A support member for mounting photovoltaic modules on a support surface and a mounting system including the same are disclosed herein. The support member may comprise a body portion, the body portion including a ballast receiving portion for accommodating one or more ballasts, the body portion further including at least one support portion; and at least one clamp subassembly, the at least one clamp subassembly rotatably coupled to the at least one support portion of the body portion, the at least one clamp subassembly configured to be coupled to one or more photovoltaic modules, the at least one clamp subassembly including a downwardly sloped flange portion configured to facilitate an insertion of the one or more photovoltaic modules into the at least one clamp subassembly, and to limit a rotation of the at least one clamp subassembly on the at least one support portion of the body portion.

An articulating solar panel mount comprising a slim profile lower frame that rests on and is affixable to a roof, and a spring-actuated upper frame that is hinged on one side. A solar panel may be attached to the topside of the hinged frame. The mount includes an indexable latching mechanism comprising a reversible quick release that can be adjusted to be accessed from either direction depending on installation needs. The latching release mechanism is designed to allow for daisy chaining multiple frames in succession, which allows for creation of a walkway/path through the solar array. The hinged solar frame may be over sprung to self-open, accounting for the weight of the solar panel and the frame itself.

An articulating solar panel mount comprising a slim profile lower frame that rests on and is affixable to a roof, and a spring-actuated upper frame that is hinged on one side. A solar panel may be attached to the topside of the hinged frame. The mount includes an indexable latching mechanism comprising a reversible quick release that can be adjusted to be accessed from either direction depending on installation needs. The latching release mechanism is designed to allow for daisy chaining multiple frames in succession, which allows for creation of a walkway/path through the solar array. The hinged solar frame may be over sprung to self-open, accounting for the weight of the solar panel and the frame itself.

An alignment bracket suitable for facilitating the connection of solar components in a PV system may include a first surface, a second surface, and an attachment member. The first surface may be configured to physically interface with a corresponding surface of a solar component of the PV system. The second surface may be configured to physically interface with a corresponding surface of a support column. The attachment member may include an engagement surface configured to engage with a part of the support column to facilitate a position of the second surface relative to the corresponding surface of the support column.

A solar power system can include a rail and a solar module disposed on the rail. A clamp assembly can couple the solar module to the rail. The clamp assembly can have a clamped configuration in which the solar module is secured to the rail and an unclamped configuration. The clamp assembly can comprise an upper clamp member, a lower clamp member coupled to the rail, and a stabilization member mechanically engaging the upper clamp member and the lower clamp member. The stabilization member can prevent rotation of the lower clamp member relative to the rail when the clamp assembly is in the clamped and unclamped configurations. In the unclamped configuration, the stabilization member can be biased such that the upper clamp member is disposed at a sufficient clearance above the rail to permit the insertion of the solar module between the upper clamp member and the rail.

A solar power system can include a rail and a solar module disposed on the rail. A clamp assembly can couple the solar module to the rail. The clamp assembly can have a clamped configuration in which the solar module is secured to the rail and an unclamped configuration. The clamp assembly can comprise an upper clamp member, a lower clamp member coupled to the rail, and a stabilization member mechanically engaging the upper clamp member and the lower clamp member. The stabilization member can prevent rotation of the lower clamp member relative to the rail when the clamp assembly is in the clamped and unclamped configurations. In the unclamped configuration, the stabilization member can be biased such that the upper clamp member is disposed at a sufficient clearance above the rail to permit the insertion of the solar module between the upper clamp member and the rail.

The present invention typically features integrative configurability for transportation/storage, and disintegrative configurability for operation. Two half-cases are coupled to obtain a case. A case is uncoupled to obtain two half-cases. Each half-case houses a solar panel (pivotably connected to the half-case) and a U-bar (pivotably connected to the solar panel). The solar panel is pivoted away from the half-case's interior to the angle-of-inclination desired for collecting solar energy. The U-bar is pivoted away from the solar panel's back to securely fit into one of plural parallel slots provided across the half-case's interior, the U-bar thereby holding the solar panel in place at the desired angle-of-inclination. The half-cases are laid flat individually to collect solar energy. A half-case is compacted by pivoting the U-bar proximate the solar panel's back and pivoting the solar panel proximate the half-case's interior. Two complementary half-cases, each compacted, are (re)attached to form a portable case.

Photovoltaic mounting systems and coupling assemblies for mounting photovoltaic modules are provided. The mounting systems may include short extruded base members that are mounted onto the supporting surface at approximate locations on the supporting surface, and coupling assemblies that may slide along the length of the base members during installation and be locked at particular positions on the length of the base members. The coupling assemblies may be coupled to connectors that in turn couple to two photovoltaic modules. In operation, the installer may first determine approximate locations on which to mount the base members and mount all required base members, and then, place the coupling assemblies at desired locations, lock the coupling assemblies at the desired locations, position the photovoltaic modules in the connectors of the coupling assemblies, and move to the next set of coupling assemblies.

This invention provides solar applications with a strong, light, universal solar panel mount that pivots inside the solar panel frame for compact storage or transport with no disassembly. It also pivots out at adjustable angles to work with any latitude or season without assembly. The mount is adjustable to a wide range of solar panel angles to allow the solar panel to best match the sun angle for multiple latitudes and seasons of the year. It can be temporarily free standing or permanently placed via the use of the attachment points.

In an example, the solar tracker has a clamp assembly configured to pivot a torque tube. In an example, the assembly has a support structure configured as a frame having configured by a first and second anchoring region. In an example, the support structure is configured from a thickness of metal material. In an example, the support structure is configured in an upright manner, and has a major plane region. In an example, the assembly has a pivot device configured on the support structure, a torque tube suspending on the pivot device and aligned within an opening of the support, and configured to be normal to the plane region. In an example, the torque tube is configured on the pivot device to move about an arc in a first direction or in a second direction such that the first direction is in a direction opposite to the second direction.