System for mounting a solar panel

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for mounting a solar panel. A mounting system for mounting a solar panel assembly to a base assembly is disclosed, the mounting system including a panel support bracket, a base bracket, and a clamp configured to apply a compressive force to hold the panel support bracket and the base bracket together. The clamp includes a V-shaped clamp body including a pair of legs that are spring-loaded to resist access of the legs caused by an external compressive force. The clamp includes a pair of receiver slots, where each receiver slot of the pair of receiver slots is located on a corresponding one of the pair of legs. A pair of receiver slots collectively provide a gap to allow access to the panel support bracket and the base bracket when the legs are compressed together.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of October 8, 2019, application number 201980073762.5 (international application number PCT / US2019 / 055260), and invention name “System for installing solar panels”.

[0002] Related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 742,713, filed on October 8, 2018, and entitled “Mounting Clamp for Assembling Solar Panels,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0004] The most common method for mechanically attaching and electrically coupling solar panels (e.g., solar photovoltaic (PV) panels) to mounting structures is through the use of conventional fasteners including bolts, nuts, washers, or rivets. However, there are several problems with using conventional fasteners. First, panel dimensions and the location of mounting holes in the panel frame are not standardized across manufacturers. This lack of standardization forces suppliers to customize mounting hardware for each solar project to match the specifications of different panels. This extends manufacturing lead times and increases supply chain costs. Second, the use of bolted connections increases the complexity and time required to install the panels, as well as the risk of installation errors. For example, the mounting holes at the bottom of the PV panel frame must be manually aligned with matching holes in the supporting structure (e.g., mounting beams), and then the bolts must be tightened, washers inserted, and nuts temporarily positioned. These steps are typically taken four times for each PV panel, under conditions that are ergonomically unsuitable or uncomfortable for the installer. In each case, these parts and tools may be lost, misplaced, stolen, or dropped on the panel, potentially causing damage to the solar cells. Finally, the nuts and bolts must be tightened to a specific torque value, which is difficult to achieve in practice. Overtorque is a common cause of bolt failure under high wind loads, while undertorque can cause bolts and nuts to loosen due to vibration and other environmental conditions. This increases repair costs by requiring constant inspection and retightening of large numbers of bolts and nuts on site.

[0005] PV mounting solutions that rely on conventional bolting are common in all major solar markets, including residential and commercial building rooftops, solar carports and canopies, and large-scale, utility-scale ground-mount applications for fixed-tilt and tracking systems. Currently, there are only a few fasteners and tools commercially available that can provide mechanical attachment to PV panels in an integrated manner without relying on bolting.

[0006] The first type of fastener relies on the use of a rod and a wedge that together surround the flange of the PV panel frame and the flange of the support member. The wedge may have barbs or recesses that electrically connect the PV panel frame to the support member (e.g., US20120201601A1). The second type of fastener relies on a combination of slots and spring-loaded barbed protrusions to attach the flange of the PV panel frame to the flange of the support member (e.g., US8590223B2; US8745935B2; DE102012208480B3; US10211774B2; US10240820B2).

[0007] While generally effective, existing commercial solutions suffer from several drawbacks. These designs tend to be complicated to install due to the requirement that installation be performed in situations where visibility is not fully achieved or that fasteners be pre-attached to the PV panel's frame, which can be frustrating in providing easily repeatable installations. Furthermore, most of these solutions only allow for attachment of PV panels in a so-called landscape configuration, wherein two beams or crossbeams are positioned beneath the panels, providing a maximum of four connection points. This situation hinders the possibility of utilizing more connection points to provide a more even load distribution to resist the uplift and lateral forces caused by strong gusts of wind. The present mounting system addresses these and other drawbacks in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 Shown is a top perspective view of a solar panel assembly mounted to a support base.

[0009] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A bottom-up perspective view of a solar panel assembly and support base.

[0010] Figure 3 Shown is a close up perspective view of the interior of a solar panel frame connected to a supporting base beam.

[0011] Figure 4 A top view of the base bracket is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 A front perspective view of the clamp is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 A rear perspective view of the clamp is shown.

[0014] Figure 7 A front view of the clamp is shown in a relaxed state.

[0015] Figure 8 A front view of the clamp is shown in a compressed state.

[0016] Figure 9A A perspective view of the clamp is shown adjacent to the panel beam and base beam.

[0017] Figure 9B A rear cross-sectional view of the clamp is shown proximate the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0018] Figure 9C A side cross-sectional view of the clamp is shown proximate the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0019] Figure 10A A perspective view of the clamp is shown partially engaged with the panel beam and base beam.

[0020] Figure 10B A rear cross-sectional view of the clamp is shown partially engaged with the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0021] Figure 10C A side cross-sectional view of the clamp is shown partially engaged with the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0022] Figure 11A A perspective view of the clamp is shown fully engaged with the panel beam and base beam.

[0023] Figure 11B A rear cross-sectional view of the clamp is shown fully engaged with the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0024] Figure 11C A side cross-sectional view of the clamp is shown fully engaged with the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0025] Figure 12A Shown is a bottom perspective view of the clamp with an optional cable hanger.

[0026] Figure 12B Shown is a rear perspective view of the clamp with an optional cable hanger.

[0027] Figure 12C Shown is a bottom perspective view of a clamp supporting power cables while locking a solar panel assembly to a base assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for use in the installation of solar panels, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a system for facilitating the attachment of a solar panel to a support member, including but not limited to a tube, an open beam, a crossbeam, a plate, or the like. In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment includes a mounting system for mounting a solar panel assembly to a base assembly. The mounting system has a panel support bracket, a base bracket, and a clamp configured to apply a compressive force to hold the panel support bracket and the base bracket together. The base bracket includes a pair of clamp slots and a pair of alignment stops.

[0029] The clamp includes a V-shaped clamp body including a pair of legs that are spring-loaded to resist approaching the legs due to an external compressive force. The clamp includes a pair of receiver slots, wherein each receiver slot is located on a corresponding one of the legs. The pair of receiver slots collectively provide clearance to allow entry of the panel support bracket and the base bracket when the legs are compressed together.

[0030] The clamp further includes a pair of locking tabs, wherein each locking tab of the pair of locking tabs is located on a corresponding one of the pair of legs. Each locking tab of the pair of locking tabs is configured to be captured within a corresponding one of the pair of clamp slots to lock the clamp in a fully engaged position on the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0031] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment relates to a clamp for connecting a solar panel assembly to a base assembly. The solar panel assembly has a panel frame that includes a panel support bracket, and the base assembly has a base bracket. In this embodiment, the clamp has a plurality of legs that are spring loaded to resist approach of the legs due to an external compressive force. The clamp also includes a pair of receiver slots, wherein each receiver slot in the pair of receiver slots is located on a corresponding one of the pair of legs. The receiver slots provide clearance to allow the panel support bracket and the base bracket to enter the pair of receiver slots when the legs are compressed together. When the external compressive force is removed from the plurality of legs, the spring force of the clamp applies a compressive force between the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

[0032] In yet another aspect, an exemplary embodiment relates to a method of connecting a solar panel assembly to a base assembly using a spring-based clamp, the clamp having a V-shaped body having a pair of legs, each of the pair of legs including a receiver slot. In this embodiment, the method begins with the steps of positioning a panel frame of the solar panel assembly on the base assembly. The method continues with the steps of aligning a panel support bracket from the panel frame with a base bracket from the base assembly. Next, the method includes the steps of applying an external compressive force to the legs of the clamp to increase the gap created by the receiver slots in the legs. The method continues with the steps of advancing the clamp so that the panel support bracket and the base bracket are received within the receiver slots when the clamp is in a compressed state. The method ends with the steps of releasing the external compressive force to allow the clamp to apply a compressive spring force to the panel support bracket and the base bracket through the receiver slots.

[0033] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 start, Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of a solar panel assembly 100 mounted to a base assembly 102 using a plurality of clamps 104 are shown. The solar panel assembly 100 includes a photovoltaic (PV) panel 106 attached to a panel frame 108. The panel frame 108 includes one or more panel beams 110 extending along at least one side of the PV panel 106. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment depicted in FIG, the panel frame 108 includes a pair of panel beams 110 extending along the length of the PV panel 106. Although Figure 1 and Figure 2 A single PV panel 106 is depicted in FIG. 1 , but it will be understood that multiple PV panels 106 may be supported by a single panel frame 108 or a portion of a single panel frame 108. The panel frame 108 is suitable for supporting a variety of PV panels 106.

[0034] The base assembly 102 includes one or more base supports 112 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The base assembly 102 includes two panels (two are shown in FIG), one or more base supports 112 each supporting a corresponding one of the panel beams 110. The base assembly 102 can be supported by or attached to a fixed structure (such as a roof, canopy, or ground-mounted structure) or attached to an articulated support that adjusts the angular position of the solar panel assembly 100 to optimize light collection. For example, the base assembly 102 can be connected to a single-axis tracker (SAT) that automatically or programmatically orients the solar panel assembly 100 relative to a light source.

[0035] Steering Figure 3 , Figure 3 , a perspective view of the interior of a portion of the base assembly 102 and the solar panel assembly 100 is shown in FIG. The panel frame 108 includes a panel vertical wall 114 and a panel support bracket 116. The base support 112 includes a base vertical wall 118 and a base bracket 120. During installation, the panel frame 108 is positioned relative to the base assembly 102 so that the panel support bracket 116 is aligned with the base bracket 120. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the clamp 104 captures and secures the panel support bracket 116 to the base bracket 120. In many embodiments, the clamp 104, the panel beam 110, and the base support 112 are all made of a conductive metal.

[0036] like Figure 4, the base bracket 120 includes an alignment stop 122 and a clamp slot 124 that engages the clamp 104. The alignment stop 122 extends downwardly from the base bracket 120. In some embodiments, the alignment stop 122 is formed during manufacturing by stamping and folding the portion of the base bracket 120 that is removed to create the clamp slot 124. In another embodiment, the alignment stop 122 and clamp slot 124 can be produced on an existing base assembly 102 using a custom punch and die. Figures 9B to 9C 、 FIG. 10B to FIG. 10C as well as Figures 11B to 11C Additional views of the alignment stop are shown in .

[0037] Steering Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the clamp 104 is shown in front and rear perspective views. In an exemplary embodiment, the clamp 104 is made of stamped spring-grade steel sheet metal with corrosion resistance (e.g., stainless steel or zinc plating). The clamp 104 can be made of materials including, but not limited to, metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium, as well as metal alloys, ceramic composites, composite reinforced metals, plastics, etc. In one embodiment, the clamp 104 is made of a conductive metal to provide a ground path.

[0038] The clamp 104 includes a generally "V-shaped" clamp body 126 having two or more legs 128 extending at oblique angles from a common apex 130. Figure 8 As shown in FIG, the thickness and material of the clamp body 126 allow the legs 128 to approach or compress toward each other. When the compressive force is removed, the spring energy stored in the clamp 104 forces the legs 128 apart into a relaxed state. In some embodiments, when the clamp 104 is in the relaxed state, the angle between the two legs 128 is between about 55 degrees and about 75 degrees. In some embodiments, when the clamp 104 is in the relaxed state, the legs 128 form an angle of about 60 degrees with the apex 130.

[0039] Each leg 128 has a receiver slot 132 that extends from the front of the leg 128 to the interior portion of the leg 128. Figure 7As best shown in FIG, the receiver slots 132 are arranged in a generally normal or orthogonal relationship relative to the legs 128 such that when the clamp 104 is in a relaxed state, the receiver slots 132 are angled downward in an oblique manner. Due to the angular arrangement of the legs 128 and the orientation of the receiver slots 132 within the legs 128, the receiver slots 132 collectively provide a first gap (C1) representing the height of the linear space extending across the two receiver slots 132. When the legs 128 of the clamp 104 are brought together under an external compressive force (e.g., Figure 8 ), the angular arrangement of the legs 128 and the receiver slot 132 is reduced to provide a second gap (C2) that is larger than the first gap C1. In some embodiments, the second gap (C2) is greater than the combined thickness of the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120, while the first gap (C1) is less than the combined thickness (height) of the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120. In these embodiments, the clamp 104 cannot be introduced onto the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 until the combined gap from the receiver slot 132 is increased by compressing the legs 128 together. When the compressive force is removed from the legs 128, the legs 128 are forced apart due to the spring force of the clamp 104, and the gap provided by the receiver slot 132 is reduced. Because the combined thickness of the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 is greater than the clearance provided by the receiver slot 132 when the clamp 104 is in the relaxed state, introducing the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 into the receiver slot 132 prevents the clamp 104 from returning to the relaxed state. In this way, the spring force of the clamp 104 exerts an outward force on the legs 128, which is transmitted through the receiver slot 132 as a compressive force that holds the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 together.

[0040] In some embodiments, each of the receiver slots 132 includes a plurality of teeth 134. The serrated edges of the receiver slots 132 are configured to scrape against the surfaces of both the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 to increase frictional resistance between the clamp 104 and the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120. The teeth 134 also increase electrical conductivity between the clamp 104 and the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 by removing any non-conductive coating applied to the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120.

[0041] Each leg 128 of the clamp 104 terminates in a foot 136. Figure 7As best shown in FIG, the feet 136 are angularly offset from the legs 128 such that when the clamp 104 is in a relaxed state, the feet 136 extend in a generally vertical direction. The vertical position of the feet 136 facilitates the use of pliers or other tools to compress the legs 128 of the clamp 104. In some embodiments, each foot 136 includes a slot or hole (not depicted) that is configured to receive a corresponding post or protrusion on a custom tool to facilitate engagement of the compression tool with the foot 136 of each leg 128.

[0042] The clamp 104 also includes a pair of locking tabs 138 extending outwardly from the legs 128. The locking tabs 138 have a thickness that is less than the width of the clamp slot 124 in the base bracket 120. During installation, the locking tabs 138 are initially retained between the alignment stops 122 to capture the clamp 104 in a compressed state. Once the clamp 104 is further advanced onto the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120, the locking tabs 138 clear the alignment stops 122 and the legs 128 are allowed to partially open, forcing the locking tabs 138 upward into the clamp slot 124. In this fully engaged position, the locking tabs 138 are captured within the clamp slot 124 to prevent the clamp 104 from being withdrawn from the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120.

[0043] 9-11 illustrate an exemplary method of mounting the clamp 104 to the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120. Figures 9A to 9C Initially, the clamp 104 is laterally aligned with a series of alignment stops 122 on the base bracket 120. Once the panel support bracket 116 and base bracket 120 have been aligned, the legs 128 of the clamp 104 are compressed together using an external compressive force generated by pliers, custom tools, or the installer's fingers.

[0044] like 10A to 10C , once the legs 128 have been compressed to the point where the locking tabs 138 will fit between the alignment stops 122, the clamp 104 is pushed forward so that the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 fit within the increased clearance (C2) of the receiver slot 132. The advancement of the clamp 104 can be paused with the clamp in the partially engaged position while the locking tabs 138 are positioned between the alignment stops 122. The alignment stops 122 resist the outward spring force applied by the clamp 104 and can reduce or remove the compressive force applied to the feet 136. In this partially engaged position, the installer can verify that the clamp 104 is properly aligned relative to the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120.

[0045] Next, if Figures 11A to 11C, the clamp 104 is advanced onto the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120. Once the locking tabs 138 clear the alignment stops 122, the legs 128 are allowed to partially expand outward and the locking tabs 138 are captured within the clamp slots 124 of the base bracket 120. In this fully engaged position, the clamp 104 applies a compressive force to the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 through the serrated receiver slots 132. The alignment stops 122 and the clamp slots 124 cooperate to prevent the locking tabs 138 and the clamp 104 from being withdrawn from the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120. In order to unlock and remove the clamp 104, the legs 128 must be compressed together so that the locking tabs 138 can clear the alignment stops 122 as the clamp 104 is withdrawn.

[0046] Steering 12A to 12C , 12A to 12C 1 are various depictions of embodiments in which the clamp 104 includes a cable hanger 140. The cable hanger 140 is configured as a wire loop that is retained in a hanger hole 142 in each leg 128 of the clamp 104. The cable hanger 140 is capable of supporting and organizing power cables routed beneath the PV panels 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable hanger 140 can be removed from the hanger hole 142 by squeezing the cable hanger 140 and removing the end of the wire loop from the hanger hole 142.

[0047] Thus, the clamp 104, panel support bracket 116, and base bracket 120 collectively provide a "mounting system" that facilitates attaching the solar panel assembly 100 to the base assembly 102. This mounting system offers several advantages over the common use of bolt fasteners: (1) a single clamp replaces the multiple parts required for bolted connections; (2) torque specifications are not necessary; (3) pre-formed bolt holes in the panel support bracket 116 and base bracket 120 do not need to be aligned; (4) training and quality control requirements are greatly reduced; (5) maintenance costs are significantly reduced because the need to tighten nuts and re-torque loose bolts is eliminated; and (6) the clamp 104 can be pre-attached and shipped with the base bracket 120, providing logistical and ergonomic advantages not available in other systems. Furthermore, in most embodiments, the clamp 104 can be installed without the use of tools.

[0048] Importantly, although reference terms such as "horizontal" have been used in this disclosure, it should be understood that the mounting system is equally well suited for securing the solar panel assembly 100 to the base assembly 102 in non-horizontal applications. For example, the clamp 104 can be used to secure the PV panel 106 to a base assembly 102 that is vertically oriented. Although the figures of the "panel support bracket" and the "base bracket" are depicted in a horizontal orientation, it should be understood that the panel support bracket 116 and the base bracket 120 can be used in non-horizontal configurations. It should also be understood that the clamp 104 and other components of the mounting system can be used to connect and assemble structural members used in applications other than supporting solar panels. For example, the clamp 104 can be used to connect structural members within the base of an appliance or to aid in the assembly of a metal building.

[0049] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the application of the details of the methods and apparatus described in the following description. The present disclosure can have other embodiments or can be practiced or performed in various ways. Thus, the language used herein is intended to be given as broad a scope and meaning as possible; and the embodiments are intended to be exemplary, not exhaustive. In addition, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive unless otherwise indicated. In addition, in the detailed description below, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, features known to one of ordinary skill in the art are not described in detail to avoid unnecessary complication of the description.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined herein, the scientific and technical terms used in connection with the present disclosure shall have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art. In addition, unless the context requires otherwise, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0051] All patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications cited in any part of this application are expressly incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual patent or publication was specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] Unless otherwise indicated, the following terms as used in accordance with the methods and apparatus of the present disclosure shall be understood to have the following meanings:

[0053] When used in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims and / or the specification, the use of the word "a" or "an" can mean "one", but the word "a" or "an" is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more", "at least one", and "one or more than one". The term "or" used in the claims is used to mean "and / or" unless it is explicitly indicated that only alternatives are referred to or that the alternatives are mutually exclusive, but the present disclosure supports the limitation of only referring to alternatives and "and / or". The use of the term "at least one" will be understood to include any number of one and more than one, including but not limited to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100 or any integer subsumed therein. The term "at least one" can be expanded to up to 100 or 1000 or more, depending on the term to which it is attached; in addition, the number of 100 / 1000 should not be regarded as limiting, as higher limits can also produce satisfactory results. In addition, the use of the term “at least one of X, Y, and Z” will be understood to include X alone, Y alone, and Z alone, as well as any combination of X, Y, and Z.

[0054] As used herein, unless otherwise clearly stated in the context, all numerical values or ranges (e.g., lengths in units of, for example, micrometers or millimeters) include decimal values and integers within the range and integers with decimals within the range. Thus, for illustration, with reference to numerical ranges, such as 1 to 10, includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, etc., and the like. Thus, with reference to a range of 1 to 50, includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, etc., up to and including 50, and 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, etc., 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, etc., and the like. A series of ranges with reference to includes the ranges combining the boundary values of different ranges within the series. Thus, for purposes of illustration, a reference to a series of ranges, for example, 1 to 10, 10 to 20, 20 to 30, 30 to 40, 40 to 50, 50 to 60, 60 to 75, 75 to 100, 100 to 150, 150 to 200, 200 to 250, 250 to 300, 300 to 400, 400 to 500, 500 to 750, 750 to 1000 includes, for example, ranges of 1 to 20, 10 to 50, 50 to 100, 100 to 500, and 500 to 1000. For example, a reference to a thickness ranging from 1 mm to 20 mm is intended to expressly include all units of measurement within that range.

[0055] As used herein, the words “comprising” (and any forms thereof, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any forms thereof, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any forms thereof, such as “includes” and “include”), or “containing” (and any forms thereof, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0056] As used herein, the term "or combinations thereof" refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, "A, B, C, or combinations thereof" is intended to include at least one of A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in the particular context, also includes BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, explicitly included are combinations containing repetitions of one or more items or terms, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless obvious from the context, there is generally no limit to the number of items or terms in any combination.

[0057] Throughout this application, the terms "about" or "approximately" are used to indicate that a value includes inherent variations in error. In addition, in this detailed description, each numerical value (such as thickness, length, temperature or time) should be understood as being modified once by the term "about" (unless already explicitly so modified) and then again as not being so modified unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As described above, any range listed or described herein is intended to implicitly or explicitly include any number within the range, particularly all integers including endpoints, and any range listed or described herein should be considered to have been so stated. For example, "a range from 1 to 10" should be understood to mean every possible number, particularly integers, along the continuous region between about 1 and about 10. Therefore, even if a specific data point within a range or even no data point within a range is explicitly indicated or specifically mentioned, it should be understood that any data point within the range should be considered to have been clearly specified and that the inventor has knowledge of the entire range and points within the range. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "about" or "approximately" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, length, thickness, duration, etc., are meant to encompass, for example, variations of ±20% or ±10%, or ±5%, or ±1%, or ±0.1% from the stated value, as such variations are suitable for performing the disclosed methods and as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0058] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to that a subsequently described parameter, event, or situation occurs completely, or that a subsequently described parameter, event, or situation occurs to a great extent. For example, the term "substantially" refers to that a subsequently described parameter, event, or situation has at least an 80% chance of occurring, or at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% chance of occurring, or that a dimension or measurement is within at least 90%, or at least 91%, or at least 92%, or at least 93%, or at least 94%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99% of a reference dimension or measurement (e.g., length or thickness).

[0059] As used herein, any reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0060] It should be understood at the outset that although an illustrative implementation of one or more embodiments is provided below, the systems and / or methods of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of technologies, whether currently known or existing. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques shown below, including the exemplary designs and implementations shown and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their full scope of equivalents.

Claims

1. A mounting system for mounting a solar panel assembly to a base assembly, the mounting system comprising: a panel support bracket connected to the solar panel assembly; a base bracket connected to the base assembly, wherein the base bracket comprises: a pair of clamp slots; and a pair of alignment stops; and a clamp configured to apply a compressive force to hold the panel support bracket and the base bracket together, wherein the clamp comprises a V-shaped clamp body comprising: a pair of legs spring-loaded to resist approach of the legs due to an external compressive force; a pair of receiver slots, wherein each of the pair of receiver slots is located on a corresponding one of the pair of legs, and wherein the pair of receiver slots collectively provide clearance to allow entry of the panel support bracket and the base bracket when the pair of legs are compressed together; and a pair of locking protrusions, wherein each of the pair of locking protrusions is located on a corresponding one of the pair of legs, and wherein each of the pair of locking protrusions is configured to be captured within a corresponding one of the pair of clamp slots to lock the clamp in a fully engaged position on the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

2. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein: Each receiver slot of the pair of receiver slots includes a plurality of teeth.

3. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein: The pair of locking tabs are configured to be captured between the alignment stops when the clamp is in a partially engaged position with the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

4. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein: The fixture further comprises: a pair of hanger holes, wherein each hanger hole of the pair of hanger holes is located on a corresponding one of the pair of legs; and A cable hanger is supported by the pair of hanger holes, wherein the cable hanger is configured to support power cables from a solar panel.

5. A clamp for connecting a solar panel assembly to a base assembly, wherein: The solar panel assembly has a panel frame including a panel support bracket, and wherein the base assembly has a base bracket, the clamp comprises: a plurality of legs that are spring-loaded to resist approximation of the legs due to an external compressive force; and a plurality of receiver slots, wherein each of the plurality of receiver slots is located on a corresponding one of the plurality of legs, and wherein the plurality of receiver slots collectively provide a gap to allow entry of the panel support bracket and the base bracket when a pair of the legs are compressed together, and to apply a compressive force between the panel support bracket and the base bracket when the external compressive force is removed from the pair of legs.

6. The clamp according to claim 5, wherein The base bracket includes a pair of clamp slots, and wherein the clamp includes a pair of locking protrusions, and wherein each locking protrusion of the pair of locking protrusions is located on a corresponding one of the plurality of legs, and wherein each locking protrusion of the pair of locking protrusions is configured to be captured within a corresponding one of the pair of clamp slots to lock the clamp in a fully engaged position on the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

7. The clamp according to claim 5, wherein The base bracket includes a pair of alignment stops, and wherein the clamp includes a pair of locking protrusions, and wherein each locking protrusion of the pair of locking protrusions is located on a corresponding one of the plurality of legs, and wherein the pair of locking protrusions are configured to be captured between the alignment stops when the clamp is in a partially engaged position with the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

8. The clamp according to claim 5, wherein Each receiver slot of the pair of receiver slots includes a plurality of teeth configured to scrape surfaces of the panel support bracket and the base bracket.

9. The clamp according to claim 5, wherein The fixture further comprises: a pair of hanger holes, wherein each hanger hole of the pair of hanger holes is located on a corresponding one of the plurality of legs; and A cable hanger is supported by the pair of hanger holes, wherein the cable hanger is configured to support power cables from a solar panel.

10. A method of attaching a solar panel assembly to a base assembly using a spring-loaded clamp, the clamp having a V-shaped body with a pair of legs, each of the legs including a receiver slot, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a panel frame of the solar panel assembly on the base assembly; aligning a panel support bracket from the panel frame with a base bracket from the base assembly; applying an external compressive force to the legs of the clamp to increase the gap created by the receiver slots in the legs; advancing the clamp so that the panel support bracket and the base bracket are received within the receiver slot when the clamp is in a compressed state; as well as The external compressive force is released to allow the clamp to apply a compressive spring force to the panel support bracket and the base bracket through the receiver slot.

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