In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, solar energy shade structures and support systems are disclosed that have electrical components concealed or screened within columns located under the structure. For example, a solar energy structure may comprise: a solar panel support structure, a plurality of solar panels supported by the solar panel support structure, a plurality of vertical supports connected to the solar panel support structure for supporting the solar panel support structure elevated above a surface, and a column, located under the solar panel support structure. The column comprises an electrical component mounted to the column in a screened manner, wherein the electrical component comprises at least one of a string inverter, a combiner, and a battery.

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, solar energy shade structures and support systems are disclosed that have electrical components concealed or screened within columns located under the structure. For example, a solar energy structure may comprise: a solar panel support structure, a plurality of solar panels supported by the solar panel support structure, a plurality of vertical supports connected to the solar panel support structure for supporting the solar panel support structure elevated above a surface, and a column, located under the solar panel support structure. The column comprises an electrical component mounted to the column in a screened manner, wherein the electrical component comprises at least one of a string inverter, a combiner, and a battery.

A modular framework having a plurality of elongate structural members interconnected by brackets is provided. Each of the brackets includes at least one tubular socket to receive a structural member, and an array of holes is provided on a face of the socket to permit connection of an attachment to the bracket to support ancillary components.

A modular framework having a plurality of elongate structural members interconnected by brackets is provided. Each of the brackets includes at least one tubular socket to receive a structural member, and an array of holes is provided on a face of the socket to permit connection of an attachment to the bracket to support ancillary components.

The present invention relates to sunshades and methods of constructing sunshades, particularly, sunshade canopies installed at a fixed location in the temperate zones.

In a first aspect of the invention, a sunshade element is configured such that the sunshade element is viewed from a reference shade point as a thin profile between adjacent apertures over predetermined days in winter, thereby maximising the admission of sunshine to the shade area; and configured such that the sunshade element presents the maximum or near maximum breadth of its during predetermined days in summer; resulting in the admission of sunshine in winter and the blocking of sunshine in summer. During the spring period winter, sunshine is gradually replaced by summer shade, and during the autumn period, summer shade is replaced by winter sunshine, such that the sunshade elements provide effective blocking and admission of sunshine to the shade area over the annual solar cycle.

A structural bracket assembly for a residential or commercial trellis. The structural bracket assembly comprises an aluminum mounting plate securable to a vertical wall having a support member extending outwardly therefrom at an angle and terminating with an end plate. Plywood is fastened to the top and the bottom of the support member. Roofing material is fastened to the upper piece of plywood, and a soffit panel is secured to the lower piece of plywood. A frieze board is secured to the vertical wall beneath the lower piece of plywood to conceal the mounting plate, and a hollow rafter tail is secured to the soffit panel. In one embodiment, the rafter tail is spaced apart from a support bracket by a cross beam.

A structural bracket assembly for a residential or commercial trellis. The structural bracket assembly comprises an aluminum mounting plate securable to a vertical wall having a support member extending outwardly therefrom at an angle and terminating with an end plate. Plywood is fastened to the top and the bottom of the support member. Roofing material is fastened to the upper piece of plywood, and a soffit panel is secured to the lower piece of plywood. A frieze board is secured to the vertical wall beneath the lower piece of plywood to conceal the mounting plate, and a hollow rafter tail is secured to the soffit panel. In one embodiment, the rafter tail is spaced apart from a support bracket by a cross beam.

A modular framework having a plurality of elongate structural members interconnected by brackets is provided. Each of the brackets includes at least one tubular socket to receive a structural member, and an array of holes is provided on a face of the socket to permit connection of an attachment to the bracket to support ancillary components.

A modular framework having a plurality of elongate structural members interconnected by brackets is provided. Each of the brackets includes at least one tubular socket to receive a structural member, and an array of holes is provided on a face of the socket to permit connection of an attachment to the bracket to support ancillary components.

A system of blinds comprising louvers that are inclined in such a way as to maximize the direct solar illumination received during the winter months and to minimize same during the summer months is described. The inclinations are determined according to the terrestrial latitude of the building supporting these blinds, and the orientation of the surface of the building that is to be protected. The longitudinal slope of the louvers is determined such that the longitudinal direction of the louvers is substantially parallel to the straight line of intersection of the plane of the surface and the equatorial plane seen from the building. The transverse tilt of the louvers is determined such that these louvers face in a direction comprised between 12° and 24° below the direction of the equatorial plane.