Search Patents
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150129021
    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: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Barry Cinnamon, David Baker, Wilson W. Leong, Alexander W. Au
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150107651
    Abstract: A design is described for solar panel that allows for modular installation and efficient removal of panels irrespective of the panel's relative location in an array arrangement. A system is provided that includes a plurality of modular panels (such as solar power panels). These panels are rimmed by frames featuring one or more exterior-facing, grooved channels. A first channel—which may be used to mount the panel, and which replaces traditional railing installation systems—and a second channel that is configured to allow movement of one or more panel splices used to secure the panels together. Integrated electrical connection interfaces are provided on opposite side surfaces of the frames to couple with the electrical connection interfaces of adjacent panels to establish an electrical path between them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Barry CINNAMON, Wilson LEONG, David BAKER