A retention apparatus, system and method is useful for attaching items, panels or other devices to a rail formed in longitudinal lengths and configured with a cross-sectional profile having multiple cooperating structures between the rail and a channel nut including a recess formed between a tooth and shelf on an interior first channel portion of the rail and a flange of the channel nut, between an anchor latch of the rail and hook flange on the channel nut, and cooperating forces and movement of the biasing element secured to the channel nut.

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 versatile clamp assembly that may be used for securing a device generally to an edge of a structure such as a raised portion of a standing seam of a metal roof. The assembly comprises a mounting body with an open loop having a slot for receiving the raised portion formed by the mounting body attaching the clamp assembly thereto. The assembly is configured with one or more pins that may be configured to be received in one or more push-pin openings formed in the mounting body, whereby the push-pin openings extend from a fastener base portion to a second arm portion. The assembly includes a fastener adapted to be received in a fastener opening formed adjacent the push-pin openings. The fastener is configured to secure and hold the clamp assembly to the standing seam by forcing the pins against the raised portion of the surface disposed in the slot.

A mounting assembly includes a rail configured to support a photovoltaic module. The rail includes a first slot, a second slot, and a web extending between the first slot and the second slot. The web being offset from a plane extending along an outer surface of the rail, so as to form a recess in the second side of the rail. The mount assembly further includes a clip configured to be secured to the rail and to a secondary structure. The clip includes a base having a flange extending from an end of the base, and an arm extending from the base in a second direction opposite the first direction, the flange being inserted in the second slot when the clip is secured to the rail and the secondary structure and at least a portion of the arm abuts the recess of the rail when the clip is secured to the rail.

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.

In an example, a clamp assembly for a glass on glass solar module for a tracker is included. The assembly has a lower clamp structure characterized by a top-hat shaped rail structure having a length extending from a first end to a second end. In an example, the assembly has an upper clamp structure configured to sandwich a pair of edges of a pair of solar modules with a portion of the lower clamp structure. In an example, the assembly has a locking spacer configured to the pair of edges of the pair of solar modules. In an example, the pair of edges comprises substantially glass material. In an example, the assembly has a pair of key structures configured with the locking spacer. Each of the key structures is affixed to each of the solar modules to physically lock each of the solar modules to the upper clamp structure.

Photovoltaic mounting systems that form chemical flashings are provided herein. Such sealant injection systems provide directional control and containment of sealant flow to form a chemical flashing that improves sealing of roof penetrations. Such systems can include a base assembly adapted to mount to a roof surface and support a mounting bracket having a photovoltaic module coupling device. The base assembly can include a sealant guide, a compressing plate and a sealant cartridge held between the guide and compressing plate by one or more coupling features of the guide. The coupling features can include a first set of features, such as a series of tabs, that facilitate coupling between the guide and the compressing plate. The base assembly can further include a base that releasably couples to the sealant guide by a second set of coupling features. Methods of mounting such base assemblies on roof surfaces are also provided.

A support assembly for mounting photovoltaic modules on a support surface and a mounting system including the same are disclosed herein. The support assembly may comprise a the body portion including a base portion and at least one upright support member coupled to the base portion, the at least one upright support member comprising an integrally formed ballast tray slot in one side thereof for receiving an upturned edge of a ballast tray; and at least one clamp subassembly coupled to the at least one upright support member of the body portion, the at least one clamp subassembly configured to be coupled to one or more photovoltaic modules. In addition to a plurality of support assemblies, the mounting system may further comprise at least one ballast tray support bracket, the ballast tray support bracket supporting a portion of a ballast tray on the support surface.

A support assembly for mounting photovoltaic modules on a support surface and a mounting system including the same are disclosed herein. The support assembly may comprise a the body portion including a base portion and at least one upright support member coupled to the base portion, the at least one upright support member comprising an integrally formed ballast tray slot in one side thereof for receiving an upturned edge of a ballast tray; and at least one clamp subassembly coupled to the at least one upright support member of the body portion, the at least one clamp subassembly configured to be coupled to one or more photovoltaic modules. In addition to a plurality of support assemblies, the mounting system may further comprise at least one ballast tray support bracket, the ballast tray support bracket supporting a portion of a ballast tray on the support surface.

In various embodiments, a mounting system may comprise a downslope rail, an upslope rail, a first clamp and a second clamp. The downslope rail may have a first profile and comprising a downslope face and an upslope shelf. The upslope rail may have a second profile and comprising a downslope shelf and an upslope face. The first clamp may be configured to engage the downslope face and accept the installation of a first end of a solar panel. The second clamp may be configured to engage the upslope face and retain a second end of the solar panel against a downslope shelf