US 2012/0234377 A1 · Unitized photovoltaic assembly

Abstract

A unitized photovoltaic assembly is disclosed. The unitized photovoltaic assembly consists of a unitary frame designed to retain a plurality of photovoltaic modules. The unitary frame is formed by orienting a plurality of rails in the lateral direction above and mounted too a plurality of struts oriented in the vertical direction. Once the unitary frame is formed, photovoltaic modules slide into slots running the length of the rails and are thus retained in the unitary frame. Also added to the unitary frame are a series of power conversion elements, retaining brackets, mounting brackets, and cleaning elements. The completed unitized photovoltaic assembly can be fabricated off-site, transported as a single unit and installed to a roof or other surface with the use of a specialized lifting frame, also disclosed. Additional unitized photovoltaic assemblies can be mechanically and electrically interconnected to form a complete photovoltaic system.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A unitized photovoltaic assembly, the assembly comprising:

a unitary framework comprised of horizontal rails and vertical struts, said horizontal rails having a plurality of integral receiving slots;
a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module having a first pair of opposing edges and a second pair of opposing edges, said first pair of opposing edges being retained within the receiving slots of said horizontal rails;
a plurality of retaining brackets fastened to said horizontal rails;
a plurality of panel spacers;
a plurality of power conversion elements fastened to said unitary framework and electrically connected to at least one corresponding photovoltaic module;
and
a plurality of wiring.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Unitized photovoltaic assembly

Life of this patent

Unitized photovoltaic assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19