Mounting System for Photovoltaic Arrays

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are disclosed, to include mounting brackets and mounting systems. In one embodiment, a PV array mounting system with brackets comprising pairs of panel connectors and panel connector receivers is disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for mounting of a PV array, the system comprising:
 a mounting bracket comprising elastomeric materials or polymeric materials configured to be installed between a PV array and a rail, said mounting bracket having a panel connector and a panel connector receiver;   wherein the panel connector comprises a plurality of arms, each protruding from the panel connector, wherein the panel connector is configured to attach to a PV array,   wherein the panel connector receiver comprises a plurality of arm apertures configured to receive a cable or wire that protrudes from the panel connector receiver;   wherein the plurality of arms are each configured to be received in the respective plurality of arm apertures of the panel connector receiver; and   wherein the plurality of arms of the panel connector are configured, when engaged with the respective plurality of arm apertures of the panel connector receiver, to form one of: an interference fit, a connection means comprising a pin having an upper threaded portion and a lower angled or bullet portion; and a bolt and nut combination.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting bracket is configured to interconnect to a longitudinal axis of a structural rack. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the mounting bracket is configured to interconnect parallel to the longitudinal axis of a structural rack. 
     
     
         4 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said bracket has a shelf which comprises a connector and a mount. 
     
     
         5 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said rail is adapted to be interconnected to a rack. 
     
     
         6 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of arm apertures have a shape selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangular, and a non-round shape. 
     
     
         7 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the rail has predetermined holes. 
     
     
         8 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be snap inserted into the rail from underneath the rail. 
     
     
         9 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the rail is pre-wired. 
     
     
         10 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the mounting bracket is installed directly into the rail in a parallel relationship to the rail. 
     
     
         11 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the mounting bracket is installed perpendicular to a pair of PV arrays. 
     
     
         12 . A system for mounting of a PV array, the system comprising:
 a mounting bracket comprising elastomeric materials or polymeric materials configured to be installed between a PV array and a rail, said mounting bracket having a panel connector and a panel connector receiver;   wherein the panel connector comprises a plurality of arms, each protruding from the panel connector, wherein the panel connector is configured to attach to a PV array,   wherein the panel connector receiver comprises a plurality of arm apertures configured to receive a cable or wire that protrudes from the panel connector receiver;   wherein the plurality of arms are each configured to be received in the respective plurality of arm apertures of the panel connector receiver; and   wherein the plurality of arms of the panel connector are configured, when engaged with the respective plurality of arm apertures of the panel connector receiver, to form an interference fit.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the mounting bracket is configured to interconnect to a longitudinal axis of a structural rack. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the mounting bracket is configured to interconnect parallel to the longitudinal axis of a structural rack. 
     
     
         15 . The system as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein said bracket has a shelf which comprises a connector and a mount. 
     
     
         16 . The system as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein said rail is adapted to be interconnected to a rack. 
     
     
         17 . A system for mounting of a PV array, the system comprising:
 a mounting bracket comprising elastomeric materials or polymeric materials configured to be installed between a PV array and a rail, said mounting bracket having a panel connector and a panel connector receiver;   wherein the panel connector comprises a plurality of arms, each protruding from the panel connector, wherein the panel connector is configured to attach to a PV array,   wherein the panel connector receiver comprises a plurality of arm apertures configured to receive a cable or wire that protrudes from the panel connector receiver;   wherein the plurality of arms are each configured to be received in the respective plurality of arm apertures of the panel connector receiver; and   wherein the plurality of arms of the panel connector are configured, when engaged with the respective plurality of arm apertures of the panel connector receiver, to form a connection means comprising a pin having an upper threaded portion and a lower angled or bullet portion.   
     
     
         18 . The system as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein said bracket has a shelf which comprises a connector and a mount. 
     
     
         19 . The system as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein said rail is adapted to be interconnected to a rack. 
     
     
         20 . The system as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be snap inserted into the rail.