Patent ID: 11863115
Assignee: SOLAROFF SYSTEMS, LLC
Field: Thermal processes and apparatus (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC H  F | IPC F  H

Claim 17:
18. A solar panel mounting system comprising:
a first solar panel comprising a peripheral frame configured for supporting a perimeter of a photovoltaic cell array;
the peripheral frame including a plurality of primary frame members and a locking frame member having a deformable clamping portion;
the locking frame member being perimetrically elongated in length and coupled to a pair of the primary frame members to form an integral part of the peripheral frame;
a rotatable captive bolt assembly mounted through the locking frame member;
the locking frame member configured for slideably receiving a peripheral side edge of an adjacent second solar panel at least partially therein;
wherein tightening the captive bolt assembly deforms the clamping portion of the locking frame member and clamps the second solar panel in place;
a covered cable compartment formed on the rear side of the solar panel and extending laterally between the first and second lateral peripheral frame members;
the cable compartment comprising a laterally elongated removable cover detachably mounted to the rear side of the solar panel, the cover being configured and operable to be snap-fitted to a flange of the bottom peripheral frame member to retain the cover on solar panel; and
wherein the cable compartment and cover defines an enclosed space on the rear side of the solar panel which is configured for protecting and routing an electrical cable between the first and second lateral frame members.