IP Library › Patent Application 17542333
Patent Application
App. No. 17/542,333

PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE FASTENING SYSTEMS II

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
17/542,333
Abstract

A PV module alignment or attachment system and method that contains multi-connectors that interact with the modules along rows or columns of an array of the modules. In some versions, the multi-connectors connect to frames of the modules in a row or column and maintain the module-to-module height between modules. The multi-connectors connect to flanges on the frames, which flanges are molded into the frames or bolted to the frames.

Claims (17)

1 . A method comprising:

supplying PV modules having faces;

and

installing an array of the modules in an earth mount configuration on an earth surface having a contour,

wherein the array comprises a multi-connector and the multi-connector joins at least some modules at adjoining corners.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the multi-connector maintains a module-to-module edge alignment.

3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the multi-connector interacts with a module through a frame.

4 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the array comprises a row of greater than 25 or 50 modules.

5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the array comprises a column of greater than 6, 17, 14, 29, or 50 modules.

6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the frame comprises holes.

7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the array comprises a leading edge.

8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the multi-connector maintains module-to-module edge alignment for face-to-face angles of 0 to 30 degrees.

9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the multi-connector connects to flanges on the frame.

10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein flanges are on the frames of two sides of the module.

11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the multi-connector comprises four flexible arms.

12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the four flexible arms are composed of two pairs of wire rope connected at a midpoint of each pair.

13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the multi-connector further comprises a wire connection that extends to an equipment ground connection or the array.