Abstract: A PV module framing and coupling system which enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array and a cable management system that holds, directs, organizes, and otherwise manages cables, wires, cord, and similar components of and relating to a PV array.

Abstract: Roof-mounted venting devices adapted for use with roof mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels are provided. Venting devices and assemblies can include a replacement flashing that fits over a cut-down roof pipe vent as well as venting assemblies that redirect airflow from a roof pipe vent. Such replacement flashing can include a substantially planar flashing portion having a raised portion for accommodating any residual flashing or roofing debris. Such replacement flashing may further include a hood portion with one or more vent openings to allow airflow into and out from the interior of the hood portion. Venting assemblies can include a coupling portion for mating with a vent-pipe, a section of hose or piping to redirect airflow, and a venting portion disposed outside or between roof-mounted solar panels.

Abstract: A roof-mounted venting device or assembly adapted for use with roof mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels is provided. Venting devices and assemblies can include a replacement flashing that fits over a cut-down roof pipe vent as well as venting assemblies that redirect airflow from a roof pipe vent. Such replacement flashing can include a substantially planar flashing portion from which protrudes a hood portion with one or more vent openings to allow airflow into and out from the interior of the hood portion. The vent openings can be configured as a series of louvered openings that open in a down-roof direction to prevent flow of run-off and debris into the hood portion. Venting assemblies can include a coupling portion for mating with a vent-pipe, a section of hose or piping to redirect airflow, and a venting portion disposed outside or between roof-mounted solar panels.

Abstract: An attachment point apparatus and system for photovoltaic arrays is disclosed. One embodiment provides a rail system for receiving a PV module, including a first rail, a second rail, a substantially rectilinear double male connector adapted for coupling an end of the first rail to an end of the second rail, and a connector adapted to attach a PV module to the first rail. Another embodiment provides a PV module including a PV laminate, a frame integral with and supporting the PV laminate, and a spanner bar adapted to solely span a width of the PV module, orthogonally connect at various locations along the frame, and attach to a support structure. A further embodiment provides a coupling device for a PV module comprising a first coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a PV module, and a second coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a rail.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array mounting system for a low-slope roof having interchangeable first and second bases, with a short leg extending from the first base at a non-vertical angle and a long leg extending from the second base at a non-vertical angle, wherein the short and long legs support opposite sides of a photovoltaic module such that the module is held at a non-horizontal angle, and wherein rock-in connectors are provided on top of the short and long legs permitting fast and easy system installation.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the system includes various couplings having a first engaging portion adapted to engage a first PV module and a second engaging portion adapted to engage a second PV module. At least one of the engaging portions allows variable positioning of the engaged PV module along the engaging portion.

Abstract: An interlocking system for connecting photovoltaic module frames to a torque tube, including: (a) an interlock dimensioned to be positioned between the sides of two adjacent photovoltaic module frames; (b) a pair of couplings or flanges, wherein the couplings or flanges connect the interlock to both of the adjacent photovoltaic module frames; and (c) a U-lock connected to the interlock, wherein the U-lock is dimensioned to be connected to a torque tube.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed including PV modules having a frame allowing quick and easy assembling of the PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is provided at an angle with respect to a planar surface of the modules. Various couplings may engage within the groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array with a pivot-fit connection. Further examples of the present technology operate with PV modules having frames without grooves, or with PV modules where the frame is omitted altogether.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In some embodiments, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is angled into the frame with respect to the planar surface of the modules. Various components may engage within the angled groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array using what may be referred to as a pivot-fit connection between the components and angled groove. Other embodiments may operate with PV modules having frames without angled grooves as by use of wraparound brackets.

Abstract: A system to prevent a sliding nut in a channel in a bar from escaping from the channel, and to prevent the nut from entering a no-go-zone at the end of the channel. The system is adjustable to position the nut at a desirable location along the length of the channels to mount coupling devices onto the bar.

Abstract: A solar array with successive rows of photovoltaic modules angled in opposing directions forming peaks and valleys between the rows with the valleys (i.e.: lower sides of the photovoltaic module rows) being mounted close together and the peaks (i.e.: upper sides of the photovoltaic module rows) being mounted far apart to improve system aerodynamics and permit ease of access for installers. Included is a system for connecting the upper sides of the photovoltaic modules to connectors that slide on bars extending between upper and lower mounting bases and for pivot locking the lower sides of the photovoltaic modules to the lower mounting bases.

Abstract: Photovoltaic mounting systems having sealant injection system are provided herein. Such sealant injection systems provide improved directional control of sealant flow and improved sealing of roof penetrations during mounting with one or more fasteners. Such systems can include a bracket assembly having a removable sealant injection package. The sealant injection package includes a collapsible sealant injection reservoir and is adapted to provide directionally controlled release of sealant upon collapse. Such a system can further include sealant injection guides that direct flow of sealant during mounting and pads or caps that cover and enclose the injected sealant so as to ensure adequate sealing of any roof penetrations and maintain its integrity over time. Such systems further allow for sealant injection packages to be interchanged or replaced as needed and allow for ready removal or replacement of the bracket after mounting while maintaining the seal of any roof penetrations.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams, in both lateral and longitudinal directions, to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, adjacent photovoltaic modules may be oriented so that a boundary between an up-roof photovoltaic module and a down-roof photovoltaic module is not noticeable by observers positioned at typical viewing angles of the roof.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic (PV) module onto a structure where the apparatus includes a base portion, a stud portion, and a coupling portion. The coupling portion includes a male portion that acts as a spring under load and a clip portion that penetrates the PV module frame to create a grounding bond. The apparatus includes a lower jaw, shaped to pry open a groove, and a key portion that can compress to allow for tolerances. The invention further includes a clip with one or more tabs and one or more teeth. The invention further includes a replacement roof tile which includes a support structure with a horizontal flange, a vertical component, a horizontal component, a flashing with an upper surface and a lower surface, and a tile-shaped metal surface having a curvilinear shape that reflects the shapes of adjacent tiles.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules are constructed having separate positive and negative junction boxes positioned at the corners of each photovoltaic module. A photovoltaic array assembled from these photovoltaic modules can be aligned such that the positive and negative junction boxes connect in an arrangement that minimizes the amount of wire needed to install the photovoltaic array. The arrangement of photovoltaic modules connecting the positive and negative junction boxes on adjacent photovoltaic modules leads to successive rows of photovoltaic modules in the photovoltaic array are oriented in opposing directions.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed including PV modules having a frame allowing quick and easy assembling of the PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is provided at an angle with respect to a planar surface of the modules. Various couplings may engage within the groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array with a pivot-fit connection. Further examples of the present technology operate with PV modules having frames without grooves, or with PV modules where the frame is omitted altogether.

Abstract: A fingernail pick having improved fingernail attachment systems and playing surfaces that are shaped for improved sound quality and ease of playing of stringed instruments.

Abstract: An attachment point apparatus and system for photovoltaic arrays is disclosed as well as an installed photovoltaic array using attachment apparatus. One embodiment provides a rail for receiving a PV module, including a rail member located substantially beneath at least a portion of a second photovoltaic module and having a first end located near a gap between a first and second photovoltaic modules. An embodiment also provides a second photovoltaic module which is substantially coplanar with and located between a first and third photovoltaic modules and wherein said rail member is connected to the first, second, and third photovoltaic modules and attached to a support structure by a first and second attachment brackets.