Photovoltaic module mounting system and method

Abstract

A photovoltaic (PV) module mounting system can have mounting clips that can be moved up and down a roof, and can allow the height of the mounting clips to be adjusted relative to the roof. At least a portion of the system can be made of a non-conductive material so that the system can be free of a grounding unit. The system can allow solar modules to be quickly installed, and can allow the solar modules to be removed quickly for repair or in the event of a fire.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for installing a solar module comprising the steps of:
 engaging a mounting base into a snap-in groove of an adjustable foot;   sliding the mounting base within the snap-in groove of the adjustable foot to position the mounting base in a desired location along the adjustable foot;   pressing the mounting base into the adjustable foot, so that the mounting base disengages from the snap-in groove and so that a mounting base engagement feature is pressed into engagement with a foot engagement feature, thereby securing the mounting base to the adjustable foot; and   attaching the solar module to a mounting clip attached to a mounting post associated with the mounting base.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 turning an adjustment screw that connects the mounting post to the mounting base, so that the height of the mounting post is adjusted relative to the adjustable foot after the module has been attached to the mounting clip.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 installing a flashing on a shingle on a roof, the flashing having a clearing hole;   aligning a bolt hole in the adjustable foot with the clearing hole; and   installing a bolt through the bolt hole in the adjustable foot, through the clearing hole, and into the roof.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of attaching the solar module to the mounting clip further comprises attaching the solar laminate to a frame to form a module, and attaching the frame to the mounting clip. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising releasing the solar module from attachment to the mounting clip by applying a vector force to a fast-release mechanism on the mounting clip. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising releasing the solar module from attachment to the mounting base by applying a vector force to the mounting base to release it from the snap-in groove on the foot and allowing the foot to be removed from the mounting base. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mounting post is adjustably engaged with respect to the mounting base.