Method and apparatus for mounting photovoltaic modules

Abstract

An interlocking photovoltaic module mounting system that provides a one piece, integrated photovoltaic module frame portion that is directly mountable to a support structure and interlocks with separate adjoining photovoltaic module frame portions. The apparatus includes a frame member for enclosing the perimeter of a photovoltaic module, having an inside surface and outside surface, with the inside surface including a recess for capture of the panel. The frame member outside surface includes at least one interlocking means for affixation to the complementary outside surface of an adjacent frame-member. The frame member includes a height-adjustable foot portion for supporting the frame member on a roof, so that adjacent frame members may be interlocked to form an array, and the foot portion may be adjusted to level the formed array on the roof.

What is claimed as invention is: 
     
      
       1. A photovoltaic module array comprising: 
       
         a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking means comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
         a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking means comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; and 
         a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion, wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member. 
       
      
     
     
      
       2. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 1  wherein said male coupling portion solely spans between immediately adjacent side wall portions in said photovoltaic module array. 
      
     
     
       3. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion, such that said first frame member contributes to a resistance of a downward force exerted on said second frame member near said male coupling portion; 
 wherein said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, said female receiving portions run substantially the entire length of said respective side wall portions, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said female receiving portions, thereby enabling said male coupling portion to be located at substantially any position along said length of said female receiving portion; 
 wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist said downward force; and 
 wherein said photovoltaic module array comprises a height-adjustable foot portion. 
 
     
     
      
       4. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 3  wherein said first frame member side wall portion outside surface is immediately adjacent to said second frame member side wall portion outside surface, said first frame member side wall portion outside surface being substantially parallel with and substantially nonlinear relative to said second frame member side wall portion outside surface. 
      
     
     
      
       5. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 1  wherein said male coupling portion further comprises means for providing electrical ground continuity between said first and second frame members. 
      
     
     
      
       6. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 1  wherein saidfirst frame member includes a cap member for affixation between said first frame member and an adjacent frame member. 
      
     
     
      
       7. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 1  wherein said male coupling portion comprises a double male connector. 
      
     
     
      
       8. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 1  wherein said first frame member female receiving portion inside surface comprises at least two opposing surfaces, a first opposing surface resisting downward forces presented to said second frame member and a second opposing surface resisting upward forces presented to said second frame member. 
      
     
     
      
       9. A photovoltaic module array comprising: 
       
         (a) a plurality of photovoltaic modules; and 
         (b) a plurality of coupling members; wherein each photovoltaic module comprises an integral frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking means comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface, each coupling member interlocking a first photovoltaic module and second photovoltaic module and comprising at least two male portions, a first male portion being inserted into the frame member female receiving portion of a first photovoltaic module, and a second male portion being inserted into the frame member female receiving portion of a second photovoltaic module, wherein said first photovoltaic module frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second photovoltaic module frame member. 
       
      
     
     
      
       10. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 9  wherein said coupling members solely span between side wall portions of immediately adjacent photovoltaic modules in said photovoltaic module array, each side wall portion comprising inside and outside surfaces facing substantially opposite directions, each outside surface comprising a length running along a perimeter of said photovoltaic laminate, said female receiving portion running substantially the whole length of said side wall portion, adjacent side wall portions of said immediately adjacent photovoltaic modules comprising outside surfaces which are substantially parallel with and substantially non-linear relative to each other. 
      
     
     
      
       11. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 9  wherein said photovoltaic modules are individually deployable. 
      
     
     
      
       12. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 9  wherein said first frame member includes at least one height-adjustable foot portion for supporting said first frame member. 
      
     
     
      
       13. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 9  wherein said first frame member female receiving portion inside surface comprises at least two opposing surfaces, a first opposing surface resisting downward forces presented to said second frame member and a second opposing surface resisting upward forces presented to said second frame member. 
      
     
     
      
       14. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 9  wherein said coupling member further comprises means for providing electrical ground continuity between said first and second photovoltaic modules. 
      
     
     
      
       15. A method for mounting photovoltaic modules to a roof structure, said method comprising the steps of: 
       
         providing a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, the first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, the inside surface including a recess for capture of the photovoltaic laminate, and at least one of the side wall portions including at least one interlocking means comprising a female receiving portion integrated into the outside surface; 
         providing a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, the second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, the inside surface including a recess for capture of the photovoltaic laminate, and at least one of the side wall portions including at least one interlocking means comprising a female receiving portion integrated into the outside surface; and 
         inserting a discrete male coupling portion into the first frame member female receiving portion and the second frame member female receiving portion to interlock the first frame member and the second frame member in an array above the structure, wherein the first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of the male coupling portion to resist a downward force on the second frame member. 
       
      
     
     
      
       16. The method for mounting photovoltaic modules to a structure of  claim 15  further including the step of leveling the array on the structure with a height-adjustable foot portion. 
      
     
     
      
       17. The method for mounting photovoltaic modules to a structure of  claim 16  further including the step of securing the foot portion to the structure with a fastener. 
      
     
     
      
       18. The method for mounting photovoltaic modules to a structure of  claim 16  further including the step of laterally adjusting the foot portion within the frame to align with a structural member. 
      
     
     
      
       19. A photovoltaic module array comprising: 
       
         a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking means comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface, wherein said female receiving portion only opens substantially perpendicularly relative to said side wall portion; 
         a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking means comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface, wherein said female receiving portion only opens substantially perpendicularly relative to said side wall portion; and 
         a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion, wherein said male coupling portion solely spans between immediately adjacent side wall portions in said photovoltaic module array. 
       
      
     
     
       20. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first photovoltaic module comprising a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions comprising a female receiving portion integrated into in said outside surface, wherein said female receiving portion only opens substantially perpendicularly perpendicular relative to said side wall portion; 
 a second photovoltaic module comprising a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions comprising a female receiving portion integrated into in said outside surface, wherein said female receiving portion only opens substantially perpendicularly perpendicular relative to said side wall portion; 
 a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion to form an elevated and connected array structure on top of a roofing surface, said first and second photovoltaic modules located immediately above and off of said roofing surface, said roofing surface forming part of a weather-tight skin of a building, extending from at least a ridge of said roof beneath said first frame member to a gutter of said roof, and comprising at least one of a shingle, a tile, and a shake; 
 an attachment portion penetrating through said roofing surface to attach said first frame member to said building, wherein said attachment portion comprises a height adjustable foot; 
 wherein said male coupling portion solely spans between immediately adjacent side wall portions in said photovoltaic module array; and 
 wherein said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said first frame member photovoltaic laminate, said female receiving portions run substantially the entire length of said respective side wall portions, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said female receiving portions, thereby enabling said male coupling portion to be located at substantially any position along said length of said female receiving portion. 
 
     
     
      
       21. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 19  wherein said first frame member side wall portion outside surface is immediately adjacent to said second frame member side wall portion outside surface, said first frame member side wall portion outside surface being substantially parallel with and substantially nonlinear relative to said second frame member side wall portion outside surface. 
      
     
     
      
       22. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 19  wherein said male coupling portion further comprises means for providing electrical ground continuity between said first and second frame members. 
      
     
     
      
       23. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 19  wherein said male coupling portion comprises a double male connector. 
      
     
     
       24. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions comprising a female receiving portion having an interlocking function integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions comprising a female receiving portion having an interlocking function integrated into said outside surface; 
 a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion, an installed position of said male coupling portion movably located at a variable location along said first frame member female receiving portion to vary a distance from a closest connection point to a support structure, said closest connection point being (a) one of a plurality of connection points comprising all connection points where said frame members connect to said support structure, 
 said connections to said support structure including penetrations through a roofing surface and (b) closer to said male coupling portion than all other connection points of said plurality of connection points; 
 wherein said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said female receiving portions; and 
 wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member. 
 
     
     
       25. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 24 , wherein said female receiving portions run substantially the entire length of said side wall portions, and said male coupling portion may be located at substantially any position along the length of said frame member side wall portions. 
     
     
       26. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 24 , wherein said male coupling portion interlocks said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion to form an elevated and completely connected array structure on top of a roofing surface, said first frame member and photovoltaic laminate forming a first photovoltaic module, said second frame member and photovoltaic laminate forming a second photovoltaic module, said first and second photovoltaic modules located immediately above and off of said roofing surface, said roofing surface (a) forming part of a weather-tight skin of a building, (b) extending from at least a ridge of said roof beneath said first frame member to a gutter of said roof, and (c) comprising at least one of a shingle, a tile, and a shake; and wherein said photovoltaic module array further comprises an attachment portion penetrating through said roofing surface to attach said first frame member to said building. 
     
     
       27. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 24 , wherein said coupling portion is movable with said closest connection point connecting said first frame member to said support structure. 
     
     
       28. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 24 , wherein said photovoltaic modules and a third like photovoltaic module located in a separate row are coplanar. 
     
     
       29. The photovoltaic module array of to  claim 24 , wherein (a) said support structure is a rafter and (b) an entirety of said male coupling portion moves together as a unit and said connection of said frame member to said rafter remains fixed during lateral movement of said male coupling portion from said installed position to a second installed position, said second installed position substantially closer to said rafter than said first installed position. 
     
     
       30. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; and 
 a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion; 
 wherein said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said sidewall portions; 
 wherein said photovoltaic array is mounted to a roof in a strutless configuration and said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member, said strutless configuration not having two or more struts running above a roofing surface of said roof and fully spanning across said first and second frame members. 
 
     
     
       31. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 30 , wherein said strutless configuration does not have several struts or channels spanning across said first and second frame members from a sidewall of said first photovoltaic module to a sidewall of said second photovoltaic module, said first photovoltaic module sidewall located on an opposite side of said first module than said first photovoltaic module female receiving portion, said second photovoltaic module sidewall located on an opposite side of said second photovoltaic module than said second photovoltaic module female receiving portion. 
     
     
       32. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 24 , wherein said first frame member and photovoltaic laminate form a first photovoltaic module and said connection point to said support structure further includes a mounting foot positioning said first photovoltaic module off of said roofing surface and attaching said first frame member to said support structure. 
     
     
       33. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first photovoltaic module comprising a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions comprising a female receiving portion having an interlocking function integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second photovoltaic module comprising a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions comprising a female receiving portion having an interlocking function integrated into said outside surface; and 
 a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion; 
 wherein an installed location of said male coupling portion and a location of a connection point between said first frame member and a support structure are independently adjustable laterally relative to said first frame member, said support structure located beneath said first frame member and supporting said photovoltaic module array; 
 wherein said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said female receiving portions; 
 wherein said first photovoltaic module is located immediately above and off of said support structure and said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member. 
 
     
     
       34. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 32 , wherein installed positions of said mounting foot and said male coupling portion are independently adjustable laterally relative to said first frame member. 
     
     
       35. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 32 , wherein said mounting foot comprises a height-adjustment mechanism. 
     
     
       36. A photovoltaic module array for retrofitting on top of a roof, comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, a first frame member side wall portion of said side wall portions extending from a first corner to a second corner of said first frame member and comprising a female receiving portion having an interlocking function integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, a second frame member side wall portion of said side wall portions comprising a female receiving portion having an interlocking function integrated into said outside surface; 
 two discrete male coupling portions interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion; and 
 a plurality of mounting feet, said plurality of mounting feet comprising all mounting feet attaching said photovoltaic module array to said roof, each mounting foot of said plurality of mounting feet comprising a fastener penetrating a roofing surface of said roof and securing said mounting foot to a discrete structural member beneath and supporting said roofing surface, wherein said photovoltaic module array is retrofitted on top of said roof, only one mounting foot of said plurality of mounting feet is secured to said first frame member sidewall portion, and no mounting feet of said plurality of mounting feet are secured to said second frame member sidewall portion, thereby minimizing a number of penetrations through said roofing surface required to mount said frame members; 
 wherein said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, said female receiving portions run substantially the entire length of said respective side wall portions, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said female receiving portions, thereby enabling said male coupling portion to be located at substantially any position along said length of said female receiving portion; 
 wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member. 
 
     
     
       37. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 36 , wherein (a) said roofing surface forms a part of a weather-tight skin of a building and (b) said roofing surface, in a substantially similar form and prior to installation of said photovoltaic module array, previously formed a part of said weather-tight skin of said building. 
     
     
       38. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 36 , wherein said roofing surface comprises at least one of a shingle, a tile, and a shake. 
     
     
       39. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 37 , wherein said mounting feet are height adjustable. 
     
     
       40. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 36 , wherein said modules are coplanar. 
     
     
       41. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 36 , wherein said photovoltaic array is mounted to a roof in a strutless configuration. 
     
     
       42. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 36 , wherein said structural member is at least one of a rafter, joist, or purlin. 
     
     
       43. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 36 , wherein said mounting feet are individually deployable. 
     
     
       44. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 36 , wherein said first frame member and first photovoltaic laminate form a first photovoltaic module, said one mounting foot positioning said first photovoltaic module off of said roofing surface. 
     
     
       45. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 36 , wherein each of said two couplings and said mounting foot are laterally adjustably connected to separate and non-overlapping regions of said first frame member sidewall portion, said regions not over-lapping each other with respect to said length of said first frame member sidewall portion, said one mounting foot connected in a region of said first frame member sidewall portion substantially laterally displaced from said first and second corners of said first frame member. 
     
     
       46. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion having an interlocking function integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion having an interlocking function integrated into said outside surface; 
 a height-adjustable foot portion; and 
 a self-locking male coupling portion comprising a first male portion inserted into and engagingly mating with an inside portion of said first frame member female receiving portion and a second male portion inserted into and engagingly mating with an inside portion of said second frame member female receiving portion to securely interlock said first and second frame members together, said first male portion comprising a positive engagement portion that securely locks into said female receiving portion; 
 wherein said first frame member and said self-locking male coupling portion elevate a portion of said second frame member off of said roofing surface such that said first and second photovoltaic (PV) laminates are substantially coplanar; said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, said female receiving portions run substantially the entire length of said side wall portions, and said self-locking male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said frame member side wall portions. 
 
     
     
       47. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 46 , wherein said self-locking male coupling portion locks said first and second frame members when said self-locking male coupling portion is only partially inserted. 
     
     
       48. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 46 , wherein said first frame member and first photovoltaic laminate form a first photovoltaic module, said self-locking male coupling portion elevating said first photovoltaic module off of a roofing surface. 
     
     
       49. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 46 , wherein installed positions of said foot portion and said self-locking male coupling portion are independently adjustable laterally relative to said first frame member. 
     
     
       50. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 46 , wherein said photovoltaic array is mounted to a roof in a strutless configuration, said strutless configuration not having two or more struts fully spanning across said first and second frame members. 
     
     
       51. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 46 , wherein a first downward force exerted on said first frame member at a point directly above said self-locking male coupling portion causes said self-locking male coupling portion to exert a second downward force on said second frame member, said point and a midpoint of a length of said coupling are on a line perpendicular to said length of said coupling, said length of said coupling measured parallel with a length of said first frame member receiving portion and in a plane substantially parallel with said skyward facing plane of said first frame member photovoltaic laminate. 
     
     
       52. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 46  further comprising at least one of a snap-on cosmetic flashing, a junction box, a wiring combiner box, and a screen snapped into said first frame member female receiving portion. 
     
     
       53. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 46 , wherein a second sidewall portion of said first frame member side wall portions comprises a female receiving portion interlocking with a second and a third self-locking male coupling portions, said second sidewall female receiving portion positioned orthogonal to said first frame member female receiving portion, said second and third self-locking male coupling portions adapted to laterally engage with a third frame member female receiving portion while interlocked to said first frame member female receiving portion. 
     
     
       54. A photovoltaic module array comprising: (a) a plurality of photovoltaic modules; and (b) a plurality of coupling members; wherein each photovoltaic module comprises an integral frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface, a first coupling member of said coupling members interlocking a first frame member of a first photovoltaic module of said plurality of photovoltaic modules and a second frame member of a second photovoltaic module of said plurality of photovoltaic modules and comprising at least two male portions, a first male portion being inserted into the frame member female receiving portion of said first photovoltaic module, and a second male portion being inserted into the frame member female receiving portion of said second photovoltaic module, such that said first frame member and said second frame member both resist a substantially downward force exerted on said second frame member near said male coupling portion; wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist said downward force on said second frame member. 
     
     
       55. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 54 , wherein said first frame member comprises a height-adjustable foot portion for supporting said first frame member, said height-adjustable foot portion comprising a threaded height adjustment mechanism, said threaded height adjustment mechanism being operable from a position substantially above said female receiving portions of said first and second frame members in said photovoltaic module array. 
     
     
       56. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 55 , wherein said height-adjustable foot portion is adapted to simultaneously adjust the height of said first and second frame members. 
     
     
       57. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 55 , wherein said threaded height adjustment mechanism comprises a bolt, said bolt comprising an engagement portion adapted to receive a tool, said engagement portion located substantially in a gap between said first and second frame members. 
     
     
       58. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 55 , wherein said threaded height adjustment mechanism comprises a bolt. 
     
     
       59. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 55 , wherein said threaded height adjustment mechanism comprises no more than one bolt for actuating height adjustments. 
     
     
       60. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 54 , wherein said plurality of photovoltaic modules are substantially coplanar, said photovoltaic module array further comprising a plurality of height-adjustable foot portions adapted for adjustment while said photovoltaic modules are interlocked together and to move said plurality of photovoltaic modules from a first plane to a second plane, said second plane being substantially parallel to said first plane. 
     
     
       61. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 60 , wherein said plurality of height-adjustable foot portions are accessible from above said photovoltaic module array. 
     
     
       62. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 60 , wherein a height-adjustable foot portion is accessible in a space between said first and second frame members. 
     
     
       63. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 62 , wherein said first frame member contributes an associated resistance to a resistance of said force provided by said second frame member. 
     
     
       64. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 54 , wherein said first frame member comprises a height-adjustable foot portion for supporting said first frame member, said height-adjustable foot portion comprises a lateral portion and a bracket portion, said lateral portion comprises a fastener for attachment to a support structure, and said bracket portion is connected to said first frame member and angularly and vertically adjustable about and along a substantially vertical axis. 
     
     
       65. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 64 , wherein said bracket portion is in twist-lock engagement with said first frame member. 
     
     
       66. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 64 , wherein rotation of said bracket portion secures it to said first frame member. 
     
     
       67. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 64 , wherein said height-adjustable foot portion further comprises a substantially cylindrical vertical height adjusting portion. 
     
     
       68. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 64 , wherein height of said bracket portion is adjustable while said photovoltaic module array is installed. 
     
     
       69. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 54 , wherein said first frame member comprises a height-adjustable foot portion for supporting said first frame member, said height-adjustable foot portion comprising a lateral portion and a bracket portion, said lateral portion comprising a fastener for attachment to a support structure, said bracket portion secured to said first frame member via rotation of said bracket portion. 
     
     
       70. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 69 , wherein said bracket portion is twistable into a final and secure position of engagement with said first frame member. 
     
     
       71. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 54 , wherein said photovoltaic module array further comprises a plurality of height-adjustable foot portions. 
     
     
       72. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 69 , wherein a height of said bracket portion is adjustable from the top while said first and second photovoltaic modules are installed. 
     
     
       73. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 69 , wherein said height-adjustable foot portion further comprises a substantially cylindrical vertical height adjusting portion. 
     
     
       74. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 54 , wherein said first frame member comprises a height-adjustable foot portion in twist lock engagement with said first frame member. 
     
     
       75. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 74 , wherein said height-adjustable foot portion is secured by twisting a portion of said foot portion. 
     
     
       76. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 74  wherein a height of said bracket portion is adjustable from the top while said first and second photovoltaic modules are installed. 
     
     
       77. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 54 , wherein said first frame member includes a height-adjustable foot portion, said height adjustable foot portion comprising a height mechanism, said height mechanism actuating a change in height of said first and second photovoltaic module while said first coupling member is engaged with said first and second frame members. 
     
     
       78. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 77 , wherein said no more than one component is a threaded fastener. 
     
     
       79. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 77 , wherein said height mechanism is substantially continuously adjustable. 
     
     
       80. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 77 , wherein said no more than one component is accessible from a position above said photovoltaic array. 
     
     
       81. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 77 , wherein said no more than one component is adapted for engagement within a gap between said first and second photovoltaic modules. 
     
     
       82. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 54 , wherein said force is a force due to gravity. 
     
     
       83. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 77 , wherein said height-adjustable foot portion is self-locking to said female receiving portion. 
     
     
       84. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; and 
 a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion, such that (i) a downward load exerted on said second frame member near said male coupling portion is distributed through said coupling to said first frame member and (ii) an inside surface of said first frame member female receiving portion positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist said downward load. 
 
     
     
       85. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 84 , wherein said photovoltaic module array further comprises a plurality of height-adjustable foot portions. 
     
     
       86. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 84 , wherein said downward load is a gravity load. 
     
     
       87. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 84 , wherein said downward load is distributed between said first and second frame members. 
     
     
       88. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 84 , wherein said photovoltaic module array is mounted on top of a sloped roof and a location of said second frame member is laterally displaced away from a location of said first frame member in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction running from a gutter of said roof toward a ridge of said roof. 
     
     
       89. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 20 , wherein a first downward force exerted on said first frame member at a point directly above said male coupling portion causes said male coupling portion to exert a second downward force on said second frame member, said point and a midpoint of said length of said coupling are on a line perpendicular to a length of said coupling, said length of said coupling measured parallel with a length of said first frame member female receiving portion and in a plane substantially parallel with said skyward facing plane of said first frame member photovoltaic laminate. 
     
     
       90. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking means comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking means comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; and 
 a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion, wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member. 
 
     
     
       91. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 90  wherein said male coupling portion solely spans between immediately adjacent side wall portions in said photovoltaic module array. 
     
     
       92. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 90  wherein each of said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, said female receiving portions run substantially the entire length of said respective side wall portions, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said female receiving portions, thereby enabling said male coupling portion to be located at substantially any position along said length of said female receiving portions. 
     
     
       93. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 92  wherein said first frame member side wall portion's outside surface is immediately adjacent to said second frame member side wall portion's outside surface, said first frame member side wall portion's outside surface being substantially parallel with and substantially nonlinear relative to said second frame member side wall portion's outside surface. 
     
     
       94. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 90  wherein said male coupling portion further comprises means for providing electrical ground continuity between said first and second frame members. 
     
     
       95. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 90  wherein said first frame member includes a cap member for affixation between said first frame member and an adjacent frame member. 
     
     
       96. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 90  wherein said male coupling portion comprises a double male connector. 
     
     
       97. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 90  wherein said first frame member female receiving portion inside surface comprises at least two opposing surfaces, a first opposing surface resisting downward forces presented to said second frame member and a second opposing surface resisting upward forces presented to said second frame member. 
     
     
       98. A photovoltaic module array comprising: (a) a plurality of photovoltaic modules; and (b) a plurality of coupling members; wherein each photovoltaic module comprises an integral frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface, each coupling member interlocking a first photovoltaic module and second photovoltaic module and comprising at least two male portions, a first male portion being inserted into the frame member female receiving portion of a first photovoltaic module, and a second male portion being inserted into the frame member female receiving portion of a second photovoltaic module, wherein said first photovoltaic module frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second photovoltaic module frame member. 
     
     
       99. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 98  wherein said coupling members solely span between side wall portions of immediately adjacent photovoltaic modules in said photovoltaic module array, each side wall portion comprising inside and outside surfaces facing substantially opposite directions, each outside surface comprising a length running along a perimeter of said photovoltaic laminate, said female receiving portion running substantially the whole length of said side wall portions, adjacent side wall portions of said immediately adjacent photovoltaic modules comprising outside surfaces which are substantially parallel with and substantially nonlinear relative to each other. 
     
     
       100. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 98  wherein said photovoltaic modules are individually deployable. 
     
     
       101. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 98  wherein said first frame member includes at least one height-adjustable foot portion for supporting said first frame member. 
     
     
       102. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 98  wherein said first frame member female receiving portion inside surface comprises at least two opposing surfaces, a first opposing surface resisting downward forces presented to said second frame member and a second opposing surface resisting upward forces presented to said second frame member. 
     
     
       103. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 98  wherein said coupling member further comprises means for providing electrical ground continuity between said first and second photovoltaic modules. 
     
     
       104. A method for mounting photovoltaic modules to a roof structure, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, the first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, the inside surface including a recess for capture of the photovoltaic laminate, and at least one of the side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into the outside surface; 
 providing a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, the second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, the inside surface including a recess for capture of the photovoltaic laminate, and at least one of the side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into the outside surface; and 
 inserting a discrete male coupling portion into the first frame member female receiving portion and the second frame member female receiving portion to interlock the first frame member and the second frame member in an array above the structure, wherein the first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of the male coupling portion to resist a downward force on the second frame member. 
 
     
     
       105. The method for mounting photovoltaic modules to a structure of  claim 104  further including the step of leveling the array on the structure with a height-adjustable foot portion. 
     
     
       106. The method for mounting photovoltaic modules to a structure of  claim 105  further including the step of securing the foot portion to the structure with a fastener. 
     
     
       107. The method for mounting photovoltaic modules to a structure of  claim 105  further including the step of laterally adjusting the foot portion within the frame to align with a structural member. 
     
     
       108. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion having an interlocking function integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion having an interlocking function integrated into said outside surface; and 
 a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion; 
 wherein said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said side wall portions; 
 wherein said photovoltaic array is mounted to a roof in a strutless configuration and said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member. 
 
     
     
       109. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 108  wherein said strutless configuration connects said array to a roof without a strut (i) located above said roof and (ii) spanning multiple photovoltaic modules. 
     
     
       110. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; and 
 a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion, wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member. 
 
     
     
       111. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 110  wherein said photovoltaic module array comprises a height-adjustable foot portion. 
     
     
       112. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 110  wherein said photovoltaic module array is mounted to a roof in a strutless configuration, said strutless configuration not having two or more struts fully spanning across said first and second frame members. 
     
     
       113. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 110  wherein said photovoltaic module array further comprises a mounting foot connected to said first frame member and installed positions of said mounting foot and said male coupling portion are independently adjustable laterally relative to said first frame member. 
     
     
       114. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 110  wherein said male coupling portion interlocks said first and second frame members such that said downward force exerted on said second frame member near said male coupling portion is distributed between said first and second frame members. 
     
     
       115. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 110  wherein said male coupling portion interlocks said first and second frame members such that said first frame member non-negligibly contributes to a resistance of a downward force exerted on said second frame member near said male coupling portion. 
     
     
       116. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 110  wherein said discrete male coupling portion interlocks said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion to form an elevated and completely connected array structure on top of a roofing surface, said first and second photovoltaic modules located immediately above and off of said roofing surface, said roofing surface forming part of a weather-tight skin of a building, extending from at least a ridge of said roof beneath said first frame member to a gutter of said roof, and comprising at least one of a shingle, a tile, and a shake; and wherein said photovoltaic module array further comprises an attachment portion penetrating through said roofing surface to attach said first frame member to said building. 
     
     
       117. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 110  wherein said photovoltaic module array further comprises a first mounting foot adjustably connected to said first frame member and a second mounting foot adjustably connected to said second frame member, wherein said male coupling portion interlocks said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion in a location displaced from and located between said first and second mounting feet; and wherein said first mounting foot enables independent adjustment of a position of said first frame member in a Z dimension relative to a position of said second frame member, said first frame member photovoltaic laminate defining a skyward facing plane and said Z dimension measured perpendicular to said skyward facing plane. 
     
     
       118. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion; 
 wherein said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, said female receiving portions run substantially the entire length of said respective side wall portions, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said female receiving portions, thereby enabling said male coupling portion to be located at substantially any position along said length of said female receiving portion; 
 wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist said downward force on said second frame member. 
 
     
     
       119. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 118  wherein said photovoltaic module array comprises a height-adjustable foot portion. 
     
     
       120. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 118  wherein said photovoltaic module array is mounted to a roof in a strutless configuration, said strutless configuration not having two or more struts fully spanning across said first and second frame members. 
     
     
       121. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 118  wherein said photovoltaic module array further comprises a mounting foot connected to said first frame member and installed positions of said mounting foot and said male coupling portion are independently adjustable laterally relative to said first frame member. 
     
     
       122. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 118  wherein said male coupling portion interlocks said first and second frame members such that a first downward force exerted on said first frame member at a point directly above said male coupling portion causes said male coupling portion to exert a second downward force on said second frame member, wherein said point and a midpoint of a length of said coupling are on a line perpendicular to said length of said coupling, said length of said coupling measured parallel with a length of said first frame member female receiving portion and in a plane substantially parallel with said skyward facing plane of said first frame member photovoltaic laminate. 
     
     
       123. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 122  wherein said first downward force is a gravitational force. 
     
     
       124. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 122  wherein said first downward force is due to wind. 
     
     
       125. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 118  wherein said male coupling portion interlocks said first and second frame members such that said downward force exerted on said second frame member near said male coupling portion is distributed between said first and second frame members. 
     
     
       126. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 118  wherein said male coupling portion interlocks said first and second frame members such that said first frame member non-negligibly contributes to a resistance of a downward force exerted on said second frame member near said male coupling portion. 
     
     
       127. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 118  wherein said discrete male coupling portion interlocks said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion to form an elevated and completely connected array structure on top of a roofing surface, said first and second photovoltaic modules located immediately above and off of said roofing surface, said roofing surface forming part of a weather-tight skin of a building, extending from at least a ridge of said roof beneath said first frame member to a gutter of said roof, and comprising at least one of a shingle, a tile, and a shake; and wherein said photovoltaic module array further comprises an attachment portion penetrating through said roofing surface to attach said first frame member to said building. 
     
     
       128. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 118  wherein said photovoltaic module array further comprises a first mounting foot adjustably connected to said first frame member and a second mounting foot adjustably connected to said second frame member, wherein said male coupling portion interlocks said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion in a location displaced from and located between said first and second mounting feet; and wherein said first mounting foot enables independent adjustment of a position of said first frame member in a Z dimension relative to a position of said second frame member, said first frame member photovoltaic laminate defining a skyward facing plane and said Z dimension measured perpendicular to said skyward facing plane. 
     
     
       129. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 118  wherein said photovoltaic module array is fully installed and said male coupling portion is not secured to any supporting structure beneath said coupling. 
     
     
       130. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; and a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion; 
 wherein said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said female receiving portions; 
 wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member. 
 
     
     
       131. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, a first sidewall portion of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a first frame member female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface, a second sidewall portion of said sidewall portions orthogonally connected to said first sidewall portion and including at least one interlocking portion comprising a first frame member orthogonal female receiving portion; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a third frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a first discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion, wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises a first inside surface portion which positively engages an outside surface of said first male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member; and 
 a second discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member orthogonal female receiving portion and said third frame member female receiving portion, wherein said first frame member orthogonal female receiving portion comprises a second inside surface portion which positively engages an outside surface of said second male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said third frame member. 
 
     
     
       132. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first photovoltaic module comprising a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second photovoltaic module comprising a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; and 
 a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion, wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member; and 
 a mechanism that mounts said array on top of a roof of a building without said modules (a) being integrated into the roof and (b) forming a part of the weather-tight skin of the building; 
 wherein said first and second photovoltaic modules are removably interlocked and said mechanism mounts said modules adjustably in X, Y, and Z dimensions above and relative to a given position of said roof, said mechanism comprising foot portions to adjust a height of said array on top of the roof, said foot portions adjustably connecting directly to said modules. 
 
     
     
       133. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 132  wherein said mechanism uses discrete male couplings to align said modules in a substantially coplanar layout and enables removal of said modules from said array individually, said male couplings mating disengage-ably with female channels integrated into all sides of each interlocked module. 
     
     
       134. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a discrete male coupling portion laterally adjustably interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion in a first installed position; and 
 a plurality comprising all discrete attachment portions laterally adjustably attaching said frame members to a support structure, a closest attachment portion of said plurality to said male coupling portion located closer to said male coupling portion than all other attachment portions in said plurality, said support structure supporting a roof; 
 wherein said male coupling portion is movable to a second installed position substantially laterally displaced from said first installed position while said closest attachment portion remains attached to said support structure, said male coupling portion laterally adjustably interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion in said second installed position; and 
 wherein said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said female receiving portions; and 
 wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member. 
 
     
     
       135. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 134  wherein said roof comprises a roofing surface, said roofing surface forming part of a weather-tight skin of a building, extending from at least a ridge of said building beneath said first frame member to a gutter of said building, and comprising at least one of a shingle, a tile, and a shake; and wherein said support structure is a rafter and said attachment portion comprises a bolt, said bolt penetrating through said roof into said rafter. 
     
     
       136. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking means comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking means comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; and a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion in a first position; 
 wherein said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said female receiving portions; 
 wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member; and 
 wherein said first position of said male coupling portion is substantially laterally displaced from and laterally adjustable relative to a closest rafter of a plurality of rafters supporting a roof to said male coupling portion, said closest rafter extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said length and closer to said male coupling portion than all other rafters of said plurality of rafters. 
 
     
     
       137. The photovoltaic module array of claim  135  136 wherein said male coupling portion is laterally adjustable from said first position to said second position with said first frame member attached to said closest rafter, wherein said first frame member is attached to said closest rafter with a foot portion and said foot portion comprises a bolt penetrating said roof and attached to said closest rafter. 
     
     
       138. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first photovoltaic module having a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second photovoltaic module having a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; and 
 a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion and movably located in a laterally variable location along said first frame member female receiving portion, said laterally variable location movable relative to a nearest support structure connection point to said male coupling portion, said connection point closer to said male coupling portion than all other connection points to said support structure in said photovoltaic module array, said support structure located beneath said first frame member; 
 wherein said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said sidewall portions; 
 wherein said photovoltaic array is mounted to a roof in a strutless configuration and said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member, said strutless configuration not having two or more struts running above a roofing surface of said roof and fully spanning across said first and second frame members. 
 
     
     
       139. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 138  wherein said strutless configuration not having two or more struts spanning across said first and second frame members from a sidewall of said first photovoltaic module to a sidewall of said second photovoltaic module, said first photovoltaic module sidewall located on an opposite side of said first module than said first photovoltaic module female receiving portion, said second photovoltaic module sidewall located on an opposite side of said second photovoltaic module than said second photovoltaic module female receiving portion. 
     
     
       140. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 138  wherein said strutless
 configuration further does not comprise separate foot-type pieces attached to said struts. 
 
     
     
       141. A photovoltaic module array comprising: (a) a plurality of photovoltaic modules; and (b) a plurality of coupling members; wherein each photovoltaic module comprises an integral frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface, a first coupling member of said coupling members interlocking a first frame member of a first photovoltaic module of said plurality of photovoltaic modules and a second frame member of a second photovoltaic module of said plurality of photovoltaic modules and comprising at least two male portions, a first male portion being inserted into the frame member female receiving portion of said first photovoltaic module, and a second male portion being inserted into the frame member female receiving portion of said second photovoltaic module, such that a downward force exerted on said second frame member near said male coupling portion is distributed between said first frame member and said second frame member; wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist said downward force on said second frame member. 
     
     
       142. A photovoltaic module array comprising: (a) a plurality of photovoltaic modules; and (b) a plurality of coupling members; wherein each photovoltaic module comprises an integral frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface, a first coupling member of said coupling members interlocking a first frame member of a first photovoltaic module of said plurality of photovoltaic modules and a second frame member of a second photovoltaic module of said plurality of photovoltaic modules and comprising at least two male portions, a first male portion being inserted into the frame member female receiving portion of said first photovoltaic module, and a second male portion being inserted into the frame member female receiving portion of said second photovoltaic module, such that a first downward force exerted on said first frame member at a point directly above said male coupling portion causes said male coupling portion to exert a second downward force on said second frame member; wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist said first downward force on said second frame member. 
     
     
       143. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 142  wherein said point and a midpoint of a length of said coupling are on a line perpendicular to a length of said coupling, said length of said coupling measured parallel with a length of said first frame member female receiving portion and in a plane substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said first frame member photovoltaic laminate. 
     
     
       144. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking means comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking means comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion, an installed position of said male coupling portion movably located at a variable location along said first frame member female receiving portion to vary a distance from a closest connection point to a support structure, said closest connection point being (a) one of a plurality of connection points comprising all connection points where said frame members connect to said support structure, said connections to said support structure including penetrations through a roofing surface and (b) closer to said male coupling portion than all other connection points of said plurality of connection points; and 
 wherein said first and second frame member side wall portions' outside surfaces each face a direction substantially opposite respective inside surfaces and comprise a length substantially parallel with a skyward facing plane of said photovoltaic laminate, and said male coupling portion has a length substantially less than a length of one of said female receiving portions; 
 wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist a downward force on said second frame member; 
 wherein said first frame member and photovoltaic laminate form a first photovoltaic module and said connection point to said support structure further includes a mounting foot positioning said first photovoltaic module off of said roofing surface and attaching said first frame member to said support structure; and 
 wherein installed positions of said mounting foot and said male coupling portion are independently adjustable laterally relative to said first frame member. 
 
     
     
       145. A photovoltaic module array comprising: (a) a plurality of photovoltaic modules; and (b) a plurality of coupling members; wherein each photovoltaic module comprises an integral frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface, a first coupling member of said coupling members interlocking a first frame member of a first photovoltaic module of said plurality of photovoltaic modules and a second frame member of a second photovoltaic module of said plurality of photovoltaic modules and comprising at least two male portions, a first male portion being inserted into the frame member female receiving portion of said first photovoltaic module, and a second male portion being inserted into the frame member female receiving portion of said second photovoltaic module, such that said first frame member and said second frame member both resist a substantially downward force exerted on said second frame member near said male coupling portion; wherein said first frame member female receiving portion comprises an inside surface which positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist said downward force on said second frame member;
 wherein said first frame member comprises a height-adjustable foot portion for supporting said first frame member, said height-adjustable foot portion comprising a threaded height adjustment mechanism, said threaded height adjustment mechanism being operable from a position substantially above said female receiving portions of said first and second frame members in said photovoltaic module array. 
 
     
     
       146. A photovoltaic module array comprising:
 a first frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said first frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; 
 a second frame member enclosing a single photovoltaic laminate, said second frame member having a plurality of side wall portions each having a top portion, bottom portion, inside surface, and outside surface, said inside surface including a recess near said top portion for capture of said photovoltaic laminate, at least one of said side wall portions including at least one interlocking portion comprising a female receiving portion integrated into said outside surface; and a discrete male coupling portion interlocking said first frame member female receiving portion and said second frame member female receiving portion, such that (i) a downward load exerted on said second frame member near said male coupling portion is distributed through said coupling to said first frame member and (ii) an inside surface of said first frame member female receiving portion positively engages an outside surface of said male coupling portion to resist said downward load; 
 wherein said photovoltaic module array further comprises a plurality of height-adjustable foot portions. 
 
     
     
       147. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 20  wherein said photovoltaic module array is retrofitted on top of said roofing surface and said roofing surface, in a substantially similar form and prior to installation of said photovoltaic module array, previously formed a part of said weather-tight skin of said building. 
     
     
       148. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 20  wherein said foot portion enables independent adjustment of a position of said first frame member in a Z dimension relative to a position of said second frame member. 
     
     
       149. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 20  wherein said attachment portion elevates said array structure to create an open space or unfilled area between said roofing surface and a portion of said first photovoltaic module closest to said roofing surface. 
     
     
       150. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 20  wherein said array structure is elevated to allow water to flow beneath said first and second frame members. 
     
     
       151. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 20  wherein said roofing surface sheds water away from an inside of said building. 
     
     
       152. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 33  wherein an open area in a region where said photovoltaic module is off of said support structure allows for airflow between said first frame member and said support structure. 
     
     
       153. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 33  wherein said photovoltaic module array is retrofitted on top of an existing roofing surface without removing said roofing surface, said roofing surface comprising at least one of a shingle, a tile, and a shake. 
     
     
       154. The photovoltaic module array of  claim 46  wherein said self-locking coupling portion is removable from the top by moving laterally.