Rail systems and methods for installation and operation of photovoltaic arrays

Abstract

Rail system and method for a photovoltaic array. The system includes at least one modular rail in a first direction. The modular rail includes a first vehicle support surface along the first direction and a first mounting surface along the first direction. The first vehicle support surface is configured to support at least a first vehicle moving in the first direction, and the first mounting surface is configured to support one or more photovoltaic modules mounted on the first mounting surface.

1 .- 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . A method for installing a photovoltaic array, the method comprising:
 forming at least one modular rail in a first direction, the modular rail including a first vehicle support surface along the first direction and a mounting surface along the first direction; and   affixing at least a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module to the mounting surface; and   interconnecting the first photovoltaic module to the second photovoltaic module;   wherein the process for affixing at least a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module to the mounting surface includes:
 moving a first vehicle along the first vehicle support surface, the first vehicle including at least one robotic arm; and 
 affixing the first photovoltaic module and the second photovoltaic module to the mounting surface by at least the robotic arm. 
   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , and further comprising forming at least one index rail in a second direction, the index rail including a second vehicle support surface along the index rail. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 36 , and further comprising:
 loading a first vehicle onto a second vehicle; and   moving the second vehicle carrying the first vehicle.   
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 36  wherein the process for affixing at least a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module to the mounting surface is performed with at least one or more adhesive materials. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 36  wherein the process for affixing at least a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module to the mounting surface is performed with at least one or more mechanical connectors.