Patent ID: 8291653
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: F24S,Y02B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A photovoltaic structural framing system for ground mounted, high volume photovoltaic panel installation comprising: (a) a vertical I-beam support member, (b) at least two friction clamps affixed to the vertical I-beam support member by thru bolts or set screws, wherein the at least two friction clamps include an upper friction clamp and a lower friction clamp (c) a diagonal support brace, (d) an I-beam top chord, wherein the I-beam top chord comprises two separate C-channels, (e) at least one horizontal I-beam support member, and (f) an I-beam rail member, wherein the diagonal support brace is connected to the lower friction clamp affixed to the vertical I-beam support member by thru bolts, wherein the other end of the diagonal support brace is connected to the I-beam top chord, wherein the I-beam top chord is connected to the upper friction clamp affixed to the vertical I-beam support member by thru bolts, wherein the horizontal I-beam support member is connected to the I-beam or C-channel top chord by a U-bracket capable of both connecting the I-beam top chord C-channels using thru bolts and connecting the horizontal support member using thru bolts, wherein the I-beam rail member connects to the horizontal support members by a bracket capable of both connecting the I-beam flange of the rail member using a thru bolt and hooking the flange of the horizontal support member, and wherein the photovoltaic panels connect to the I-beam rail member by brackets.