Patent ID: 8806813
Filing Date: 2014-08-19
Classification: F24S,H01R,H02S,Y02B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A rail assembly for a mounting system that supports an array of solar modules, the rail assembly comprising: a top section; a bottom section that is combinable with the top section to extend lengthwise in a first direction, a portion of the top rail section being compressed into the bottom rail section; wherein at least one of the top section and the bottom section are structured so that a receiving structure is provided for horizontally receiving an edge section of a frame of a solar module in an operative position; a compression mechanism that is usable to create a compression force that compresses the top section and the bottom section into retaining and supporting the edge section of the frame of the solar modules in an operable position within the receiving structure; and a conductive element extending along one of the top section and bottom section, the conductive element including a segment that is provided between the top section and bottom section, the segment including one or more pointed protrusions that extend and make contact with at least one of the top section and bottom section, wherein the one or more protrusions are positioned to be effected by the compression force of the compression mechanism in forming an electrical bond with the edge section of the frame of the solar module and enabling a conductive path for electrical current.