Method and apparatus for forming and mounting a photovoltaic array

摘要

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 inventive 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 inventive coupling member 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 inventive apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion for coupling to frame attachment, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth for the automatic creation of a reliable two axis grounding matrix, and a rapid twist-lock engagement means for reliably interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.

主权项

1. A photovoltaic assembly, comprising:
four photovoltaic modules, each of the photovoltaic modules having a frame with a side groove extending therealong; and a connector, comprising: a series coupling; and a pair of parallel couplings connected to the series coupling, each parallel coupling being coupled to the side grooves of a pair of the photovoltaic modules such that the four photovoltaic modules are connected together, wherein a portion of said series coupling is located between each pair of photovoltaic modules.