Abstract: A bracket assembly for use with a photovoltaic panel frame system. The bracket assembly has an L-shaped member and a base member. A foot portion of the L-shaped member has a lower surface with an arcuate configuration and a plurality of teeth. The base member has an upper surface with an arcuate configuration similar or identical to that of the lower surface of the L-shaped member. The base member further includes a slot for enabling a shaft portion of a threaded fastening member to extend through, while the L-shaped member includes a hole for allowing the shaft portion of the threaded fastening member to pass there through. The teeth allow the L-shaped member and the base member to be quickly secured together so as to provide a desired degree of inclination of the L-shaped member relative to the base member.

Abstract: A frame system is disclosed for supporting photovoltaic (PV) panels on a support surface. The frame system may make use of a plurality of frame rails, with each frame rail forming a single piece component having a channel formed therein. Each frame rail may have a first portion and a second portion extending non-parallel to the first portion. The system may also include a plurality of ballast trays for securing to the frame rails. Each ballast tray may have a floor portion being of dimensions adapted to support a predetermined ballast weight thereon, and a connecting bracket secured to the floor portion. The connecting bracket may define a plurality of locations thereon at which end portions of a pair of the frame rails may be connected to the connecting bracket. The connecting bracket enables a degree of adjustable spacing to be provided between adjacent rows of frame rails connected to the connecting bracket.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for clamping one or more solar panel cells to a supporting frame rail. The clamp assembly may have a clamp body, an insert and a fastener. The clamp body may have a neck portion and a pair of shoulders extending generally perpendicular to the neck portion. The shoulders may be adapted to overlay edges of a pair of adjacently positioned solar panel cells resting on a frame rail. The insert may be sized to be inserted into the neck portion, with the insert having a plurality of teeth formed along its length. The insert may be captured within the neck portion of the clamp body so as to be non-removable therefrom, but still able to be rotated within the clamp body. The threaded fastener may be pressed into the insert and captured by the teeth, and then once a head portion thereof is positioned within a channel of the frame rail, the insert may be rotated to tighten the fastener and clamp the edges of the pair of solar panel cells to the frame rail.

Abstract: A lockable clamping system for use in securing photovoltaic (PV) panels to a frame rail component, wherein the frame rail component includes structure for engaging with a portion of the lockable clamping system. The lockable clamping system may have a clamp member having a body portion, with the body portion having a bore. A fastener may be operatively coupled to the clamp member and may extend through the bore in the clamp member generally perpendicular to the clamp member. The fastener may have a head portion having a key shaped recess, the key shaped recess configured to allow rotation of the fastener only via predetermined security key shaped to engage with the key shaped recess.

Abstract: A fastening system especially well suited for use with solar panel systems that enables an electrical connection to be made between two metallic frame components that are secured together. The fastening assembly includes a spring clip and a threaded bolt that engages within a hole in the spring clip. The spring clip has a leaf spring like shape. The threaded bolt has a head portion shaped to permit it to be inserted in a channel of a frame member, then rotated ninety degrees, which flattens the spring clip and enables it to retain the threaded bolt in an upright orientation ready for use. After being rotated ninety degrees, the head is retained in the channel as well. The fastening assembly can be inserted into a suitable sized channel of a frame member at any point along the channel, thus significantly simplifying and expediting the assembly of solar panel modules onto a supporting frame element.

Abstract: A fastening and grounding apparatus adapted to be positioned against a channel of a metallic support frame member. A metallic bolt has a threaded shaft and an enlarged head portion at one end thereof. A metallic leaf spring has a central portion and a pair of opposing end portions, with the threaded shaft extending through the hole. At least one of the opposing end portions has a tooth projecting therefrom. The metallic leaf spring maintains the threaded shaft in an upright orientation extending from the channel. The tooth digs into a surface of the metallic support frame member to effect an electrical current signal path through the fastening apparatus to the metallic support frame member.