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US 2010/0059641 A1Published application
Mounting Systems for Photovoltaic Modules
AssigneeEPV Solar, Inc.
InventorsEdward N. Twesme, Salvatore G. Staiano, Ding Yu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides apparatuses for photovoltaic modules, including frameless photovoltaic modules, to structural supports, such as various architectural elements. In addition, the present invention provides methods of mounting photovoltaic modules using the various apparatuses.
Claims20
A mounting apparatus for a photovoltaic module comprising:
- (a) a first surface having an interface for attachment to the photovoltaic module;
- (b) a first support leg coupled to and extending from the first surface opposite the interface;
- (c) a first support element coupled to and extending from the first support leg and oriented substantially parallel to the first surface;
- (d) a second support leg coupled to and extending from the first surface opposite the interface;
- and
- (e) a second support element coupled to and extending from the second support leg and oriented substantially parallel to the first surface,
- wherein the first support element and the second support element form a channel.
4 more elements
A supported photovoltaic module, comprising:
- (a) a structural support;
- and
- (b) a photovoltaic module mounted to said structural support via a mounting apparatus comprising
- (i) a first surface having an interface attached to the photovoltaic module;
- (ii) a first support leg coupled to and extending from the first surface opposite the interface;
- (iii) a first support element coupled to and extending from the first support leg and oriented substantially parallel to the first surface;
- (iv) a second support leg coupled to and extending from the first surface opposite the interface;
- and
- (v) a second support element coupled to and extending from the second support leg and oriented substantially parallel to the first surface,
- wherein the first support element and the second support element form a channel, and wherein at least the first support element is in contact with the structural support.
7 more elements
A method of mounting a photovoltaic module to a structural support, comprising:
- (a) providing a photovoltaic module;
- (b) attaching at least one mounting apparatus to the photovoltaic module via an interface of a first surface of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising
- (i) a first support leg extending from the first surface opposite the interface;
- (ii) a first support element extending from the first support leg and oriented substantially parallel to the first surface;
- (iii) a second support leg extending from the first surface opposite the interface;
- and
- (iv) a second support element extending from the second support leg and oriented substantially parallel to the first surface, wherein the first support element and the second support element form a channel;
- and
- (c) mounting the photovoltaic module to the structural support by contacting at least the first support element to the structural support.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.