Photovoltaic module mounting system
A photovoltaic module mounting system using clamps to attach the modules to a mounting structure, thereby providing a universal mounting structure for use with laminate or framed modules of differing shapes and sizes, from different manufacturers.
1. A photovoltaic module mounting system comprising:
a first rail bracket connected to a first set of two feet;
a second rail bracket connected to a second set of two feet;
a first rail connected to the first and second rail brackets;
a second rail connected to the first and second rail brackets; and
a plurality of clamps attaching at least one photovoltaic module to the first and second rails;
wherein each first and second rail bracket comprises:
a main member;
a first post attached to a first end of the main member;
a second post attached to a second end of the main member; and
a beam connected between the first and second posts.
2. The mounting system of claim 1 , wherein each first and second rail bracket further comprises:
a first square mounting tube on top of the first post; and
a second square mounting tube on top of the second post.
3. The mounting system of claim 2 , further comprising a first shade link connected between the first set of feet and a third set of feet, and a second shade link connected between the second set of feet and a fourth set of feet, wherein the shade links attach the mounting system into an integrated array of photovoltaic modules.
4. The mounting system of claim 3 , further comprising a wind deflector along an edge of the at least one module.
5. The mounting system of claim 2 , wherein each clamp comprises:
an upper clamp;
an upper elastomeric pad;
a lower clamp having a ridge;
first and second lower clamp elastomeric pads formed to align along each side of the ridge in the lower clamp; and
a fastener to attach the upper and lower clamps, wherein the upper and lower clamp pads are compressed against a photovoltaic module to secure the module in place.
6. The mounting system of claim 2 , wherein the second post is longer than the first post.
7. The mounting system of claim 2 , wherein a roof penetrating attachment is connected to the first and second rails.
8. The mounting system of claim 7 , wherein the roof penetrating attachment comprises:
a post;
a bracket attached to a top of the post, the bracket comprising two spaced vertical slots;
a rod having a horizontal slot; and
a locking member attached through the two vertical slots of the bracket and through the horizontal slot of the rod.
9. The mounting system of claim 2 , further comprising a ballast pan attached between the first and second rails.
10. The mounting system of claim 9 , wherein the ballast pan comprises:
a first rod connected between the first and second rails;
a second rod connected between the first and second rails; and
a pan attached to the first and second rods.
11. A photovoltaic module mounting system for mounting framed photovoltaic panels, the system comprising:
a first set of two feet comprising a first foot and a second foot, each first foot and second foot in the first set having a first post;
a second set of two feet comprising a third foot and a fourth foot, each third foot and fourth foot in the second set having a second post;
a first rail link attached to the first foot and the third foot;
a second rail link attached to the second foot and the fourth foot;
a first rail attached to two first posts;
a second rail attached to two second posts;
a plurality of photovoltaic modules having metal frames positioned on the first and second rails; and
a plurality of clamps attaching the metal frames of the photovoltaic modules to the first and second rails;
wherein the second posts are taller than the first posts.
12. The mounting system of claim 11 , further comprising:
a shade link connected to each of the second feet.
13. The mounting system of claim 12 , wherein the shade links interconnect the module mounting system in an integrated array of photovoltaic modules.