Photovoltaic module mounting system

Patent · Tue Apr 17 00:00:00 EDT 2012

OSTI ID:1040873

Miros, Robert H. J. ^[1]; Mittan, Margaret Birmingham ^[2]; Seery, Martin N ^[3]; Holland, Rodney H ^[4]

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1. Fairfax, CA
2. Oakland, CA
3. San Rafael, CA
4. Novato, CA

A solar array mounting system having unique installation, load distribution, and grounding features, and which is adaptable for mounting solar panels having no external frame. The solar array mounting system includes flexible, pedestal-style feet and structural links connected in a grid formation on the mounting surface. The photovoltaic modules are secured in place via the use of attachment clamps that grip the edge of the typically glass substrate. The panel mounting clamps are then held in place by tilt brackets and/or mid-link brackets that provide fixation for the clamps and align the solar panels at a tilt to the horizontal mounting surface. The tilt brackets are held in place atop the flexible feet and connected link members thus creating a complete mounting structure.

• Research Organization: Sunlink Corporation (San Rafael, CA)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: FC36-07GO17047
• Assignee: Sunlink Corporation (San Rafael, CA)
• Patent Number(s): 8,156,697
• Application Number: 12/587,970
• OSTI ID: 1040873
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY