System for Mounting a Photovoltaic Module to a Surface

Abstract

A photovoltaic module mounting system is disclosed. The system includes a rail with an elongated body with opposing first and second shoulders and opposing first and second sides. A first track is defined by the first shoulder, a second track is defined by the first side, and a third track is defined by the second side. The first track has a first channel and a first slot, the second track has a second channel and a second slot, and the third track has a cavity. A connector bracket has a first flange, a second flange, and an elbow, the first flange forming a substantially right angle with the second flange, and the elbow being substantially L-shaped and extending at a substantially right angle from the second flange. In an operative configuration, the elbow of the connector bracket is engaged within the cavity of the rail.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A photovoltaic module mounting system, comprising:
 a rail, wherein the rail includes an elongated body with opposing first and second shoulders and opposing first and second sides, wherein a first track is defined by the first shoulder, wherein a second track is defined by the first side, and wherein a third track is defined by the second side;   wherein the first track has a first channel and a first slot, wherein the second track has a second channel and a second slot, and wherein the third track has a cavity; and   a connector bracket, wherein the connector bracket has a first flange, a second flange, and an elbow, wherein the first flange forms a substantially right angle with the second flange, and wherein the elbow is substantially L-shaped and extends at a substantially right angle from the second flange;   wherein, in an operative configuration, the elbow of the connector bracket is engaged within the cavity of the rail.