Patent ID: 8536442

Claim:
A photovoltaic module mounting system for use with a plurality of photovoltaic modules and support rails comprising: at least a first type of mounting bracket in contact with a first module, wherein the first type of mounting bracket has a first wall having a first edge, and wherein the first edge has a first interlocking feature; and at least a second type of mounting bracket coupled to and extending beyond the end of a second module to form an extension thereof, wherein the second type of mounting bracket has a second wall having a second edge, wherein the second edge has a second interlocking feature configured to interlock with the first interlocking feature and connect adjacent first and second modules together, wherein the first type of mounting bracket and the second type of mounting bracket mate together to form a channel for the support rail; wherein a vertical gap measured from the second edge to an underside of the second module has a gap height that is less than a height of the support rail, wherein the gap height is measured perpendicular to the axis of the support rail; and wherein the second type of mounting bracket has an opening which spans laterally across a width of the bracket, wherein the width has a lateral axis along a line that is at a non-parallel angle with respect to the support rail, and wherein the opening encompasses the extension of the second type of mounting bracket beyond the end of the second module.