James Robert Foote

US Patent:

6617507, Sep 9, 2003

Filed:

Nov 16, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/993875

Inventors:

Donald R. Mapes - Glendale AZ
Larry G. Crosser - Perrysburg OH
James B. Foote - Toledo OH

Assignee:

First Solar, LLC - Perrysburg OH

International Classification:

H01L 31048

US Classification:

136251, 136244, 257433, 126623, 126621, 521733

Abstract:

A photovoltaic array ( â) includes a plurality of elongated rails ( ) each of which has a lower base ( ) and an upper cap ( ) of an extruded resin construction defining a pair of grooves ( ) that open in opposite directions from each other to receive edges of rectangular photovoltaic modules ( ) so as to provide mounting thereof on a support surface ( ). The photovoltaic modules ( ) are arranged in pairs ( ) with the modules of each pair abutting each other and with each pair of modules being spaced along the elongated lengths of the rails from each adjacent pair of modules to provide openings ( ) therebetween. Cross members ( ) extend between the lower bases ( ) of the rails to space the rails from each other and have upwardly opening shapes that receive electrical wiring ( ).