Rapid Mounting System for Solar Modules
Methods and devices are provided for rapid solar module installation. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic module is provided comprising of a plurality of photovoltaic cells positioned between a transparent module layer and a backside module layer. The module may be a frameless module. The module may have brackets that slidably engage a mounting structure.
1 . A photovoltaic module mounting system comprising:
a plurality of photovoltaic cells positioned between a transparent module layer and a backside module layer; and
one or more mounting brackets in contact with the module.
2 . The system of claim 1 wherein the brackets have a C cross-sectional shape and configured to mate to another bracket mounted on a roof or mounting surface.
3 . The system of claim 1 wherein the module is a frameless module.
4 . The system of claim 1 wherein the module is a partially framed module.
5 . The system of claim 1 wherein the module is a fully framed module.
6 . The system of claim 1 wherein the brackets are configured to slidably engage a mounting structure.
7 . The system of claim 1 further comprising a retaining apparatus inside at least one of the brackets.
8 . The system of claim 1 wherein the brackets are configured to restrain movement of the module in at least one axis.
9 . The system of claim 1 wherein the brackets are configured to restrain movement of the module in a first axis and a second axis.
10 . A photovoltaic module mounting method comprising:
providing a plurality of photovoltaic cells positioned between a transparent module layer and a backside module layer; and
attaching one or more mounting brackets in contact with the backside module layer;
sliding the module onto a support apparatus, wherein the mounting brackets are oriented to prevent movement of the module in at least one axis.
11 . The method of claim 10 wherein the brackets are configured to slidably engage a mounting structure.
12 . The method of claim 10 wherein the brackets are coupled to a perimeter frame of the module.
13 . The method of claim 10 further comprising placing the mounting structure on a roof, applying foam over at least a portion of the roof and the mounting structure to hold them together, and then sliding the modules with the mounting brackets in place.
14 . A photovoltaic module mounting method for use with a roof, the method comprising:
placing the mounting structure on a roof,
applying foam over at least a portion of the roof and the mounting structure to hold them together;
providing a plurality of photovoltaic cells positioned between a transparent module layer and a backside module layer, the module having one or more mounting brackets in contact with the backside module layer;
sliding the module onto a support apparatus, wherein the mounting brackets are oriented to prevent movement of the module in at least one axis.
15 . The method of claim 14 wherein the module is a frameless module.
16 . The system of claim 14 wherein the module is a partially framed module.
17 . The system of claim 14 wherein the module is a fully framed module.
18 . The system of claim 14 further comprising a retaining apparatus inside at least one of the brackets.
19 . The system of claim 14 wherein the brackets are configured to restrain movement of the module in at least one axis.
20 . The system of claim 14 wherein the brackets are configured to restrain movement of the module in a first axis and a second axis.