Leading edge units device and methods
Leading-edge units for a PV array comprising fastener or component holes for anchoring the array bonding the array and protecting array cabling. The leading-edge units provide a favorable aerodynamic shape to help deflect incoming wind, the channel rainwater and to protect the edge of the array. Methods having steps of placing modules 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 utility-scale PV array comprising:
several PV modules on or contacting native topography or a smoothed or substantially flat portion of the ground in an array;
1 to 100 PV modules;
a maximum of 30 corner leading-edge units; and
a perimeter leading edge that comprises a leading-edge unit adapted to direct wind and water across the array;
wherein the leading-edge unit comprises an upper side, a horizontal portion, and an angled portion;
wherein the leading-edge unit further comprises a module alignment hole and a bonding hole;
wherein a connecting cable passes through the module alignment hole and the 1 to 100 PV modules; and
wherein the perimeter leading edge comprises more than one leading-edge unit.
2. The array of claim 1 wherein the leading-edge unit comprises a thick flange; a front edge; a vertical wall; an inclined surface; and a back edge.
3. The array of claim 2 wherein the leading-edge unit further comprises a standoff extending horizontally back and down from a bottom edge of the vertical wall and forming a panel receiving surface on top of the standoff.
4. A utility-scale PV array comprising several PV modules on or contacting native topography or a smoothed or substantially flat portion of the ground in an array and a perimeter leading edge that comprises a leading-edge unit adapted to direct wind and water across the array
wherein
the perimeter leading edge comprises more than one leading-edge unit
the leading-edge unit comprises a thick flange; a front edge; a vertical wall; an inclined surface; and a back edge
the leading-edge unit comprises a capped leading-edge base and a cap,
the cap comprises a tongue,
the capped leading-edge base comprises a longitudinal slot,
and
the tongue is disposed in the slot.
5. The array of claim 4 wherein the leading-edge unit further comprises one or more clips extending vertically from a back edge of the panel receiving surface.