Connector device for building integrated photovoltaic device

摘要

The present invention is premised upon a connector device and method that can more easily electrically connect a plurality of PV devices or photovoltaic system components and/or locate these devices/components upon a building structure. It also may optionally provide some additional sub-components (e.g. at least one bypass diode and/or an indicator means) and may enhance the serviceability of the device.

主权项

1. A photovoltaic assembly comprising:
a first photovoltaic device and a second photovoltaic device adjacent to the first photovoltaic device; a first connector housing integral to and disposed in a side portion of the first photovoltaic device; a second connector housing integral to and disposed in a side portion of the second photovoltaic device; at least one electrical terminal at least partially encapsulated in each of the first and second connector housings; and, a connector assembly including a connector element having a first end and a second end and at least one electrically conductive member having at opposing ends a first and a second electrical terminal at least partially encapsulated in the connector element, wherein the first end of the connector element is geometrically complementary with the first connector housing and the second end of the connector element is geometrically complementary with the electrical terminal of the second connector housing; wherein connecting the first electrical terminal of the connector with the electrical terminal of the first connector housing, and connecting the second electrical terminal of the connector element with the electrical terminal of the second connector housing results in completing an electrical circuit therebetween and wherein the connector element and the first and second housings provide a rotationally adjustable location function between the first and second photovoltaic devices.