Photovoltaic module undermount frame device attachment
A frame assembly with a coupler and deflector secures accessories to photovoltaic modules without perimeter frames, ensuring protection and attachment, addressing the need for effective attachment methods in frameless modules.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FIRST SOLAR INC
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Photovoltaic modules without a frame around the perimeter of the substrate require effective attachment methods for accessories, as traditional framing structures are absent.
A frame assembly is attached to the back of the photovoltaic module, with a guard device featuring a coupler and deflector extending over the perimeter edge and front side, secured by locks or clips to provide protection and attachment.
The solution ensures secure attachment and protection of the photovoltaic module, particularly against impacts like hail, while allowing for orientation adjustments and accessory integration.
Smart Images
Figure US2026012621_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Photovoltaic Module Undermount Frame Device Attachment TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to photovoltaic modules.BACKGROUND
[0002] Photovoltaic modules may be manufactured without a frame around the perimeter of the substrate and back support. Accessories may be attached to a photovoltaic module and can be attached to the frame of the photovoltaic module. Accordingly, there is a need for devices and methods for attachment to a photovoltaic module having a structure without a frame around the perimeter of the substrate.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a first example of a photovoltaic device.
[0004] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the photovoltaic device from Fig. 1.
[0005] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 2.
[0006] Fig. 4 is a side view of Fig. 3.
[0007] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an extension member from the photovoltaic device from Fig. 1.
[0008] Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of a second example of a photovoltaic device.
[0009] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 in Fig. 6.
[0010] Fig. 8 is a front perspective view of a third example of a photovoltaic device.
[0011] Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of the photovoltaic device from Fig. 8.
[0012] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 9.
[0013] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 in Fig. 10.
[0014] Fig. 12 is a front perspective view of a fourth example of a photovoltaic device.
[0015] Fig. 13 is a rear perspective view of the photovoltaic device from Fig. 12.
[0016] Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 13.
[0017] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 15-15 in Fig. 14.
[0018] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a support member from the photovoltaic device from Fig. 12.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Referring to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a front perspective view of a first example of a photovoltaic device, indicated generally at 10. Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the photovoltaic device 10. The photovoltaic device 10 includes a photovoltaic module 12 that is attached to a frame assembly, indicated generally at 14. The photovoltaic device 10 also includes a guard assembly, indicated generally at 16, that is attached to the frame assembly 14. An enlarged view of a portion of the photovoltaic devise 10 including in the guard assembly 16 is illustrated in Fig. 3. The guard assembly 16 includes an extension 18 that is attached to the frame assembly 14 and a support 20 that is attached to the extension 18. A guard device 22 is attached to the support 20. The guard device 22 includes a coupler 24 that is attached to the support 20, and a deflector 26 that extends from the support 20 over a first side 28 of the photovoltaic module 12.
[0020] In the illustrated example, the guard device 22 is a hail guard that protects the first side 28 of the photovoltaic module 12. It is known in the art to provide modules such as the illustrated photovoltaic device 10 with a tracker system (not shown) that is able to change the orientation of the photovoltaic device 10 relative to the ground based on sensed conditions. One such system is described in U.S. Patent application US20130048048A1. In the illustrated example, the photovoltaic device 10 may be oriented so that the guard device 22 is able to protect the first side 28 from impact from falling objects, such as hail.
[0021] As best shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the photovoltaic module 12 has a front 30 and a back 32. The illustrated photovoltaic module 12 has a planar front 30 and back 32 but may have another desired shape. The illustrated photovoltaic module 12 has a rectangular shape and includes the relatively short first side 28 and opposite second side 34, which are connected by relatively long and opposite third side 36 and fourth side 38. However, the photovoltaic module 12 may have another desired shape. The photovoltaic module 12 defines a perimeter edge 40, that extends around the photovoltaic module 12 between the front 30 and the back 32.
[0022] The frame assembly 14 of the photovoltaic device 10 is attached to the back 32 of the photovoltaic module 12. The frame assembly 14 structurally supports the photovoltaic module12 and also provides points to attach the photovoltaic device 10 to a structure or other support (not shown). The illustrated frame assembly 14 includes two rails 42 attached to the back 32 that extend parallel to the third side 36 and fourth side 38. Other examples of the frame assembly 14 may include a plurality of rails 42; in some examples 2-6 rails are present and are substantially parallel. The illustrated rails 42 are made of steel but may be made of other suitable material. The illustrated rails 42 do not reach the first side 28, and there is a longitudinal gap 44 between the rail 42 and the first side 28.
[0023] Referring to Fig. 3, the extension 18 is attached to the rail 42 and extends from the rail 42 toward the first side 28. The illustrated photovoltaic device 10 includes two extensions 18, one attached to each of the rails 42.
[0024] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the extension 18. The illustrated extension 18 is made of aluminum but may be made of other suitable material. The extension 18 includes an extension body 46 and an extension bracket 48 that extends from the extension body 46. The extension body 46 defines extension holes 50 that extend through the extension body 46. Referring back to Fig. 4, when the extension 18 is attached to the rail 42, part of the extension body 46 is inserted into the rail 42, and the extension holes 50 are aligned with respective frame holes 52 defined in the rail 42. A bolt (not shown) is then inserted through the extension holes 50 and the frame holes 52 to retain the extension body 46 in place relative to the rail 42. As best shown in Fig. 4 the extension bracket 48 is located in the longitudinal gap 44 between the rail 42 and the first side 28.
[0025] As also shown in Fig. 4, the extension 18 is attached to the support 20. The illustrated support 20 is made of steel but may be made of other suitable material and by another desired process. The support 20 includes a first flange 54 located at a first side 56 of the support 20. In the illustrated example, a first rib 58 extends from an edge of the first flange 54. The support 20 includes a second flange 60 located at a second side 62 of the support 20. In the illustrated example, a second rib 64 extends from an edge of the second flange 60. A web 66 connects the first flange 54 and the second flange 60.
[0026] The illustrated guard device 22 is made of extruded plastic but may be made of other suitable material and by another desired process. The coupler 24 is located adjacent to the support 20, between the first flange 54 and the second flange 60. The coupler 24 includes a coupler body 68, a first arm 70, and a second arm 72. The first arm 70 is located at one side ofthe coupler body 68 and extends from the coupler body 68 adjacent to the first flange 54 of the support 20. The first arm 70 includes a coupler flange 74 that is located adjacent to the first rib 58. The second arm 74 is located at an opposite side of the coupler body 68 from the first arm 70 and extends from the coupler body 68 adjacent to the second flange 60 of the support 20.
[0027] The extension 18 includes a lock 76. The lock 76 includes a fixed end 78 that is attached to the extension bracket 48 and a distal free end 80. The illustrated lock 76 extends the full length of the extension bracket 48. However, the lock 76 may have a suitable desired length, and the extension 18 may include multiple, discrete locks 76. In order to attach the illustrated guard device 22 to the illustrated photovoltaic module 12, the free end 80 of the lock 76 is moved away from the extension body 46. The guard device 22 is positioned adjacent to the support 20 with the coupler 24 located between the first flange 54 and the second flange 60 of the support 20. The support 20 is then positioned adjacent to the extension 18, with the first flange 54 positioned on the extension body 46, the second flange 60 positioned adjacent to the extension bracket 48, and the second rib 64 positioned in a trench 82 in the extension body 46. The free end 80 of the lock 76 is then moved towards the support 20, to the position shown in Figs. 1-4.
[0028] The second flange 60 is engaged with the extension body 46 and the lock 76. The second rib 64 is also engaged with the extension bracket 48 and an edge 84 on the extension body 46 that extends into the trench 82 and engages the second rib 64. This retains the support 20 in place relative to the extension 18. Additionally, the second arm 74 of the coupler 24 is engaged with the lock 76 and the web 66, and the first arm 70 of the coupler 24 is engaged with the first rib 58 on the support 20 and the web 66. This retains the coupler 24 in place relative to the support 20.
[0029] The deflector 26 extends from the coupler flange 74 of the coupler 24. The first rib 58 on the support 20 is located between the deflector 26 and the coupler flange 74. The deflector 26 extends away from the extension bracket 48. The deflector 26 extends from the coupler 24 past the perimeter edge 40 of the photovoltaic module 12. The deflector 26 extends in a longitudinal direction 86 such that the deflector 26 extends over the front 28 of the photovoltaic module 12. The illustrated deflector 26 at least partially covers the front 28 of the photovoltaic module 12. The deflector 26 includes an outer end 88 that is located an offset distance 90 from the front 28of the photovoltaic module 12. In the illustrated example, the offset distance 90 is a minimum of one inch. However, the offset distance 90 may be another desired size.
[0030] In the illustrated example, the guard device 22 is a hail guard that is positioned to help prevent hail (not shown) that is falling in the longitudinal direction 86 from damaging the photovoltaic module 12. The shape of the deflector 26 is illustrative only, and another desired size and shape of deflector 26 may be attached to the coupler 24. Additionally, the deflector 26 may be used for purposes other than a hail guard.
[0031] Referring now to Fig. 6. there is illustrated a front perspective view of a portion of a second example of a photovoltaic device, indicated generally at 1010. The view shown in Fig. 6 is includes a view of a first side 1028 of a photovoltaic module 1012, similar to the view of the first example shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 in Fig. 6.
[0032] The photovoltaic module 1012 has a front 1030 and a back 1032. The illustrated photovoltaic module 1012 has a planar front 1030 and back 1032 but may have another desired shape. The illustrated photovoltaic module 1012 has a rectangular shape and includes the relatively short first side 1028 (an opposite second side is not shown) and relatively long third side 1036 and fourth side 1038. However, the photovoltaic module 1012 may have another desired shape. The photovoltaic module 1012 defines a perimeter edge 1040, that extends around the photovoltaic module 1012 between the front 1030 and the back 1032.
[0033] The photovoltaic device 1010 includes a frame assembly, indicated generally at 1014, that is attached to the back 1032 of the photovoltaic module 1012. The frame assembly 1014 structurally supports the photovoltaic module 1012 and also provides points to attach the photovoltaic device 1010 to a structure or other support (not shown). The illustrated frame assembly 1014 includes two rails 1042 attached to the back 1032 that extend parallel to the third side 1036 and fourth side 1038, and two beams 1092 (only one is shown) that are attached to each of the rails 1042. However, the frame assembly 1014 may include another desired number of members having another suitable configuration. The illustrated rails 1042 and beams 1092 are made of steel but may be made of other suitable material. As shown in Fig. 7, the illustrated rails 1042 and beams 1092 extend from the back 1032 past the perimeter edge 1040 of the photovoltaic module 1012.
[0034] The photovoltaic device 1010 includes a guard device 1022 that is attached to the frame assembly 1014. The illustrated guard device 1022 has the same physical characteristics asthe previously described guard device 22 and is interchangeable with the guard device 22.However, the guard device 1022 may have another desired shape and size. The illustrated guard device 1022 is made of extruded plastic but may be made of other suitable material and by another desired process. The guard device 1022 includes a coupler 1024 and a deflector 1026 that extends from the coupler 1024.
[0035] One of the beams 1092 serves as a support 1020 of the photovoltaic device 1010. The illustrated support 1020 is made of steel but may be made of other suitable material and by another desired process. The support 1020 includes a first flange 1054 located at a first side 1056 of the support 1020. In the illustrated example, a first rib 1058 extends from an edge of the first flange 1054. The support 1020 includes a second flange 1060 located at a second side 1062 of the support 1020. A web 1066 connects the first flange 1054 and the second flange 1060.
[0036] The coupler 1024 is located adjacent to the support 1020, between the first flange 1054 and the second flange 1060. The coupler 1024 includes a coupler body 1068, a first arm 1070, and a second arm 1074. The first arm 1070 is located at one side of the coupler body 1068 and extends from the coupler body 1068 adjacent to the first flange 1054 of the support 1020. The first arm 1070 includes a coupler flange 1072 that is located adjacent to the first rib 1058. The second arm 1074 is located at an opposite side of the coupler body 1068 from the first arm 1070 and extends from the coupler body 1068 adjacent to the second flange 1060 of the support 1020.
[0037] The photovoltaic device 1010 includes a lock 1076 that holds the guard device 1022 in place relative to the support 1020. One lock 1076 is shown in Figs. 6 and 7, but another suitable number of locks may be used along the length of the support 1020. The illustrated lock 1076 is made of aluminum but may be made of other suitable material. The lock 1076 includes a lock body 1094 and a lock head 1096 that is located at one end of the lock body 1094 and that extends generally perpendicular to the lock body 1094. The lock 1076 also includes a U-shaped clip 1098 that is located at an opposite end of the lock body 1094 from the lock head 1096. The clip 1098 extends from the lock body 1094 in the opposite direction from the lock head 1096. The U-shaped clip 1098 defines a clip space 1100.
[0038] In order to attach the illustrated guard device 1022 to the illustrated photovoltaic module 1012, the guard device 1022 is positioned adjacent to the support 1020 with the coupler 1024 located between the first flange 1054 and the second flange 1060 of the support 1020. Thelock 1076 is then placed into contact with the coupler 1024. As shown in Fig. 7, the lock body 1094 engages the first arm 1070 and the second arm 1074 of the coupler 1024 in order to push the first arm 1070 into engagement with the first flange 1054 of the support 1020 and the second arm 1074 into engagement with the second flange 1060 of the support 1020. The lock head 1096 engages the coupler body 1068 and the coupler flange 1072 in order to push the coupler body 1068 into engagement with the web 1066 and the coupler flange 1072 into engagement with the first rib 1058. The clip 1098 extends over the second arm 1074 of the coupler 1024 and the second flange 1060 of the support 1020. Portions of the second flange 1060 and the second arm 1074 are located in the clip space 1100. The lock 1076 also includes a latch 1102 that extends into the clip space 1100. The latch 1102 engages a catch 1104 on the second arm 1074 of the coupler 1024 in order to hold the lock 1076 in place relative to the coupler 1024 and the support 1020.
[0039] The deflector 1026 extends from the coupler flange 1072 of the coupler 1024. The first rib 1058 on the support 1020 is located between the deflector 1026 and the coupler flange 1072. The deflector 1026 extends away from the clip 1098. The deflector 1026 extends from the coupler 1024 past the perimeter edge 1040 of the photovoltaic module 1012. The deflector 1026 extends in a longitudinal direction 1086 such that the deflector 1026 extends over the front 1030 of the photovoltaic module 1012. The illustrated deflector 1026 at least partially covers the front 1030 of the photovoltaic module 1012. The deflector 1026 includes an outer end 1088 that is located an offset distance 1090 from the front 1030 of the photovoltaic module 1012. In the illustrated example, the offset distance 1090 is a minimum of one inch. However, the offset distance 1090 may be another desired size.
[0040] Referring now to Fig. 8, there is illustrated a front perspective view of a third example of a photovoltaic device, indicated generally at 2010. Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of the photovoltaic device 2010. The photovoltaic device 2010 includes a photovoltaic module 2012, which has a front 2030 and a back 2032. The illustrated photovoltaic module 2012 has a planar front 2030 and back 2032 but may have another desired shaped. The illustrated photovoltaic module 2012 has a rectangular shape and includes relatively short first side 2028 and second side 2034, and relatively long third side 2036 and fourth side 2038. However, the photovoltaic module 2012 may have another desired shape. The photovoltaic module 2012 defines a perimeter edge 2040, that extends around the photovoltaic module 2012 between thefront 2030 and the back 2032. The illustrated photovoltaic module 2012 has the same physical characteristics as the photovoltaic module 1012, and is interchangeable with the photovoltaic module 1012.
[0041] The photovoltaic device 2010 includes a frame assembly, indicated generally at 2014, that is attached to the back 2032 of the photovoltaic module 2012. The frame assembly 2014 structurally supports the photovoltaic module 2012 and also provides points to attach the photovoltaic device 2010 to a structure or other support (not shown). The illustrated frame assembly 2014 includes two rails 2042 attached to the back 2032 that extend parallel to the third side 2036 and fourth side 2038, and two beams 2092 that are attached to each of the rails 2042. However, the frame assembly 2014 may include other desired number of members having another desired configuration. The illustrated rails 2042 and beams 2092 are made of steel but may be made of other suitable material.
[0042] Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of Fig. 9 near the first side 2028. The photovoltaic device 2010 includes a guard device 2022 that is attached to the frame assembly 2014. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 in Fig. 10.
[0043] One of the beams 2092 serves as a support 2020 of the photovoltaic device 2010. The illustrated support 2020 is made of steel but may be made of other suitable material and by another desired process. The support 2020 includes a web 2066. The support 2020 includes a first flange 2054 and a second flange 2060 located at opposite sides of the web 2066.
[0044] The guard device 2022 includes a coupler 2024 and a deflector 2026. The coupler 2024 is attached to the support 2020 and the deflector 2026 extends from the coupler 2024. However, the guard device 2022 may have other desired shape and size. The illustrated guard device 2022 is made of pultruded plastic but may be made of other suitable material and by another desired process.
[0045] The coupler 2024 is located adjacent to the support 2020. A portion of the coupler 2024 is located between the first flange 2054 and the second flange 2060. The coupler 24 includes a first coupled portion 2106 that is located between the first flange 2054 and the second flange 2060, and a second coupled portion 2108 that is spaced apart from the first coupled portion 2106. The coupler 2024 has a first arm 2070 that connects the first coupled portion 2106 and the second coupled portion 2108.
[0046] The deflector 2026 extends from the first coupled portion 2106 and the second coupled portion 2108. The deflector 2026 extends from the coupler 2024 past the perimeter edge 2040 of the photovoltaic module 2012. The deflector 2026 extends in a longitudinal direction 2086 such that the deflector 2026 extends over the front 2030 of the photovoltaic module 2012. The illustrated deflector 2026 at least partially covers the front 2030 of the photovoltaic module 2012. The deflector 2026 includes an outer end 2088 that is located an offset distance 2090 from the front 2030 of the photovoltaic module 2012. In the illustrated example, the offset distance 2090 is a minimum of one inch. However, the offset distance 2090 may be another desired size.
[0047] In order to attach the illustrated guard device 2022 to the illustrated photovoltaic module 2012, the guard device 2022 is positioned adjacent to the support 2020 with the first coupled portion 2106 located between the first flange 2054 and the second flange 2060 of the support 2020. A retainer 2110 is then installed through the first coupled portion 2106, the second coupled portion 2108, and the web 2066. The illustrated retainer 2110 is a self-tapping screw. The retainer 2110 engages the support 2020 and the coupler 2024 to retain the guard device 2022 in place relative to the photovoltaic module 2012. As shown in Fig. 10, the illustrated photovoltaic device 2010 includes three retainers 2110. However, the photovoltaic device 2010 may include another desired number of retainers 2110.
[0048] Referring now to Fig. 12, there is illustrated a front perspective view of a fourth example of a photovoltaic device, indicated generally at 3010. Fig. 13 is a rear perspective view of the photovoltaic device 3010. The photovoltaic device 3010 includes a photovoltaic module 3012. The illustrated photovoltaic module 3012 has the same physical characteristics as the previously described photovoltaic module 12 and is interchangeable with the photovoltaic module 12. However, the photovoltaic module 3012 may have another desired shape and size. The photovoltaic module 3012 has a front 3030 and a back 3032. The illustrated photovoltaic module 3012 has a planar front 3030 and back 3032 but may have another desired shaped. The illustrated photovoltaic module 3012 has a rectangular shape and includes relatively short first side 3028 and second side 3034, and relatively long third side 3036 and fourth side 3038.However, the photovoltaic module 3012 may have another desired shape. The photovoltaic module 3012 defines a perimeter edge 3040, that extends around the photovoltaic module 3012 between the front 3030 and the back 3032.
[0049] The photovoltaic device 3010 includes a frame assembly, indicated generally at 3014, that is attached to the back 3032 of the photovoltaic module 3012. The illustrated frame assembly 3014 includes two rails 3042 attached to the back 3032 that extend parallel to the third side 3036 and fourth side 3038. However, the frame assembly 3014 may include another desired number of members having another desired configuration. The illustrated rails 3042 are made of steel but may be made of other suitable material. The illustrated rail 3042 does not reach the first side 3028, and there is a longitudinal gap 3044 between the rail 3042 and the first side 3028. However, the rail 3042 may be another desired length.
[0050] Referring to Fig. 14, there is illustrated an enlarged perspective view of a portion of Fig. 13 near the first side 3028. The photovoltaic device 3010 includes an accessory device 3022 that is attached to the frame assembly 3014. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 15-15 on Fig. 14. A support 3020 is attached to the rail 3042 and extends from the rail 3042 toward the first side 3028. The illustrated photovoltaic device 3010 includes two supports 3020, one attached to each of the rails 3042.
[0051] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the support 3020. The illustrated support 3020 is made of aluminum but may be made of other suitable material. The support 3020 includes a support body 3046 and a support bracket 3048 that extends from the support body 3046. The support body 3046 defines support holes 3050 that extend through the support body 3046.Referring back to Fig. 14, when the support 3020 is attached to the rail 3042, the support body 3046 is positioned around part of the rail 3042, and the support holes 3050 are aligned with frame holes 3052 defined in the rail 3042. A bolt (not shown) is then inserted through the support holes 3050 and the frame holes 3052 to retain the support 3020 in place relative to the rail 3042. As best shown in Fig. 15, part of the support body 3046 is located in the longitudinal gap 3044 between the rail 3042 and the first side 3028.
[0052] The illustrated accessory device 3022 is made of aluminum but may be made of other suitable material and by another desired process. The accessory device 3022 includes a coupler 3024 and an accessory 3026. The coupler 3024 is attached to the support 3020 and the accessory 3026 extends from the coupler 3024.
[0053] The coupler 3024 defines a coupler hole 3112 (shown in Fig. 14) and the support bracket 3048 defines a bracket hole 3114. Both the coupler hole 3112 and the bracket hole 3114 have square cross-sectional shapes. In order to attach the illustrated accessory device 3022 to theillustrated photovoltaic module 3012, the coupler 3024 is located adjacent to the support bracket 3048 with the coupler hole 3112 aligned with the bracket hole 3114. A retainer (not shown) is then inserted through the coupler hole 3112 and the bracket hole 3114 to fix the accessory device 3022 in place relative to the support 3020.
[0054] The accessory 3026 extends from the coupler 3024. The accessory 3026 extends from the coupler 24 toward the front 3030 of the photovoltaic module 3012. The accessory 3026 extends past the perimeter edge 3040 of the photovoltaic module 3012 and extends in a longitudinal direction 3086 towards the front 3030 of the photovoltaic module 3012. The illustrated accessory 3026 has an accessory surface 3116 that is parallel to the front 3030 of the photovoltaic module 3012. The illustrated accessory surface 3116 is also co-planar with the front 3030 of the photovoltaic module 3012. The accessory 3026 includes an accessory foot 3118 that extends from the accessory surface 3116 towards the back 3032 of the photovoltaic module 3012. The accessory foot 3118 extends past the perimeter edge 3040 of the photovoltaic module 3012 and engages the support 3020.
[0055] In the illustrated example, the accessory device 3022 is a support for a robot (not shown) and the accessory surface 3116 provides a track for the robot to traverse without contacting the photovoltaic module 3012. The size and shape of the accessory device 3022 is illustrative only, and another desired size and shape of accessory device 3022 may be attached to the coupler 3024. Additionally, the accessory 3026 may be used for purposes other than a robot track.
[0056] In general, a photovoltaic device can include a photovoltaic module having a front side, a back side, and a perimeter edge. A frame including a support member can be attached to the back side of the photovoltaic module. A guard device including a coupling member can be attached to the support member of the frame. A deflection member can extend from the coupling member over the perimeter edge of the module and the front side of the photovoltaic module. The deflection member can at least partially cover the front side of the photovoltaic module. The deflection member can have a minimum offset from the front side of the photovoltaic module of at least about 1 inch.
[0057] A number of examples have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additional features may be reflected in the following clauses:
[0058] Clause 1. A photovoltaic device comprising: a photovoltaic module having a front, a back, and a perimeter edge; a frame assembly attached to the back of the photovoltaic module and including a support; and a guard device including a coupler that is attached to the support, and a deflector that extends from the coupler over the perimeter edge of the photovoltaic module and the front of the photovoltaic module.
[0059] Clause 2. The photovoltaic module of clause 1, wherein the deflector at least partially covers the front of the photovoltaic module.
[0060] Clause 3. The photovoltaic module of clause 2, wherein the deflector has a minimum offset from the front of the photovoltaic module of at least about 1 inch.
[0061] Clause 4. The photovoltaic module of clause 1, wherein the deflector has a minimum offset from the front of the photovoltaic module of at least about 1 inch.
[0062] Clause 5. The photovoltaic module of clause 1, further comprising a clip that engages the coupler and the support to retain the coupler in place relative to the support.
[0063] Clause 6. The photovoltaic module of clause 1, the frame assembly including a lock that engages the support and the coupler to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
[0064] Clause 7. The photovoltaic module of clause 1, the support including a first flange, a second flange, and a web that connects the first flange and the second flange, wherein part of the second flange is located in a trench defined in the frame assembly, and wherein a lock on the frame assembly engages the second flange to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
[0065] Clause 8. A photovoltaic device comprising; a photovoltaic module having a front, a back, and a perimeter edge; a frame assembly attached to the back of the photovoltaic module and including a support; and a guard device including a coupler attached to the support, and a deflector that extends from the coupler over the perimeter edge of the photovoltaic module.
[0066] Clause 9. The photovoltaic module of clause 8, further comprising a clip that engages the coupler and the support to retain the coupler in place relative to the support.
[0067] Clause 10. The photovoltaic module of clause 8, the frame assembly including a lock that engages the support and the coupler to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
[0068] Clause 11. The photovoltaic module of clause 8, the support including a first flange, a second flange, and a web that connects the first flange and the second flange, wherein the second flange is located in a trench defined in the frame assembly, and wherein a lock on the frame assembly engages the second flange to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
[0069] Clause 12. A photovoltaic device comprising: a photovoltaic module having a front, a back, and a perimeter edge; a frame assembly attached to the back of the photovoltaic module and including a support; and an accessory device including a coupler attached to the support, and an accessory that extends from the coupler over the perimeter edge of the photovoltaic module.
[0070] Clause 13. The photovoltaic module of clause 12, further comprising a clip that engages the coupler and the support to retain the coupler in place relative to the support.Clause 14. The photovoltaic module of clause 12, the frame assembly including a lock that engages the support and the coupler to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
[0071] Clause 15. The photovoltaic module of clause 12, the support including a first flange, a second flange, and a web that connects the first flange to the second flange, wherein the second flange is located in a trench defined in the frame assembly, and wherein a lock on the frame assembly engages the second flange to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
[0072] Clause 16. A photovoltaic device comprising: a photovoltaic module having a front, a back, and a perimeter edge; a frame assembly attached to the back of the photovoltaic module and including a support; and a guard device including a coupler that is attached to the support.
[0073] Clause 17. The photovoltaic module of clause 16, the guard device including a deflector that extends from the coupler over the perimeter edge of the photovoltaic module and the front of the photovoltaic module.
[0074] Clause 18. The photovoltaic module of clause 16, wherein the deflector at least partially covers the front of the photovoltaic module.
[0075] Clause 19. The photovoltaic module of any of clauses 17-18, wherein the deflector has a minimum offset from the front of the photovoftaic module of at least about 1 inch.
[0076] Clause 20. The photovoltaic module of any of clauses 17-19, wherein the deflector has a minimum offset from the front of the photovoltaic module of at least about 1 inch.
[0077] Clause 21. The photovoltaic module of any of clauses 16-20, further comprising a clip that engages the coupler and the support to retain the coupler in place relative to the support.
[0078] Clause 22. The photovoltaic module of any of clauses 16-21, the frame assembly including a lock that engages the support and the coupler to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
[0079] Clause 23. The photovoltaic module of any of clauses 16-22, the support including a first flange, a second flange, and a web that connects the first flange and the second flange, wherein part of the second flange is located in a trench defined in the frame assembly, and wherein a lock on the frame assembly engages the second flange to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
[0080] Clause 24. A photovoltaic device comprising: a photovoltaic module having a front, a back, and a perimeter edge; a frame assembly attached to the back of the photovoltaic module and including a support; and a guard device including a coupler attached to the support.
[0081] Clause 25. The photovoltaic module of clause 24, the guard device including a deflector that extends from the coupler over the perimeter edge of the photovoltaic module
[0082] Clause 26. The photovoltaic module of any of clauses 24-25, further comprising a clip that engages the coupler and the support to retain the coupler in place relative to the support.
[0083] Clause 27. The photovoltaic module of any of clauses 24-26, the frame assembly including a lock that engages the support and the coupler to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
[0084] Clause 28. The photovoltaic module of any of clauses 24-27, the support including a first flange, a second flange, and a web that connects the first flange and the second flange, wherein the second flange is located in a trench defined in the frame assembly, and wherein a lock on the frame assembly engages the second flange to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
[0085] Clause 29. A photovoltaic device comprising: a photovoltaic module having a front, a back, and a perimeter edge; a frame assembly attached to the back of the photovoltaic module and including a support; and an accessory device including a coupler attached to the support.
[0086] Clause 30. The photovoltaic module of clause 29, the accessory device including an accessory that extends from the coupler over the perimeter edge of the photovoltaic module
[0087] Clause 31. The photovoltaic module of any of clauses 29-30, further comprising a clip that engages the coupler and the support to retain the coupler in place relative to the support.
[0088] Clause 32. The photovoltaic module of any of clauses 29-31, the frame assembly including a lock that engages the support and the coupler to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
[0089] Clause 33. The photovoltaic module of any of clauses 29-32, the support including a first flange, a second flange, and a web that connects the first flange to the second flange, wherein the second flange is located in a trench defined in the frame assembly, and wherein a lock on the frame assembly engages the second flange to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
Claims
64931-US-PSP / PO25O6CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1. A photovoltaic device comprising:a photovoltaic module having a front, a back, and a perimeter edge;a frame assembly attached to the back of the photovoltaic module and including a support; anda guard device including a coupler that is attached to the support, and a deflector that extends from the coupler over the perimeter edge of the photovoltaic module and the front of the photovoltaic module.
2. The photovoltaic module of claim 1, wherein the deflector at least partially covers the front of the photovoltaic module.
3. The photovoltaic module of claim 2, wherein the deflector has a minimum offset from the front of the photovoltaic module of at least about 1 inch.
4. The photovoltaic module of claim 1 , wherein the deflector has a minimum offset from the front of the photovoltaic module of at least about 1 inch.
5. The photovoltaic module of claim 1, further comprising a clip that engages the coupler and the support to retain the coupler in place relative to the support.
6. The photovoltaic module of claim 1, the frame assembly including a lock that engages the support and the coupler to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
7. The photovoltaic module of claim 1, the support including a first flange, a second flange, and a web that connects the first flange and the second flange, wherein part of the second flange is located in a trench defined in the frame assembly, and wherein a lock on the frameassembly engages the second flange to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
8. A photovoltaic device comprising:a photovoltaic module having a front, a back, and a perimeter edge;a frame assembly attached to the back of the photovoltaic module and including a support; anda guard device including a coupler attached to the support, and a deflector that extends from the coupler over the perimeter edge of the photovoltaic module.
9. The photovoltaic module of claim 8, further comprising a clip that engages the coupler and the support to retain the coupler in place relative to the support.
10. The photovoltaic module of claim 8. the frame assembly including a lock that engages the support and the coupler to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
11. The photovoltaic module of claim 8, the support including a first flange, a second flange, and a web that connects the first flange and the second flange, wherein the second flange is located in a trench defined in the frame assembly, and wherein a lock on the frame assembly engages the second flange to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
12. A photovoltaic device comprising:a photovoltaic module having a front, a back, and a perimeter edge;a frame assembly attached to the back of the photovoltaic module and including a support; andan accessory device including a coupler attached to the support, and an accessory that extends from the coupler over the perimeter edge of the photovoltaic module.
13. The photovoltaic module of claim 12, further comprising a clip that engages the coupler and the support to retain the coupler in place relative to the support.
14. The photovoltaic module of claim 12, the frame assembly including a lock that engages the support and the coupler to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
15. The photovoltaic module of claim 12, the support including a first flange, a second flange, and a web that connects the first flange to the second flange, wherein the second flange is located in a trench defined in the frame assembly, and wherein a lock on the frame assembly engages the second flange to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
16. A photovoltaic device comprising:a photovoltaic module having a front, a back, and a perimeter edge;a frame assembly attached to the back of the photovoltaic module and including a support; anda guard device including a coupler that is attached to the support.
17. The photovoltaic module of claim 16, the guard device including a deflector that extends from the coupler over the perimeter edge of the photovoltaic module and the front of the photovoltaic module.
18. The photovoltaic module of claim 16, wherein the deflector at least partially covers the front of the photovoltaic module.
19. The photovoltaic module of any of claims 17-18, wherein the deflector has a minimum offset from the front of the photovoltaic module of at least about 1 inch.
20. The photovoltaic module of any of claims 17-19, wherein the deflector has a minimum offset from the front of the photovoltaic module of at least about 1 inch.
21. The photovoltaic module of any of claims 16-20, further comprising a clip that engages the coupler and the support to retain the coupler in place relative to the support.
22. The photovoltaic module of any of claims 16-21, the frame assembly including a lock that engages the support and the coupler to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
23. The photovoltaic module of any of claims 16-22, the support including a first flange, a second flange, and a web that connects the first flange and the second flange, wherein part of the second flange is located in a trench defined in the frame assembly, and wherein a lock on the frame assembly engages the second flange to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
24. A photovoltaic device comprising:a photovoltaic module having a front, a back, and a perimeter edge;a frame assembly attached to the back of the photovoltaic module and including a support; anda guard device including a coupler attached to the support.
25. The photovoltaic module of claim 24, the guard device including a deflector that extends from the coupler over the perimeter edge of the photovoltaic module26. The photovoltaic module of any of claims 24-25, further comprising a clip that engages the coupler and the support to retain the coupler in place relative to the support.
27. The photovoltaic module of any of claims 24-26, the frame assembly including a lock that engages the support and the coupler to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
28. The photovoltaic module of any of claims 24-27, the support including a first flange, a second flange, and a web that connects the first flange and the second flange, wherein the second flange is located in a trench defined in the frame assembly, and wherein a lock on the frame assembly engages the second flange to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
29. A photovoltaic device comprising:a photovoltaic module having a front, a back, and a perimeter edge;a frame assembly attached to the back of the photovoltaic module and including a support; andan accessory device including a coupler attached to the support.
30. The photovoltaic module of claim 29, the accessory device including an accessory that extends from the coupler over the perimeter edge of the photovoltaic module31. The photovoltaic module of any of claims 29-30, further comprising a clip that engages the coupler and the support to retain the coupler in place relative to the support.
32. The photovoltaic module of any of claims 29-31, the frame assembly including a lock that engages the support and the coupler to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.
33. The photovoltaic module of any of claims 29-32, the support including a first flange, a second flange, and a web that connects the first flange to the second flange, wherein the second flange is located in a trench defined in the frame assembly, and wherein a lock on the frame assembly engages the second flange to retain the support and the coupler in place relative to the photovoltaic module.