Patent Publication Number: US-2017373635-A1

Title: Photovoltaic systems comprising docking assemblies

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Typical photovoltaic (PV) modules may generate direct current (DC) power based on received solar energy. PV modules may include a plurality of solar or PV cells electrically coupled to one another allowing the PV cells to contribute to a combined output power for a PV module. A typical PV module generally includes a rectangular frame surrounding a PV laminate encapsulating solar cells, and a junction box. The junction box encapsulates electrical connections protruding from a backsheet of the PV laminate which are in electrical connection with the solar cells of the PV module. In many cases, the junction box is glued to the backsheet of the PV laminate. 
     In particular applications, the DC power generated by a photovoltaic module may be converted to AC power through the use of a power inverter. The power inverter may be electrically coupled to an output of the PV module. Typically, intervening wiring (e.g. Multi-contact MC4 connectors) may be used between the PV module, junction box and the power inverter. The power inverter may be electrically coupled to the DC output of the PV module (i.e., the PV cables). The power inverter may be located physically apart from the PV module, with only the intervening wiring and associated hardware physically coupling the PV module to the power inverter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers. The figures are not drawn to scale. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a front side of a photovoltaic module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a back side of a photovoltaic module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a magnified view of a photovoltaic docking assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a cross-sectional view of a photovoltaic docking assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a junction box, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  depicts an electronic component, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter of the application or uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
     Certain terminology may be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “side”, “axial”, and “lateral” describe the orientation and/or location of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second”, and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. 
     Terminology—The following paragraphs provide definitions and/or context for terms found in this disclosure (including the appended claims): 
     This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure. 
     This term “comprising” is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. 
     Various units or components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is used to connote structure by indicating that the units/components include structure that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/component can be said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on/active). Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is “configured to” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, for that unit/component. 
     As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used as labels for nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, reference to a “first” encapsulant layer does not necessarily imply that this encapsulant layer is the first encapsulant layer in a sequence; instead the term “first” is used to differentiate this encapsulant from another encapsulant (e.g., a “second” encapsulant). 
     The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. 
     The following description refers to elements or nodes or features being “coupled” together. As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, “coupled” means that one element/node/feature is directly or indirectly joined to (or directly or indirectly communicates with) another element/node/feature, and not necessarily mechanically. 
     As used herein, “inhibit” is used to describe a reducing or minimizing effect. When a component or feature is described as inhibiting an action, motion, or condition it may completely prevent the result or outcome or future state completely. Additionally, “inhibit” can also refer to a reduction or lessening of the outcome, performance, and/or effect which might otherwise occur. Accordingly, when a component, element, or feature is referred to as inhibiting a result or state, it need not completely prevent or eliminate the result or state. 
     As used herein, the term “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and “about” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of” what is specified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 percent. 
     As used herein, “regions” can be used to describe discrete areas, volumes, divisions or locations of an object or material having definable characteristics but not always fixed boundaries. 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as specific operations, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known techniques are not described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure embodiments of the present invention. The feature or features of one embodiment can be applied to other embodiments, even though not described or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the embodiments. 
     Photovoltaic (PV) assemblies and modules for converting solar radiation to electrical energy are disclosed herein. PV arrays comprising a plurality of PV assemblies or PV modules are also described herein. A PV module can comprise a plurality of PV or solar cells encapsulated within a PV laminate. The PV module can further comprise a junction box or housing for enabling or providing electrical access to the plurality of solar cells. The junction box can comprise a plurality of busbars or conductor ribbons electrically coupled to the plurality of solar cells. The junction box can further comprise a direct current (DC) output connector port for outputting direct current generated by the plurality of solar cells, a conditioned power input connector port for receiving conditioned power; and, a conditioned power output link for outputting conditioned power to an external load. The PV module can further comprise an electronic component housing configured to be removably coupled to the junction housing. The electronic component housing can comprise an electronic component and/or circuitry for conditioning power generated by the plurality of solar cells. The electronic component housing can further comprise a DC input connector port configured to be electrically mated with the DC output connector port of the junction housing; and, a conditioned power output connector port configured to be electrically mated with the power input connector port of the junction housing. 
     Additionally, alternating current photovoltaic (ACPV) assemblies and modules are described herein. An ACPV module can comprise a plurality of PV or solar cells encapsulated within a PV laminate. The ACPV module can further comprise a junction box or housing for enabling or providing electrical access to the plurality of solar cells. The junction box can comprise a plurality of busbars or conductor ribbons electrically coupled to the plurality of solar cells. The junction housing can comprise a direct current (DC) output connector port for outputting direct current generated by the plurality of solar cells, an alternating current (AC) input connector port for receiving AC power; and, an alternating current (AC) output link or cable for outputting AC power to an external load. The ACPV module can further comprise a power inverter or DC-AC inverter, commonly referred to as a “microinverter,” for converting direct current to alternating current. The microinverter is configured to be removably coupled to the junction box. The microinverter can comprise a housing with a DC input connector port configured to be electrically mated with the DC output connector port of the junction box and an AC output connector port configured to be electrically mated with the AC input connector port of the junction box. The microinverter can convert direct current generated by the plurality of solar cells to alternating current for delivery to an external AC load via the AC output cable of the junction housing. 
     Photovoltaic docking assemblies are also described herein. A photovoltaic docking assembly comprises a junction box or housing and an electronic component housing configured to be reversibly connected or “docked.” The photovoltaic docking assembly can comprise a junction box comprising a plurality of busbars or conductor ribbons electrically coupled to a plurality of solar cells. The junction housing can further comprise a DC output connector port for outputting direct current generated by the plurality of solar cells, a conditioned power input connector port for receiving conditioned power; and, a conditioned power output link or cable for outputting conditioned power for an external load. The photovoltaic docking assembly further comprises an electronic component for conditioning power generated by the plurality of solar cells. The electronic component housing can comprise a DC input connector port configured to be electrically mated with the DC output connector port of the junction housing; and, a conditioned power output connector port configured to be electrically mated with the power input connector port of the junction housing. 
     Repair and/or replacement of electronic components of PV assemblies and modules e.g. microinverters of ACPV modules can be challenging. For example, if a microinverter of an ACPV module fails, it may be difficult or impossible to replace just the microinverter, causing the loss of both the microinverter and the PV module. Further, grounding of the microinverter and PV module may pose additional challenges. Various embodiments of both PV and ACPV modules to address these challenges are described herein. The photovoltaic docking assemblies described herein facilitate field replacement or removal of electronic components e.g. microinverters from a corresponding module and/or junction box. Additionally, the photovoltaic docking assemblies described herein enable PV modules and arrays to have minimal cables and wiring for electrical interconnection. 
     Although many of the examples described herein are alternating current photovoltaic (ACPV) modules, the techniques and structures apply equally to other (e.g., direct current) PV modules as well. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates top-down view of a module  100  having a front side  102  that faces the sun during normal operation and a back side  104  opposite the from side  102 . In some embodiments, the module  100  can comprise a laminate  106  containing a plurality of solar cells  108  and a frame  110  surrounding the laminate  106 . The solar cells  108  can face the front side  102  and be arranged into a plurality of solar cell strings  109 . The laminate  106  can include one or more encapsulating layers which surround and enclose the solar cells  108 . In various embodiments, the laminate  106  comprises a top cover  103  made of glass or another transparent material on the front side  102 . In certain embodiments, the material chosen for construction of the cover  103  can be selected for properties which minimize reflection, thereby permitting the maximum amount of sunlight to reach the solar cells  108 . The top cover  103  can provide structural rigidity to the laminate  106 . The laminate  106  can further comprise a backsheet  105  on the back side  104 . The backsheet  105  can be a weatherproof and electrically insulating layer which protects the underside of the laminate  106 . The backsheet  105  can be a polymer sheet, and it can be laminated to encapsulant layer(s) of the laminate  106 , or it can be integral with one of the layers of the encapsulant. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a view of the back side  104  of module  100  comprising a docking assembly  112 . The docking assembly  112  comprises a junction box or housing  120  for providing electrical access to the plurality of solar cells  108  encapsulated within the laminate  106 . In an embodiment, the junction box or housing  120  is coupled to the backsheet  105  of the laminate  106  via an adhesive or other securing device or feature. In some embodiments, the junction box or housing  120  can be coupled to the frame  110  via screws, an adhesive or other securing device or feature. The junction box or housing  120  comprises conditioned power output links or cables  160  extending therefrom. The conditioned power output cables  160  output conditioned power to an external load (not pictured). The conditioned power output cables  160  comprise conditioned power output connectors  162  which can be connected directly to an external load and/or to adjacent modules to form a photovoltaic array. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the back side  104  of the module  100  further comprises an electronic component  140  for conditioning power generated by the solar cells  108 . The electronic component  140  is configured to be removably coupled to the junction box or housing  120 . The electronic component  140  can be both electrically and mechanically coupled to the junction box  120 . In several embodiments, the electronic component can comprise a microinverter for converting direct current generated by the solar cells  108  to alternating current or AC power. In such embodiments, the module  100  can be described as an ACPV module. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic component  140  is mounted to the frame  110  of the module  100 . The electronic component  140  can comprise mating features for mechanically coupling to a corresponding mating feature of the frame  110 . For example as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the electronic component  140  comprises mounting arms  148  configured to be removably coupled to the frame  110  of the module  100  as will be described in further detail below. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a magnified view of photovoltaic docking assembly  112  in a docked state. The junction box  120  Comprises a housing or enclosure  122  with a cover  124 . The junction enclosure  122 / 124  seals the junction box  120  from moisture, dust and other contaminants, and also dissipates heat that is generated by components inside the junction box. The junction enclosure  122 / 124  can be integrally formed or be formed from an assembly of parts. The junction enclosure  122 / 124  can comprise mating features for mating or coupling to the laminate  106  or frame  110 . For example as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the junction box  120  comprises leveling features  125  for contacting frame  110  in a level or supported manner. The junction enclosure  122 / 124  can be formed from any desirable material, for example an electrically insulating polymeric material like ABS. A conductive material may be used for the junction enclosure, but additional measures may be needed to provide electrical isolation from other components. 
     The electronic component  140  comprises a housing or enclosure  142  with a cover  144 . The electronic component housing  142 / 144  can be integrally formed or be formed from an assembly of parts. In an embodiment, the electronic component housing  142 / 144  is composed of a metallic material such as aluminum. In another embodiment, the electronic component housing  142 / 144  is composed of a heat dissipating polymer. The electronic component housing  142  and cover  144  seal the junction electrical component  140  from moisture, dust and other contaminants, and also dissipates heat that is generated by interior components. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the electronic component  140  is docked to the junction box  120  such that the electronic component  140  partially surrounds the junction box  120  and makes contact at three interfacial contact planes generally indicated at  170   a - c . However, the electronic component  140  can be docked to the junction box  120  in any desirable configuration. For example, in another embodiment, the electronic component  140  can be docked to the junction box  120  in an adjacent or bordering configuration such that a single interfacial contact plane exists between the electronic component and the junction box. For example, the electronic component  140  can be docked to the junction box at the junction box cover  124 . In yet other embodiments, the electronic component  140  can be docked to the junction box  120  such that the electronic component  140  substantially entirely surrounds the junction box  120 . Any desired number of interfacial contact planes can be provided between the electronic component and the junction box in a docked state. In an embodiment, the docking configuration of the electronic component relative to the junction box is dictated by the ease of accessibility for removal or replacement of the electronic component (e.g. facilitating removal or replacement of a microinverter from an ACPV module). 
       FIG. 4  depicts a cross-sectional view of photovoltaic docking assembly  112 . In an embodiment, the junction box  120  can comprise a simple circuit board to provide wire connections and bypass diodes. In  FIG. 4 , the junction box  120  houses a simplistic, passive connection or junction circuit generally indicated by a dashed region at  126 . The junction circuit  126  can facilitate interconnection of multiple photovoltaic cells  108  and/or strings  109  in a parallel or serial configuration. In various embodiments, the junction box  120  or junction circuit  126  can comprise a plurality of busbars or conductor ribbons electrically coupled to the solar cells  108  and/or solar cell strings  109 . For example, the bus bars (not pictured) can penetrate the backsheet  105  of the laminate  106 , pass through an opening  123  in the junction housing  122 , and terminate within the junction box  120  at the junction circuit  126 . 
     In some embodiments, the junction circuit  126  can include bypass diodes, which can provide an alternate current path through the module  100  should one of the solar cells  108  and/or solar cell strings  109  of the module  100  become damaged, shaded, or otherwise inoperable. In some embodiments, the junction box  120  comprises at least one bypass diode for protecting the solar cell cells  108  and/or strings  109  from reverse bias conditions. However, in other embodiments, bypass diodes may be absent. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the junction box  120  comprises a direct current (DC) output connector port  130  for outputting direct current generated by the solar cells  108 . In an embodiment, the DC output connector  130  is electrically coupled to the junction circuit and/or busbars indicated at  126 , for example through DC wires  128  depicted in  FIG. 4 . The DC wires  128  can be provided as two conductors (a plus and a minus) as depicted in  FIG. 4 , however other suitable arrangements can be provided. Either DC wire  128  can be grounded by connecting to the connected to the junction enclosure  122 / 124  (if grounded), the electronic component housing  142 / 144  (if grounded), or connected to another neutral or grounding conduit provided within the junction box  120 . 
     The junction box  120  further comprises a conditioned power (e.g. AC power) input connector port  132  electrically coupled to the conditioned power (e.g. AC power) output link or cable  160  for outputting conditioned power (e.g. AC power) to an external load, for example through AC wires  138  depicted in  FIG. 4 . As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the AC wires  138  can be provided as three conductors (line  1 , line  2 , and ground). However other suitable arrangements can be provided, for example four conductors (line  1 , line  2 , neutral, and ground) can be provided. In various embodiments, the ground conductor can be electrically coupled to the electronic component enclosure  122 / 124 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , wires  138  directly connect the conditioned power input connector port  132  to the conditioned power output link, specifically a cable  160 , for outputting conditioned power to an external load. However in other embodiments, the conditioned power input connector port  132  can be electrically coupled to a conditioned power output link provided as one or more electrical connectors or ports for transmitting conditioned power to an external load. In one example, the conditioned power input connector port  132  can be electrically coupled to a circuit board, or a linking circuit board, comprising surface mount connectors. The linking circuit board can in turn be coupled to one or more electrical connector ports for coupling to an external load. In such an embodiment, conditioned power can be transmitted from the conditioned power input connector port  132  to an external load via the linking circuit board and the one or more electrical connector ports. 
     The cross-sectional view of docking assembly  112  in  FIG. 4  shows the electronic component  140  comprising an enclosure or housing  142  protecting and/or shielding power conditioning circuitry generally depicted at  146 . The power conditioning circuitry  146  can comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) and electrical components. In one embodiment, the power conditioning circuitry  146  comprises a power inverter for converting direct current generated by the solar cells  108  to alternating current. An inverter topology may be constructed with multiple power stages, one of which may be an active filter converter. The power inverter may provide a single-phase or a three-phase output. In some embodiments, the electronic component housing  142  can enclose one or more power inverters at  146  or other power converter modules, such as DC-DC power optimizer or converter, which may be electrically coupled to the module  100  for various applications. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the electronic component  140  comprises a DC input connector port  150  configured to be electrically mated with the DC output connector port  130  of the junction box  120 . The power conditioning circuitry  146  can be directly coupled to the DC input connector port  150  or through intervening conductors (not shown). The electronic component  140  further comprises a conditioned power output connector port  152  for outputting conditioned power from circuitry  146  and configured to be electrically mated with the conditioned power input connector port  132  of the junction box  120 . The power conditioning circuitry  146  can be directly coupled to conditioned power output connector port  152  or through intervening conductors (not shown). 
     In embodiments where the electronic component  140  comprises a inverter circuitry at  146 , the DC output connector  130  of the junction box  120  outputs direct current generated by the solar cells  108  through the DC input connector port  150  to the inverter circuitry and components at  146  for conversion to alternating current. The AC output connector port  152  is configured to be electrically mated with an AC input connector port  132  of the junction box  120  such that the alternating current produced by inverter  146  is transmitted to the junction box  120  through the AC output connector port  152  and the AC input connector port  132 . The AC input connector port  132  of the junction box  120  is electrically coupled to an AC power output cable  160  for outputting AC power to an AC load, for example through AC wires  138  depicted in  FIG. 4 . In other words, the microinverter  140  converts direct current generated by the plurality of solar cells  108  to alternating current for delivery to an external AC load via the AC output cable  160  of the junction box  120 . 
     In various embodiments, electronic component  140  comprises a potting material to fill voids between the housing  142 / 144  and interior electrical components including power conditioning circuitry  142  and connector ports  150 / 152 . The potting material can be selected for optimal electrically insulating properties, thermal conductivity properties and/or prevention of moisture ingress. 
     In an embodiment, the DC output connector port  130  of the junction box  120  is configured to be electrically mated with the DC input connector port  150  of the electronic component  140 , for example via male and female spaded connectors. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , the DC output connector port  130  of the junction box  120  comprises a plurality of sockets  180  which are electrically coupled to solar cells  108  through junction circuitry interior to the junction housing  122 . As depicted in  FIG. 6 , the DC input connector port  150  of the electronic component  140  comprises a plurality of connector pins  182  configured to be electrically coupled to the power conditioning circuitry inside the electronic component housing  142 . In an embodiment, each socket  180  of the DC output connector port  130  is configured to receive a corresponding connector pin  182  of the DC input connector port  150 . Upon docking, sockets  180  receive connector pins  182 , thereby electrically coupling the electronic component  140  to solar cells  108  via junction box  120 . 
     In an embodiment, the power input connector port (e.g. AC input connector port)  132  of the junction box  120  is configured to be electrically mated with the conditioned power output connector port (e.g. AC output connector port)  152  of the electronic component (e.g. microinverter)  140 , for example via male and female spaded connectors. Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the conditioned power input connector port  132  of the junction box  120  comprises a plurality of sockets  190  which are electrically coupled to the conditioned power output cable  160  via circuit internal to the junction housing  122 / 124 . As depicted in  FIG. 6 , the conditioned power output connector port  152  of the electronic component  140  comprises a plurality of connector pins  192  configured to be electrically coupled to power conditioning circuitry (e.g. inverter circuitry) inside the electronic component housing  142 / 144 . In an embodiment, each socket  190  of the conditioned power input connector port  132  is configured to receive a corresponding connector pin  192  of the conditioned power output connector port  152 . Upon docking, sockets  190  receive connector pins  192 , thereby electrically coupling the electronic component  140  to the junction box  120  such that conditioned power(e.g. AC power) is transmitted from the electrical component  140  to the conditioned power output cable  160  via junction box  120 . In the exemplary embodiments depicted herein, electrical connection is achieved via sockets and corresponding connector pins, however any desired connector port features may be employed to electrically connect the electronic component  140  to the junction box  120 . For example, male and female spade terminal connectors (e.g. manufactured by Molex), EXTreme PowerDock Connectors and/or any other similar connector. 
     In addition to being docked or coupled together electrically, the junction box  120  and the electrical component  140  can be coupled together mechanically through any desired coupling device or feature. For example, junction box  120  can be coupled to electronic component  142  by one or more fasteners, such as screws, bolts, rivets, snap-in features, compressible features, adhesives, or any other desirable mechanism for reversible coupling. In an embodiment, the particular coupling device, feature or mechanism is dictated by the ease of replacement or removal of the electronic component  140  from the junction box  120  and/or module  100 . 
     In one embodiment, at least one gasket (e.g. a polymeric or rubber ring) is provided around connector ports of the docking assembly  112  to improve or create a seal for protection from moisture ingress. For example, a gasket can be provided around the DC output connector port  130 , the DC input connector port  150 , the power input connector port (e.g. AC input connector port)  132 , the conditioned power output connector port (e.g. AC output connector port)  152 , or a combination thereof. 
     In one embodiment, the electronic component  140  can comprise an engagement feature for mechanically coupling to a corresponding engagement feature of the junction box  120 . For example, a connector port  152 / 152  of the electronic component  140  can comprise a guide post which interlocks with a cavity of a connector port  130 / 132  of the junction box  120 . As another example, the electronic component  140  can comprise a compressible feature at one or more interfacial contact planes  170  such that upon docking with the junction box  120 , the electronic component  140  and the junction box  120  are mechanically coupled or docked via compressive forces in a reversible manner. 
     In various embodiments, the junction box  120  and/or electronic component  140  is removably coupled to the frame  110  of module  100 . In one embodiment, the junction box  120  and/or electronic component  140  is secured to the frame  110  of module  100  such that the junction box  120  and/or electronic component  140  is substantially centered between two corners of the frame  110  as depicted in  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments, the junction box  120  and/or electronic component  140  can be provided at or towards a corner of the frame  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the module  100  will not include a frame. In such embodiments, the junction box  120  and/or electronic component  140  can be disposed substantially at the center or at a corner of the laminate  106 . The junction box  120  and/or electronic component  140  can be coupled to the laminate  106  and/or frame  110  (if present) through any desired coupling device, feature or mechanism. For example, junction box  120  and/or electronic component  140  can be coupled to the laminate  106  and/or frame  110  (if present) by one or more adhesives, one or more fasteners, such as screws, bolts, rivets, snap-in features, compressible features or any other desirable mechanism for reversible or permanent coupling. In an embodiment, the electronic component  140  and/or the junction box  120  is electrically grounded to the frame  110  via a conductive feature of the docking assembly, either internal or external to the junction box  120  and/or electronic component  140 . 
     In some embodiments, the configuration and mechanism for coupling the electronic component  142  to the laminate  106  and/or frame  110  (if present) is dictated by the desired spacing (e.g. for heat dissipation) between the electronic component  140  and the backsheet  105  of the laminate  106 , for example to mitigate negative thermal effects relating to heat transfer from the electronic component  140  to the laminate  106 . In some embodiments, the backsheet  105  and/or the electronic component  140  can comprise one or more guide features to maintain a desired configuration during docking. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic component  140  is reversibly mounted to the frame  110  of the module  100 . The electronic component  140  can comprise mating features for mechanically coupling to a corresponding mating feature of the frame  110 . For example as depicted in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 , the electronic component  140  comprises mounting arms  148  configured to be removably coupled to the frame  110  of the PV module  100 . The mounting arms  148  of the electronic component  140  each include a cavity  149  configured to align with a corresponding feature e.g. opening of the frame  110  (not pictured). The mounting arms  148  of the electronic component  140  can be coupled to the frame  110  via one or more fasteners. For example, the cavity  149  can be threaded so as to accept a screw extending through an opening of the frame  100 . The electronic component  140  can be mounted to the frame  110  and/or laminate  106  through any desired mounting device, feature or mechanism including but not limited to fasteners (e.g. screws, bolts, rivets, etc.), snap-in features, compressible features, adhesives, or any other desirable system for reversible or permanent mounting. 
     The above specification and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of illustrative embodiments. Although certain embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this invention. As such, the various illustrative embodiments of the methods and systems are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than the one shown can include some or all of the features of the depicted embodiment. For example, elements can be omitted or combined as a unitary structure, and/or connections can be substituted. Further, where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above can be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples having comparable or different properties and/or functions, and addressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above can relate to one embodiment or can relate to several embodiments. For example, embodiments of the present methods and systems can be practiced and/or implemented using different structural configurations, materials, and/or control manufacturing steps. The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted to include, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) “means for” or “step for,” respectively.