ZEP SOLAR, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150200618 | Skirt and Other Devices for Photovoltaic Arrays - A skirt and other devices for photovoltaic arrays, as well as photovoltaic arrays with a skirt(s) and/or other device(s) installed, related modules, and foothold devices and systems are herein disclosed. Various such embodiments include one or more array skirt(s), T-locks, grip(s), inside and outside corner cap(s), array trim(s), pest abatement screen(s), wire clip(s), foothold(s), groove adaptor bracket(s), magnetic skirt embodiment(s), as well as other structures and embodiments which are herein disclosed. | 07-16-2015 |
20140326838 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Photovoltaic-Related Wire Management - A flexible wire clip dimensioned to be snapped into a side groove on a photovoltaic module frame, wherein the wire clip flexes during installation such that a catch moves away from a frame-receiving slot and slides upwardly against a side edge of a photovoltaic module frame so that a frame member of a photovoltaic module frame can be inserted into the frame-receiving slot, and wherein the wire clip returns to a substantially non-flexed position after it has been snapped into the side groove of a photovoltaic module frame. | 11-06-2014 |
20140246549 | Torque Tube Mounted Photovoltaic Apparatus, System, and Method - An interlocking system for connecting photovoltaic module frames to a torque tube, including: (a) an interlock dimensioned to be positioned between the sides of two adjacent photovoltaic module frames; (b) a pair of couplings or flanges, wherein the couplings or flanges connect the interlock to both of the adjacent photovoltaic module frames; and (c) a U-lock connected to the interlock, wherein the U-lock is dimensioned to be connected to a torque tube. | 09-04-2014 |
20140182662 | Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array - The method and apparatus for forming and mounting a photovoltaic (PV) array of this invention is disclosed and provides, without limitation, (i) a PV module framing and coupling system which enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array and (ii) an ancillary device attachment bracket, system, and method. One embodiment may provide a slidable parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement, thereby enabling the formation of a PV array with improved structural load distribution. Another embodiment may provide a photovoltaic module accessory bracket, comprising: a substantially rigid plate comprising a flexible spring tab; a first ear substantially rigidly positioned on the plate; a second ear positioned on the spring tab; wherein the spring tab flexes backward away from the plate during connection to a frame of a photovoltaic module to allow the first ear to engage the frame, and a forward force applied to the spring tab locks the second ear to the frame. | 07-03-2014 |
20140175244 | Connecting Components for Photovoltaic Arrays - The invention includes an apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic (PV) module onto a structure where the apparatus includes a base portion, a stud portion, and a coupling portion. The coupling portion includes a male portion that acts as a spring under load and a clip portion that penetrates the PV module frame to create a grounding bond. The apparatus includes a lower jaw, shaped to pry open a groove, and a key portion that can compress to allow for tolerances. The invention further includes a clip with one or more tabs and one or more teeth. The invention further includes a replacement roof tile which includes a support structure with a horizontal flange, a vertical component, a horizontal component, a flashing with an upper surface and a lower surface, and a tile-shaped metal surface having a curvilinear shape that reflects the shapes of adjacent tiles. | 06-26-2014 |
20140174511 | Photovoltaic Array Mounting Apparatus, Systems, and Methods - The invention comprises an apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic (PV) module on a surface, comprising a support with an upper surface, a lower surface, tabs, one ore more openings, and a clip comprising an arm and a notch, where the apparatus resists wind forces and seismic forces and creates a grounding electrical bond between the PV module, support, and clip. The invention further comprises a method for installing PV modules on a surface that includes arranging supports in rows along an X axis and in columns along a Y axis on a surface such that in each row the distance between two neighboring supports does not exceed the length of the longest side of a PV module and in each column the distance between two neighboring supports does not exceed the length of the shortest side of a PV module, placing a PV module upon the supports such that each corner of the frame of the PV module rests on a support, and connecting the supports to the PV module by engaging a clip to at least a portion of the frame of the PV module and to the support. The invention further comprises an apparatus for mounting a PV module on a surface, comprising a support with an upper surface, a lower surface, tabs, one or more openings, and a clip comprising an arm and a notch, and a bracket. The invention additionally comprises a method for installing a PV module on a surface that includes arranging supports in rows along an X axis and in columns along a Y axis on a surface such that in each row the distance between two neighboring supports does not exceed the length of the longest side of a PV module and in each column the distance between two neighboring supports does not exceed the length of the shortest side of a PV module, placing a PV module upon the supports such that each corner of the frame of the PV module rests on a support, connecting the supports to the PV module by engaging a clip to at least a portion of the frame of the PV module and to the support, and securing a bracket to a support and to the surface or structure. | 06-26-2014 |
20140158184 | Skirt and Other Devices for Photovoltaic Arrays - A skirt and other devices for photovoltaic arrays, as well as photovoltaic arrays with a skirt(s) and/or other device(s) installed, related modules, and foothold devices and systems are herein disclosed. Various such embodiments include one or more array skirt(s), T-locks, grip(s), inside and outside corner cap(s), array trim(s), pest abatement screen(s), wire clip(s), foothold(s), groove adaptor bracket(s), magnetic skirt embodiment(s), as well as other structures and embodiments which are herein disclosed. | 06-12-2014 |
20140130847 | PV Array Mounting for Trapezoidal Metal and Low-Slope Roofs - Components mount an array of solar panels to trapezoidal metal roofs or flat or low-slope roofs. Couplings may secure a trapezoidal metal roof mounting adapter to the peak of the trapezoidal portion of a trapezoidal metal roof, and couplings may secure additional mounting hardware to the adapter. Solar panels may connect to the rear portion of one support and the front portion of another support to achieve an angled installation to improve sun exposure. Wind diffusers may connect to solar panels to form a barrier extending from the upper-most edge of the installed solar panel downward toward the roof to impede wind. The flat and low-slope roof solution may comprise a penetration-free mechanism to install solar panels at an angle on a flat or substantially flat surface while impeding effect from wind and maintaining an electrically grounded connection between all components. | 05-15-2014 |
20140102997 | Photovoltaic Module Frame - The invention comprises components and a method for producing components that, without limitation, frame a photovoltaic (“PV”) module such that the frame (i) provides improved stability for the groove incorporated therein, (ii) enables a higher percentage of in-tolerance final PV module product, and (iii) enables acceptance of a wider tolerance range in raw frame extrusion than the prior art. An embodiment may include a profile with a first hollow and a second hollow, collinear to one another and separated by a diagonal component. A corner key with teeth and male portions may engage the first hollow of adjacent profiles that meet orthogonally. Once so engaged, a tool head may be applied to the corner formed by the adjacent profiles. The application of the tool head may create indentations in the profiles that engage the teeth of the corner keys within the profiles, forming a corner of a PV module frame. | 04-17-2014 |
20140053891 | Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array - A PV module framing and coupling system which enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array and a cable management system that holds, directs, organizes, and otherwise manages cables, wires, cord, and similar components of and relating to a PV array. | 02-27-2014 |
20140026946 | Discrete Attachment Point Apparatus and System for Photovoltaic Arrays - An attachment point apparatus and system for photovoltaic arrays is disclosed as well as an installed photovoltaic array using attachment apparatus. One embodiment provides a rail for receiving a PV module, including a rail member located substantially beneath at least a portion of a second photovoltaic module and having a first end located near a gap between a first and second photovoltaic modules. An embodiment also provides a second photovoltaic module which is substantially coplanar with and located between a first and third photovoltaic modules and wherein said rail member is connected to the first, second, and third photovoltaic modules and attached to a support structure by a first and second attachment brackets. A further embodiment provides a lever clip, said lever clip comprising a head portion connecting a photovoltaic module to a rail, a lever portion extending away from a head portion, and a retaining portion near an end of a lever portion wherein the lever portion acts as a lever to rotate the head portion during installation such that the head portion secures the photovoltaic module to a frame. | 01-30-2014 |
20130183084 | Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array - A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. | 07-18-2013 |
20130180574 | Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array - A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. | 07-18-2013 |
20130180573 | Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array - A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. | 07-18-2013 |
20130180572 | Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array - A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. | 07-18-2013 |
20130140416 | Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array - A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. | 06-06-2013 |
20130133270 | Solar Panel Attachment System - A method, system and apparatus are disclosed regarding an attachment system for solar equipment, sometimes referred to as a flashing device allowing quick and easy assembling of the solar equipment into an array or other combination in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, a flashing device may include a flashing plate which may contain one or more raised features to further direct and control the flow of liquid over the flashing plate. The flashing device may also contain a fluid restrictor such as a seal or part of a seal usually held within an aperture of a block having a skyward facing essentially or substantially flat surface. One or more various items of solar equipment may be attached to the essentially flat surface of the block. Also disclosed are adjustable mounting feet which may be installed in connection with other solar equipment. | 05-30-2013 |
20120298188 | Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array - A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. | 11-29-2012 |
20120298186 | Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array - A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. | 11-29-2012 |
20120279558 | Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array - A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. | 11-08-2012 |
20120260972 | Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array - A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. | 10-18-2012 |
20120255598 | Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array - A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. | 10-11-2012 |