The embodiments are apparatuses, systems and methods of water management and icicle prevention for solar carports, and are designed to catch drips between rows of, and water run-off from, the low side of inclined photovoltaic modules arranged to form the roof of the solar carport or canopy.

A method for forming a solar panel can include attaching one or more tacking pads to one or both of a first surface of a first solar panel subassembly and a second surface of a second solar panel subassembly. The method further includes dispensing an adhesive onto at least one of the first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces are placed in contact with the one or more tacking pads, thereby tacking the first and second solar panel subassemblies together, during which the first and second surfaces contact the adhesive, thereby decreasing a thickness and increasing a surface area of the adhesive. Subsequently, the adhesive is cured. The tacking pad(s) maintain fixed alignment of the solar panel subassemblies during curing of the adhesive, and establish a bond line of the adhesive.

A method for forming a solar panel can include attaching one or more tacking pads to one or both of a first surface of a first solar panel subassembly and a second surface of a second solar panel subassembly. The method further includes dispensing an adhesive onto at least one of the first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces are placed in contact with the one or more tacking pads, thereby tacking the first and second solar panel subassemblies together, during which the first and second surfaces contact the adhesive, thereby decreasing a thickness and increasing a surface area of the adhesive. Subsequently, the adhesive is cured. The tacking pad(s) maintain fixed alignment of the solar panel subassemblies during curing of the adhesive, and establish a bond line of the adhesive.

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 method and a kit for building a protective structure, the method and the kit including supplying a carrying structure, including a plurality of parallel carrying rails; supplying a group of panels, the panels being able to be engaged on and slide on the carrying rails; and transferring the panels from the storage position to a final position bearing on the carrying rails, by transferring at least one of the panels from the storage position to an insertion position on the carrying rails; using a transfer device lifting the at least one panel upward; placing the transferred panels one after the other bearing on the carrying rails; and moving the transferred panels along the carrying rails.

An earth mount enabled utility scale solar photovoltaic array having a plurality of solar panels is supported on the ground at edge portions of the solar panels. The panels are interconnected in at least one series-connected string, in which said at least one series-connected string extends along adjacent or closely adjacent solar panels along at least two rows so that the string has a distance between terminal ends of the series connection less than a lengthwise dimension of the solar panels constituting the string.

A solar panel support unit of an embodiment includes a first support member, a second support member, and a third support member. The first support member includes a first support section and a first attachment section. The first attachment section is disposed at a position spaced by a first distance from the first support section. The second support member includes a second support section and a second attachment section. The second attachment section is disposed at a position spaced by a second distance from the second support section in the panel thickness direction, the second distance being smaller than the first distance, the second attachment section having a second hole to be in communication with the first hole, the second attachment section being to overlap the first attachment section. The third support member includes a third support section and a third attachment section. The third attachment section has a third hole to be in communication with the first hole and the second hole, and is to overlap the second attachment section.

A bracket for coupling frames of solar panels includes a spacer for positioning between frames. An elongated body passes through a slot in the spacer and is positionable within channels formed in the frames. A clamp secures to the spacer and is biased toward the slot and elongated body, such as by means of a spring. The clamp defines seats for receiving portions of the frames of the solar panels. Sloped portions on end portions of the clamp facilitate insertion of the frames between the elongated body and the clamp. Another type of bracket includes a spacer and clamp, the spacer having protuberances for insertion into channels in the frames. A flange extends from the spacer such that it extends between the frames when the protuberances are positioned within the channels. An L-foot or other fixture may secure to the flange to secure the solar panels to a structure.

An interlocking system for connecting photovoltaic module frames to a torque tube, including: (a) an interlock dimensioned to be positioned between the sides of two adjacent photovoltaic module frames; (b) a pair of couplings or flanges, wherein the couplings or flanges connect the interlock to both of the adjacent photovoltaic module frames; and (c) a U-lock connected to the interlock, wherein the U-lock is dimensioned to be connected to a torque tube.

The embodiments are apparatuses, systems and methods of water management and icicle prevention for solar carports, and are designed to catch drips between rows of, and water run-off from, the low side of inclined photovoltaic modules arranged to form the roof of the solar carport or canopy.