Abstract: A preassembled solar panel module includes a solar panel configured for receiving and converting solar radiation to produce electrical power. Multiple panel rails are coupled in preassembly to a backside surface of the solar panel, including at least two panel rails disposed halfway or more along opposing longest edges of the solar panel. Multiple snap connector components are each coupled to one of the at least two rails and are each configured to couple with a complimentary snap connector component of an adjacent preassembled solar panel module or of a wind deflector accessory, or both. One or more mounting feet are each coupled at a selected location to one of the at least two panel rails and are each configured for coupling at a selected location to a roof or to other sunlight receiving surface.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 27, 2016
Date of Patent:
January 14, 2020
Assignee:
Smash Solar, Inc.
Inventors:
Neil Goldberg, Troy Douglas Tyler, Eugene Kim, Bron Davis, David Schultz, Miguel Martinho Lopes Praca, John Wolfe
Abstract: A solar module system is coupled directly to a fixed structure either individually or collectively as an array. Universal mounting brackets attached to the back of each solar panel module each connect to one or more other brackets of adjacent solar panels and/or to mounting feet that anchor to the fixed structure. Mounting brackets interlock with mounting brackets on adjacent solar modules and include a flexible snap coupling mechanism including a locking feature to selectively flexibly connect to and disconnect from other mounting brackets of adjacent solar panels.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 22, 2014
Date of Patent:
November 20, 2018
Assignee:
Smash Solar, Inc.
Inventors:
Neil Goldberg, Troy Douglas Tyler, David Mathew Johnson
Abstract: A frameless photovoltaic (PV) module system and methods secure solar panels directly to a fixed structure either individually or collectively as an array. Universal mounting brackets attached to the back of each solar panel module connect to one another and to mounting feet that anchor to the fixed structure. Mounting brackets interlock with mounting brackets on adjacent solar modules and include a quick release mechanism to connect to and disconnect from mounting feet appropriately selected for the given fixed structure or roof type.