ABSTRACT
Abstract
In one embodiment, there is a mount for a pitched roof. The mount comprises a fastening plate. The fastening plate includes at least one support extending upwardly from the fastening plate to support a pair of mounting surfaces a predetermined distance above the pitched roof. At least a portion of the fastening plate extends laterally from the one or more supports. The pair of mounting surfaces is configured to support at least one photovoltaic panel. The mount further includes a clamp housing between the pair of mounting surfaces and receives a clamp. The clamp comprises a pair of laterally extending clamp plates and at least one clamp stabilizer configured to prevent the clamp plate from tilting when the clamping force is applied.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/404,618 filed Oct. 5, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Application 61/431,112 filed Jan. 10, 2011. Both of these applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to devices, systems and methods for mounting solar panels on a pitched roof.
2. Discussion of State of the Art
There is a growing market for alternative energy. Alternative energy includes energy that is generated from wind turbines, water powered turbines, and energy from the sun. Alternative energy not only potentially provides cleaner sources of energy that are good for the environment, but the relative low cost of operating and maintaining an alternative energy system, such as a photovoltaic power system, has given an individual home owner the ability to generate his own power at a cost that is close to the cost of purchasing energy off of the national grid. Thus, solar generated electricity is not only a way of making the environment cleaner; it is a means for greater energy independence at a competitive cost. The cost of generating electricity by photovoltaic systems typically require government incentives and tax credits to make it financially enticing for most investors. Even so, the break even point for a solar panel system is typically about 8 years.
Should photovoltaic cells become less expensive or more efficient, the overall cost would provide incentive to more homeowners, landowners or business owners to invest in the more environmentally-friendly photovoltaic system. A significant part of the cost of a solar panel system is the installation cost and the cost of the racking system. Reducing the cost of racking system can be accomplished by making the parts easier to manufacture and therefore cheaper. Improvements that make the system easier or faster to install can also reduce the cost of installation bringing photovoltaic technology closer to being an affordable alternative to conventional energy sources.
Photovoltaic cells can be mounted on a flat roof system or a pitched roof system. Pitched roof mounting systems are typically designed for the type of roof and building material. Most homes are wood frame houses with composition shingles made of fiberglass and/or asphalt. The roofs are pitched at an angle that is typically between 15 degrees to 60 degrees radian from horizontal. The photovoltaic mounts for this type of roof are typically nailed or screwed into the underlying roof or supporting rafters.
UNIRAC® SOLARMOUNT® Installation with Top Mounting Clamps, Installation Manual 201.1 (2005) and U.S. Des. Pat. No. D496,248 shows a pitched roof mounting system that employs a network of rails supported by posts that are screwed into the underlying rafters. The photovoltaic panels are then fastened to the rails. However, securing a system of rails to a roof with a pitch can be dangerous and requires multiple steps. A jig is required to ensure that the rail support posts are fastened in the right place. Rails are long, relatively heavy and awkward to handle. However, rails allow the clamps to slide into position along the rail allowing greater flexibility in positioning the fasteners along the length of the rail. It would be desirable to support photovoltaic panels on a system that does not require installing long rails on a pitched roof.
SunPower is a manufacturer of solar panels and mounting systems. They produce a solar panel mount for asphalt composition shingle roof houses. See SunPower Dealer Technical Support (December 2007). Sun Power produces a pitched roof mount that comprises a base plate with two extrusions that support the solar panel. In a gap between the extrusions is a center bolt that has a clip that secures the solar panel to the extrusions. Two plates extend horizontally outward from the extrusions on opposite sides. Each of the plates has a single row of three holes for securing the mount to the roof on each of the two plates. Two more fastening holes are located between the extrusions.
These systems require use of jigs to preposition the mounts before photovoltaic cells are mounted. It would be desirable to develop a system that would enable installation system without jigs. It is further desirable to develop a pitched roof mounted system that would reduce the overall installation time by reducing installation steps caused by a two-step process of installing mounts and then installing the photovoltaic cells separate
SMART RACK® is a mounting system for installing solar panels on a pitched asphalt roof by Takashima & Co., Ltd ([email protected]). See SMART RACK General Installation Manual (2009). The system is mounted by a two part mount that comprises a flanged L-clamp and a T-clamp. The solar panel is secured between the flanges on the T-clamp and the L clamp. The T-clamp is inserted into a notched channel in the flanged l-clamp. The clamp does not bear down on the solar panel. Rather a horizontally directed screw fastens the panel to the T-clamp. The L-portion of the flanged L-clamp has two rows of holes to secure the T-clamp to the L-clamp.
There is still a need for a device, system and method for mounting solar panels to a roof that are easy to install, reduce installation time, improve safety by eliminating rails. It would be further advantageous if they can be installed without a jig and can be adjustable in one or more directions. The present invention addresses one or more of these and other needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a mounting bracket for a pitched roof. The mounting bracket accommodates panels of a variety of widths. The clamp is equally effective at clamping either one or a pair of clamps so separate clamp designs are not needed for clamps at row end or clamps used between rows of solar panels. The mounting bracket of one embodiment has a one-sided clamp plate so that the mounting bracket can be positioned using the solar panel to determine the position of the mounting bracket and then affixed without having to remove the solar panel to affix the mounting bracket in place. The clamp plate is slidable along the length of the mounting bracket so that the clamp position can be moved along the width of the mounting bracket. This accommodates small tolerance errors during installation. Furthermore, the clamps can be adjusted to ensure that each of the clamps can be aligned in rows.
In one embodiment, there is a mounting bracket for a pitched roof. The mounting bracket comprises a laterally extending fastening plate having a plurality of fastening holes in at least two rows. The mounting bracket includes a pair of mounting blocks having a pair of laterally extending mounting surfaces. The pair of mounting blocks are affixed to and extending generally perpendicular to the fastening plate for mounting at least one object to at least one of the surfaces a predetermined distance above the fastening plate. A damp is included that comprising (i) a pair of laterally extending clamp plates that bear against the pair of mounting surfaces to clamp at least one object when a clamping force is applied (ii) a pair of clamp stabilizers extending perpendicular to the clamp plates and received into a pair of clamp stabilizer channels to restrict tilting of the clamp plates relative to the mounting surfaces (iv) a clamping rod extending from the mounting plates and the mounting bracket configured to create a clamping force between the mounting surface and the mounting plates.
The mounting bracket of another embodiment has clamp stabilizers that are guide plates extending perpendicular from the clamp plates into channels to prevent tilting of the clamp plates relative to the mounting surface such that the clamp can clamp one object between one clamp plate and one mounting surface as effectively as clamping a pair of objects between the respective pair of clamp plates and mounting surfaces.
The mounting bracket of one embodiment has clamping rod that is a threaded bolt and nut. The nut is secured to the mounting bracket in a channel that permits longitudinal movement of the bolt relative to the nut to create a clamping force.
In still another embodiment, the nut is a square nut and fits into a clamp housing to prevent pivoting of the nut relative to the clamp housing, the clamp housing further extends above the mounting surface and the pair of stabilizer channels are defined by the space between the clamp housing and the mounting blocks on either side of the clamp housing.
In one embodiment, the threaded bold is slidably and pivotally received into the clamp hosing and the nut is slidably but not pivotally received in the clamp housing so that the clamp is capable of being positioned at a range of position along the length of the clamp housing. Typically, the range of positions is a minimum of one inch and a maximum of the length of the clamp housing.
In another embodiment, the object is a solar panel, and the clamp is configured to secure solar panels having a thickness ranging from at least one inch to three inches.
In another embodiment, the fastening plate is adjacent one of the mounting blocks and is not adjacent the other. Optionally, the fastening plate includes a sealant on the bottom of the fastening plate. Typically, the sealant is a strip of butyl mastic rubber.
In one embodiment, there is a method of installing solar panels having a predetermined length, predetermined width and predetermined thickness on a pitched roof. The method comprises the step of providing a generally horizontal base line on the pitched roof. A first row of a plurality of mounting brackets such as set forth in one or more embodiments above are affixed along the base line spaced apart from each other by the length of the panel. Typically, the fastening plate is attached on one side of the mounting bracket only. A second guide line is made perpendicular to the generally horizontal base line. A second row of mounting brackets is spaced apart from the first row by a distance equal to the width of the panel. A first row of solar panels are attached between the first row and the second row. The fastening bracket in the first row of a plurality of mounting brackets is beneath the first row of solar panels. The fastening bracket in the second row of a plurality of mounting brackets is not beneath the first row of solar panels, The first row of mounting brackets is spaced apart using a solar panel and not a jig as a measurement guide. The second row of mounting brackets is spaced apart by using a solar panel and not a jig as a measurement guide.
In one embodiment, there is a mount for a pitched roof. The mount comprises a fastening plate. The fastening plate includes at least one support extending upwardly from the fastening plate to support a pair of mounting surfaces a predetermined distance above the pitched roof. At least a portion of the fastening plate extends laterally from the one or more supports. The lateral portion of the fastening plate has a plurality of fastening holes in at least two rows on the plate.
The pair of mounting surfaces is configured to support at least one photovoltaic panel. At least one of the mounting surfaces is a predetermined distance above the pitched roof.
The mount further includes a clamp housing between the pair of mounting surfaces comprises vertical abutment surfaces defining a spacer and a longitudinally extending clamp receiving channel.
The mount further receives a clamp. The clamp comprises a pair of laterally extending clamp plates that are configured to cooperate with the pair of mounting surfaces to bear against and clamp at least one solar panel when a clamping force is applied. The clamp further comprises at least one clamp stabilizer configured to prevent the clamp plate from tilting when the clamping force is applied. The clamp further comprises a clamping rod extending from the mounting plates and the mounting bracket configured to create a clamping force between the mounting surface and the mounting plates. The clamping rod is slidably received into the longitudinally extending clamp receiving channel.
In one embodiment, at least one support comprises a pair of mounting blocks that respectively support the pair of mounting surfaces.
In another embodiment, the at least one clamp stabilizer slidably extends perpendicular to the clamp plate and along at least one stabilizer surface in the mount. The at least one clamp stabilizer impinges against the at least one stabilizer surface restricting tilting movement of the clamp plate and the at least one stabilizer while allowing the clamp to slide along the stabilizer surface.
In still another embodiment, the at least one clamp stabilizer is slidably received in a stabilizer channel in the mount. The at least one clamp stabilizer impinges against the at least one stabilizer surface restricting tilting movement of the clamp plate and the at least one stabilizer while allowing the clamp to slide along the stabilizer surface.
In one embodiment, the clamp stabilizers are guide plates extending perpendicular from the clamp plates into channels to prevent tilting of the clamp plates relative to the mounting surface such that the clamp can clamp one object between one clamp plate and one mounting surface as effectively as clamping a pair of objects between the respective pair of clamp plates and mounting surfaces.
In another embodiment, the clamping rod is a threaded bolt and nut. The nut is secured to the mounting bracket in a channel that permits longitudinal movement of the bolt relative to the nut to create a clamping force.
In still another embodiment, the object is a solar panel and the clamp is configured to secure solar panels having a width ranging from at least one inch to three inches.
In one embodiment, the nut is a square nut and fits into a clamp housing to prevent pivoting of the nut relative to the clamp housing. The clamp housing further extends above the mounting surface. The pair of stabilizer channels is defined by the space between the clamp housing and the mounting blocks on either side of the clamp housing.
In another embodiment, the fastening plate is adjacent one of the mounting blocks and is not adjacent the other.
In still another embodiment, the fastening plate includes a sealant on the bottom of the fastening plate. Preferably, the sealant is a strip of butyl mastic rubber.
In one embodiment, the threaded bold is slidably and pivotally received into the clamp housing and the nut is slidably but not pivotally received in the clamp housing so that the clamp is capable of being positioned at a range of position along the length of the clamp housing.
In still another embodiment, the range of positions is a minimum of one inch and a maximum of the length of the clamp housing.
The method of the present invention further includes a method of installing solar panels having a predetermined length, predetermined width and predetermined thickness on a pitched roof. The method comprises the steps of:
(a) providing a generally horizontal base line on the pitched roof; (b) providing a plurality of mounting brackets, wherein each mounting bracket comprises a fastening plate, a pair of supports extending upward from the fastening plate to form support surfaces and a clamp mechanism between the pair of supports, at least a portion of the fastening plate extends laterally outward from the pair of supports and has at least two rows of fastening holes on the at least a portion of the fastening plate; (c) affixing a first row of mounting brackets along the base line by the fastening plate on one side of the mounting bracket only; (d) placing a first row of solar panels in the first row of mounting brackets after the step (c) of affixing a first row; (e) positioning a second row of mounting brackets on an opposite side of the first row of solar panels from the first row of a plurality of mounting brackets to position the second row of mounting brackets a distance equal to the width of the panel, wherein the at least a portion of the fastening brackets of the second row is not beneath the first row of solar panels; (f) aff
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/404,618 filed Oct. 5, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Application 61/431,112 filed Jan. 10, 2011. Both of these applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to devices, systems and methods for mounting solar panels on a pitched roof.
2. Discussion of State of the Art
There is a growing market for alternative energy. Alternative energy includes energy that is generated from wind turbines, water powered turbines, and energy from the sun. Alternative energy not only potentially provides cleaner sources of energy that are good for the environment, but the relative low cost of operating and maintaining an alternative energy system, such as a photovoltaic power system, has given an individual home owner the ability to generate his own power at a cost that is close to the cost of purchasing energy off of the national grid. Thus, solar generated electricity is not only a way of making the environment cleaner; it is a means for greater energy independence at a competitive cost. The cost of generating electricity by photovoltaic systems typically require government incentives and tax credits to make it financially enticing for most investors. Even so, the break even point for a solar panel system is typically about 8 years.
Should photovoltaic cells become less expensive or more efficient, the overall cost would provide incentive to more homeowners, landowners or business owners to invest in the more environmentally-friendly photovoltaic system. A significant part of the cost of a solar panel system is the installation cost and the cost of the racking system. Reducing the cost of racking system can be accomplished by making the parts easier to manufacture and therefore cheaper. Improvements that make the system easier or faster to install can also reduce the cost of installation bringing photovoltaic technology closer to being an affordable alternative to conventional energy sources.
Photovoltaic cells can be mounted on a flat roof system or a pitched roof system. Pitched roof mounting systems are typically designed for the type of roof and building material. Most homes are wood frame houses with composition shingles made of fiberglass and/or asphalt. The roofs are pitched at an angle that is typically between 15 degrees to 60 degrees radian from horizontal. The photovoltaic mounts for this type of roof are typically nailed or screwed into the underlying roof or supporting rafters.
UNIRAC® SOLARMOUNT® Installation with Top Mounting Clamps, Installation Manual 201.1 (2005) and U.S. Des. Pat. No. D496,248 shows a pitched roof mounting system that employs a network of rails supported by posts that are screwed into the underlying rafters. The photovoltaic panels are then fastened to the rails. However, securing a system of rails to a roof with a pitch can be dangerous and requires multiple steps. A jig is required to ensure that the rail support posts are fastened in the right place. Rails are long, relatively heavy and awkward to handle. However, rails allow the clamps to slide into position along the rail allowing greater flexibility in positioning the fasteners along the length of the rail. It would be desirable to support photovoltaic panels on a system that does not require installing long rails on a pitched roof.
SunPower is a manufacturer of solar panels and mounting systems. They produce a solar panel mount for asphalt composition shingle roof houses. See SunPower Dealer Technical Support (December 2007). Sun Power produces a pitched roof mount that comprises a base plate with two extrusions that support the solar panel. In a gap between the extrusions is a center bolt that has a clip that secures the solar panel to the extrusions. Two plates extend horizontally outward from the extrusions on opposite sides. Each of the plates has a single row of three holes for securing the mount to the roof on each of the two plates. Two more fastening holes are located between the extrusions.
These systems require use of jigs to preposition the mounts before photovoltaic cells are mounted. It would be desirable to develop a system that would enable installation system without jigs. It is further desirable to develop a pitched roof mounted system that would reduce the overall installation time by reducing installation steps caused by a two-step process of installing mounts and then installing the photovoltaic cells separate
SMART RACK® is a mounting system for installing solar panels on a pitched asphalt roof by Takashima & Co., Ltd ([email protected]). See SMART RACK General Installation Manual (2009). The system is mounted by a two part mount that comprises a flanged L-clamp and a T-clamp. The solar panel is secured between the flanges on the T-clamp and the L clamp. The T-clamp is inserted into a notched channel in the flanged l-clamp. The clamp does not bear down on the solar panel. Rather a horizontally directed screw fastens the panel to the T-clamp. The L-portion of the flanged L-clamp has two rows of holes to secure the T-clamp to the L-clamp.
There is still a need for a device, system and method for mounting solar panels to a roof that are easy to install, reduce installation time, improve safety by eliminating rails. It would be further advantageous if they can be installed without a jig and can be adjustable in one or more directions. The present invention addresses one or more of these and other needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a mounting bracket for a pitched roof. The mounting bracket accommodates panels of a variety of widths. The clamp is equally effective at clamping either one or a pair of clamps so separate clamp designs are not needed for clamps at row end or clamps used between rows of solar panels. The mounting bracket of one embodiment has a one-sided clamp plate so that the mounting bracket can be positioned using the solar panel to determine the position of the mounting bracket and then affixed without having to remove the solar panel to affix the mounting bracket in place. The clamp plate is slidable along the length of the mounting bracket so that the clamp position can be moved along the width of the mounting bracket. This accommodates small tolerance errors during installation. Furthermore, the clamps can be adjusted to ensure that each of the clamps can be aligned in rows.
In one embodiment, there is a mounting bracket for a pitched roof. The mounting bracket comprises a laterally extending fastening plate having a plurality of fastening holes in at least two rows. The mounting bracket includes a pair of mounting blocks having a pair of laterally extending mounting surfaces. The pair of mounting blocks are affixed to and extending generally perpendicular to the fastening plate for mounting at least one object to at least one of the surfaces a predetermined distance above the fastening plate. A damp is included that comprising (i) a pair of laterally extending clamp plates that bear against the pair of mounting surfaces to clamp at least one object when a clamping force is applied (ii) a pair of clamp stabilizers extending perpendicular to the clamp plates and received into a pair of clamp stabilizer channels to restrict tilting of the clamp plates relative to the mounting surfaces (iv) a clamping rod extending from the mounting plates and the mounting bracket configured to create a clamping force between the mounting surface and the mounting plates.
The mounting bracket of another embodiment has clamp stabilizers that are guide plates extending perpendicular from the clamp plates into channels to prevent tilting of the clamp plates relative to the mounting surface such that the clamp can clamp one object between one clamp plate and one mounting surface as effectively as clamping a pair of objects between the respective pair of clamp plates and mounting surfaces.
The mounting bracket of one embodiment has clamping rod that is a threaded bolt and nut. The nut is secured to the mounting bracket in a channel that permits longitudinal movement of the bolt relative to the nut to create a clamping force.
In still another embodiment, the nut is a square nut and fits into a clamp housing to prevent pivoting of the nut relative to the clamp housing, the clamp housing further extends above the mounting surface and the pair of stabilizer channels are defined by the space between the clamp housing and the mounting blocks on either side of the clamp housing.
In one embodiment, the threaded bold is slidably and pivotally received into the clamp hosing and the nut is slidably but not pivotally received in the clamp housing so that the clamp is capable of being positioned at a range of position along the length of the clamp housing. Typically, the range of positions is a minimum of one inch and a maximum of the length of the clamp housing.
In another embodiment, the object is a solar panel, and the clamp is configured to secure solar panels having a thickness ranging from at least one inch to three inches.
In another embodiment, the fastening plate is adjacent one of the mounting blocks and is not adjacent the other. Optionally, the fastening plate includes a sealant on the bottom of the fastening plate. Typically, the sealant is a strip of butyl mastic rubber.
In one embodiment, there is a method of installing solar panels having a predetermined length, predetermined width and predetermined thickness on a pitched roof. The method comprises the step of providing a generally horizontal base line on the pitched roof. A first row of a plurality of mounting brackets such as set forth in one or more embodiments above are affixed along the base line spaced apart from each other by the length of the panel. Typically, the fastening plate is attached on one side of the mounting bracket only. A second guide line is made perpendicular to the generally horizontal base line. A second row of mounting brackets is spaced apart from the first row by a distance equal to the width of the panel. A first row of solar panels are attached between the first row and the second row. The fastening bracket in the first row of a plurality of mounting brackets is beneath the first row of solar panels. The fastening bracket in the second row of a plurality of mounting brackets is not beneath the first row of solar panels, The first row of mounting brackets is spaced apart using a solar panel and not a jig as a measurement guide. The second row of mounting brackets is spaced apart by using a solar panel and not a jig as a measurement guide.
In one embodiment, there is a mount for a pitched roof. The mount comprises a fastening plate. The fastening plate includes at least one support extending upwardly from the fastening plate to support a pair of mounting surfaces a predetermined distance above the pitched roof. At least a portion of the fastening plate extends laterally from the one or more supports. The lateral portion of the fastening plate has a plurality of fastening holes in at least two rows on the plate.
The pair of mounting surfaces is configured to support at least one photovoltaic panel. At least one of the mounting surfaces is a predetermined distance above the pitched roof.
The mount further includes a clamp housing between the pair of mounting surfaces comprises vertical abutment surfaces defining a spacer and a longitudinally extending clamp receiving channel.
The mount further receives a clamp. The clamp comprises a pair of laterally extending clamp plates that are configured to cooperate with the pair of mounting surfaces to bear against and clamp at least one solar panel when a clamping force is applied. The clamp further comprises at least one clamp stabilizer configured to prevent the clamp plate from tilting when the clamping force is applied. The clamp further comprises a clamping rod extending from the mounting plates and the mounting bracket configured to create a clamping force between the mounting surface and the mounting plates. The clamping rod is slidably received into the longitudinally extending clamp receiving channel.
In one embodiment, at least one support comprises a pair of mounting blocks that respectively support the pair of mounting surfaces.
In another embodiment, the at least one clamp stabilizer slidably extends perpendicular to the clamp plate and along at least one stabilizer surface in the mount. The at least one clamp stabilizer impinges against the at least one stabilizer surface restricting tilting movement of the clamp plate and the at least one stabilizer while allowing the clamp to slide along the stabilizer surface.
In still another embodiment, the at least one clamp stabilizer is slidably received in a stabilizer channel in the mount. The at least one clamp stabilizer impinges against the at least one stabilizer surface restricting tilting movement of the clamp plate and the at least one stabilizer while allowing the clamp to slide along the stabilizer surface.
In one embodiment, the clamp stabilizers are guide plates extending perpendicular from the clamp plates into channels to prevent tilting of the clamp plates relative to the mounting surface such that the clamp can clamp one object between one clamp plate and one mounting surface as effectively as clamping a pair of objects between the respective pair of clamp plates and mounting surfaces.
In another embodiment, the clamping rod is a threaded bolt and nut. The nut is secured to the mounting bracket in a channel that permits longitudinal movement of the bolt relative to the nut to create a clamping force.
In still another embodiment, the object is a solar panel and the clamp is configured to secure solar panels having a width ranging from at least one inch to three inches.
In one embodiment, the nut is a square nut and fits into a clamp housing to prevent pivoting of the nut relative to the clamp housing. The clamp housing further extends above the mounting surface. The pair of stabilizer channels is defined by the space between the clamp housing and the mounting blocks on either side of the clamp housing.
In another embodiment, the fastening plate is adjacent one of the mounting blocks and is not adjacent the other.
In still another embodiment, the fastening plate includes a sealant on the bottom of the fastening plate. Preferably, the sealant is a strip of butyl mastic rubber.
In one embodiment, the threaded bold is slidably and pivotally received into the clamp housing and the nut is slidably but not pivotally received in the clamp housing so that the clamp is capable of being positioned at a range of position along the length of the clamp housing.
In still another embodiment, the range of positions is a minimum of one inch and a maximum of the length of the clamp housing.
The method of the present invention further includes a method of installing solar panels having a predetermined length, predetermined width and predetermined thickness on a pitched roof. The method comprises the steps of:
(a) providing a generally horizontal base line on the pitched roof; (b) providing a plurality of mounting brackets, wherein each mounting bracket comprises a fastening plate, a pair of supports extending upward from the fastening plate to form support surfaces and a clamp mechanism between the pair of supports, at least a portion of the fastening plate extends laterally outward from the pair of supports and has at least two rows of fastening holes on the at least a portion of the fastening plate; (c) affixing a first row of mounting brackets along the base line by the fastening plate on one side of the mounting bracket only; (d) placing a first row of solar panels in the first row of mounting brackets after the step (c) of affixing a first row; (e) positioning a second row of mounting brackets on an opposite side of the first row of solar panels from the first row of a plurality of mounting brackets to position the second row of mounting brackets a distance equal to the width of the panel, wherein the at least a portion of the fastening brackets of the second row is not beneath the first row of solar panels; (f) affixing the second row of mounting brackets to the roof by the fastening plate on one side of the second row of mounting brackets without removing the first row of solar panels from the first row of mounting brackets; and (g) clamping the first row of solar panels to the first row and the second row after the step (f) affixing the second row of mounting brackets.
Optionally, the method of one embodiment further comprising the steps of:
(h) placing a second row of solar panels in the second row of mounting brackets after the step (f) of affixing the second row; (i) positioning a third row of mounting brackets on an opposite side of the second row of solar panels from the second row of mounting brackets to position the third row of mounting brackets a distance equal to the width of the panel, wherein the at least a portion of the fastening brackets of the third row is not beneath the second row of solar panels; (j) affixing the third row of mounting brackets to the roof by the fastening plate on one side of the third row of mounting brackets without removing the second row of solar panels from the second row of mounting brackets; and (k) clamping the second row of solar panels to the second row and the third row after the step (j) of affixing the third row of mounting brackets.
Alternatively or additionally, the mounting brackets comprise the mounting bracket defined in claim 1 , wherein the step (e) of positioning the second row further comprises aligning each mounting bracket in the second row with a corresponding mounting bracket in the first row and the step (i) of positioning the third row further comprises aligning each mounting bracket in the third row with a corresponding mounting bracket in the second row and a corresponding mounting bracket in the third row.
In still another embodiment, the method comprising the additional steps of:
(l) slidably adjusting the clamp plates of each of the mounting brackets in the second row with a corresponding clamp plate of the corresponding mounting bracket in the first row; and (m) slidably adjusting the clamp plates of each of the mounting brackets in the third row with a corresponding clamp plate of the corresponding mounting bracket in the first row and a Optionally, the mounting bracket includes one or more of the features of the mount set forth above and further described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a mounting bracket of one embodiment with a clamp in place.
FIG. 1B is a side elevated view of a mounting bracket of FIG. 1A .
FIG. 2 is a side elevated view of a mounting bracket of FIG. 1A without a clamp in place.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the assembled clamp of FIG. 1A .
FIG. 3B is a dissembled clamp of FIG. 1A
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a mounting bracket of one embodiment with a clamp in place.
FIG. 4B is a side elevated view of the clamp of FIG. 4A .
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the assembled clamp of FIG. 4A
FIG. 5B is a dissembled view of the clamp of FIG. 4A
FIG. 6A is a side elevated view of a mounting bracket of one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a side elevated view of the mounting bracket of one embodiment without the clamp in place.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the clamp plate and fins of one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference is made to FIGS. 1A-1E and FIG. 2 which show an embodiment of the clamping mechanism of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A-1E shows a photovoltaic mount 10 of one embodiment. The mount includes a base plate 12 that is placed on the roof at a desired location to support and secure a photovoltaic panel (not shown) to a roof including a pitched roof.
The base plate 12 is secured to the roof by a plurality of fasteners received through the holes 11 in the base plate 12 . Preferably, wood screws are used to secure the plate 12 to the roof. In another preferred embodiment, deck screws are used so that the plate can be affixed to any location on the deck and the base plate 12 does not have to be positioned over a roof rafter or beam. In one embodiment, a first side 15 of the base plate 12 has a sufficient number of holes to safely and adequately secure the entire mount on the first side 15 without requiring screws on the second side 17 . In one embodiment, the mount 10 is made of extruded aluminum. In another embodiment, the mount 10 is made of a thermoplastic or extrudable resin material. In one embodiment the resin is a noryl resin such as noryl selgfn resin.
The base plate 12 receives a baffled mounting block 14 onto which the photovoltaic panel is supported by ledge 16 or mounting surface on both sides of the mounting block 14 extending in a first horizontal direction (x). Horizontal spacing in a second horizontal direction (z) perpendicular to the first horizontal direction is accomplished by spacer 18 forming an abutment edge 20 . To reduce material cost and maximize the strength of the mounting block 14 , baffles 22 , 24 , and 26 are formed in the block 14 . In one embodiment, the
baffles
22 , 24 , and 26 extend the length of the block 14 in a first horizontal direction and are positioned to maximize the strength of the block 14 and the clamping features described hereafter with minimal material cost. Thus, optimization of the position of the
baffles
22 , 24 , and 26 is within the ability of a person of ordinary skill in the art.
A channel 28 extends the length of spacer 18 in the first horizontal direction (x). The channel 28 is sized and configured to slidably receive a nut 30 and bolt 32 of clamp 34 . The clamp 34 can be seen with reference to FIG. 3 and continued reference to FIG. 1 . The nut 30 is received into nut channel 36 that slidably receives the nut 30 but prevents the nut 30 from rotating. In one embodiment, the nut 30 is a square nut. The bolt 32 is threadably received into the nut 30 and slides along a bolt channel 38 in the first direction (x). The nut channel 36 is vertically positioned medially along the vertical height of the bolt channel 38 so that the threaded portion of the bolt 32 can threadably extend through the nut 30 to accommodate vertical positioning of the clamp 34 to secure a wide range of range of photovoltaic panel thicknesses. The clamp 34 of one embodiment has a two sided top plate 42 that forms two lips 44 under which a photovoltaic panel is configured to be received on both sides of the mount 10 . The mounting block 14 with a two-sided top plate 42 is used to position a support structure between two adjacent photovoltaic cells.
With continued reference to FIG. 1 and further reference to FIG. 3 , the top of the clamp bolt 32 forms an eye 46 that is pivotally attached to a cam lever 48 by a common pin 50 . The top of the clamp bolt 32 is milled to form two parallel faces 51 and has a thickness that corresponds to the distance between the cam lobes 54 . The cam lever 48 has a lever handle 52 and a pair of eccentric cam lobes 54 that are positioned in a downward position when the lever 48 is oriented perpendicular to the bolt 32 and extends outward when the lever 48 is positioned parallel to the bolt 32 . When the cam lever 48 is positioned parallel to the bolt 32 , the cam lever 48 can be rotated to turn the bolt 32 relative to the nut 30 to adjust the vertical height of the top plate 42 . The bolt 32 can turn within the bolt hole 53 of the top plate 42 . Also the top plate 42 receives or is formed with a channel 55 that is configured to prevent the cam lever 48 from rotating once it is clamped into horizontal or downward position. The advantage of this channel is that by preventing the relative rotation of the bolt relative to the nut, the clamps never have to be tightened. In conventional systems, periodic tightening of the clamps is required.
The vertical height of the top plate 42 is adjusted to accommodate positioning the photovoltaic panel under one of the top lips 44 of the top plate 42 when the cam lever 48 is positioned vertically. When the cam lever 48 is positioned horizontally and perpendicular to the bolt 32 , the photovoltaic panel is securely clamped into position when the cam lever is moved into a horizontal position which causes the cam lobe 54 to impinge against the top plate 42 thereby clamping the photovoltaic panel on one or both side of the ledge.
Reference is made to FIGS. 4 and 5 which show a photovoltaic mount 110 of an embodiment with a single sided clamp. The system includes a base plate 112 that is placed on the roof at a desired location to support and secure a photovoltaic panel (not shown) to a roof including a pitched roof. The base plate 112 is secured to the roof by a plurality of fasteners received through the holes 111 in the base plate 112 .
The base plate 112 receives a baffled mounting block 114 onto which the photovoltaic panel is supported by ledge 116 on both sides of the mounting block 114 extending in a first horizontal direction (x). Horizontal spacing in a second horizontal direction (z) perpendicular to the first horizontal direction is accomplished by spacer 118 forming an abutment edge 120 . To reduce material cost and maximize the strength of the mounting block 114 . Baffles
122 , 124 , and 126 are formed in the block 114 .
A channel 128 extends the length of spacer 118 in the first horizontal direction (x). The channel 128 is sized and configured to slidably receive a nut 130 and bolt 132 of clamp 134 . The clamp can be seen with reference to FIG. 5 and continued reference to FIG. 4 . The nut 130 is received into nut channel 136 that slidably receives the nut 130 but prevents the nut 130 from rotating. In one embodiment, the nut 130 is a square nut. The bolt 132 is threadably received into the nut 130 and slides along a bolt channel 138 in the first direction (x). The nut channel 136 is vertically positioned medially along the vertical height of the bolt channel 138 so that the threaded portion of the bolt 132 can threadably extend through the nut 130 to accommodate vertical positioning of the clamp 134 to secure a wide range of range of photovoltaic panel thicknesses. The clamp 134 of one embodiment has a one sided top plate 142 that forms one lip 144 under which a photovoltaic panel is configured to be received on sides of the mount 110 . The mounting block 114 with a one-sided top plate 142 is used to position a support structure at the end of a row or column of photovoltaic cells where only one photovoltaic cell is clamped.
With continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the top of the clamp bolt 132 forms an eye 146 that is pivotally attached to a cam lever 148 by a common pin 150 . The top of the clamp bolt 132 is milled to form two parallel faces 151 and has a thickness that corresponds to the distance between the two cam head. The cam lever 48 has a lever handle 152 and a pair of eccentric lobes 154 that is positioned in a downward position when the lever 148 is oriented perpendicular to the bolt 132 and extends outward when the lever 148 is positioned parallel to the bolt 132 . When the cam lever 148 is positioned parallel to the bolt 132 , the cam lever 148 can be rotated to turn the bolt 132 relative to the nut 130 to adjust the vertical height of the top plate 142 . The bolt 132 can turn within the bolt hole 153 of the top plate 142 . Also the top plate 142 receives or is formed with a channel 155 that is configured to prevent the cam lever handle 152 from rotating once it is clamped into horizontal or downward position.
The vertical height of the top plate 142 is adjusted to accommodate positioning the photovoltaic panel under the top lip 144 of the top plate 142 when the cam lever 148 is positioned vertically. When the cam lever 148 is positioned horizontally and perpendicular to the bolt 132 , the photovoltaic panel is securely clamped into position when the cam lever 148 is moved into a horizontal position which causes the cam lobe 154 to impinge the top plate 142 against the photovoltaic panel on one side of the ledge.
With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B , the mounting bracket 210 comprises two mounting blocks
214 and 216 . The mounting blocks 214 and 216 act as supports for the mounting surfaces
218 and 220 . Mounting block 214 is adjacent to the fastening plate 212 . Mounting block 216 is on the opposite side of the mounting bracket 210 from mounting block 214 . The mounting blocks 214 and 216 have two mounting surfaces
218 and 220 . The mounting surfaces
218 and 220 provide the support for the object being clamped, including the solar panel 222 . The mounting blocks 214 and 216 provide for vertical spacing of the panel 222 from the roof by a predetermined distance equal to the height of the mounting blocks or the distance from the fastening plate 212 to the mounting surface
218 or 220 .
Medially spaced between the two mounting blocks is a clamp mechanism 224 . The clamp mechanism has a clamp housing 226 and a clamp plate 228 . The sides of the clamp housing 226 define abutment surfaces against which the sides of the panels 222 approach when properly installed. When each mounting <figure-callout id="214" label="block" filenames="US08813441-20140826-D00006.
CLAIMS
Claims ( 10 )
What is claimed is:
1. A mount for a pitched roof, comprising:
a fastening plate;
at least one support extending upwardly from the fastening plate supporting a pair of mounting surfaces a predetermined distance above the pitched roof, wherein at least a portion of the fastening plate extends laterally from the at least one support, the lateral portion of the fastening plate has a plurality of fastening holes in at least two rows on the plate;
wherein the pair of mounting surfaces are configured to support at least one photovoltaic panel wherein at least one of the mounting surfaces is a predetermined distance above the pitched roof;
a clamp housing between the pair of mounting surfaces comprising vertical abutment surfaces defining a spacer configured to laterally space apart the at least one photovoltaic panel and a pair of longitudinally extending stabilizer channels, each defined by a space between the clamp housing and the mounting surfaces on either side of the clamp housing and a longitudinally extending clamp receiving channel;
a clamp comprising (i) a pair of laterally extending clamp plates that are configured to cooperate with the pair of mounting surfaces to bear against and clamp the at least one photovoltaic panel when a clamping force is applied (ii) at least one clamp stabilizer configured to prevent the clamp plate from tilting when the clamping force is applied (iii) a clamping rod comprising a threaded bolt and square nut extending from the clamp plates to the clamp housing to create a clamping force between the mounting surface and the clamp plate, wherein the clamping rod is slidably received into the longitudinally extending clamp receiving channel and wherein the nut is received in the clamp receiving channel to prevent pivoting of the nut relative to the clamp housing, the clamp housing further extends above the mounting surface and the pair of stabilizer channels.
2. The mount of claim 1 , wherein the at least one support comprises a pair of mounting blocks that respectively support the pair of mounting surfaces.
3. The mount claim 1 , wherein the at least one clamp stabilizer slidably extends perpendicular to the clamp plate and along at least one stabilizer surface in the mount, wherein the at least one clamp stabilizer impinges against the at least one stabilizer surface restricting tilting movement of the clamp plate and the at least one stabilizer while allowing the clamp to slide along the stabilizer surface.
4. The mount of claim 1 , wherein the at least one clamp stabilizer is slidably received in at least one of the stabilizer channels in the mount, wherein the at least one clamp stabilizer impinges against at least one stabilizer surface of the at least one of the stabilizer channels restricting tilting movement of the clamp plate and the at least one clamp stabilizer while allowing the at least one clamp stabilizer to slide along the at least one stabilizer surface.
5. The mount of claim 1 , wherein the clamp stabilizers are guide plates extending perpendicular from the clamp plates into channels to prevent tilting of the clamp plates relative to the mounting surface such that the clamp can clamp one object between one clamp plate and one mounting surface as effectively as clamping a pair of objects between the respective pair of clamp plates and mounting surfaces.
6. The mount of claim 2 , wherein the fastening plate is adjacent one of the mounting blocks and is not adjacent the other.
7. The mount of claim 1 , wherein the fastening plate includes a sealant on the bottom of the fastening plate.
8. The mount of claim 7 , wherein the sealant is a strip of butyl mastic rubber.
9. The mount claim 1 , wherein the threaded bolt is slidably and pivotally received into the clamp housing and the nut is slidably but not pivotally received in the clamp housing so that the clamp is capable of being positioned at a range of positions along the length of the clamp housing.
10. The mount of claim 9 , wherein the range of positions is a minimum of one inch and a maximum of the length of the clamp housing.
US13/253,960
2010-10-05
2011-10-05
Mount for pitched roof and method of use
Expired - Fee Related
US8813441B2
( en )
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number
Priority Date
Filing Date
Title
US13/253,960
US8813441B2
( en )
2010-10-05
2011-10-05
Mount for pitched roof and method of use
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number
Priority Date
Filing Date
Title
US40461810P
2010-10-05
2010-10-05
US201161431112P
2011-01-10
2011-01-10
US13/253,960
US8813441B2
( en )
2010-10-05
2011-10-05
Mount for pitched roof and method of use
Publications (2)
Publication Number
Publication Date
US20120102853A1
US20120102853A1 ( en )
2012-05-03
US8813441B2
true
US8813441B2 ( en )
2014-08-26
Family
ID=45928417
Family Applications (1)
Application Number
Title
Priority Date
Filing Date
US13/253,960
Expired - Fee Related
US8813441B2
( en )
2010-10-05
2011-10-05
Mount for pitched roof and method of use
Country Status (8)
Country
Link
US
( 1 )
US8813441B2
( en )
EP
( 1 )
EP2625473A2
( en )
JP
( 1 )
JP2013539832A
( en )
CN
( 1 )
CN103221758A
( en )
AU
( 1 )
AU2011312055A1
( en )
BR
( 1 )
BR112013007923A2
( en )
CA
( 1 )
CA2816562A1
( en )
WO
( 1 )
WO2012048056A2
( en )
Cited By (49)
* Cited by examiner, â Cited by third party
Publication number
Priority date
Publication date
Assignee
Title
US20110094559A1
( en )
*
2009-10-23
2011-04-28
Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Solar canopy support system
US20120175322A1
( en )
*
2010-12-10
2012-07-12
Solar Clam-P, Llc
Panel Mounting System and Method
US20130091692A1
( en )
*
2009-09-14
2013-04-18
Joel A. Stanley
System for Mounting Objects to Polymeric Membranes
US20130102165A1
( en )
*
2011-08-29
2013-04-25
A. Raymond Et Cie
Universal clip apparatus for solar panel assembly
US20130319962A1
( en )
*
2010-12-10
2013-12-05
Solar Clam-P, Llc
Panel Mounting System and Method
US20130340358A1
( en )
*
2012-06-25
2013-12-26
Sunpower Corporation
Leveler for solar module array
US20140044471A1
( en )
*
2012-08-13
2014-02-13
Au Optronics Corporation
Solar module
US20140215960A1
( en )
*
2011-06-15
2014-08-07
Oglaend System Technology As
Grating Clamp and Method for Fixing a Grating to a Support
US20140261639A1
( en )
*
2013-03-13
2014-09-18
Lg Electronics Inc.
Solar cell module and photovoltaic power generation system including the same
US9166522B1
( en )
*
2013-12-19
2015-10-20
Jason Zvanut
Solar panel mounting assembly
US9193014B2
( en )
2012-06-25
2015-11-24
Sunpower Corporation
Anchor for solar module
US9214891B2
( en )
*
2013-12-16
2015-12-15
Don Dickey
Clamp assembly
WO2016064912A1
( en )
*
2014-10-20
2016-04-28
Pegasus Solar Inc.
Clamps for securing solar energy panels
US9350289B1
( en )
*
2013-12-19
2016-05-24
MAJI Enterprises, Inc
Solar panel mounting assembly
US9399872B2
( en )
2009-09-14
2016-07-26
Bwdt, Llc
System for mounting objects to polymeric membranes
US20160268959A1
( en )
*
2014-11-19
2016-09-15
Ironridge, Inc.
Rail-Less Solar Panel Assembly and Installation Method
US9484853B2
( en )
*
2014-10-21
2016-11-01
Kevin Stapleton
Panel mounting bracket assembly including an adjustable height extension device and related methods
US9498854B2
( en )
2012-06-25
2016-11-22
Sunpower Corporation
Anchor for solar module
US9584062B2
( en )
*
2014-10-16
2017-02-28
Unirac Inc.
Apparatus for mounting photovoltaic modules
USD792342S1
( en )
2016-06-24
2017-07-18
Unirac Inc.
Mid-clamp for roof mounted photovoltaic modules
USD804406S1
( en )
*
2015-01-26
2017-12-05
Solaero Technologies Corp.
Mounting platform for parallel connected solar cells
US9985579B2
( en )
2016-04-12
2018-05-29
Preformed Line Products Co.
Mounting assembly for mounting a solar panel
US10312853B2
( en )
*
2015-03-11
2019-06-04
Ecolibrium Solar, Inc
Sloped roof solar panel mounting system
US10326278B2
( en )
2011-09-02
2019-06-18
Pv Solutions, Llc
System for tracking and allocating renewable energy contributions to a modular renewable energy system
US10340837B2
( en )
2015-03-11
2019-07-02
Ecolibrium Solar, Inc
Sloped roof solar panel mounting system
US10640980B2
( en )
2016-10-31
2020-05-05
Rmh Tech Llc
Metal panel electrical bonding clip
US10756668B2
( en )
2015-03-11
2020-08-25
Ecouni, Llc
Universal sloped roof solar panel mounting system
US10753090B2
( en )
2018-09-28
2020-08-25
James R. Gulnick
System and method of ceiling panel installation
US10859292B2
( en )
2016-07-29
2020-12-08
Rmh Tech Llc
Trapezoidal rib mounting bracket with flexible legs
US10879835B2
( en )
2015-01-28
2020-12-29
Pv Solutions, Llc
Integrated electrical and mechanical photovoltaic array interconnection system
US10903785B2
( en )
2018-03-21
2021-01-26
Rmh Tech Llc
PV module mounting assembly with clamp/standoff arrangement
US10948002B2
( en )
2018-12-14
2021-03-16
Rmh Tech Llc
Mounting device for nail strip panels
US11015627B2
( en )
2010-12-10
2021-05-25
Solar Clam-P, Llc
Panel clamping and mounting mechanism
US11022343B2
( en )
2011-09-02
2021-06-01
Pv Solutions, Llc
Mounting system for photovoltaic arrays
US11035126B2
( en )
2011-02-25
2021-06-15
Rmh Tech Llc
Mounting device for building surfaces having elongated mounting slot
US11041310B1
( en )
2020-03-17
2021-06-22
Rmh Tech Llc
Mounting device for controlling uplift of a metal roof
US11333179B2
( en )
2011-12-29
2022-05-17
Rmh Tech Llc
Mounting device for nail strip panels
US11352793B2
( en )
2020-03-16
2022-06-07
Rmh Tech Llc
Mounting device for a metal roof
US11774143B2
( en )
2017-10-09
2023-10-03
Rmh Tech Llc
Rail assembly with invertible side-mount adapter for direct and indirect mounting applications
US12113343B2
( en )
2014-11-19
2024-10-08
Ironridge, Inc.
Wire management structure for a rail-less solar panel assembly
US12203496B2
( en )
2020-07-09
2025-01-21
Rmh Tech Llc
Mounting system, device, and method
US12278594B1
( en )
2023-06-01
2025-04-15
Couillard Solar Foundation, Inc.
Solar panel support structure
USD1075493S1
( en )
2022-07-06
2025-05-20
Rmh Tech Llc
Clamp for a photovoltaic module mounting assembly
US12483185B2
( en )
2021-09-09
2025-11-25
Rmh Tech Llc
Torque actuated rail assembly
US12519418B2
( en )
2022-07-06
2026-01-06
Rmh Tech Llc
PV module mounting assembly with clamp / standoff arrangement
USD1109686S1
( en )
2023-08-10
2026-01-20
Rmh Tech Llc
Mount for a component of a photovoltaic assembly
US12534916B2
( en )
2023-04-14
2026-01-27
Rmh Tech Llc
Mounting device for a metal panel
USD1113406S1
( en )
2023-04-14
2026-02-17
Rmh Tech Llc
Mounting device
US12631028B2
( en )
2023-11-06
2026-05-19
Rmh Tech Llc
Metal panel electrical bonding clip
Families Citing this family (65)
* Cited by examiner, â Cited by third party
Publication number
Priority date
Publication date
Assignee
Title
US8898967B2
( en )
*
2007-03-30
2014-12-02
Sapa Holding Gmbh
Fixture for solar modules
US10151114B2
( en )
2010-01-25
2018-12-11
Rillito River Solar, Llc
Roof mount assembly
US8209914B2
( en )
2010-01-25
2012-07-03
Vermont Slate & Copper Services, Inc.
Roofing grommet forming a seal between a roof-mounted structure and a roof
US9447988B2
( en )
2010-01-25
2016-09-20
Rillito Rive Solar, LLC
Roof mount assembly
US8153700B2
( en )
2010-03-19
2012-04-10
Vermont Slate & Copper Services, Inc.
Roofing system and method
US10472828B2
( en )
2010-01-25
2019-11-12
EcoFasten Solar, LLC
Roof mounting system
US8595996B2
( en )
*
2010-02-26
2013-12-03
General Electric Company
Photovoltaic framed module array mount utilizing asymmetric rail
US10054336B2
( en )
2010-03-03
2018-08-21
Robert M. M. Haddock
Photovoltaic module mounting assembly
US11689148B2
( en )
2011-03-01
2023-06-27
Unirac Inc.
Support assembly for photovoltaic modules and mounting system using the same
DE102012103879A1
( en )
*
2012-05-03
2013-11-07
Markus Rombach
Substructure for the roof-parallel connection of a photovoltaic module with a trapezoidal sheet metal roof
US8752338B2
( en )
*
2012-05-04
2014-06-17
D Three Enterprises, Llc
Adjustable roof mounting system
DE102012209162A1
( en )
*
2012-05-31
2013-12-05
Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
Supporting structure for solar panels
US8875453B2
( en )
*
2012-06-15
2014-11-04
Kanzo, Inc.
System for mounting solar modules
US9051950B2
( en )
*
2012-08-08
2015-06-09
Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
Universal panel clamp
US8925263B2
( en )
*
2012-08-13
2015-01-06
Dustin M. M. Haddock
Photovoltaic module mounting assembly
USD706894S1
( en )
*
2012-12-21
2014-06-10
Grip Pod Systems International, Llc
Cam lever mount for attaching firearm accessories to picatinny rails on firearms
US8806796B1
( en )
2013-02-22
2014-08-19
Prezine, Llc
Cam lever mount
GB2511340A
( en )
*
2013-02-28
2014-09-03
Latchways Plc
Membrane bonded anchor arrangement
US9973142B2
( en )
2013-03-06
2018-05-15
Vermont Slate and Copper Services, Inc.
Snow fence for a solar panel
WO2014151052A2
( en )
2013-03-15
2014-09-25
Haddock Robert M M
Slide fit mounting clip for installing photovoltaic modules
US9004457B2
( en )
*
2013-03-27
2015-04-14
Cloyde Lynn Carl
Portable hand rail for boat docks
US9175881B2
( en )
*
2013-04-29
2015-11-03
Sunmodo Corporation
Thermal expansion compensation apparatus for mounting solar panels
US8935893B2
( en )
2013-05-31
2015-01-20
Sunmodo Corporation
Direct rooftop mounting apparatus for solar panels
US9515599B2
( en )
*
2013-09-17
2016-12-06
Lumos Lsx, Llc
Photovoltaic panel mounting rail with integrated electronics
US9097443B2
( en )
*
2013-10-15
2015-08-04
Sunmodo Corporation
Solar panel rooftop mounting and grounding device
US8776456B1
( en )
*
2013-10-21
2014-07-15
Sunmodo Corporation
Solar panel tile roof mounting device
US9531319B2
( en )
2013-12-23
2016-12-27
Sunpower Corporation
Clamps for solar systems
KR101480174B1
( en )
*
2013-12-27
2015-01-09
주ìíì¬ ëì°ì 기ì°ì
Fixing device for solar light collecting module
CN103746643B
( en )
*
2014-01-14
2016-02-10
åè¾¾å çµè¡ä»½æéå ¬å¸
Photovoltaic array assembly system
US9680409B2
( en )
2014-01-29
2017-06-13
D Three Enterprises, Llc
Adjustable combined flashing and mounting apparatus and method of mounting to be used therewith
EP3111552B1
( en )
2014-02-28
2020-04-08
SunPower Corporation
Improved end clamps for solar systems
US9473066B2
( en )
*
2014-04-01
2016-10-18
Pegasus Solar Inc.
Mounting assemblies for solar panel systems and methods for using the same
US9431953B2
( en )
2014-10-31
2016-08-30
Rillito River Solar, Llc
Height adjustment bracket for roof applications
US12107530B2
( en )
2014-04-07
2024-10-01
EcoFasten Solar, LLC
Height adjustment bracket for roof applications
US9985575B2
( en )
*
2014-04-07
2018-05-29
Rillito River Solar, Llc
Height adjustment bracket for roof applications
US10305415B2
( en )
2014-08-05
2019-05-28
Sunrun South Llc
Solar panel installation systems and methods
US20160079909A1
( en )
*
2014-09-17
2016-03-17
Lumos Lsx, Llc
Photovoltaic panel mounting system
WO2016053606A1
( en )
2014-09-29
2016-04-07
Haddock Dustin M M
Mounting device for building surfaces having elongated mounting slot
US20170338768A1
( en )
*
2014-10-27
2017-11-23
Sunedison, Inc.
Clamps for installation of photovoltaic modules to roofs
FR3036011B1
( en )
*
2015-05-07
2019-08-02
Exosun
SYSTEM FOR FIXING A PANEL ON A LONGERON AND CARRIER STRUCTURE COMPRISING IT
JP6302431B2
( en )
*
2015-06-18
2018-03-28
ãã¤ã¬ã¿è£½è²©æ ªå¼ä¼ç¤¾
Mounting fixture for roof
US10461682B2
( en )
2015-08-03
2019-10-29
Unirac Inc.
Height adjustable solar panel mounting assembly
US10819271B2
( en )
2015-08-03
2020-10-27
Unirac Inc.
Height adjustable solar panel mounting assembly with an asymmetric lower bracket
US10594250B2
( en )
*
2015-08-03
2020-03-17
Unirac Inc.
Hybrid solar panel mounting assembly
US9985576B2
( en )
*
2015-12-23
2018-05-29
Solarcity Corporation
Mounting system for photovoltaic modules
US10256768B2
( en )
2016-04-25
2019-04-09
Cmco Solar, Llc
Photovoltaic array mounting structure
US9813015B1
( en )
2016-06-29
2017-11-07
Sunpower Corporation
End clamp for mounting solar module to rail
US10469023B2
( en )
2016-09-12
2019-11-05
EcoFasten Solar, LLC
Roof mounting system
EP3552307B1
( en )
*
2016-12-09
2023-03-29
IronRidge, Inc.
Universal end clamp for securing solar panels to a rail support guide
CN106812212B
( en )
*
2017-02-16
2022-06-14
ä¸å½å»ºçç¬¬å «å·¥ç¨å±æéå ¬å¸
Rack unit rapid assembling support and rack unit assembling method
US10707803B2
( en )
*
2017-06-29
2020-07-07
Tessolar Inc.
Photovoltaic module mounting system and method
US10840851B2
( en )
2017-09-08
2020-11-17
D Three Enterprises Llc
Roof mount bracket
US11313591B1
( en )
2017-09-11
2022-04-26
Moti Atia
Universal clamp apparatus to accommodate solar panel frames with different thicknesses
US11384780B2
( en )
*
2017-12-13
2022-07-12
Tamarack Solar Products, Inc.
Solar panel mounting configuration
US11271518B2
( en )
2018-11-08
2022-03-08
OMCO Solar, LLC
Mounting bracket for mounting photovoltaic modules to torque tube beam
SE544211C2
( en )
*
2019-12-27
2022-03-01
Cc90 Composite Ab
A mounting device for mounting solar panels to a structure
CN111416568B
( en )
*
2020-04-01
2021-04-13
æµæ±æ´å¤©å¤ªé³è½ç§æè¡ä»½æéå ¬å¸
A photovoltaic power generation panel installation system
US12281750B2
( en )
2022-01-14
2025-04-22
Pegasus Solar Inc
Grip rail clamp
US20230387848A1
( en )
*
2022-04-21
2023-11-30
Samuel Marcus-Flack Truthseeker
Solar modules including mounts for mounting on a surface
NL2034065B1
( en )
*
2023-02-01
2024-08-23
Van Der Valk Systemen B V
Panel clamp for fastening a solar panel to a mounting rail
CN116317850B
( en )
*
2023-03-18
2024-04-02
ä¸å»ºäºå±å®è£ å·¥ç¨æéå ¬å¸
Mounting structure of clamp type solar photovoltaic panel
EP4684170A2
( en )
*
2023-08-07
2026-01-28
Pegasus Solar Inc.
Skip mount installation system
EP4572134A1
( en )
*
2023-12-14
2025-06-18
Impianti Elettrici Alpa Di Lorenzato Paride Gino
Fixing device for photovoltaic panels
PL74283Y1
( en )
*
2024-02-19
2026-03-02
Sielski Kazimierz Baks Wytwarzanie Osprzetu Instalacyjno Elektrotechnicznego
Mounting base for supporting structure of photovoltaic panels, cable routes and the like
US12286994B1
( en )
*
2024-09-09
2025-04-29
Sunmodo Corporation
Railless mounting devices for securing solar modules to roofs
Citations (27)
* Cited by examiner, â Cited by third party
Publication number
Priority date
Publication date
Assignee
Title
US3261139A
( en )
*
1964-05-14
1966-07-19
Polarpane Corp
Multiple glazed unit
US4435934A
( en )
*
1978-04-04
1984-03-13
Star Manufacturing Co.
Prefabricated panel construction system
US5571338A
( en )
*
1993-11-26
1996-11-05
Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
Photovoltaic module and a photovoltaic apparatus
US5678383A
( en )
*
1996-01-16
1997-10-21
Danielewicz; Ben
Construction assembly for supporting thin panels
US6254397B1
( en )
*
1998-06-04
2001-07-03
Dorma Gmbh + Co. Kg
Attachment device for a glass pane at a mounting fixed to a structure
US6269596B1
( en )
*
1997-02-05
2001-08-07
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Roof member and mounting method thereof
US6360491B1
( en )
*
2000-01-14
2002-03-26
Stanley A. Ullman
Roof support system for a solar panel
US6414237B1
( en )
*
2000-07-14
2002-07-02
Astropower, Inc.
Solar collectors, articles for mounting solar modules, and methods of mounting solar modules
US6412239B1
( en )
*
1999-07-22
2002-07-02
Allan S. Miller
Window frame system
US6672018B2
( en )
*
2001-10-12
2004-01-06
Jefferson Shingleton
Solar module mounting method and clip
US20040163338A1
( en )
2003-02-26
2004-08-26
Unirac, Inc., A New Mexico Corporation
Low profile mounting system
US6988344B1
( en )
*
2002-08-09
2006-01-24
Concord Industrial Corp.
Modular wall structural elements, and methods of using same
US20060156651A1
( en )
*
2005-01-10
2006-07-20
Conergy Ag
Mounting system with threaded sliding block
US20080000173A1
( en )
2006-03-09
2008-01-03
Sunpower Corporation
PV Module Mounting Method and Mounting Assembly
US20090232616A1
( en )
2008-03-07
2009-09-17
Unirac, Inc.
Friction Lock Bolt
US20090250580A1
( en )
2008-02-25
2009-10-08
Renewable Energy Holdings, Llc
Modular solar panel mounting clamps
US7774998B2
( en )
*
2004-03-15
2010-08-17
Sunpower Corporation
Ventilated photovoltaic module frame
US20100275549A1
( en )
*
2009-04-30
2010-11-04
Roofscreen Manufacturing
Clips for connecting panels and cross members without visual