Abstract: An apparatus for heating structure or areas adjacent such structure, such as a roof on a building for example, exposed to varying weather conditions and methods of making and use of the apparatus. The heating apparatus can include a heating element and heat supplying components. In one embodiment, the heating apparatus also includes a heatable cover panel and fasteners or other fastening components or materials for securing the heating element and cover panel to the structure. The heat supplying components may include one or more heater cable or heater cable sections penetrating one or more heater cable channels in the heating element. The apparatus may also utilize various insulating and other materials, including paint on exposed surfaces of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates particularly to photovoltaic roofing systems for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy, specifically, the use of bottom flashings in such systems. Methods for installing such systems and replacing non-photovoltaic roofing elements in such systems are also described.

Abstract: A roof mount system supports a solar panel above a roof and includes a base positioned on the roof and a first fastener connected to the base and extending away from the roof and moveable along the base in a direction generally parallel to the roof. A first clamp supports a bottom surface of a solar panel frame and adjusts the height of the solar panel above the roof by moving the first clamp along a first fastener in a direction perpendicular to the roof. A second clamp is connected to a second fastener and moves with respect to the first clamp perpendicular to the roof. The solar panel is clamped between the first clamp and the second clamp portion. A protrusion extends from the first or second clamp to form an electrical bond between the solar panel frame and the respective first or second clamp.

Abstract: A fixture which fixes a solar cell module to a rail member for supporting the solar cell module is provided with: a side section that abuts a side surface of the solar cell module intersecting a light-receiving surface of the solar cell module; an upper section that extends from the upper end of the side section so as to face the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module; a lower section that extends from the lower end of the side section so as to face the lower surface, of the solar cell module, on the opposite side to the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module; and a fixing section that is fixed to a side section of the rail member. The fixing section extends downward from a position on the lower section that is away from a connecting part between the side section and the lower section.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A portable, modular solar array. The array includes a support structure configured to support a plurality of solar panel modules in a side-by-side co-planar arrangement. The support structure can be configured to support the modules in an elevated position to provide an overhead structure that shades an underlying area. The solar panel modules include solar panels mounted on a frame in a planar configuration. The frame includes a pair of hooked mounting flanges at a first end and a pair of slotted mounting flanges at a second end that enable mounting of the module between opposing support bars of the support structure. The modules are in electrical communication with a battery for storage of electrical energy generated by the solar panels. The frames and the mounting flanges are further configured to enable stacking of a plurality of the modules for storage or transport.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Various technologies for integrating a microinverter with a photovoltaic module are disclosed. An alternating current photovoltaic (ACPV) module includes a photovoltaic module having a frame and a junction box including a direct current (DC) output connector, and a microinverter having a housing coupled to the frame and a DC input connector electrically mated with the DC output connector of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus to secure a pair of solar panel rails to a flat tile roof and minimize penetrations or damage to the roof's rafter is provided. The mounting apparatus includes a lower hook assembly with a plurality of arm members continuously connected together, the plurality of arm members having a first end coupled to the rafter of the flat tile roof and a second end, and an upper arm assembly coupled to the second end of the plurality of arms of the lower hook assembly, the upper arm assembly having a generally U-shaped member comprising a first symmetric half member and a second symmetric half member, each symmetric half member having a slot to receive a fastener that secures one of the pair of solar panel rails thereto, thereby permitting the mounting apparatus to support the pair of solar panel rails above the flat tile roof.

Abstract: An assembly comprises at least two structural profiles arranged parallel to each other with respect to their length direction and at least one solar panel. Each of the structural profiles is doubled walled and comprises a continuous top cover and a plurality of spaced panel support sections. Each of said plurality of structural profiles is positioned such that, in between the respective top covers and their corresponding panel supports of adjacent structural profiles, along the length direction, the at least one solar panel can be slidably mounted at both its opposing edges.

Abstract: A monolithic trim piece is used for covering an opening between the edge of a photovoltaic module and the roof. The trim piece, with a curved front face, is attached to the underside of the photovoltaic module(s) using a standardized end-clamp (for a single module) or a standard mid-clamp (for a pair of modules). A threaded fastener with a T-shaped head can be used in a recessed channel located underneath an attachment flange of the trim piece.

Abstract: A solar panel mounting base and system for solar panel installation uses a mounting base that is injection molded to include different connection locations which provide flexibility when installing solar panels to the mounting bases. Attachment clamps are secured to the mounting base using carriage bolts which are secured to the mounting base in an attachment well and allow the installer to attach solar panels from the top which makes installation easy and fast. The attachment clamps have a horizontal and vertical portion that use grooves to adjustably secure the two together when in the desired location. Ballast blocks are used to provide a non-invasive installation. In an array, multiple bases are used to provide the structure to support the solar array. Installers may vary the angle the solar panels form 5 degrees to 10 degrees by selecting the appropriate connection location.

Abstract: A solar thermal collector and an accessory structure of a building are provided. The solar thermal collector includes at least one heat absorbing plate and at least one heat insulating plate. Each of the heat absorbing plate includes at least one first slab and first engaging parts connected with the first slab. Each of the heat insulating plate includes at least one second slab and second engaging parts connected with the second slab. The first engaging parts are respectively engaged with the second engaging parts, and a gap is maintained between the first slab and the second slab to define a heat collecting channel, through which a heat transfer fluid flows between the heat absorbing plate and the heat insulating plate. A heat conductivity of the heat absorbing plate is at least 30 times greater than a heat conductivity of the heat insulating plate.

Abstract: The system and method invention herein disclosed and claimed is a bracket and mounting method used to mount a solar panel frame to a corrugated roof without requiring any tools or special skills.

Abstract: This solar cell apparatus is provided with: a long mounting frame having a guide rail section in an upper portion; and a fixing member, which is provided by being slid and moved in the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame, and which is fixed at a predetermined position of the mounting frame. The fixing member has: a base section that engages with the guide rail section; an upright wall section that is provided to stand on the base section; and insertion sections that extend from the upright wall section such that the insertion sections are inserted into a module frame of an eave-side solar cell module and a module frame of a ridge-side solar cell module.

Abstract: A support assembly supports a solar panel. The support assembly includes a first support portion including a first base wall. A first lateral wall is attached to the first base wall and includes a first attachment structure. A second support portion is attached to the first support portion such that the first support portion and the second support portion support the solar panel. The second support portion includes a second base wall. The second base wall is attached to the first base wall of the first support portion. A first attachment wall is attached to the second base wall. The first attachment wall defines a first attachment opening into which the first attachment structure of the first lateral wall is received such that the first attachment wall is attached to the first lateral wall. A method of forming a support assembly for supporting a solar panel is provided.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array skirt assembly, where the array skirt has a double-groove structure which can accommodate both a splice and a photovoltaic module mounting device. The splice is mounted within the inner channel of the double-groove structure to connect adjacent array skirt sections, and can be locked into the double groove structure to prevent adjacent array skirt sections from uncoupling. One or more photovoltaic module mounting devices are also located in the groove structure, within the outer channel of the double-groove structure, each of which can be further secured in the array skirt with anti-rotation element.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed including PV modules having a frame allowing quick and easy assembling of the PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is provided at an angle with respect to a planar surface of the modules. Various couplings may engage within the groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array with a pivot-fit connection. Further examples of the present technology operate with PV modules having frames without grooves, or with PV modules where the frame is omitted altogether.

Abstract: A unit for harnessing solar power for heating water at high pressure, in which the circuit is exposed to freezing, comprising: a heat exchanger made as a single piece for a hydraulic circuit, made up of parallel polymer pipes (1) connected at one end thereof to a main branch-off pipe (2, 3) and, at the other end thereof, to a main collector pipe (2, 3); a sealed box (4) for a whole number of units connected in series, having a profile of regular section (5), reinforced by brackets that can be inserted in corners, with a translucent face (6), the other face having an insulated cover (7); the profile having a geometry suitable for connecting the box to a support structure; the profile having a geometry suitable for holding the insulating material (8) and the rubber seals on the inner part of the translucent face (9); the profile being such that complementary profiles (10) may be assembled thereon, by snap-fitting, and the complementary profiles have a housing for rubber seals (11) on the outer part of the trans

Abstract: A solar cell module structure is disclosed, which at least comprises a frame and a solar cell. The frame is composed of four sidebars that are mounted respectively at four sides of the solar cell. Each of the two opposite ends of each sidebar is formed with a 45-degree angle cut while each sidebar is composed of a top tongue plate, a bottom tongue plate, and a junction plate in a manner that the top tongue plate is arranged parallel to or near parallel to the bottom tongue plate while allowing the junction plate to connected and disposed perpendicular to the top and bottom tongue plates in respective. In addition, the solar cell is arranged at a position enclosed between the junction plate and the top and bottom tongue plates while being disposed at a distance respectively from the three plates.

Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.

Abstract: 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 that includes a ballast receiving portion for accommodating one or more ballasts, the body portion further including a first support portion with a first surface and a second support portion with a second surface, the first support portion being spaced apart from the second support portion by the ballast receiving portion. The support member is configured to bridge a plurality of rows of photovoltaic modules, the first surface of the support member configured to support one or more photovoltaic modules in a first row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic modules, and the second surface of the support member configured to support one or more photovoltaic modules in a second row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for designing a window glazing for a particular geographical location. In some examples, a window glazing can be designed to selectively block sunlight from entering the window during summer when it may be desirable to have inside temperatures substantially lower than outside temperatures. The glazing can also be designed to selectively allow sunlight to enter the window during winter months when heat from sunlight may be desirable to raise indoor temperatures. The glazing can be prepared from a transparent material that can allow substantially full transmission of sunlight.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a modular, plug-and-play DC/AC compatible solar photovoltaic power system and mounting frames therefor, having inexpensive modular designs which require no or minimal penetration for rooftop installation and provide enhanced wind-induced position disruption protection.

Abstract: A photo-electric device including a photoelectric conversion layer and a plurality of electrodes is provided. The photoelectric conversion layer includes a plurality of inversed pyramid shaped recesses and a plurality of a pyramids, wherein each of the inversed pyramid shaped recesses has at least three first reflection sidewalls, each of the pyramids is located in one of the inversed pyramid shaped recesses respectively, each of the pyramids has at least three second reflection sidewalls, and none of the first reflection sidewall and the second reflection sidewall is located in a same plane. The electrodes are electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion layer.

Abstract: A system is provided for mounting at least one solar panel on a roof having standing seams protruding outwardly therefrom. The system may include a plurality of panel mounting brackets each comprising first and second flanges laterally spaced apart to define a seam channel therebetween, with the seam channel for receiving a given standing seam therein when the first and second flanges are positioned on the roof straddling the given standing seam. Each panel mounting bracket may also include a vertical extension portion carried by the first and second flanges. The system may further include a plurality of clamps each configured to couple the vertical extension portion of a respective panel mounting bracket with the at least one solar panel.

Abstract: A heated roof panel system which may be configured to control snow or ice build-up on a roof. The system may include heated elements and cladding elements configured to surround the heated elements. Further, the system may incorporate a snap-fit design configured to cover any points where portions of the system are pierced by fasteners.

Abstract: Racking assemblies for solar panel installations are provided. The racking assemblies may include a series of posts arranged in two parallel rows and anchored to the ground or other suitable surface. Purlins may be coupled to and may span the posts of each row. Specialized clamps may be used to attach the purlins to a series of mounting rails. The mounting rails, in turn, may support an array of solar modules.

Abstract: A mounting system for solar modules in which a mounting beam has its opposite ends bent downwardly to form a first and second leg that hold photovoltaic modules at an angle to a flat roof, wherein the first and second legs are screw fastened into a rafter and the bottom ends of the first and second legs are placed into receptacles into which sealant is poured, thereby forming a water-tight seal preventing any water from leaking into the holes formed by the fasteners securing the first and second legs to the building rafters.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to water heaters adapted to be mounted on or proximate the roof of a structure such as a building (e.g., residential home, commercial building, etc.). The liquid to be heated can be water, or other liquid, in different example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, at least one vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit is provided as part of the water heater structure in order to help preserve heat that has been absorbed and/or generated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for mounting solar panels and other equipment to tile roofs, or similar roof structures, that does not require removal of roofing tile for installation. A stanchion is inserted into a hole drilled into a roofing tile. Two or more wood securing fasteners are inserted into diagonal and crossing through-holes in the sides of the stanchion above the tile and exit on opposing sides of the stanchion, with respect to their insertion point, below the tile. The ends of the wood securing fasteners engage the surface of the roof sheeting beneath the tile at a distance outwardly away from the stanchion. With this arrangement, the tile roof equipment-mounting device engages the roof surface over a wider area than the diameter of the hole drilled into the roof tile without the need for removing the roof tile.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for mounting solar panels and other rooftop objects to a shingle roof or other roof structures. The apparatus includes a panel-mount and a base-plate. The base-plate is securable to the roof structures. The panel-mount can be secured to the base-plate and intermediary flashing plate. The panel-mount includes vertical sidewalls adapted to receive and hold wires, and panel-mount top surface adapted to seat solar panels. In one aspect, the panel-mount top surface includes an alignment projection adapted to align solar panels in one of two orthogonal directions. Grounding pins are arranged in a square pattern and aligned with the corners of the alignment projection in order to assure that the solar panel frame will make contact with at least two of the grounding pins in either of the two possible alignments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting system, in particular for solar modules (1), consisting of supports (2) with a closed hollow box profile (3), with connectors (4) for solar module fastening means, and connectors (5) for roof fastening means. At least the connectors (4) for the solar module fastening means are formed from longitudinal groove pairs—or longitudinal flange pairs in or on the hollow box profile (3) that are arranged at a distance from each other. The fastening means for the solar module (1) or solar modules (1) in the area of the support consist of a clamping piece with a shaped part (8), with each shaped part (8) having at least two webs (9.1, 9.2), arranged opposite each other on the shaped part (8) whereby at least one positive click connection with one of the groove pair—or flange pairs can be made by means of the ends remote from the shaped part (8), and the shaped part (8) has at least one bore hole (11) for the insertion of a fastening bolt (14).

Abstract: An anchoring device for panel supporting structures, which comprises at least one tension element (6) which is adapted to act on a supporting frame (2), which supports at least one panel (3) and rests on a resting surface (4). Means being further provided for tensioning the tension element (6) and means (7) for connecting the tension element (6) to the supporting frame (2) adapted to transmit at least partially the tension forces of the tension element (6) to the supporting frame (2) along a direction that has at least one component substantially perpendicular to the resting surface (4).

Abstract: A system for quickly, easily and inexpensively facilitating the attachment of various solar water heating components to the roof of a structure in a panel form generally without regard to the type of underlying roof support structure and further, which provides an upper surface upon which essentially any type of roofing material maybe installed. In a first embodiment, it is contemplated that all of the components of the invention may be provided in the form of a ‘panel’ of essentially any size such as, for example, a panel measuring 4?×4?, 4?×8?, or any other size that is convenient and workable in terms of weight and ease of installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar collector (1) comprising a collector element plane comprising a set of parallel metallic collector elements (2) for collecting solar energy. The collector element plane, on its side to be arranged to face the sun, comprises a set of parallel, elongated ridges (R, r) formed by the metallic collector elements (2), and elongated depressions (v) between the ridges (R, r), and that at least some of the ridges (R, r) comprise therein a channel (3) for a heat transfer medium. The invention also relates to a collector element. The invention further relates to a building roof, a building, and a solar energy recovery system comprising said solar collector (1).

Abstract: A panel (10) that is a roof cover for a sloped roof and that also is a mounting system for an array of PV modules (132). The panels (10) define rails (22, 24, 28, 30) that interlock with grooves (46, 48, 124, 126) to secure adjacent panels in each row of the array. The modules (132) are supported by bosses (34, 120) that determine the height of the module array and avoid the interlocking structure between the modules.

Abstract: A solar module includes a first supporting element, a first clamping assembly, a first pivotal member, and a frame. A first fixing hole of the first supporting element has a first and second dented portions. A first angle is formed between two connection lines respectively connecting the apexes of the first and second dented portions to the center of the first fixing hole. A second fixing hole of the first clamping assembly has a third and fourth dented portions. A second angle is formed between two connection lines respectively connecting the apexes of the third and fourth dented portions to the center of the second fixing hole. The pivotal member is pivotally connected to the first and second fixing holes. A protruding portion of the pivotal member can be engaged with the first and third dented portions or with the second and fourth dented portions.

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system. The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are parabolic trough concentrators with one or more lateral extensions. In some embodiments, the lateral extension is a unilateral extension of the primary parabolic trough shape. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions are movably connected to the primary portion. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions have a focal line separate from the focal line of the base portion. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.

Abstract: A solar panel mounting anchor adapted for mounting a solar panel on a flat roof, the anchor comprising integral ballast, and edges comprising a resilient material and at least one engagement feature adapted to receive a solar panel and to space the panel from said roof, and a base adapted to inhibit slipping of the anchor on said roof. Preferably the integral ballast is such that the mass of the anchor is at least 15 kg.

Abstract: A mounting system for solar modules in which a mounting beam has its opposite ends bent downwardly to form a first and second leg that hold photovoltaic modules at an angle to a flat roof, wherein the first and second legs are screw fastened into a rafter and the bottom ends of the first and second legs are placed into receptacles into which sealant is poured, thereby forming a water-tight seal preventing any water from leaking into the holes formed by the fasteners securing the first and second legs to the building rafters.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic systems. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic roofing systems in which photovoltaic elements are disposed upon roofing elements such as shingles, tiles, shakes or slates.

Abstract: A solar water heating system, including: (a) a solar heating collector, having: (i) an array of convex lenses; (ii) a panel disposed below the array of convex lenses, wherein the array of convex lenses focuses sunlight on the panel to heat areas of the panel; (iii) a fluid chamber disposed below the panel; and (iv) a plurality of members extending from the panel into the fluid chamber to transfer heat from the panel into fluid in the fluid chamber; (b) a fluid reservoir; (c) a fluid inlet line for moving fluid from the fluid reservoir into the fluid inlet of the solar heating collector; (d) fluid outlet line for moving fluid from the fluid chamber of the solar heating collector to the fluid reservoir; and (e) a pump for moving fluid cyclically through the fluid chamber of the solar collector and the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting one or more solar panel modules are disclosed. First and second support structures can be provided. Each support structure can include a lateral support member extending laterally between two post members, and a clamp movably attached to the lateral support member and movable along a length of the lateral support member. Each of the support structures can be configured to be separately mounted to the supporting surface and aligned along an axis to have each lateral support member support a portion of the first solar panel module. The clamp of the first support structure can configured to be moved to a first Airy point of the first solar panel module and the clamp of the second support structure can be configured to be moved to a second Airy point of the first solar panel module.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, solar energy shade structures and methods of design and revenue generation are disclosed. These systems comprise structures capable of supporting solar panel at heights greater than 18 feet above their mounting surface. These systems may be installed in confined spaces. These systems also comprise structures that are customizable, allowing an installation to be configured with a desired lighting and environmental effect. The methods discussed herein describe processes for achieving desired design effects based on natural elements. Moreover, the methods discussed herein describe processes for reducing the costs of generating solar energy and/or reducing the costs of providing a solar structure.

Abstract: System for butt jointing a first and at least one second photovoltaic module for creating a roof-covering, each module has a panel with photovoltaic cells and a support frame having at least one longitudinal end profile and at least one longitudinal side profile. At least one longitudinal support profile is provided at least for the longitudinal end profile of the frame of the first module, and for the longitudinal end profile of the frame of the second module. The longitudinal end profile in each module has a box-section longitudinal body fixable to the longitudinal side profile, a first longitudinal wing delimiting a seat for engaging the panel, and at least one second longitudinal wing having an arched longitudinal surface for engaging the support profile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for mounting solar panels and other equipment to tile roofs, or similar roof structures, that does not require removal of roofing tile for installation. A stanchion is inserted into a hole drilled into a roofing tile. Two or more wood securing fasteners are inserted into diagonal and crossing through-holes in the sides of the stanchion above the tile and exit on opposing sides of the stanchion, with respect to their insertion point, below the tile. The ends of the wood securing fasteners engage the surface of the roof sheeting beneath the tile at a distance outwardly away from the stanchion. With this arrangement, the tile roof equipment-mounting device engages the roof surface over a wider area than the diameter of the hole drilled into the roof tile without the need for removing the roof tile.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a horizontally-laid tangential rooftop wind power generator comprising: a generator mounted on a chassis and coupled to a tangential fan wheel or a plurality of tangential fan wheels, all housed in a cover with two long fan openings one at each of the two sides. Wind-directing panels extend outwardly from the two fan openings to form two shrouded duct openings.

Abstract: A tube structure, and a method for assembling the tube structure, is provided, that is particularly useful in a solar heating system. The tube structure comprises, (a) a tube formed into a predetermined (e.g. coiled) configuration, (b) at least one rafter which engages the tube in a manner designed to hold the tube in the predetermined configuration, and (c) a plurality of snippets connected at predetermined locations to the rafter, the snippets extending away from a bottom surface of the rafter, and configured to (i) hold the rafter away from the substrate to allow flow of water and debris along the substrate without interference from the rafter, and (ii) allow relative movement of the rafter and tube relative to the snippets during expansion and contraction of the tube structure.

Abstract: A module rail for a photovoltaic system includes a module-supporting surface, and upper portion, and opposing vertical sidewalls. A first set of openings are spaced apart from one another along the length of the rail. Each of the openings in the first set extend through the upper portion for receiving a first set of fasteners for use in securing at least one photovoltaic module to the module rail. A second set of openings are spaced apart from one another along the length of the rail. Each of the openings in the second set extending through at least one of the module-supporting surface and one of the sidewalls for receiving a second set of fasteners for use in securing at least one photovoltaic module to the module rail.