System and method of mounting a removable and adjustable photovoltaic ballast frame device

Abstract

A photovoltaic (PV) module mounting system comprises a plurality of PV modules, support brackets disposed under the modules and a ballast frame disposed under and attached to the support brackets. The ballast frame is supported on conventional building rooftops and attached thereto by conventional methods. The support bracket consists of front and rear supports, which can be adjusted to alter the desired tilt angles of the overlying PV modules. The ballast frames can be adjusted to varying widths and lengths. The system is effective in reducing the net effect of wind uplift force when modules are mounted on building rooftops. Additionally, the system provides the advantage of ease of use with less components and minimal roofing penetrations.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 996,486, filed Nov. 20, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention is directed generally to an apparatus and methods for use in a removable or adjustable mounting or assembling photovoltaic (PV) ballast frame system for use on flat surfaces.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]Prior art PV module ballast frame structures typically has the disadvantage of having many parts and multiple penetrations to a roofing structure upon which it is installed. Accordingly, light weight components, minimal penetration, ease of installation and reduced labor costs are major concerns of customers in the PV module ballast frame market. Specifically, the number of penetrating roofing attachments can decrease the effectiveness of expensive roofing surfaces. As a result, there is an increasing need to develop PV mounting frame sy...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]The present invention in one embodiment provides a method and apparatus for mounting solar modules and other flat objects onto a relatively flat surface. Among the advantages to this embodiment includes that it has relatively few components and easy assembly. Further, parts can be configured to accommodate a plurality of sizes of flat objects. The present invention can comprise a bracket for maintaining flat objects, e.g. PV solar panels, at a plurality of angles, a ballast frame, which has the ability to be secured to a flat surface and bolt and nut hardware for attaching the bracket to the flat object and ballast frame. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention provide for minimal or zero penetrations of the flat surface upon which the system is being mounted. The minimal or zero penetrations of the flat surface, i.e., rooftop can be achieved by any fastening technique, including methods such as use of nuts, washers and bolts or adhesives. Alternatively, the present invention can be installed without the use of any fastening devices, wherein weighted objects attached to the ballast frame are used instead.

Problems solved by technology

Prior art PV module ballast frame structures typically has the disadvantage of having many parts and multiple penetrations to a roofing structure upon which it is installed.

Specifically, the number of penetrating roofing attachments can decrease the effectiveness of expensive roofing surfaces.

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