Photovoltaic module and interlocked stack of photovoltaic modules

摘要

One embodiment relates to an arrangement of photovoltaic modules configured for transportation. The arrangement includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module including a frame. A plurality of individual male alignment features and a plurality of individual female alignment features are included on each frame. Adjacent photovoltaic modules are interlocked by multiple individual male alignment features on a first module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules fitting into and being surrounded by corresponding individual female alignment features on a second module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules. Other embodiments, features and aspects are also disclosed.

主权项

1. An arrangement of photovoltaic modules configured for transportation, the arrangement comprising:
a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each said photovoltaic module including a photovoltaic laminate and a frame supporting the photovoltaic laminate; a plurality of individual male alignment features on the frame of each said photovoltaic module; and a plurality of individual female alignment features on the frame of each said photovoltaic module, wherein the male and female alignment features are located at positions overlapping the photovoltaic laminate in a direction normal to a plane of the photovoltaic laminate in a stacking direction of the arrangement, wherein adjacent photovoltaic modules are interlocked by multiple individual male alignment features on a first module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules fitting into and being surrounded by corresponding individual female alignment features on a second module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules, and wherein the plurality of individual male alignment features on the frame of each said photovoltaic module are self-clinching such that the individual male alignment features securely attach to the frame upon being pressed into holes in the frame.