Systems and methods for mounting photovoltaic modules

Abstract

System and method for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules includes one or more flexible rods, including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, each of the one or more flexible rods further including an inner core and a first jacket surrounding the inner core between the first end and the second end. The first end is configured to be attached to at least one photovoltaic module using one or more first adhesive materials. The second end is configured to be inserted into at least one hole of a modular rail and attached to at least the modular rail using one or more second adhesive materials. The one or more flexible rods are configured to allow at least a lateral movement in a first direction between the photovoltaic module and the modular rail and support at least the photovoltaic module in a second direction.

1 - 65 . (canceled) 
     
     
         66 . A system for mounting a photovoltaic module at an installation surface, the system comprising:
 a flanged beam;   adhesive coupling the flanged beam to the photovoltaic module; and   a mounting structure coupled to the installation surface,   wherein the flanged beam and the mounting structure mechanically interlock with one another to secure the photovoltaic module at the installation surface.   
     
     
         67 . The system of  claim 66 , wherein the flanged beam includes an I-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         68 . The system of  claim 66 , wherein the flanged beam includes an upper flange, a lower flange, and at least one structure extending between the upper flange and the lower flange. 
     
     
         69 . The system of  claim 68 , wherein the adhesive couples the upper flange to the photovoltaic module, and wherein the lower flange mechanically interlocks with the mounting structure. 
     
     
         70 . The system of  claim 69 , wherein the mounting structure comprises a slot, and the lower flange is inserted into the slot so as to interlock with the slot. 
     
     
         71 . The system of  claim 70 , wherein the lower flange is sized to provide a slip-fit with the slot. 
     
     
         72 . The system of  claim 70 , wherein the lower flange is adhered within the slot. 
     
     
         73 . The system of  claim 66 , further comprising a fastener attaching the flanged beam to the mounting structure. 
     
     
         74 . The system of  claim 66 , wherein the flanged beam includes a length along which the flanged beam is elongated, and wherein the adhesive couples the flanged beam to the photovoltaic module along an entirety of the length. 
     
     
         75 . The system of  claim 66 , wherein the mounting structure is adhered to the installation surface. 
     
     
         76 . A method for mounting a photovoltaic module at an installation surface, the method comprising:
 providing a flanged beam;   coupling the flanged beam to the photovoltaic module with adhesive;   coupling a mounting structure to the installation surface; and   mechanically interlocking the flanged beam and the mounting structure with one another to secure the photovoltaic module at the installation surface.   
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the flanged beam includes an I-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the flanged beam includes an upper flange, a lower flange, and at least one structure extending between the upper flange and the lower flange. 
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 78 , wherein the adhesive couples the upper flange to the photovoltaic module, and wherein the lower flange mechanically interlocks with the mounting structure. 
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 79 , wherein the mounting structure comprises a slot, and the lower flange is inserted into the slot so as to interlock with the slot. 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 80 , wherein the lower flange is sized to provide a slip-fit with the slot. 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 80 , wherein the lower flange is adhered within the slot. 
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 76 , further comprising attaching the flanged beam to the mounting structure with a fastener. 
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the flanged beam includes a length along which the flanged beam is elongated, and wherein the adhesive couples the flanged beam to the photovoltaic module along an entirety of the length. 
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the mounting structure is adhered to the installation surface.