Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
In various representative aspects, an apparatus for securing and covering clamp assembly that secures and electrically binds a solar panel module to a mounting rail as part of a solar panel array is provided that is both easy and efficient to install.
Abstract:
In various representative aspects, an assembly for connecting and electrically bonding two solar panel rail guides is provided. More specifically, the assembly provides a novel and improved inner rail used as a splice that slides within the two solar panel rail guides and includes a serrated screw that is pre-installed within the splice. When installed, the two rail guides are brought together along the splice and meet at the point where the screw is located, the screw can then be tightened so that the serrations penetrate surface treatment layers on each of the rail guides so that the solar panel rail guides are secured and electrically coupled to each other. An alternate embodiment utilizes the inner splice to join two solar panel rail guides by sliding the splice within the inner contour of two solar panel rail guides, and utilizing a pair of bonding pins to electrically bond the splice and the two solar panel rail guides. A stop pin inserted into the splice provides a tactile connection point where the two solar panel guides can be joined together.
Abstract:
In various representative aspects, a clamp assembly that secures a solar panel module to a rail support structure that utilizes a generally c-shaped clamp in combination with a t-bolt and a binding bolt such that the t-bolt and binding bolt fit through a pair of apertures in the c-shaped clamp. This enables the foot of the t-bolt to be inserted into a guide on the top of the rail support structure so that the clamp can subsequently secure the solar panel module to the rail support structure by rotating the binding bolt, which in turn locks the t-bolt within the guide and the top of the clamp is then tightened with continuous rotation of the binding bolt, which also enables raised portions on the foot of the t-bolt and top of the clamp to create an electrical bonding path between the solar panel module and the rail support structure.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a covering for a clamping assembly used to connect and ground solar panel modules to a mounting rail. The covering comprises a sleeve including an outer cover for connecting to the solar panel module and a connector shaped to be contained within the outer cover and connected to the outer cover through two or more flanges. The connector has an opening there through to receive a female member of the clamping assembly.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a covering for a clamping assembly used to connect and ground solar panel modules to a mounting rail. The covering comprises a sleeve including an outer cover for connecting to the solar panel module and a connector shaped to be contained within the outer cover and connected to the outer cover through two or more flanges. The connector has an opening there through to receive a female member of the clamping assembly.