WO2011031248A2 - Kit for mounting a photovoltaic assembly - Google Patents

Kit for mounting a photovoltaic assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011031248A2
WO2011031248A2 PCT/US2009/004897 US2009004897W WO2011031248A2 WO 2011031248 A2 WO2011031248 A2 WO 2011031248A2 US 2009004897 W US2009004897 W US 2009004897W WO 2011031248 A2 WO2011031248 A2 WO 2011031248A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
photovoltaic assembly
holding member
supporting structure
engagement members
channel
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2009/004897
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2011031248A3 (en
Inventor
Anthony L. Russo
Chris Kambouris
Original Assignee
Petra Solar Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Petra Solar Inc. filed Critical Petra Solar Inc.
Priority to BR112012004317A priority Critical patent/BR112012004317A2/en
Priority to EP09849314.1A priority patent/EP2471107A4/en
Priority to JP2012526696A priority patent/JP2013503277A/en
Priority to CA2771853A priority patent/CA2771853A1/en
Priority to AU2009352311A priority patent/AU2009352311B2/en
Priority to PCT/US2009/004897 priority patent/WO2011031248A2/en
Publication of WO2011031248A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011031248A2/en
Publication of WO2011031248A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011031248A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
    • F24S25/12—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using posts in combination with upper profiles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/20—Peripheral frames for modules
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/63—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/65—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/70—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for adjusting the final position or orientation of supporting elements in relation to each other or to a mounting surface; with means for compensating mounting tolerances
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S40/00—Safety or protection arrangements of solar heat collectors; Preventing malfunction of solar heat collectors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S30/00—Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
    • H02S30/10—Frame structures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
    • H02S40/30—Electrical components
    • H02S40/32—Electrical components comprising DC/AC inverter means associated with the PV module itself, e.g. AC modules
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • F21V21/10—Pendants, arms, or standards; Fixing lighting devices to pendants, arms, or standards
    • F21V21/116—Fixing lighting devices to arms or standards
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/50—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules comprising elongate non-rigid elements, e.g. straps, wires or ropes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

  • the invention disclosed here relates, in general, to the field of photovoltaic panels, and more specifically, to a kit used for facilitating the mounting of a photovoltaic assembly on to a supporting structure such as, but not limited to, a pole.
  • a photovoltaic panel is a combination of solar cells which converts sunlight into usable energy.
  • An arrangement of more than one photovoltaic panel connected to provide a cumulative energy output is referred to as a photovoltaic array.
  • the photovoltaic panel produces energy in the form of Direct Current (DC) electricity.
  • DC electricity can be converted into Alternating Current (AC) electricity and used to operate various electric devices, for example, household appliances.
  • AC electricity Alternating Current
  • the conversion of DC electricity to AC electricity is carried out using an inverter.
  • the combination of a photovoltaic panel and the inverter is called a photovoltaic module, and an assembly of elements required to convert sunlight into usable electric power, for example AC electricity, is hereinafter referred to as a photovoltaic assembly.
  • the photovoltaic assembly includes a photovoltaic module, wires and other elements, such as a battery.
  • the photovoltaic assembly is mounted to a utility grade pole or a similar supporting structure. Due to the size and weight of these assemblies, their installation can be labor intensive. Multiple installers, in conjunction with a lifting apparatus, are required to accurately align the assembly on a pole above the ground level, and achieve a safe and efficient installation. Even when the supporting structure is on ground level, more than one individual is required to hold the assembly in place and fix it to the supporting structure using the appropriate hardware.
  • PES-006PCT 1 necessary to complete the installation, and the amount of time required to safely attach the assembly to a pole or a supporting structure using the appropriate hardware.
  • kits for facilitating the installation of a photovoltaic assembly on a supporting structure comprises one or more engagement members and a holding member.
  • the holding member conforms to the shape of the one or more engagement members and is configured to be mounted on the supporting structure.
  • the photovoltaic assembly is mounted on the holding member using the one or engagement members. Thereafter, the photovoltaic assembly is secured to the supporting structure using the appropriate hardware.
  • the kit may further comprise a channel which is configured to be attached to the supporting structure.
  • the holding member and the photovoltaic assembly may be attached to the supporting structure via this channel.
  • the kit of the present invention reduces the manual effort and time required during the installation of the photovoltaic assembly, thereby improving the efficiency of the whole process.
  • FIGs. 1 (a) and 1 (b) illustrate a perspective view of an engagement member and a holding member, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a channel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a photovoltaic assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for installation of a photovoltaic assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the hardware required to prepare a supporting structure prior to installation of the photovoltaic assembly on it, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a supporting structure prepared for installing the photovoltaic assembly on it, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly being installed on the supporting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly installed on the supporting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly installed on the supporting structure, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly installed on the supporting structure, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the invention provides a kit for mounting a photovoltaic assembly on a supporting structure such as a grade pole.
  • the kit includes one or more engagement members and a holding member.
  • the engagement members can be attached to the photovoltaic assembly itself and the holding member can be attached to the supporting structure.
  • the construction of the holding member is such that it conforms to the shape of the engagement members, and the photovoltaic assembly can be held on the holding member, which is already attached to the supporting structure, using the engagement members.
  • the photovoltaic assembly mounted on the holding member can then be attached to the supporting structure using the necessary hardware.
  • the kit may further include a channel which can be attached to the supporting structure.
  • the photovoltaic assembly and the holding member can be attached to the channel and, hence, to the supporting structure via the channel
  • the kit of the present invention thus facilitates the alignment and installation of the photovoltaic assembly on a supporting structure and improves the overall efficiency of the process by reducing the amount of labor and time required for the installation.
  • FIGs. 1 (a) and 1(b) illustrate a perspective view of an engagement member 100 and a holding member 106, respectively, both of which form parts of a kit that facilitates the mounting of a photovoltaic assembly (not shown) on a supporting structure (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a grade pole.
  • the engagement member 100 is of the form of an S-shaped hook as shown in FIG. 1(a).
  • the engagement member 100 is shown to include holes 102 and 104 that are used to attach the engagement member 100 to a photovoltaic assembly, as described later in reference to FIG 3. This attachment can be achieved using an arrangement such as, but not limited to a nut and bolt arrangement.
  • One or more of engagement members similar to the engagement member 100 are attached to the photovoltaic assembly in a way that enables the mounting of the photovoltaic assembly onto a holding member 106 using these engagement members as shown for example in Fig 8, where the engagement members are numbered 310 and 312.
  • the shape and structure of the holding member 106 is such that it conforms to the shape of the engagement member 100 in a way that enables the photovoltaic assembly to be hung on to the holding member 106 using engagement members similar to the engagement member 100.
  • the said shape and structure of the holding member 100 is such as to keep the photovoltaic assembly desirably aligned on the supporting structure.
  • FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the invention in which the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 are attached to the supporting structure via a channel. The channel is described with reference to FIG. 2.
  • the photovoltaic assembly is mounted onto the holding member 106 using two engagement members, each being similar to the engagement member 100.
  • the engagement member 100 is manufactured by techniques such as punching, extrusion, machining, forming, casting or combinations thereof. It will be readily evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the shape of the engagement member 100,
  • PES-006PCT 5 manufacturing method of the engagement member 100, method of attachment of the engagement member 100 to the photovoltaic assembly and the number of engagement members attached to the photovoltaic assembly can be other than those mentioned above.
  • the holding member 106 is of the form of a hanger as shown in FIG. 1(b).
  • the holding member 106 is shown to include a hole 108 that is used to attach the holding member 106 to the supporting structure or, in an embodiment, to the supporting structure via a channel 200, as shown in FIG. 5 and 6.
  • the holding member 106 is manufactured by techniques such as punching, extrusion, machining, forming, casting or combinations thereof. It will be readily evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the manufacturing method of the holding member 106, and the method of attachment of the holding member 106 to the supporting structure can be other than those mentioned above.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a channel 200 that, according to an embodiment of the invention, is used to realize the connection between the holding member 106 and a supporting structure (not shown) and between a photovoltaic assembly (not shown) and the supporting structure.
  • the channel 200 is shown to include holes 202 and 204, through which bolts can be driven to secure the channel 200 to the supporting structure.
  • the hole 204 on the channel 200 is formed such that, when the holding member 106 is aligned to be secured to the channel 200, a bolt can be driven through the hole 108 and the hole 204 into the supporting structure to achieve a connection between the holding member 106 and the channel 200 and in turn between the holding member 106 and the supporting structure, as shown in FIG. 6.
  • the sets of holes 206 and 208 shown on the channel are meant to receive bolts for securing the photovoltaic assembly to the channel as shown in FIG. 7. It will be readily evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the method and hardware for connecting the channel 200, the photovoltaic assembly, and the holding member 106 to each other and to the supporting structure can be other than those mentioned above.
  • the channel 200 is manufactured
  • PES-006PCT 6 by techniques such as punching, extrusion, machining, casting and forming or combinations thereof.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a photovoltaic assembly 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the photovoltaic assembly 300 of the present invention is such that it can be installed on a supporting structure (not shown) using the kit i.e. the holding member 106, engagement members similar to the engagement member 100, and the channel 200, as described above.
  • the photovoltaic assembly 300 is shown to include a photovoltaic panel 302 made of solar cells that convert sunlight into usable energy. This energy is in the form of Direct Current (DC) electricity.
  • the DC electricity thus produced by the photovoltaic panel is converted into Alternating Current (AC) electricity to be used to operate various electric devices.
  • the conversion of DC electricity to AC electricity is carried out by using the inverter module 304.
  • the inverter module 304 and the photovoltaic panel 302 have been collectively termed as the photovoltaic module.
  • the associated electronic circuitry 306 that is used in the process of conversion of sunlight into AC electricity.
  • the associated circuitry 306 included in the photovoltaic assembly 300 is readily known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the photovoltaic module (302 and 304) and the associated circuitry 306 are mounted on a support assembly.
  • the support assembly comprises a rectangular frame 308 and rack components 314 and 316.
  • the frame 308 holds the photovoltaic module 302 and the associated circuitry 306 together.
  • the photovoltaic assembly 300 is held on to the holding member 106, using the engagement members 310 and 312, as described above in reference to Fig 1 (a).
  • the engagement members 310 and 312 are attached to the rack component 316 by driving bolts through engagement holes that are similar to the engagement holes 102 and 104 as defined in FIG. 1(a).
  • the base of the engagement members 310 and 312, containing the engagement holes is attached to the rack component 316 and the rest of the engagement member extends upwards.
  • a substantial part of each of the engagement member 310 and 312 lies above the
  • This ensures that the line of sight of the engagement members 310 and 312 is above the line of sight of the photovoltaic module (302 and 304).
  • an operator can easily engage the engagement members 310 and 312 with the holding member 106, pre-mounted on the supporting structure, to mount the photovoltaic assembly 300 on the holding member 106.
  • the same operator can then position himself below the photovoltaic assembly to attach it to the channel 200 to complete the installation, as will be explained below.
  • This thereby, eliminates the need of another operator to complete the installation of the photovoltaic assembly 300 while the first operator ensures that it is held at a desired alignment and position on the supporting structure.
  • the number of engagement members attached to the frame 308 can be different from that mentioned above.
  • the rack components 314 and 316 are secured to the supporting structure using the necessary hardware, such as, but not limited to, U-bolts. This completes the installation of the photovoltaic assembly 300 on the supporting structure. Further details of this embodiment are given in FIG. 9 and 10.
  • the rack components 314 and 316 are secured to the supporting structure via the channel 200.
  • the rack components 314 and 316 are attached to the channel using bolts driven through the holes 206 and 208. Further details of the said attachment have been provided in FIG. 7.
  • the hardware used to secure the rack components 314 and 316, and in turn the photovoltaic assembly 300 to the supporting structure directly or via the channel 200 can be different from those mentioned above.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow diagram 400 illustrating a method for installation of the photovoltaic assembly 300, using the kit of the present invention, the components of which have been described in FIGs. 1 (a), 1(b) and FIG. 2.
  • the method starts at 402.
  • the holding member 106 is fixed onto the supporting structure. This process has been described in detail with reference to FIG 6.
  • the photovoltaic assembly has been described in detail with reference to FIG 6.
  • PES-006PCT 8 300 is mounted onto the holding member 106 using the engagement members 310 and 312, as described in FIGs. 1(a), 1 (b) and 3. Finally, at 408 the installation is completed by securing the photovoltaic assembly 300 to the supporting structure via rack components 314 and 316 as described with reference to FIGs. 3 and 7. The method ends at 410.
  • the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 are fixed to the supporting structure via the channel 200.
  • the channel 200 is fixed to the supporting structure as described with reference to FIG. 2.
  • the holding member 106 is attached to the channel 200 and in turn to the supporting structure.
  • the photovoltaic assembly 300 is mounted on the holding member 106 as described in step 406 above.
  • the rack components 314 and 316 of the photovoltaic assembly 300 are secured to the channel 200, as described with reference to FIGs. 3 and 7 to fix the assembly to the supporting structure.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the hardware used to prepare a supporting structure 500 prior to installation of the photovoltaic assembly 300 on it in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the supporting structure could be made of metal, wood or concrete, and may vary in size and shape.
  • the supporting structure in this figure is shown to be a metal grade pole of circular cross section, and the terms "supporting structure” and "grade pole” have been used interchangeably.
  • the grade pole 500 is shown to be mounted with a safety line 502.
  • the safety line 502 serves to keep the operator (not shown) or the photovoltaic assembly 300 or both lifted in case of emergencies such as failure of the lifting apparatus that is being used to lift the operator and the photovoltaic assembly 300 up along the pole 500.
  • the elements 504 and 506 are called support channels and facilitate the fixing of the channel 200 and the holding member 106 to the pole 500.
  • the said fixing of the channel 200 and the holding member 106 to the pole 500 is achieved in the following manner.
  • the bolt 508 driven through hole 202 of the channel 200 runs through the predrilled pole 500, through the hole 510 of the support channel 504 and receives the nut 512 on the face of the support channel 504 that is opposite to the face
  • the bolt 514 driven through the hole 108 of the holding member 106 runs through the hole 204 of the channel 200, through the pole 500, further through the hole 516 of the support channel 506 and finally receives the nut 518 on the face of the support channel 506 that is opposite to the face towards the pole 500.
  • the above-mentioned attachments can be made by using hardware such as, but not limited to, brackets that wrap around the grade pole to secure the photovoltaic system or U-bolts etc.
  • the above technique and hardware used for fixing the channel 200 and the holding member 106 to the pole 500 is merely exemplary, and other techniques and hardware can also be used.
  • the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 are directly attached to the supporting structure 500 without the use of the channel 200, as described with reference to FIGs. 3 and 4. Further details of this embodiment have been provided with reference to FIGs. 9 and 10.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the grade pole 500 prepared for installing the photovoltaic assembly 300 on it, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It can be seen that the grade pole 500 is mounted with a safety line 502 and the holding member 106 and the channel 200 have been attached to the pole 500 using the technique described with reference to FIG. 5. The photovoltaic assembly 300 can now be mounted on the holding member 106 using the engagement members 310 and 312, as described with reference to FIGs 1(a), 1(b) and 3. Further, the installation can be finished by securing the photovoltaic assembly 300 to the channel 200, as described with reference to FIGs. 3 and 7.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly 300 mounted on the holding member 106 (not visible in the Figure) and being secured to the channel 200 to finish its installation on the grade pole 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the photovoltaic assembly 300 is shown to be secured to the channel 200, via rack components 314 and 316, using nut and bolt arrangements 700
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly 300 installed on the grade pole 500 using the kit of the present invention in accordance with the same embodiment described in reference to FIG. 7.
  • the photovoltaic assembly 300, its engagement members 310 and 312, the holding member 106 and the channel 200 are as described in the above figures. Further, the installation of the photovoltaic assembly 300 on the pole 500 is also carried out as described with reference to the figures above.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly 300 installed on the grade pole 500 using the kit of the present invention, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 are fixed to the grade pole 500 without the channel 200.
  • the exemplary hardware used in this embodiment to achieve the connection of the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 with the grade pole 500 are U-bolts 902.
  • hardware other than U-bolts can be used in the above embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly 300 installed on the grade pole 1002 using the kit of the present invention, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the grade pole 1002 is shown to be a concrete pole with a rectangular cross-section.
  • the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 are fixed to the grade pole 1002 without the channel 200.
  • the exemplary hardware used in this embodiment to achieve the connection of the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 with the grade pole 1002 are U-bolts 1004.
  • U-bolts 1004. it will be readily evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art that hardware other than U-bolts can be used in the above embodiment.
  • the kit for mounting a photovoltaic assembly on a supporting structure provides various advantages. Some of the advantages are discussed below.
  • the Kit of the present invention reduces the manual effort and time required during the installation of the photovoltaic assembly, and thereby improves the efficiency of the whole process. In turn, the invention enhances the incentive to utilize green technology and aids in mass quantity installations of photovoltaic assemblies due to its advantages.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)

Abstract

A kit for facilitating the installation of a photovoltaic assembly on a supporting structure is provided. The kit comprises one or more engagement members and a holding member. The holding member conforms to the shape of the one or more engagement members and is configured to be mounted on the supporting structure. The photovoltaic assembly is mounted on the holding member using the one or engagement members. Thereafter, the photovoltaic assembly is secured to the supporting structure using the appropriate hardware. The kit may further comprise a channel which is configured to be attached to the supporting structure. The holding member and the photovoltaic assembly may be attached to the supporting structure via this channel. The kit of the present invention reduces the manual effort and time required during the installation of the photovoltaic assembly, thereby improving the efficiency of the process.

Description

KIT FOR MOUNTING A PHOTOVOLTAIC ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention disclosed here relates, in general, to the field of photovoltaic panels, and more specifically, to a kit used for facilitating the mounting of a photovoltaic assembly on to a supporting structure such as, but not limited to, a pole.
BACKGROUND
A photovoltaic panel is a combination of solar cells which converts sunlight into usable energy. An arrangement of more than one photovoltaic panel connected to provide a cumulative energy output is referred to as a photovoltaic array. The photovoltaic panel produces energy in the form of Direct Current (DC) electricity. DC electricity can be converted into Alternating Current (AC) electricity and used to operate various electric devices, for example, household appliances. The conversion of DC electricity to AC electricity is carried out using an inverter. For the purpose of description, the combination of a photovoltaic panel and the inverter is called a photovoltaic module, and an assembly of elements required to convert sunlight into usable electric power, for example AC electricity, is hereinafter referred to as a photovoltaic assembly. For example, the photovoltaic assembly includes a photovoltaic module, wires and other elements, such as a battery.
In general, the photovoltaic assembly is mounted to a utility grade pole or a similar supporting structure. Due to the size and weight of these assemblies, their installation can be labor intensive. Multiple installers, in conjunction with a lifting apparatus, are required to accurately align the assembly on a pole above the ground level, and achieve a safe and efficient installation. Even when the supporting structure is on ground level, more than one individual is required to hold the assembly in place and fix it to the supporting structure using the appropriate hardware.
In light of the above, there is a need for an arrangement that can facilitate easy installation of a photovoltaic assembly by minimizing the number of individuals
PES-006PCT 1 necessary to complete the installation, and the amount of time required to safely attach the assembly to a pole or a supporting structure using the appropriate hardware.
SUMMARY
An object of the invention is to enable easy and efficient installation of a photovoltaic assembly. In order to achieve this objective, the present invention provides a kit for facilitating the installation of a photovoltaic assembly on a supporting structure. The kit comprises one or more engagement members and a holding member. The holding member conforms to the shape of the one or more engagement members and is configured to be mounted on the supporting structure. The photovoltaic assembly is mounted on the holding member using the one or engagement members. Thereafter, the photovoltaic assembly is secured to the supporting structure using the appropriate hardware. The kit may further comprise a channel which is configured to be attached to the supporting structure. The holding member and the photovoltaic assembly may be attached to the supporting structure via this channel. The kit of the present invention reduces the manual effort and time required during the installation of the photovoltaic assembly, thereby improving the efficiency of the whole process.
It is further an object of the present invention to provide a method for easy and efficient installation of a photovoltaic assembly using the above kit.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a photovoltaic assembly configured to be installed using the above method.
PES-006PCT 2 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:
FIGs. 1 (a) and 1 (b) illustrate a perspective view of an engagement member and a holding member, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a channel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a photovoltaic assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for installation of a photovoltaic assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the hardware required to prepare a supporting structure prior to installation of the photovoltaic assembly on it, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a supporting structure prepared for installing the photovoltaic assembly on it, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly being installed on the supporting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly installed on the supporting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
PES-006PCT 3 FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly installed on the supporting structure, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly installed on the supporting structure, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
In an embodiment, the invention provides a kit for mounting a photovoltaic assembly on a supporting structure such as a grade pole. The kit includes one or more engagement members and a holding member. The engagement members can be attached to the photovoltaic assembly itself and the holding member can be attached to the supporting structure. The construction of the holding member is such that it conforms to the shape of the engagement members, and the photovoltaic assembly can be held on the holding member, which is already attached to the supporting structure, using the engagement members. The photovoltaic assembly mounted on the holding member can then be attached to the supporting structure using the necessary hardware.
The kit may further include a channel which can be attached to the supporting structure. In this embodiment the photovoltaic assembly and the holding member can be attached to the channel and, hence, to the supporting structure via the channel
The kit of the present invention thus facilitates the alignment and installation of the photovoltaic assembly on a supporting structure and improves the overall efficiency of the process by reducing the amount of labor and time required for the installation.
PES-006PCT 4 FIGs. 1 (a) and 1(b) illustrate a perspective view of an engagement member 100 and a holding member 106, respectively, both of which form parts of a kit that facilitates the mounting of a photovoltaic assembly (not shown) on a supporting structure (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a grade pole. In an embodiment the engagement member 100 is of the form of an S-shaped hook as shown in FIG. 1(a). The engagement member 100 is shown to include holes 102 and 104 that are used to attach the engagement member 100 to a photovoltaic assembly, as described later in reference to FIG 3. This attachment can be achieved using an arrangement such as, but not limited to a nut and bolt arrangement. One or more of engagement members similar to the engagement member 100 are attached to the photovoltaic assembly in a way that enables the mounting of the photovoltaic assembly onto a holding member 106 using these engagement members as shown for example in Fig 8, where the engagement members are numbered 310 and 312. The shape and structure of the holding member 106 is such that it conforms to the shape of the engagement member 100 in a way that enables the photovoltaic assembly to be hung on to the holding member 106 using engagement members similar to the engagement member 100. In addition, the said shape and structure of the holding member 100 is such as to keep the photovoltaic assembly desirably aligned on the supporting structure. After mounting the photovoltaic assembly onto the holding member 106, which is already mounted onto the supporting structure, the photovoltaic assembly is secured to the supporting structure as shown in FIGs. 7 and 8 to complete the installation. FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the invention in which the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 are attached to the supporting structure via a channel. The channel is described with reference to FIG. 2.
In an embodiment, the photovoltaic assembly is mounted onto the holding member 106 using two engagement members, each being similar to the engagement member 100. The engagement member 100 is manufactured by techniques such as punching, extrusion, machining, forming, casting or combinations thereof. It will be readily evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the shape of the engagement member 100,
PES-006PCT 5 manufacturing method of the engagement member 100, method of attachment of the engagement member 100 to the photovoltaic assembly and the number of engagement members attached to the photovoltaic assembly can be other than those mentioned above.
In an embodiment, the holding member 106 is of the form of a hanger as shown in FIG. 1(b). The holding member 106 is shown to include a hole 108 that is used to attach the holding member 106 to the supporting structure or, in an embodiment, to the supporting structure via a channel 200, as shown in FIG. 5 and 6. The holding member 106 is manufactured by techniques such as punching, extrusion, machining, forming, casting or combinations thereof. It will be readily evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the manufacturing method of the holding member 106, and the method of attachment of the holding member 106 to the supporting structure can be other than those mentioned above.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a channel 200 that, according to an embodiment of the invention, is used to realize the connection between the holding member 106 and a supporting structure (not shown) and between a photovoltaic assembly (not shown) and the supporting structure. The channel 200 is shown to include holes 202 and 204, through which bolts can be driven to secure the channel 200 to the supporting structure. Further, the hole 204 on the channel 200 is formed such that, when the holding member 106 is aligned to be secured to the channel 200, a bolt can be driven through the hole 108 and the hole 204 into the supporting structure to achieve a connection between the holding member 106 and the channel 200 and in turn between the holding member 106 and the supporting structure, as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the sets of holes 206 and 208 shown on the channel are meant to receive bolts for securing the photovoltaic assembly to the channel as shown in FIG. 7. It will be readily evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the method and hardware for connecting the channel 200, the photovoltaic assembly, and the holding member 106 to each other and to the supporting structure can be other than those mentioned above. The channel 200 is manufactured
PES-006PCT 6 by techniques such as punching, extrusion, machining, casting and forming or combinations thereof.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a photovoltaic assembly 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The photovoltaic assembly 300 of the present invention is such that it can be installed on a supporting structure (not shown) using the kit i.e. the holding member 106, engagement members similar to the engagement member 100, and the channel 200, as described above. The photovoltaic assembly 300 is shown to include a photovoltaic panel 302 made of solar cells that convert sunlight into usable energy. This energy is in the form of Direct Current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity thus produced by the photovoltaic panel is converted into Alternating Current (AC) electricity to be used to operate various electric devices. The conversion of DC electricity to AC electricity is carried out by using the inverter module 304. For the purpose of this description, the inverter module 304 and the photovoltaic panel 302 have been collectively termed as the photovoltaic module. Also shown in the figure is the associated electronic circuitry 306 that is used in the process of conversion of sunlight into AC electricity. The associated circuitry 306 included in the photovoltaic assembly 300 is readily known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The photovoltaic module (302 and 304) and the associated circuitry 306 are mounted on a support assembly. The support assembly comprises a rectangular frame 308 and rack components 314 and 316. The frame 308 holds the photovoltaic module 302 and the associated circuitry 306 together. Two engagement members 310 and 312, which are the same or similar to the engagement member 100 of Fig 1 (a), are attached to the rack component 316. During installation, the photovoltaic assembly 300 is held on to the holding member 106, using the engagement members 310 and 312, as described above in reference to Fig 1 (a). The engagement members 310 and 312 are attached to the rack component 316 by driving bolts through engagement holes that are similar to the engagement holes 102 and 104 as defined in FIG. 1(a). Hence, the base of the engagement members 310 and 312, containing the engagement holes, is attached to the rack component 316 and the rest of the engagement member extends upwards. Thus, a substantial part of each of the engagement member 310 and 312 lies above the
PES-006PCT 7 plane in which the photovoltaic module (302 and 304) lies. This ensures that the line of sight of the engagement members 310 and 312 is above the line of sight of the photovoltaic module (302 and 304). Hence, an operator can easily engage the engagement members 310 and 312 with the holding member 106, pre-mounted on the supporting structure, to mount the photovoltaic assembly 300 on the holding member 106. The same operator can then position himself below the photovoltaic assembly to attach it to the channel 200 to complete the installation, as will be explained below. This, thereby, eliminates the need of another operator to complete the installation of the photovoltaic assembly 300 while the first operator ensures that it is held at a desired alignment and position on the supporting structure. The number of engagement members attached to the frame 308 can be different from that mentioned above.
Thereafter, the rack components 314 and 316 are secured to the supporting structure using the necessary hardware, such as, but not limited to, U-bolts. This completes the installation of the photovoltaic assembly 300 on the supporting structure. Further details of this embodiment are given in FIG. 9 and 10.
In an embodiment, the rack components 314 and 316 are secured to the supporting structure via the channel 200. In this embodiment, the rack components 314 and 316 are attached to the channel using bolts driven through the holes 206 and 208. Further details of the said attachment have been provided in FIG. 7.
In the above embodiments the hardware used to secure the rack components 314 and 316, and in turn the photovoltaic assembly 300 to the supporting structure directly or via the channel 200, can be different from those mentioned above.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram 400 illustrating a method for installation of the photovoltaic assembly 300, using the kit of the present invention, the components of which have been described in FIGs. 1 (a), 1(b) and FIG. 2. The method starts at 402. At 404, the holding member 106 is fixed onto the supporting structure. This process has been described in detail with reference to FIG 6. Thereafter at 406, the photovoltaic assembly
PES-006PCT 8 300 is mounted onto the holding member 106 using the engagement members 310 and 312, as described in FIGs. 1(a), 1 (b) and 3. Finally, at 408 the installation is completed by securing the photovoltaic assembly 300 to the supporting structure via rack components 314 and 316 as described with reference to FIGs. 3 and 7. The method ends at 410.
In an embodiment, the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 are fixed to the supporting structure via the channel 200. First, the channel 200 is fixed to the supporting structure as described with reference to FIG. 2. Thereafter, the holding member 106 is attached to the channel 200 and in turn to the supporting structure. Then, the photovoltaic assembly 300 is mounted on the holding member 106 as described in step 406 above. Finally, the rack components 314 and 316 of the photovoltaic assembly 300 are secured to the channel 200, as described with reference to FIGs. 3 and 7 to fix the assembly to the supporting structure.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the hardware used to prepare a supporting structure 500 prior to installation of the photovoltaic assembly 300 on it in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The supporting structure could be made of metal, wood or concrete, and may vary in size and shape. For the purpose of description, the supporting structure in this figure is shown to be a metal grade pole of circular cross section, and the terms "supporting structure" and "grade pole" have been used interchangeably. The grade pole 500 is shown to be mounted with a safety line 502. The safety line 502 serves to keep the operator (not shown) or the photovoltaic assembly 300 or both lifted in case of emergencies such as failure of the lifting apparatus that is being used to lift the operator and the photovoltaic assembly 300 up along the pole 500. The elements 504 and 506 are called support channels and facilitate the fixing of the channel 200 and the holding member 106 to the pole 500. The said fixing of the channel 200 and the holding member 106 to the pole 500 is achieved in the following manner. The bolt 508 driven through hole 202 of the channel 200 runs through the predrilled pole 500, through the hole 510 of the support channel 504 and receives the nut 512 on the face of the support channel 504 that is opposite to the face
PES-006PCT 9 towards the pole 500. Similarly, the bolt 514 driven through the hole 108 of the holding member 106 runs through the hole 204 of the channel 200, through the pole 500, further through the hole 516 of the support channel 506 and finally receives the nut 518 on the face of the support channel 506 that is opposite to the face towards the pole 500. In an embodiment, where the pole does not have a predrilled hole, the above-mentioned attachments can be made by using hardware such as, but not limited to, brackets that wrap around the grade pole to secure the photovoltaic system or U-bolts etc.
It will be readily evident to a person of the ordinary skill in the art that the above technique and hardware used for fixing the channel 200 and the holding member 106 to the pole 500 is merely exemplary, and other techniques and hardware can also be used. Moreover, in an embodiment, the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 are directly attached to the supporting structure 500 without the use of the channel 200, as described with reference to FIGs. 3 and 4. Further details of this embodiment have been provided with reference to FIGs. 9 and 10.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the grade pole 500 prepared for installing the photovoltaic assembly 300 on it, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It can be seen that the grade pole 500 is mounted with a safety line 502 and the holding member 106 and the channel 200 have been attached to the pole 500 using the technique described with reference to FIG. 5. The photovoltaic assembly 300 can now be mounted on the holding member 106 using the engagement members 310 and 312, as described with reference to FIGs 1(a), 1(b) and 3. Further, the installation can be finished by securing the photovoltaic assembly 300 to the channel 200, as described with reference to FIGs. 3 and 7.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly 300 mounted on the holding member 106 (not visible in the Figure) and being secured to the channel 200 to finish its installation on the grade pole 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The photovoltaic assembly 300 is shown to be secured to the channel 200, via rack components 314 and 316, using nut and bolt arrangements 700
PES-006PCT 10 which are known in the art. However, it will be evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art that other such arrangements can also be used for securing the photovoltaic assembly. FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly 300 installed on the grade pole 500 using the kit of the present invention in accordance with the same embodiment described in reference to FIG. 7. The photovoltaic assembly 300, its engagement members 310 and 312, the holding member 106 and the channel 200 are as described in the above figures. Further, the installation of the photovoltaic assembly 300 on the pole 500 is also carried out as described with reference to the figures above.
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly 300 installed on the grade pole 500 using the kit of the present invention, according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 are fixed to the grade pole 500 without the channel 200. The exemplary hardware used in this embodiment to achieve the connection of the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 with the grade pole 500 are U-bolts 902. However, it will be readily evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art that hardware other than U-bolts can be used in the above embodiment.
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the photovoltaic assembly 300 installed on the grade pole 1002 using the kit of the present invention, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the grade pole 1002 is shown to be a concrete pole with a rectangular cross-section. Additionally, in this embodiment the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 are fixed to the grade pole 1002 without the channel 200. The exemplary hardware used in this embodiment to achieve the connection of the holding member 106 and the photovoltaic assembly 300 with the grade pole 1002 are U-bolts 1004. However, it will be readily evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art that hardware other than U-bolts can be used in the above embodiment.
PES-006PCT 11 In accordance with the present invention, the kit for mounting a photovoltaic assembly on a supporting structure provides various advantages. Some of the advantages are discussed below. The Kit of the present invention reduces the manual effort and time required during the installation of the photovoltaic assembly, and thereby improves the efficiency of the whole process. In turn, the invention enhances the incentive to utilize green technology and aids in mass quantity installations of photovoltaic assemblies due to its advantages.
PES.-006PCT 12

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. A kit for mounting a photovoltaic assembly, the kit comprising:
one or more engagement members; and
a holding member configured to be mounted on a supporting structure and conform to the shape of the one or more engagement members, the photovoltaic assembly being secured to the holding member using the one or more engagement members.
2. The kit according to claim 1 further comprising a channel, the channel configured to be attached to the supporting structure and the holding member configured to be attached to the channel.
3. The kit according to claim 2 wherein the channel is manufactured using at least one of punching, extrusion, machining, forming, and casting.
4. The kit according to claim 1 wherein the one or more engagement members are substantially S-shaped hooks.
5. The kit according to claim 1 wherein the photovoltaic assembly includes a photovoltaic module, wherein the one or more engagement members are attached to the photovoltaic assembly such that a substantial part of the one or more engagement members is above a plane of the photovoltaic module.
PES-006PCT 13
6. The kit according to claim 1 wherein the one or more engagement members and the holding member are manufactured using at least one of punching, extrusion, machining, forming and casting.
7. A photovoltaic assembly, the photovoltaic assembly comprising:
a photovoltaic module;
a support assembly for accommodating the photovoltaic module; and one or more engagement members attached to a frame of the support assembly, the photovoltaic assembly being configured to be secured to a holding member using the one or more engagement members, the holding member configured to be mounted on a supporting structure and conform to the shape of the one or more engagement members.
8. The photovoltaic assembly according to claim 7 wherein the photovoltaic assembly and the holding member are configured to be attached to a channel, the channel being attached to the supporting structure.
9. The photovoltaic assembly according to claim 8 wherein the channel is
manufactured using at least one of punching, extrusion, machining and forming, and casting
10. The photovoltaic assembly according to claim 7 wherein the one or more engagement members are substantially S-shaped hooks.
11. The photovoltaic assembly according to claim 7 wherein the one or more engagement members are attached to the photovoltaic assembly such that a substantial part of the one or more engagement members is above a plane containing the
photovoltaic module.
PES-006PCT 14
12. The photovoltaic assembly according to claim 7 wherein the one or more engagement members and the holding member are manufactured using at least one of punching, extrusion, machining, casting and forming.
13. A method of installing a photovoltaic assembly, the method comprising:
fixing a holding member to a supporting structure;
mounting the photovoltaic assembly to the holding member using one or more engagement members, the one or more engagement members being attached to the photovoltaic assembly; and
fixing the photovoltaic assembly to the holding member and the supporting structure.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising fixing a channel to the supporting structure, wherein the holding member and the photovoltaic assembly are fixed to the supporting structure via the channel.
15. The method according to claim 13 wherein the photovoltaic assembly includes a photovoltaic module, wherein the one or more engagement members are attached to the photovoltaic assembly such that a substantial part of the one or more engagement members is above a plane containing the photovoltaic module.
16. The method according to claim 13 wherein the one or more engagement members are substantially S-shaped hooks.
17. The method according to claim 13 wherein the one or more engagement members and the holding member are manufactured using at least one of punching, extrusion, machining, forming and casting.
PES-006PCT 15
18. The method according to claim 14 wherein the channel is manufactured using at least one of punching, extrusion, machining, forming and casting.
PES-006PCT 16
PCT/US2009/004897 2009-08-28 2009-08-28 Kit for mounting a photovoltaic assembly WO2011031248A2 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

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BR112012004317A BR112012004317A2 (en) 2009-08-28 2009-08-28 photovoltaic unit installation kit
EP09849314.1A EP2471107A4 (en) 2009-08-28 2009-08-28 Kit for mounting a photovoltaic assembly
JP2012526696A JP2013503277A (en) 2009-08-28 2009-08-28 Photovoltaic assembly installation kit
CA2771853A CA2771853A1 (en) 2009-08-28 2009-08-28 Kit for mounting a photovoltaic assembly
AU2009352311A AU2009352311B2 (en) 2009-08-28 2009-08-28 Kit for mounting a photovoltaic assembly
PCT/US2009/004897 WO2011031248A2 (en) 2009-08-28 2009-08-28 Kit for mounting a photovoltaic assembly

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WO2011031248A3 (en) 2012-05-10
EP2471107A4 (en) 2014-06-18
EP2471107A2 (en) 2012-07-04
CA2771853A1 (en) 2011-03-17
JP2013503277A (en) 2013-01-31
AU2009352311B2 (en) 2013-09-26
AU2009352311A1 (en) 2012-03-15

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