane” variant for wind speeds of up to 220 km/h can be implemented with manageable additional effort.FIG. 2bshows in detail the guide6in the substantially horizontally oriented cross members of the structure profiles2, which shows the zone in which the module supports1slide and are mounted in the extended state. The module support1is illustrated inFIG. 3. The module support1can be equipped with one full-area or several part-area solar modules, equipped with crystalline solar cells7or other solar cell types, for example thin film cells. The solar modules are mechanically connected to the top of the module support. In the typical arrangement, the solar cells are mounted with short distances between them, in order to obtain a high energy density. The cells may, of course, be assembled with greater distances between them (e.g., 5×9 cells instead of 6×10 cells per 1×1.65 m2), thereby forming distances in the range of several centimeters and a pattern is formed on the bottom surface in sunshine and more light is present on the bottom. This variant can be combined with bi-facial cells, which means that part of the light on the underside of the module can be captured again through the back of the solar cell resulting in an increased energy yield.

The module support1(also referred to as element) which is configured with a right angle module framing, has lateral support structures41,43on the longitudinal sides and further mounting structures45on the wide sides, depending on the length of the support, however, additional mountings (42, under the solar module, not visible), as well, between41,43for additional stiffening. The mounting structure45can be coupled with the coupling mechanism13of the transfer mechanism3at least at one position8which then enables a lateral displacement of the support1. Furthermore, a coupling9for mechanical coupling to the already previously extended module is located on the module support1. The coupling9is located in the region of the lateral supports45. On the opposite side of the coupling9of the module support, a complementary coupling10is attached in each case.

In the case illustrated, the module support1has about 180 solar cells and a width of about 1 meter and a length of about 5 meters. Optionally, the module support1can be equipped with a drip edge51(FIG. 3b) and a run-off containment53(FIG. 3b) in order to prevent rainwater from dripping between the module supports. In this case, it makes sense to provide the installation with a slight slope (several parts per thousand) along the module support1in order to ensure a defined runoff of the rainwater. In addition, in this case, an eave is attached along the lower lateral cross member of the support structure2for the defined drainage of the collected rainwater. The lateral mounting system45may have lateral rollers or ball bearings55, by means of which the module support1slides, whereby the frictional resistance for the displacement of the module supports1is massively reduced. In doing so, a sensible pairing of materials is selected to minimize the resulting coefficient of friction.

FIG. 4illustrates the transfer system3for the horizontal movement. In this case, said transfer system3is equipped with a ball screw or a threaded rod (inFIG. 4not visible) and implemented with motor drive12. The pin drives13, which are equipped with extendable pins, move on a mounting which is coupled to the spindle or the threaded rod. The lateral movement can be implemented also by other methods, for example pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, belt drive, etc.). The pin drives13attached to the transfer system (e.g., electrically or pneumatically controllable) can extend a pin which engages the corresponding opening8in the mounting45of the module support1, allowing then a reliable transfer of the module support with the horizontal drive3. This mechanical coupling can also be configured with other methods, e.g., toothing.

After the transfer by one module support width in one direction (transfer is possible in both horizontal directions), the module stack4,61is lifted by one module support distance so that the next module support1can be transferred. After all of the module supports have been extended, a last or bottom most element73(i.e., a last or bottom most element73of the original full stack4,61,FIG. 5) is lifted to the transfer height (if an electrical/mechanical coupling is used18,19), that then establishes the electrical coupling to the extended solar module supports and enables a discharge of energy (electricity) to the inverter, which may be located in the control box32(FIG. 10). This element73has couplings9on both sides, so that the current can be discharged from both sides. In areas without snow and without very high wind loads, roof5can be dispensed with. In this case, the aforementioned lowest (or last) element73could also be equipped with solar cells.

A mechanical coupling is necessary at least to retract the module support1if the horizontal transfer mechanism3is embodied according toFIG. 4. A possible embodiment thereof is illustrated inFIGS. 6aand 6b. It shows the receiving elements10in the already transferred module support and the counterpart9in the next support which will be mechanically coupled with each other after lifting the next support.

FIG. 7illustrates a possible mechanical and at the same time electrical coupling. A socket18is injected into the center of the coupling unit9. For example, the socket element used in commercially available, proven solar plugs can be used as the socket. The counter element10has a pin19in the center. For this element, a plug counterpart of a proven plug can also be used to ensure a robust electrical connection over the life of the installation.

Another variant for the electrical coupling of the module supports is a fixed electrical wiring, as illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16. In this case there are junction boxes on the solar module support. From the top support1′ an electrical connection89is established from box81to box87of the support1″ below. Furthermore, there is a connection91from the box85of this support1″ to the box of the support1′″ below, and so on. In the extended state, the cables hang below the solar module supports as illustrated inFIG. 16. A spacer93prevents the cables from becoming jammed in the support stack4,61. This spacer93is also useful in the variant with mechanical/electrical coupling, in order to prevent scratching of the module surface or a collision when retracting.

In a volume production the photovoltaic module support is configured as an integrated solution for the supporting structure, the transfer function and the electrical connections for example, by injection molding or similar methods.

The solar module supports1′,1″,1′″ are electrically interconnected so that sensible voltages are created for the inverter. In the case of the module support (1) according toFIG. 1with about 180 cells on one support1, it is useful to interconnect them with 2×90 cells or 3×60 cells in series. The module supports are interconnected in series, wherein one connection interconnects the module supports in series. The 2nd return connection (e.g., on the side of the respective second mounting45on the opposite broad side of the module supports) then establishes the electrical connection from the foremost module support (i.e., from the most extended module support) to the inverter (which, for example, is located in the control box32). This means there is a connection between the plug-in couplings on the module supports. The foremost module has an electrical connection from the solar module outlet side to the electrical return connection, which closes the electrical circuit after extending.

Regular cleaning, especially of the solar cell surfaces, is necessary for a stable energy yield of the solar power installation. A cleaning of the solar cell surfaces, e.g., in the installation illustrated inFIG. 8, can be implemented in a simple way automatically during the module support transfer by means of a spraying device21with nozzles22through which air, water or another medium can be blown or sprayed. In areas with low water availability, recycling/cleaning the water makes sense. Lateral mechanical brushes23increase the cleaning efficiency. For areas of high degree of fouling, a rotating cleaning arrangement29with multiple brush elements23or cleaning system with brushes and liquid can be employed, which rotate perpendicular with respect to the photovoltaic module surface above it.

The production costs of the solar power generated are particularly important for solar systems. The assembly, transport and installation costs of the installation are therefore of central importance. In the case of this invention, these costs are optimized in that the complete installation28can be completed at the manufacturer and can be transferred to the installation site as a module (FIG. 9). At the installation site (FIG. 9b) only simple elements (such as, e.g., foundations70, possibly combined with anchors for absorbing tensile forces or a foundation according toFIG. 18(120), a power connection71, and rainwater drainage72) are necessary.

In the retracted state of the module supports, the control box32is located underneath said module supports, providing enough overhead space for housing the controller, the power electronics and the solar inverters. In addition, charging stations (power electronics, controller, cables) can also be accommodated in the box. Extendable electric charging cables with plug-in coupling33,34through the openings31allow the fueling of the vehicles located underneath and are protected from damage by the retraction. Plug-in couplings can also be attached laterally (e.g., at or near the wide side of the control box32) which may be advantageous for long vehicles (such as, e.g., electric trucks). In this case, the structure height is adjusted in such a way so that electric trucks can pass under the control box. Subsequent retraction of the cables ensures that they are protected from vandalism and any damage and that operating costs are low.

If the trucks are equipped with plug means on the roof, robotic arms can be attached in the control box32and insert the cable directly on the truck, with no manual intervention necessary.

The lateral control panel30serves to register the user, but it can also be used for service and maintenance purposes of the installation.

The controller in the control box32is of central importance. On the one hand, it determines through Internet access or an on-site sensor system for, e.g., wind, snow and/or video monitoring, if weather conditions allow an extension of the modules or an immediate retraction is necessary, on the other hand, it ensures that the extension sequence runs reliably. The extension sequence is as follows. The top most solar module support is brought in the transfer position (at the height of the horizontal guide rails6of the support structure2) by means of the vertical drive15. Then the horizontal drive12moves the pin drive units13to the module support openings8. Subsequently, the pin in the pin unit13extends into the openings8. For this purpose, a drive (electromagnet, motor, pneumatics or the like) is expediently contained in the pin unit13. Subsequently, the solar module support1is moved by means of the transfer mechanism horizontally from the stack4,61to the horizontal guide profiles6of the support structure2by exactly the distance between the center of the couplings9,10on solar module support, so that subsequently, when lifting the following module support, a mechanical coupling can take place. Depending on the configuration, the stack4,61can be preconfigured with, for example, five module supports for the extension direction A and five module supports for the extension direction B. In the case illustrated here, the first module support is displaced by one module width in direction A. Then, the horizontal drive3retracts the pin drives13, again, and goes into the waiting position for the transfer of the next module support. The vertical drive15then lifts the module stack4,61so that the next module support is in the transfer position. During the lifting movement, the coupling element9of the lifting module support engages the counter element10in the module support that has already been displaced and is thus mechanically (optionally mechanically and electrically) coupled to the previously displaced module support. Subsequently, with the horizontal transfer unit3, the lifted module support is displaced by one module unit and the procedure is repeated until all five modules have been displaced in direction A. Subsequently, the same process is repeated in the direction B. At the end, the bottom most unit73(if the mechanical coupling is equipped with an electrical coupling18,19) is lifted, whereby then the module supports are also electrically coupled. The unit73is connected to the inverter, as a result of which the power generation can start. If the modules have a fixed electrical connection (e.g., by cable) (FIGS. 15, 16), element73is not necessary and the last modules in each direction have an electrical connection to the inverter.

In the event of frost, the controller can be configured so that the module supports1, if extended, are moved at regular intervals to prevent freezing on the profiles.

In addition, storage elements can be accommodated in the control box32, which, on the one hand, allow the installation user to optimize the self-consumption of the adjacent loads (premises, etc.), but, on the other hand, enable the necessary high power for rapid charging of the electric vehicles without having to be dependent on a very high performance of the connection cable.

A particularly important feature of this arrangement, especially in relation to charging, is that no parking space is wasted and only minimal adjustments to the infrastructure are necessary, which is not the case with classic petrol stations.

FIG. 11shows a first sensible configuration of the installation over four parking spaces. The installations can be lined up. Also, a variant may be designed such that units (FIG. 9) are prefabricated, which consist of several parallel rows of solar module supports (multiple units (28) longitudinally lined up with, for example, common support structure and common central lifting/displacement units, whereby further cost savings can be realized. Also, multiple installations can be operated with one controller.

FIG. 12shows the steps for setting up this solar power installation. After the parking spaces have been equipped with the foundations, power supply and possibly water drainage, the installation will be delivered. Then the side structure2is attached to the unit28. The supports (11) are mounted and the unit28is lifted and brought in position and the power supply is connected.

After the mains connection, the system initializes itself automatically and extends the module supports, provided that the local weather data, which are received via the Internet or determined using local sensor data, permit extension.

FIG. 13shows possible facilities on a larger parking space.FIG. 14shows a variant with one-sided extension, which is particularly well suited if the parking spaces are facing away from the driveway and there are no further parking spaces on the opposite side, which is the case in many arrangements.

The solar support (38) does not need to be arranged horizontally. It can also be inclined upwards or downwards when viewed from the unit28. Also, a curved support (for example, arch-like) with corresponding adjustments to the bar45(FIG. 3) is possible and allows the efficient overvoltage of large distances, for example over a freeway or a river bed, or other usable areas. Due to the different angles of incident, a maximizer unit is used in each solar module support unit (1) for this arrangement in order to optimize the energy yield.

In addition to the dimensioning,FIG. 11shows a lighting150and a smart cell radio equipment152, which can also be preassembled on the unit28in the factory, if the customer so desires.

FIG. 18shows concrete foundations (120), which offer impact protection and can be designed in such a way that no additional anchoring in the ground is necessary. The supply line for electricity122, the vertical discharge for rainwater124and the water collecting device125for the lateral absorption of the rainwater are also shown.

FIGS. 19 and 20show an alternative means which is equipped with a displacement mechanism142with drivers144. Furthermore, the module supports130,132,134are mounted on a rail140and equipped with offset lateral mountings146,148,150and a mechanical coupling147,149. This means has the advantage over the arrangement described above that no vertical lifting means is necessary.

For agricultural crop applications, it makes sense to have an arrangement that ensures additional light transmission for crop plants under the installation. In this case, “dummy units” can be inserted between the module supports1and consist at least broadside of two connecting elements45, which additionally may be connected with longitudinal profiles, such as, e.g., longitudinal profiles41,43, to form a frame structure. Also, alternatively, for example, extensions can be attached to the support element45with coupling elements9,10at the end of these extensions to establish intermediate distances between the module supports.

The guide profiles6of the support structure2in this case are proportionally lengthened and, in addition, can be supported with ground supports at certain distances (recommendation, e.g., 10-30 meters).

In addition to the applications described and outlined above, the installation described is also ideally suited for use in terrace shading and/or rain protection with combined power generation. In this case, it makes sense to use customized, narrower module supports configured in length for the object in order to meet customer requirements and aesthetic considerations.