Securing device for solar panel
AssigneeNevados Engineering, Inc.
InventorsYezin Taha, Amitoj Gill, Laura Sverchek
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Solar module clips that may be advantageously employed in solar trackers to decrease time and effort in the installation and the alignment of solar modules as well as address mechanical challenges posed by extreme weather events and other forces encountered in the course of use. Alignment may be simplified by tabs on the module clips that secure the solar panels as well as provide a visual marker. Module clips may also include other features, such as any of standoffs, module stops, or pillars for ease of installation and further constraining movement of solar panels.
Claims19
A solar module securing device, comprising:
- a lower rail comprising:
- a first surface extending lengthwise in a first direction and comprising a first cutout,
- a second surface opposite the first surface, extending lengthwise in the first direction, and comprising a second cutout,
- a top surface extending lengthwise in the first direction and extending widthwise in a second direction to couple the first surface with the second surface, the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the top surface comprising:
- a majority area of the top surface that is in a first plane, and
- at least one bolt hole arranged in the majority area to accommodate a bolt, and
- a plurality of lower rail tabs coupled to the first surface, each of the lower rail tabs disposed at or in direct contact with one of a number of widthwise edges of the lower rail and comprising a narrower portion and a wider portion, the narrower portion configured to protrude through mounting holes of a solar panel module to secure the solar panel module.
A solar panel module tracker, comprising:
- a solar panel module comprising mounting holes,
- a torque tube below the solar panel module extending in a first direction,
- a solar module clip, comprising:
- an upper rail,
- a lower rail below the upper rail and comprising a plurality of lower rail tabs extending through the mounting holes of the solar panel module to secure the solar panel module to the solar module clip, and comprising at least one cutout matching a partial shape of the torque tube, the plurality of lower rail tabs each disposed at or in direct contact with one of a number of widthwise edges of the lower rail, and
- a tube strap below the lower rail securing the solar module clip to the torque tube.
A solar module securing device, comprising:
- a lower rail comprising:
- a first surface extending lengthwise in a first direction and comprising a first cutout,
- a second surface opposite the first surface, extending lengthwise in the first direction, and comprising a second cutout,
- a top surface extending lengthwise in the first direction and extending widthwise in a second direction to couple the first surface with the second surface, the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the top surface comprising:
- a majority area of the top surface that is in a first plane, and
- at least one bolt hole arranged in the majority area to accommodate a bolt, and
- a plurality of lower rail tabs integral with and extending from the first surface, each of the lower rail tabs comprising a narrower portion and a wider portion, the narrower portion configured to protrude through mounting holes of a solar panel module to secure the solar panel module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.