Mounting system for a solar panel

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Filing Information

  • Patent Number: US7406800
  • Application Number: US10849069
  • Filing date: 05/18/2004
  • Issue date: 08/05/2008
  • Prior Publication Data:
  • Predicted expiration date: 03/05/2026
  • Patent term adjustment: 656
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  • U.S. Classifications: 521/733  · 136/244  · 525/861  ·
  • International Classifications: E04D1318 · E04B200 · H01L31042 ·
12 Claims, 8 Drawings


Abstract

An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices.

References Cited

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Foreign Patent Documents

Document NumberAssigneesInventorsIssue/Pub Date
DE2970348Nov 1997
* cited by examiner

Referenced By

The current document is not referenced by other documents.

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Independent Claims | See all claims (12)

  1. 1. A solar panel comprising: a plurality of solar modules wherein each solar module has a frame; and a plurality of splices for coupling the frames of the plurality of solar modules together by inserting each end of each splice into two adjacent solar module frames; wherein the plurality of splices provides rigidity to the frames of the plurality of solar modules coupled together, wherein each of the splices comprises: a body for coupling two solar modules together; a coupling mechanism on the body for causing a press-fit coupling of two solar modules; and a secure mechanism for securing the body to at least one of the two solar modules.