Patents Assigned to Andalay Solar, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8938919
    Abstract: A solar module is disclosed that has one or more integrated electrical connectors. In addition, a solar module electrical connector holder is disclosed that has resilient wing portions and axial portions that mate with a first connector window in a frame of a solar module and allow the position of an electrical connector to be moved one of vertically, horizontally and angularly with respect to the frame. In addition, a solar module frame is disclosed that has a first connector window in one of the side frame members that is capable of accepting an electrical connection so that the electrical connection is integrated into the frame of the solar module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Andalay Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Cinnamon, David Baker, Wilson W. Leong, Alexander W. Au
  • Patent number: 8813460
    Abstract: An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector mount assemblies are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices and to simplify the final connection of external wiring to the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Andalay Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Cinnamon, Emanuel E. Levy, David E. Baker, Alexander A. Au
  • Patent number: 8505248
    Abstract: A minimal, ballasted roof mounting system and method are provided. The mounting system has a staggered interlocking mounting structure, movable anchors, aerodynamic deflectors that also act as thermal chimneys and grounding of the solar panels without external wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Andalay Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilson Leong, Alex Au
  • Publication number: 20110284058
    Abstract: An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Andalay Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Cinnamon
  • Publication number: 20110220180
    Abstract: A solar module is disclosed that has one or more integrated electrical connectors. In addition, a solar module electrical connector holder is disclosed that has resilient wing portions and axial portions that mate with a first connector window in a frame of a solar module and allow the position of an electrical connector to be moved one of vertically, horizontally and angularly with respect to the frame. In addition, a solar module frame is disclosed that has a first connector window in one of the side frame members that is capable of accepting an electrical connection so that the electrical connection is integrated into the frame of the solar module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: ANDALAY SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Barry Cinnamon, David Baker, Wilson W. Leong, Alexander W. Au
  • Patent number: 7987641
    Abstract: An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Andalay Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Cinnamon
  • Patent number: 7866098
    Abstract: An integrated module fame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Andalay Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Cinnamon
  • Patent number: 7832157
    Abstract: An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Andalay Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Cinnamon
  • Publication number: 20100218798
    Abstract: A piggyback adapter system and method are provided. The piggyback adapter circumvents the need for running the photovoltaic system's energy supply through a service panel (circuit breaker box).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Andalay Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Cinnamon, Wilson Leong, Alex Au
  • Patent number: 7406800
    Abstract: An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Andalay Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Cinnamon, Emanuel Edward Levy
  • Publication number: 20070102036
    Abstract: An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Applicant: Andalay Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Cinnamon