Patent ID: 8732940

Claim:
A system for mounting photovoltaic (PV) panel modules to a support structure comprising: a first and second PV panel module each including mounting structures thereon; a first elongate member securable to the support structure and including a plurality of first mounting sites positionally fixed thereon in a predetermined location and spaced along a length of the first elongate member, the first mounting sites including an element for securing the first and second PV panel modules to the first elongate member; a second elongate member securable to the support structure and including a plurality of second mounting sites positionally fixed thereon in a predetermined location and spaced along a length of the second elongate member, the second elongate member being spaced from the first elongate member and aligned therewith in a generally parallel orientation, the second mounting sites including an element for securing the first and second PV panel modules to the second elongate member; and the position of the first and second elongate members being adjustable relative to each other to align the plurality of first and second mounting sites in a configuration to form a first and second set of fixed mounting sites, the first set of fixed mounting sites corresponding to the mounting structures on the first PV panel module, and the second set of fixed mounting sites corresponding to the mounting structures on the second PV panel module, wherein the first PV panel module is securable to the first and second elongate members upon cooperation of the first set of mounting sites and the first PV panel module mounting structures and the second PV panel module is securable to the first and second elongate members adjacent to the first PV panel module upon cooperation of the second set of mounting sites and the second PV panel module mounting structures, and wherein the plurality of first mounting sites and the plurality of second mounting sites are positionally fixed on the first and second elongate members respectively before the installation of the first and second PV panel modules thereon; and wherein one of the first and second elongate members includes a wireway extending along a length thereof, the wireway forms a conduit for accommodating therein wires operably connected to the first and second PV panel modules, the wireway including a plurality of connection stations spaced along a length thereof and having a fixed position relative to the wireway, the plurality of connection stations each having an electrical connector extending through a wall of the wireway and removably connected to one of the first and second PV panel modules, and the connector stations are disposed on the wireway wherein the connector stations align with a module junction box disposed on the underside of the first and second PV panel modules.