Ventilated photovoltaic module frame
AssigneeSunPower Corporation
InventorPeter Aschenbrenner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In one embodiment, a photovoltaic frame assembly comprises a photovoltaic module and a frame having a plurality of air vents. The air vents allow air to flow into the frame and thereby cool the photovoltaic module. The frame may be installed in-line with another such frame to allow air flow between frames. The air vents may be located within a perimeter of the frame to allow for structural integrity while remaining aesthetically pleasing. The frame may include an inner lip, an outer lip, or both to provide different mounting options to accommodate different sites. The frame may comprise a plurality of frame members, such as extrusions including the air vents.
Claims20
An apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic module frame on a roof, the apparatus comprising:
- a first set of frame members forming a frame of a first photovoltaic module, each frame member in the first set of frame members on all sides of the frame having a plurality of air vents within a perimeter of each frame member;
- and
- a mounting portion integrally formed with a frame member in the first set of frame members.
A photovoltaic module assembly comprising:
- a photovoltaic module;
- a frame surrounding and supporting the photovoltaic module, the frame having a mounting portion configured to allow attachment of the frame to a roof and having a plurality of air vents within a perimeter of the frame on all sides of the frame.
A method of installing photovoltaic modules on a roof, the method comprising:
- installing a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module on a roof such that air flows through frame members of the first photovoltaic module and into frame members of the second photovoltaic module, the first and second photovoltaic modules including a plurality of air vents on all sides of their respective frames.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.