Patent ID: 6065255
Filing Date: 2000-05-23
Classification: E04D,F24S,H02S,Y02B,Y02E

Abstract:
A structure for mounting and securing to a roof an array of photovoltaic modules having rear surfaces that lie in a common plane, comprising:a plurality of rails extending parallel to each other and laterally spaced, each of said plurality of rails having a cross section that partially surrounds a space and having an aperture that extends lengthwise, said plurality of rails affixed to and transversing the rear surfaces of the modules with the apertures of the rails covered by the rear surfaces of the modules so that the space within each rail is enclosed and protected;a runner mounted on the roof and extending perpendicular to said plurality of rails, having a cross section that partially surrounds a space, having an aperture that extends lengthwise, having cutouts spaced along its length that are shaped to receive said plurality of rails so that a lap joint is formed where said runner intersects each rail, said runner lying flush against and transversing the rear surfaces of the modules with the aperture of said runner covered by the rear surfaces of the modules so that the space within said runner is enclosed and protected.