A rail splice for a mounting system of a solar module that is used to connect the solar module to a surface is described. The rail splice fits in a first end of a first rail and a second end of a second rail to connect the first rail and the second rail together into a single rail having an extended length. The rail splice includes a stop at a middle position of the length of the rail splice to prevent over-insertion of the rail splice into either the first or second rail. The rail splice also includes tabs for providing an electrical connection between the rail splice, first rail, and second rail.
F24S 25/35 - 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 by means of profiles with a cross-section defining separate supporting portions for adjacent modules
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
H02S 20/20 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
H02S 20/22 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
A clamp system includes a grounding plate, a retainer, and a nut. The grounding plate has a first opening to receive a fastener. The retainer has a second opening. The nut fits inside of the retainer and has a third opening configured to receive the fastener.
A solar panel mounting system includes two base rails each having a south clamp, a north stanchion with a north clamp, and ballast rails connected thereto. The base rails are secured to a structure for the installation of solar panels through one or more roof pads. The ballast rails extend transverse to the base rails. The south clamp and north clamp are engaged to secure solar panels. The system also includes a wire management clip for managing wires of the solar installation.
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 20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
F24S 25/636 - ClampsClips clamping by screw-threaded 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
4.
CLAMPING ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING SOLAR PANEL MODULES
A clamp assembly for securing a solar panel module includes a clamp base, a clip movably connected to the clamp base, and a biasing fastener extending through the clamp base and the clip. The biasing fastener is configured to bias the clip from the clamp base.
F24S 25/636 - ClampsClips clamping by screw-threaded elements
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
H02S 20/26 - Building materials integrated with PV modules, e.g. façade elements
H01R 4/38 - Clamped connectionsSpring connections using a clamping member acted on by screw or nut
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
A junction box comprising a base configured to mount to a roof, the base including an enclosed bottom, an open end opposite the enclosed bottom, a first side extending from the enclosed bottom to the open end, a second side opposite of the first side, a third side extending from the first side to the second side, and a fourth side opposite the third side, a wall extending from the first side to the second, a high point disposed along the wall, the high point having an angle within a range of 90 degrees and 180 degrees, a lid sized to seal against and hingedly connect to the base, and a flashing that extends from a portion of the first side of the base, from a portion of the second side of the base, and from the wall, in a direction away from the base.
A system include a bar, a first spacing tool, and a second spacing tool. The bar has a first end and a second end. The first spacing tool has a first base configured to receive a first rail, a first channel configured to receive a first portion of the bar proximate to the first end, and a first fastener configured to secure the first portion of the bar within the first channel. The second spacing tool has a second base configured to receive a second rail, a second channel configured to receive a second portion of the bar proximate to the second end, and a second fastener configured to secure the second portion of the bar within the second channel.
H02S 20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
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
A clamping mechanism includes a first fastener and a second fastener. The second fastener includes a head having a first rib with a first serration, a second rib with a second serration, a third rib with a third serration, and a fourth rib with a fourth serration. The first rib extends a first length and the first serration extends a second length that is less than the first length. The second rib extends a third length and the second serration extends a fourth length that is less than the third length. The third rib extends a fifth length and the third serration extends a sixth length that is less than the fifth length. The fourth rib extends a seventh length and the fourth serration extends an eighth length that is less than the seventh length. The second fastener includes a body coupled to the first fastener.
A mounting system for a solar panel module includes a first mount for supporting a solar panel module a first distance above a surface and a second mount for supporting the solar panel module a second distance above the surface. The first mount includes a receptacle to receive a first side of the solar panel module and one or more prongs to engage the solar panel module along the first side. The second mount includes a receptacle to receive a second side of the solar panel module, opposite the first side of the solar panel module, and one or more prongs to engage the solar panel module along the second side.
A clamping mechanism includes a body defining a first end, a second end, a module engagement component disposed proximate to the first end, and a clamp actuation component disposed proximate to the second end. The module engagement component engages a portion of a solar module frame. The clamping mechanism includes a rail engagement component that engages at least a portion of a rail to which the solar module frame couples. The clamping mechanism includes a fastener that engages the clamp actuation component for imparting movement to the module engagement component such that the module engagement component engages the portion of the solar module frame.
H01R 4/26 - Connections in which at least one of the connecting parts has projections which bite into or engage the other connecting part in order to improve the contact
A wire management clip for positioning and securing wires, cables, and other components relative to a rail, such as a rail of a modular rail system. The wire management clip includes a body that defines a passage through which a securing device may be inserted to secure the wires, cables, or components to the wire management clip. The wire management clip includes an interface surface against which the wires press when secured by the securing device. The wire management clip also includes a second interface for frictionally interfacing with the rail to resist movement of the wire management clip after installation on the rail.
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
A ballast system includes a first ballast tray and a second ballast tray. The first ballast tray has a first side profile including a south leg connected to a north leg. The second ballast tray has a second side profile that is different than the first side profile. A length of the north leg of the second side profile is greater than a length of the south leg of the first side profile, and a height of the north leg of the second side profile is substantially equal to a height of the south leg of the first side profile. The north leg of the second side profile includes a curvature so as to partially curve toward the south leg of the second side profile.
H02S 20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
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
F24S 25/70 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for adjusting the final position or orientation of supporting elements in relation to each other or to a mounting surfaceArrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for compensating mounting tolerances
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
12.
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE SUPPORT SYSTEM AND MOUNT ASSEMBLY
A mounting assembly includes a rail configured to support a photovoltaic module. The rail includes a first slot, a second slot, and a web extending between the first slot and the second slot. The web being offset from a plane extending along an outer surface of the rail, so as to form a recess in the second side of the rail. The mount assembly further includes a clip configured to be secured to the rail and to a secondary structure. The clip includes a base having a flange extending from an end of the base, and an arm extending from the base in a second direction opposite the first direction, the flange being inserted in the second slot when the clip is secured to the rail and the secondary structure and at least a portion of the arm abuts the recess of the rail when the clip is secured to the rail.
F24S 25/70 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for adjusting the final position or orientation of supporting elements in relation to each other or to a mounting surfaceArrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for compensating mounting tolerances
A bracket includes a base configured to be mounted to a mounting surface and a flange extending from the base and positioned to bisect the base thereby forming a first side and a second side of the base. The base includes a first hole disposed along a central axis of the base and in the first side of the base, a second hole disposed along the central axis of the base and in the second side of the base, and one or more divots formed in a top side of the base and disposed on the first side of the base. Fasteners are inserted through the first hole and the second hole when the bracket is secured to a first mounting structure. Furthermore, fasteners are inserted through the first hole, the second hole, and are drilled through the one or more divots when the bracket is secured to a second mounting structure.
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
F16B 25/10 - Screws performing an additional function to thread-forming, e.g. drill screws
F24S 25/60 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
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
An electrical junction box mount apparatus including a base for mounting to a mounting surface and a lid sized to seal against the base. The base includes a mounting portion having a penetration area. A periphery of the penetration area is circumscribed via a groove formed into a bottom surface of the base such that upon placing the base on a mounting surface, the groove encloses empty space within the groove against the mounting surface.
A mounting system includes a base to mount to a surface, a mounting bracket to mount over the base and to the surface, a clamp for attaching to the mounting bracket and securing a rail segment, and a bonding clamp to mount to the rail segment and secure a solar panel module ("module") thereto.
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
E04D 13/18 - Roof covering aspects of energy collecting devices, e.g. including solar panels
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
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
A mounting system includes a mounting device. The mounting device includes an internal cavity defined in a side of the mounting device, a first sealant aperture defined in the mounting device and opening into the internal cavity, a second sealant aperture defined in the mounting device and opening into the internal cavity, the first sealant aperture and the second sealant aperture being in fluid communication when the mounting device is placed on a surface for use, and a fastener aperture defined through the internal cavity. The mounting system further includes a coupling bracket including a bottom portion, an underside surface of which is correspondingly shaped in conformance with a shape of an outer surface of a central portion of the mounting device so as to be accommodated thereon when in use, and a fastener to couple the mounting device and the coupling bracket together via the fastener aperture.
E04B 1/68 - Sealings of joints, e.g. expansion joints
E04D 13/00 - Special arrangements or devices in connection with roof coveringsRoof drainage
E06B 1/68 - Tightening or covering joints between the border of openings and the frame by profiled external parts
F16B 9/00 - Connections of rods or tubular parts to flat surfaces at an angle
H02S 20/23 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
F16B 39/24 - Locking of screws, bolts, or nuts in which the locking takes place during screwing down or tightening by means of washers, spring washers, or resilient plates that lock against the object
H02S 20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
17.
CLAMP APPARATUSES AND COMPONENTS THEREOF FOR MOUNTING SOLAR PANEL MODULES
A clamp assembly includes a clamp with a lateral edge support portion that extends in a first direction to support against a lateral edge of the module. A flange extends in a second direction transverse to the first direction to clamp against an upper surface of the solar panel module in coordination with the lateral edge support portion. A nut is configured to align with the clamp. The nut receives a fastener. The nut has an outer surface to engage the second surface of the lateral edge support portion to prevent rotation of the nut. A connection member extends from the nut in a position that is fixed. A head of the connection member is shaped such that, in a first orientation, the head is accommodated passage through a slot in the intermediary member, and in a second orientation, the head is prevented from passage through the slot.
A universal end clamp and method for clamping a solar module to a rail are configured for applying a torque to a clamp body and generating a compressive clamping force between the body and a lower flange of a solar panel module frame so that the lower flange of the module frame is clamped to the rail. The clamp is disposed underneath the solar module, where it cannot be seen. The components of the assembly that can move include threaded bolts, front and rear T-slides, drive blocks, cams, coil springs, leaf springs, and offset drive brackets.
A click-on clamping mechanism is for attaching, without tools, a clamp+tower subassembly to a slider bar (which is attached to a roof substrate with lag screws). The clamp+tower sub-assembly can have a height-adjustable, rail-less solar panel mounting assembly attached to it for mounting one or more photovoltaic solar panels thereto. The height of the solar panel mounting assembly can be easily adjusted, either before or after mounting of the solar panels. The click-on clamp+tower sub- assembly is easily removable from the slider bar. A click-on L-foot mount for attaching solar mount rails is also described. The click-on structures can be spring- loaded.
An apparatus and method for mounting a solar panel in a solar panel mounting assembly is disclosed. The solar panel mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket and a helical drive, where the mounting bracket is vertically adjustable by the helical drive. The helical drive engages with a stanchion that is variably positioned along a base member that is fixed to a roof.
An apparatus and method for mounting a solar panel array on a surface is disclosed. The solar panel array includes a plurality of solar panel modules and a hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly. The hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly includes a component of a rail-based mounting system and a component of a rail-less mounting system. At least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-based mounting system and at least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-less mounting system.
An apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic module is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mounting member and an engagement member attached to the mounting member. The engagement member is longitudinally fixed on the mounting member and the engagement member is moveable with respect to the mounting member. The solar industry is growing- world-wide and as a result, more-efficient structures are desirable for mounting a photovoltaic module to a structure, such as a roof of a home or other building.
A positioner used to fasten a pair of structural members together includes side walls, lateral flanges extending from the side walls, and an interior web interconnecting the side walls. Each side wall is interconnected at vertices to one of the lateral flanges and to the interior web, and the interior web includes web sections interconnected at a vertex to each other. Each vertex interconnecting one of the side walls with the interior web terminates at a void extending between adjacent portions of the one of the side walls and the interior web, and the vertex interconnecting the web sections is displaced from the lateral flange surfaces so as to avoid contact with a positioner supporting surface. A support frame and a fastening process utilizing such a positioner are also discussed. The positioner is particularly suitable for use in constructing photovoltaic panel supports.
Universal End and Mid Clamps are used to connect 2 things together and are designed so that when the clamp fastener is properly tightened the piece being clamped will resist loads in 3 directions and will resist sliding.
The present invention generally relates to a modular, structural framing system While the structural framing system is suitable and adaptable for many uses, one specific use is as a structural framing system for photovoltaic panels The modular structural framing system is generally comprised of a unique I-beam structural member as well as a bracket compatible with the I-beam structural member The modular structural framing system includes at least one I-beam structural member, and at least one bracket having an aperture, the bracket capable of connecting to one flange of the I-beam structural member by engaging the flange
A connector is provided and includes a first and second side wall that are connected by a base. The side walls have recesses such that a structural member's protrusions can be interposed between the side wall's recesses and snapped into place to connect the connector to the structural member.
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
A fastening device is provided and includes an elongated fastener, a head, and an elastomeric element. The head is coupled to an end of the elongated fastener, and the elastomeric element is coupled to a surface of the head substantially opposite to the elongated fastener. Furthermore, a method of securing a device to a support structure is provided.
A soft-faced clamp for securing frameless photovoltaic modules and laminates to each other and to a surface is provided herein. The clamp may be a mid-clamp securing two photovoltaic modules or an end-clamp securing a single photovoltaic module. The clamps include a top part, a bound elastomer for contacting the frameless module, and a base with extruded steps forming a ledge for securing the top part and elastomer and preventing excessive force from being applied to the photovoltaic module.
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)
patents
