System and method for establishing a self-aligning mounting system for mounting photovoltaic modules

A self-aligning system for mounting at least one photovoltaic module to a surface, comprising:

• a first rail having a plurality of friction locking retainers slideably attached to a first side of the first rail, and a plurality of anchors with fasteners extending opposite from the first side of the first rail;
• a second rail having a plurality of friction locking retainers slideably attached to a first side of the second rail, and a plurality of anchors with fasteners extending opposite from the first side of the second rail;
• a collapsible separator coupled between the first rail and the second rail and structured and arranged to align the first rail and the second rail to each other at a pre-defined separation distance;
• and
• each friction locking retainer structured and arranged to laterally slide along a portion of each first side and remain as positioned by a user, each friction locking retainer further structured and arranged to grip and permit adjustment of at least one photovoltaic module during mounting.

A self-aligning system for mounting at least one photovoltaic module to a surface, comprising:

• at least two mounting means for mounting at least one photovoltaic module;
• a collapsible alignment means for aligning the mounting means to one another at a pre-defined separation distance;
• an anchoring means for anchoring the mounting means to a surface;
• and
• a friction locking means permitting user adjustment in positioning along the mounting means and holding at least one photovoltaic module while permitting alignment of the photovoltaic module upon the mounting means.

A method for mounting at least one photovoltaic module to a surface, the method comprising:

• providing a self-aligning mount having:
• a first rail having a plurality of friction locking retainers slideably attached to a first side of the first rail, and a plurality of anchors with fasteners extending opposite from the first side of the first rail, the plurality of friction locking retainers including at least a first friction locking retainer;
• a second rail having a plurality of friction locking retainers slideably attached to a first side of the second rail, and a plurality of anchors with fasteners extending opposite from the first side of the second rail, the plurality of friction locking retainers of the second rail including at least a first friction locking retainer corresponding to the first friction locking retainer of the first rail;
• a collapsible separator coupled between the first rail and the second rail and structured and arranged to align the first rail and the second rail to each other at a pre-defined separation distance;
• and
• each friction locking retainer structured and arranged to laterally slide along a portion of each first side and remain as positioned by a user, each friction locking retainer further structured and arranged to grip and permit adjustment of at least one photovoltaic module during mounting;
• disposing the first rail upon a roof and aligning at least one anchor of the first rail to a roof rafter and affixing the aligned anchor to the rafter by the fastener;
• expanding the collapsible separator to align and displace the second rail from the first rail by the pre-defined distance;
• selecting at least one anchor of the second rail and aligning the selected anchor to a roof rafter and affixing the aligned anchor of the second rail to the rafter by the fastener;
• placing a first edge of a first photovoltaic module within the first friction locking retainer of the first rail and the corresponding first friction locking retainer of the second rail;
• adjusting, if necessary, the alignment of the photovoltaic module;
• and
• securing the remaining anchors to rafters and securing the first friction locking retainers to bind the first edge of the first photovoltaic module.