PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY, FRAMEWORK, AND METHODS OF INSTALLATION AND USE

• Main Authors: MC QUADE MICHAEL ROBERT, KINARD RICHARD DALE
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 03.03.2011
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRIC SOLID STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; ELECTRICITY; SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES

A photovoltaic array having a framework comprising a plurality of electrically and mechanically interconnected electrically non-conductive framework elements disposed to supportively receive and mutually electrically interconnect a plurality of photovoltaic modules; a plurality of photovoltaic modules supportively disposed upon the plurality of framework elements and electrically interconnected therewith, each photovoltaic module having one or more edges that define a periphery; and, an electrical connection between the photovoltaic array and an external electrical load; and, wherein each the framework element has a pair of generally parallel rails and a pair of generally parallel stiles interconnected therewith, wherein at least one rail and/or stile is an electrically non-conductive hollow member having an interior, the interior defining a fully enclosed guideway; a longitudinally extended electrically conductive member disposed in at least one the guideway; one or more electrical connectors disposed interior to the at least one hollow member; and, wherein a combination of the wires and the connectors electrically interconnect the frame elements and the photovoltaic modules to one another. The method of installation and the method of use are also included herein.