Discrete Attachment Point Apparatus and System for Photovoltaic Arrays

Abstract

An attachment point apparatus and system for photovoltaic arrays is disclosed. One embodiment provides a rail system for receiving a PV module, including a first rail, a second rail, a substantially rectilinear double male connector adapted for coupling an end of the first rail to an end of the second rail, and a connector adapted to attach a PV module to the first rail. Another embodiment provides a PV module including a PV laminate, a frame integral with and supporting the PV laminate, and a spanner bar adapted to solely span a width of the PV module, orthogonally connect at various locations along the frame, and attach to a support structure. A further embodiment provides a coupling device for a PV module comprising a first coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a PV module, and a second coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a rail.

1 . A rail system for receiving a PV module, comprising:
 a first rail;   a second rail;   a substantially rectilinear double male connector adapted for coupling an end of said first rail to an end of said second rail; and   a connector adapted to attach a PV module to said first rail.   
     
     
         2 . The rail system for receiving a PV module of  claim 1  wherein said first and second rails are independently positionable relative to said PV module and adapted for attachment to a support structure. 
     
     
         3 . The rail system for receiving a PV module of  claim 1  wherein said double male connector is locked to said first rail and freely insertable into said second rail. 
     
     
         4 . A PV module comprising:
 a PV laminate;   a frame integral with and supporting said PV laminate; and   a spanner bar adapted to: (a) solely span a width of said PV module, (b) orthogonally connect at various locations along said frame, and (c) attach to a support structure.   
     
     
         5 . The PV module of  claim 4  wherein said spanner bar rotatably connects to said frame. 
     
     
         6 . The PV module of  claim 4  wherein said spanner bar connects to a groove in said frame. 
     
     
         7 . The PV module of  claim 4  wherein said spanner bar pivotally connects to a groove in said frame. 
     
     
         8 . A PV module comprising:
 a PV laminate;   a frame integral with and supporting said PV laminate; and   a spanner bar adapted to orthogonally connect to various locations along said frame, and to attach to a support structure, wherein a length of said spanner bar is substantially an integer multiple of a width of said PV module.   
     
     
         9 . The PV module of  claim 8  wherein said spanner bar rotatably connects to said frame. 
     
     
         10 . The PV module of  claim 8  wherein said spanner bar connects to a groove in said frame. 
     
     
         11 . The PV module of  claim 8  wherein said spanner bar pivotally connects to said frame. 
     
     
         12 . A coupling device for a PV module comprising:
 a first coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a PV module; and   a second coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a rail.   
     
     
         13 . The coupling device for a PV module of  claim 12  wherein said rail attaches said PV module to a support structure. 
     
     
         14 . The coupling device for a PV module of  claim 12  wherein said second coupling portion is rotatable around a different axis of rotation than said first coupling portion. 
     
     
         15 . The coupling device for a PV module of  claim 12  wherein said second coupling portion axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to said first coupling portion axis of rotation. 
     
     
         16 . The coupling device for a PV module of  claim 12  wherein said coupling device is height adjustable. 
     
     
         17 . The coupling device for a PV module of  claim 12  wherein said second coupling portion engages said rail by rotation of more than 14 degrees and less than 360 degrees. 
     
     
         18 . A PV module comprising:
 a PV laminate;   a frame integral with and supporting said PV laminate; and   a coupling device; wherein said coupling device comprises an upper engaging portion adapted to rotatably engage said frame and a lower engaging portion adapted to rotatably engage a rail.   
     
     
         19 . The PV module of  claim 18  wherein said rail attaches said PV module to a support structure. 
     
     
         20 . The PV module of  claim 18  wherein said lower engaging portion is rotatable around a different axis of rotation than said upper engaging portion. 
     
     
         21 . The PV module of  claim 18  wherein said lower engaging portion axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to said upper engaging portion axis of rotation. 
     
     
         22 . The PV module of  claim 18  wherein said coupling device is height adjustable. 
     
     
         23 . The PV module of  claim 18  wherein said lower engaging portion engages said rail by rotation of more than 14 degrees and less than 360 degrees.