Photovoltaic module kit including connector assembly for non-penetrating array installation

A photovoltaic module kit for non-penetrating installation on a substantially flat installation surface, the kit comprising:

• a plurality of identically formed photovoltaic modules each including:
• a photovoltaic laminate,
• framework encompassing a perimeter of the photovoltaic laminate,
• first and second arms extending from and outwardly beyond a first end of the framework,
• third and fourth arms extending from and outwardly beyond a second end of the framework opposite the first end,
• wherein the arms each form a mounting region, and wherein one or more of the arms is adaptable for integrating with an arm of a framework of a different photovoltaic laminate;
• a plurality of identically formed connector heads each forming a bore;
• a plurality of male fasteners extending from some of the connector heads, respectively, to define male connectors;
• and
• a plurality of female fasteners attached to some of the connector heads, respectively, to define female connectors;
• wherein at least some of the connector heads define spacer connectors;
• wherein the kit is configured to provide a plurality of installation junctions between two or more of the photovoltaic modules in a mounted array including:
• a plurality of first junctions including one of the male connectors and one of the female connectors interconnecting one of the mounting regions of four of the photovoltaic modules, respectively,
• a plurality of second junctions each including one of the male connectors, one of the female connectors, and two of the spacer connectors interconnecting one of the mounting regions of two of the photovoltaic modules, respectively.

A photovoltaic module installation comprising:

• an array of photovoltaic modules comprising columns and rows of identically formed photovoltaic modules, the array including a first photovoltaic module comprising:
• a photovoltaic laminate,
• framework encompassing a perimeter of the photovoltaic laminate,
• first and second arms extending from and outwardly beyond a first end of the framework,
• third and fourth arms extending from and outwardly beyond a second framework opposite the first end, wherein one or more of the first, second, third and fourth arms is adaptable for integrating with an arm of a framework of a different photovoltaic laminate,
• a first connector assembly removably interconnecting the first arm with a photovoltaic module adjacent the first photovoltaic module;
• a second connector assembly removably interconnecting the second arm with a photovoltaic module adjacent the first photovoltaic module;
• a third connector assembly removably interconnecting the third arm with a photovoltaic module adjacent the first photovoltaic module;
• and
• a fourth connector assembly removably interconnecting the fourth arm with a photovoltaic module adjacent the first photovoltaic module;
• wherein the connector assemblies each include:
• a male connector comprising a head and a male fastener,
• a female connector comprising a head and a female fastener,
• wherein the heads are identically formed.

A photovoltaic module kit for non-penetrating installation on a substantially flat installation surface, the kit comprising:

• a plurality of photovoltaic modules each including:
• a photovoltaic laminate,
• a framework encompassing a perimeter of the photovoltaic laminate and forming a mounting region, the framework including one or more arms, each arm adaptable for integrating with an arm of a framework of a different photovoltaic laminate;
• and
• a plurality of connectors including:
• a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head,
• a female connector having a female fastener adapted for engagement with the male fastener and assembled within a head, and
• a spacer connector including a head forming a bore sized to slidably receive a portion of the male fastener, wherein the heads are identical;
• wherein the kit is configured to provide a mounted array state having a first junction at which the mounting regions of at least two of the photovoltaic modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector, the first junction being substantially electrically insulated.

A photovoltaic module kit for non-penetrating installation on a substantially flat installation surface, the kit comprising:

• a plurality of photovoltaic modules each including:
• a photovoltaic laminate,
• a framework encompassing a perimeter of the photovoltaic laminate and forming a mounting region, the framework including one or more arms, each arm adaptable for integrating with an arm of a framework of a different photovoltaic laminate;
• and
• a plurality of connectors including:
• a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head,
• a female connector having a female fastener adapted for engagement with the male fastener and assembled within a head, and
• a spacer connector including a head forming a bore sized to slidably receive a portion of the male fastener;
• wherein the kit is configured to provide a mounted array state having a first junction at which the mounting regions of at least two of the photovoltaic modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector, the first junction being substantially electrically insulated, and wherein the first junction further includes two of the spacer connectors.

A photovoltaic module kit for non-penetrating installation on a substantially flat installation surface, the kit comprising:

• a plurality of photovoltaic modules each including:
• a photovoltaic laminate,
• a framework encompassing a perimeter of the photovoltaic laminate and forming a mounting region, the framework including one or more arms, each arm adaptable for integrating with an arm of a framework of a different photovoltaic laminate;
• and
• a plurality of connectors including:
• a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head,
• a female connector having a female fastener adapted for engagement with the male fastener and assembled within a head;
• wherein the kit is configured to provide a mounted array state having a first junction at which the mounting regions of at least two of the photovoltaic modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector, the first junction being substantially electrically insulated, and wherein the frame of each of the photovoltaic modules includes framework encompassing a perimeter of the corresponding photovoltaic laminate and a plurality of arms extending from and beyond the framework, the arms each providing a respective one of the mounting regions, and further wherein the first junction further includes one arm from each of a first, second, third, and fourth photovoltaic module interconnected by the male connector engaged with the female connector.