A rail-based solar panel mounting system including at least one mounting bracket coupled to a mounting surface and at least one elongated rail having an open channel configuration, wherein the at least one elongated rail is coupled to the at least one mounting bracket. The mounting system also includes at least one mid-clamp assembly couplable to the at least one elongated rail, wherein the at least one mid-clamp assembly is configured to retain at least one solar panel relative to the at least one elongated rail.
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 25/33 - 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 25/40 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using plate-like mounting elements, e.g. profiled or corrugated platesPlate-like module frames
F24S 25/50 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules comprising elongate non-rigid elements, e.g. straps, wires or ropes
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
2.
AN ELECTRICAL BONDING SPLICE FOR SOLAR PANEL RAIL GUIDES
In various representative aspects, an assembly for connecting and electrically bonding two solar panel rail guides. More specifically, the assembly provides a splice that slides within two solar panel rail guides and includes an elongated spring element that is inserted into an elongated slot in the splice and enables the two solar panel rail guides to be electrically bonded together when various bonding techniques are used to allow portions of the spring to penetrate the oxidation layers of the inner surfaces of the rail guides as they are joined together. Another embodiment that utilizes a bonding element that is inserted into an elongated slot of a splice and also enables two solar panel rail guides to be electrically bonded when the rail guides are joined.
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
H01R 25/16 - Rails or bus-bars provided with a plurality of discrete connecting locations for counterparts
3.
FLASHING AND BRACKET MOUNT ASSEMBLY FOR SECURING SOLAR PANEL RAIL GUIDES ON SHINGLE ROOFS
In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail and rail-less support structures to a shingle roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a connection bracket and flashing device for use in installing solar panel rail support structures. The connection bracket is secured to the flashing device by placing it over various embodiments of a cone element that is embedded within the flashing and secured using a tightening mechanism such as a bolt, screw, or other fastener. A solar panel rail support guide can be connected to a generally U-shaped connection on the top of the bracket. The apparatus also offers an improved means to cover the penetration point on the flashing to protect it and prevent water from leaking into the roof as well as an improved way to install the apparatus over existing products. Various embodiments of the bracket and flashing provided as well.
In various representative aspects, the present invention relates generally to providing an apparatus for securing a solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure. More specifically, the invention relates to providing an end clamp that mounts a bottom flange of a solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure. The end clamp does not require any tools for insertion. It mechanically fastens and electrically bonds the solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure.
In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail and rail-less support structures to a shingle roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a connection bracket and flashing device for use in installing solar panel rail support structures. The connection bracket is secured to the flashing device by rotating its base around a threaded connection until it locks in place so that a solar panel rail support guide can be connected to a generally U-shaped connection on the top of the bracket. The apparatus also offers an improved means to cover the penetration point on the flashing to protect it and prevent water from leaking into the roof as well as an improved way to install the apparatus over existing products. An alternate embodiment of the apparatus is offered to support a rail-less pivot mount as well.
In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail support structure to a tile roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a base plate that is secured to the roof beneath various shapes of tiles on the tile roof and a generally L-shaped bracket that is then coupled to a rail support guide. The bracket is then capable of being adjusted in various locations along the base plate by utilizing a spring lock mechanism.
H02S 20/22 - Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
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
In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding solar panel frames to a mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper surface of the mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other surface of the solar panel frames while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.
In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding an upper and lower solar panel mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other mounting rail while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.
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