Methods and systems for connecting solar panel frame components

A frame for at least partially enclosing or supporting a panel, the frame comprising:

• a) a first frame section comprising:
• i) an elongated piece of framework material having a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends define a lengthwise dimension;
• ii) a first lengthwise fold defining an intersection of a frame sidewall with a bottom flange, wherein the frame sidewall is characterized by a height extending from the bottom flange;
• iii) a panel containment structure at an upper portion of the frame sidewall;
• iv) a reversing flange fold that folds a second layer of framework material backward directly onto the bottom flange to form a double layer of framework material along a first portion of the bottom flange;
• v) a support wall;
• and
• vi) a second lengthwise fold defining an intersection of the support wall with the double layer of framework material at the bottom flange;
• wherein at least the bottom flange, frame sidewall, panel containment structure, and support wall of the first frame section each collectively form a first frame space that is at least partially enclosed on four sides at the first frame section and at a side of the support wall opposite the double layer of framework material;
• b) a second frame section comprising a second frame space that is at least partially enclosed on four sides at the second frame section and at a side of a second frame section support wall opposite a section frame section double layer of framework material;
• and
• c) an insert connector comprising:
• i) a first portion that extends at least partially into the first frame space at the side of the support wall opposite the double layer of framework material and lockingly engages the first frame section;
• and
• ii) a second portion that extends at least partially into the second frame space at the side of the support wall opposite the double layer of framework material and lockingly engages the second frame section.