A photovoltaic module with bottom mounting brackets attached to a first side and each having an extending flange with a top surface of a first character and top mounting brackets attached to a second side and each having an extending flange that defines a bottom surface of a second character, the flanges of the top mounting brackets extending over and engaging the flanges of the bottom mounting brackets of another of the photovoltaic modules, whereby the interconnected modules resist sliding separation during installation. A method of holding adjacent photovoltaic modules during installation on sloped surfaces is disclosed.

An elongated plate having a rail and defining lateral wings on opposing sides and a plurality of spaced-apart tabs extending below a plane defined by a bottom surface of the plate for engaging a tufted geotextile ground cover, said rail for receiving a fastener for engaging a bracket of a photovoltaic module thereto. Alternatively, a pair of U-shaped racks support adjacent photovoltaic modules in a series on a support surface, comprising a base and a pair of opposing elongated legs each having a support plate for supportingly engaging a respective one of two adjacent photovoltaic modules, and the base including spaced tabs projecting at an angle to dispose a respective distal end vertically spaced from a bottom surface of the base, for engaging a portion of the support surface.

A method of coupling solar panels to one or more rails via one or more module clamps to form at least a portion of a solar assembly. The method can include positioning a first and second solar panel on at least a first rail, the first and second solar panels being positioned adjacent and defining a slot between the first and second solar panels. The method can further include positioning a module clamp between the first and second solar panels in the slot between the first and second solar panels, the module clamp engaging the first and second solar panels and the first rail. The module clamp can include a bolt and a clamp head.

A solar module mounting bracket system including a plurality of solar modules including mounting slots formed in a sidewall of the solar module, a torque tube configured to support the solar modules such that they can be rotated, a plurality of mounting brackets configured for integration with the torque tube and to which the plurality of solar modules are mounted, at least one first retainer assembly connected to one of the plurality of mounting brackets, the first retainer assembly including a through bolt, a spring, a mounting tab, and nut. When a solar module is placed on the mounting bracket and supported by the torque tube the mounting tab retainer assembly is received in the mounting slot of the solar module.

A solar tracker apparatus includes an adjustable hanger assembly that has a clam shell hanger assembly. The clam shell hanger assembly may hold a torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end. A center of mass of the solar tracker apparatus may be aligned with a center of rotation of the torque tubes, in order to reduce a load of a drive device operably coupled to the torque tube. Solar modules may be coupled to the torque tubes. The solar tracker includes an energy system that includes solar panel, a DC to DC converter, a battery, and a micro-controller. The energy system may facilitate full operation movement of the tracker apparatus without any external power lines.

An end clamp (01) for fixing a framed PV module (02) on a support profile (03), includes a console element (05) fixed to the support profile (03), and including a clamp strap (04) for holding down the frame (08) of the PV module (02), the clamp strap (04) having at least one clamping surface (07) in contact with the frame (08) of the PV module (02) in a clamping manner. The clamp strap (04) has a supporting surface (17) which contacts a side of a contact surface (20) of the console element (05) while supporting the clamp strap (04). A turnbuckle (06) engages between the clamp strap (04) and the console element (05) for tightening the clamp strap (04) against the console element (05) to hold down the frame (08) of the PV module (02). An least one fixing element (18) is provided at the supporting surface (17) of the clamp strap (04). The fixing element (18) is fixed to a counter fixing element (21) having a complementary shape in a positive and/or frictional manner in the contact surface (20) of the console element (05). An approximation of the supporting surface (17) of the clamp strap (04) towards the support profile (03) is excluded by positive mechanical engagement and/or frictional connection between the fixing element (18) and the counter fixing element (21).

An end clamp (01) for fixing a framed PV module (02) on a support profile (03), includes a console element (05) fixed to the support profile (03), and including a clamp strap (04) for holding down the frame (08) of the PV module (02), the clamp strap (04) having at least one clamping surface (07) in contact with the frame (08) of the PV module (02) in a clamping manner. The clamp strap (04) has a supporting surface (17) which contacts a side of a contact surface (20) of the console element (05) while supporting the clamp strap (04). A turnbuckle (06) engages between the clamp strap (04) and the console element (05) for tightening the clamp strap (04) against the console element (05) to hold down the frame (08) of the PV module (02). An least one fixing element (18) is provided at the supporting surface (17) of the clamp strap (04). The fixing element (18) is fixed to a counter fixing element (21) having a complementary shape in a positive and/or frictional manner in the contact surface (20) of the console element (05). An approximation of the supporting surface (17) of the clamp strap (04) towards the support profile (03) is excluded by positive mechanical engagement and/or frictional connection between the fixing element (18) and the counter fixing element (21).

A photovoltaic module frame, a photovoltaic support assembly and a photovoltaic module are provided. The photovoltaic module frame includes an installation part. The top of the installation part is provided with at least one meshing structure for meshing with the bottom of a press block. By providing a meshing structure on the top of the installation part, the meshing structure is meshed with the bottom of the press block to increase the contact area between the installation part of the photovoltaic module frame and the bottom of the press block, thereby increasing the meshing force, and preventing the photovoltaic module frame from separating from the press block especially when the wind is strong.

Single-piece hinged-clamps employed used in assemblies used to mount solar power modules to surface installation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a clamp with a right portion with a right notch having a right platform, a left portion with a left notch having a left platform, and a base portion with a flexible hinge is disclosed. The left portion also includes a threaded aperture extending downwardly from the left platform. In some embodiments, a method of securing a component with the clamp is disclosed in which a right member of a component is inserted into a right notch of a clamp, an applied force imparts movement of a left notch away from the right notch, and a buildup of potential energy in the flexible hinge during the application of the force moves the left notch in the opposite direction to engage the left member of the component.

A roof mounting system for the attachment of an article to a roof, the system comprising a plurality of PV modules each having at least one corner and a frame member, a flashing member having a top surface; an upstanding sleeve attached to the top surface of the flashing member; an elevated water seal having a borehole formed therethrough, the elevated water seal further comprising at least one screw for providing a waterproof seal between the article and the roof structure; and whereby the plurality of PV modules are interlocked in a way to provide a corner-to-corner coupling arrangement supported above the roof through the frame members of the plurality of PV modules.