Solar array mounting system with universal clamp
AssigneeSunLink Corporation
InventorsMartin Seery, Robert H. J. Miros
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mounting system for photovoltaic solar panels providing support for different sized panels, and/or panels having mounting holes located in different locations. A universal panel clamp includes at least one elongated hole or slot to attach to a mounting hole on a solar panel frame. A clamp is attached to an upper hole, and a second clamp is attached to a lower mounting hole. The upper clamps are attached to an upper lateral support member, and the lower clamps are attached to a lower lateral support member. This assembly may be supported by A-shaped support members having adjustable tilt arms, or posts with specially configured brackets.
Claims16
A solar panel mounting system comprising:
- at least two A-shaped support frames, each A-shaped support frame including a respective top bracket;
- a tilt arm connected to an A-shaped support frame at a position along a front of the A-shaped support frame, such that each A-shaped support frame has a respective tilt arm;
- a top lateral support member connected to the at least two A-shaped support frames at each respective top bracket;
- a bottom lateral support member connected to each respective tilt arm, wherein each tilt arm is attached to an A-shaped support member at a location to align the bottom lateral support member with at least one bottom mounting hole on a solar panel frame;
- and
- a first solar panel clamp attached to the top lateral support member;
- and a second solar panel clamp attached to the bottom lateral support member, wherein the first and second panel clamps comprise:
- a top section comprising:
- at least one elongated slot for aligning with a mounting hole on a solar panel;
- and
- a spacer fin configured to provide a fixed gap between adjacent solar panels;
- a rear section;
- mounting hardware to attach the top and rear sections together around a lateral support member;
- a first solar panel having a frame connected to a first side of the first and second solar panel clamps;
- and
- a second solar panel having a frame connected to a second side of the first and second solar panel clamps;
- wherein the spacer fin of each solar panel clamp provides a fixed gap between the first and second solar panels.
A solar panel mounting system comprising:
- at least two mounting posts;
- a mounting bracket connected at a top of a mounting post;
- a top lateral support member connected to each mounting bracket;
- a bottom lateral support member connected to each mounting bracket at a location to align the bottom lateral support member with at least one bottom mounting hole on a solar panel frame;
- and
- a first solar panel clamp attached to the top lateral support member;
- and a second solar panel clamp attached to the bottom lateral support member, wherein the first and second panel clamps comprise:
- a top section comprising:
- at least one elongated slot for aligning with a mounting hole on a solar panel;
- and
- a spacer fin configured to provide a fixed gap between adjacent solar panels;
- a rear section;
- mounting hardware to attach the front and rear sections together around a lateral support member;
- and
- a first solar panel having a frame connected to a first side of the first and second solar panel clamps;
- and
- a second solar panel having a frame connected to a second side of the first and second solar panel clamps;
- wherein the spacer fin of each solar panel clamp provides a fixed gap between the first and second solar panels.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.