Method of installing photovoltaic modules
US9911891B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 2016 |
| Grant date | Mar 6, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of installing and connecting together one or more photovoltaic (PV) modules is disclosed. Electrically conductive contacts embedded into the surface of each of one or more photovoltaic (PV) modules provide the connection point for two PV modules to be connected together. PV modules are connected together by removing a protective backing material from an adhesive area surrounding a first set of contacts of a first PV module, and adhering to an adhesive area surrounding a second set of contacts of a second PV module, the adhesive making the connection and sealing and protecting the contact area. No external wiring, connectors or devices are required to make the electrical connection between two PV modules. Contacts are integral and embedded into the surface of each individual PV module. The PV modules have adhesive on the back to allow them to be adhesively attached to a surface without additional mounting hardware. Once the PV modules are connected together, protective spacers are adhesively attached to protect all exposed contacts. Electrical circuit connectors are adhesively attached to the contacts on one end of the series of interconnected PV modules, which then in turn…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.