Integrated photovoltaic module mounting system for use with tufted geosynthetics

Abstract

An integrated photovoltaic module mounting system having a friction member for engagement with a portion of a tufted geosynthetic cover and optionally attaching connectors attached to a photovoltaic module and to the tufted geosynthetic cover, for collecting and utilizing solar energy. A method of securing a photovoltaic module to a tufted geosynthetic cover is disclosed.

1 .- 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . An apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic module to a tufted geosynthetic cover overlying a surface, comprising:
 a plurality of flexible attachment connectors, each for attaching at a first portion to the photovoltaic module and for attaching at a second portion to the tufted geosynthetic cover,   whereby the flexible attachment connector, being attached to the photovoltaic module and to the tufted geosynthetic cover, secures the photovoltaic module to the tufted geosynthetic cover.   
     
     
         24 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 23 , further comprising:
 one or more anti-creep strips for attaching to a photovoltaic module, said anti-creep strip having a plurality of spaced-apart projections extending from a surface opposing the attachment with the photovoltaic module,   whereby the projections being disposed within tufts of the tufted geosynthetic, frictionally secures the photovoltaic module attached to the anti-creep strip to the tufted geosynthetic cover.   
     
     
         25 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 24 , wherein the projections of the anti-creep strip comprise a plurality of spaced-apart feet projecting from a bottom surface of the anti-creep strip. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 25 , further comprising a tufted geosynthetic cover that comprises a fabric member having a plurality of tufts tufted with a yarn and the tufts extending from the fabric member as a plurality of slender elongated blades of an artificial grass,
 whereby a frictional force arises by the feet of the anti-creep strips being engaged with one or more of the tufted blades, for resisting wind uplift of the photovoltaic module from the tufted geosynthetic.   
     
     
         27 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 23 , wherein attaching comprises mechanically attached, chemically attached, heat or sonic welding, or thermoset bonding. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 23 , wherein the attachment connectors comprise elongate strips of a material suitable for welding to the tufted geosynthetic cover. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 23 , further comprising a mounting baseplate secured to the photovoltaic module, the first portion of the flexible attachment connector for attaching thereto for securing the flexible attachment connector to the photovoltaic module. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 26 , wherein the tufts further comprise a light reflective element. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 23 , further comprising a tufted geosynthetic cover that comprises a fabric member having a plurality of tufts tufted with a yarn and the tuffs extending from the fabric member as slender elongated blades of an artificial grass; and
 an infill of granular material received within an interspatial gap between the extending blades and the fabric member.   
     
     
         32 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 31 , wherein the yarn includes a reflective additive. 
     
     
         33 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 32 , wherein the yarn includes a light reflective pigment. 
     
     
         34 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 23 , further comprising a wind breaking element. 
     
     
         35 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the wind breaking element comprises a plurality of pins extending upwardly. 
     
     
         36 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the wind breaking element comprises a portion of the attaching connector defining at least one opening. 
     
     
         37 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 23 , further comprising a tilting device, whereby the photovoltaic module is oriented at a selected angle relative to the geosynthetic cover for generation of electricity. 
     
     
         38 . A method of mounting a photovoltaic module to a tufted geosynthetic cover overlying a surface, comprising the steps of:
 (a) attaching a plurality of flexible attachment connectors to the photovoltaic module, each flexible attachment connector having a first portion configured for attaching to the photovoltaic module; and   (b) attaching a second portion of the flexible attachment connectors to the tufted geosynthetic cover,   whereby the flexible attachment connector, being attached to the photovoltaic module and to the tufted geosynthetic cover, secures the photovoltaic module to the tufted geosynthetic cover.   
     
     
         39 . The method as recited in  claim 38 , further comprising the steps of:
 engaging one or more anti-creep strips with a photovoltaic module, the anti-creep strip having a plurality of spaced-apart projections extending from a surface opposing the attachment with the photovoltaic module, and   disposing the photovoltaic module over a portion of the tufted geosynthetic cover,   whereby the projections being disposed within tufts of the tufted geosynthetic cover, frictionally secures the photovoltaic module attached to the anti-creep strip to the tufted geosynthetic cover.   
     
     
         40 . The method as recited in  claim 38 , where attaching of the attachment connector to the tufted geosynthetic cover comprises mechanically attaching with a fastener, chemically attaching, welding (heat or sonic), or thermoset bonding. 
     
     
         41 . The method as recited in  claim 38 , further comprising the step of distributing over the geosynthetic cover a ballast for filling a portion of the interstices between the tufts. 
     
     
         42 . The method as recited in  claim 38 , further comprising the step of providing a wind breaking element. 
     
     
         43 . The method as recited in  claim 42 , wherein the providing of the wind breaking element comprises the step of attaching to an edge of the photovoltaic module a plurality of spaced-apart pins that extend in a first direction away from the tufted geosynthetic cover. 
     
     
         44 . The method as recited in  claim 42 , wherein the providing of the wind breaking element comprises providing an opening in a portion of the attaching connector proximate the attachment to the tufts.