System for mounting a photovoltaic module to a surface

Abstract

An apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic module is disclosed. The apparatus includes a clamp where the clamp includes a serrated surface and where the photovoltaic module is grippable by the serrated surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic module, comprising:
 a clamp, wherein the clamp includes a serrated surface and wherein the photovoltaic module is grippable by the serrated surface.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a fastener, wherein the fastener is engageable with the clamp. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the fastener includes a threaded bolt and a nut. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp includes a fin and wherein the serrated surface is disposed on the fin. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the fin extends from a wall or a leg of the clamp. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp includes a base, a descending member extending from the base, and an ascending member extending from the base in a direction substantially opposite a direction of the descending member. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the clamp includes a fin and wherein the fin extends from the ascending member. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp includes a plate and a pair of opposing side walls extending substantially in a same direction from the plate and at substantially right angles from the plate. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the clamp includes longitudinal fins extending respectively from the opposing side walls and wherein each of the longitudinal fins includes the serrated surface. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the base defines an aperture. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the plate defines an aperture. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp includes a second serrated surface. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic module, comprising:
 a clamp assembly, wherein the clamp assembly includes:   a clamp, wherein the clamp includes a serrated surface; and   a fastener, wherein the fastener is engageable with the clamp.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the clamp includes a fin and wherein the serrated surface is disposed on the fin. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the fin extends from a wall or a leg of the clamp. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising a rail and wherein the clamp is variably positionable on the rail. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the fastener is slidingly engageable within a channel of the rail. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the clamp includes a base, a descending member extending from the base, and an ascending member extending from the base in a direction substantially opposite a direction of the descending member. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the clamp includes a plate and a pair of opposing side walls extending substantially in a same direction from the plate and at substantially right angles from the plate. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 13  in combination with a photovoltaic module, wherein the serrated surface grips an edge of the photovoltaic module.