Photovoltaic module framing system with integral electrical raceways
AssigneeBP Solar International Ltd.
InventorsPaul Garvison, Donald B. Warfield
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multi-purpose photovoltaic module framing system is provided which combines and integrates the framing system with the photovoltaic electrical system. The user friendly framing system is easy to install and can be directly mounted to a roof surface without auxiliary brackets and beams. The economical framing system has aesthetically pleasing frames to mechanically hold and support photovoltaic modules. The multi-purpose frames desirably have integral electrical raceways which conceal and protect most electrical components and wires. The reliable frames are specially constructed and arranged to permit easy access to output wires and do not require junction boxes. Ground clips can be directly connected to the convenient framing system.
Claims5
A photovoltaic module framing system, comprising:
- an electrical wire-enclosing assembly, comprising a frame for positioning about the periphery of a photovoltaic module and for holding said photovoltaic module;
- said frame having an end rail and electrical wire raceway for holding electrical wires;
- said frame having at least one side rail comprising at least one flange for overlapping and interleaving with a side rail of an adjacent frame;
- and
- wherein said frame has portions to space said photovoltaic modules above a roof so as to form a gap therebetween for channeling water, said gap further providing an air passageway for cooling said module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.