Slider clip and photovoltaic structure mounting system

摘要

Described herein is a mounting system and slider clips that support simplified installation of photovoltaic structures. The mounting system comprises a support structure which can be mounted to support columns via an optional tilt table. The support structure comprises a plurality of parallel spaced beams and a plurality of parallel spaced rails that are mounted approximately perpendicular to the beams. Disclosed embodiments describe a collapsible support structure in which the rails are pivotally mounted to the beams. Rails are preassembled with prefabricated slider clips for holding edge portions of the photovoltaic structures. Rails can also be integrally formed with slider clips. Described herein are also methods of installing one or more photovoltaic structures using the mounting system and methods for manufacturing slider clips and a photovoltaic structure mounting system.

主权项

1. A device for holding at least one photovoltaic structure to a support element, said device comprising:
a frame having a bottom extension for securing the device to the support element, a top extension for holding the at least one photovoltaic structure to the support element and a sidewall connecting one end of the bottom extension to one end of the top extension; and a holding element having a vertical barrier abutting the sidewall of the frame and connecting one end of a top section to one end of a bottom section, the top section being adjacent to an underside surface of the top extension of the frame and the bottom section extending from the vertical barrier in a same direction as the top section, wherein the top extension comprises a top surface and at least one structural feature located on the top surface such that the at least one structural feature cooperates with the respective holding element to hold the holding element in place with the frame, wherein the holding element further comprises a flat middle section extending beyond the vertical barrier in a direction opposite the bottom section, the flat middle section being located below the bottom extension of the frame.