Abstract:
A clamp particularly designed for use on the end of a solar module mounting rail, includes two hinged parts that can be adjusted by a fastener to clamp a solar module to the rail. A pull-tab with toothed catches helps to position the clamp during installation, and also prevents the clamp from sliding too far into the rail, while a grip body increases friction and electrical contact between the solar module and the clamp.
Abstract:
A multi-rail system for mounting solar modules to a surface, such as a roof, uses two rails to support a first row of solar modules, and a single rail to support each subsequent row of solar modules. Splices connect edges of solar modules between rows, providing support along one edge of the solar modules for the subsequent rows.
Abstract:
Collapsible solar energy panel assemblies including containment shields for covering an opening made between the solar energy panel and an installation surface.
Abstract:
A solar panel mount assembly includes a base portion mountable to an installation surface, and a support arm defining a support shoulder. The support arm is coupled to the base portion. The support arm and base portion cooperate to accommodate positioning the support arm at an adjustable distance relative to the installation surface. The solar panel mount assembly further includes a rotatable clamp assembly coupled to the support shoulder, and includes at least two brackets that releasably secure a portion of one or more solar panels.
Abstract:
A solar mount, for use with a bracket attachment, has an open and a closed state. In the open state, grip flanges on two hinged arms can pass through a slot opening on the bracket attachment. In the closed state, the grip flanges cooperate with respective groves in the bracket attachment to secure the solar mount to the bracket attachment. In the closed state, a fastener attaches a solar accessory, such as a rail, and holds the two hinged arms together. A flexible mount helps hold the two hinged arms together in the open state, and also helps hold the two hinged arms in the closed state.
Abstract:
A twist-lock clamp to attach a solar module to a rail system includes a spring between a top clamp and a t-nut, with features on the spring and top clamp to restrict rotation relative to each other. The t-nut includes features allowing rotation of about 90 degrees when the t-nut is inserted in a rail, but restrict rotation beyond about 90 degrees. The spring serves to hold the top clamp and t-nut apart while allowing the twist-lock clamp to resist sliding in the rail during installation.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a connector assembly for solar panels includes an asymmetrical engagement assembly that forms a corner of the connector assembly. The asymmetrical engagement assembly also includes at least a first pair of flanges and a second pair of flanges extending from the corner of the connector assembly, with at least a portion of one flange of the first pair of flanges disposed between the second pair of flanges, and at least a portion of one flange of the second pair of flanges disposed between the first pair of flanges.
Abstract:
Clamp assemblies for mounting solar panels and accessories. Clamp assemblies can have geometric features, shaped apertures for fasteners, and measured protrusions for allowing clamp rotation, lateral adjustment, self-alignment, and angled surfaces for facilitating installation of a solar panel. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
Abstract:
A splice having a main body and one or more protrusions extending from the main body. The one or more protrusions can be operable to interfere with a rail when the main body is installed into an opening of the rail. The one or more protrusions may be operable to cut into a coating of the rail and form an electrical connection between the rail and the main body.
Abstract:
Combinations of various solar module mounting components are tested and certified for use in mounting solar modules. The components are tested and certified for use in different configurations, allowing them to be cross-compatible. The different configurations include dual-rail systems, shared-rail systems, and rail-free systems.