Abstract: A solar panel support apparatus comprising: a support frame for holding the solar panel; a support post pivotally connected to the support frame at a post pivot connection and anchored to an adjacent supporting surface, the support post for positioning the support frame above the supporting surface; and a linear actuator coupled at a proximal end to the support post by a support pivot connection and at a distal end by a frame pivot connection with the support frame, the post pivot connection and the frame pivot connection spaced apart from one another on the support frame; wherein a change in a length of the linear actuator results in pivoting of the support frame about the post pivot connection.

Abstract: An attachment system for a solar panel racking system is provided. The attachment system comprises a rail, a nut and a fastener. The rail includes a receiver to releasably receive the nut. The receiver has an arcuate channel and a retainer. The nut has an arcuate portion sized and dimensioned to be receivable within the arcuate channel, and a flange for releasable engagement with the retainer. Upon receipt of the arcuate portion within the arcuate channel, the flange releasably engages the retainer to releasably engage the nut within the receiver. The fastener secures the nut within the receiver and thereby secures the rail to the structure. The arcuate channel assists in the releasable engagement between the nut and the rail by assisting in cooperatively orienting and positioning the nut to guide the nut into the receiver.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module mounting system may include a right-hand support runner and a left-hand support runner. The support runners collectively define a rooftop contacting plane and a photovoltaic module support plane oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the rooftop contacting plane. The support runners may be interconnected with each other, and with additional support runners, to form an interconnected support structure that can be used to mount an array of photovoltaic modules upon a planar surface such as a building rooftop.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module mounting system may include a right-hand support runner and a left-hand support runner. The support runners collectively define a rooftop contacting plane and a photovoltaic module support plane oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the rooftop contacting plane. The support runners may be interconnected with each other, and with additional support runners, to form an interconnected support structure that can be used to mount an array of photovoltaic modules upon a planar surface such as a building rooftop.

Abstract: A supporting rack for a solar panel with a framework mountable on a surface such as a roof, this framework including two elongate runners extending parallel to each other and a cross-member extending between and connecting the two runners. Upper and lower clamp assemblies detachably and adjustably mount the solar panel on top of the framework so that the panel extends at an acute angle to the plane of the runners. There are two front clamp assemblies, each mountable on a respective runner and clamped to a front edge of the solar panel. A clevis pin connection pivotally connects the clamping mechanism to its respective runner. Two upper, rear clamp assemblies each have an adjustable J-clamp member and a back plate. After installation of the rack, the panel is pivotable from an operating position at an acute angle to the runners to a greater angle to facilitate maintenance or repair.

Abstract: A coupling for mounting a structure to an object is provided. The coupling includes a pair of flanges releasably attachable to one another with planar surfaces thereof disposable in abutting relation. A plurality of linear slots is defined through one of the pair of flanges, and a plurality of arcuate slots is defined through the other of the pair of flanges. The linear and arcuate slots are arranged, shaped and dimensioned such that the flanges are alignable to overlap the linear and arcuate slots to define a plurality of through-bores for receiving fasteners, and such that they define a range of translational motion within which the flanges can be translated relative to one another and a range of rotational motion within which the flanges can be rotated relative to one another. At least one of the plurality of through-bores is maintained throughout the translational and rotational ranges.

Abstract: A supporting rack for a solar panel with a framework mountable on a surface such as a roof, this framework including two elongate runners extending parallel to each other and a cross-member extending between and connecting the two runners. Upper and lower clamp assemblies detachably and adjustably mount the solar panel on top of the framework so that the panel extends at an acute angle to the plane of the runners. There are two front clamp assemblies, each mountable on a respective runner and clamped to a front edge of the solar panel. A clevis pin connection pivotally connects the clamping mechanism to its respective runner. Two upper, rear clamp assemblies each have an adjustable J-clamp member and a back plate. After installation of the rack, the panel is pivotable from an operating position at an acute angle to the runners to a greater angle to facilitate maintenance or repair.