Patent Publication Number: US-2023155542-A1

Title: Pest-Control Structure for Photovoltaic Installations

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a non-provisional of U.S. Application No. 63/279,318, filed Nov. 15, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects of this disclosure relate to photovoltaic (PV) module installations. In particular, one or more aspects of the disclosure relate to access-restricting, pest-control structures integrated with and easily attachable to a PV module installation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     PV modules are frequently mounted on support surfaces, for example, home and office building roofs. Animals, such as birds, pigeons, mice, rats, squirrels, etc., commonly nest under installed PV modules between the modules and the support surfaces. Such animals may be destructive nuisances. Among other objectionable effects, such animals may damage PV module components and support structures. The animals may also cause damage to the roofs of homes and office buildings which may cause further costly damage to the underlying structures. Additionally, small animals nesting around PV modules may dirty the modules and lead to a decrease in PV module output efficiency and production. 
     Current solutions to these problems focus on retrofitting chicken wire or rabbit wire around installed PV modules. This solution is disadvantageous. Such retrofitting is time consuming and unattractive. Further, these solutions rely on the PV modules for support by either clipping or similarly attaching the wire to the modules. However, PV module sizes and dimensions vary, making this a cumbersome solution. 
     Additionally, PV module installations are frequently mounted on elevated structures subjecting them to high winds. Therefore, it is desirable that any structure that is attached or mounted to the PV module installation be robust enough to withstand high wind forces. 
     Therefore, improved apparatuses, systems and methods to address these shortcomings in the art are desired. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of various aspects described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify required or critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claims. The following summary merely presents some concepts in a simplified form as an introductory prelude to the more detailed description provided below. 
     To overcome limitations in the prior art described above, and to overcome other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, aspects described herein are directed towards a pest-control structure and system integrated with a photovoltaic (PV) module installation. 
     Aspects of the disclosure relate to an apparatus that includes a support beam configured to be mounted on a support surface, where the support beam may include a PV module mount surface and an interface surface disposed along at least one side of the support beam. The apparatus may further include an exclusion spacer coupled to the interface surface and disposed proximate to an outer edge of the PV module. The exclusion spacer may be configured to restrict access to an area between the PV module and the support surface. 
     According to one aspect, the apparatus may include a standoff connecting the interface surface and the exclusion spacer. In one configuration, the standoff may be adjustable in length. 
     According to another aspect, the exclusion spacer may include a top side proximate to the outer edge of the PV module, and a bottom side proximate to the support surface. In one configuration, the top side may be parallel to the bottom side. In another configuration, the top side may be angled relative to the bottom side. 
     According to another aspect, the interface surface may include a plurality fastener holes. The fastener holes may be at discrete locations along a side of the interface surface. In one configuration, a standoff may be disposed between, and connecting, the interface surface and the exclusion spacer, and the standoff may connect to the fastener holes with a press-fit connection within the fastener holes. In a further configuration, the fastener holes may be threaded and the standoff may connect to the fastener holes by threading a portion of the standoff into the fastener holes. 
     According to a further aspect, the interface surface may include an interface surface track. In one configuration, the exclusion spacer may be configured with a track engagement portion of complementary geometry to the interface surface track, which may engage the exclusion spacer with the interface surface track. According to a further aspect, the apparatus may include a standoff connecting the interface surface track and the exclusion spacer. In one configuration the standoff may include a support beam interface end, configured with complementary geometry to the interface surface track to engage with and couple to the interface surface track, and an exclusion spacer interface end configured to couple to the exclusion spacer. In one configuration the standoff may include a threaded through-hole, such that when the standoff is engaged with the interface surface track, the standoff may be secured to the interface surface track via the threaded through-hole. In one configuration, the exclusion spacer interface end of the standoff and the exclusion spacer may couple with each other with portions of complementary track geometries. In one configuration the exclusion spacer may include an exclusion spacer track and the exclusion spacer interface end may be configured to engage the exclusion spacer track. 
     According to yet a further aspect, the exclusion spacer may include a network of holes proximate the support surface. The exclusion spacer may be permeable to air and water. 
     According to a further aspect, the exclusion spacer may include a spray head disposed above a top surface of the PV module and may be directed at a portion of the PV module. The exclusion spacer may further include a channel configured to connect to deliver water to the spray head. 
     Further aspects of the disclosure may relate to a system. The system may include a support surface, a PV module and a support beam mounted on the support surface. The support beam may include a PV module mounting surface configured to mount the PV module, and an interface surface disposed along a side the support beam. The system may further include an exclusion spacer coupled to the interface surface and may be disposed proximate the outer edge of the PV module and may be configured to restrict access to an area between the photovoltaic module and the support surface. In one configuration, the support beam may be mounted to the support surface, the PV module may be mounted to the support beam, and the exclusion spacer may be mounted at least one of but not necessarily all of anterior, posterior, medial, or lateral to the photovoltaic module. In another aspect, the system may include a standoff disposed between, and connecting, the interface surface and the exclusion spacer. 
     According to further aspects, the interface surface may include a plurality of fastener holes along the interface surface, and the exclusion spacer may be coupled to the interface surface via one or more of the fastener holes. According to further aspects, the interface surface may include an interface surface track, and the exclusion spacer may be coupled to the interface surface via the interface surface track. According to further aspects, the system may further include a standoff. The standoff may engage the interface surface track at a standoff first end, and the exclusion spacer may be coupled to the standoff at a standoff second end. According to further aspects, the exclusion spacer may include a network of holes proximate to the support surface. 
     Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a method that includes mounting a support beam on a support surface, attaching a PV module to a PV mounting surface of the support beam, and connecting an exclusion spacer at an interface of the support beam. In one configuration, the exclusion spacer may be disposed along at least one side of the support beam such that the exclusion spacer inhibits access to an area between the PV module and the support surface. 
     According to another aspect, the method may further include attaching a standoff to the interface surface and connecting the exclusion spacer to the standoff. According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure the photovoltaic mounting surface and the interface surface may be the same surface, and connecting the exclusion spacer to the interface surface may include connecting the exclusion spacer to the PV mounting surface. 
     Further aspects of the disclosure relate to an apparatus that includes a support beam configured to be mounted on a support surface. The support beam may have a first surface configured to attach one or more exclusion spacer brackets, and may be configured to attach to and support a PV module. The apparatus may also include an exclusion spacer coupled to the one or more exclusion spacer brackets and may be disposed along an outer edge of the PV module and may be configured to restrict access to an area between the PV module and the support surface. In one configuration the one or more exclusion spacer brackets may be integral to, and formed as a part of, the exclusion spacer. 
     According to one aspect, the exclusion spacer may further include a closeable access opening configured to be opened following installation allowing access to the area between the photovoltaic module and the support surface. The closeable access opening may be configured to be reclosed, re-restricting access to the area between the PV module and the support surface. 
     According to one aspect, the exclusion spacer may include one or more voids configured to allow passage of the support beams orthogonal to the exclusion spacer. In one configuration, sizes and locations of the one or more voids may be adjustable along the length of the exclusion spacer. 
     Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a method that includes mounting a support beam on a support surface, attaching one or more exclusion spacer brackets to a support beam mounting surface, mounting a PV module on the support beam mounting surface, and attaching an exclusion spacer to the one or more exclusion spacer brackets. 
     Further aspects of the disclosure relate to an apparatus that includes a PV module mounted on a support surface, an interface frame disposed along at least one side of the PV module and including an interface surface, and an exclusion spacer coupled to at least a portion of the interface surface and disposed along the interface frame proximate to the at least one side of the PV module. The exclusion spacer may be configured to restrict access to an area between the PV module and the support surface. 
     According to one aspect, the apparatus may include one or more clips disposed between the interface frame and the exclusion spacer connecting the interface frame at the interface surface to the exclusion spacer. 
     According to another aspect, the exclusion spacer may include a network of holes proximate to the support surface wherein the exclusion spacer may be permeable to air and water. 
     According to yet another aspect, the exclusion spacer may be a pliable material. In one configuration the apparatus may include a retention member which may have a first surface mounted to the support surface and may be disposed along and proximate to a portion of the exclusion spacer, and may have a second surface where the exclusion spacer may be affixed to the second surface and retained by the retention member. 
     Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a method that includes mounting, to a support surface, a PV module which may have an interface frame disposed along at least one side of the PV module, and attaching an exclusion spacer to at least a portion of the interface frame. 
     Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a method that includes mounting a PV module to an interface surface, attaching an interface frame to at least one side of the PV module, and attaching an exclusion spacer to at least a portion of the interface frame. 
     Further aspects of the disclosure relate to an apparatus that includes a PV module mounted on a support surface, and an exclusion frame configured to fit over the mounted PV module. The exclusion frame may include at least one exclusion spacer side disposed along at least one side of the PV module. The exclusion spacer may be configured to restrict access to an area between the PV module and the support surface. In one configuration, the exclusion frame may be connected to the PV module. 
     According to one aspect, the apparatus may include a support beam configured to be mounted on the support surface. The support beam may have a PV mount surface configured to attach to and support a PV module, and an interface surface disposed along at least one side of the support beam. The exclusion frame may connect to the interface surface. 
     Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a PV module system that includes a photovoltaic module configured to mount to a support surface and an exclusion spacer disposed along at least one outer side of the PV module. The exclusion spacer may be configured to restrict access to an area between the PV module and the support surface. 
     Other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some features of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example, and not limitation, in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a section side view of an example pest-control structure with a photovoltaic (PV) module installation. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an example pest-control structure with a PV module installation. 
         FIG.  3    is a section side view of a portion of an example pest-control structure with a PV module installation. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of an example pest-control structure with a PV module installation. 
         FIG.  5    is a section view of a portion of an example pest-control structure. 
         FIG.  6    is a section view of a portion of an example pest-control structure. 
         FIG.  7    is a section side view of an example pest-control structure with a PV module installation. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of an example pest-control structure with a PV module installation. 
         FIG.  9    is an isometric view of an example adjustable through-hole track standoff. 
         FIG.  10    is a section side view of a portion of an example pest-control structure. 
         FIG.  11    is a section side view of a portion of an example pest-control structure with a PV module installation. 
         FIG.  12    is a section side view of an example pest-control structure with a PV module installation. 
         FIG.  13    is a section side view of an example pest-control structure with a PV module installation. 
         FIG.  14    is a section side view of an example pest-control structure with a PV module installation. 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of an example pest-control structure with a PV module installation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, show examples of the disclosure. 
     It is to be understood that the examples shown in the drawings and/or discussed herein are non-exclusive and that there are other examples of how the disclosure may be practiced. 
     Aspects of this disclosure relate to pest control structures and systems that may be integrated with photovoltaic (PV) module installations.  FIG.  1    is a section side view of an example pest-control structure  100  with a photovoltaic (PV) module  102  installation. The pest-control structure  100  and/or system may include a track support beam  101 A, a PV module  102  mounted to the support beam  101 A, and a unitary track exclusion spacer  103 A attached to the track support beam  101 A. The pest-control structure  100  may be mounted, by the track support beam  101 A, on a support surface  104 . The support surface  104  may include, for example the roof of, a house, building, garage, outbuilding, barn, pergola, or any other surface suitable to support a PV module  102  installation. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  1   , the track support beams  101 A may include an interface track  108 . The interface track  108  may be disposed along one side, or any combination of all sides, of the track support beam  101 A. The interface track  108  may span an entire side of the support beam  101 A or may only be disposed on one or more portions of one or more sides of the track support beam  101 A. The interface track  108  may include a socket profile, a plug profile, or a combination of both. 
     The unitary track exclusion spacers  103 A may include track coupling portions  105  of complementary geometry to the interface track  108 . The unitary track exclusion spacer  103 A may couple with the track support beams  101 A via the interface track  108  and track coupling portions  105  of the unitary track exclusion spacer  103 A. The track coupling portion  105  may include a socket profile, a plug profile, or a combination of both. It is understood, that for examples of the present disclosure including a track coupling portion  105  with a socket profile, the interface track  108  may have a corresponding plug profile, and vice versa. 
     The unitary track exclusion spacer  103 A may include threaded through-holes (not shown) through the portions of complementary geometry. A set screw may be tightened through the through-hole and against a surface (e.g., back surface of a socket profile track or front surface of a plug profile track) of the interface track  108 , forcing the corresponding track profiles against one another and securing the unitary track exclusion spacer  103 A to the interface track  108 . According to other examples of the present disclosure, locks may be placed on the interface track on either side of the portions of complementary geometry, or on either side of the unitary track exclusion spacer  103 A, thereby locking the unitary track exclusion spacer  103 A in place. According to yet other examples of the present disclosure, screws or inserts may be inserted into a surface (e.g., back surface or front surface) of the interface track  108  on either side of a unitary track exclusion spacer  103 A thereby securing the unitary track exclusion spacer  103 A in place. Other methods of securing the unitary track exclusion spacer  103  to the interface track  108  will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art and are contemplated herein. 
     Many examples of support beams  101 A,  101 B, etc. are provided herein and are generally referred to as support beams  101 . According to certain examples of the present disclosure, a support beam  101  may be mounted directly to the support surface  104 . alternatively, the support beam  101  may be mounted to brackets, or the like, which in turn may be mounted to the support surface  104 . Any combination of support beam  101  mounting is contemplated herein. 
     The PV module  102  may be mounted on, and/or attached to, the support beam  101 . In examples of the present disclosure where the pest-control structure  100  includes a plurality of support beams  101 , the PV module  102  may be mounted to one or more of the plurality of support beams  101 . The PV module  102  may be mounted to the support beams  101  using suitable hardware (e.g., clips, brackets, fasteners, connectors, screws etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the PV module  102  may be mounted to an intermediate element (e.g., extension beam, angle device, tilt mounts, brackets, clips, etc.) which may act as the support beam  101 , or may be directly mounted to or integrally included with the support beam  101  or the support surface  104 . Additionally or alternatively, the PV module  102  may be mounted in parallel with the support surface  104 . The PV module  102  may be mounted at an angle in relation to the support surface  104 . 
     Many examples of exclusion spacers  103 A,  103 B,  103 C, etc. are provided herein and are generally referred to as exclusion spacer  103 . The exclusion spacer  103  may restrict the access of small animals (e.g., pigeons, mice, rats, squirrels, etc.) to an area between the PV module  102  and the support surface  104 . The pest-control structure  100  may include one or more exclusion spacers  103 . The exclusion spacers  103  may be attached to one of, all of, or any combination of proximal, superior, anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, distal, or inferior to the support beam  101 . 
     The exclusion spacers  103  may be fabricated out of any material suitable for obstructing small animals (e.g., pigeons, mice, rats, squirrels, etc.). Such materials may include, but are not limited to, metals, plastics, vinyls, polymers, composites, rubber, nylon, nylon mesh etc. The exclusion spacer  103  may be made of compressible material, which may facilitate obstruction to the area between the PV module  102  and the support surface  104 . The exclusion spacer  103  may be constructed out of a pliable material. The exclusion spacer  103  may be fabricated as a PV module  102 . Additionally, the exclusion spacer  103  may be coated with, or impregnated with animal repellent or rodenticide. 
     The exclusion spacer  103  may further be fabricated of thermally conductive material. Such materials may include but are not limited to copper, gold, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, aluminum, tungsten, graphite, zinc, brass, steel, bronze, etc. or any combination therein. The exclusion spacer  103  maybe fabricated out of an alloy of thermally conductive materials. The exclusion spacer may further contain heatsink fins disposed on its surface. Such heatsink fins may be fabricated in any number of ways known to those of ordinary skill in the art and, as not limiting examples, include: pin fins, straight fins, flared fins, square wavy fins, V wavy fins, offset fins, etc. An exclusion spacer  103 , among other appearances, may be fabricated or finished to resemble the support surface  104 , the PV module  102 , the PV module  102  frame, the support beams  101 , the standoffs  401 , and/or the mounting hardware, proximate to which the exclusion spacer  103  is attached. 
       FIGS.  1 - 8    show exclusion spacers  103  with heights that correspond to heights of the support beam  101 . In other examples of the present disclosure, and as discussed above, the support beam  101  may be mounted on brackets or other mounting devices and hardware so as to impact the height of the support beam  101  on the support surface  104 . Additionally, support beams  101  and PV modules  102  may be mounted on uneven or undulating surfaces. Accordingly, in some examples of the present disclosure, the exclusion spacer  103  may be taller or shorter than the support beam  101  to span the gap between the PV module  102  and the support surface  104 . 
     The PV module  102  may be installed on an angle with respect to the support surface  104 . In such examples, and others, the exclusion spacer  103  may be wedge shaped, tapered, curved, or any other shape suitable to span the gap between the PV module  102  and the support surface  104 . The exclusion spacer  103  may include a top surface  106  (proximate the PV module  102 ) and a bottom surface  107  (proximate the support surface  104 ). The top surface  106  may form an angle with respect to the bottom surface  107 . Additionally or alternatively, the angle of the top surface  106  to the bottom surface  107  may be formed with respect to any coordinate plane. Additionally or alternatively, the top surface  106  and the bottom surface  107  may be parallel to one another. The top surface  106  and bottom surface  107  of the exclusion spacer  103  may be adjustable with respect to one another in height and angle. Further, a pest control structure  100  may include multiple exclusion spacers  103  in multiple different shapes and sizes. As discussed above, support beams  101  and PV modules  102  may be installed on undulated or corrugated support surfaces  104 . In such examples, and others, the exclusion spacer  103  may include at least one undulated or corrugated surface. All combinations of shapes, sizes and patterns of exclusion spacer  103  are contemplated herein. 
     According to some examples of the present disclosure, the exclusion spacer  103  may be fabricated with access doors or panels. The access doors or panels may be opened before or after the exclusion spacer  103  is installed. The access doors or panels may allow access to the area between the PV module  102  and the support surface  104  after the exclusion spacer has been installed. Further, the access doors or panels may allow access to the support beams  101 . The access doors or panels may subsequently be closed re-restricting access to the area between the PV module  102  and the support surface  104 . A majority of the length of the exclusion spacer  103  may act as the access door or panel. Alternatively, the exclusion spacer  103  may include one or multiple access doors or panels along a length of the exclusion spacer  103 . 
     As described above, the exclusion spacers  103  may be installed on the sides of (e.g., laterally and medially to) the support beams  101  or PV module  102 . The support beams  101  may pass through the exclusion spacer  103 . In order to allow for the support beams  101  to pass through a portion of the exclusion spacer  103 , while still restricting access to the area between the PV module  102  and support surface  104 , the exclusion spacer  103  may include cutouts or voids. The cutouts or voids may be sized similarly to the width of the support beams  101 . The cutouts or voids may allow the through passage of the support beams  101  either orthogonal to the exclusion spacer  103  or at an angle to the exclusion spacer  103 . The cutouts or voids may be fabricated into the exclusion spacer  103 . Additionally or alternatively, the exclusion spacer  103  may have snap out, or otherwise removeable, sections to accommodate the through passage of the support beams  101 . 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an example pest-control structure  100  with a PV module  102  installation. The pest-control structure may include a permeable exclusion spacer  103 B with a network of holes  201  (e.g., a mesh). The holes  201  may allow the permeable exclusion spacer  103 B to be permeable to air, water, and small debris, while still restricting small animals. The holes  201  may span the entire permeable exclusion spacer  103  body, or only a portion of the exclusion spacer  103 B body. For example,  FIG.  2    shows the holes  201  spanning a lower portion of the permeable exclusion spacer  103 B body. Additionally, the holes  201  may include different shapes, sizes, patterns, and layouts. 
     It is understood that any exclusion spacer  103  described in this specification may contain a network of holes  201  as described above rendering the exclusion spacer  103  permeable to air and water. 
       FIG.  3    is a section side view of an example pest-control structure  100  with a PV module  102  installation. The pest-control structure  100  may include one or more fastener hole exclusion spacers  103 C, and fastener hole support beams  101 B. Referring to  FIG.  3   , a fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C may be connected to a fastener hole support beam  101 B. 
       FIG.  4    is a perspective view of an example pest-control structure  100  with a PV module  102  installation. The pest-control structure may include one or more fastener hole exclusion spacers  103 C. The fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C may be connected to a fastener hole support beam  101 B, for example, with pin standoffs  401 A. The pin standoffs  401 A may be disposed between the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C and the fastener hole support beam  101 B. 
     Multiple examples of standoffs,  401 A,  401 B, etc., are provided herein and are generally referred to as standoffs  401 . The standoffs  401  may serve to attach the exclusion spacers  103  to the support beams  101 . Additionally or alternatively, the standoffs  401  may act to facilitate connection between the exclusion spacer  103  and the support beam  101 . Additionally or alternatively, the standoffs  401  may serve only to suitably distance the exclusion spacer  103  from the support beam  101  such that access is restricted to the desired area. The standoffs  401  may serve one or more of the above functions: to connect, to facilitate connection between, and to properly distance the exclusion spacer  103  and the support beam  101 . 
     A standoff  401 , among other appearances, may be fabricated or finished to resemble the support surface  104 , the PV module  102 , the PV module  102  frame, the support beams  101 , the exclusion spacers  103 , and/or the mounting hardware, proximate to which the standoff  401  is attached. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , the fastener hole support beams  101 B may include one or more support beam fastener holes  402  or apertures in discrete locations on the fastener hole support beam  101 B. The support beam fastener holes  402  may be situated along the length of one or more sides of the fastener hole support beam  101 B. The support beam fastener holes  402  may fall on a single axis along the length of the fastener hole support beam  101 B. Alternatively, the support beam fastener holes  402  may fall at varying heights along the length of the fastener hole support beam  101 B. A fastener hole support beam  101 B may also include support beam fastener holes  402  on its ends. The fastener hole support beams  101 B may be manufactured to include support beam fastener holes  402 , or support beam fastener holes  402  may be custom drilled or tapped into fastener hole support beams  101 B. 
     It is understood that fastener hole support beams  101 B may include interface tracks  108  as described above in reference to  FIG.  1   . It is further understood that track support beams  101 A may include support beam fastener holes  402  as described above. Any combination of interface tracks  108 , support beam fastener holes  402  and support beam  101  sides are contemplated herein. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  4   , the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C may contain one or more exclusion spacer fastener holes  403  or apertures in discrete locations on the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C. The fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C may contain one or more exclusion spacer fastener holes  403 . The exclusion spacer fastener holes  403  may be situated along the length of one or more sides of the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C. The exclusion spacer fastener holes  403  may be on a single axis along the length of the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C. Additionally or alternatively, the exclusion spacer fastener holes  403  may be at varying heights along the length of the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C. A fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C may also have exclusion spacer fastener holes  403  on its ends. The fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C may be manufactured with exclusion spacer fastener holes  403 , or exclusion spacer fastener holes  403  may be custom drilled or tapped into the fastener hole exclusion spacers  103 C. 
       FIG.  5    is a section side view of a portion of an example pest-control structure  100 . Referring to  FIG.  5   , a pin standoff  401 A may be used to connect a fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C to a fastener hole support beam  101 B. The pin standoffs  401 A may connect to the support beam fastener holes  402 . The pin standoffs  401 A may press-fit into the support beam fastener holes  402 . Additionally or alternatively, the support beam fastener holes  402  may be threaded and the pin standoffs  401 A may thread into the support beam fastener holes  402 . Screw  501  may connect the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C with the pin standoffs  401 A. Additional types of connectors, e.g., bolts, nuts, machine screws, self-tapping screws, rivets, pins, may alternatively connect the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C with the pin standoffs  401 A. Any suitable method of mating such bodies known to those of ordinary skill in the art is contemplated herein. 
       FIG.  6    is a section side view of a portion of an example pest-control structure  100 . Referring to  FIG.  6   , the pest-control structure may include a spacer standoff  401 B between a fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C and fastener hole support beam  101 B. The spacer standoff  401 B may facilitate connection of the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C to the fastener hole support beam  101 B. Additionally or alternatively, the spacer standoff  401 B may properly distance the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C from the fastener hole support beam  101 B such that access is restricted to the desired area. Bolt  601  may be used with the spacer standoffs  401 B to connect the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C to the fastener hole support beam  101 B. Further, additional types of connectors, e.g., screws, machine screws, self-tapping screws, pins, may alternatively be used with the spacer standoffs  401 B. Any suitable method of mating such bodies and known to those of ordinary skill in the art is contemplated herein. 
     Exclusion spacers  103  may be connected with, or connected to standoffs  401 . The exclusion spacer  103  may contain press-fit pins which may press-fit into a standoff  401  aperture. The exclusion spacer  103  press-fit pins may be integral to the exclusion spacer  103 . Additionally or alternatively, the pin standoffs  401 A may press-fit into the exclusion spacer holes  201  in the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C. 
     As discussed herein, the exclusion spacers  103  may be connected to standoffs  401  or support beams  101 . The exclusion spacer  103  may be connected to the support beams  101  or the standoffs  401  in a quick-release manner, for example, using quick-release pins, quick-disconnect couplings, etc. According to such examples, and others, the exclusion spacer  103  may be quickly and easily removed from, and returned to, a PV module  102  installation which may promote ease of access to the support beams and the area between the PV module  102  and the support surface. 
     Standoffs  401  may function primarily as spacing devices. In such configurations the standoff  401  may act as a spacer between a support beam  101  and an exclusion spacer  103  ensuring proper installation location of the exclusion spacer  103  relative to the support beam  101 . The standoff  401  may have a through-hole, and a bolt  601  may pass from the outside of the exclusion spacer  103 , through the exclusion spacer  103 , and the standoff  401 , and may be secured at the support beam  101 . 
     It is understood that the above-mentioned fastening and distancing methods between the pin standoff  401 A and the fastener hole support beam  101 B, between the pin standoff  401 A and the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C, between the spacer standoff  401 B and the fastener hole support beam  101 B, and between the spacer standoff  401 B and the fastener hole exclusion spacer  103 C are not restricted to the above discussion or accompanying drawings. Rather, any combination of fastening and spacing methods discussed herein or otherwise known in the art may be used alone or in any combination. 
       FIGS.  7 - 8    show examples of additional example exclusion spacers  103 , standoffs  401 , and support beams  101 .  FIG.  7    is a section side view of an example pest-control structure  100  with a PV module  102  installation. Referring to  FIG.  7   , the pest-control structure  100  and/or system may include a double track standoff  401 C. The double track standoff  401 C may space and/or connect a track exclusion spacer  103 D to a track support beam  101 A.  FIG.  8    is a perspective view of an example pest-control structure  100  with a PV module  102  installation. As discussed above in reference to  FIG.  1   , the track support beams  101 A may include at least one interface track  108 . The interface track  108  may be disposed along one side (e.g., see  FIG.  1   ), or any combination of all sides, of the track support beam  101 A (e.g., see  FIG.  8   ). The interface track  108  may span an entire side of the track support beam  101 A or may only be disposed on portions of a side of the track support beam  101 A. The interface track  108  may include a socket profile, a plug profile, or a combination of both. In examples of the present disclosure, a track support beam  101 A may have a combination of interface tracks  108  and support beam fastener holes  402 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  7   , and as discussed above, the pest-control structure  100  may use double track standoffs  401 C which may be disposed between the track support beams  101 A and the track exclusion spacers  103 D. The double track standoffs  401 C may at one end connect to the interface track  108 , and at a second end connect to the track exclusion spacer  103 D. To facilitate connection with the interface track  108 , the double track standoff  401 C may include an interface track coupling form  702 . The interface track coupling form  702  may include portions of complementary geometry to the interface track  108 , such that the interface track coupling forms  702  and the interface track  108  fit within, around, and/or engage one another. The interface track coupling forms  702  may include a socket profile, a plug profile, or a combination of both. It is understood that for examples of the present disclosure including an interface track coupling form  702  with a socket profile, the interface track  108  may have a corresponding plug profile, and vice versa. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  7   , the track exclusion spacer  103 D may include an exclusion spacer track  703 . The exclusion spacer track  703  may include complementary geometry to an exclusion track coupling form  704  of the double track standoffs  401 C such that the exclusion track coupling forms  704  and the exclusion spacer track  703  may fit within, around, and/or engage one another, thereby coupling the track exclusion spacer  103 D with the double track standoff  401 C. In examples of the present disclosure, the exclusion spacer track  703 , like the exclusion track coupling forms  704 , may include a socket profile, a plug profile, or a combination of both. It is understood that for examples of the present disclosure including an exclusion spacer track  703  with a socket profile, the exclusion track coupling forms  704  may have a corresponding plug profile, and vice versa. 
     The double track standoffs  401 C may act to facilitate connection between the track exclusion spacer  103 D and the track support beam  101 A. Alternatively, the double track standoffs  401 C may serve only to properly distance the track exclusion spacer  103 D from the track support beam  101 A such that access is restricted to the desired area. The double track standoffs  401 C may serve one or more of the above functions, which may include, for example, to connect, to facilitate connection between, and/or to properly distance the track exclusion spacer  103 D and the track support beam  101 A. Any of the above-mentioned methods of attaching and spacing regarding track exclusion spacers  103 D and track support beams  101 A may be utilized independently or may be utilized together in any combination in single applications. 
     Standoffs  401  may include two track ends (e.g., track standoff  401 D). Additionally or alternatively, standoffs may include two pin ends (e.g., pin standoff  401 A). Additionally or alternatively, standoffs  401  may include one track end and one pin end, a track end and a receiving hole end, a pin end and a receiving hole end (e.g.,  FIG.  5   ), or two receiving hole ends (e.g.,  FIG.  6   ). The previous mentioned configurations are mere examples, all configurations of the above connecting methods, and those not mentioned but known in the art, are contemplated herein in any combination. 
       FIG.  9    is an isometric view of an example adjustable through-hole track standoff  401 D. The adjustable through-hole track standoff  401 D may include two track ends. The adjustable through-hole track standoff  401 D may include a through-hole  901 . The through-hole  901  may be threaded. In such examples, when the adjustable through-hole track standoff  401 D is coupled with the interface track  108 , a set screw may be inserted through the through-hole  901  and against a surface (e.g., back surface of a socket profile track or front surface of a plug profile track) of the interface track  108 , thereby forcing the corresponding track profiles against one another and securing the through-hole track standoff  401 D in place. 
     Referring to standoffs  401  having track profiles generally, as described above with reference to  FIG.  9   , set screws may be inserted through the standoffs  401  and tightened against a surface of the interface track  108  profile, thereby locking the standoff  401  in place. Additionally or alternatively, locks may be placed on either side of the standoffs  401  and engaged with and secured to the interface track  108  and/or the exclusion spacer track, thereby locking the standoffs  401  in place. Additionally or alternatively, screws may be inserted into a surface (e.g., front or back) of the interface track  108  profile and/or the exclusion spacer track  703  profile on either side of the standoffs  401  thereby securing the standoffs  401  in place. Other methods of securing the standoffs  401  to the interface track  108  and the exclusion spacer track  703  will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art and are contemplated herein. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  9   , the adjustable through-hole track standoff  401 D may be adjustable in length. The adjustable through-hole track standoff  401 D may be constructed of two parts, an outer part  902  and an inner part  903  slideably engaged with the outer part  902 . The length of the adjustable through-hole track standoff  401 D may be adjusted by sliding the ends of the inner part  903  and outer part  902  towards or away from one another. The length of the adjustable through-hole track standoff  401 D may then be locked. For example, a set screw may be threaded through a wall of the outer part  902 . The set screw may be tightened against the inner part  903  thereby locking the inner part  903  in relation to the outer part  902 , and locking the length of the standoff  401 . 
     As a further example, the outer part  902  and inner part  903  may have a linear ratcheting relationship. The outer part  902  and inner part  903  may ratchet and click into place as the two parts are slid in relation to one another. The adjustable through-hole track standoff  401 D may have graduated markings indicating the length of the adjustable through-hole track standoff  401 D at each graduation. 
     It is understood, that standoff  401  adjustability is not restricted to adjustable through-hole track standoffs  401 D. Rather, all configurations of standoffs  401  described in this disclosure may be adjustable and lockable as described in reference to  FIG.  9    or may be otherwise adjustable as would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. Further, all configurations of standoffs  401  described in this disclosure may be fixed. Additionally, all adjustable standoffs  401  may contain graduations as described above. 
     PV modules  102  may be rectangular. As such, PV modules may be variously oriented in different installations. For example, in some installations PV modules  102  may be oriented in portrait (with the long edge of the PV module  102  disposed orthogonal to the support beams  101 ). In other installations, PV modules  102  may be oriented in landscape (with the short edge of the PV module  102  orthogonal to the support beams  101 ). Additionally, varying installations may compel differently sized PV modules  102 . As it can be appreciated, in different installations, the distance from the support beam  101  to the PV module  102  edge, where an exclusion spacer  103  may be installed, may vary. Therefore, the use of adjustable standoffs  401  may be useful. Such adjustable standoffs  401  may allow installers to install exclusion spacers  103  variously spaced from support beams  101  while utilizing a single part. 
       FIG.  10    is a section side view of a portion of an example pest-control structure  100  integrated with a PV module  102  installation. Referring to  FIG.  10    the pest-control structure  100  and/or system may include a double track standoff  401 C, a track exclusion spacer  103 D and a unitary track exclusion spacer  103 A. Thus, with reference to  FIG.  10   , it will be appreciated that a single pest-control structure  100  may contain multiple shapes, sizes and styles of exclusion spacers  103 . Further, as discussed above, methods of attachment between exclusion spacers  103  and support beams  101  may differ between multiple exclusion spacers  103  in a single pest-control structure and/or system. Such methods of attachment are not limited to those illustrated in  FIG.  10   , but may refer to any standoff and method of attachment described herein or otherwise known to those skilled in the art. 
     Further configurations for integrating the pest-control structure with a PV module installation may be appreciated by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.  FIG.  11    is a section side view of a portion of an example pest-control structure  100  with a PV module  102  installation. Referring to  FIG.  11   , the pest-control structure  100  and/or system may include an exclusion spacer bracket  1101  mounted to the same surface as a PV module  102 . A bracket attached exclusion spacer  103 E, situated anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, proximal, distal, superior, or inferior to the support beam  101 , may be attached to the support beam  101  via an exclusion spacer bracket  1101 . The exclusion spacer bracket  1101  may be installed on the same surface as the PV module  102  or beneath the PV module  102  where the PV module  102  may be installed on top of the exclusion spacer bracket  1101 . The exclusion spacer bracket  1101  may be disposed under the PV module  102  and connected to the PV module  102  at a first surface and connected to the support beam  101  at a second surface different than the first surface. The bracket attached exclusion spacer  103 E may be attached to the exclusion spacer bracket  1101  restricting access to the area of the support surface  104  between the PV module  102  and the support surface  104 . The bracket attached exclusion spacer  103 E and the exclusion spacer bracket  1101  may be formed of a single, integral part. Any suitable method of attachment, as contemplated herein or otherwise appreciated by those skilled in the art, are contemplated with respect to the exclusion spacer bracket  1101  and the support beam  101 . The exclusion spacer bracket  1101  may be adjustable in length or fixed in length. 
       FIG.  12    is a section side view of a pest-control structure  100  integrated with a PV module  102  installation. Referring to  FIG.  12   , the pest-control structure  100  and/or system may include a frame mounted exclusion spacers  103 F, interface frames  1201 , and retention members  1202 . The interface frame  1201  may be disposed along one, all, or any combination of sides of the PV module  102 . The interface frame  1201  may be disposed along an entire side of the PV module  102 , or portions of the interface frame  1201  may be disposed at single or multiple discrete locations along a side of the PV module  102 . The PV module  102  may be manufactured with the interface frame  1201 . Additionally or alternatively, the interface frame  1201  may be added to an already manufactured PV module  102 . The frame mounted exclusion spacer  103 F may interface with and connect to the interface frame  1201 . The frame mounted exclusion spacer  103 F may connect to the frame using, for example, clips, screws, clamps, rivets, adhesives, pins, tracks, or any suitable method of joining two bodies and/or any of the other joining methods described herein. The frame mounted exclusion spacer  103 F may connect to the interface frame  1201  along a length of the interface frame  1201 , or to any number of discrete locations along the length of the interface frame  1201 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  12   , the frame mounted exclusion spacer  103 F may be formed of a non-pliable, or a pliable material. Examples of pliable frame mounted exclusion spacers  103 F may include but are not limited to rubber, vinyl, nylon, nylon mesh etc. Where the frame mounted exclusion spacer  103 F is formed of a pliable material, the frame mounted exclusion spacer  103 F may take the form of a skirt around one or more sides of the PV module  102 . In such examples, the frame mounted exclusion spacer  103 F may benefit from retention on the support surface  104 . Such retention may be realized via a retention member  1202 . The retention member  1202  may be rigidly installed to the support surface  104  or the support beams  101 . The retention member  1202  may be disposed along a portion of the length of the exclusion spacer  103 . The exclusion spacer  103  may be connected to the retention member  1202  thereby retaining the exclusion spacer  103  against the retention member  1202 . 
       FIG.  13    is a section side view of an example pest-control structure  100  with a PV module  102  installation. Referring to  FIG.  13   , the pest-control structure  100  and/or system may include frame exclusion spacers  103 G in the form of drop-in frames. The frame exclusion spacer  103 G may be in the form of a preformed drop-in frame. The frame exclusion spacer  103 G may be placed over the top of an installed PV module  102 . The frame exclusion spacer  103 G may be connected and secured to either one, all, or a combination of the support beams  101 , the PV module  102 , and/or the support surface  104 . The frame exclusion spacer  103 G may include an exclusion elongation (e.g., extending to the support surface  104 ) on one, all, or any combination of sides of the PV module  102 . 
       FIG.  14    is a section side view of a pest-control structure  100  with a PV module  102  installation. Referring to  FIG.  14   , the pest-control structure  100  and/or system may include integral exclusion spacers  103 H, integral to a PV module  102 . Accordingly, the integral exclusion spacer  103 H may be built into the PV module  102 . The integral exclusion spacer  103 H may be integral to the PV module  102  and may additionally provide support and/or rigidity to the PV module  102  installation. 
       FIG.  15    is a perspective view of a pest-control structure  100  with a PV module  102  installation. Referring to  FIG.  15   , the pest control-structure  100  and/or system may include a water delivery exclusion spacer  103 I comprising a water delivery system  1501 . The pest-control structure  100 , and more particularly, the water delivery exclusion spacer  103 I, may include a PV module  102  cleaning system. The water delivery exclusion spacer  103 I may include a water delivery system  1501 . The water delivery system  1501  may include at least a water channel  1502 , an inlet, an outlet, and a spray head  1503  on each water delivery exclusion spacer  103 I. Each water delivery exclusion spacer  103 I may not have each element of the water delivery system  1501 . For example, some water delivery exclusion spacers  103 I may include only an inlet and an outlet, or only an inlet. The spray head  1503  may be removeable and adjustable and disposed above the PV module  102 . The spray head  1503  may be adjustable with regards to the spray pattern, spray arc, and water flow. The spray heads  1503  may be interchangeable where, for example, they may be removed and replaced with differently performing spray heads  1503 . One spray head  1503  may be able to cover multiple PV modules  102  in an array of PV modules  102 . Therefore, spray heads may not be included with every exclusion spacer  103 . Spray heads  1503  may be removed and a plug may be inserted in their stead. The water delivery system  1501  may be expandable such that the inlets and outlets may be coupled to create various configurations. The outlets may also be plugged at the end of a water delivery system run. 
     The cleaning system may work along with, or separate from, a monitoring system. The monitoring system may monitor the cleanliness of an array of PV modules  102  and notify a user when the array, or a portion thereof, requires cleaning. The monitoring system may monitor the PV modules  102  (e.g., the power output of the PV modules) to establish a baseline when the PV modules  102  are new or after they have been cleaned. The monitoring system may adjust for the time of year and the height of the sun in the sky. According to examples of the present disclosure, the monitoring system may determine whether a particular PV module  102  requires cleaning. The monitoring system may include PV module output production and efficiency in its determination. The monitoring system may notify the user when a cleaning threshold is reached. The threshold may include the instance when one panel is extremely dirty, or when a percentage of panels reach a cleaning threshold. The monitoring system may account for variables such as tree limb shading, structure shading, etc., so that the baseline may be adjusted during a shaded part of the day. The system may notify the homeowner when a cleaning is need and may offer to send a cleaning service. According to examples of the present disclosure, the monitoring and cleaning systems may work in tandem. In such examples, the monitoring system may notify the user when portions of a PV module  102  array require cleaning. The monitoring system may work with the cleaning system to target those portions of the array that require cleaning. 
     Although examples are described above, features and/or steps of those examples may be combined, divided, omitted, rearranged, revised, and/or augmented in any desired manner. Various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this description, though not expressly stated herein, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not limiting. Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” “proximal,” distal,” “anterior,” “posterior,” “lateral,” “medial,” and the like, as used herein, are intended for descriptive purposes only and do not limit the disclosure in any way.