Brace for solar module array
AssigneeSunPower Corporation
InventorsMatthew G. Danning, Wayman Lee
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A brace for connecting the frames of adjacent solar modules can include one or more lower lips and one or more upper lips configured to capture an outer edge of a solar module frame. The brace can include a removable top so as to facilitate connection and disconnection of the couplers and solar modules. Additionally, the brace can be configured to allow a solar module to be engaged and disengaged by hooking the frame onto the brace then tilting the frame relative to the brace. The brace can include features for achieving a snap fit with solar module frames.
Claims20
A solar array comprising:
- a plurality of solar modules, each solar module having at least four sides and comprising a solar module frame extending around at least a portion of a periphery of the solar module;
- at least a first brace member having a first support surface extending below at least a first solar module frame of a first solar module;
- at least a second brace member having a second support surface extending over the first solar module frame;
- a first connector connecting the first brace member to the second brace member such that the first solar module frame is captured between the first and second support surfaces.
A solar array comprising:
- at least first, second, third, fourth and fifth solar modules, each solar module having at least four sides, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth solar modules are respectively disposed adjacent to the four sides of the fifth solar module;
- and
- means for removeably bracing the juxtaposed sides of the solar modules to each other so that the fifth solar module can be disconnected from the first, second, third, and fourth solar modules and lifted upwardly without the need to slide the fifth solar module laterally.
A brace for connecting solar modules, comprising:
- a body member having first and second sides spaced from each other, a first lip extending outwardly from and along the first side of the body and configured to extend below a frame of a first solar module disposed adjacent to the first side and a second lip extending outwardly from and along a second side of the body and configured to extend below a frame of a second solar module disposed adjacent to the second side;
- at least a first top member configured to be connected to the body member and having a first engagement portion extending outwardly from and along a first side of the top member, the first engagement portion configured to engage an upwardly extending ridge of a first solar module frame, and a second engagement portion extending outwardly from and along a second side of the top member, the second engagement portion configured to engage an upwardly extending ridge of a second solar module disposed adjacent to the first solar module;
- and
- a connector configured to connect the first top member to the body member so as to press the frames of two adjacent solar modules disposed along the first and second sides of the body member between the lips of the body member and the engagement portions of the top member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.