Slider Clip PV Mounting for Faster Module Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for installing photovoltaic (PV) systems are labor-intensive and time-consuming, particularly for large-scale installations, due to the need for screwing and tightening multiple module edge clips onto rails, which slows down the process and increases on-site labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible PV module support structure with preassembled slider clips that allow easy slide-in insertion of PV modules, reducing on-site labor by allowing prefabrication and pre-tightening of clips before installation, and using a modular design with pivotally connected beams and rails for efficient assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screw-in clips are used to mount PV modules to rails, then secure mounting is achieved, but installation time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The clips are pre-assembled onto the rails in a controlled environment before shipping to the installation site. This preliminary assembly eliminates the time-consuming on-site screwing and tightening operations, while maintaining secure mounting through pre-positioned fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: rails with pre-assembled clips, and PV modules. This segmentation allows clips to be pre-prepared independently and facilitates quick on-site assembly by simply sliding modules into place
2Reliability
If multiple clips are screwed and tightened on-site, then PV modules are securely fastened, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clips are pre-assembled onto rails in advance, transforming a complex on-site fastening operation into a simple slide-in action. The security of fastening is maintained through pre-positioned clips, while installation simplicity is dramatically improved
Solution Approach 2:
The rail acts as an intermediary component that carries pre-assembled clips to the installation site. This mediator enables the transfer of pre-prepared mounting hardware, eliminating the need for on-site clip assembly and reducing labor requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If clips are assembled on-site, then adaptability to installation conditions is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Clips are pre-assembled onto rails in a controlled manufacturing environment, ensuring proper positioning and securing. This preliminary action maintains adaptability to various installation conditions while dramatically increasing installation speed through simplified on-site assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static on-site assembly to dynamic pre-assembly followed by quick deployment. The modular design with pre-assembled clip-rail units enables rapid adaptation to different installation sites while maintaining high productivity
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a mounting system and slider clips that support simplified installation of photovoltaic structures. The mounting system comprises a support structure which can be mounted to support columns via an optional tilt table. The support structure comprises a plurality of parallel spaced beams and a plurality of parallel spaced rails that are mounted approximately perpendicular to the beams. Disclosed embodiments describe a collapsible support structure in which the rails are pivotally mounted to the beams. Rails are preassembled with prefabricated slider clips for holding edge portions of the photovoltaic structures. Rails can also be integrally formed with slider clips. Described herein are also methods of installing one or more photovoltaic structures using the mounting system and methods for manufacturing slider clips and a photovoltaic structure mounting system.