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. A photovoltaic array comprising:
first, second, third, and fourth photovoltaic modules, each module comprising a frame surrounding a photovoltaic laminate; and a coupling engaging the frame of each of the first and second photovoltaic modules on a first side of the coupling, and engaging the frame of each of the third and fourth photovoltaic modules on a second side of the coupling, thereby interlocking the four photovoltaic modules near an intersection of the frames of the first, second, third and fourth photovoltaic modules, wherein the coupling interconnects the four photovoltaic modules above a support surface without any load bearing connection between the coupling and the support surface other than via the respective frames of the four photovoltaic modules, wherein said coupling forms a ground bond between said coupling and one or more of said first, second, third and fourth photovoltaic modules.