Pivot-fit frame, system and method for photovoltaic modules
AssigneeSolarCity Corporation
InventorsJack Raymond West, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and apparatus are disclosed including PV modules having a frame allowing quick and easy assembling of the PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is provided at an angle with respect to a planar surface of the modules. Various couplings may engage within the groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array with a pivot-fit connection. Further examples of the present technology operate with PV modules having frames without grooves, or with PV modules where the frame is omitted altogether.
Claims17
A system for mounting a photovoltaic module, comprising:
- a mounting rail for mounting configured to directly mount to a support structure, wherein the mounting rail includes an upward facing inner channel configured to face upwardly when directly mounted to the support structure;
- and
- a mounting bracket for mounting configured to mount to the inner channel of the mounting rail, the mounting bracket comprising:
- an L-shaped body having a first leg and a second leg meeting at an intersection;
- a coupling portion mounted on an end of the first leg of the L-shaped body, the coupling portion being dimensioned to connect the mounting bracket to a photovoltaic module;
- and
- a spring clip mounted on an end of the second leg of the L-shaped body and comprising a support surface and a pair of angled walls extending from opposite sides of the support surface, wherein the pair of angled walls is configured to initially flex inwardly from an original position while being installed within the inner channel of the mounting rail and to subsequently flex away from each other after being installed to snap into the inner channel of the mounting rail.
A photovoltaic array, the array comprising:
- at least two mounting rails mounted to a support structure, wherein each of the mounting rails includes an upward facing inner channel;
- at least two mounting brackets, each of the at least two mounting brackets mounted to the inner channel of a respective one of the at least two mounting rails, each mounting bracket comprising:
- an L-shaped body having a first leg and a second leg meeting at an intersection;
- a coupling portion mounted on an end of the first leg of the L-shaped body, the coupling portion comprising a support body, a wall extending upwardly from the support body that is configured to engage a slot within a groove of a frame of a photovoltaic module and outwardly angled flanges extending from opposite ends of the support body;
- and
- a spring clip mounted on an end of the second leg of the L-shaped body, wherein the spring clip flexes inwardly from an original position while being installed within the inner channel of the mounting rail and flexes back towards the original position after being installed to snap into the inner channel of the mounting rail;
- at least two coupling legs, each of the two coupling legs mounted to a respective one of the at least two mounting rails, the coupling legs each comprising an engaging portion;
- at least one photovoltaic module coupled to and supported by the coupling portions of the at least two mounting brackets and the engaging portions of the at least two coupling legs.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.