Folding mount for photovoltaic modules

摘要

This invention relates to photovoltaic modules and arrays, methods of assembling photovoltaic arrays, and methods for shipping components of photovoltaic arrays.

主权项

1. A folding mount for photovoltaic modules, the folding mount comprising:
a first beam; a second beam substantially parallel to the first beam; a first rail pivotally connected to the first beam and pivotally connected to the second beam; and a second rail pivotally connected to the first beam and pivotally connected to the second beam, wherein the first beam can be moved toward the second beam by moving the first and second rails from a perpendicular orientation relative to the first and second beams to an oblique orientation relative to the first and second beams, wherein the first rail is pivotally connected to the first beam by a fastener comprising a self-tightening pivoting connection, and whereby moving the first rail from an oblique orientation relative to the first beam to a perpendicular orientation relative to the first beam causes the pivoting connection to tighten wherein the first beam comprises: a top surface; a first side surface extending from the top surface to a first bottom surface; and a second side surface extending from the top surface to a second bottom surface; wherein the first bottom surface extends from the first side surface to a first rib, and the second bottom surface extends from the second side surface to a second rib.