Photovoltaic module mount

Abstract

Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A photovoltaic (PV) module, comprising:
 a first toe configured to be inserted into a grounding toe slot of a PV module chassis when the PV module is in a first configuration, the first toe being further configured to inhibit removal of the first toe from the grounding toe slot when the PV module is in a second configuration;   a second toe configured to engage a locking toe slot of the PV module mounting chassis when the PV module is in the second configuration, wherein the PV module is configured to be pivoted about the first toe to engage the second toe through the locking toe slot.   
     
     
         3 . The PV module of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second toes of the PV module are configured to be connected to the PV module mounting chassis by tool-less connections. 
     
     
         4 . The PV module of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the tool-less connections comprises a locking plate being reversibly deflectable to an outward position to engage at least one toe of the PV module, thereby locking the PV module into the second configuration. 
     
     
         5 . The PV module of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second toes of the PV module are configured to electrically ground the PV module to the PV module mounting chassis in the second configuration. 
     
     
         6 . A photovoltaic (PV) module mounting chassis, comprising:
 a grounding toe slot at a first end, the grounding toe slot configured to receive a first toe of a PV module, the to be inserted into the grounding toe slot when the PV module is in a first configuration, the grounding toe slot further configured to inhibit removal of the first toe being further configured to inhibit removal of the first toe from the grounding toe slot when the PV module is in a second configuration;   and a locking toe slot at a second end opposite from the first end, the locking toe slot configured to engage a second toe of the PV module when the PV module is in the second configuration, wherein the locking toe slot is configured to engage the second toe through the locking toe slot when the PV module is pivoted about the first toe.   
     
     
         7 . The module mounting chassis of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a grounding plate located at the first end;   a module stand located at the second end, the module stand comprising a base portion and an upright extending from the base portion to a support surface;   wherein the support surface of the upright is vertically higher than the grounding plate to hold the PV module in a tilted state in the second configuration.   
     
     
         8 . The module mounting chassis of  claim 7 , further comprises a bridging member having a first member end and a second member end, the bridging member coupled to the grounding plate at the first member end and coupled to the module stand at the second member end. 
     
     
         9 . The module mounting chassis of  claim 7 , wherein the grounding plate comprises a contact portion including a spring contact being deflectable upon contact with the PV module. 
     
     
         10 . The module mounting chassis of  claim 7 , wherein the module stand further includes a pair of alignment protrusions extending upward from the support surface. 
     
     
         11 . The module mounting chassis of  claim 10 , wherein the pair of alignment protrusions define a rail notch between the pair of alignment protrusions and the support surface, and wherein the rail notch is longitudinally aligned with the locking toe slot. 
     
     
         12 . The module mounting chassis of  claim 7 , wherein the module stand further comprises a locking plate having a locking surface coupled to the upright, and wherein the locking toe slot extends through the locking surface of the locking plate. 
     
     
         13 . The PV module assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the locking plate attached to the upright at a hinge point and the locking surface is resiliently deflectable away from the upright about the hinge point. 
     
     
         14 . The PV module assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the locking plate includes a striking surface extending from an upper edge of the locking surface at an oblique angle to the support surface.