[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, for example on site. The building structure can be any structure that is capable of supporting the system. 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. The modular photovoltaic system can also be fully assembled and tested at the site of manufacture.

[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 examples, the electrical wiring terminates in a storage system. In examples, the storage system is a battery cell.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] In some embodiments, the interconnect support frame comprises a plurality of support members operably connected together.

[0017] In some specific embodiments, the plurality of support members are welded together.

[0018] 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 array.

[0019] In some embodiments, the interconnect support member is made of a material comprising aluminium. [0020] In examples, the interconnect support frame comprises an electrical connector configured for electrically connecting a photovoltaic panel with an adjacent photovoltaic panel of a corresponding photovoltaic module.

[0021] In examples, the electrical connector is provided in an aperture in the interconnect support frame.

[0022] In examples, the electrical connector is provided on a short edge of the interconnect support frame.

[0023] In examples, the electrical connector is provided on a long edge of the interconnect support frame.

[0024] In examples, electrical connectors are provided on the short edge and the long edge of the interconnect support frame. It is advantageous to have multiple electrical connectors on the interconnect support frame, for example aligned with the electrical wiring of the panels in a number of different orientations. This allows the panel and modules to be connected in a correct configuration irrespective of the orientation of the panel or when swapping out old panels with new ones. As such, any panel can be used and slotted into the photovoltaic module and can be connected with another panel or module in any orientation, without needing major rewiring of the entire electrical network.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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. [0027] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module and the corresponding photovoltaic module are operably connectable in series.

[0028] In other embodiments, the photovoltaic module and the corresponding photovoltaic module are operably connectable in parallel.

[0029] In examples, the photovoltaic module and the corresponding photovoltaic module are electrically connected by an electrical connector.

[0030] In examples, the photovoltaic module and the corresponding photovoltaic module are electrically connected at their long edge. In other examples, the photovoltaic module and the corresponding photovoltaic module are electrically connected at their short edge. It is advantageous to have photovoltaic modules that can be electrically connected to an adjacent photovoltaic module in a number of configurations because upon placement irrespective of the orientation of the module, the modules will be connectable together without needing major rewiring of the entire network.

[0031] 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 groundengagement 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.

[0032] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the canopy frame comprises a plurality of freestanding ballast bases.

[0033] Advantageously, in some specific embodiments, the plurality of freestanding ballast bases are equidistantly spaced along the frame structure.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the freestanding body is formed of a material comprising precast concrete.

[0038] 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.

[0039] In some specific embodiments, the aperture extends through the body from the front surface to the opposing rear surface.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 [0042] 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;

Figure 7 illustrates a (a) perspective view of a ballast base; and (b) a side view of a ballast base;

Figure 8 illustrates a schematic representation of a photovoltaic system, including photovoltaic modules: (a) in a top view, showing four photovoltaic modules connected together; (b) viewed from the side of the short edge; (c) in a close-up top view, showing panels from two different photovoltaic modules connected at their short edge; (d) viewed from the side of the long edge; and (e) showing a detailed view of the cable connection between adjacent panels of different photovoltaic modules connected at their short edge; and

Figure 9 illustrates a schematic representation of a photovoltaic system, including photovoltaic modules: (a) in a top view, showing four photovoltaic modules connected together; (b) viewed from the side of the short edge; (c) in a close-up top view, showing panels from the same photovoltaic module connected at their short edge; (d) showing a detailed view of the cable connection at the frame end; and (e) showing a detailed view of the cable connection between adjacent panels of different photovoltaic modules connected at their long edge.

Detailed Description

[0043] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words Tight’, ‘left’, ‘lower’, ‘upper’, ‘front’, Tear’, ‘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 ¹ 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Like reference numerals are used to depict like features throughout.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The cable connection between adjacent photovoltaic modules 50 will now be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9, which show panels 54 of different photovoltaic modules 50 connected together at their short edge and long edge respectively.

[0056] Figure 8 shows a photovoltaic system 100 including a plurality of photovoltaic modules 50. In this example, four photovoltaic modules 50 are shown, each having eight photovoltaic panels 54, although it is envisaged that a photovoltaic system 100 may have any number of modules 50 and panels 54. The panels 54 of each photovoltaic module 50 are electrically connected together by electric cables 70. When connected together via the support frames as described previously with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the photovoltaic modules 50 are arranged adjacent one another. The frames in which the panels 54 are arranged are provided with an aperture through which the cables 70 can extend through. Apertures are likewise provided at the frame between adjacent modules such that the cables 70 can extend out of one module 50 and into the next adjacent module 50. The cables 70 may lead to a storage system such as batteries that store the collected solar energy generated by the photovoltaic system 100.

[0057] As best shown in Figures 8(d) and 8(e), a part of the frame between adjacent panels 54 at the short edge is provided with an electrical connector system 71 that has a female connector 71a and a male connector 71 b. Each of the female connector 71a and the male connector 71 b are arranged to receive an electric cable 70. The male connector 71 b is receivable in the female connector 71a so that an electrical connection is formed between the connectors 71a, 71b (e.g. electrical pin connection), allowing the electric cables 70 received in the connectors 71a, 71 b to be electrically connected. The connectors 71a, 71 b are provided on different modules 50, across a short edge of the panel 54 and across a long edge of the module 50. As such, panels 54 in adjacent modules 50, and therefore the adjacent modules 50 themselves are electrically connected. This is particularly advantageous, because the photovoltaic system is made modular in the sense that modules 50 including panels 54 can be placed adjacent to one another and can easily be electrically connected. Panels 54 at their short edge, and therefore photovoltaic modules 50 at their long edge can be connected together electrically when modules 50 are placed adjacent to one another.

[0058] Figure 9 shows a photovoltaic system 100 including a plurality of photovoltaic modules 50, with panels 54 electrically connected together by electric cables 70. When the photovoltaic modules 50 are connected together via the support frames as described previously with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the photovoltaic modules 50 are arranged adjacent one another. In order to electrically connect panels 54 of the adjacent modules 50, the frames are provided with apertures through which the cables 70 extend. The cables 70 may terminate at a storage system such as batteries 73 (for example near the frame 59) that store the collected solar energy generated by the photovoltaic system 100, as shown in Figure 9(d).

[0059] As best shown in Figures 9(c) and 9(e), a part of the frame between adjacent panels 54 at the long edge is provided with an electrical connector system 71 which is the same that described previously in Figure 8. The electrical connector system 71 has a female connector 71a and a male connector 71 b each arranged to receive an electric cable 70. The connectors 71a, 71 b are provided on different modules 50, across a long edge of the panel 54 and across a short edge of the module 50. This allows panels 54 in adjacent modules 50, and therefore the adjacent modules 50 themselves to be electrically connected. As such, not only can adjacent modules 50 connected at their long edge be electrically connected, adjacent modules 50 connected at their short edge can also be electrically connected. This is beneficial because photovoltaic modules 50 can be pre-fabricated and installed onto a building roof structure, connected in a number of different arrangements depending on the size and shape of the roof, and are easily structurally and electrically connected in a modular way. The photovoltaic modules 50 can be installed onto any structure. The combination of an interconnectable panel array using the modular interconnect frame system, and the modular electric cable connection arrangement allows photovoltaic modules 50 to be easily assembled and disassembled both structurally and electrically.

[0060] It is particularly advantageous to provide electrical connectors 71 both across the short edge of the panel 54 (i.e. long edge of the module 50) and across the long edge of the panel 54 (i.e. short edge of the module 50) because this allows panels 54 in adjacent modules 50, and therefore the adjacent modules 50 themselves to be electrically connected irrespective of the orientation of the panels 54 and modules 50. A module 50 can be connected to an adjacent module 50 in any orientation (i.e. whether the same orientation or different orientation from the adjacent module 50) and can be easily connected in a modular manner both physically and electrically, without having to rewire the entire network. Similarly, a panel 54 can be placed in the module 50 and can be slotted in any orientation without having to rewire the entire network. Panels 54 and modules 50 can therefore be replaced in a simple and efficient manner, without major rewiring being required.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 limitative 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 limitative 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 73 Battery

2 Building 76 Adjacent side beam

3 Roof 77 Adjacent beam connector

4 Photovoltaic panel 78 Weep hole

5 Electric lead 100 Photovoltaic system

50 Photovoltaic module 200 Canopy frame

51 Support frame 202 Vertical beam

52 First side beam 204 Horizontal beam

53 First beam connector 205 Horizontal beam connector

54 Photovoltaic panel 206 Base connector beam

56 Second side beam 208 Compartment

57 Second beam connector 250 Ballast base

58 Seal 252 Body

59 First end beam 254 Lower surface

60 Channel 256 First lateral surface

61 Flange 258 Second lateral surface

62 Cable outlet 260 First tapered surface

63 Second end beam 262 Second tapered surface

64 End beam connector 264 Upper surface

65 Weld line 266 Mounting plate

66 Extrusion spacer 268 Fasteners

67 Weld line 270 Slot

70 Cables 272 Guard

71 Connector system 274 Reflective strip

72 Cover cap