Filing Information

Inventor(s)	Barry Cinnamon · Emanuel Edward Levy ·
Assignee(s)	Andalay Solar, Inc. ·  View assignee updates
Attorney/Agent(s)	DLA Piper US LLP ·
Primary Examiner	Richard E. Chilcot, Jr. ·
Assistant Examiner	Anthony N Bartosik ·
Application Number	US10849069
Filing date	05/18/2004
Issue date	08/05/2008
Prior Publication Data	US20050257453 - 11/24/2005
Predicted expiration date	03/05/2026
Patent term adjustment	656
U.S. Classifications	521/733  · 136/244  · 525/861  ·
International Classifications	E04B200  · E04D1318  · H01L31042  ·
Kind Code	B2

Patent Family

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.

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.