Patent Publication Number: US-2023163716-A1

Title: Photovoltaic module clamp system and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/822,967, filed Mar. 18, 2020, which is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/819,951, filed Mar. 18, 2019, which applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG.  1   a    illustrates a top perspective view of a solar tracker in accordance with an embodiment. 
       FIG.  1   b    illustrates a bottom perspective view of the solar tracker of  FIG.  1   a      
       FIG.  2    illustrates a side view of a solar tracker in accordance with an embodiment. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates examples of solar tracker arrays having a plurality of solar trackers arranged in a linearly aligned row on a portion of the ground having increasing slopes in accordance with four respective example embodiments. 
       FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a module clamp in accordance with one embodiment. 
       FIG.  5   a    is a first side view of the module clamp of  FIG.  4   . 
       FIG.  5   b    is a second side view of the module clamp of  FIGS.  4  and  5     a.    
       FIG.  6   a    is a first perspective view of a module clamp in accordance with another embodiment. 
       FIG.  6   b    is a second perspective view of the module clamp of  FIG.  6     a.    
       FIG.  7   a    is a first side view of the module clamp of  FIGS.  6   a    and  6   b.    
       FIG.  7   b    is a second side view of the module clamp of  FIGS.  6   a ,  6   b    and  7   a.    
       FIG.  8    illustrates a solar tracker having a pair of modules coupled to a rail via module clamps. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a perspective view of a module clamp coupling a module with a rail. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a side view of a module clamp coupling a module with a rail. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a method of coupling solar panels to a pair of rails via a plurality of module clamps to form at least a portion of a solar tracker. 
       FIG.  12   a    illustrates a perspective view of a top clamp in accordance with one embodiment. 
       FIG.  12   b    illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the top claim shown in  FIG.  12     a.    
       FIG.  13   a    illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a module clamp comprising a top clamp. 
       FIG.  13   b    illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of the module clamp of  FIG.  13   a    with the top clamp and clamp head in a coupled configuration. 
       FIG.  14   a    illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of the module clamp of  FIGS.  13   a    and  13   b.    
       FIG.  14   b    illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of the module clamp of  FIGS.  13   a ,  13   b  and  14   a    with the top clamp and clamp head in a coupled configuration. 
       FIG.  15    illustrates an example of the module clamp of  FIGS.  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a  and  14   b    coupling a module to a rail. 
       FIG.  16    illustrates another example of the module clamp of  FIGS.  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a  and  14   b    coupling a module to a rail. 
       FIG.  17    illustrates a further example of the module clamp of  FIGS.  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a  and  14   b    coupling a module to a rail. 
    
    
     It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred embodiments. The figures do not illustrate every aspect of the described embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS.  1   a  and  1   b    illustrate a respective top perspective and bottom perspective view of a solar tracker  100  in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG.  2    illustrates a side view of the solar tracker  100 . As shown in  FIGS.  1     a,    1   b  and  2 , the solar tracker  100  can comprise a plurality of photovoltaic cells  103  disposed along a length having axis X 1  and a plurality of pneumatic actuators  101  configured to collectively move the array of photovoltaic cells  103 . As shown in  FIG.  1     b,  the photovoltaic cells  103  are coupled to rails  102  that extend along parallel axes X 2 , which are parallel to axis X 1 . Each of the plurality of actuators  101  extend between and are coupled to the rails  102 , with the actuators  101  being coupled to respective posts  104 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the posts  104  can extend along an axis Z, which can be perpendicular to axes X 1  and X 2  in various embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , and discussed in more detail herein, the actuators  101  can be configured to collectively tilt the array of photovoltaic cells  103  based on an angle or position of the sun, which can be desirable for maximizing light exposure to the photovoltaic cells  103  and thereby maximizing, enhancing or optimizing electrical output of the photovoltaic cells  103 . In various embodiments, the actuators  101  can be configured to move the photovoltaic cells  103  between a plurality of configurations as shown in  FIG.  2   , including a neutral configuration N where the photovoltaic cells  103  are disposed along axis Y that is perpendicular to axis Z. From the neutral configuration N, the actuators  101  can be configured to move the photovoltaic cells  103  to a first maximum tilt position A, to a second maximum tilt position B, or any position therebetween. In various embodiments, the angle between the neutral configuration N and the maximum tilt positions A, B can be any suitable angle, and in some embodiments, can be the same angle. Such movement can be used to position the photovoltaic cells  103  toward the sun, relative to an angle of the sun, to reflect light toward a desired position, or the like. 
     In one preferred embodiment as shown in  FIGS.  1   a    and  1   b,  a solar tracker  100  can comprise a plurality of photovoltaic cells  103  that are collectively actuated by four actuators  101  disposed along a common axis. However, in further embodiments, a solar tracker  100  can comprise any suitable number of actuators  101  including one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, fifteen, twenty, fifty, one hundred, or the like. Similarly, any suitable number of photovoltaic cells  103  can be associated with a solar tracker  100  in further embodiments. Also, any suitable size, shape or type of photovoltaic cells  103  can be associated with a solar tracker  100  in further embodiments. Additionally, while photovoltaic cells  103  are shown in example embodiments herein, in further embodiments, actuators  101  can be used to move various other objects or structures, including mirrors, reflectors, imaging devices, water purification, water collection, communications devices, and the like. In various embodiments as discussed in more detail herein, one or more module clamps  200  can be used to secure photovoltaic modules  103  to a racking system of a solar tracker  100 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates examples of solar tracker arrays  300  having a plurality of solar trackers  100  arranged in a linearly aligned row on a portion of the ground  301  having increasing slopes in accordance with four respective example embodiments  300 A,  300 B,  300 C,  300 D. For example, the first embodiment  300 A has the least slope and shows the trackers having posts  104  that are substantially the same length with the axis of the four solar trackers  100  conforming to the slope of the ground  301  and generally aligned along a common axis. 
     The second embodiment  300 B shows pairs of solar trackers  100  aligned along a common axis that is perpendicular to the pull of gravity (or parallel to level ground), with the pairs being disposed at different axes at different heights above the ground  301 . The third embodiment  300 C shows solar trackers  100  aligned in parallel, but not coincident axes that are perpendicular to the pull of gravity (or parallel to level ground), with the solar trackers  100  each being disposed at different axes at different heights above the ground  301 . The fourth embodiment  300 D shows solar trackers  100  aligned in parallel, but not coincident axes, that are not perpendicular to the pull of gravity (or parallel to level ground), with the solar trackers  100  each being disposed at different axes at different heights above the ground  301 . 
     In some examples, it can be desirable to tilt actuators  101  (see e.g.,  FIG.  2   ) of the solar trackers  100  to be perpendicular to the slope of the ground  301 , while keeping posts  104  plumb to gravity. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a Z axis of an actuator  101  can be installed skew to a Z-axis of a post  104  associated with the actuator  101 . 
     In various embodiments, the solar trackers  100  of a solar tracker array  300  can be pneumatically or fluidically coupled via a pneumatic or fluidic system that can actuate the solar trackers  100  of the solar tracker array  300  in unison. In other words, the solar trackers  100  of the solar tracker array  300  can be driven collectively to have the same angle. 
     Although  FIG.  3    illustrates four example embodiments  300 A,  300 B,  300 C,  300 D of solar tracker arrays  300 , these examples should not be construed to be limiting on the wide variety of alternative embodiments that are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. For example, while  FIG.  3    shows solar tracker arrays  300  having solar trackers  100  aligned in linear rows, further embodiments can have tracker arrays  300  aligned in any suitable way, including an arc, a series of parallel rows, and the like. Additionally, in further embodiments, solar tracker arrays  300  can comprise any suitable number of solar trackers  100 . Also, in some embodiments, a plurality of solar tracker arrays  300  can be configured into a solar tracker system. While some embodiments can include a movable solar tracker  100 , further embodiments can include any suitable solar assembly, which can be movable, fixed tilt, static, or the like. 
     Some embodiments can include one or more of a ballasted actuator version with no bottom plate, a torque tube or a custom module mounting. Further embodiments can include an expanded web beam, comprising a web of an I-beam or C-channel that can be slit with three offset rows of slits and expanded like expanded metal to form triangular trusses in the web and a higher stiffness beam. In some embodiments, racking configurations can include torque tubes, c-channels, extruded aluminum sections, custom roll formed shapes, hot rolled steel sections, and the like. Still further embodiments can include ballast under the actuator modules to reduce the center of mass height, and such reduced center of mass height can lead to better tracking performance. Other embodiments can include a terrain-following tracker, which can comprise non-moment carrying racking connections to allow the tracker  100  to be installed with variable slope throughout the length of the tracker  100 . Some embodiments can include any suitable damper or damper system for flutter reduction, including a centrifugal clutch, viscous damper, viscoelastic materials, friction damper, linear damper, rotary damper, eddy current damper, or the like. 
       FIGS.  4 ,  5     a  and  5   b  illustrate an example embodiment  200 A of a module clamp  200  in accordance with one embodiment, which can be used to secure photovoltaic modules  103  to a racking system of a solar tracker  100 . As shown in this example  200 A, the module clamp  200  can comprise a bolt  410  that includes a flange head  412  and a shaft  414 . 
     As shown in this example, the module clamp  200  can comprise a bolt  410  that includes a flange head  412  that is coupled to an end of a shaft  414 . The module clamp  200  can also further comprise a J-shaped clamp head  420  having a first arm  422  and a second arm  424  that extend from a base  426 . The shaft  414  can extend through the base  426  to a distal end of the shaft  414 . In various embodiments turning the bolt  410  can cause the clamp head  420  to move up and down on the shaft  414  of the bolt  410  (e.g., via threads). 
     The first arm  422  extends from the base  426  at an angle from a main axis of the base  426  and a main axis of the shaft  410 . In other words, in this example embodiment  200 A, the first arm  422  extends from the base  426  non-perpendicularly and non-parallel to the main axis of the base  426  and the main axis of the shaft  410 . For example, in the embodiment of  FIGS.  4 ,  5     a  and  5   b , the first arm  422  extends generally 135° from the base  426  and is disposed generally 45° from the shaft  414 . The second arm  424  extends from the base  426  to be generally perpendicular to the main axis of the base  426  and parallel to the main axis of the shaft  410 . 
     In some embodiments, both arms  422 ,  424  can be perpendicular to the main axis of the base  426 , and parallel to the main axis of the shaft  410 . In further embodiments, both arms  422 ,  424  can be non-perpendicular and non-parallel to the main axis of the base  426 . For example, both arms  422 ,  424  can extend 135° from the base  426 . Both arms  422 ,  424  can extend 115° from the base  426  in some examples. In various embodiments, both arms  422 ,  424  can be non-perpendicular and non-parallel to the shaft  410 , but can extend from the base  426  at different angles. The first arm  422  can extend at an angle of 135° from the base  426 , and the second arm  424  can extend at an angle of 115° from the base  424 , for example. 
     A tab  428  can extend from an end of the second arm  424  with notches  430  at a base of the tab  428 . The end of the second arm can define a first and second shelf  432  on opposing sides of the tab  428 . In some embodiments, notches  430  can be absent. As shown in the example  200 A of  FIGS.  4 ,  5     a  and  5   b , the clamp head  420  can be generally linear or flat along the width of the head  420  with a single axis of symmetry. 
       FIGS.  6   a ,  6   b ,  7   a  and  7   b    illustrate another example embodiment  200 B of a module clamp  200 , which can be used to secure photovoltaic modules  103  to a racking system of a solar tracker  100 . As shown in this example  200 B, the module clamp  200  can comprise a bolt  410  that includes a flange head  412  and a shaft  414 . 
     As shown in this example  200 B, the module clamp  200  can comprise a bolt  410  that includes a flange head  412  that is coupled to an end of a shaft  414 . The module clamp  200  can also further comprise a J-shaped clamp head  420  having a first arm  422  and a second arm  424  that extend from a base  426 . The shaft  414  can extend through the base  426  to a distal end of the shaft  414  with the clamp head  420  coupled to the shaft  414  via a nut  660 . 
     The first arm  422  extends from the base  426  at an angle from a main axis of the base  426  and a main axis of the shaft  410 . In other words, the first arm  422  extends from the base  426  non-perpendicularly and non-parallel to the main axis of the base  426  and the main axis of the shaft  410 . For example, in the embodiment of  FIGS.  6   a ,  6   b ,  7   a  and  7   b   , the first arm extends generally 135° from the base  426  and is disposed generally 45° from the shaft  414 . The second arm  424  extends from the base  426  to be generally perpendicular to the main axis of the base  426  and parallel to the main axis of the shaft  410 . A tab  428  can extend from an end of the second arm  424  at a base of the tab  428 . 
     In contrast to the example  200 A of  FIGS.  4 ,  5     a  and  5   b , where the clamp head  420  is flat along the width of the clamp head  420 , the clamp head  420  as shown in  FIGS.  6   a ,  6   b ,  7   a  and  7   b    comprises sidewalls  640  along opposing edges of the first and second arms  422 ,  424  and base  426  to define a concave head cavity  650 . 
     The flange head  412  can comprise serrations  670  or other suitable features (e.g., bumps, notches, extruded features, or the like), which in some embodiments can be configured to break anodization of modules  103  to enable electric bonding (e.g., and electric bonding path). In some examples, the bolt  410  can comprise a standard bolt with a sheet metal top cap, or with a captive washer. 
     The module clamp  200  can also include a clamp head  420 , which in some examples can comprise a clamp made from formed sheet metal (steel, aluminum, or the like), cast metal, extruded aluminum, or the like. Various examples of the clamp head  420  can comprise sharp edges to pierce anodization of solar modules (e.g., serrations, bumps, notches, extruded features, or the like). Some embodiments can include a tab  428  configured to keep equal spacing between modules  103 . For example, the tab  428  or a similar suitable structure can be formed with the bottom clamp; attached via a weld or other adhesive; or fastened to the bottom clamp  420  by other suitable method. The spacing tab  428  in some embodiments can be formed from any other suitable method or structure and attached to the bolt  410  rather than the bottom clamp  420 . In the example  200 A of  FIGS.  4 ,  5     a  and  5   b , the tab  428  can allow the bolt  410  to rotate while the spacing tab  428  remains aligned between the panels  103  above the clamp head  420 . 
     Some examples can include a cinch nut. Some examples can include a female thread, rolled threads, a rivet nut, a captive nut, or any other structure of preventing unwanted thread rotation such as chemical locking compounds (either pre-applied or applied at time of installation); stakes to prevent rotation; lockwire; and the like. Some examples can also include a standard nut. In various embodiments, a module clamp  200  can comprise an extra wide flange head bolt and/or a bottom clamp. 
     While two example embodiments  200 A,  200 B of a module clamp  200  are shown herein, it should be clear that any suitable elements of such examples  200 A,  200 B can be present and/or absent in further embodiments, so the examples herein should not be construed to be limiting on the wide variety of module clamps  200  of various further embodiments. 
     In various embodiments, module clamps  200  can be configured to secure solar modules  103  onto solar trackers  100  in a method that accomplishes one or more of the of the following: electrical bonding and mechanical securement performed by a single fastener; adjoining pairs of solar panels  103  mechanically secured by a single assembly; reduce time required for module installation; and reduce the amount of wasted area between solar modules compared to other top-clamp style clamps. 
     Some embodiments of a module clamp  200  can be desirable over module coupling systems and methods that include one or more of: bolting through module frames; clamping near the center of modules onto torque tubes; through bolting onto cross beams and then using a U-bolt to secure the cross beams to a torque tube; clamps that fit into custom rails, such as T-slotted fasteners. 
     In some embodiments, a module clamp  200  can be made via or comprise one or more of: metal stamping; a cold formed bolt; rolled threads; aluminum extrusions; steel; electroplated zinc coating; galvanized coating; pre or post applied threadlocker, such as Loctite; and the like. 
     In some embodiments, a module clamp  200  as disclosed herein can be desirable over module coupling systems and methods that: require precise alignment of racking and modules to make sure holes match up; require multiple tools to install; add extra material to the structure; require more expensive custom rail shapes; comprise top clamps have multiple parts—installation difficulty; have wider module gap. 
     Further embodiments of a module clamp  200  can comprise one or more of the following: instead of custom bolt  410 , use fastener stack: bolt+washer+grounding feature (e.g. weeb); instead of being built in prevailing torque, use an alternative (e.g., Loctite on threads—pre or post applied; a jam nut; and the like); instead of rolled threads, use additional fastener (e.g., PEM nut pressed into hole; rivet nut; flange nut; nut and washer); and the clamp head  410  and/or bolt  420  can comprise teeth or serrations that pierce the frame of a module  103  and/or rail  102  for more bonding. 
     Various embodiments of a module clamp  200  can comprise novel elements such as a prevailing torque feature formed into the clamp material; threading directly into clamp material; and integrating top clamp and bolt into one part. 
     Various embodiments of a module clamp  200  can be desirable over other module coupling systems and methods by reducing overall part count; adaptability to a number of rail section geometries; minimizing module gapping; needing only one tool for installation; and/or not requiring precision alignment of rails, purlins or racking. 
     One or more module clamp  200  can be used to install photovoltaic modules or cells  103  on a rail  102  (e.g., a purlin, racking, or the like). For example, an angled first arm  422  of the clamp head  420  can hook under the rail  102 . The tab  428  can be disposed between and extend between frames of adjacent modules  103 . In various embodiments, the tab  428  can be desirable for providing consistent spacing between adjacent modules  103  and preventing rotation of the clamp head  420  when the bolt  410  is tightened. 
     The bolt  410  can be rotated, which can cause the clamp head  420  to move toward the flange head  412  such that the module clamp  200  is tightened to clamp modules  130  to the rail  102  (e.g., via corresponding threads of the bolt  410  and clamp head  420 ). Serrations  670  can break anodization of the modules  103  and the clamp head  420  can engage the rail  102  (e.g., a galvanized steel purlin) to provide a bonding path between the rail  102  and module  103 . A prevailing torque feature of some embodiments can prevent vibrational loosening during shipment and operation of the solar tracker  100 . 
     For example,  FIG.  8    illustrates a pair of module clamps  200  (circled) that couple a pair of adjacent modules  103  to a pair of rails  102  (e.g., Z-purlins). The module clamps  200  are shown disposed within a slot  800  between the modules  103  with the module clamps  200  coupled to a respective rail  102 . For example, the slot  800  can be defined by sidewalls  904  of the modules  103 . 
       FIGS.  9  and  10    illustrate a module clamp  200  coupling a module  103  with a rail  102 . As shown in  FIG.  10   , the rail  102  can comprise a Z-purlin  1000  having a web  1010 , with a first flange  1020  that includes a first terminal lip  1021  and with a second flange  1030  that includes a second terminal lip  1031 . The module  103  is shown disposed on the first flange  1020  of the Z-purlin  1000  with the first arm  422  of the clamp head  424  extending over the first terminal lip  1021  and engaging the first flange  1020  on a face of the first flange  1020  opposing a face of the first flange  1020  that the module  103  engages. 
     In various embodiments, one or more modules  103  can comprise a top face  901  and bottom face  902  and a sidewall  904 . For example, in  FIG.  9   , the module  103  is shown having a frame  903  with the flange head  412  engaging the frame  903  at a top end  901  of the frame  903  with a bottom end  902  of the frame  903  engaging a top of the second arm  424  of the clamp head  420 . The tab  428  is shown extending along and engaging a side-face of the frame  903  of the module  103 . The bolt  410  is shown in a tightened configuration where the module  103  and rail  102  are held securely together. While a single module  103  is shown in the examples of  FIGS.  9  and  10    for purposes of clarity, it should be clear that a second module  103  can be disposed opposing the first module  103  coupling on an opposing side of the module clamp  200  mirroring the configuration shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   . For example,  FIG.  8    shows adjacent modules in such a configuration. However, in various embodiments, modules  103  at ends of a tracker  100  can be coupled as shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   . 
     Additionally, while a single rail  102  is shown in the example of  FIGS.  9  and  10   , further embodiments can comprise any suitable plurality of rails  102  and corresponding module clamps  200 . For example,  FIG.  8    illustrates an example tracker  100  having two rails  102 . Moreover, while examples such as  FIG.  8    illustrate a pair of modules  103  as part of a tracker  100 , further embodiments can have any suitable plurality of modules  103  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  1   a  and  1   b   ) coupled with any suitable plurality of module clamps  200 . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a method  1100  of coupling solar panels  103  to a pair of rails  102  via a plurality of module clamps  200  to form at least a portion of a solar tracker  200 . The method  1100  begins at  1110  where a pair of rails  102  are positioned spaced apart and extending along respective parallel axes. For example,  FIGS.  1     a,    1   b  and  FIG.  8    illustrates example embodiments having a pair of rails  102  are positioned spaced apart and extending along respective parallel axes. 
     The method  1100  continues at  1120  where a first and second solar panel  103  are positioned on the pair of rails  102  in a common plane and defining a slot  800  between the first and second solar panels  103 . For example,  FIG.  8    illustrates an example of an embodiment with a first and second solar panel  103  positioned on a pair of rails  102  in a common plane and defining a slot  800  between the first and second solar panels  103 . 
     At  1130 , a first and second module clamp  200  are positioned between the first and second solar panels  103  and engaging the first and second rails  102 . For example,  FIG.  8    illustrates an example of an embodiment with a first and second module clamp  200  positioned between first and second solar panels  103 .  FIGS.  9  and  10    illustrate an example embodiment of how a module clamp  200  can engage a rail  102 . 
     Some embodiments can include positioning a first and second module clamp  200  between first and second planar solar panels  103  in a slot  800  between the first and second planar solar panels  103 , the first module clamp  200  engaging the first and second planar solar panels  103  and the first elongated rail  102 , and the second module clamp  200  engaging the first and second planar solar panels  103  and the second elongated rail  102 . 
     As discussed herein, in various embodiments (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  4 - 10   ), module clamps  200  can comprise a bolt  410  that includes a shaft  414  that extends within the slot  800  between the first and second planar solar panels  103  and past the bottom faces of the first and second planar solar panels  103  and can include a flange head  412  that is coupled to a first end of the shaft  414  that engages the top face of the first and second planar solar panels  103 . 
     The module clamp  200  can further comprise a J-shaped clamp head  420  that includes a base  426 , with the shaft  414  extending through and rotatably coupled to the base  426  such that turning the bolt  410  and/or nuts  660  causes the clamp head  420  to move up and down on the shaft  414  of the bolt  410 ; a first arm  422  that extends from a first side of the base  426  and engages one of the respective first and second elongated rails  102 ; and a second arm  424  that extends from a second side of the base  426 , the second arm  424  including a tab  428  that extends from an end of the second arm  424  with the end of the second arm defining a first and second shelf  432  on opposing sides of the tab  428 , with the tab  428  extending within the slot  800  between first and second planar solar panels  103  and with the first and second shelf  432  engaging the bottom faces of the first and second planar solar panels  103 . 
     Additionally, the present method  1100  should not be construed to require a specific order of steps to achieve the described structure. For example, a first solar panel  103  can be positioned on rails  102 , and a pair of module clamps  200  can be positioned engaging the first solar panel  103  along the sidewall  904 , and then a second solar panel  103  can be positioned engaging the first and second module clamps  200  to define the slot  800 . Similarly, in another example, a first solar panel  103  can be positioned on rails  102 , and a first module clamp  200  can be positioned engaging the first solar panel  103  along the sidewall  904 , and then a second solar panel  103  can be positioned engaging the first module clamp  200 , a second module clamp  200  can then be positioned between the solar panels  103  to define the slot  800 . 
     Returning to  FIG.  11   , the method  1100  continues at  1140  where the module clamps  200  are tightened to tighten the engagement between the first and second solar panels  103  and the first and second rails  102  via the module clamps  200 . For example, some embodiments can include tightening the bolts  410  of the module clamps  200  by turning the bolts  410  and/or nuts  660  to cause the respective clamp heads  420  and flange heads  412  of the module clamps  200  to move closer together to tighten the engagement between the first and second planar solar panels  103 , the first and second module clamps  200  and first and second elongated rails  102 . 
     In some embodiments, such tightening can cause a break in an anodization of the first and second planar solar panels  103  to generate an electric bonding path between the first and second elongated rails  102  and the first and second planar solar panels  103  via the first and second module clamps  200 . 
     In some embodiments, such tightening can be mechanical such as by rotating the bolt  410  of the module clamps  200  such that the bolt  410  and clamp head  420  screw together. However, in further embodiments, various other suitable tightening mechanisms can be used to bring a flange head  412  and clamp head  420  closer together or to generate a force that pulls or pushes the flange head  412  and clamp head  420  toward each other. For example, in one embodiment, an elastic band can couple the flange head  412  and clamp head  420 , and the elasticity of the band can couple the solar panels  103  to the rails  102  via tension between the flange head  412  and clamp head  420 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  12   a  and  12   b    a top clamp  1200  in accordance with one embodiment is illustrated. The top clamp  1200  comprises a first and second leg  1210  that extend from a top  1220  to respective bases  1212  to define a C-shaped profile that extends from a first end  1201  to a second end  1202  of the top clamp. The first and second ends  1201 ,  1202  define a respective nock  1230 . The top clamp  1200  further defines a hole  1240 . The hole  1240  is shown as having a four-chamber configuration, which in some examples can be desirable for preventing the rotation of the square neck of a carriage bolt; however, the hole  1240  can be configured in various suitable ways in further embodiments such as round holes, square holes, rectangular holes, oval shaped slots, or the like. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a  and  14   b   , in another embodiment  200 C of a module clamp  200 , the shaft  414  of a bolt  410  can extend through the hole  1240  of the top clamp  1200  such that the top clamp  1200  is held on the bolt  410  opposing the clamp head  420  with the flange head  412  retaining the top clamp  1200  by the flange head  412  being too large to pass through the hole  1240 . As discussed herein, the distance between the flange head  412  and the clamp head  420  can be changed by rotating the bolt  410  which is held by a nut  660 , by rotating the nut  660  and/or by rotating the clamp head  420 , or the like. 
     In various embodiments, the bolt  410  can be various suitable types of bolt, including a carriage bolt, hex bolt, hex bolt with washer, flange head bolt, or the like. Additionally, the nut  660  can be various suitable structures which may be separate from or coupled to the clamp head  420 . For example, the nut  660  can comprise a hex nut, hex flange nut, nut with locking feature (e.g., nylock, all-metal prevailing torque, deformed thread, pre or post applied Loctite), and the like. 
     The distance between the flange head  412  and the clamp head  420  can set a maximum distance that the top clamp  1200  can be spaced apart from the clamp head  420 . For example,  FIGS.  13   a  and  14   a    illustrate a configuration of the module clamp  200 C where the top clamp  1200  is spaced apart from the clamp head  420  at a greater distance compared to the configuration of the module clamp  200 C illustrated in  FIGS.  13   b    and  14   b.    
     As shown in  FIGS.  13   b  and  14   b   , a nock  1230  of the top clamp  1200  can be configured to surround and/or engage the tab  428  of the clamp head  420  with the ends  1212  of the legs  1210  engaging the first and second shelf  432  on opposing sides of the tab  428 . For example as shown in  FIG.  14   b   , in one configuration of the module clamp  200 C, the ends  1212  of the legs  1210  of the top clamp  1200  can engage the first and second shelf  432  of the clamp head  420  on opposing sides of the tab  428 , with a top portion of the tab  428  extending past a top face of the top clamp  1200 . Additionally, as shown in the example of  FIG.  14   b   , the tab  428  does not extend past the face of the second end  1202 . In some embodiments, the tab  428  and nock  1230  can be sized such that the tab  428  engages one or more internal faces of the nock  1230  or can be sized such that the nock  1230  is larger than a maximum width of the tab  428 . 
       FIGS.  15 ,  16  and  17    illustrate example embodiments of a module clamp  200  coupling a module  103  with a rail  102 . The rail  102  can comprise a Z-purlin  1000  having a web  1010 , with a first flange  1020  that includes a first terminal lip  1021  and with a second flange  1030  that includes a second terminal lip  1031 . The module  103  is shown disposed on the first flange  1020  of the Z-purlin  1000  with the first arm  422  of the clamp head  424  extending over the first terminal lip  1021  and engaging the first flange  1020  on a face of the first flange  1020  opposing a face of the first flange  1020  that the module  103  engages. 
     The module  103  can comprise a frame  903  that includes a frame flange  1505  that extends inwardly from a sidewall  904  of the module  103  perpendicular to the sidewall  904  and parallel to the top face  901  of the module  103 . A bottom face  902  of the frame flange  1505  can engage a shelf  432  of the module head  420  and a terminal end of the frame flange  1505  can reside within a notch  430  at the base of the tab  428  of the module head  420 . The top clamp  1200  can be disposed over an internal face of the frame flange  1505  and parallel to the length or and edge of the frame flange  1505  with a leg  1210  of the top clamp  1200  and engaging the internal face of the frame flange  1505  at the end  1212  of the leg  1210 . The nut  660  of the module clamp  200 C and/or the bolt  410  can be rotated to tighten the top clamp  1200  against frame flange  1505 , which can couple the module  103  to the rail  102  via the module clamp  200 . 
     In various embodiments, the tab  428  of the module head  420  can reside within a nock  1230  of the top clamp  1200  (see e.g.,  FIGS.  13   a ,  14   a    and  15 - 17 ) in a configuration of the module clamp  200  where the module clamp  200  couples the module  103  to the rail  102 . Such a configuration can be desirable to prevent rotation of the top clamp  1200  relative to the module head  420 , which could result in the top clamp  1200  twisting off the frame flange  1505  or the module head  420  disengaging the rail  102  or frame  903 . 
     In some embodiments (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  16   ), the leg  1210  of the top clamp  1200  that opposes the leg  1210  engaging the frame  904  may not engage a shelf  432  of the module head  420 . However, in further embodiments, the leg  1210  of the top clamp  1200  that opposes the leg  1210  engaging the frame  904  can engage the shelf  432  of the module head  420  opposing the frame  904  and/or the leg  1210  of the top clamp  1200  that opposes the leg  1210  engaging the frame  904  can engage the first flange  1020  of the rail  102 . 
     While the examples of  FIGS.  15 - 17    illustrate a single rail  102 , further embodiments can include any suitable plurality of rails  102  (e.g., two rails  102  as shown in  FIGS.  1   a  and  1   b   ), and coupling of the module clamp  200 C as discussed herein can be applied to such a plurality of rails  102 . 
     Additionally, while a specific example embodiments of a top clamp  1200  and clamp head  420  are shown in the embodiment  200 C of  FIGS.  13   a   - 17 , further embodiments can have elements configured in various suitable ways. For example, a top clamp  1200  can be various suitable lengths, or shapes in further embodiments, or can include only a single nock  1230 . Additionally, in some examples, the top clamp  1200  can be configured to generate and electrical bonding path as discussed herein (e.g., via tightening causing a break in an anodization) or such a feature can be specifically absent. 
     In some embodiments, a solar tracker  100  can comprise a plurality of different module clamps  200 , which can be used to secure one or more modules  103  to one or more rails in different ways. For example, a solar tracker  100  can comprise a plurality of modules  102  that are coupled via one or more module clamp  200  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  8 - 10    with example embodiments  200 A or  200 B) with a plurality of different module clamps  200  coupling modules  103  at ends of a tracker  100  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  15 - 17    with example embodiment  200 C). 
     In such examples, having a plurality of different module clamps  200  that couple modules  103  to one or more rails  102  in different ways, it can be desirable to have portions of such different module clamps  200  be the same. For example, embodiments  200 A,  200 C can be configured to have the same module heads  420  and/or bolts  410  with a top clamp  1200  being present or absent depending on the desired method of coupling one or more modules  103  to one or more rails  102 . 
     The described embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the described embodiments are not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. For example, elements of embodiments discussed herein should be construed to be exclusive to that embodiment, and in further embodiments, various elements of one embodiment can be interchanged with elements of other embodiments, or various elements can be absent.