Micro-Inverter Solar Panel Mounting

Abstract

Processes, systems, devices, and articles of manufacture are provided. Each may include adapting micro-inverters initially configured for frame-mounting to mounting on a frameless solar panel. This securement may include using an adaptive clamp or several adaptive clamps secured to a micro-inverter or its components, and using compressive forces applied directly to the solar panel to secure the adaptive clamp and the components to the solar panel. The clamps can also include compressive spacers and safeties for managing the compressive forces exerted on the solar panels. Friction zones may also be used for managing slipping between the clamp and the solar panel during or after installation. Adjustments to the clamps may be carried out through various means and by changing the physical size of the clamps themselves.

1 .- 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A component clamping system comprising:
 a first solar panel, the first solar panel comprising a front surface and a back surface, the front surface comprising a photovoltaic collector, the first solar panel further comprising a frameless mounting area;   an electronic component configured with one or more securements for mounting the electronic component to a frame surrounding a second solar panel; and   a first adaptive clamp coupled to one or more securements of the electronic component and clamped to the frameless mounting area of the first solar panel by the application of compressive force to the front surface of the first solar panel and compressive force to the back surface of the first solar panel.   
     
     
         18 . The component clamping system of  claim 17   wherein the clamp is in the form of an “L” shape or   wherein the clamp is sized and shaped such that the photovoltaic collector on the front surface is not covered by the clamp,   or both.   
     
     
         19 . The component clamping system of  claim 17  further comprising:
 a mid-cable junction mounting, the mounting coupled to the first solar panel and secured to a cable coupled to the electronic component. 
 
     
     
         20 . The component clamping system of  claim 17   wherein the clamp includes a first spacer positioned atop the front surface and a second spacer positioned atop the bottom surface, the spacers configured and positioned to distribute compressive forces from the clamp to a border of the first solar panel.   
     
     
         21 . The component clamping system of  claim 17  wherein the electronic component is a micro-inverter. 
     
     
         22 . The component clamping system of  claim 19  wherein the mid-cable junction mounting further comprises:
 a u-channel, the u-channel positioned around a border of the first solar panel, the u-channel serving to couple the mid-cable junction mounting to the first solar panel. 
 
     
     
         23 . A system for securing an electronic component to a solar panel, the system comprising:
 an electronic component configured to be mounted on a frameless area of a first solar panel, the electronic component having a plurality of fastening points;   a primary clamp comprising a plurality of securement areas that each coincide with one or more fastening point of the electronic component; and   a first compression spacer, a second compression spacer, and a third spacer;   wherein the primary clamp and the electronic component are coupled to each other and secured to the frameless area of the first solar panel, the frameless are of the first solar panel having a thickness,   wherein the third spacer is positioned and configured to maintain a distance equal to or greater than the thickness of the first solar panel.   
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23  wherein the first compression spacer and the second compression spacer are positioned between the primary clamp and the electronic component, are spaced apart from each other, and are separated by the first solar panel. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 23  wherein the electronic component is a micro-inverter. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 23  wherein the third spacers have an internal passage and wherein the passage comprises a screw or other connector. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 23  further comprising a mid-cable junction clamp, the mid-cable junction clamp secured the frameless area of the first solar panel and coupled to a portion of the electronic component. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 27  wherein the mid-cable junction clamp further comprises one or more break away sections on an exposed securement area and a safety, the safety configured to provide a visual or audible alarm when compressive forces exerted by the mid-cable junction on the solar panel reach or exceed a compressive pressure threshold. 
     
     
         29 . A solar panel clamp system comprising:
 a u-channel,
 the u-channel having a securement area sized and configured to be positioned around a frameless border of a first solar panel, 
 the u-channel configured and sized to couple a component to the first solar panel, 
 the u channel comprising a compressible material, 
 the u-channel comprising one or more break away sections on the securement area and a safety,
 the safety configured to provide a visual or audible alarm when compressive forces exerted by a component secured to the first solar panel by the u-channel reach or exceed a compressive pressure threshold of the first solar panel. 
 
   
     
     
         30 . The solar panel clamp system of  claim 29  wherein the visual alarm is a flash or color change and wherein the audible alarm is a click or squeal. 
     
     
         31 . The solar panel clamp system of  claim 29  wherein the u-channel includes a friction strip positioned to engage the frameless border of the first solar panel border. 
     
     
         32 . A solar panel system having a frameless mounting area comprising:
 a photovoltaic component;   a first clamp, a second clamp, and a third clamp, wherein each of the clamps is secured to a different portion of the photovoltaic component;   wherein the first clamp exerts compressive forces on a front surface of a first solar panel and the component exerts opposing compressive forces on a back surface of the first solar panel, these compressive forces serving to secure the clamp and the photovoltaic component to a first frameless portion of the solar panel, and   wherein the second clamp is secured to a different portion of the photovoltaic component and wherein the second clamp is compressively secured to a second frameless portion of the first solar panel using a means for exerting securing forces.   
     
     
         33 . The solar panel system of  claim 32  wherein the photovoltaic component is a micro-inverter and the different portion of the photovoltaic component is a cable. 
     
     
         34 . The solar panel system of  claim 32  wherein the means for exerting securing forces comprises: a ratchet and pawl or a cam or a spring