Patent Application

App. No. 12/284,915

Abstract

Claims (14)

1 . An apparatus for providing a universal interface for a photovoltaic (PV) module, comprising a universal retainer plate for mechanically coupling an output power module to the PV module.

2 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the output power module comprises at least one of a DC-AC inverter having a form factor mountable to the universal retainer plate, a DC-DC converter having the form factor, or a DC junction box having the form factor.

3 . The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one conductive terminal mounted to the PV module and the at least one conductive terminal is capable of being detachably coupled to the output power module.

4 . The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the at least one conductive terminal is permanently adhered to the universal retainer plate.

5 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the universal retainer plate comprises at least one fastening device for mechanically coupling the output power module to the PV module.

6 . The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the at least one fastening device is a clip.

7 . The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sealing gasket retained between the universal retainer plate and the output power module.

8 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the output power module is detachably coupled to the universal retainer plate.

9 . An apparatus for dissipating heat generated at a photovoltaic (PV) module, comprising:

a universal retainer plate for mechanically coupling an output power module to the PV module; and

a heat spreader retained between the PV module and the output power module for providing a uniform thermal profile across the PV module.

10 . The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the heat spreader is adhered to the PV module.

11 . The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the heat spreader comprises heat dissipating fins.

12 . The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the heat spreader is integral to the universal retainer plate.

Assignments (8)