Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array

US20120298188A1Inactive Publication Date: 2012-11-29SOLARCITY
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Current Assignee / Owner
SOLARCITY
Publication Date
2012-11-29
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
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Description

CROSS REFERENCES

[0001] The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13 / 351,397, filed Jan. 17, 2012, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12 / 594,935 filed Oct. 6, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,109,048, issued Feb. 7, 2012. The foregoing applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] Photovoltaic (PV) modules and related mounting hardware are well known and in widespread use. The most common mass-produced PV modules in use today include a laminated portion, or PV laminate, and a frame portion, and are designed specifically to convert light into electricity. The PV laminate portion is for encapsulating solar cells in a substantially flat, weather-tight envelope comprising a laminated construction of various layers including but not limited to glass, clear plastic, encapsulant material (like EVA), active photovoltaic material, interconnecting conductors between solar cells, and a protective backsheet ...

Claims

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