Solar panel array

Abstract

A solar panel array is provided. The solar panel array includes a plurality of support structures. The support structures are secured to a surface and may support panels, such as solar panels. A row spacer bar may attach a pair of support structures together. A clamp may clamp the panels to the row spacer bar.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A solar panel array comprising:
 at least a first support structure and a second support structure configured to be secured to a surface;   at least one row spacer bar comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is secured to the first support structure and the second end is secured to the second support structure;   at least one solar panel supported by the first support structure and the second support structure; and   at least one clamp clamping the at least one solar panel to the at least one row spacer.   
     
     
         2 . The solar panel array of  claim 1 , further comprising a fastener running through the at least one clamp and through the at least one row spacer, thereby clamping the at least one solar panel to the at least one row spacer. 
     
     
         3 . The solar panel array of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one solar panel comprises a first solar panel and a second solar panel, wherein the at least one row spacer bar is disposed in between the first solar panel and the second solar panel. 
     
     
         4 . The solar panel array of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one clamp clamps the first solar panel and the second solar panel to the at least one row spacer. 
     
     
         5 . The solar panel array of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one clamp comprises at least one spacer flange protruding downward from the clamp, and thereby spacing the first solar panel and the second solar panel apart. 
     
     
         6 . The solar panel array of  claim 3 , further comprising a plurality of clamps disposed in between the first end and the second end of the at least one row spacer. 
     
     
         7 . The solar panel array of  claim 3 , further comprising a first pair of support structures, a second pair of support structures, and a third pair of support structures. 
     
     
         8 . The solar panel array of  claim 7 , wherein the first solar panel is support by the first pair and the second pair of support structures, and the second solar panel is supported by the second pair and the third pair of support structures. 
     
     
         9 . The solar panel array of  claim 8 , wherein the first pair of support structures is connected by a first row spacer bar, the second pair of support structures is connected by a second row spacer bar, and the third pair of support structures is connected by a third row spacer bar. 
     
     
         10 . The solar panel array of  claim 9 , wherein the first panel is clamped to the first row spacer bar by a first end clamp, the first and second panel are clamped to the second row spacer bar by a middle clamp, and the second panel is clamped to the third row spacer bar by a second end clamp. 
     
     
         11 . The solar panel array of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp comprises a plurality of teeth protruding downward and configured to electrically pierce the at least one solar panel. 
     
     
         12 . The solar panel array of  claim 12 , further comprising an electrical grounding point connected to at least one of the support structures, wherein the plurality of teeth provide a electrical ground path from the panels through the at least one row spacer bar, through at least one of the support structures and into the electrical grounding point. 
     
     
         13 . The solar panel array of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second support structure comprises a first side, a second side, and a base in between the first side and second side, wherein the first side comprises a top end and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end is connected to the base and the top end forms a channel, wherein the channel is substantially facing away from the second side, wherein the second side comprises a top end and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end is connected to the base and the top end forms a support flange. 
     
     
         14 . The solar panel array of  claim 1 , wherein the first support structure comprises a channel facing towards the second support structure, and the second support structure comprises a support flange, wherein the at least one solar panel comprises a first edge within the channel and a second edge supported by the support flange.