GB2621151A

GB2621151A - Photovoltaic module

Info

Publication number: GB2621151A
Application number: GB2211304.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Douglas Blackwell Richard; Blackwell Douglas
Original assignee: Crowdhouse Energy Ltd
Current assignee: Crowdhouse Energy Ltd
Priority date: 2022-08-03
Filing date: 2022-08-03
Publication date: 2024-02-07
Also published as: EP4566166A1; WO2024028612A1; GB202211304D0

Abstract

A photovoltaic module 100 comprises photovoltaic panels 54 mounted on an interconnect support frame 50,51, comprising: an inward-facing support surface engageably encasing the photovoltaic panel array along a peripheral edge surface of the photovoltaic panel array, and operably electrically connecting the photovoltaic panels; and an outward-facing engagement surface opposite the support surface, comprising a detachably interconnecting portion. The photovoltaic module can be detachably mechanically and electrically interconnected with a corresponding similar adjacent photovoltaic module via an interface. The frame with the photovoltaic modules may be mounted to a ballast base 250 (figure 6(c)) to form a canopy for a car.

Description

PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE

[0001] The invention relates generally to a photovoltaic module. In particular, the invention relates to a photovoltaic module, configured to form a portion of a modular photovoltaic system for prefabricated installation on a building structure. The invention also relates to a modular photovoltaic system including two or more photovoltaic modules, and a method of installing the modular photovoltaic system.

Background

[0002] A photovoltaic panel is an electronic device capable of converting solar radiation into electrical energy. Often, a number of solar cells are arranged onto residential and commercial roofing structures to harvest and generate electricity. An example of a photovoltaic panel system 1, as described in US2012060902A1, is shown in Figure 1. The example photovoltaic panel system 1 is incorporated onto a building 2, and particularly onto a roof 3 of the building 2. A plurality of photovoltaic panels 4 are positioned onto the roof 3, connected to one another in an array. The system 1 includes a number of electric leads 5 forming an electrical circuit to connect the panels 4 together.

[0003] To install the photovoltaic panel system 1 onto the roof 3 of the building 2, a photovoltaic panel 4 are raised onto the roof 3, positioned in place, and then secured onto the roof 3. This process is repeated for subsequent panels 4, increasing the size and surface area of the panel system 1. Each panel 4 of the photovoltaic panel system 1 is wired after it has been placed onto the roof 3 [0004] The installation process for a panel system is often time-consuming and cumbersome, especially for the installation of photovoltaic panel systems having many photovoltaic panels and taking place on limited available space on the roof. Each panel must be lifted up to the location where it is installed, and then individually electrically connected to the rest of the system.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide a photovoltaic module that overcomes at least one of the aforementioned problems. Particularly, it is an object of the invention to provide a photovoltaic module that is efficient to install. It is another object of the invention to improve the ease of installing photovoltaic systems. It is a further object of the invention to improve the modularity of photovoltaic panel systems.

[0006] The present invention provides at least an alternative to photovoltaic modules of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photovoltaic module, configured to form a portion of a modular photovoltaic system for prefabricated installation on a building structure, comprising: a photovoltaic panel array, comprising a plurality of photovoltaic panels; and an interconnect support frame, comprising: an inward-facing support surface engageably encasing the photovoltaic panel array along a peripheral edge surface of the photovoltaic panel array, and adapted to operably electrically connect the plurality of photovoltaic panels; and an outward-facing engagement surface opposite the support surface, comprising a detachably interconnecting portion, to detachably engage the photovoltaic module with a corresponding adjacent photovoltaic module, wherein the interconnect support frame comprises an interface, adapted to operably electrically connect the photovoltaic panel array with a corresponding photovoltaic panel array of the corresponding adjacent photovoltaic module.

[0008] Thus, a plurality of photovoltaic panels are encased in the interconnect support frame, and adjacent photovoltaic modules are connectable together both mechanical and electrically. The photovoltaic module can therefore be connected to an adjacent module, improving the efficiency of the installation process. In particular, a modular photovoltaic system can be assembled and connected together on the ground, before the assembly is raised onto a roof structure. This improves the efficiency of installation because panels do not need to be individually installed onto the structure. In addition, the modularity of the system is improved because adjacent modules can be connected together in a number of different configurations, simplifying the installation process and making the process more efficient.

[0009] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the photovoltaic panel array comprises a plurality of bifacial photovoltaic panels. By having a photovoltaic panel array with a plurality of bifacial photovoltaic cells, the photovoltaic cell module can collect and convert solar radiation as it reflects off the surface below the photovoltaic module and back onto the photovoltaic module, enhancing electrical energy generated from the solar radiation, and the overall power efficiency of the system.

[0010] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the interconnect support frame comprises an open top face perpendicular to the inward-facing support surface so as to expose a top surface of the photovoltaic panel array.

[0011] Advantageously, in some embodiments, interconnect support frame comprises an open bottom face perpendicular to the inward-facing support surface so as to expose a bottom surface of the photovoltaic panel array.

[0012] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the photovoltaic module further comprises a channel extending across the interconnect support frame, configured to receive electrical wiring for connecting the plurality of photovoltaic panels.

[0013] In some specific embodiments, the channel comprises at least one opening to connect the electrical wiring with the corresponding photovoltaic panel array of the corresponding adjacent photovoltaic module.

[0014] In some embodiments, the inward-facing support surface of the interconnect support frame is a continuous surface, engageably encasing substantially the entire peripheral edge surface of the photovoltaic panel array.

[0015] In some embodiments, the interconnect support frame comprises a plurality of support members operably connected together.

[0016] In some specific embodiments, the plurality of support members are welded together.

[0017] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module further comprises a sealing member configured to sealingly engage the inward-facing support surface of the interconnect support frame and the peripheral edge surface of the photovoltaic panel 25 array.

[0018] In some embodiments, the interconnect support member is made of a material comprising aluminium.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a modular photovoltaic system comprising a photovoltaic module, and an adjacent corresponding photovoltaic module, comprising the steps of: A) providing a photovoltaic module; B) engagingly encasing the photovoltaic panel array within the inward-facing support surface of the interconnect support frame along a peripheral edge surface of the photovoltaic panel array; and C) detachably engaging the photovoltaic module to the adjacent corresponding photovoltaic module via the detachably interconnecting portion of the outward-facing engagement surface, thereby operably electrically connecting the photovoltaic panel array with a corresponding photovoltaic panel array of the corresponding adjacent corresponding photovoltaic module.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular photovoltaic system, comprising a photovoltaic module, and an adjacent corresponding photovoltaic module.

[0021] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module and the corresponding photovoltaic module are operably connectable in series.

[0022] In other embodiments, the photovoltaic module and the corresponding photovoltaic module are operably connectable in parallel.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided canopy frame for accommodating a modular photovoltaic system and elevating the modular photovoltaic system from the ground, comprising: a frame structure defining at least one compartment for accommodating a modular photovoltaic system; at least one connecting frame member operably connected to the frame structure; and at least one ballast base comprising a freestanding body having a lower ground-engagement surface detachably engageable with the ground, and an opposing upper coupling surface operably coupled to the at least one connecting frame member, so as to provide a predetermined spacing between the frame structure and the ground.

[0024] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the canopy frame comprises a plurality of freestanding ballast bases.

[0025] Advantageously, in some specific embodiments, the plurality of freestanding ballast bases are equidistantly spaced along the frame structure.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ballast base for supporting a frame structure above the ground, comprising: a freestanding body comprising a lower ground-engagement surface detachably engageable with the ground, and an opposing upper coupling surface; a support mount, at least partially integrated within the freestanding body; and at least one attachment member, operably connected to the support mount and protruding away from the upper coupling surface, the at least one attachment member configured to operably couple with the frame structure.

[0027] Thus, the ballast base can support a frame structure without needing to be embedded into the ground. A stable ballast base structure can be installed efficiently, to build thereon a frame structure raised off the ground. This is particularly advantageous because the ballast base can be efficiently moved to a desired location, and a frame structure can be built on top of the ballast base. By providing a support mount that is partially integrated within the freestanding body of the ballast base, and at least one attachment member to couple the frame structure, the frame structure can be installed in an efficient and stable manner.

[0028] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the ballast base further comprises a cushioning member operably connected to a surface of the body. This is particularly advantageous because the cushioning member provides resistance to impact from, for example, a door of a vehicle.

[0029] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the freestanding body is formed of a material comprising precast concrete.

[0030] In some embodiments, the body comprises an aperture extending at least partially from a front surface to an opposing rear surface. This is advantageous because the aperture can accommodate, for example a lifting structure to manoeuvre the ballast base.

[0031] In some specific embodiments, the aperture extends through the body from the front surface to the opposing rear surface.

[0032] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the support mount is a mounting plate, cast into the body. By having a mounting plate that is cast into the body, the coupling between the mounting plate and the corresponding mounting structure is strengthened.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the body comprises a reflective strip arranged perpendicular to the lower ground-engagement surface. This is beneficial because it improves the visibility of the ballast base.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example only, hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a known photovoltaic panel system; Figure 2 illustrates: a (a) schematic representation of a photovoltaic module; (b) section view through A-A; and (c) section view through A-A, coupled to a canopy frame on one side and a frame of an adjacent photovoltaic module on another side; Figure 3 illustrates a (a) schematic representation of a photovoltaic module connected to an adjacent photovoltaic module at the short edge; (b) close-up schematic view of the interface between the photovoltaic modules; (c) section view through B-B; (d) close-up schematic view of the corner of a photovoltaic module; and (e) section view through C-C; Figure 4 illustrates a (a) schematic representation of a photovoltaic module connected to an adjacent photovoltaic module at the long edge; and (b) section view through D-D, coupled to a canopy frame on one side and a frame of an adjacent photovoltaic module on another side; Figure 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a photovoltaic system, including a plurality of photovoltaic modules; Figure 6 illustrates a canopy frame: (a) in a perspective top view; (b) in a perspective bottom view; (c) from a perspective side view; (d) from a side view; and (e) from a perspective front view; and Figure 7 illustrates a (a) perspective view of a ballast base; and (b) a side view of a ballast base.

Detailed Description

[0035] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words 'right', 'left', 'lower', 'upper', 'front', 'rear', 'upward', 'down' and 'downward' designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted. The words 'inner, 'inwardly' and 'outer', 'outwardly' refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centreline or a geometric centre of an element being described (e.g. central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

[0036] Further, as used herein, the terms 'connected', 'attached', 'coupled', 'mounted' are intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween, as well as, indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0037] Further, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives, such as, "first", "second", "third" etc. merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner.

[0038] Like reference numerals are used to depict like features throughout.

[0039] Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a photovoltaic module 50 having a photovoltaic panel array with four photovoltaic panels 54. The photovoltaic panels 54 are encased within a support frame (i.e. cassette) 51. The support frame 51 is formed from four beam extrusions, which are made from aluminium. More specifically, support frame 51 includes two side beams 52,56 on opposite sides, and end beams 59,63 extending between the side beams 52,56. The beam extrusions are welded together at welding lines 65. An inward-facing surface of the support frame 51 encases the photovoltaic panels 54 along their peripheral edge. In this example, four photovoltaic panels 54 are encased in the support frame 51. However, it is envisaged that a different number of panels 54 may instead be encased within the support frame 51, for example, two, three, or five photovoltaic panels 54. In addition, in this example embodiment the shape of the support frame 51 is rectangular. However, it is also envisaged that the shape may be a different shape, for example, triangular. The photovoltaic panels 54 are bifacial photovoltaic panels. The configuration of the support frame 51 is such that, the support frame 51 has an open top face to expose a top surface of the photovoltaic panels 54. The support frame 51 also has an open bottom face to expose a bottom surface of the photovoltaic panels 54. This configuration increases the surface area for exposure to solar radiation.

[0040] As best seen in Figure 2(b), the side beams 52,56 are each provided with a beam connector 53,57 on an outward-facing surface. The connectors 53,57 are both integrally formed with the respective beams 52,56. These beam connectors 53,57 allow the photovoltaic module 50 to be connected to an adjacent photovoltaic module 50. As such, when the photovoltaic module 50 is connected to an adjacent photovoltaic module 50, each photovoltaic module 50 forms a portion of a larger modular photovoltaic system (100, Figure 3).

[0041] Referring to Figure 2(c), the beam connector 53 of the first side beam 52 allows the photovoltaic module 50 to be connected to a beam connector 205 of a canopy frame structure beam 204, as will be discussed with reference to Figure 6. The beam connector 57 of the second side beam 56 allows the photovoltaic module 50 to be connected to an adjacent photovoltaic module 50. More specifically, the beam connector 57 of the second side beam 56 connects to a corresponding beam connector 77 of an adjacent side beam 76 from the adjacent photovoltaic module 50.

[0042] By having an inward-facing surface of the support frame 51 encasing the photovoltaic panels 54, the photovoltaic panels 54 are held in proximity to one another and can be electrically connected, either in series or in parallel. In this example, the photovoltaic module 50 is provided with a channel 60 connected to and extending between the first end beam 59 and the second end beam 63. The channel 60 is welded to the beams 59,63 at welding lines 67. Each end of the channel 60 is provided with a cable outlet 62. As best shown in Figure 2(b), the channel 60 is open at the bottom, and is provided with a flange 61 that extends laterally outwards. The channel 60 accommodates cables 70 for the photovoltaic module 50 used to electrically connect the photovoltaic panels 54. The photovoltaic module 50 includes a number of seals 58 around the photovoltaic panels 54. Seals 58 are provided between each of the side beams 52,58 and the photovoltaic panels 54, and provided on either side of the channel 60 and between the photovoltaic panels 54. To prevent the ingress of water into the channel 60 which would otherwise contact the cables 70, a cover cap 72 is provided to seal the open bottom end of the channel 60. The cover cap 72 is formed from a thermoplastic polymer material.

[0043] Referring to Figure 3(a)-(c), there is shown a photovoltaic system 100, having a photovoltaic module 50 connected to an adjacent photovoltaic module 50. In this example, the support frames 51 of the photovoltaic modules 50 are connected at their short edge at the interface between the photovoltaic modules 50. As shown in Figure 3(b) and 3(c), the end beams 63 have an end beam connector 64 that interlink to connect the respective photovoltaic modules 50 together. The channels 60 of the respective photovoltaic modules 50 are aligned such that the cables 70 within the channels can be connected together. The panel arrays, and the photovoltaic panels 54 within the arrays, of the respective photovoltaic modules 50 are connected together both mechanically and electrically. Referring now to Figure 3(d) and 3(e), between the first end beam 59 and the seal 58 adjacent the photovoltaic panel 54, there is provided an aluminium extrusion spacer 66. To allow liquid (e.g. rainwater) to drain from the structure, a weep hole 78 is provided that extends through the surface of the first end beam 59.

[0044] To assemble the photovoltaic system 100, a photovoltaic module 50 is placed next to an adjacent photovoltaic module 50. The photovoltaic panel array with a plurality of photovoltaic panels 54 is encased within the support frame 51. The beam connectors 64 of the photovoltaic modules 50 are interconnected together, allowing the photovoltaic panel arrays of the modules 50 to be electrically connected.

[0045] Figure 4 shows a photovoltaic module 50 connected to an adjacent photovoltaic module 50 at their long edge, forming a photovoltaic system 100. At the interface between the modules 50, the respective side beams 56 have a beam connector 57 that interconnect with one another, securing the photovoltaic modules 50 together in a detachable manner. The cables 70 connecting the photovoltaic panel 54 of a module are accommodated within the channel 60. The channel 60 is provided with cable outlets 62 such that the cables 70 of the respective photovoltaic modules 50 may be connected together at the interface between the photovoltaic modules 50. The array of photovoltaic panels 54 of the respective modules 50 may therefore be connected together.

[0046] Figure 5 shows a photovoltaic system 100 including a plurality of photovoltaic modules 50 connected together. Some photovoltaic modules 50 are connected together at the short edge of their support frames 51, whereas other photovoltaic modules 50 are connected together at the long edge of their support frames 51. Since the modules 50 may be connected at the ends (short edges) or the sides (long edges), the photovoltaic system 100 is modular in the sense that the photovoltaic modules 50 can be arranged in a plurality of different configurations, suited for the shape of the surface on which the photovoltaic system 100 is to be placed. The photovoltaic arrays of the photovoltaic modules 50 may be wired in series, or in parallel.

[0047] Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a canopy frame 200. The canopy frame 200 has a frame structure with three vertical beams 202 and three horizontal beams 204. The horizontal beams 204 connect the vertical beams 202 at the ends and the middle. The beams 202,204 define four compartments 208. Each of the compartments accommodate a photovoltaic system 100, each having a plurality of photovoltaic modules 50. As shown in Figure 2(c), the horizontal beam 204 of the canopy frame 204 has a beam connector 205 that interconnects with the beam connector 53 of the support frame 51 side beam 52. Referring back to Figure 6, extending downwards from each of the vertical beams 202 are three base connector beams 206. Each set of base connector beams 206 extend downwards from the vertical beams 202 towards a ballast base 250. In this example, the ballast base 250 is a precast concrete rectangular block. Three ballast bases 250 are provided, positioned equidistantly along and in line with the vertical beams 202. The ballast bases 250 are freestanding on the ground and support the frame structure above the ground. Each ballast base 250 has a lower surface that engages the ground, and an upper surface that couples with the base connector beams 206. The base connector beams 206 couple the ballast base 250 with the frame structure of the canopy. As will be discussed with reference to Figure 7, a fastener is used to couple the ballast base 250 with the base connector beams 206.

[0048] In use, photovoltaic systems 100 are housed inside the compartments 208, to convert solar radiation into electrical energy. The frame structure of the canopy is raised from the ground by the ballast bases 250 and the base connector beams 206. The canopy may be used as a car parking canopy for electrical vehicles. It is particularly beneficial that bifacial photovoltaic panels are used in the photovoltaic systems 100 because any solar radiation not captured by the upper face of the panel may reflect off the ground and instead by captured by the lower face of the photovoltaic panel 54. The electrical energy may then be used to charge electrical vehicles.

[0049] Figure 7 shows a ballast base 250. The ballast base 250 has a body 252 formed from precast concrete. The body 252 has a lower surface 254 which contacts the ground, and an opposing upper surface 264. The two ends of the lower surface 254 terminate at lateral surfaces 256,258 arranged perpendicular to the lower surface 254. A first tapered surface 260 extends between the top of the first lateral surface 256 and the upper surface 264. On the other side, a second tapered surface 262 extends between the top of the second lateral surface 258 and the upper surface 264.

[0050] The ballast base 250 has mounting plate 266 that is cast into the structure of the body 252. Connected to and extending away from the mounting plate 266 are a number of fasteners 268. In this example, a top portion of the mounting plate 266 protrudes from the upper surface 264, and the fasteners 268 are connected to the portion of the mounting plate 266 protruding from the upper surface 264.

[0051] In use, the ballast base 250 is placed on the ground so that the lower surface 254 is in contacting engagement with the ground. The ballast base 250 is freestanding in the sense that the ballast base 250 is not embedded into the ground. The ballast base 250 is connected to a structure, such as a frame structure for a canopy, using the fasteners 268 and the mounting plate 266. The fasteners 268 may be directly connected to the structure. Alternatively, the fasteners 268 attached to the mounting plate 266 may be connected to a connector beam or other bridging structure on one end, and to the structure on the other end. The ballast base 250 acts as a foundation for stabilising the structure, and is efficient to relocate because the ballast base 250 is freestanding.

[0052] A front face of the body 252 is provided with two guards 272. The guards 272 are formed from a soft material, to absorb impact from, for example a vehicle door. Two guards 272 are provided in this example. Adjacent the door guards 272 along the bottom edge of the ballast base 250 are slots 270. In this example the slots 270 extend through the entire thickness of the body 252. However, it is envisaged that the slots 270 may instead extend partially from a front surface to the opposing rear surface of the body 252. The slots 270 are provided to facilitate efficient lifting of the ballast base 250, using, for example, a fork of a fork lift truck or other lifting machinery. Also in this example, reflective strips 274 are provided at the interface between the front surface and the lateral surfaces 256,258, and at the interface between the rear surface and the lateral surfaces 256,258. The reflective strips 274 are arranged perpendicular to the lower surface 254, and improve the visibility of the ballast base 250.

[0053] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above detailed examples have been described by way of example only and not in any!imitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed examples described above are possible.

[0054] Through the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0055] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed [0056] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiment(s) have been described by way of example only and not in any!imitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed designs as described above are possible.

Component list and reference numerals: 1 Photovoltaic panel system 76 Adjacent side beam 2 Building 77 Adjacent beam connector 3 Roof 78 Weep hole 4 Photovoltaic panel 100 Photovoltaic system Electric lead 200 Canopy frame Photovoltaic module 202 Vertical beam 51 Support frame 204 Horizontal beam 52 First side beam 205 Horizontal beam connector 53 First beam connector 206 Base connector beam 54 Photovoltaic panel 208 Compartment 56 Second side beam 250 Ballast base 57 Second beam connector 252 Body 58 Seal 254 Lower surface 59 First end beam 256 First lateral surface Channel 258 Second lateral surface 61 Flange 260 First tapered surface 62 Cable outlet 262 Second tapered surface 63 Second end beam 264 Upper surface 64 End beam connector 266 Mounting plate Weld line 268 Fasteners 66 Extrusion spacer 270 Slot 67 Weld line 272 Guard Cables 274 Reflective strip 72 Cover cap

Claims

CLAIMS1. A photovoltaic module, configured to form a portion of a modular photovoltaic system for prefabricated installation on a building structure, comprising: a photovoltaic panel array, comprising a plurality of photovoltaic panels; and an interconnect support frame, comprising: an inward-facing support surface engageably encasing said photovoltaic panel array along a peripheral edge surface of said photovoltaic panel array, and adapted to operably electrically connect said plurality of photovoltaic panels; and an outward-facing engagement surface opposite said support surface, comprising a detachably interconnecting portion, to detachably engage said photovoltaic module with a corresponding adjacent photovoltaic module, wherein said interconnect support frame comprises an interface, adapted to operably electrically connect said photovoltaic panel array with a corresponding photovoltaic panel array of the corresponding adjacent photovoltaic module.
2. A photovoltaic module according to claim 1, wherein said photovoltaic panel array comprises a plurality of bifacial photovoltaic panels.
3. A photovoltaic module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said interconnect support frame comprises an open top face perpendicular to said inward-facing support surface so as to expose a top surface of said photovoltaic panel array.
4. A photovoltaic module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said interconnect support frame comprises an open bottom face perpendicular to said inward-facing support surface so as to expose a bottom surface of said photovoltaic panel array.
5. A photovoltaic module according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a channel extending across said interconnect support frame, configured to receive electrical wiring for connecting said plurality of photovoltaic panels.
6. A photovoltaic module according to claim 5, wherein said channel comprises at least one opening to connect said electrical wiring with the corresponding photovoltaic panel array of the corresponding adjacent photovoltaic module.
7. A photovoltaic module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said inward-facing support surface of said interconnect support frame is a continuous surface, engageably encasing substantially the entire peripheral edge surface of said photovoltaic panel array.
8. A photovoltaic module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said interconnect support frame comprises a plurality of support members operably connected together.
9. A photovoltaic module according to claim 8, wherein said plurality of support members are welded together.
10.A photovoltaic module according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sealing member configured to sealingly engage said inward-facing support surface of said interconnect support frame and said peripheral edge surface of said photovoltaic panel array.
11.A photovoltaic module according to any one of the preceding claims, where said interconnect support frame is made of a material comprising aluminium.
12.A method of assembling a modular photovoltaic system comprising a photovoltaic module, and an adjacent corresponding photovoltaic module, comprising the steps of: A) providing a photovoltaic module according to any one of claims 1 to 11; B) engagingly encasing the photovoltaic panel array within said inward-facing support surface of said interconnect support frame along a peripheral edge surface of said photovoltaic panel array; and C) detachably engaging said photovoltaic module to the adjacent corresponding photovoltaic module via said detachably interconnecting portion of said outward-facing engagement surface, thereby operably electrically connecting said photovoltaic panel array with a corresponding photovoltaic panel array of the corresponding adjacent corresponding photovoltaic module.
13.A modular photovoltaic system, comprising a photovoltaic module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and an adjacent corresponding photovoltaic module.
14.A modular photovoltaic system according to claim 13, wherein said photovoltaic module and said corresponding photovoltaic module are operably connectable in series.
15.A modular photovoltaic system according to claim 13, wherein said photovoltaic module and said corresponding photovoltaic module are operably connectable in parallel.
16.A canopy frame for accommodating a modular photovoltaic system and elevating the modular photovoltaic system from the ground, comprising: a frame structure defining at least one compartment for accommodating a modular photovoltaic system according to any one of claims 13 to 15; at least one connecting frame member operably connected to said frame structure; and at least one ballast base comprising a freestanding body having a lower ground-engagement surface detachably engageable with the ground, and an opposing upper coupling surface operably coupled to said at least one connecting frame member, so as to provide a predetermined spacing between said frame structure and the ground.
17.A canopy frame according to claim 16, comprising a plurality of freestanding ballast bases.
18. A canopy frame according to claim 17, wherein said plurality of freestanding ballast bases are equidistantly spaced along said frame structure.
19. A ballast base for supporting a frame structure above the ground, comprising: a freestanding body comprising a lower ground-engagement surface detachably engageable with the ground, and an opposing upper coupling surface; a support mount, at least partially integrated within said freestanding body; and at least one attachment member, operably connected to said support mount and protruding away from said upper coupling surface, said at least one attachment member configured to operably couple with the frame structure.
20.A ballast base according to claim 19, further comprising a cushioning member operably connected to a surface of said body.
21. A ballast base according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein said freestanding body is formed of a material comprising precast concrete.
22. A ballast base according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein said body comprises an aperture extending at least partially from a front surface to an opposing rear surface.
23. A ballast base according to claim 22, wherein said aperture extends through the body from said front surface to said opposing rear surface.
24. A ballast base according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein said support mount is a mounting plate, cast into said body.
25. A ballast base according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein at least a portion of said body comprises a reflective strip arranged perpendicular to said lower ground-engagement surface.