Field
[1]
The invention relates to solar panel arrangements. In particular, the invention relates to a solar panel arrangement that makes use of a two-sided solar panel structure.
Background
[2]
The consumption of energy requires energy sources to be harnessed for consumption. Examples of the this include wind, coal, peat, water, and nuclear power. Solar panels offer a direct way to gather energy originating from the sun by means of, for example, the photoelectric effect (e.g. solar panels) or thermal collector (e.g. solar thermal collectors), wind and biofuel plants together with solar power plants may form hybrid solutions which in joint use enhance economic profitability. For the above reason, there exists an increasing need for solar power plants, such as solar power plant parks, in particular in joint use with wind and biofuel plants.
[3]
Solar power plants usually consist of a plurality of solar panels by means of which radiation from the sun may be converted into electric energy and/or thermal energy. Solar panels may be connected to systems intended for transferring and/or storing electric and/or thermal energy. Installation of solar panels requires space, and they may be installed on a field, for example.
[4]
For a solar panel to collect solar energy efficiently, the solar panel needs to be installed facing the sun. Preferably the solar panel has to be perpendicular to the sun. Out of the Equator, the sun shines obliquely, so it means that solar panels are usually installed obliquely (possibly adjustably) so that space is left between the solar panel installations. The space is created for each solar panel to be able to collect radiation directly originating from the sun. This space is not in practical use, and so the surface area required by solar power plants such as solar parks. For this reason, it may make sense to develop solution that address this problem. Making use of the space may create prerequisites and/or needs to come up with solutions that enhance the efficiency of solar panel systems. Even small improvement may result in major benefits.
Brief disclosure
[5]
An embodiment is disclosed in the independent claim. Some embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. Some embodiments are presented in the description and figures.
[6]
According to an aspect of the invention, the solar panel system comprises a plurality of two-sided solar panels, such a solar panel on the one hand penetrating part of the solar radiation (e.g. light, visible light and/or another part of the electromagnetic spectrum), wherein the penetrating radiation may reach the space left between the solar panels and, in particular, a structure protecting the space. The protective structure may protect a cultivation tank or plantations and reflect part of the sunlight back towards the two-sided solar panel structure. Therefore a two-sided solar panel structure allows solar energy to be utilized as effectively as possible.
Brief description of the figures
[7]
The invention is now described in closer detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figures 1 to 2 are cross sections of solar power plants according to some embodiment, where the space between the solar panel structures is utilized, Figure 3 is a bird's eye perspective view of a solar power plant according to an embodiment, Figures 4A to 4C show a device which may be used to carry out measures required by the solar power plant and/or its environment, Figure 5 shows a solar power plant according to an embodiment, and Figures 6A and 6B show an opening mechanism and closing mechanism of the protective structure according to some embodiments.
Description of some embodiments
[8]
Figures 1 and 2 show a solar power plant 100, such as a solar power plant park, according to some embodiments. The solar power plant described may also be referred to as a solar power plant system, such a as a solar power plant park system (may also be referred to as a system 100). Referring to Figures 1 and 2 , said system 100 may comprise one or more solar panel structures. One or more solar panel structures may comprise one or more solar panels. Solar panels may comprise solar cells that are adapted to convert solar radiation to electric energy through the photoelectric effect, and/or thermal collectors adapted to convert solar radiation into thermal energy. So, the system 100 may comprise a plurality of solar cells and/or a plurality of solar collectors, generally solar panels 112, 122.
[9]
Each solar panel structure may also comprise other parts in addition to the panels. For example, a solar panel structure may comprise a solar panel 112 and a structure which is adapted to make it possible to install the solar panel structure on the ground. Said structure may comprise a stand 116, for example. Said structure may, for example, comprise an arm 114 by means of which the panel 112 may be installed at the desired height. The arm 114 may be fixed to the stand 116 and panel 112.
[10]
The system may comprise a number of solar panel structures, such as a first solar panel structure 112, 114, 116 and a second solar panel structure 122, 124, 126. Each solar panel structure may thus comprise corresponding parts explained in greater detail in the above paragraph.
[11]
In any case, there will be a space 130 left between the solar panel structures, two or more, the space being associated with certain problems. The space 130 may be referred to as an intermediate space or waste space. The space 130 may entirely or partly cover the space that remains between two or more solar panel structures, that is, the space between the structures 112 to 116 and 122 to 126, for example. If a solar panel structure only comprises the panel 112 or 122, the space may be formed between the panels, only. On the other hand, even if other structures are used, the space 130 may nevertheless be formed between the panels, only (e.g. panels installed on the ground). In the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2 , the space 130 specifically refers to the space left between the stands, but it may additionally or alternatively cover the space between the panels 112, 122 and/or the space between the arms 114, 124.
[12]
To solve the certain problems related to the space 130, a solution has been invented in which said space 130 is used for cultivating plantations or organisms. In such a case, the space 130 may partly or entirely transform from waste space to useful space. This is particularly noteworthy, because until now the goal has been to reduce said space 130 with solutions of different kinds, such as panel locating solutions. However, transforming the waste space into useful space may be beneficial from the viewpoint of the system 100.
[13]
So, in an embodiment, referring to Figure 1 , the system 100 may comprise at least one plantation 132. Said at least one plantation 132 is located within the area of the space 130, in other words between the solar…
