Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Apparatus for forming and mounting a photovoltaic array
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Application No.: US13405118Application Date: 2012-02-24
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Publication No.: US09447801B2Publication Date: 2016-09-20
- Inventor: Jack Raymond West
- Applicant: Jack Raymond West
- Applicant Address: US CA San Mateo
- Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
- Current Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
- Current Assignee Address: US CA San Mateo
- Agency: Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
- Main IPC: E04D13/18
- IPC: E04D13/18 ; F16B5/10 ; F24J2/52 ; H01L31/042 ; H02S20/23 ; F24J2/46

Abstract:
A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
Public/Granted literature
- US20120298186A1 Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array Public/Granted day:2012-11-29
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