Surface mount assemblies for mounting to a solar panel frame to an installation surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a height-adjustable rail mount to slidably couple a track with a fastener assembly that includes of a fastener, spacer, and nut. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount and positioned on a base plate to slidably couple to a surface track with a fastener assembly that includes a first fastener slidably coupled to a groove formed by the track, spacer, and second fastener. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount for slidably coupling the rail to a height-adjustable base with a fastener. In some embodiments, a two-configuration, track-mounted, rectangular base is designed with a rectangular base having a pair of short-sided legs, a pair of long-sided legs, and a fastener for engaging outer surfaces of a track.
H02S 20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
F24S 25/00 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
F24S 25/30 - 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
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
Wire or cable holder assemblies employed in a solar power system are disclosed. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a cap and a base configured with channels. When the cap and the base are clamped to an object (e.g., a solar module frame), enclosures defined by the channels and a surface of the solar frame module are formed to hold cables. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a plunger with at least one leg and a base that includes a receptacle for receiving the plunger and a hook for holding electrical cables. A leg include a rack having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed by complementary teeth of a pawl found in the receptacle that forms a ratchet which permits insertion of the plunger into the receptacle but not an extraction. If extraction is desired, an external force may be applied to release the pawl.
H02S 40/34 - Electrical components comprising specially adapted electrical connection means to be structurally associated with the PV module, e.g. junction boxes
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 2/10 - 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
F16L 3/04 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets partly surrounding the pipes, cables or protective tubing and pressing it against a wall or other support
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
F16L 3/223 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals each support having one transverse base for supporting the pipes
F16L 3/24 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets with special member for attachment to profiled girders
H02G 3/32 - Installations of cables or lines on walls, floors or ceilings using mounting clamps
Surface mount assemblies for mounting to a solar panel frame to an installation surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a height-adjustable rail mount to slidably couple a track with a fastener assembly that includes of a fastener, spacer, and nut. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount and positioned on a base plate to slidably couple to a surface track with a fastener assembly that includes a first fastener slidably coupled to a groove formed by the track, spacer, and second fastener. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount for slidably coupling the rail to a height-adjustable base with a fastener. In some embodiments, a two-configuration, track-mounted, rectangular base is designed with a rectangular base having a pair of short-sided legs, a pair of long-sided legs, and a fastener for engaging outer surfaces of a track.
H02S 20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
F24S 25/30 - 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
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
Wire or cable holder assemblies employed in a solar power system are disclosed. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a cap and a base configured with channels. When the cap and the base are clamped to an object (e.g., a solar module frame), enclosures defined by the channels and a surface of the solar frame module are formed to hold cables. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a plunger with at least one leg and a base that includes a receptacle for receiving the plunger and a hook for holding electrical cables. A leg include a rack having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed by complementary teeth of a pawl found in the receptacle that forms a ratchet which permits insertion of the plunger into the receptacle but not an extraction. If extraction is desired, an external force may be applied to release the pawl.
H02S 40/34 - Electrical components comprising specially adapted electrical connection means to be structurally associated with the PV module, e.g. junction boxes
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 2/10 - 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
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
F16L 3/223 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals each support having one transverse base for supporting the pipes
F16L 3/24 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets with special member for attachment to profiled girders
H02G 3/32 - Installations of cables or lines on walls, floors or ceilings using mounting clamps
F16L 3/04 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets partly surrounding the pipes, cables or protective tubing and pressing it against a wall or other support
H02S 40/32 - Electrical components comprising DC/AC inverter means associated with the PV module itself, e.g. AC modules
Surface mount assemblies for mounting to a solar panel frame to an installation surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a height-adjustable rail mount to slidably couple a track with a fastener assembly that includes of a fastener, spacer, and nut. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount and positioned on a base plate to slidably couple to a surface track with a fastener assembly that includes a first fastener slidably coupled to a groove formed by the track, spacer, and second fastener. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount for slidably coupling the rail to a height-adjustable base with a fastener. In some embodiments, a two-configuration, track-mounted, rectangular base is designed with a rectangular base having a pair of short-sided legs, a pair of long-sided legs, and a fastener for engaging outer surfaces of a track.
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
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 25/30 - 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
F24S 25/70 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for compensating mounting tolerances
F24S 25/00 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
Wire or cable holder assemblies employed in a solar power system are disclosed. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a cap and a base configured with channels. When the cap and the base are clamped to an object (e.g., a solar module frame), enclosures defined by the channels and a surface of the solar frame module are formed to hold cables. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a plunger with at least one leg and a base that includes a receptacle for receiving the plunger and a hook for holding electrical cables. A leg include a rack having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed by complementary teeth of a pawl found in the receptacle that forms a ratchet which permits insertion of the plunger into the receptacle but not an extraction. If extraction is desired, an external force may be applied to release the pawl.
H02S 40/34 - Electrical components comprising specially adapted electrical connection means to be structurally associated with the PV module, e.g. junction boxes
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
F16L 3/223 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals each support having one transverse base for supporting the pipes
H02G 3/32 - Installations of cables or lines on walls, floors or ceilings using mounting clamps
F16L 3/24 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets with special member for attachment to profiled girders
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 2/10 - 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
H02S 40/32 - Electrical components comprising DC/AC inverter means associated with the PV module itself, e.g. AC modules
F16L 3/04 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets partly surrounding the pipes, cables or protective tubing and pressing it against a wall or other support
7.
Watertight fastening devices employed in a solar panel installation system
Watertight fastening devices and systems and methods for the employment thereof are disclosed. The disclosed watertight fastening device includes a head, a shank extending away from the head toward a distal end, and a cover extending outwardly and away from the head in the direction of the shank and defining a hollow region between the shank and an inner surface of the cover. The watertight fastening device may be used in conjunction with a solar power installation system that includes a base plate configured to be positioned against an installation surface. The base plate includes an aperture for receiving the shank of the fastener and protrusion surrounding the aperture configured to be received in the hollow region of the fastener, thereby providing an enhanced barrier against moisture reaching the installation 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
8.
Skirt mount attachable to a solar panel module frame
A system, apparatus, and method of mounting a solar panel module skirt to a solar panel module frame are disclosed. The system could include a number of solar panel modules, a number of skirt mount assemblies, and a solar panel module skirt. The apparatus could include a first structure, a second structure, and a fastener. The method could include receiving the apparatus, placing the apparatus into a tightening position, and tightening the fastener to mount the apparatus to the frame.
H01L 31/042 - PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
H02N 6/00 - Generators in which light radiation is directly converted into electrical energy (solar cells or assemblies thereof H01L 25/00, H01L 31/00)
Wire or cable holder assemblies employed in a solar power system are disclosed. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a cap and a base configured with channels. When the cap and the base are clamped to an object (e.g., a solar module frame), enclosures defined by the channels and a surface of the solar frame module are formed to hold cables. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a plunger with at least one leg and a base that includes a receptacle for receiving the plunger and a hook for holding electrical cables. A leg include a rack having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed by complementary teeth of a pawl found in the receptacle that forms a ratchet which permits insertion of the plunger into the receptacle but not an extraction. If extraction is desired, an external force may be applied to release the pawl.
H02S 40/34 - Electrical components comprising specially adapted electrical connection means to be structurally associated with the PV module, e.g. junction boxes
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
F16L 3/223 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals each support having one transverse base for supporting the pipes
H02G 3/32 - Installations of cables or lines on walls, floors or ceilings using mounting clamps
F16L 3/24 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets with special member for attachment to profiled girders
H02S 40/32 - Electrical components comprising DC/AC inverter means associated with the PV module itself, e.g. AC modules
F16L 3/04 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets partly surrounding the pipes, cables or protective tubing and pressing it against a wall or other support
Surface mount assemblies for mounting to a solar panel frame to an installation surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a height-adjustable rail mount to slidably couple a track with a fastener assembly that includes of a fastener, spacer, and nut. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount and positioned on a base plate to slidably couple to a surface track with a fastener assembly that includes a first fastener slidably coupled to a groove formed by the track, spacer, and second fastener. In some embodiments, a base is coupled to a rail mount for slidably coupling the rail to a height-adjustable base with a fastener. In some embodiments, a two-configuration, track-mounted, rectangular base is designed with a rectangular base having a pair of short-sided legs, a pair of long-sided legs, and a fastener for engaging outer surfaces of a track.
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
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 25/30 - 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
F24S 25/70 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for compensating mounting tolerances
F24S 25/00 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
12.
Railless solar module installation systems and devices
Devices and system for installing solar modules for the generation of solar power are disclosed. One device could be a mid-mount assembly having a module sleeve coupled to a module sleeve adapter for engaging boundary surfaces of one solar module. A second device could be an end-mount assembly having a top structure engaged with a bottom structure to form two sides, one side for engaging boundary surfaces of one solar module and the other for engaging a module sleeve on a second side. The solar modules installation system could include a plurality of the solar panels, a plurality of end-mount assemblies and mid-mount assemblies, and a plurality of base assemblies coupled to the plurality of end-mount assemblies and mid-mount assemblies.
A system, apparatus, and method of mounting a solar panel module skirt to a solar panel module frame are disclosed. The system could include a number of solar panel modules, a number of skirt mount assemblies, and a solar panel module skirt. The apparatus could include a first structure, a second structure, and a fastener. The method could include receiving the apparatus, placing the apparatus into a tightening position, and tightening the fastener to mount the apparatus to the frame.
H02N 6/00 - Generators in which light radiation is directly converted into electrical energy (solar cells or assemblies thereof H01L 25/00, H01L 31/00)
H01L 31/042 - PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
The invention is a new stabilized racking system for solar cell panels on a surface through a novel use of ballast weights and a wind optimized design. The system is further optimized to fit a range of sizes and thicknesses of modules through a combination of self adjusting end clamps, adjustable tilt legs, and unique wind screen design. The system can include an array of individual solar panel systems that are reinforced in both lateral directions to reduce the amount of ballast weight required.
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 20/24 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures specially adapted for flat roofs
H02S 20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
F24S 40/80 - Accommodating differential expansion of solar heat collector elements
F24S 25/30 - 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
Tile roof mounting systems are disclosed for installing solar panels on a tile roof. The systems may include a base member that can be installed under a tile of the tile roof having two parallel tracks. A first track may include a channel for receiving an end of a tile hook; and the second track may be used to fasten the tile hook to the base member. The tile hook can include a latching region for latching onto the channel, a fastening region that can be fastened to the fastening track, and a supporting region used to support one or more components of a solar panel installation above the roof tiles.
Solar panel installation systems are disclosed that reduce or eliminate the need for large, costly rails for mounting solar panels on an installation surface. The systems may include an array of framed solar modules supported above an installation surface using a number of height-adjustable base members. Adjacent solar modules in the array may be coupled to one another at or near their corners using module links that can structurally couple the frames of the adjacent solar modules together.
A47F 5/00 - Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
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 2/18 - 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
H02S 20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
Solar panel installation systems are disclosed that reduce or eliminate the need for large, costly rails for mounting solar panels on an installation surface. The systems may include an array of framed solar modules supported above an installation surface using a number of height-adjustable base members. Adjacent solar modules in the array may be coupled to one another at or near their corners using module links that can structurally couple the frames of the adjacent solar modules together.
A47B 97/00 - Furniture or accessories for furniture, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
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 2/18 - 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
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 25/70 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for compensating mounting tolerances
H02S 20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
Solar panel installation systems are disclosed that reduce or eliminate the need for large, costly rails for mounting solar panels on an installation surface. The systems may include an array of framed solar modules supported above an installation surface using a number of height-adjustable base members. Adjacent solar modules in the array may be coupled to one another at or near their corners using module links that can structurally couple the frames of the adjacent solar modules together.
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 2/18 - 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
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 25/70 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for compensating mounting tolerances
H02S 20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
Devices, systems, and methods for securing a component to a surface are disclosed. The fastening device can include a base member having a threaded projection extending from a base plate. A base sealing gasket can be provided between the base plate and a surface on which the base plate is mounted to ensure a water-tight fit. A capping nut having a nut aperture can be threadably engaged to the treaded projection, and a structural fastener can be inserted through the nut aperture for securing a structural component of a building-mounted structure. A nut sealing gasket can be disposed between within the capping nut to ensure a water-tight fit between the capping nut and the base member.
F16B 17/00 - Fastening means without screw-thread for connecting constructional elements or machine parts by a part of or on one member entering a hole in the other
Snap-in mounting systems for laminate solar panels are provided. The laminate solar panels can include laminate strips that can be snapped into mounting rails. The mounting rails may be coupled to racking rails for structural support and may include locking mechanisms for additional support and theft deterrence. An entire system may include a number of racking rails, mounting rails, and solar panels.
E04D 3/18 - Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of specified materials, or of combinations of materials, not covered by any of groups , or
H02S 20/20 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
F24S 25/33 - 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
Solar panel grounding lug assemblies and systems are disclosed. The grounding lugs may include a top member having a grounding wire channel and an aperture, a bottom member having an aperture, and a fastener inserted through the apertures. The fastener may couple the top member to the bottom member and secure a grounding wire within the grounding wire channel.
H02S 40/34 - Electrical components comprising specially adapted electrical connection means to be structurally associated with the PV module, e.g. junction boxes
H01R 4/30 - Clamped connections; Spring connections using a screw or nut clamping member
H01R 4/34 - Conductive members located under head of screw
H01R 4/64 - Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail
Racking assemblies for solar panel installations are provided. The racking assemblies may include a series of posts arranged in two parallel rows and anchored to the ground or other suitable surface. Purlins may be coupled to and may span the posts of each row. Specialized clamps may be used to attach the purlins to a series of mounting rails. The mounting rails, in turn, may support an array of solar modules.
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
Devices, systems, and methods for securing a component to a surface are disclosed. The fastening device can include a base member having a threaded projection extending from a base plate. A base sealing gasket can be provided between the base plate and a surface on which the base plate is mounted to ensure a water-tight fit. A capping nut having a nut aperture can be threadably engaged to the treaded projection, and a structural fastener can be inserted through the nut aperture for securing a structural component of a building-mounted structure. A nut sealing gasket can be disposed between within the capping nut to ensure a water-tight fit between the capping nut and the base member.
F16B 17/00 - Fastening means without screw-thread for connecting constructional elements or machine parts by a part of or on one member entering a hole in the other
Solar panel frame clamps are disclosed. The clamps can include a clamp body for coupling together a mounting rail of a solar panel frame and a purlin. The clamp body may be c-shaped with ends of the clamp body defining an opening for receiving objects to be clamped. The ends of the clamp body may be provided with threaded apertures for receiving a set screw and a set screw bolt. Tightening the set screw bolt can pull the clamp body towards the objects to be clamped. The set screw, or another suitable feature, may contact the clamped object to facilitate electrical continuity throughout a system incorporating the solar panel frame clamps.
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
H01L 31/042 - PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
F16B 1/00 - Devices for securing together, or preventing relative movement between, constructional elements or machine parts
A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion.
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
E04D 13/00 - Special arrangements or devices in connection with roof coverings; Roof drainage
E04D 13/147 - Junctions of roof sheathings to chimneys or other parts extending above the roof specially adapted for inclined roofs
Self-adjusting end clamps are disclosed. The clamps may include a top member and a bottom member having vertically arranged holes. As a bolt placed in the vertically arranged holes is tightened, the top and bottom members move toward one another to grip an object therebetween.
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
H01L 31/042 - PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
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
F24J 2/46 - Component parts, details or accessories of solar heat collectors
The invention is a new stabilized racking system for solar cell panels on a surface through a novel use of ballast weights and a wind optimized design. The system is further optimized to fit a range of sizes and thicknesses of modules through a combination of self adjusting end clamps, adjustable tilt legs, and unique wind screen design. The system can include an array of individual solar panel systems that are reinforced in both lateral directions to reduce the amount of ballast weight required.
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
F24S 25/30 - 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
F24S 25/60 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
F24S 40/80 - Accommodating differential expansion of solar heat collector 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
H02S 20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion.
Racking assemblies for solar panel installations are provided. The racking assemblies may include a series of posts arranged in two parallel rows and anchored to the ground or other suitable surface. Purlins may be coupled to and may span the posts of each row. Specialized clamps may be used to attach the purlins to a series of mounting rails. The mounting rails, in turn, may support an array of solar modules.
Snap-in mounting systems for laminate solar panels are provided. The laminate solar panels can include laminate strips that can be snapped into mounting rails. The mounting rails may be coupled to racking rails for structural support and may include locking mechanisms for additional support and theft deterrence. An entire system may include a number of racking rails, mounting rails, and solar panels.
E04D 3/18 - Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant of specified materials, or of combinations of materials, not covered by any of groups , or
H01L 31/042 - PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. A flange of the first component engages a first slot of the rail. The nut has a nut extension extending from the nut and away from the module. The nut extension includes a flange configured to engage a second slot of the rail. The nut also includes a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component. The tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together.
A clamp for securing a module to a rail. The clamp has a bolt having a head and a thread. The clamp includes an insert thread having a threaded aperture for receiving the thread of the bolt. The clamp having a body including an aperture to receive the bolt and wherein a first side of the body abuts the head of the bolt. The body includes a saw-toothed edge on a second side of the body opposing the first side of the body. The clamp includes a nut having a nut aperture for receiving the insert thread and the insert thread facilitating an electrical connection between the bolt and the nut. The nut having a first nut flange and a second nut flange extending toward the head of the bolt and wherein tightening of the bolt causes the nut and the body to approach one another causing the saw-toothed edge to pierce the module and the first nut flange and the second nut flange to engage and pierce notches of the rail.
F16B 39/28 - Locking of screws, bolts, or nuts in which the locking takes place during screwing down or tightening by special members on, or shape of, the nut or bolt
Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.
Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.
E04D 13/00 - Special arrangements or devices in connection with roof coverings; Roof drainage
F16M 13/02 - Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
F24J 2/46 - Component parts, details or accessories of solar heat collectors
A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. The wedged channel nut has a first flange and a second flange extending from opposing sides of the nut and configured to engage a rail and a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component, wherein the tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the wedged channel nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together.
A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion.
Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.
patents