Composite configurable system to support solar panels on geomembrane

Abstract

A support system for a support structure utilizes polymer support members and a flexible pliable polymer cover. The cover includes a plurality of upwardly extending anchor units. The support members each include a plurality of apertures each shaped and dimensioned to receive an anchor unit. The cover is placed on a landfill. The support members are each placed on a plurality of anchor units. Each aperture in a support member receives an anchor unit. The support member is thermally welded to the cover.

Having described my invention in such terms as to enable those of skill in the art to understand and use it, and having described the presently preferred embodiments and best mode thereof, I claim: 
     
         1 . A method to mount a structure on a landfill and to compensate for changes in the surface contour in the landfill, including the steps of
 (a) providing a support structure to be mounted on a landfill;   (b) providing a flexible polymer cover including a field of spaced apart, upwardly extending anchor units, said field of anchor units comprising at least 25% of the area covered by said cover;   (c) providing a plurality of substantially rigid polymer support members each having
 (i) a first end, 
 (ii) a second end, 
 (iii) a middle section intermediate said first and second ends, 
 (iv) a base, 
 (v) a plurality of apertures formed in each of said support members, each of said apertures being shaped and dimensioned to receive and conform to one of said anchor units, said apertures having a spacing equivalent to the spacing of said field of anchor units, 
   said support members being comprised of a polymer material having a coefficient of thermal expansion which is within 15% of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the polymer material comprising said cover;   (d) installing said polymer cover on said upper surface of said landfill;   (e) seating said support members on said anchor units on said cover at spaced apart locations on said cover;   (f) thermally welding said support members to said cover; and,   (g) mounting said support structure on said support members.