An apparatus and method for mounting a solar panel array on a surface is disclosed. The solar panel array includes a plurality of solar panel modules and a hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly. The hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly includes a component of a rail-based mounting system and a component of a rail-less mounting system. At least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-based mounting system and at least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-less mounting system.

An apparatus and method for mounting a solar panel array on a surface is disclosed. The solar panel array includes a plurality of solar panel modules and a hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly. The hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly includes a component of a rail-based mounting system and a component of a rail-less mounting system. At least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-based mounting system and at least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-less mounting system.

A mounting device including a base having an internal cavity and an upper portion above the base. The upper portion extends upward from the base and includes a vertical member defining opposed first and second faces above the base. An aperture is formed through the upper portion and extends through the first and second faces. The base extends outward, beyond each of the first and second faces.

A mounting device including a base having an internal cavity and an upper portion above the base. The upper portion extends upward from the base and includes a vertical member defining opposed first and second faces above the base. An aperture is formed through the upper portion and extends through the first and second faces. The base extends outward, beyond each of the first and second faces.

A photovoltaic (“PV”) module support system including a first PV module having a first PV panel adapted to generate electrical energy from sunlight. The first PV panel has an upper surface and a lower surface and a first frame secured to the lower surface of the first PV panel. The first frame having a pair of first frame members including an elongate slot. A first joining rail has a body and a first wall projecting outwardly from the body. The first wall is inserted within the elongate slot of one of the pair of the first frame members. A fastener is connected to the one of the pair of first frame members and movable to clamp the wall within the slot, wherein the first PV module is positionally fixed relative to the joining rail.

The present invention relates to a device (100) for light exposure regulation of agricultural goods and energy production, in particular electrical energy production, by converting or transmitting a highly-directional component (81) of incident light (80) and by transmitting a diffuse component (82) of incident light (80), comprising: #an optical arrangement (40) comprising a first optical layer (41), wherein the first optical layer (41) comprises a plurality of primary optical elements (47); #a light energy conversion layer (50) at least partially transparent to light and comprising a plurality of distant light energy conversion elements (51) capable of converting light energy in an output energy; #a shifting mechanism (60) for moving the optical arrangement (40) relative to the light energy conversion layer (50) or vice versa; and #a frame element (10) to which either the optical arrangement (40) or the light energy conversion layer (50) is attached, wherein the shifting mechanism (60) is arranged to displace the optical arrangement (40) or the light energy conversion layer (50) translationally relative to the frame element (10), through one or more translation element (65), wherein the primary optical elements (47) of the first optical layer (41) and the shifting mechanism (60) are designed such that the highly-directional component (81) of incident light (80) is directable onto the light energy conversion elements (51) of the light energy conversion layer (50) and such that the diffuse component (82) of incident light (80) is transmittable through the regions of the light energy conversion layer (50) not covered by the light energy conversion elements (51), and wherein the amount of light transmitted through the device (100) is controllable. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a corresponding method and use for converting light energy with the aforementioned device.

A retention apparatus, system and method of attaching items, panels or other devices to a rail formed in longitudinal lengths 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 retention apparatus, system and method of attaching items, panels or other devices to a rail formed in longitudinal lengths 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.

Some examples of the solar panels described herein mitigate wind resistance problems in comparison to conventional solar panels by introducing porosity to the panel that permits the free flow of air, rain, and sunlight through the panel. The flow of air dramatically reduces the wind resistance allowing the panel to be installed substantially above ground level, freeing the land under the panels to be used for other purposes. Additional benefits are that rain and sunlight can reach the ground under the panels to sustain plant and animal life without the permanent environmental damage associated with the implementation of traditional solar panels in solar energy farms. In addition, the solar panels described herein can be made of materials that have higher heat conductivity and are recyclable or reusable.

A mounting device or clamp is provided that can be secured to a roof joint without damaging the roof joint. Two roof panels can be joined at a roof joint that extends away from the roof. The clamp has a body with a slot to receive the roof joint. An insert of the clamp is rotatable relative to the body from a first position to a second position. The clamp body can be positioned over the roof joint, and the insert can rotate or pivot from the first position to the second position relative to the body to secure the clamp to the roof joint. In one embodiment, a body of the clamp has a first arm that is concave and the insert has a concave portion to engage the roof joint. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the insert can be connected to the clamp body such that either a first projection or a second projection of the insert faces a roof joint.