Perimeter Block Device And Methods
Perimeter blocks for a PV array comprising fastener or component holes for anchoring the array bonding the array and protecting array cabling. Perimeter blocks provide a favorable aerodynamic shape to help deflect incoming wind, to channel rainwater over the array, and to protect the edge of the array. PV arrays having PV modules and perimeter blocks contacting native topography or a smoothed or substantially flat portion of the ground in an array and holding the array together and down are also disclosed.
1 . A perimeter block for use along an edge of a photovoltaic module positioned with respect to a ground, the perimeter block comprising:
a bottom configured to rest on the ground;
an upper side opposed to the bottom, the upper side having a horizontal portion, an angled portion, and a culvert recessed into the perimeter block between the horizontal portion and the angled portion; and
a back edge configured to receive the photovoltaic module thereagainst.
2 . The perimeter block of claim 1 , wherein the horizontal portion extends laterally from a front edge of the perimeter block.
3 . The perimeter block of claim 1 , wherein the angled portion extends diagonally to a back edge of the perimeter block.
4 . The perimeter block of claim 1 , further comprising a module alignment hole extending through the perimeter block.
5 . The perimeter block of claim 4 , wherein the module alignment hole extends through the angled portion of the perimeter block.
6 . The perimeter block of claim 4 , wherein the module alignment hole extends through the perimeter block vertically above the culvert.
7 . The perimeter block of claim 4 , further comprising an alignment cable extending through the module alignment hole, the alignment cable configured to secure the photovoltaic module to the perimeter block.
8 . The perimeter block of claim 7 , wherein the alignment cable is connected to a cable anchor secured in the perimeter block.
9 . The perimeter block of claim 4 , further comprising an anchor hole extending through the perimeter block.
10 . The perimeter block of claim 9 , wherein the anchor hole is oriented transverse to the module alignment hole.
11 . The perimeter block of claim 9 , wherein the anchor hole extends through the angled portion of the perimeter block.
12 . A perimeter block for use along an edge of a photovoltaic module positioned with respect to a ground, the perimeter block comprising:
a bottom configured to rest on the ground;
an upper side opposed to the bottom, the upper side having a horizontal portion proximate a front edge of the perimeter block and an angled portion extending diagonally to proximate a back edge of the perimeter block; and
the back edge is configured to receive the photovoltaic module thereagainst so as to direct wind and water with respect to the photovoltaic module.
13 . The perimeter block of claim 12 , further comprising a culvert between the horizontal portion and the angled portion.
14 . The perimeter block of claim 12 , further comprising a module alignment hole extending through the perimeter block.
15 . The perimeter block of claim 14 , wherein the module alignment hole extends through the angled portion of the perimeter block.
16 . The perimeter block of claim 14 , further comprising an alignment cable extending through the module alignment hole, the alignment cable configured to secure the photovoltaic module to the perimeter block.
17 . The perimeter block of claim 16 , wherein the alignment cable is connected to a cable anchor secured in the perimeter block.
18 . The perimeter block of claim 14 , further comprising an anchor hole extending through the perimeter block.
19 . The perimeter block of claim 18 , wherein the anchor hole is oriented transverse to the module alignment hole.
20 . The perimeter block of claim 18 , wherein the anchor hole extends through the angled portion of the perimeter block.