Abstract:
An apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic module is disclosed. The apparatus includes a clamp where the clamp includes a serrated surface and where the photovoltaic module is grippable by the serrated surface.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 14/272,932, filed May 8, 2014, which is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 13/354,186 filed on Jan. 19, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,763,968, which is a continuation of the application filed Aug. 2, 2010, application Ser. No. 12/848,716, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,128,044, which is a continuation of the application filed Jul. 17, 2007, application Ser. No. 11/826,607, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,292, which is a continuation of the application filed Apr. 4, 2002, application Ser. No. 10/116,384, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,260,918, which is a continuation-in-part of the application filed on Jul. 20, 2001, application Ser. No. 09/910,655, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,362, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention pertains generally to an apparatus and method for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface. More particularly, the new and useful invention claimed in this document pertains to an system for securely, safely, yet quickly mounting one or more photovoltaic devices onto a surface including, but not limited to, a roof. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful for removably attaching one or more photovoltaic modules, panels and arrays to a footing, footing grid, roof, pole, or any other surface, implement or object (collectively, “object” or “objects”). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Mounting devices to objects that are, or maybe, exposed to unpredictable and varying force vectors caused by wind, rain, and other elements of weather present technical problems often difficult to solve. A long standing and unsolved challenge in the solar energy industry, for example, has been resolving how best to mount panels, modules and arrays of photovoltaic devices (collectively, “module” or “modules”) on surfaces not only securely and safely, but also quickly. The obverse problem also is significant to the industry, namely safely removing or reconfiguring a module that has been installed on a surface. 
         [0004]    Solar energy radiation from the sun is capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity. The sun is an extremely powerful energy source, and solar radiation is by far the largest source of energy received by Earth, but its intensity at the Earth&#39;s surface is comparatively low. This is partly because Earth&#39;s atmosphere and its clouds absorb or scatter as much as 54 percent of all incoming sunlight. Solar energy, however, due to technological improvements in the manner of collecting the potential energy, has become increasingly attractive as an energy source: it is inexhaustible in supply, and non-polluting, both in stark contrast to fossil-fuel sources like coal, oil, and natural gas. 
         [0005]    Sunlight reaching earth consists of approximately 50 percent visible light, 45 percent infrared radiation, and small amounts of ultraviolet light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. Radiation is convertible either into thermal energy or directly into electricity by photovoltaic cells. In photovoltaic cells, a small electrical voltage is generated when light strikes the junction between a metal and a semiconductor or a junction between two different semiconductors. Although the voltage generated from a single photovoltaic cell typically is only a fraction of a volt, by connecting large numbers of cells together into panels, modules and arrays, significant electric power can be generated. To harness radiation for direct generation of electricity using cells collected into panels, modules and arrays, a number of apparatus and methods for using and installing the apparatus have been devised on which to mount modules on surfaces exposed to the radiation. The construction, installation, and use of such apparatus present a number of unsolved problems. 
         [0006]    A wide variety of racks, frames and associated hardware have been proposed to mount modules on objects. Some solutions have proposed modifications of the shape, structure and size of components of a module to achieve more rapid and secure mounting. Other solutions have proposed altering the construct and design of hardware associated with installing racks, framing, and footings into a footing grid on which modules are mounted. As used in this document the term “footing grid” includes at least a network of keepers often, but not exclusively, L-shaped and formed with at least one hole in each extension of the “L.” The keepers are connectable to a surface and are formed and shaped to permit attachment of other hardware components such as rails and frames on which modules may be attached. 
         [0007]    Prior approaches suggested for mounting a module on an object include significant limitations and problems. A serious challenge to providing a useful apparatus and method for mounting a module on a surface arises from the variety of sizes and shapes of the modules, as well as the varying number of modules that might be required in a given situation. Another challenge that earlier suggestions did not overcome is the variety of surfaces on which modules may or must be mounted, including roofs, tops and sides of poles, the ground, and other locations. Earlier solutions, therefore, required construction of custom built racks to fit each of the enumerable iterations of the sizes and shapes of modules. 
         [0008]    Many earlier suggestions for mounting panels, modules and arrays of photovoltaic devices on surfaces are cumbersome, unsafe, and not easily assembled or reconfigured. Also, none of the solutions provided an apparatus, and method for installing the apparatus, that would be universal. The term “universal” refers to an apparatus and method for mounting modules on a wide variety of objects that not only accommodate all known shapes, configurations, and numbers of modules, but also permit installation top down as well as bottom up. In the industry associated with installation of photovoltaic modules, the term “top down” refers to mounting photovoltaic modules on structures such as frames and rails that are attached first to the footing and on the surface on which the module is to be mounted before the module is attached to the frames or rails. For example, in the case of a module to be mounted on a building, one or more rails first would be attached to a footing grid that earlier has been attached to the surface, in this instance the roof; thereafter, one or more modules would be attached to the rails. Hardware that secures the module to the rails is attached from the top, or front, of the module. The term “bottom up” refers to positioning a photovoltaic module by first attaching the module to the footing grid and to the roof or other surface. In bottom up mounting, hardware used to secure the module to the rail is attached from the bottom or back of the module. The uniqueness of each installation, an installer&#39;s preferences, and the particular module all will determine whether a top down or bottom up installation is used. Significantly, none of the currently available apparatus for mounting photovoltaic modules to a surface allow installation both top down and bottom up using the same rail system. 
         [0009]    Another limitation of current approaches for mounting photovoltaic modules to a surface is the excessive number and variety of hardware parts and components that are required to assemble a frame or rail system. Each module or combination of modules installed may present different shapes, sizes and configurations, thus requiring a unique combination of mounting hardware. 
         [0010]    Still another unresolved problem arises from the varying shapes, sizes and configurations of modules. The arrangement of the modules on a surface such as a roof may not be dimensionally consistent with the location of rafters underneath the roof into which hardware must be inserted to hold the footing grid and rails. 
         [0011]    Still another limitation of present apparatus for assembling and mounting modules on surfaces is the absence of a system and apparatus that permits easily adjusting and readjusting of the location on a rail on which the module may be positioned. 
         [0012]    Therefore, a previously unaddressed need exists in the industry for a new and useful system for positioning a device such as a photovoltaic panels, modules and arrays of photovoltaic devices on a surface such as a roof, pole or other surface. Particularly, there is a significant need for a method and apparatus for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules safely, reliably, yet quickly on a surface; removing or reconfiguring the modules just as safely, reliably and quickly; and providing a system that is adjustable and expandable to allow a variety of dimensions and configurations. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    Given the conventional solutions for solving the problems associated with removably and adjustably mounting a device such as a module having any of size and shape on a wide variety of surfaces; and of mounting varying shapes, sizes and configurations of modules on a surface such as a roof that may not be dimensionally consistent with the location of rafters underneath the roof into which hardware must be inserted to hold the footing grid and rails; and of reducing the number and variety of different hardware components that installers must use to install modules, it would be desirable, and of considerable advantage, to provide an interrelated system for quickly and safely mounting a module on a surface that overcomes those problems. 
         [0014]    The present invention provides numerous advantages in connection with mounting, attaching, adjusting the configuration of one or more modules, and removing the one or more modules from a surface in a safe, reliable, yet rapid manner. At least one of the advantages of the present invention is that it provides an apparatus, and a method of installing the apparatus, that allows installation both top down and bottom up using the same rail system. The present invention also significantly reduces the number and variety of hardware parts and components needed to assemble the apparatus. In addition, the system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface provides universal hardware, permitting installation of a module on a surface either in any direction or configuration. 
         [0015]    In addition, the present invention also allows assembly of photovoltaic modules of any size or shape on a variety of surfaces, while insuring that the footing grid remains securely attached to the surface. The unique dual track rail of the present invention, in combination with the novel clamps of the present invention, also permit ready slidable adjusting and readjusting of the location on a rail on which the module may be positioned. Equally significant, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for removably and adjustably mounting a device such as a module on a surface which respectively are easy to use and to practice, and which are cost effective for their intended purposes. 
         [0016]    These and other advantages are achieved in the present invention by providing a system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface that includes a rail formed with at least two tracks, and one or more clamps for interconnecting the system. Each of the tracks includes a channel extending the length of the rail. A slot also extending the length of the rail is formed in each channel. The slots are arranged at approximately a right angle to each other. The unique channel construction helps achieve the advantages of the present invention by making the rail adjustable to a wide variety of modules. To add universality of application to the present invention, the system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface also includes at least two different constructions of clamps for top down mounting. One configuration of the clamps is a duct with at least two opposing shoulders substantially perpendicular to one another, and is used primarily for mounting adjacent edges of different modules to a rail. Another configuration of the clamp is a leg having a descending member and an ascending member extending in opposite directions. A lip, or fin, is provided on the two opposing shoulders, as well as on the ascending member, to provide torsional clamping power on the edges of modules. The leg-shaped clamp is an end clamp, used primarily to mount an edge of a module to a rail. The clamps maybe repositioned along the rail formed with at least two tracks, making the system easily and quickly reconfigurable. 
         [0017]    Further optimizations in connection with the present invention is achieved by including features and elements desirable for increasing the range and variety of different applications and environments in which the present invention may be used. In at least one such additional optimization of the present invention, an apparatus and method for positioning a module on an object includes a rail having at least three tracks (a “triple track rail” or “triple track rails”) and at least one connector bracket. Each triple track rail includes a proximal end, a distal end, and opposing sides. In addition, each triple track rail includes a hollow chamber extending the length of the triple track rail between the distal end and proximal end of the triple track rail. A cavity is formed through one of the opposing sides of the rail. The apparatus and method for positioning a module on an object also includes at least one connector bracket. The connector bracket includes a first flange and a second flange that are positioned substantially at a right angle to each other. The first flange is formed with a bore for insertion of a fastener to connect the first flange to a module. The term “fastener” as used in this document includes any number of means for fastening, including without limitation a bolt, screw, clamp, dowel, rivet, and other means for fastening through a bore. The first flange also is formed with a lip at one end. An elbow extends monolithically from the second flange at substantially a right angle to the second flange. An end of the elbow not extending monolithically from the second flange is insertable into the cavity formed in the hollow chamber for assisting in securely mounting the triple track rail on an object. Also, at least one semicircular groove is formed in at least one of the opposing sides of the rail. The semicircular groove is useful in assisting an installer who seeks to drill additional holes through the opposing wall to secure a mounting device in which electrical or other lines may be secured. 
         [0018]    The advantages and objects of such an apparatus and method for positioning a module on an object include additional advantages in connection with mounting, attaching, adjusting, and detaching a rail to or from one or more objects and modules, and for removing the one or more modules from a surface and object in a safe, reliable, yet rapid manner. At least one advantage of the present invention is an apparatus, and a method of installing the apparatus, is that it allows installation both top down and bottom up using a rail system that includes a triple track rail in combination with the connector bracket of the present invention. The present invention also significantly reduces the number and variety of hardware parts and components needed to assemble the apparatus and connect the apparatus to an object other than fasteners. In the vast majority of installations of a module, the connector bracket of the present invention is the only additional item of hardware needed to interconnect a rail, a module, a keeper, grid and object. In addition, the system provided by the present invention provides universal hardware, permitting installation of a module on a surface and object either in any direction or configuration. 
         [0019]    The present invention also allows assembly of photovoltaic modules of any size or shape on a variety of surfaces. The unique triple track rail of the present invention, in combination with the novel connector bracket of the present invention, permit rapid installation as well as rapid adjustments and relocation of a module and a rail system. Equally significant, the present invention is easy to use and to practice, and is cost effective for the intended purposes. 
         [0020]    The advantages, objects, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying following description, drawing figures, and appended claims. It is clear, however, from the foregoing that the claimed subject matter as a whole, including the structure of the apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus, as well as the method for installing and using the apparatus, combine to result in a number of unexpected advantages and utilities of the present invention. 
         [0021]    The foregoing has outlined broadly the more important features of the invention to better understand the detailed description which follows, and to better understand the contribution of the present invention to the art. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in application to the details of construction, and to the arrangements of the components, provided in the following description or drawing figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments, and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology employed in this disclosure are for purpose of description, and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0022]    As used in this document, the term “device” is not limited to the photovoltaic environment. For example, but not by way of limitation, the term includes any device capable of generating power, but may also be a device capable of holding liquids, gases or admixtures of solids. A device may be mounted on a surface which may include the roof or wall of a building, a pole, or any other surface. The shape of the device is not material to the present invention, and may be rectangular, circular, or any other shape or configuration. 
         [0023]    As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception on which this disclosure is based readily may be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present invention. The claims, therefore, include such equivalent constructions to the extent the equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the abstract associated with this disclosure is neither intended to define the invention, which is measured by the claims, nor intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
         [0024]    The novel features of this invention, and the invention itself, both as to structure and operation, are best understood from the accompanying drawing, considered in connection with the accompanying description of the drawing, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface in an operative environment as an apparatus for removably and adjustably mounting one or more photovoltaic modules on a surface such as a roof as shown; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a module installed on a surface; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a rail in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is an end view of a rail in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a rail in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a rail in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  shows additional end views of a rail in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  shows a front view of clamps in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  shows a blown up view of the fin of a clamp as noted in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the clamp; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the clamp; 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the apparatus and method for positioning a module on an object in an operative environment; 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the triple track rail in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 14A  is a side view of the triple track rail; 
           [0039]      FIG. 14B  is an end view of the triple track rail; 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the connector bracket in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 16  is a top partially cut away view of a module. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0042]    Briefly, the present invention provides a system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface. The invention includes one or more dual track rails and one or more unique clamps that may be interconnected to a footing grid. 
         [0043]      FIG. 1  illustrates the system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface in an operative environment. As shown, the present invention is an apparatus for removably and adjustably mounting one or more photovoltaic modules on a surface such as a roof. Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , the system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface is shown and generally designated  10 . The system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface  10 , according to the present invention, includes at least one rail  12 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one rail  12  is formed of extruded aluminum, but the material used is not a material consideration to the present invention. As shown perhaps best by cross-reference between  FIGS. 3-7 , at least one rail  12  is formed with at least two tracks  14   a,b.  Both of at least two tracks  14   a,b  include a channel  16   a,b,  perhaps best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , extending the length of at least one rail  12  substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of at least one rail  12 . Each channel  16   a,b  in at least two tracks  14   a,b  is formed with a slot  18   a,b.  Slots  18   a,b  extend the length of at least one rail  12  substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of at least one rail  12 . In addition, in accordance with the present invention, slot  18   a  in channel  16   a  of at least one rail  12  is formed substantially at a right angle A to slot  18   b  in any other of at least two tracks  14   a,b,  as shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIGS. 3, 4 and 7 , at least one rail  12  is formed with a body  20 . Body has a proximal end  22 , a distal end  24 , and a hollow chamber  26  between proximal end  22  and distal end  24  of body  20 . Hollow chamber  26  contributes to the light weight yet structural rigidity of at least one rail, and therefore to its ease of handling during installation of system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface  10 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one rail  12  also is formed with opposing sides  28   a,b  and opposing shoulders  30   a,b.    
         [0044]    As further shown in  FIG. 3 , body  20  includes channel  16   b  formed in opposing side  28   b  for slidably engaging the rail on hardware described below. Channel  16   b  is formed with slot  18   b  extending along the longitudinal axis of at least one rail  12 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, slot  18   a,b  also includes opposing jaws  32   a,b  monolithically protruding from slot  18   a,b  substantially along the longitudinal axis of the channel  16   a,b.  Body  20  further includes channel  16   a.  Channel  16   a  is formed in opposing shoulder  30   a  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Channel  16   a  also contributes, in combination with channel  16   b,  to making at least one rail  12  slidably engageable with the one or more footings  36 . As will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, channel  16   a  and channel  16   b  enable at least one rail  12  to be slidable engageable with one or more footings  36 . 
         [0045]    As also shown by cross-reference among  FIGS. 8-11 , a system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface  10  also includes one or more clamps  34   a,b.  As shown best by reference to  FIGS. 8 and 10 , one or more clamps  34   a  are formed as a duct  42 . Duct  42  includes at least two opposing flanges  44   a,b.  Opposing flanges  44   a,b  of one or more clamps  34   a  are substantially perpendicular to one another. One or more clamps  34   a  may also be described as formed with a plate  46  and monolithic opposing side walls  48  extending substantially in the same direction at substantially right angles B from plate  46 . Opposing side walls  48  include a lower inner edge  50  and an upper face  52 . A fin  54  extends from upper face  52  substantially along the longitudinal axis of one or more clamps  34   a,b.  One or more clamps  34   a  also includes at least one hole  56  through plate  46  for securing one or more clamps  34   a  as described below. 
         [0046]    In an alternative embodiment of one or more clamps, one or more clamps  34   b  is formed with a leg  58  having a base  60  as shown best in  FIG. 11 . From base  60  of leg  58  a descending member  62  monolithically extends from base  60 . In addition, from base  60  of leg  58  an ascending member  64  monolithically extends from base  60  in a direction substantially opposite the direction of descending member  62 . As also shown in  FIG. 11 , one or more clamps  34   b  include means  66  for connecting base  60  to at least one rail  12 . One or more clamps  34   b  also includes means  70  for variably positioning one or more clamps  34   b  in channel  16   a  of at least one rail  12 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 1  also shows a device  68  that may be mounted on surface  40  using the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, device  68  is a photovoltaic module  68 ′, also shown in  FIG. 2 . Photovoltaic module  68 ′ is formed with an edge  72 . In a photovoltaic environment for application of the present invention, edge  72  holds one or more photovoltaic panels  74 . As also shown best in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , footing grid  38  includes one or more footings  36 . In combination, the one or more footings  36  compose a network of keepers  76 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the network of keepers  76  is L-shaped and constructed of metal. Neither the shape nor material of the keepers  76  is a material limitation of the present invention. Each of keepers  76  may be fastened to surface  40 . If surface  40  is a roof of a building, keepers  76  may be attached to surface  40  by inserting lag bolts (not shown) through keepers  76  into rafters  78  beneath surface  40 . Once installed, keepers  76  form a grid, as shown in  FIG. 1 , on which at least one rail  12  of the present invention is removably connectable. 
         [0048]    Using the principal embodiment of the present invention, in operation one or more clamps  34   a,b  are variably positionable not only on at least one rail  12 , but also on footing grid  38  for demountably securing module  68 ′ to footing grid  38 , as shown by reference to  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , a preferred embodiment of fin  54   a,b  includes a serrated surface  55  that grips edge  72  of module  68 ′ with significant torsional rigidity, but because of the use of conventional hardware for attaching one or more clamps  34   a,b  to edge  72  of module  68 ′, one or more clamps  34   a,b  are quickly and safely repositionable. As further shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 1 and 4 , channel  16   a,  during installation, may be slidably engaged with at least one rail  12  and to footing grid  38 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , slot  18   a  includes opposing jaws  32   a,b  monolithically protruding from slot  18   a  substantially along the longitudinal axis of channel  16   a.  Jaws  32   a,b  contribute to making one or more clamps  34   a,b  slidable and removably engageable, and therefore allow the present invention to be not only mounted, but reconfigured on surface  40 . Channel  16   b  also contributes, in combination with first channel  16   a,  to making at least one rail  12  slidably engageable, and repositionable, with one or more clamps  34   a,b.  As will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, channel  16   a  and channel  16   b  enable at least one rail  12  to be slidable engageable with not only one or more clamps  34   a,b,  but also with footers  36  comprising footing grid  38 . 
         [0049]    While the system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface  10  as shown in drawing  FIGS. 1 through 11  is one embodiment of the present invention, it is only one such embodiment of the invention, is not intended to be exclusive, and is not a limitation of the present invention. The particular a system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface as shown and disclosed in detail in this instrument is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages stated, but this disclosure is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and no limitations are intended in connection with the details of construction, design or composition other than as provided and described in the appended claims. 
         [0050]    Further optimizations in connection with the present invention are achieved by including features and elements desirable for increasing the range and variety of different applications and environments in which the present invention may be used. In at least one such additional optimization of the present invention, an apparatus and method for positioning a module on an object is provided. The present invention includes one or more rails having at least three rails (a “triple track rail” or “triple track rails”) used in combination with at least one connector bracket. 
         [0051]      FIG. 12  illustrates the apparatus for positioning a module on an object in an operative environment. As shown, the present invention includes an apparatus for removably and adjustably mounting one or more photovoltaic modules on an object such as a pole or roof. Referring initially to  FIG. 12 , the apparatus for positioning a module on an object is shown and generally designated  100 . The apparatus  100  for positioning a module  68 ′ on an object, according to the present invention, includes at least one rail  102 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one rail  102  is formed of extruded aluminum, but neither the materials used nor the extrusion method of manufacture is material to the present invention. 
         [0052]    As shown perhaps best by cross-reference among  FIGS. 13, 14A and 14B , at least one rail  102  is formed with at least three tracks  104   a,b,c.  Two of at least three tracks  104   a,b,c  include a channel  106   a,b.  For illustrative purposes, as best shown by cross-reference among  FIGS. 13, 14A and 14B , two of the at least three tracks  104   a,b,c  are shown with channels  106   a,b  extending the length of at least one rail  102  substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of at least one rail  102 . Each channel  106   a,b  in at least two tracks  104   a,b  is formed with a slot  108   a,b  that for illustrative purposes are shown as slots  108   a,b.  Slot  108   a,b  extends the length of at least one rail  102  substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of at least one rail  102 . In addition, in accordance with the present invention, slot  108   a  in channel  106   a  of at least one rail  102  is formed substantially at a right angle A to slot  108   b  as shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIGS. 13, 14A and 14B , at least one rail  102  also is formed with a body  110 . Body  110  has a proximal end  112 , a distal end  114  as best shown in  FIG. 13 , and a hollow chamber  116  between proximal end  112  and distal end  114  of body  110  as best shown in  FIG. 14B . Hollow chamber  116  contributes to the light weight yet structural rigidity of at least one rail, and therefore to its ease of handling during installation of apparatus while positioning a module  68 ′ on an object. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as best shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14B , at least one rail  102  also is formed with opposing sides  118   a,b  and opposing shoulders  120   a,b.  In operation, as further shown in  FIGS. 14B and 15 , tracks  104   a,b  permit at least one rail  102  to be slidably engageable on hardware described below. 
         [0054]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 13 and 14B , slot  108   a,b  also includes opposing jaws  122   a,b  monolithically protruding from slot  108   a,b  substantially along the longitudinal axis of channel  106   a,b.  Channel  106   a  is formed in opposing shoulder  120   a  as shown in  FIG. 14B . Channel  106   a  also contributes, in combination with channel  106   b,  to making at least one rail  102  slidably engageable with the one or more footers  36 . 
         [0055]    Apparatus for positioning a module on an object  100 , as shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 13 and 14B , also includes a cavity  124  formed in body  110  of at least one rail  102 . Cavity  124  is formed through at least one opposing side  118   a,b,  and for illustrative purposes is shown in  FIG. 14B  as being formed through at least one opposing side  118   b.  As also shown in  FIG. 14B , an opening  126  is formed in opposing side  118   b.  Opening  126  in opposing side  118   b  is defined by a boss  128  also formed in opposing side  118   b  as well as by a shelf  130 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shelf  130  is formed monolithically from edge  132  in opposing side  118   b  that is opposite boss  128 . Shelf  130  also extends monolithically into hollow chamber  116  to form a partition  134  that is best shown in  FIG. 14B . Partition  134  merges monolithically into beam  136  in slot  108   a,  as best shown in  FIG. 14B . 
         [0056]    In addition, as also shown in  FIG. 14B , a boom  138  extends through hollow chamber  116  between opposing sides  118   a,b  of rail  102 . In operation, boom  138  resists compressive and similar forces applied against rail  102 , thus enhancing the rigidity and longevity of apparatus for positioning a module on an object  100  when installed. Also in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, hollow chamber  116  is formed with a substantially semicircular passage  140 , as best shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14B . In operation, use of semicircular passage  140  instead of, for example, a passage having a rectangular shaped cross-section, also contributes to resisting compressive and other forces on apparatus for positioning a module on an object  100  after installation and mounting of rail  102  on module  68 ′. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one semicircular groove  142  is formed in at least one of the opposing sides  118   a,b  as shown in  FIG. 13 , for assisting an installer in drilling one or more additional holes (not shown) through opposing sides  118   a,b  for securing a mounting device (not shown) in which electrical or other lines may be secured. 
         [0057]    Also included in the present invention of an apparatus for positioning a module on an object  100  are one or more connector brackets  144 , as shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 14B and 15 . One or more connector brackets  144  is formed to be demountably attachable to at least one rail  102  and to device  68  or module  68 ′. To achieve that object, one or more connector brackets  144  is monolithically formed with a first flange  146  and a second flange  148  substantially at a right angle as shown diagrammatically as Angle B in  FIG. 15 . First flange  146  is formed with a lip  150 . In addition, first flange  146  is formed with a bore  152 . In operation, bore  152  is provided for insertion of a fastener  153  through bore  152  to secure connector bracket  144  to device  68  or module  68 ′. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more connector brackets  144  further comprises an elbow  154 . Elbow  154  is substantially L-shaped, and extends monolithically at substantially a right angle from second flange  148  as shown diagrammatically as Angle C in  FIG. 15 . Elbow  154  is shaped and configured for detachable engagement with cavity  124  formed in hollow chamber  116  of body  110 . As shown best in  FIG. 14B , elbow  154  is engageable with boss  128  as well as beam  136 . 
         [0058]    In operation, as will be evident to one skilled in the art, the unique combination of one or more connector brackets  144 , cavity  124 , and three tracks  104  formed in at least one rail  102  (collectively, the “combined components”) permits installation of apparatus for positioning a module on an object  100  in a wide variety of alternative ways. For example, as shown in  FIG. 16 , module  68 ′ is typically formed with a collector side  156  and a back side  158 . The term “collector side” refers generally to that side of module  68 ′ that collects solar energy radiation from the sun. The term “back side” refers generally to that side of module  68 ′ that does not collect solar energy radiation from the sun. The combined components permit an installer to select module  68 ′ having at least collector side  156  and back side  158 , constructed with at least two opposing edges  160   a,b  having a plurality of holes  162   a,b.  The combined components permit an installer to position module  68 ′ collector side  156  down, mount at least one rail  102  on the back side  158  of module  68 ′, and reposition the combined components collector side  156  up to install the combined components on the object  68 . Alternatively, the combined components allow an installer to install the components either top down or bottom up.