Slide fit mounting clip for installing photovoltaic modules

Abstract

A module bracket includes first and second mounting clips (202, 204) that are spaced from each other along the pitch of a roofing surface. An inlet (212) to the first mounting clip (202) faces or projects in the general direction that the second mounting clip (204) is spaced from the first mounting clip (202). An inlet (212) to the second mounting clip (204) faces or projects in the general direction that the first mounting clip (202) is spaced from the second mounting clip (204). A second module flange (134) of a first photovoltaic module (120) is slid into the first mounting clip (202) of the module bracket. A first module flange (128) of a second photovoltaic module (120) is slid into the second mounting clip (204) of this same module bracket.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 .- 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . A module bracket, comprising:
 a base portion comprising at least one aperture;   two side portions extending from opposite sides of the base portion, the two side portions parallel to one another and angled relative to the base portion; and   two mounting clips extending away from each other, each mounting clip comprising:
 a first section extending from one of the two side portions, the first section substantially parallel to the base portion; 
 a second section comprising a free end adjacent to the first section, the free end deflectable away from the first section; and 
   a hinge connecting the first section to the second section, the hinge integrally formed with the first section and the second section and configured to elastically deform when the free end is deflected away from the first section.   
     
     
         39 . The module bracket of  claim 38 , wherein the two side portions are substantially perpendicular to the base portion. 
     
     
         40 . The module bracket of  claim 38 , wherein the base portion comprises two apertures. 
     
     
         41 . The module bracket of  claim 38 , wherein the second section of each of the two mounting clips comprises at least one electrical contact. 
     
     
         42 . The module bracket of  claim 41 , wherein the at least one electrical contact extends from the second section toward the first section. 
     
     
         43 . The module bracket of  claim 38 , wherein the base portion and the two side portions are integrally formed. 
     
     
         44 . The module bracket of  claim 38 , wherein the base portion and the two side portions have a first width, the first section and the second section have a second width, and the second width is greater than the first width. 
     
     
         45 . The module bracket of  claim 38 , further comprising at least one stiffener extending along one of the two side portions, the base portion, and another of the two side portions. 
     
     
         46 . The module bracket of  claim 38 , wherein the at least one stiffener comprises two parallel stiffeners that extend from the first section of one of the two mounting clips to the first section of the other of the two mounting clips. 
     
     
         47 . The module bracket of  claim 38 , further comprising two wiring clips, each wiring clip extending from one of the two mounting clips. 
     
     
         48 . A photovoltaic mounting assembly kit comprising:
 a module bracket, comprising:
 a base portion; 
 two side portions extending from opposite sides of the base portion, the two side portions parallel to one another and angled relative to the base portion; and 
 two mounting clips extending away from each other, each mounting clip comprising:
 a first section extending from one of the two side portions; 
 a second section comprising a free end adjacent to the first section, the free end deflectable away from the first section; and 
 a hinge connecting the first section to the second section; and 
 
   a cap section for installation over the base portion, the cap section having a central portion and two arms extending downwardly from opposite sides of the central portion, the central portion sized to cover the base portion.   
     
     
         49 . The photovoltaic mounting assembly kit of  claim 48 , wherein the cap section comprises a wiring clip. 
     
     
         50 . The photovoltaic mounting assembly kit of  claim 48 , wherein the base portion comprises a plurality of apertures. 
     
     
         51 . The photovoltaic mounting assembly kit of  claim 48 , wherein each of the two arms comprises at least one aperture. 
     
     
         52 . The photovoltaic mounting assembly kit of  claim 48 , wherein the second section of each of the two mounting clips comprises at least one electrical contact. 
     
     
         53 . The photovoltaic mounting assembly kit of  claim 52 , wherein the at least one electrical contact is triangular in shape and integrally formed with the second section. 
     
     
         54 . The photovoltaic mounting assembly kit of  claim 53 , further comprising a plurality of fasteners for securing the mounting bracket and the cap section to a surface. 
     
     
         55 . A mounting bracket comprising:
 a base section comprising a perimeter with a first side opposite a second side, and a third side opposite a fourth side;   a pair of bracket flanges extending downwardly from proximate the first and second sides of the base section;   a pair of risers extending upwardly from the third and fourth sides; and   a pair of mounting clips, each of the pair of mounting clips extending from one of the pair of risers and comprising:
 a first section; 
 a second section overlying the first section and terminating in a free end adjacent the first section; and 
 a hinge section connecting the first section to the second section. 
   
     
     
         56 . The mounting bracket of  claim 55 , further comprising a gasket secured to each of the pair of bracket flanges. 
     
     
         57 . The mounting bracket of  claim 55 , wherein the hinge section is integrally formed with the first section and the second section.