Solar panel mechanical connector and frame

摘要

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. A spacer component may be inserted between panels to provide access to the electrical connection interfaces; support and rigidity to the joined panels; a grounding path between the panels; and, when combined with the panel splices, to align the panels to prevent damage to the electrical connection interfaces.

主权项

1. An installation system for a plurality of panels, the system comprising:
a plurality of panels, each panel of the plurality of panels comprising:
a frame encircling a perimeter of the panel;a first channel disposed along the frame, the first channel being configured to affix the panel to a plurality of mounting points;a second channel disposed along a surface of the frame and defining a channel opening extending along the surface of the frame; and a plurality of panel splices operable to mechanically secure a pair of adjacent panels of the plurality of panels when a first portion of a panel splice is affixed to a frame of a first panel of the two adjacent panels and a second portion of the panel splice is affixed to a frame of the second panel of the two adjacent panels, a plurality of spacer components, wherein a pair of spacer components of the plurality of spacer components is configured to be physically disposed between a pair of opposite, parallel, edges of the frames corresponding to a pair of adjacent panels; and a spacer channel disposed in each spacer component of the plurality of spacer components, the spacer channel being configured to align with the second channels of the pair of adjacent panels and to bridge a width of the spacer component between the second channels, the spacer channel sized to slidably receive the panel splice, the spacer channel having the panel splice positioned therein having the panel splice extending into the second channel of a first panel of the pair of adjacent panels and the second channel of a second panel of the pair of adjacent panels having the spacer positioned between the first and second panels; wherein a panel splice is further operable to traverse an entire length of a side of a frame of a panel along a second channel of the panel for alignment thereof.