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 assembly, comprising:
(a) a first photovoltaic module having a side groove with upper and lower flanges; (b) a second photovoltaic module having a side groove with upper and lower flanges; and (c) a photovoltaic module coupling connecting the first photovoltaic module to the second photovoltaic module, the coupling comprising:
(i) a center rotating portion;(ii) a first locking portion extending from one side of the center rotating portion, the first locking portion being dimensioned to be received into the side groove in the first photovoltaic module; and(iii) a second rotating locking portion extending from an opposite side of the center rotating portion, the second locking portion being dimensioned to be received into the side groove in the second photovoltaic module, wherein the first and second locking portions are shaped differently from one another such that only the first locking portion locks into the outward facing groove in the first photovoltaic module when the center rotating portion is rotated from a first position to a second position, but wherein both the first and second locking portions lock into the outward facing grooves in the first and second photovoltaic modules when the center rotating portion is rotated from the second position to a third position, and wherein the first locking portion is dimensioned to pass between the upper and lower flanges in the side groove in the first photovoltaic module in the first position but not in the second or third positions when the first locking portion is inserted into the side groove in the first photovoltaic module in a direction perpendicular to the length of the side groove in the first photovoltaic module, and wherein the second locking portion is dimensioned to pass between the upper and lower flanges in the side groove in the second photovoltaic module in the first and second positions but not in the third position when the second locking portion is inserted into the side groove in the second photovoltaic module in a direction perpendicular to the length of the side groove in the second photovoltaic module.