System and method for mounting photovoltaic modules

A photovoltaic system mounted on a support surface, the system comprising, in combination:

• a plurality of rectangular-shaped photovoltaic modules;
• a plurality of separate and spaced-apart support members supporting and orienting the photovoltaic modules in an array on the support surface without penetrating the support surface;
• wherein each of the photovoltaic modules is supported by at least four of the support members;
• and
• wherein each of the support members is secured to and supports at least one of the photovoltaic modules but is not directly secured to any of the other support members.

A photovoltaic system comprising, in combination:

• a plurality of rectangular-shaped photovoltaic modules;
• a plurality of separate and spaced-apart support members supporting and orienting the photovoltaic modules in an array;
• wherein each of the photovoltaic modules is supported by at least four of the support members;
• and
• a wind shield at rearward most ones of the support members that is spaced a distance from rearward most ones of the photovoltaic modules and shaped to deflect wind up and over the array of photovoltaic modules rather than under the photovoltaic modules to reduce wind load.