This disclosure discusses devices, systems, and methods for attaching solar modules to roofs. A first device may include an upper platform and a clamp jaw. The upper platform includes a top surface and a bottom surface that extends obliquely downward with respect to the top surface. The clamp jaw clamps a solar module downward against the top surface as the clamp jaw moves along the bottom surface. A second device may include an upper platform and a pair of clamp jaws spaced apart along the upper platform. The upper platform includes a top surface and a bottom surface that extends obliquely downward with respect to the top surface. The pair of clamp jaws clamps a pair of adjacent solar modules downward against the top surface as the clamp jaws move along the bottom surface.
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
F24S 25/613 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures in the form of bent strips or assemblies of stripsHook-like connectorsConnectors to be mounted between building-covering elements
2.
Railless mounting devices for securing solar modules to roofs
This disclosure discusses railless devices for attaching solar modules to roofs. The devices are designed to snap into detented solar module frames. The devices include end clamps and mid clamps with roof-attachment brackets and module-attachment clamps. The roof-attachment bracket includes a riser extending upward from a base. A threaded aperture extends downward into the riser through the riser-top. The module-attachment clamp is secured over the riser-top by a threaded fastener. The threaded fastener extends through the module-attachment clamp and into the threaded aperture. The module-attachment clamp snaps on to detents in the frame of the solar module. End clamps and mid clamps may be pre-attached to the solar modules at the jobsite to form solar module assemblies that can later be secured to the roof. The structure of the mounting components allows subsequent rows of solar module assemblies to simply snap into previous rows of solar module assemblies.
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
3.
Railless mounting system and devices for attaching solar modules to roofs
Devices, systems, and methods for attaching solar modules to roofs. The devices may include a module hook clamp with a clamp body with clamp body arms extending upward from a clamp body base. The clamp body arms may include downward-facing hooks that engage a portion of the solar module's return flange and the outward-facing surface of the solar module. A spacer may optionally be positioned between the clamp body arms. The spacer may seat the solar module. A hook arm with a generally curve-shaped seating surface may extend below the clamp body base. The devices may further include a module attachment bracket that secures a second solar module in a similar manner as the module hook clamp. The module attachment bracket may include a platform that seats the hook arm of the module hook clamp, and a hook arm receiver that receives and secures the open end of the hook arm.
Disclosed are devices that may include brackets and clamps for assembling mounting structures built from pipes and cross-braces. These mounting structures support solar panels. The devices may include a rail-pipe bracket that secures a rail to a pipe. The rail-pipe bracket may include openings for seating a pipe and include hooks for securing the rail. The devices may also include one or more pipe clamps that secure the pipes together. These pipe clamps are adjustable and may accommodate pipes of various sizes thanks to a multi-tier hinge structure.
F16L 3/10 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing divided, i.e. with two members engaging the pipe, cable or protective tubing
H02S 20/10 - Supporting structures directly fixed to the ground
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
5.
Rail-less mounting system and devices for attaching solar modules to roofs
This disclosure discusses devices, systems, and methods for attaching solar modules to roofs. The devices allow for pre-assembly of clamping devices to the solar modules on the ground and subsequent installation on the roof. End clamps may be preinstalled on the trailing-edge of modules. Module hook brackets may be preinstalled to the leading edge of non-first row modules. The system uses edge splices and loop splices to secure modules together within a row. Subsequent rows are installed by rotationally engaging the loop splices with module hook brackets. The system may use separate devices for roof attachment and inter-module attachment. This separation between roof-securing devices and inter-module securing devices allow the present system to assemble quickly and allows for greater flexibility in design, span, and module placement.
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
F24S 25/613 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures in the form of bent strips or assemblies of stripsHook-like connectorsConnectors to be mounted between building-covering elements
6.
Railless mounting system and devices for attaching solar modules to roofs
Devices, systems, and methods for attaching solar modules to roofs. The devices may include a module hook clamp with a clamp body with clamp body arms extending upward from a clamp body base. The clamp body arms may include downward-facing hooks that engage a portion of the solar module's return flange and the outward-facing surface of the solar module. A spacer may optionally be positioned between the clamp body arms. The spacer may seat the solar module. A hook arm with a generally curve-shaped seating surface may extend below the clamp body base. The devices may further include a module attachment bracket that secures a second solar module in a similar manner as the module hook clamp. The module attachment bracket may include a platform that seats the hook arm of the module hook clamp, and a hook arm receiver that receives and secures the open end of the hook arm.
Disclosed are devices that may include brackets and clamps for assembling mounting structures built from pipes and cross-braces. These mounting structures support solar panels. The devices may include a rail-pipe bracket that secures a rail to a pipe. The rail-pipe bracket may include openings for seating a pipe and include hooks for securing the rail. The devices may also include one or more pipe clamps that secure the pipes together. These pipe clamps are adjustable and may accommodate pipes of various sizes thanks to a multi-tier hinge structure.
F16L 3/10 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing divided, i.e. with two members engaging the pipe, cable or protective tubing
H02S 20/10 - Supporting structures directly fixed to the ground
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
8.
Solar panel racking system and devices for the same
A solar panel racking system that can include end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, L-foot adapter assemblies, rails, and L-foot assemblies. The solar panel racking system minimizes the use of tools by snapping many of the mounting components in place. The end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps can snap over the rail sides and lock into upper detented portions of the rail sides. The upper detented portions are structured to prevent upward movement of the end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps. The L-foot adapter body of the L-foot adapter assembly snaps over lower detented portions of rail sides and secures the rail to an L-foot assembly. The end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, rails, and L-foot adapter assemblies are independent of the L-foot assembly, allowing a selection of L-foot assemblies to be used as appropriate with the solar panel racking system.
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
F16B 2/12 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using sliding jaws
F16B 2/02 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
9.
Devices and systems for mounting solar panels to metal roofs
Disclosed are standing seam clamps and solar panel racking systems that include the standing seam clamps. The standing seam clamps may include detents in the sides of their clamp bodies that allow a solar panel clamp to secure to the clamp body without threaded fasteners. The standing seam clamp includes structure to secure solar panel racking system without rails. The standing seam clamp may be optionally structured to secure both rail-less and rail-base solar panel racking systems.
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
F16B 2/10 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using pivoting jaws
F16B 5/06 - Joining sheets or plates to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
F24S 25/636 - ClampsClips clamping by screw-threaded elements
E04D 3/361 - ConnectingFastening by specially-profiled marginal portions of the slabs or sheets
10.
L-foot adapter for rail-based solar panel racking systems
Described are supports with devices or brackets, that are specially mounted, such as L-foot adapters, that help mount solar panel racking systems to roofs. The L-foot adapter assembly may include an L-foot adapter body and a spacer that is removable and positionable between the two sides of the L-foot adapter body. A threaded fastener extends through the first of the two sides of the L-foot adapter body, through the spacer, and threadedly engages the second side of the L-foot adapter body. The spacer limits how much the two sides of the L-foot adapter body can be squeezed together and therefore prevents overtightening.
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
F16B 5/02 - Joining sheets or plates to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of fastening members using screw-thread
F24S 25/61 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures
F24S 25/636 - ClampsClips clamping by screw-threaded elements
F24S 25/65 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together
H02S 30/00 - Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
F24S 25/00 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
F24S 25/60 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
11.
Device and system for mounting solar panels to roofs and the like
A device and system for mounting a solar panel return flange to a rail. The device can include a clamp body and a clamping mechanism. With the clamp body receiving the solar panel return flange and the rail, the clamping mechanism can press the rail upward against the return flange and secure the solar panel to the rail.
F16M 11/00 - Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon
F16B 2/14 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening using wedges
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
Discussed are solar panel systems as well as devices and methods for mounting the solar panel systems to roofs and building structures. Catch clamp, mid clamp, and optionally end clamp assemblies can be preinstalled to the solar panels at the job site before placing and securing the resulting solar panel assemblies to the building structure such as a roof. After an installer places and secures a first solar panel assembly to the building structure, they can install each subsequent solar panel assemblies by attaching the leading edge of the subsequent solar panel assembly to the trailing edge of the previous solar panel assembly using a catch and catch receiver, hook and slot, tab and slot, or similar mechanism.
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
F16B 2/12 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using sliding jaws
Discussed are solar panel systems as well as devices and methods for mounting the solar panel systems to roofs and building structures. Catch clamp, mid clamp, and optionally end clamp assemblies can be preinstalled to the solar panels at the job site before placing and securing the resulting solar panel assemblies to the building structure such as a roof. After an installer places and secures a first solar panel assembly to the building structure, they can install each subsequent solar panel assemblies by attaching the leading edge of the subsequent solar panel assembly to the trailing edge of the previous solar panel assembly using a catch and catch receiver, hook and slot, tab and slot, or similar mechanism.
F24S 25/67 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent modules or their peripheral frames
F24S 25/37 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the mounting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors forming substantially planar assemblies, e.g. of coplanar or stacked profiles forming coplanar grids comprising longitudinal and transversal profiles
F24S 25/60 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
F24S 25/00 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
Disclosed are systems and devices for managing wires and cables associated with residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale solar panel installations. The system can include wire management clips. Some of the wire management clips described can attach to the sides and tops of rails that are used to mount solar panels. Others can attach to the return flange (i.e., inner lip) of a solar panel frame. The wire management clips that mount to the return flange can be used in both rail and rail-less solar panel assemblies.
Disclosed are methods and devices for securing a solar panel racking system to a tile roof, without removing roof tiles. The devices and method in combination may operate under severe weather conditions such as hurricanes, typhoons, and other tropical cyclones. An installer positions a stanchion through a hole in one of the roof tiles in the tile roof and onto a layer of polyurethane foam positioned over a layer of waterproof roof adhesive sealant. The installer extends the threaded fasteners obliquely through the stanchion, the layer of polyurethane foam, and the layer of waterproof roof adhesive sealant into the roof deck. The waterproof adhesive sealant bonds to the roof underlayment and creates a waterproof seal between the threaded fasteners and the roof deck.
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
E04B 1/38 - Connections for building structures in general
E04B 1/68 - Sealings of joints, e.g. expansion joints
F24S 25/00 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
F24S 25/10 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
F24S 25/61 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures
H02S 20/24 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures specially adapted for flat roofs
F24S 25/60 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
This disclosure discusses devices and systems for attaching solar panels to metal roofs. A mounting device has two or more hinge bases that can pivot at various angles about a hinge platform assembly. The hinge platform assembly is optionally widthwise adjustable. The above-mentioned adjustments allow the mounting device to secure solar panels to various types of metal roofs such as flat, corrugated, and trapezoidal. The hinge platform assembly interfaces with various components of the solar panel racking system. The hinge platform assembly includes hinge sleeves that pass into slots within the hinge bases and surround hinge pins that project upward from the hinge bases. This allows the hinge bases to captively rotate about the hinge platform assembly.
This disclosure discusses devices for mounting solar PV panels to a roof and other mounting structures. One device may include a railless mounting assembly that includes a roof attachment bracket and a panel attachment bracket. The roof attachment bracket may include a spring clip and a hook. The device may include a solar panel frame with built-in detents for mounting. It may include a solar panel frame capable of attaching to the spring clip and hook.
F16B 2/12 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using sliding jaws
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
H02S 30/00 - Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
F16B 2/20 - Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
F16B 2/02 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
19.
Solar panel racking system and devices for the same
A solar panel racking system that can include end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, L-foot adapter assemblies, rails, and L-foot assemblies. The solar panel racking system minimizes the use of tools by snapping many of the mounting components in place. The end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps can snap over the rail sides and lock into upper detented portions of the rail sides. The upper detented portions are structured to prevent upward movement of the end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps. The L-foot adapter body of the L-foot adapter assembly snaps over lower detented portions of rail sides and secures the rail to an L-foot assembly. The end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, rails, and L-foot adapter assemblies are independent of the L-foot assembly, allowing a selection of L-foot assemblies to be used as appropriate with the solar panel racking system.
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
F16B 2/12 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using sliding jaws
F16B 2/02 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
20.
Electrical jumper for equipotential electrical connection
This disclosure discusses an electrical jumper for equipotential electrical connection between devices. The electrical jumper may include a body and clamps optionally positioned on opposite ends of the body. The clamps include a series of interlacable multi-hinged fingers. Downward-facing fingers and upward-facing fingers extend away from the body. The downward-facing fingers may interlace with the upward-facing fingers when unclamped. When clamped, downward-facing fingers may interlace with the upward-facing fingers may alternate. The ends of the upward-facing fingers and downward-facing fingers may face inward toward the body. The fingers may move and hinge independently of one another along multiple hinges.
H02S 40/00 - Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups
H02S 40/36 - Electrical components characterised by special electrical interconnection means between two or more PV modules, e.g. electrical module-to-module connection
This disclosure discusses devices and systems for attaching solar panels to metal roofs. A mounting device has two or more hinge bases that can pivot at various angles about a hinge platform assembly. The hinge platform assembly is optionally widthwise adjustable. The above-mentioned adjustments allow the mounting device to secure solar panels to various types of metal roofs such as flat, corrugated, and trapezoidal. The hinge platform assembly interfaces with various components of the solar panel racking system. The hinge platform assembly includes hinge sleeves that pass into slots within the hinge bases and surround hinge pins that project upward from the hinge bases. This allows the hinge bases to captively rotate about the hinge platform assembly.
A device and system for mounting a solar panel return flange to a rail. The device can include a clamp body and a clamping mechanism. With the clamp body receiving the solar panel return flange and the rail, the clamping mechanism can press the rail upward against the return flange and secure the solar panel to the rail.
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
F16B 2/14 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening using wedges
A device, system, and method for mounting solar PV panels to rails. The device can include a bottom clamp that secures the solar PV panel to the rail by creating tension between the return flange of the solar panel frame and the rail. The bottom clamp can be structured to snap onto the rail sides. Mid-clamp versions of the bottom clamp can be so structured that the solar PV panel and bottom clamps can be removed by prying the opposing sides of the bottom clamp from above the solar PV panels.
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
F16B 2/24 - Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal
24.
Devices for mounting solar PV panels to roofs and other mounting structures
This disclosure discusses devices for mounting solar PV panels to a roof and other mounting structures. One device may include a railless mounting assembly that includes a roof attachment bracket and a panel attachment bracket. The roof attachment bracket may include a spring clip and a hook. The device may include a solar panel frame with built-in detents for mounting. It may include a solar panel frame capable of attaching to the spring clip and hook.
F16B 2/12 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using sliding jaws
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
F16B 2/02 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
F16B 2/20 - Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
H02S 30/00 - Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
25.
Bracket and devices for mounting solar panels to roofs
A bracket for attaching solar panels to a roof, in the form of an L-foot, as well as devices and assemblies that utilize the L-foot. The L-foot includes a base and a riser extending upward from the base. The base includes a pair of raised stiffeners each extending obliquely upward toward each other from opposites sides of the base and each extending lengthwise along the base. The base can receive threaded roof fasteners that extend perpendicularly through the raised stiffeners and obliquely through the base. Threaded roof fasteners positioned on opposite raised stiffeners can extend through the roof deck toward each other. The L-foot is compatible with rail-based and rail-less solar panel racking systems.
A solar panel racking system that can include end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, L-foot adapter assemblies, rails, and L-foot assemblies. The solar panel racking system minimizes the use of tools by snapping many of the mounting components in place. The end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps can snap over the rail sides and lock into upper detented portions of the rail sides. The upper detented portions are structured to prevent upward movement of the end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps. The L-foot adapter body of the L-foot adapter assembly snaps over lower detented portions of rail sides and secures the rail to an L-foot assembly. The end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, rails, and L-foot adapter assemblies are independent of the L-foot assembly, allowing a selection of L-foot assemblies to be used as appropriate with the solar panel racking system.
F16B 2/12 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using sliding jaws
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
F16B 2/02 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
A solar panel racking system that can include end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, L-foot adapter assemblies, rails, and L-foot assemblies. The solar panel racking system minimizes the use of tools by snapping many of the mounting components in place. The end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps can snap over the rail sides and lock into upper detented portions of the rail sides. The upper detented portions are structured to prevent upward movement of the end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps. The L-foot adapter body of the L-foot adapter assembly snaps over lower detented portions of rail sides and secures the rail to an L-foot assembly. The end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, rails, and L-foot adapter assemblies are independent of the L-foot assembly, allowing a selection of L-foot assemblies to be used as appropriate with the solar panel racking system.
F16B 2/12 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using sliding jaws
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
F16B 2/02 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
38.
Solar panel racking system and devices for the same
A solar panel racking system that can include end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, L-foot adapter assemblies, rails, and L-foot assemblies. The solar panel racking system minimizes the use of tools by snapping many of the mounting components in place. The end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps can snap over the rail sides and lock into upper detented portions of the rail sides. The upper detented portions are structured to prevent upward movement of the end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps. The L-foot adapter body of the L-foot adapter assembly snaps over lower detented portions of rail sides and secures the rail to an L-foot assembly. The end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, rails, and L-foot adapter assemblies are independent of the L-foot assembly, allowing a selection of L-foot assemblies to be used as appropriate with the solar panel racking system.
F16B 2/12 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using sliding jaws
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
F16B 2/02 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
39.
Solar panel racking system and devices for the same
A solar panel racking system that can include end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, L-foot adapter assemblies, rails, and L-foot assemblies. The solar panel racking system minimizes the use of tools by snapping many of the mounting components in place. The end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps can snap over the rail sides and lock into upper detented portions of the rail sides. The upper detented portions are structured to prevent upward movement of the end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps. The L-foot adapter body of the L-foot adapter assembly snaps over lower detented portions of rail sides and secures the rail to an L-foot assembly. The end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, rails, and L-foot adapter assemblies are independent of the L-foot assembly, allowing a selection of L-foot assemblies to be used as appropriate with the solar panel racking system.
F16B 2/12 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using sliding jaws
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
F16B 2/02 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
A solar panel mounting device can secure solar panels to roof structures. The solar panel mounting device allows for position adjustment lengthwise along a base via a threaded locking fastener. The base being mountable to a roof surface either directly or optionally via flashing. In addition, the height of a platform that can be used to seat one or more solar panels can be adjusted relative to the roof surface. The solar panel mounting device is so structured so that both the locking fastener and the height adjuster can be accessed from above the solar panels. This allows for both position and height adjustment after the solar panels are installed.
F24S 25/61 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
H02S 30/00 - Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
Disclosed is a solar panel top clamp assembly for securing solar panels to a support section such as a rail or rail-less mounting structure. The solar panel top clamp assembly includes a panel clamp and a base. The panel clamp includes a crossbar and a pair of legs projecting obliquely downward from the crossbar and angled inward toward one another. The panel clamp is secured to a pedestal that projects upward from a platform. The platform is captively slidable within the support section. The pedestal and platform together form a portion of the base. Thanks in part to the unique structure of the panel clamp, the solar panel top clamp assembly can perform the function of both an end-clamp and a mid-clamp.
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
H02S 30/00 - Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
H02S 40/34 - Electrical components comprising specially adapted electrical connection means to be structurally associated with the PV module, e.g. junction boxes
F16B 5/06 - Joining sheets or plates to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
F16B 2/12 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using sliding jaws
45.
Rail-mounted bottom clamp for mounting solar panels to roofs and the like
A solar panel bottom clamp assembly that secures the underside of a solar panel frame (i.e., the return flange of the solar panel) to a mounting rail. The mounting rail being securable to a mounting surface such as a roof. The solar panel bottom clamp assembly includes a solar panel bottom clamp and a threaded fastener. The solar panel bottom clamp includes a lower body and an upper body. The lower body is slidable within a slot positioned lengthwise along the side of the mounting rail. The upper body extends from the lower body and over the return flange. The threaded fastener being threadable diagonally through the lower body, secures the solar panel to the mounting rail by impinging against the slot which pushes the lower body downward and the upper body against the return flange.
A solar panel end clamp that with other components can mount solar panels of various heights or thicknesses to roofs. The solar panel end clamp includes a clamp leg and a clamping member that is pivotally attached to the clamp leg. The clamping member engages the frame top surface and frame side surface of the solar panel. A fastener assembly secures the end clamp assembly to a solar panel mounting platform such as a rail or rail-less mounting structure. As the fastener assembly is tightened, the clamp leg pivots about the panel clamp, the second end of the clamp leg distal to the pivot end moves away from the solar panel, creating pressure against the solar panel mounting platform, causing the panel clamp to move downward, and securing the frame top surface and frame side surface.
F16B 2/10 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using pivoting jaws
F16B 2/18 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening using cams, levers, eccentrics, or toggles
F16B 5/06 - Joining sheets or plates to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
F16B 5/12 - Fastening strips or bars to sheets or plates, e.g. rubber strips, decorative strips for motor vehicles, by means of clips
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
A solar panel mounting device that allows for position adjustment along a base mountable to a roof surface and height-adjustment relative to the roof surface. The solar panel mounting device includes a height-adjuster and a dual-locking mechanism separate from the height-adjuster. The dual-locking mechanism acts as a guide surface during level adjustment and can separately lock the position adjustment and height-adjustment upper limit.
A solar panel bottom clamp assembly that secures the underside of a solar panel frame (i.e. the return flange of the solar panel) to a solar panel mounting device that is securable to a roof. The solar panel bottom clamp is adjustable, allowing the solar panel to be positioned and then secured to the solar panel bottom clamp. The solar panel bottom clamp assembly includes a base, a clamping member, a threaded fastener, and optionally, a spring. The base includes a platform for seating the solar panel. The clamping member includes a clamping member body and a hooked portion positioned above the clamping member body with an indentation for engaging the return flange. The threaded fastener non-threadably engages opposing sides of the base and threadably engages the clamping member causing the clamping member to move between the opposing sides below the platform.
E04D 13/18 - Roof covering aspects of energy collecting devices, e.g. including solar panels
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
H02S 30/00 - Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
H02S 20/22 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
H02S 20/26 - Building materials integrated with PV modules, e.g. façade elements
H02S 20/24 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures specially adapted for flat roofs
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
Disclosed is a device for mounting solar panels (11) and other equipment to tile roofs, or similar roof structures, that does not require removal of roofing tile for installation. A stanchion (31) is inserted into a hole drilled into a roofing tile. Two or more wood securing fasteners (37) are inserted into diagonal and crossing through-holes in the sides of the stanchion (31) above the tile and exit on opposing sides of the stanchion (31), with respect to their insertion point, below the tile. The ends of the wood securing fasteners (37) engage the surface of the roof sheeting beneath the tile at a distance outwardly away from the stanchion (31). With this arrangement, the tile roof (13) equipment-mounting device (15) engages the roof surface over a wider area than the diameter of the hole drilled into the roof tile (25) without the need for removing the roof tile (25).
Disclosed is a device for securing, mounting, aligning, and grounding solar panels to a roof mounted rail. The device in combination with a t-bolt, a nut, and a solar panel end-clamp or mid-clamp, secure, mount, align, and ground the solar panels to the roof mounted rail. The device can be inserted into the top of the rail anywhere along its length. After the device and t-bolt are inserted in the rail, the t-bolt rotated so it inserts into a slot at the bottom of the rail thereby securing the device to the rail, assuring the proper orientation of the t-bolt, and preventing further rotation of the t-bolt.
Disclosed is a device for mounting solar panels and other equipment to tile roofs, or similar roof structures, that does not require removal of roofing tile for installation. A stanchion is inserted into a hole drilled into a roofing tile. Two or more wood securing fasteners are inserted into diagonal and crossing through-holes in the sides of the stanchion above the tile and exit on opposing sides of the stanchion, with respect to their insertion point, below the tile. The ends of the wood securing fasteners engage the surface of the roof sheeting beneath the tile at a distance outwardly away from the stanchion. With this arrangement, the tile roof equipment-mounting device engages the roof surface over a wider area than the diameter of the hole drilled into the roof tile without the need for removing the roof tile.
Disclosed is a device for mounting solar panels and other equipment to tile roofs, or similar roof structures, that does not require removal of roofing tile for installation. A stanchion is inserted into a hole drilled into a roofing tile. Two or more wood securing fasteners are inserted into diagonal and crossing through-holes in the sides of the stanchion above the tile and exit on opposing sides of the stanchion, with respect to their insertion point, below the tile. The ends of the wood securing fasteners engage the surface of the roof sheeting beneath the tile at a distance outwardly away from the stanchion. With this arrangement, the tile roof equipment-mounting device engages the roof surface over a wider area than the diameter of the hole drilled into the roof tile without the need for removing the roof tile.
