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Title: Photovoltaic module kit including connector assembly for non-penetrating array installation

Abstract

A PV module kit for non-penetrating rooftop installation, including a plurality of PV modules and a plurality of connectors. Each of the PV modules includes a PV laminate and a frame forming a mounting region assembled thereto. The connectors include a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head, and a female connector having a female fastener assembled within a head. The heads are entirely formed of plastic. The kit provides a mounted array state including a junction at which the mounting region of at least two of the PV modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector. The so-formed junction is substantially electrically insulated. The plurality of connectors can further include a spacer connector including a head forming a bore sized to slidably receive the male fastener, with all of the connector heads being identical.

Inventors:
; ; ;
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
SunPower Corporation (San Jose, CA)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
1079416
Patent Number(s):
8291654
Application Number:
13/272,056
Assignee:
SunPower Corporation (San Jose, CA)
Patent Classifications (CPCs):
F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F16 - ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS F16B - DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS, WEDGES, JOINTS OR JOINTING
F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F24 - HEATING F24S - SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS
DOE Contract Number:  
FC36-07GO17043
Resource Type:
Patent
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 2011 Oct 12
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
14 SOLAR ENERGY

Citation Formats

Botkin, Jonathan, Graves, Simon, Danning, Matt, and Culligan, Matthew. Photovoltaic module kit including connector assembly for non-penetrating array installation. United States: N. p., 2012. Web.
Botkin, Jonathan, Graves, Simon, Danning, Matt, & Culligan, Matthew. Photovoltaic module kit including connector assembly for non-penetrating array installation. United States.
Botkin, Jonathan, Graves, Simon, Danning, Matt, and Culligan, Matthew. Tue . "Photovoltaic module kit including connector assembly for non-penetrating array installation". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1079416.
@article{osti_1079416,
title = {Photovoltaic module kit including connector assembly for non-penetrating array installation},
author = {Botkin, Jonathan and Graves, Simon and Danning, Matt and Culligan, Matthew},
abstractNote = {A PV module kit for non-penetrating rooftop installation, including a plurality of PV modules and a plurality of connectors. Each of the PV modules includes a PV laminate and a frame forming a mounting region assembled thereto. The connectors include a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head, and a female connector having a female fastener assembled within a head. The heads are entirely formed of plastic. The kit provides a mounted array state including a junction at which the mounting region of at least two of the PV modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector. The so-formed junction is substantially electrically insulated. The plurality of connectors can further include a spacer connector including a head forming a bore sized to slidably receive the male fastener, with all of the connector heads being identical.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {2012},
month = {10}
}