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Title: Photovoltaic module and module arrays

Abstract

A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame, The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at an angle in the range of 3.degree.-7.degree. from horizontal, and can be entirely formed of a polymeric material. Optionally, the arm incorporates integral feature(s) that facilitate interconnection with corresponding features of a second, identically formed PV module.

Inventors:
; ; ; ;
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
SunPower Corporation (San Jose, CA)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
1093271
Patent Number(s):
8,516,754
Application Number:
13/527,444
Assignee:
SunPower Corporation (San Jose, CA)
DOE Contract Number:  
FC36-07GO17043
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
14 SOLAR ENERGY

Citation Formats

Botkin, Jonathan, Graves, Simon, Lenox, Carl J. S., Culligan, Matthew, and Danning, Matt. Photovoltaic module and module arrays. United States: N. p., 2013. Web.
Botkin, Jonathan, Graves, Simon, Lenox, Carl J. S., Culligan, Matthew, & Danning, Matt. Photovoltaic module and module arrays. United States.
Botkin, Jonathan, Graves, Simon, Lenox, Carl J. S., Culligan, Matthew, and Danning, Matt. 2013. "Photovoltaic module and module arrays". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1093271.
@article{osti_1093271,
title = {Photovoltaic module and module arrays},
author = {Botkin, Jonathan and Graves, Simon and Lenox, Carl J. S. and Culligan, Matthew and Danning, Matt},
abstractNote = {A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame, The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at an angle in the range of 3.degree.-7.degree. from horizontal, and can be entirely formed of a polymeric material. Optionally, the arm incorporates integral feature(s) that facilitate interconnection with corresponding features of a second, identically formed PV module.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1093271}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Aug 27 00:00:00 EDT 2013},
month = {Tue Aug 27 00:00:00 EDT 2013}
}

Works referenced in this record:

Floating Support Structure for a Solar Panel Array
patent-application, May 2006


Method of assembling a frame assembly for a partition system
patent, September 2003


Solar cell string, solar cell array and solar photovoltaic power system
patent, March 2004


Roof system utilizing a solar cell
patent, March 1996


Roofing tile having photovoltaic module to generate power
patent, September 2002


Solar-cell-installed structure, and photovoltaic power generation system
patent, October 2004


Photovoltaic panel mounting bracket
patent, November 2005


Solar Module Integration System
patent-application, October 2009