Pivot-fit frame, system and method for photovoltaic modules

Abstract

A system and apparatus are disclosed including PV modules having a frame allowing quick and easy assembling of the PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is provided at an angle with respect to a planar surface of the modules. Various couplings may engage within the groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array with a pivot-fit connection. Further examples of the present technology operate with PV modules having frames without grooves, or with PV modules where the frame is omitted altogether.

1 . A coupling for interconnecting four photovoltaic modules comprising:
 (a) a base portion with a first side and a substantially opposite facing second side, the first side and the second side each adapted to hold two photovoltaic modules at an elevated height above a support surface without a support structure between the base portion and the support surface;   (b) a clamping portion connected to the base portion, wherein the clamping portion is movable with respect to the base portion;   (c) one or more rotatable fasteners that pass through the clamping portion into the base portion, wherein the one or more rotatable fasteners are rotatable to move the clamping portion toward the base portion to secure the four photovoltaic modules between the base portion and the clamping portion;   (e) wherein the base portion and the clamping portion form an assembly that is adapted to engage with a top-facing surface and a bottom-facing surface of each of the four photovoltaic modules.   
     
     
         2 . The coupling according to  claim 1 , further comprising a grounding protrusion adapted to electrically ground at least one of the photovoltaic modules to the coupling. 
     
     
         3 . The coupling according to  claim 2 , wherein the grounding protrusion is adapted to electrically ground at least one of the photovoltaic modules to the coupling when said photovoltaic module is secured between the base and clamping portion by rotation of the one or more rotatable fasteners. 
     
     
         4 . The coupling according to  claim 1 , wherein the base portion is attached to a foot portion adapted to support the base portion over a support surface. 
     
     
         5 . The coupling according to  claim 4 , wherein the foot portion is further adapted to adjust a height of the base portion with respect to a support surface. 
     
     
         6 . The coupling according to  claim 1 , wherein first side and the second side of the base portion are asymmetrical, thereby enabling two photovoltaic modules to be pivot mounted into the coupling on the second side after two photovoltaic modules have been secured between the clamping portion and the base portion on the first side. 
     
     
         7 . The coupling according to  claim 1 , wherein the coupling is adapted to create a uniform spacing between two photovoltaic modules on the first side and two photovoltaic modules on the second side. 
     
     
         8 . A coupling for interconnecting four photovoltaic modules comprising:
 (a) a base portion with a first side and a substantially opposite facing second side, the first side and the second side each adapted to receive two photovoltaic modules;   (b) a clamping portion connected to the base portion, wherein the clamping portion is movable with respect to the base portion;   (c) one or more rotatable fasteners that pass through the clamping portion into the base portion, wherein the one or more rotatable fasteners are rotatable to move the clamping portion toward the base portion to secure four photovoltaic modules between the base portion and the clamping portion;   (e) wherein the base portion is connected to a height adjustable leveling foot adapted to adjust a height of the base portion with respect to a support surface.   
     
     
         9 . The coupling according to  claim 8 , further comprising a grounding protrusion adapted to electrically ground at least one of the photovoltaic modules to the coupling. 
     
     
         10 . The coupling according to  claim 9 , wherein the grounding protrusion is adapted to electrically grounds at least one of the photovoltaic modules to the coupling when said module is secured between the base and clamping portion by rotation of the one or more rotatable fasteners. 
     
     
         11 . The coupling according to  claim 8 , wherein the base and the clamping portion form an assembly that is adapted to contact a top-facing and a bottom facing surface of each of the four photovoltaic modules. 
     
     
         12 . The coupling according to  claim 8 , wherein the clamping portion is oriented over the base portion and spans both sides of the base portion. 
     
     
         13 . The coupling according to  claim 8 , wherein first side and the second side of the base portion are asymmetrical, thereby enabling two photovoltaic modules to be pivot mounted into the coupling on the second side after two photovoltaic modules have been secured between the clamping portion and the base portion on the first side. 
     
     
         14 . An array of interconnected photovoltaic modules comprising:
 four photovoltaic modules, each module comprising a photovoltaic panel framed by four frame members;   a free-floating module coupling connecting the four photovoltaic modules together at their corners without support from below, wherein the module coupling comprises:   (a) a base portion with a first side and a substantially opposite facing second side, the first side and the second side each adapted to hold a respective frame member of two of the four photovoltaic modules;   (b) a clamping portion connected to the base portion, wherein the clamping portion is movable with respect to the base portion;   (c) one or more rotatable fasteners that pass through the clamping portion into the base portion, wherein the one or more rotatable fasteners are rotatable to move the clamping portion toward the base portion to secure the four photovoltaic modules between the base and the clamping portion;   wherein the base portion and the clamping portion form an assembly that contacts a top-facing surface and a bottom-facing surface of the respective frames of the four photovoltaic modules thereby locking them into a single array plane over a roof surface.   
     
     
         15 . The array of interconnected photovoltaic modules according to  claim 14 , the module coupling further comprising a grounding protrusion that electrically grounds at least one of the photovoltaic modules to the coupling. 
     
     
         16 . The array of interconnected photovoltaic modules according to  claim 15 , wherein the grounding protrusion electrically grounds at least one of the photovoltaic modules to the coupling when said modules are secured between the base portion and clamping portion by rotation of the one or more rotatable fasteners. 
     
     
         17 . The array of interconnected photovoltaic modules according to  claim 14 , wherein the first side and the second side of the base are asymmetrical, thereby enabling two photovoltaic modules to be pivot mounted into the coupling on the second side after two photovoltaic modules have been secured between the clamping portion and the base portion on the first side. 
     
     
         18 . The array of interconnected photovoltaic modules according to  claim 14 , wherein the coupling creates a uniform spacing between the two photovoltaic modules on the first side and the two photovoltaic modules on the second side.