Framing system for mounting solar collecting devices
AssigneeSunPower Corporation
InventorMatthew G. Danning
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A framing system for mounting solar collection devices to form a solar array can include a plurality of interconnected frame members having connectors provided on the frame members to form rows of an array solar collector devices. Mounts can be provided at the upper portion of the frame members to secure the solar collecting devices at a raised position. The framing system can simplify the installation of the wiring system before the solar collection devices are attached to the frame members.
Claims22
A framing system for mounting solar collection devices on a support surface of a building structure, the framing system comprising:
- a plurality of interconnected frame members, each of said frame members comprising a unitary body having at least one longitudinal frame element extending along a first axis and at least one crosswise frame element extending centrally from and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal frame element along a second axis, wherein the at least one longitudinal frame element and the at least one crosswise frame element lie in a plane, the at least one crosswise frame element having opposing free ends comprising a first free end portion and a second free end portion spaced along the second axis, the at least one longitudinal frame element disposed between the opposing free ends;
- a plurality of connectors connecting the frame members to form one or more rows for supporting an array of solar collection devices, wherein each frame member of the plurality of interconnected frame members comprises a first connector on a first side of the at least one longitudinal element and a second connector on a second side of the at least one longitudinal element, the second side opposite the first side, the first connector extending from the first free end portion along the second axis and the second connector extending from the second free end portion along the second axis;
- and
- a plurality of mounts provided at an upper portion of the frame members, wherein the mounts are adapted to secure solar collection devices at a position spaced from said frame members.
A framing system for mounting solar collection devices on a support surface of a building structure, the frame system comprising:
- a plurality of interconnected frame members, each of said frame members being formed by a unitary body having a pair of upper and lower crosswise frame elements and a longitudinal frame element extending substantially centrally between respective central portions of said crosswise frame elements, the longitudinal frame element generally perpendicular to said crosswise frame elements along a first axis, each of said crosswise frame elements extending parallel to a second axis, each of said crosswise frame elements having opposing free ends comprising a first free end portion and a second free end portion spaced along the second axis, the central portion of each crosswise frame element disposed between the opposing free ends;
- a first connector provided on and extending parallel to the second axis from the first free end portion of each of the crosswise frame elements;
- a second connector provided on and extending parallel to the second axis from the second free end portion of each of the crosswise frame elements, each of the first and second connectors configured to interconnect the frame members and form at least one row of an array of solar collector devices, the first and second connectors inhibiting relative rotation between neighboring frame members;
- and
- at least one mount provided at an upper portion of the frame members configured to secure the solar collection devices at positions spaced from the frame members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.