SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MODULAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
First Claim
1. A method of installing a prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules, comprising the steps of:
- providing at an installation location a prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules, said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules having a frame with a plurality of photovoltaic modules mechanically connected to said frame, each of said plurality of photovoltaic modules comprising one or more photovoltaic solar cells, each of said plurality of photovoltaic modules configured to generate at least 50 Watts of electrical power under an illumination level of 1 kiloWatt per square meter, said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules having an electrical connector mechanically connected to said frame and configured to provide electrical power output terminals, said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules configured to be transported from a first location different from said installation location, with an electrical connection to said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules to be made at said installation location by way of said electrical connector;
disposing said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules in a working orientation at said installation location; and
making an electrical connection between said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules and an electrical load by way of said electrical connector, thereby making said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules electrically operational when said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules is illuminated.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules mechanically assembled to a frame and pre-wired at an assembly location such as a factory and is transported to an installation location. The prefabricated array is wired so that a connection to a load, such as a home or an AC power delivery system can be accomplished by connecting a single connector to the load. The prefabricated array can be conveniently set up at the installation site using a lifting point attached to the array, for example at the frame. The time required to perform the installation and make the necessary electrical connections to make the array operable when illuminated can be as short as one hour.
76 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of installing a prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules, comprising the steps of:
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providing at an installation location a prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules, said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules having a frame with a plurality of photovoltaic modules mechanically connected to said frame, each of said plurality of photovoltaic modules comprising one or more photovoltaic solar cells, each of said plurality of photovoltaic modules configured to generate at least 50 Watts of electrical power under an illumination level of 1 kiloWatt per square meter, said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules having an electrical connector mechanically connected to said frame and configured to provide electrical power output terminals, said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules configured to be transported from a first location different from said installation location, with an electrical connection to said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules to be made at said installation location by way of said electrical connector; disposing said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules in a working orientation at said installation location; and making an electrical connection between said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules and an electrical load by way of said electrical connector, thereby making said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules electrically operational when said prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules is illuminated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification