System and method for mounting solar panels

Abstract

A system may include: a friction pad with at least one protrusion on a bottom side, a support base attached on a first side to a top side of the friction pad, a standoff attached to the support base on a second side opposite the first side, a rail attachment bracket with an adjustable width configured to connect a module rail to the standoff, a fastener to attach the rail attachment bracket to the standoff at variable heights, a module rail to support and secure solar panels above a mounting surface, clamping mechanisms to secure the solar panels to the module rails, ballast rails connected to the support base configured to support and secure ballast blocks to the system, and wherein the friction pad resists lateral movement across the mounting surface and the ballast blocks resist uplift. A method for mounting solar panels may involve using the system described herein.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 09547-2600085SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING SOLAR PANELSCross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 776,827, filed March 24, 2025, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure is related to attachment systems and methods for mounting solar panel modules.Description of Related Art

[0003] Solar panel modules are often manufactured in the form of flat rigid plates. Solar panel modules include photovoltaic panels mounted to frames. The frames provide support to the panels and allow for the panels to ultimately be mounted or otherwise arranged at a desired location. To facilitate the generation of electricity, solar panel modules may be mounted in an area exposed to the sun or other source of light. Often, solar panel modules are mounted at an angle from the horizontal so that they will more directly face the sun during peak daylight. In some applications, a number of solar modules are mounted together in an array in order to combine the power generation capabilities of the individual solar modules. Mounting systems for solar panel module arrays retain the solar modules in place by connecting the solar panel modules to one another and / or by attaching the frames to a mounting structure. Thus, there is a need for mounting devices that allow for solar panel modules to be easily and securely mounted, either individually or within an array.

[0004] Mounting systems that are currently available typically require large tracts of lands. Occasionally, the land to which a solar panel module array must be mounted includes inclined surfaces or capped landfills covered with systems not intended to be penetrated. These inclined surfaces may not always provide a surface suitable for drilling or bolting, making it hard to attach the frames to the surface. If a surface is not suitable for drilling or bolting, a mounting16BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085system may use ballasts to hold itself in place. Ballasts are weights or heavy materials that can be used to hold a solar panel array down.

[0005] However, ballasts made in accordance with European Union standards and ballasts made in accordance with United States standards are different sizes. This makes it difficult to produce a mounting system that can be used in either the European Union or United States with minimal variations in the system design and / or manufacturing process. Ballasts blocks also are too tall to fit under a typical solar panel array without angling the solar panels. Additional elements are needed to elevate the solar panel modules so that ballast blocks can fit underneath.

[0006] Furthermore, due to the extra weight of the ballasts, if the solar panel module array is placed on an inclined surface, gravity can cause the frames to slide downwards when the solar panel modules are installed. This can cause the solar panel module array to slide so that it is no longer located in an optimal position.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved mounting system for securing solar panel modules to an inclined surface that is not suitable for drilling or bolting.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one embodiment or aspect, a system for mounting solar panels may include: a friction pad with a plurality of protrusions extending downward from a bottom side, a support base attached to a top side of the friction pad on a first side of the support base, a standoff or L-foot attached to the support base on a second side opposite the first side of the support base, a rail attachment bracket connected to the standoff and configured to hold a module rail, and a fastener to adjustably attach the rail attachment bracket to the standoff. The friction pad may be configured to resist lateral movement.

[0009] The support base may be an extruded tube comprising a plurality of attachment points.

[0010] The fastener may attach the rail attachment bracket to the standoff at various heights.

[0011] The system for mounting solar panels may further include a module rail configured to support and secure at least one solar panel.

[0012] The module rail may be connected to the standoff via the rail attachment bracket.

[0013] The system for mounting solar panels may further include at least one ballast rail. The at least one ballast rail may be attached to the support base via at least one of the plurality of attachment points by a second fastener.

[0014] The at least one ballast rail may be configured to support ballast blocks above the mounting surface. The ballast blocks may provide resistance to wind uplift.26BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085

[0015] In one embodiment or aspect, a system for mounting solar panels may include: a plurality of rail support assemblies, at least two module rails spanning multiple rail support assemblies in a first direction, at least two ballast rails spanning multiple rail support assemblies in a second direction, and at least one ballast block configured to apply a downward force to the system. The plurality of rail support assemblies may include: a friction pad formed with downwardly extending protrusions, a support base, a standoff connected to the support base, and a rail attachment bracket connected to the standoff. The friction pad may be configured to interact with the mounting surface and a top surface or covering of the mounting surface. The support base may have a bottom horizontal wall adjacent the friction pad top surface, two opposing upwardly extending outer side walls integrally connected to the bottom horizontal wall, a top horizontal wall integrally connected to the two outer side walls, and a plurality of attachment points. The standoff may connect to the support base via a first fastener and at least one of the plurality of attachment points. The rail attachment bracket may be configured to support and secure a module rail to the rail support assembly. The at least two module rails may be configured to support and secure solar panels above the mounting surface. The at least two ballast rails may be configured to support and secure at least one ballast block above the mounting surface. The second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The at least one ballast block may be configured to apply a downward force to the system. The downward force may resist uplift and secure the system to the mounting surface. The friction pad may resist lateral movement across the mounting surface.

[0016] The bottom wall, two outer side walls and the top wall of the support base may define an elongated hollow section.

[0017] The top wall of the support base may include a central elongated thickened portion. The thickened portion may provide support for the attachment points. At least one of the plurality of attachment points may be threaded holes.

[0018] At least two of the attachment points may be spaced apart to accommodate a width or a length of ballast blocks.

[0019] The attachment point for connecting the standoff to the support base may be centrally located along a length of the support base.

[0020] The standoff may be an L-foot having a horizontal lower portion adjacent a top surface of the support base top wall and an upright portion substantially perpendicular to the horizontal portion.

[0021] The standoff may include opposing downwardly extending lips that extend around the outer edges of the top wall of the support base.36BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085

[0022] The at least two ballast rails may be connected to the support bases via ballast rail attachment points and at least one second fastener.

[0023] The ballast rail attachment points may provide multiple optional spacings between the ballast rails to accommodate a variety of ballast block sizes.

[0024] The support base may be chosen from one of two support bases: one that is compatible with United States ballast blocks and one that is compatible with European ballast blocks.

[0025] The friction pad may be connected to the support base by at least one third fastener. The at least one third fastener may be a rivet.

[0026] The rail attachment bracket may be connected to the standoff by at least one fourth fastener.

[0027] The rail attachment bracket may have an adjustable width.

[0028] The width of the rail attachment bracket may be adjusted through the use of a fifth fastener.

[0029] A portion of the surface of the L-foot may be serrated on a side that the rail attachment bracket contacts. A surface of the rail attachment bracket that contacts the L-foot is serrated such that the portion of the surface of the L-foot and the surface of the rail attachment bracket engage with one another.

[0030] In one embodiment or aspect, a method for building a rail support assembly may include: installing a standoff into a support base and installing a rail attachment bracket onto the standoff with a fastener. The support base may be attached to a top side of a friction pad with a plurality of protrusions extending downward from a bottom side on a first side of the support base. The standoff may be installed to the support base on a second side opposite the first side of the support base. The rail attachment bracket may be configured to hold a module rail.

[0031] In one embodiment or aspect, a method for mounting solar panels may include: marking a first plurality of locations on a first module rail to attach the first module rail to a first plurality of rail support assemblies, lining up the first plurality of rail support assemblies with the first module rail such that the center of the first plurality of rail attachment brackets aligns with the first plurality of marked locations, snapping the first module rail into the first plurality of rail attachment brackets, tightening the first plurality of rail attachment brackets around the first module rail, marking a second plurality of locations on a second module rail to attach the second module rail to a second plurality of rail support assemblies, lining up the second plurality of rail support assemblies with the second module rail such that the center of the second plurality of rail attachment bracket aligns with the second plurality of marked locations,46BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085snapping the second module rail into the second plurality of rail attachment brackets, tightening the second plurality of rail attachment brackets around the second module rail, placing the first and second plurality of rail support assemblies onto a mounting surface such that the first and second module rails extend substantially parallel to each other in a first direction, attaching at least two ballast rails to the first and second rail assemblies via the attachment points of the support bases such that the at least two ballast rails extend substantially parallel to each other in a second direction, placing at least one ballast block onto the at least two ballast rails such that the at least two ballast rails support and secure the at least one ballast block above the mounting surface, clicking on a first solar panel clamp to a first end of the first module rail and a second solar panel clamp to a first end of the second module rail, placing a solar panel module on the first and second module rails, sliding the solar panel module toward the first end of the first and second module rail until the solar panel module is received by the first and second solar panel clamp, tightening the first and second solar panel clamp, clicking a third solar panel clamp to the first module rail on a side of the solar panel module opposite the first solar panel clamp and a fourth solar panel clamp to the second module rail on a side of the solar panel module opposite the second solar panel clamp, and tightening the third solar panel clamp and the fourth solar panel clamp. The rail support assembly may include: a friction pad formed with downwardly extending protrusions, a support base having a bottom horizontal wall adjacent the friction pad top surface, two opposing upwardly extending outer side walls integrally connected to the bottom horizontal wall, a top horizontal wall integrally connected to the two outer side walls, and a plurality of attachment points, a standoff connected to the support base via a first fastener and at least one of the plurality of attachment points, and a rail attachment bracket connected to the standoff. The friction pad may be configured to interact with the mounting surface and a top surface and resist lateral movement across the mounting surface. The rail attachment bracket may be configured to support and secure a module rail to the rail support assembly. The second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The at least one ballast block may apply a downward force to the system and the downward force may resist uplift and secure the system to the mounting surface. The first end of the first module rail and the first end of the second module rail may be located adjacent to each other.

[0032] The following numbered clauses are illustrative of various aspects of the disclosure:

[0033] Clause 1: A system for mounting solar panels on a mounting surface, comprising: a friction pad with a plurality of protrusions extending downward from a bottom side, the friction pad configured to resist lateral movement, a support base attached to a top side of the friction 56BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085pad on a first side of the support base, a standoff attached to the support base on a second side opposite the first side of the support base, a rail attachment bracket connected to the standoff and configured to hold a module rail, and a fastener to adjustably attach the rail attachment bracket to the standoff.

[0034] Clause 2: A system for mounting solar panels according to clause 1, wherein the support base is an extruded tube comprising a plurality of attachment points.

[0035] Clause 3: A system for mounting solar panels according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the fastener can attach the rail attachment bracket to the standoff at variable heights.

[0036] Clause 4: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 1-3, further comprising a module rail configured to support and secure at least one solar panel.

[0037] Clause 5: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 1-4, wherein the module rail is connected to the standoff via the rail attachment bracket.

[0038] Clause 6: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 1-5, further comprising at least one ballast rail, wherein the at least one ballast rail is attached to the support base via at least one of the plurality of attachment points by a second fastener.

[0039] Clause 7: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 1-6, wherein the at least one ballast rail is configured to support ballast blocks above the mounting surface and the ballast blocks provide resistance to wind uplift.

[0040] Clause 8: A system for mounting solar panels on a mounting surface, comprising: a plurality of rail support assemblies, the rail support assemblies comprising: a friction pad formed with downwardly extending protrusions configured to interact with the mounting surface and a top surface, a support base having a bottom horizontal wall adjacent the friction pad top surface, two opposing upwardly extending outer side walls integrally connected to the bottom horizontal wall, a top horizontal wall integrally connected to the two outer side walls, and a plurality of attachment points, a standoff connected to the support base via a first fastener and at least one of the plurality of attachment points, and a rail attachment bracket connected to the standoff and configured to support and secure a module rail to the rail support assembly, at least two module rails spanning multiple rail support assemblies in a first direction and configured to support and secure solar panels above the mounting surface, at least two ballast rails spanning multiple rail support assemblies in a second direction, the second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the at least two ballast rails configured to support and secure at least one ballast block above the mounting surface, and at least one ballast block configured to apply a downward force to the system, wherein the downward force applied66BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085by the at least one ballast block resists uplift and secures the system to the mounting surface and the friction pad resists lateral movement across the mounting surface.

[0041] Clause 9: A system for mounting solar panels according to clause 8, wherein the bottom wall, two outer side walls and the top wall of the support base define an elongated hollow section.

[0042] Clause 10: A system for mounting solar panels according to clause 8 or 9, wherein the top wall of the support base includes a central elongated thickened portion, the thickened portion providing support for the attachment points, wherein at least one of the plurality of attachment points are threaded holes.

[0043] Clause 11: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 8-10, wherein at least two of the attachment points are spaced apart to accommodate a width or a length of ballast blocks.

[0044] Clause 12: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 8-11, wherein the attachment point for connecting the standoff to the support base is centrally located along a length of the support base.

[0045] Clause 13: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 8-12, wherein the standoff is an L-foot having a horizontal lower portion adjacent a top surface of the support base top wall and an upright portion substantially perpendicular to the horizontal portion.

[0046] Clause 14: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 8-13, wherein the standoff includes opposing downwardly extending lips that extend around the outer edges of the top wall of the support base.

[0047] Clause 15: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 8-14, wherein the at least two ballast rails are connected to the support bases via ballast rail attachment points and at least one second fastener.

[0048] Clause 16: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 8-15, wherein the ballast rail attachment points provide multiple optional spacings between the ballast rails to accommodate a variety of ballast block sizes.

[0049] Clause 17: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 8-16, wherein the support base may be chosen from one of two support bases: one that is compatible with United States ballast blocks and one that is compatible with European ballast blocks.

[0050] Clause 18: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 8-17, wherein the friction pad is connected to the support base by at least one third fastener and wherein the at least one third fastener is a rivet.76BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085

[0051] Clause 19: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 8-18, wherein the rail attachment bracket is connected to the standoff by at least one fourth fastener.

[0052] Clause 20: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 8-19, wherein the rail attachment bracket has an adjustable width.

[0053] Clause 21: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 8-20, wherein the width of the rail attachment bracket is adjusted through the use of a fifth fastener.

[0054] Clause 22: A system for mounting solar panels according to any of clauses 8-20, wherein a portion of a surface of the L-foot is serrated on a side that the rail attachment bracket contacts, and a surface of the rail attachment bracket that contacts the L-foot is serrated such that the portion of the surface of the L-foot and the surface of the rail attachment bracket engage with one another.

[0055] Clause 23: A method for building a rail support assembly, comprising: installing a standoff into a support base, wherein the support base is attached to a top side of a friction pad with a plurality of protrusions extending downward from a bottom side on a first side of the support base, and the standoff is installed to the support base on a second side opposite the first side of the support base, installing a rail attachment bracket onto the standoff with a fastener, wherein the rail attachment bracket is configured to hold a module rail.

[0056] Clause 24: A method for mounting solar panels, comprising: marking a first plurality of locations on a first module rail to attach the first module rail to a first plurality of rail support assemblies, wherein the rail support assemblies comprises: a friction pad formed with downwardly extending protrusions configured to interact with the mounting surface and a top surface and resist lateral movement across the mounting surface, a support base having a bottom horizontal wall adjacent the friction pad top surface, two opposing upwardly extending outer side walls integrally connected to the bottom horizontal wall, a top horizontal wall integrally connected to the two outer side walls, and a plurality of attachment points, a standoff connected to the support base via a first fastener and at least one of the plurality of attachment points, and a rail attachment bracket connected to the standoff and configured to support and secure a module rail to the rail support assembly, lining up the first plurality of rail support assemblies with the first module rail, such that the center of the first plurality of rail attachment brackets aligns with the first plurality of marked locations, snapping the first module rail into the first plurality of rail attachment brackets, tightening the first plurality of rail attachment brackets around the first module rail, marking a second plurality of locations on a second module rail to attach the second module rail to a second plurality of rail support assemblies, lining up the second plurality of rail support assemblies with the second module rail, such that 86BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085the center of the second plurality of rail attachment bracket aligns with the second plurality of marked locations, snapping the second module rail into the second plurality of rail attachment brackets, tightening the second plurality of rail attachment brackets around the second module rail, placing the first and second plurality of rail support assemblies onto a mounting surface, such that the first and second module rails extend substantially parallel to each other in a first direction, attaching at least two ballast rails to the first and second rail assemblies via the attachment points of the support bases, such that the at least two ballast rails extend substantially parallel to each other in a second direction, the second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, placing at least one ballast block onto the at least two ballast rails, such that the at least two ballast rails support and secure the at least one ballast block above the mounting surface, wherein the at least one ballast block applies a downward force to the system and the downward force resists uplift and secures the system to the mounting surface, clicking on a first solar panel clamp to a first end of the first module rail and a second solar panel clamp to an first end of the second module rail, wherein the first end of the first module rail and the first end of the second module rail are located adjacent to each other, placing a solar panel module on the first and second module rails, sliding the solar panel module toward the first end of the first and second module rail until the solar panel module is received by the first and second solar panel clamp, tightening the first and second solar panel clamp, clicking a third solar panel clamp to the first module rail on a side of the solar panel module opposite the first solar panel clamp and a fourth solar panel clamp to the second module rail on a side of the solar panel module opposite the second solar panel clamp, and tightening the third solar panel clamp and the fourth solar panel clamp.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] FIG. l isa perspective view of an embodiment of a rail support assembly with a support base with a rectangular cross section according to the invention;

[0058] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rail support assembly of FIG. 1, omitting the rail attachment bracket;

[0059] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rail support assembly of FIG. 1, omitting the rail attachment bracket and standoff;

[0060] FIG. 4 is a section view of the rail support assembly of FIG. 1 at the standoff attachment point;

[0061] FIG. 5 is a section view of the rail support assembly of FIG. 1 at a friction pad to support base attachment point;96BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085

[0062] FIG. 6 is a section view of the rail support assembly of FIG. 1 at a ballast rail attachment point;

[0063] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system with a support base with a rectangular cross section according to the invention;

[0064] FIG. 8 is a side view of the system of FIG. 7;

[0065] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system with a module rail supported by two rail support assemblies with support bases with rectangular cross sections according to the invention;

[0066] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system with a plurality of module rails supported by a plurality of rail support assemblies;

[0067] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system with a plurality of module rails supported by a plurality of rail support assemblies and ballast rails;

[0068] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 11, additionally including solar panel modules;

[0069] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 11, additionally including solar panel modules;

[0070] FIG. 14 is an illustration of appropriate ballast block arrangements on the ballast rails;

[0071] FIG. 15 is a side view of an embodiment of a system with a support base that is a flat plate according to the invention;

[0072] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system with a support base that is a flat plate with side walls, omitting the rail attachment bracket, the module rail, and the ballast rail;

[0073] FIG. 17 is a top view of the system of FIG. 15, omitting the module rail and including ballast rails and ballast blocks;

[0074] FIG. 18 is a side view of an embodiment of a system with a support base with a grooved extrusion according to the invention;

[0075] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 18;

[0076] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a solar panel clamp;

[0077] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a solar panel clamp;

[0078] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an aligner;

[0079] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the aligner of FIG. 22 with an alignment rail;

[0080] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the aligner and alignment rail of FIG. 23, additionally including rail support assemblies; and106BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085

[0081] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the aligner and alignment rail of FIG. 23, additionally including the system of FIG. 10, omitting the solar panel clamps.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0082] As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0083] Spatial or directional terms, such as “left”, “right”, “inner”, “outer”, “above”, “below”, and the like, relate to the disclosure as shown in the drawing figures and are not to be considered as limiting as the disclosure can assume various alternative orientations.

[0084] All numbers and ranges used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. By “about” is meant plus or minus twenty-five percent of the stated value, such as plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. However, this should not be considered as limiting to any analysis of the values under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0085] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass the beginning and ending values and any and all subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and / or ratios disclosed herein represent the average values over the specified range and / or ratio.

[0086] The terms “first”, “second”, and the like are not intended to refer to any particular order or chronology, but refer to different conditions, properties, or elements.

[0087] The term “at least” is synonymous with “greater than or equal to”.

[0088] As used herein, “at least one of’ is synonymous with “one or more of’. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes one or more of A alone; or one or more of B alone; or one or more of C alone; or one or more of A and one or more of B; or one or more of A and one or more of C; or one or more of B and one or more of C; or one or more of all of A, B, and C.

[0089] The term “includes” is synonymous with “comprises”.

[0090] As used herein, the terms “parallel” or “substantially parallel” mean a relative angle as between two objects (if extended to theoretical intersection), such as elongated objects and116BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085including reference lines, that is from 0° to 5°, or from 0° to 3°, or from 0° to 2°, or from 0° to 1°, or from 0° to 0.5°, or from 0° to 0.25°, or from 0° to 0.1°, inclusive of the recited values.

[0091] As used herein, the terms “perpendicular” or “substantially perpendicular” mean a relative angle as between two objects at their real or theoretical intersection is from 85° to 90°, or from 87° to 90°, or from 88° to 90°, or from 89° to 90°, or from 89.5° to 90°, or from 89.75° to 90°, or from 89.9° to 90°, inclusive of the recited values.

[0092] The present disclosure is directed to a system 100 for mounting a solar panel module 524 upon a surface. As shown, the system 100 can be applied to a sloped surface, such as the side of a hill, but the system 100 can also be applied to other surfaces, such as atop landfills and other open spaces whether flat or sloped. The system 100 is most beneficial when applied to a surface that is not suitable for drilling or bolting. The system 100 can be scaled and replicated, so that multiple solar panel modules 524 can be mounted to form a solar panel array.

[0093] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, a rail support assembly 101 is shown in full or in part. A rail support assembly 101 may include a friction pad 102 with protrusions 104 extending from a bottom side. In some embodiments, the protrusions 104 may extend 1 / 8 of an inch or more from the friction pad 102 and preferably between 14 inch and 1 inch. It is understood that the protrusions 104 may be any number of shapes including finned, barbed, straight or angled and may be any appropriate length depending on the mounting surface. Friction pad 102 is placed on the surface that the solar panel module 524 will be mounted on in such a way that the protrusions 104 extend into the surface. The protrusions 104 engage with the surface so that the friction pad 102 is less able to slide or slip over the surface. The surface may be an inclined surface, such as a hill. The surface may be a capped landfill, covered with a material that is not suitable for drilling or bolting. The surface may be uncovered ground. The surface may be turf. The surface may be ill conditioned for growing fauna. The surface may be sand.

[0094] A support base 106 may be attached to the friction pad 102 on a top side. In some embodiments, the support base 106 may be riveted to the friction pad 102. The support base 106 may also be attached to the friction pad 102 through the use of screws, bolts, adhesives, or other fasteners.

[0095] The support base 106 may be attached to a standoff 108. The base of the standoff 108 may be the side that attaches to the support base 106. The section of the standoff 108 that is not attached to the support base 106 may have a hole in it. The hole may be longer than it is wide. A fourth fastener 114 may be placed through the hole to attach a rail attachment bracket 110 to the standoff 108. The fourth fastener 114 may be tightened along the length of the hole in order to secure the rail attachment bracket 110 at variable heights.126BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085

[0096] The standoff 108 as described and shown may be an L-foot 108. It is also conceived that the standoff 108 may have alternate structures, shapes and configurations. The standoff 108 may have a post and base construction wherein the standoff base connects the standoff post to the support base 106. The post of this embodiment may be cylindrical, or another elongated shape such as square, rectangular, octagonal or other. The key feature of the standoff 108 is that the standoff 108 provides elevated support of the module rail at a height above the support base.

[0097] The rail attachment bracket 110 may have two recesses located near the top of the rail attachment bracket within a plane parallel to the bottom of the rail attachment bracket 110. The rail attachment bracket may also have an adjustable width. In some embodiments, the width of the rail attachment bracket 110 may be adjusted by adjusting a fifth fastener 116. The width of the rail attachment bracket 110 may be adjusted such that the recesses tightly clasp bottom protrusions of a module rail 112.

[0098] In the preferred embodiment described herein, the rail support assembly 101 includes a rail attachment bracket 110. It is also conceived that the module rail 112 may be connected directly to the standoff 108 without an intervening bracket.

[0099] L-foot 108 may have a serrated surface 118 on part of the surface. The serrated surface 118 may be on an inner surface of L-foot 108, an outer surface of L-foot 108, or both. The rail attachment bracket 110 may also have a serrated surface 118. The serrated surface 118 of the L-foot 108 and the serrated surface 118 of the rail attachment bracket 110 may engage with each other, such that the peaks of the serrated surface 118 of the L-foot 108 are received by the recesses of the serrated surface 118 of the rail attachment bracket 110 and vice versa. The serrated surfaces 118 may prevent the rail attachment bracket 110 from sliding down the L-foot 108.

[0100] A rail support assembly 101 may be built by installing a standoff 108 on to a support base 106. The support base 106 may already be attached to a top side of a friction pad 102 on a first side of the support base 106. The friction pad 102 may have a plurality of protrusions extending downward from a bottom side. The standoff 108 may be installed on the support base 106 on a second side opposite the first side of the support base 106. A rail attachment bracket 110 may be installed onto the standoff 108 with a fastener 114. The rail attachment bracket 110 may be configured to hold a module rail 112.

[0101] Referring now to FIG. 3, a friction pad 102 and a support base 106 are shown. Support base 106 may have a rectangular cross section. The top wall and bottom wall of support base 106 may have a greater width than the side walls of support base 106. Support base 106 may 136BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085include a hollow interior 115 and an elongated thickened portion 120 that extends into the hollow interior 115. The elongated thickened portion 120 may be trapezoidal. The elongated thickened portion 120 may extend along the entire length of support base 106. Support base 106 may include support base attachment points 107, standoff attachment point 109, and ballast rail attachment points 321. Attachment points 107, 109, 321 may be through holes on the upper surface of support base 106. The through holes may extend through the elongated thickened portion 120. The through holes may be threaded.

[0102] Referring now to FIG. 4-6, cross-sections of the rail support assembly 101 are shown. In FIG. 4, a cross section is shown at standoff attachment point 109. First fastener 103 may attach standoff 108 to support base 106. First fastener 103 may extend fully into standoff attachment point 109. First fastener 103 may extend beyond standoff attachment point 109 into hollow interior 115. Standoff 108 may have downwardly extending outer lips 113. Downwardly extending outer lips 113 may extend parallel to the side walls of support base 106.

[0103] In some embodiments, support base 106 may have a trapezoidal cross-section and / or have chamfered edges between the top surface and the side surface. If support base 106 has a trapezoidal cross-section or chamfered edges, downwardly extending outer lips 113 may be configured to rest on the angled surface. Downwardly extending outer lips 113 may do so by having angled inner walls to correspond to the angled surface.

[0104] In some embodiments, the top surface of support base 106 and the bottom surface of standoff 108 may be serrated such that the top surface of support base 106 and the bottom surface of standoff 108 may engage with each other. In this embodiment, standoff 108 may not have downwardly extending outer lips 113. Instead, standoff 108 may be held in alignment due to the engagement between the serrated surface of support base 106 and the serrated surface of standoff 108. The serrated surfaces may need to be aligned prior to fastening support standoff 108 to support base 106.

[0105] In FIG. 5, a cross section is shown at support base attachment point 107. Third fastener 111 may be used to attach friction pad 102 to support base 106. In FIG. 6, a cross section is shown at ballast rail attachment point 321. Second fastener 105 may attach ballast rail 320 to support base 106. Second fastener 105 may extend fully into ballast rail attachment point 321. Second fastener may extend beyond ballast rail attachment point 321 into hollow interior 115. Second fastener 105 may extend beyond the hollow interior 115 and into a threaded opening in the bottom wall of the support base 106 and thereby providing support for the top wall of support base 106.146BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085

[0106] Referring now to FIGS. 5-9, a rail support assembly 101 is shown holding a module rail 112. Solar panel clamp 119 may be attached to the module rail 112. The module rail 112 may be supported on one end by a first rail support assembly and on an opposite end by a second rail support assembly and additionally by additional intermediary rail support assemblies as needed depending on the length of the rails and environmental loads. The first rail support assembly and second rail support assembly and any intervening rail support assemblies may include separate friction pads 102.

[0107] Referring now to FIG. 10-13, system 100 is shown for mounting a solar panel module 524. As shown in FIG. 10, system 100 may include a rail support assembly 101 and a module rail 112. Module rail 112 may be attached to a plurality of rail support assemblies 101. As shown in FIG. 11, system 100 may additionally include ballast rails 320. Ballast rail 320 may be attached to a plurality of rail support assemblies 101. Ballast rail 320 may be attached so that it is substantially perpendicular to module rail 112. As shown in FIGS. 12-13, a solar panel clamp 119 may be attached at various points along module rail 112. Solar panel module 524 may then be attached to the system 100 using the solar panel clamps 119.

[0108] Referring now to FIG. 14, a system 100 may include ballast block 322. A system 100 may include a plurality of ballast blocks 322. The placement of ballast blocks 322 may depend on the number of ballast blocks used. The number and location of ballast blocks 322 within the system or solar panel array is determined by calculations performed including site specific loads and conditions. When following the method of the invention, installers use a site specific design plan which provides the ballast block 322 number and location information relative to the solar panel modules 524 within the array or system. One ballast arrangement principal is that ballast blocks 322 are added adjacent or closer to the rail support assemblies 101 or support bases 106 first and as additional blocks 322 are required they are added in positions closest to the rail support assemblies 101 or support bases 106 as is possible. A second principal of ballast block arrangement is that if there is an odd number of blocks 322 required at any specific module location, the odd block 322 is added on the side towards the closest array exterior. Figure 14 shows ballast block 322 arrangements for quantities of 1 to 8 ballast blocks 322 per solar panel location. Blocks 322 of different sizes may include different quantities.

[0109] A method for mounting a solar panel module 524 may include marking a first plurality of locations on a first module rail 112 to attach the first module rail 112 to a first plurality of rail support assemblies 101. The first plurality of rail support assemblies 101 may be lined up with the first module rail 112, such that the center of the first plurality of rail attachment brackets 110 aligns with the first plurality of marked locations. The first module rail 112 may 156BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085be snapped into the first plurality of rail attachment brackets 110. The first plurality of rail attachment brackets 110 may be tightened around the first module rail 112. A second plurality of locations may be marked on a second module rail 112 to attach the second module rail 112 to a second plurality of rail support assemblies 101. The second plurality of rail support assemblies 101 may be lined up with the second module rail 112, such that the center of the second plurality of rail attachment brackets 110 aligns with the second plurality of marked locations. The second module rail 112 may be snapped into the second plurality of rail attachment brackets 110. The second plurality of rail attachment brackets 110 may be tightened around the second module rail 112. The first and second module rails 112 may be placed onto a mounting surface, such that the first and second module rails 112 extend substantially parallel to each other in a first direction,

[0110] At least two ballast rails 320 may attach to the first and second plurality of rail attachment brackets 110, such that the at least two ballast rails 320 extend substantially parallel to each other in a second direction. The second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction. At least one ballast block 322 may be placed onto the at least two ballast rails 320, such that the at least two ballast rails 320 support and secure the at least one ballast block 322 above the mounting surface. The at least one ballast block 322 may apply a downward force to the system and the downward force may resist uplift and secure the system to the mounting surface. The at least one ballast block 322 may be positioned as shown in FIG.14.[OHl] A first solar panel clamp 119 may click onto a first end of the first module rail 112. A second solar panel clamp 119 may click onto a first end of the second module rail 112. The first end of the first module rail 112 and the first end of the second module rail 112 may be adjacent to each other. A solar panel module 524 may be placed on the first and second module rails 112. The solar panel module 524 may slide towards the first end of the first and second module rails 112 until the solar panel module 524 is received by the first and second solar panel clamp 119. The first and second solar panel clamp 119 may be tightened. The third solar panel clamp 119 may click to the first module rail 112 on a side of the solar panel module 524 opposite the first solar panel clamp 119. The fourth solar panel clamp 119 may click to the second module rail 112 on a side of the solar panel module 524 opposite the second solar panel clamp 119. The third and fourth solar panel clamps 119 may be tightened.

[0112] Referring now to FIGS. 15-17, an embodiment of rail support assembly 101 is shown where support base 106 may be flat. Support base 106 may include multiple ballast rail attachment points 321. Ballast rail 320 may be installed using any two ballast rail attachment 166BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085points 321 in order to fit ballast blocks 322 that conform with United States, European Union, or any other ballast block size and shape standards. In figure 15, we do not see the downwardly extending outer lips but it is conceived that the standoff 108 used with the flat plate embodiment of the support base 106 could have the downwardly extending outer lips to resist rotational movement of the standoff 108 during assembly on the support base 106. In figure 16, the support base 106 includes two opposing upturned side walls 106B. These side walls 106B provide rigidity to the support base 106 and may extend along the entire length of the support base 106 or they may extend the distance between the ballast rails 320. The upturned side walls 106B may also abut the sides of the standoff or L-foot 108 and provide resistance to rotational movements of the standoff or L-foot 108 during installation.

[0113] Referring now to FIGS. 18-19, an embodiment of rail support assembly 101 is shown where support base 106 may contain a grooved extrusion. Grooved extrusion 626 may be configured so that a sixth fastener 628 can slide into grooved extrusion 626. Standoff 108 may be attached to support base 106 by inserting sixth fastener 628 into standoff 108 and then twisting sixth fastener 628 within the groove of the grooved extrusion 626. Grooved extrusion 626 may be configured such that grooved extrusion 626 extends linearly along an axis for the entire length of support base 106. Ballast rail 320 may be connected to grooved extrusion 626 of support base 106. A seventh fastener 730 may be used to attach ballast rail 320 to grooved extrusion 626 of support base 106 by inserting seventh fastener 730 into ballast rail 320 and twisting seventh fastener 730 within the groove of the grooved extrusion 626. Seventh fastener 730 may twist into grooved extrusion 626 at any point along the axis, creating infinite adjustability. Due to this adjustability, ballast rails 320 may be attached to support base 106 such that they are spaced to fit a ballast block 322 sized according to United States standards or a ballast block 322 sized according to European Union standards or ballast blocks 322 according to any regional standards around the world. The sixth and seventh fasteners 628, 730 may be T-bolts with enlarged and elongated heads that fit into the groove in the lengthwise orientation but are retained within the groove in the rotated orientation. The sixth fastener 628 and seventh fastener 730 may be the same size and shape fastener. The sixth fastener 628 and the seventh fastener 730 may hat T-bolt heads, square heads, hex heads as long as the size and shape of the head retains the fasteners 628, 730 within the groove of the grooved extrusion 626.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 20-21, an embodiment of solar panel clamp 119 is shown. Solar panel clamp 119 may have clip 800 and a cover 804. Fastener 806 may extend through clip 800 and cover 804 in order to hold clip 800 and cover 804 together. Clip 800 may have two arms 802. Arms 802 may have a slot 808 at the end furthest from cover 804. Slot 808 may be 176BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085configured to attach to module rail 112 as described above in the discussion on a method for mounting a solar panel module. Cover 804 may have a wall 810 that extends in the same direction as arms 802. In some embodiments, cover 804 may have two walls 810. Cover 804 may have a wing 812 or may have two wings 812. Wing 812 may extend outwards such that solar panel module 524 may be received between wing 812 and module rail 112.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 22-25, an embodiment of an aligner 900 is shown. Aligner 900 may have an alignment portion 902. Alignment portion 902 may have pegs 904 and an insertion notch 906. Pegs 904 may be inserted into support base attachment points 107 in order to hold support base 106 in the correct positioning on aligner 900. L-foot 108 may be attached to support base 106 already. Alternatively, L-foot 108 may be slid into insertion notch 906 and attached afterwards. Insertion notch 906 may be defined by alignment guide walls 908. Alignment guide walls 908 may have a smaller height than the rest of alignment portion 902. L-foot 108 may slide under alignment guide walls 908 due to the smaller height. L-foot 108 may not slide under the rest of alignment portion 902. In this way, the rest of alignment portion 902 may hold L-foot 108 in position laterally while alignment guide walls 908 hold L-foot 108 in position vertically.

[0116] Aligner 900 may have wall 910 extending from alignment portion 902. Wall 910 may connect attachment portion 912 to alignment portion 902. Attachment portion 912 may be configured to extend from wall 910 as two wings. Attachment portion 912 may have apertures 914. Fasteners may extend through aperture 914 to connect aligner 900 to alignment rail 1000. The fasteners used to connect aligner 900 and alignment rail 1000 may be self drilling and self tapping screws. The self drilling and self tapping screws may drill and / or tap holes in alignment rail 1000. Attachment portion 912 may also have slot 916. Slot 916 may be configured to receive a flange of alignment rail 1000 to further secure aligner 900 to alignment rail 1000.

[0117] A method of using aligner 900 may include attaching multiple aligners 900 to alignment rail 1000 at calculated distances. The calculated distances may be determined based on the size of the solar panel modules 524 and / or solar panel array. In some embodiments, four or five aligners 900 may be attached to alignment rail 1000. For each aligner 900 on the alignment rail, pegs 904 may be inserted into support base attachment points 107 of a corresponding support bases 106. A corresponding L-foot 108 may then be slid into insertion notch 908 of each aligner 900 and fastened to the corresponding support base 106. Alternatively, L-foot 108 may be attached to support base 106 when pegs 904 are inserted into support base attachment points 107. A single module rail 112 is then attached to each L-foot 108, either directly or through the use of an intervening bracket such as rail attachment bracket 110. Alignment rail 186BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-26000851000 and aligner 900 may then be removed as module rail 112 ensures each support base 106 is spaced at the calculated distances. This process can then be repeated starting with the last rail support assembly and continuing down the row for the full extent of the needed rail and rail support assemblies. Then the process can be repeated for each succeeding row until all the rails and rail support assemblies are assembled for the entire array.

[0118] The embodiments described include many similar elements with similar structures and functions. The systems described above most notably describe systems with various support bases. It is understood that descriptions including one support base are intended to include the features and elements of the other systems except as noted.

[0119] The embodiments described above include friction pads 102 with downwardly extending protrusions 104 for interaction with the mounting surface and or a surface or covering of the mounting surface. It is also conceived that the system 100 may be installed on roofing surfaces where the roofing surface includes Built-Up Roofing (BUR), Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), Modified Bitumen, or other membranes or shingles. For these roof types, the friction pad 102 would not include the downwardly extending protrusions 104 but rather another type of gripping texture or surface and the friction pad 102 would also serve to protect the roofing material from potential damage from any sharp edges of the support base 106. It is also conceived for rooftop applications that the support base 106 may have additional holes and / or attachment points for additional fasteners that may be used to attach the rail support assemblies 101 to the roof sheathing, decking, or structure. In this way the roof attachment fasteners would help the friction pad 102 resist lateral movement and slipping across the roof. The roof attachment fasteners could add some resistance to uplift, though the primary uplift resistance is provided by ballast blocks 322. In this embodiment with roof attachment fasteners, the friction pad 102 may be provided with a gripping mastic that would additionally provide waterproofing to the roof attachment fastener penetrations.196BX4383.DOCX

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 09547-2600085WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for mounting solar panels on a mounting surface, comprising: a friction pad with a plurality of protrusions extending downward from a bottom side, the friction pad configured to resist lateral movement,a support base attached to a top side of the friction pad on a first side of the support base,a standoff attached to the support base on a second side opposite the first side of the support base,a rail attachment bracket connected to the standoff and configured to hold a module rail, anda fastener to adjustably attach the rail attachment bracket to the standoff.

2. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 1, wherein the support base is an extruded tube comprising a plurality of attachment points.

3. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 1, wherein the fastener can attach the rail attachment bracket to the standoff at variable heights.

4. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 2, further comprising a module rail configured to support and secure at least one solar panel.

5. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 4, wherein the module rail is connected to the standoff via the rail attachment bracket.

6. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 1, further comprising at least one ballast rail, wherein the at least one ballast rail is attached to the support base via at least one of the plurality of attachment points by a second fastener.

7. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 6, wherein the at least one ballast rail is configured to support ballast blocks above the mounting surface and the ballast blocks provide resistance to wind uplift.

8. A system for mounting solar panels on a mounting surface, comprising: a plurality of rail support assemblies, the rail support assemblies comprising:206BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085a friction pad formed with downwardly extending protrusions configured to interact with the mounting surface and a top surface,a support base having a bottom horizontal wall adjacent the friction pad top surface, two opposing upwardly extending outer side walls integrally connected to the bottom horizontal wall, a top horizontal wall integrally connected to the two outer side walls, and a plurality of attachment points,a standoff connected to the support base via a first fastener and at least one of the plurality of attachment points, anda rail attachment bracket connected to the standoff and configured to support and secure a module rail to the rail support assembly,at least two module rails spanning multiple rail support assemblies in a first direction and configured to support and secure solar panels above the mounting surface, at least two ballast rails spanning multiple rail support assemblies in a second direction, the second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the at least two ballast rails configured to support and secure at least one ballast block above the mounting surface, andat least one ballast block configured to apply a downward force to the system, wherein the downward force applied by the at least one ballast block resists uplift and secures the system to the mounting surface and the friction pad resists lateral movement across the mounting surface.

9. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 8, wherein the bottom wall, two outer side walls and the top wall of the support base define an elongated hollow section.

10. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 8, wherein the top wall of the support base includes a central elongated thickened portion, the thickened portion providing support for the attachment points, wherein at least one of the plurality of attachment points are threaded holes.

11. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 8, wherein at least two of the attachment points are spaced apart to accommodate a width or a length of ballast blocks.216BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-260008512. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 8, wherein the attachment point for connecting the standoff to the support base is centrally located along a length of the support base.

13. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 8, wherein the standoff is an L-foot having a horizontal lower portion adjacent a top surface of the support base top wall and an upright portion substantially perpendicular to the horizontal portion.

14. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 13, wherein the standoff includes opposing downwardly extending lips that extend around the outer edges of the top wall of the support base.

15. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 8, wherein the at least two ballast rails are connected to the support bases via ballast rail attachment points and at least one second fastener.

16. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 8, wherein the ballast rail attachment points provide multiple optional spacings between the ballast rails to accommodate a variety of ballast block sizes.

17. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 8, wherein the support base may be chosen from one of two support bases: one that is compatible with United States ballast blocks and one that is compatible with European ballast blocks.

18. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 8, wherein the friction pad is connected to the support base by at least one third fastener and wherein the at least one third fastener is a rivet.

19. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 8, wherein the rail attachment bracket is connected to the standoff by at least one fourth fastener.

20. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 8, wherein the rail attachment bracket has an adjustable width.226BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-260008521. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 8, wherein the width of the rail attachment bracket is adjusted through the use of a fifth fastener.

22. A system for mounting solar panels according to claim 13, wherein a portion of a surface of the L-foot is serrated on a side that the rail attachment bracket contacts, anda surface of the rail attachment bracket that contacts the L-foot is serrated such that the portion of the surface of the L-foot and the surface of the rail attachment bracket engage with one another.

23. A method for building a rail support assembly, comprising: installing a standoff into a support base, wherein the support base is attached to a top side of a friction pad with a plurality of protrusions extending downward from a bottom side on a first side of the support base, and the standoff is installed to the support base on a second side opposite the first side of the support base,installing a rail attachment bracket onto the standoff with a fastener, wherein the rail attachment bracket is configured to hold a module rail.

24. A method for mounting solar panels, comprising:marking a first plurality of locations on a first module rail to attach the first module rail to a first plurality of rail support assemblies, wherein the rail support assemblies comprises:a friction pad formed with downwardly extending protrusions configured to interact with the mounting surface and a top surface and resist lateral movement across the mounting surface,a support base having a bottom horizontal wall adjacent the friction pad top surface, two opposing upwardly extending outer side walls integrally connected to the bottom horizontal wall, a top horizontal wall integrally connected to the two outer side walls, and a plurality of attachment points,a standoff connected to the support base via a first fastener and at least one of the plurality of attachment points, anda rail attachment bracket connected to the standoff and configured to support and secure a module rail to the rail support assembly,236BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085lining up the first plurality of rail support assemblies with the first module rail, such that the center of the first plurality of rail attachment brackets aligns with the first plurality of marked locations,snapping the first module rail into the first plurality of rail attachment brackets, tightening the first plurality of rail attachment brackets around the first module rail,marking a second plurality of locations on a second module rail to attach the second module rail to a second plurality of rail support assemblies,lining up the second plurality of rail support assemblies with the second module rail, such that the center of the second plurality of rail attachment bracket aligns with the second plurality of marked locations,snapping the second module rail into the second plurality of rail attachment brackets,tightening the second plurality of rail attachment brackets around the second module rail,placing the first and second plurality of rail support assemblies onto a mounting surface, such that the first and second module rails extend substantially parallel to each other in a first direction,attaching at least two ballast rails to the first and second rail support assemblies via the attachment points of the support bases, such that the at least two ballast rails extend substantially parallel to each other in a second direction, the second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction,placing at least one ballast block onto the at least two ballast rails, such that the at least two ballast rails support and secure the at least one ballast block above the mounting surface, wherein the at least one ballast block applies a downward force to the system and the downward force resists uplift and secures the system to the mounting surface,clicking on a first solar panel clamp to a first end of the first module rail and a second solar panel clamp to a first end of the second module rail, wherein the first end of the first module rail and the first end of the second module rail are located adjacent to each other, placing a solar panel module on the first and second module rails, sliding the solar panel module toward the first end of the first and second module rail until the solar panel module is received by the first and second solar panel clamp, tightening the first and second solar panel clamp,246BX4383.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09547-2600085clicking a third solar panel clamp to the first module rail on a side of the solar panel module opposite the first solar panel clamp and a fourth solar panel clamp to the second module rail on a side of the solar panel module opposite the second solar panel clamp, and tightening the third solar panel clamp and the fourth solar panel clamp.256BX4383.DOCX

Images