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 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.

主权项

1. An array of photovoltaic modules, comprising:
(a) a first four-sided photovoltaic module; (b) a second four-sided photovoltaic module, wherein the first and second photovoltaic modules have side grooves extending therealong; (c) a coupling having a center body portion and first and second rotating locking portions extending from opposite sides of the center body portion and rotatable about a common axis passing through the center body portion, wherein the first rotating locking portion of the coupling connects to a first side of the first photovoltaic module, and the second rotating locking portion of the coupling connects to a first side of the second photovoltaic module, wherein the rotating locking portions are received into the side grooves of the photovoltaic modules,
wherein the coupling is moveable to a plurality of different locations along any one of the four sides of the respective first and second photovoltaic modules, andwherein the coupling connects the first side of the first photovoltaic module directly to the first side of the second photovoltaic module along the common axis so that the respective first sides of the first and second photovoltaic modules are facing one another and without any direct connection of the coupling to any other structure,and wherein the coupling is not supported from below; and (d) a leveling foot,
wherein the leveling foot is moveable to a plurality of different locations along the sides of the first and second photovoltaic modules.