Connector assemblies for connecting panels, panels with connector assemblies

A panel assembly, comprising:

• a connector assembly, comprising
• a connector;
• a pair of side collectors, each comprising
• a connector engagement region;
• and
• a panel engagement region comprising a receiving area;
• and
• a clip, wherein the clip has a base that can be attached to a support, an engagement, and a stem extending therebetween, wherein the engagement has an extension protruding from a side of the engagement toward the base, wherein the panel engagement region further comprises an opening in a joint wall on a side of the panel engagement region opposite the receiving area, wherein the opening is configured to receive the engagement;
• a panel located in each panel engagement region;
• and
• wherein the connector is mated with the connector engagement region of the side collectors so as to hold ends of the panels together.

A method of making a panel assembly, comprising:

• attaching a first panel to a second panel with a connector assembly, wherein the connector assembly comprises:
• a connector;
• and
• a pair of side collectors, each comprising
• a connector engagement region having a size and geometry to mate with the connector so as to hold ends of two adjacent panels together;
• and
• a panel engagement region comprising a receiving area and having a size to attach onto an edge of the first panel or the second panel;
• and
• a clip, wherein the clip has a base that can be attached to a support, an engagement, and a stem extending therebetween, wherein the engagement has an extension projecting toward the base from a side of the engagement, wherein the panel engagement region further comprises an opening in a joint wall on a side of the panel engagement region opposite the receiving area, wherein the opening is configured to receive the engagement.