Patent Publication Number: US-2022216821-A1

Title: Solar panel mounting apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and incorporates U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/827,625, filed Apr. 1, 2019, entitled “Solar Panel Mounting Apparatus,” in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Photovoltaic (PV) modules (i.e., solar panels) come in a variety of frame heights (thicknesses), sometimes ranging from approximately 30 mm to 50 mm. In some examples, PV modules may be thinner or thicker than the aforementioned range. Furthermore, PV modules may be mounted to a roof of a house, a building, and/or other structures, or may even be mounted to a foundation surface. Currently, a specific PV module mounting apparatus may be used to mount the PV module to a structure. Such a mounting apparatus may be selected based at least in part on the thickness of the PV module. 
     Thus, a solution is desired for a PV module mounting assembly that is easily adjustable by the installer to accommodate a wide variation in module frame thickness. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  shows an exploded isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  shows an elevation front view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  shows an elevation side perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7A  shows a top perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a top perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  shows an elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  shows a detailed elevation side view of a bonding pin assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  shows a detailed elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  shows an elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  shows an isometric perspective view of a slider, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  shows a top view of a slider, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  shows an elevation end view of a slider, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  shows an isometric perspective view of a spring clip, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  shows a top view of a spring clip, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  shows an isometric perspective view of a spring, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  shows an isometric perspective view of a washer, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 30  shows an isometric perspective view of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 31  shows an isometric perspective view of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  shows a rotated elevation side view of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 33  shows a cross-section elevation side view (SEC. B-B) of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 34  shows a cross-section elevation side view (SEC. A-A) of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 35  shows an isometric perspective view of a base, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 36  shows an isometric perspective view of a base, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 37  shows an isometric perspective view of a base, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 38A  shows an elevation side view of a base, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 38B  shows an elevation side view of a base, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 39  shows top view of a base, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 40  shows bottom view of a base, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 41  shows an isometric perspective view of a cap, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 42  shows an isometric perspective view of a cap, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 43A  shows an elevation side view of a cap, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 43B  shows an elevation side view of a cap, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 44  shows a top view of a cap, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 45  shows an elevation front view of a cap, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 46  shows an isometric perspective view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 47  shows an isometric perspective view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 48  shows an elevation side view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 49  shows a top view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 50  shows an elevation rear view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 51  shows an isometric perspective view of an electrical bonding pin, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 52  shows an elevation side view of an electrical bonding pin, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 53  shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 54  shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 55  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 56  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 57  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 58  shows an elevation side view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 59A  shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 59B  shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 60  shows an isometric perspective view of a sliding nut, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 61  shows an isometric perspective view of a sliding nut, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 62  shows an elevation end view of a sliding nut, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 63  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended base, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 64  shows an elevation end view of an extended base, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 65  shows an elevation end view of an extended base, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 66  shows top view of an extended base, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 67  shows an elevation side view of an extended base, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 68  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 69  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 70  shows an elevation side view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 71  shows a top view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 72  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 73  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 74  shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 75  shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 76  shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 77  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 78  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 79  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 80  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 81  shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 82  shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 83  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 84  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 85  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 86  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 87  shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 88  shows a detailed elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 89  shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 90  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 91  shows an elevation side view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 92  shows an elevation backside view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 93  shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 94  shows of an isometric perspective extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 95A-D  each show elevation side views of an installation sequence of a Click-On attachment mechanism, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 96A-B  each show elevation side views of an installation sequence of a Click-On attachment mechanism, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 97  shows an isometric perspective view of an anti-rotation clip, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 98  shows multiple views of the anti-rotation clip of  FIG. 97 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     This disclosure describes structures and methods for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules (i.e., solar panels) to a roof of a house, building, or other structure, using components made of stainless steel and/or aluminum alloys (which may be anodized). Specifically, this disclosure is directed to rail-less mounting assemblies, with indexable vertical height adjustment capabilities, for attaching solar panels to a roof. A catch/secure arrangement may be used to hold one or more solar panels in an array. A height adjustment bolt may be used to adjust the vertical height of the solar panels before, or after, installation. A “Click-On” tower attachment scheme may be used to attach the rail-less mounting assembly to a slider, which is lag screwed to the roof. 
     In an embodiment, the module mounting assembly may be configured to adjust the height of the mount&#39;s attachment point above the roof surface in a continuous manner over a wide range (approximately 28 mm), so as to accommodate non-uniformities, undulations, or waviness in the roofs surface. Such a feature gives the entire array of installed solar panels a smooth and flat appearance when viewed from a distance. The module mounting assembly may be configured to adjust the solar panel&#39;s height above the roof after the panels have been installed (i.e., post-installation height adjustment capability). In an embodiment, the module mounting assembly may be indexable, meaning that the module mounting assembly may accommodate solar panel frames having varying thicknesses by the adjustability of the module mounting assembly. In such an embodiment, the module mounting assembly may be easily adjusted across a wide range of thicknesses in discrete (non-continuous) increments of about 2.9 mm per increment of adjustment. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the module mounting assembly may be indexable in any discrete increments greater than or less than about 2.9 mm. Furthermore, the module mounting apparatus may be adjusted across a wide range within discrete increments in solar panel frame thickness of about 2 to 3 mm per increment (e.g., a subset of 30, 33, 36, 39, 42 mm thick would be a 3 mm increment in thickness). 
     In an embodiment, the module mounting assembly may use a “Click-On” attachment feature for attaching the indexable mounts to a slider bar or channel (see, for example, FIG. 1) which is described in more detail in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/659,038 filed Jul. 25, 2017, entitled “Click-On Tower and L-Foot Mount for Attaching Solar Panels to a Roof”, and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     In general, the upper bracket (cap), lower bracket (base), and tower bracket (tower) may be made of metallic extrusions (e.g., of aluminum alloy). Other components may be made by die-casting or 3-D additive printing, where appropriate. 
       FIG. 1  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Indexable mounting assembly  18  may include a clamping bolt  1  (also referred to as “a catching bolt”) that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap  4  and a base  6 . Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby stabilizing indexable cap  4  relative to clamping bolt  1 . In other words, spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on one end and clips onto the vertical leg  78  of the indexable cap  4 , such that the spring clip  5  maintains a position of the indexable cap  4  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  6 . Base  6  includes an electrical bonding pin  2  (also referred to herein as a “bonding pin”) disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt  3  engages threaded aperture  66  in base  6 . Clamping bolt  1  engages threaded aperture  68  in base  6 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. Slider  14  has an un-threaded aperture  16  that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider  14  to an underlying roof surface. Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mounting assembly  18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Indexable mounting assembly  18  may include a clamping bolt  1  that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap  4  and a base  6 . Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of indexable cap  4  against clamping bolt  1  and base  6 , unless acted upon by a force that is sufficient to overcome a restoring force that presses the cap against the base. Base  6  includes an electrical bonding pin  2  disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt  3  engages threaded aperture  66  in base  6 . Clamping bolt  1  engages threaded aperture  68  in base  6 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  causes base  6  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when tightened. Slider  14  has an un-threaded aperture  16  that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider  14  to an underlying roof surface. Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mounting assembly  18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an exploded isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Indexable mounting assembly  18  may include a clamping bolt  1  that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap  4  and a base  6 . Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of indexable cap  4  against clamping bolt  1  and base  6 . Base  6  includes an electrical bonding pin  2  disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt  3  engages threaded aperture  66  in base  6 . Clamping bolt  1  engages threaded aperture  68  in base  6 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  causes base  6  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when tightened. Slider  14  has an un-threaded aperture  16  that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider  14  to an underlying roof surface. 
       FIG. 4  shows an exploded isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Indexable mounting assembly  18  may include a clamping bolt  1  that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap  4  and a base  6 . Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of indexable cap  4  against clamping bolt  1  and base  6 . Base  6  includes an electrical bonding pin  2  disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt  3  engages threaded aperture  66  in base  6 . Clamping bolt  1  engages threaded aperture  68  in base  6 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  causes base  6  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when tightened. Slider  14  has an un-threaded aperture  16  that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider  14  to an underlying roof surface. 
       FIG. 5  shows an elevation front view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Indexable mounting assembly  18  may include a clamping bolt  1  that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap  4  and a base  6 . Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of indexable cap  4  against clamping bolt  1  and base  6 . Base  6  includes an electrical bonding pin  2  disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt  3  engages threaded aperture  66  in base  6 . Clamping bolt  1  engages threaded aperture  68  in base  6 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  causes base  6  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when tightened. Slider  14  has an un-threaded aperture  16  that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider  14  to an underlying roof surface  13 . slider  14  may have a hollow interior volume  23 . Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mountable assembly  18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 6  shows an elevation side perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Indexable mounting assembly  18  may include a clamping bolt  1  that clamps a pair of panels  20  and  21  in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap  4  and a base  6 . Panel  20  is clamped on the “secure-side” of indexable mounting assembly  18 , and panel  21  (e.g., a solar panel) is clamped on the “catch-side” of indexable mounting assembly  18 . Tilted spring support ledge  57  on the catch-side of indexable mounting assembly  18  deflects downwards when panel  21  is installed in the opening in-between indexable cap  4  and base  6 , which provides a restoring up force on panel  21  that forces panel  21  to make contact with the overhanging catch-side wing  76  of indexable cap  4 . Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of indexable cap  4  against clamping bolt  1  and base  6 . Base  6  includes an electrical bonding pin  2  disposed in a horizontal groove. Electrical bonding pin  2  makes electrical contact with the anodized frame of panel  20  (e.g., a solar panel) when clamped tight. Height adjustment bolt  3  engages threaded aperture  66  in base  6 . Clamping bolt  1  engages threaded aperture  68  in base  6 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  causes base  6  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when tightened. Slider  14  has an un-threaded aperture  16  that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider  14  to an underlying roof surface  13 . Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mounting assembly  18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 7A  shows a top perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Indexable cap  4  includes a slotted aperture  22  for providing access for a tool to rotate height adjustment bolt  3  disposed underneath. Clamping bolt  1  may be seen, along with base  6 , electrical bonding pin  2 , tower bracket  8 , dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , horizontal attachment bolt  12 , and un-threaded aperture  16  in slider  14 . Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mounting assembly  18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 7B  shows a top perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. In this view, the centerline of clamping bolt  1  is offset from the center line of height adjustment bolt  3  by a distance =s. The offset distance “s” may range from 1-5 mm, for example. It is to be noted that the centerline of height adjustment bolt  3  coincides with the centerline of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . (See  FIG. 6 ). The centerline of clamping bolt  1  is offset towards the catch-side of indexable mounting assembly  18 . 
       FIG. 8  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Indexable mounting assembly  18  may include a clamping bolt  1  that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap  4  and a base  6 . Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable cap  4  against clamping bolt  1  and the base  6 . Base  6  includes an electrical bonding pin  2  disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt  3  engages threaded aperture  66  in base  6 . Clamping bolt  1  engages threaded aperture  68  in base  6 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  causes base  6  to move up or down. Slider  14  has an un-threaded aperture  16  that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider  14  to an underlying roof surface. Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mounting assembly  18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 9  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Indexable mounting assembly  18  may include a clamping bolt  1  that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap  4  and a base  6 . Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable cap  4  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  6 . Base  6  includes an electrical bonding pin  2  disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt  3  engages threaded aperture  66  in base  6 . Clamping bolt  1  engages threaded aperture  68  in base  6 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  causes base  6  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when tightened. Slider  14  has an un-threaded aperture  16  that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider  14  to an underlying roof surface. At one distal end of slider  14 , flanges are peened (turned) down to make stops  32 ,  32 ′, which prevent indexable mounting assembly  18  from sliding off one end of slider  14  when slider  14  is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof). Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mounting assembly  18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 10  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Indexable mounting assembly  18  may include a clamping bolt  1  that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap  4  and a base  6 . Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable cap  4  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  6 . Base  6  includes an electrical bonding pin  2  disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt  3  engages threaded aperture  66  in base  6 . Clamping bolt  1  engages threaded aperture  68  in base  6 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  causes base  6  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when tightened. Slider  14  has an un-threaded aperture  16  that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider  14  to an underlying roof surface. At one distal end of slider  14 , flanges are peened (turned) down to make stops  32 ,  32 ′, which prevent indexable mounting assembly  18  from sliding off one end of slider  14  when slider  14  is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof). Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mounting assembly  18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 11  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Indexable mounting assembly  18  may include a clamping bolt  1  that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap  4  and a base  6 . Slotted aperture  22  in indexable cap  4  may be seen. Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable cap  4  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  6 . Base  6  includes an electrical bonding pin  2  disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt  3  engages threaded aperture  66  in base  6 . Clamping bolt  1  engages threaded aperture  68  in base  6 . Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when tightened. Slider  14  has an un-threaded aperture  24  that is located on the bottom surface of slider  14  that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider  14  to an underlying roof surface. Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mounting assembly  18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. See  FIG. 13  for Detail “A”, and  FIG. 15  for Detail “B”. Base  6  may include an upper horizontal bridge portion  51 , that&#39;s connected to a lower horizontal bridge portion  50 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a detailed elevation side view of a bonding pin assembly, according to an embodiment. Electrical bonding pin  2  is disposed through a hole in base  6 . Electrical bonding pin  2  may include a plurality of vertical knurlings (grooves)  25  disposed around an outer circumference of electrical bonding pin  2 . Electrical bonding pin  2  may include a plurality of sharp projections  5116 , that penetrate the thin, anodized coating of an aluminum frame of a solar panel. 
       FIG. 14  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Base  6  may include an upper horizontal bridge portion  51 , which has a plurality of horizontal, parallel, protruding corrugations or teeth  26  that face outwardly from the center of indexable mounting assembly  18  (as defined by the centerline of height adjustment bolt  3 ). Indexable cap  4  may include a downwardly protruding vertical leg  78 , which has a plurality of horizontal, parallel, protruding corrugations or teeth  28  that face inwardly towards the center of indexable mounting assembly  18  (as defined by the centerline of height adjustment bolt  3 ). Selected teeth  28  of vertical leg  78  engage with selected teeth  26  of base  6 , depending on the particular solar panel frame thickness that is defined by the distance in-between indexable cap  4  and base  6 . The height of indexable cap  4  over base  6  (i.e., panel thickness, H) is easily adjusted by disengaging one set of teeth pairs (e.g.,  26 + 28 ), and re-engaging a different pair of teeth (e.g.,  26 ′+ 28 ) on the lower rack of teeth defined in the upper horizontal bridge portion  51 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a detailed elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Base  6  may include an upper horizontal bridge portion  51 , which includes a plurality of protruding teeth  26  that face outwardly from the center of indexable mounting assembly  18  (as defined by the centerline of height adjustment bolt  3 ). indexable cap  4  may include a downwardly protruding vertical leg  78 , which has a plurality of protruding teeth  28  that face inwardly towards the center of indexable mounting assembly  18  (as defined by the centerline of height adjustment bolt  3 ). Selected teeth  28  of vertical leg  78  engage with selected teeth  26  of base  6 , depending on the particular solar panel frame thickness that is defined by the distance in-between indexable cap  4  and base  6 . Lower groove  27  is disposed in-between adjacent pair of teeth  26 ,  26 ′. The height of indexable cap  4  over base  6  (i.e., panel thickness, H) is easily adjusted by disengaging one set of teeth pairs (e.g.,  26 + 28 ), and re-engaging a different pair of teeth (e.g.,  26 ′+ 28 ) on the lower rack of teeth defined in the upper horizontal bridge portion  51 . 
       FIG. 16  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Indexable mounting assembly  18  may include a clamping bolt  1  that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap  4  and a base  6 . Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable cap  4  against the clamping bolt  1  by pulling teeth  28  and  26  together. Base  6  includes an electrical bonding pin  2  disposed in a horizontal groove  30 . Height adjustment bolt  3  engages threaded aperture  66  in base  6 . Clamping bolt  1  engages threaded aperture  68  in base  6 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  causes base  6  and clamped indexable cap  4  to move up or down. Teeth  28  of vertical leg  78  of indexable cap  4  engages with teeth  26  of base  6 , to define the distance, H, in-between clamping wings  76 ,  74  of indexable cap  4  and supporting surfaces  52 ,  52 ′ and  58 , respectively of base  6 . 
       FIG. 17  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. Slider  14  has an un-threaded aperture  16  that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider  14  to an underlying roof surface. Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mounting assembly  18  (indexable cap  4  and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 18  shows an elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by an un-threaded aperture  31  in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. Slider  14  includes a pair of sidewalls  36 ,  36 ′ that are integrally joined to upper horizontal bridge portion  37  (which forms the top of slider  14 ), and to lower horizontal bridge portion  38  (which forms the base of slider  14 ). Slider  14  further includes a pair of outwardly-extending, longitudinal base flanges  34 ,  34 ′, which stabilizes slider  14  against wind loads acting on indexable mounting assembly  18 . The bottom horizontal bridge portion  88  of tower bracket  8  is clamped down onto the upper horizontal bridge portion  37  of slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened, because: (a) dovetail clamp  9  provides an upwards force on angled ramp  39 ′ of upper horizontal bridge portion  37 , and/or simultaneously (b) inwardly-facing, right-side hook  104  of tower bracket  8  provides an upwards force on angled ramp  39  on upper portion  37 . Optionally, the bottom end of height adjustment bolt  3  may be disposed inside of an un-threaded aperture (not shown) in the bottom horizontal bridge portion  88  of tower bracket  8 . Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mounting assembly  18  (indexable cap  4  and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 19  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by an un-threaded aperture  31  in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mounting assembly  18  (indexable cap  4  and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 20  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by an un-threaded aperture  31  in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mounting assembly  18  (indexable cap  4  and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 21  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by an un-threaded aperture  31  in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. Tower bracket  8 , with attached indexable mounting assembly  18  (indexable cap  4  and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider  14  prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt  12 . 
       FIG. 22  shows an isometric perspective view of a slider  14 , according to an embodiment. Slider  14  may include a pair of sidewalls  36 ,  36 ′ that are integrally joined to upper horizontal bridge portion  37  (which forms the top of slider  14 ), and to lower horizontal bridge portion  38  (which forms the base of slider  14 ). At one distal end of slider  14 , flanges are peened (turned) down to make stops  32 ,  32 ′, which prevent indexable mounting assembly  18  from sliding off one end of slider  14  when slider  14  is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof). Slider  14  further includes a pair of outwardly-extending, longitudinal base flanges  34 ,  34 ′, which stabilizes slider  14  against wind loads acting on indexable mounting assembly  18  (not shown). 
       FIG. 23  shows a top view of a slider  14 , according to an embodiment. Slider  14  has an un-threaded aperture  16  that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider  14  to an underlying roof surface. At one distal end of slider  14 , flanges are peened (turned) down to make stops  32 ,  32 ′, which prevent indexable mounting assembly  18  from sliding off one end of slider  14  when slider  14  is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof). Slider  14  further includes a pair of outwardly-extending, longitudinal base flanges  34 ,  34 ′, which stabilizes slider  14  against wind loads acting on indexable mounting assembly  18  (not shown). 
       FIG. 24  shows an elevation end view of a slider  14 , according to an embodiment. Slider  14  may include a pair of sidewalls  36 ,  36 ′ that are integrally joined to upper horizontal bridge portion  37  (which forms the top of slider  14 ), and to lower horizontal bridge portion  38  (which forms the base of slider  14 ). Sidewalls  36 ,  36 ′ may be perpendicular to horizontal base portion  38 , or (alternatively), sidewalls  36 ,  36 ′ may be non-perpendicular to horizontal base portion  38  (e.g., splayed outwards or inwards, not shown). Slider  14  optionally includes a hollow interior volume  23 . At one distal end of slider  14 , flanges are peened (turned) down to make stops  32 ,  32 ′, which prevent indexable mounting assembly  18  from sliding off one end of slider  14  when slider  14  is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof). Slider  14  may further include a pair of outwardly-extending, longitudinal base flanges  34 ,  34 ′, which stabilizes slider  14  against wind loads acting on indexable mounting assembly  18  (not shown). 
       FIG. 25  shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  18 , according to an embodiment. Indexable mounting assembly  18  may include a clamping bolt  1  that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap  4  and a base  6 . Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the (i.e. provides a restoring force to the indexable cap  4  such that, after separation of the indexable cap  4  and teeth for the purpose of adjusting the height between the indexable cap  4  and base  6 , the spring clip  5  restores the indexable cap  4  (including the teeth/grooves) to engage with the base  6  (including teeth/grooves) indexable cap  4  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base. Base  6  includes an electrical bonding pin  2  disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt  3  engages threaded aperture  66  in base  6 . Clamping bolt  1  engages threaded aperture  68  in base  6 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. 
       FIG. 26  shows an isometric perspective view of a spring clip  5 , according to an embodiment. Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on curved end  89 , and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the straight segment  81 , thereby maintaining a position of the indexable cap  4  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  6 . 
       FIG. 27  shows a top view of a spring clip, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the spring clip  5  may include a straight segment  81 , a short segment  83  disposed at approximately a right angle to the straight segment  81 , a short segment angled at approximately 30° to the straight segment  81 , a middle segment angled at approximately 45° to straight segment  81 , and a curved end  89  having a semi-circular shape disposed at the distal end of spring clip  5 . Spring clip  5  clips onto clamping bolt  1  on curved end  89 , and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the straight segment  81 , thereby maintaining a position of the indexable cap  4  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  6 . 
       FIG. 28  shows an isometric perspective view of a spring  10 , according to an embodiment. In one example, the spring  10  may include a coil spring. The spring  10  may be replaced with a stack of Bellevue spring washers (conical spring washer, disc spring), or other elastic means for exerting a force in a direction. 
       FIG. 29  shows an isometric perspective view of a washer  11 , according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 30  shows an isometric perspective view of a dovetail clamp  9 , according to an embodiment. Dovetail clamp  9  may include a generally-rectangular, extruded main body  41  with an un-threaded inner aperture  40  disposed through the main body  41 ; an angled ramp  46  disposed in a lower portion of dovetail clamp  9 ; a curved wing  44  disposed at a bottom of dovetail clamp  9 ; and an upper face  48  disposed at an upper portion of dovetail clamp  9 . The “dovetail” aspect of dovetail clamp  9  is represented by angled ramp  46 . 
       FIG. 31  shows an isometric perspective view of a dovetail clamp  9 , according to an embodiment. Dovetail clamp  9  may include a generally-rectangular, extruded main body  41  with an un-threaded inner aperture  40  disposed through the main body  41 ; an angled ramp  46  disposed in a lower portion of dovetail clamp  9 ; a curved wing  44  acting as a finger grip disposed at a bottom of dovetail clamp  9 ; and an upper face  48  disposed at an upper portion of dovetail clamp  9 . The “dovetail” aspect of dovetail clamp  9  is represented by angled ramp  46 , which may be angled at approximately 45°. Dovetail clamp  9  may further include a recessed rectangular portion  49 , and a recessed shoulder  45  disposed inside of a larger-diameter outer aperture  42  that encompasses un-threaded inner aperture  40 . 
       FIG. 32  shows a rotated elevation side view of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment. Dovetail clamp  9  may include an un-threaded inner aperture  40  and an angled ramp  46  and curved wing  44 . 
       FIG. 33  shows a cross-section elevation side view (SEC. B-B) a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment. Dovetail clamp  9  may include a generally-rectangular, extruded main body  41  with an un-threaded inner aperture  40  disposed through the main body  41 ; an angled ramp  46  disposed in a lower portion of dovetail clamp  9 ; a curved wing  44  disposed at a bottom of dovetail clamp  9 ; and an upper face  48  disposed at an upper portion of dovetail clamp  9 . The “dovetail” aspect of dovetail clamp  9  is represented by angled ramp  46 , which may be angled at approximately 45°. Dovetail clamp  9  may further include a recessed rectangular portion  49 , and a recessed shoulder  45  disposed inside of a larger-diameter outer aperture  42  that encompasses un-threaded inner aperture  40 . An end of spring  10  is showed schematically disposed in larger-diameter outer aperture  42 , resting on recessed shoulder  45 . 
       FIG. 34  shows a cross-section elevation side view (SEC. A-A) of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment. Dovetail clamp  9  further includes a recessed shoulder  45  disposed inside of a larger-diameter outer aperture  42  that encompasses un-threaded inner aperture  40 . An end of spring  10  is showed schematically disposed in larger-diameter outer aperture  42 , sitting on recessed shoulder  45 . 
       FIG. 35  shows an isometric perspective view of a base  6 , according to an embodiment. Base  6  may include an extruded main body with upper horizontal bridge portion  51  and lower horizontal bridge portion  50 ; integral web portions  60  and  60 ′; and generally-horizontal extended support surfaces (ledges)  52 ,  53  on the clamp-side or secure-side of base  6 , and catch-side support surface  58  on the catch-side of base  6 . The catch-side support surface  58  on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface  52  does. A horizontal groove  30  is disposed in-between secure-side support surfaces  52  and  53 , which contains an aperture  70  for receiving an electrical bonding pin (not shown). Threaded aperture  66  and threaded aperture  68  are disposed through upper horizontal bridge portion  51 . Threaded aperture  66  in upper portion aligns vertically with un-threaded aperture  67  in lower horizontal bridge portion  50 . Base  6  further includes extended surface  56  and surface spring support ledge  57  angled and extending from the extended surface  56 , which connect integrally to catch-side support surface  58 . A plurality of teeth  26 ,  26 ′,  26 ″, etc. are disposed on the catch-side of upper horizontal bridge portion  51 , facing outwardly from a center of upper horizontal bridge portion  51 . Corresponding lower grooves  27 ,  27 ′ are disposed in-between adjacent teeth  26 ,  26 ′, etc. Hollow volume  64  is disposed in-between solid portions  51  and  50 ; and hollow volumes  62  and  62 ′ are disposed above integral web portions  60  and  60 ′, respectively. 
       FIG. 36  shows an isometric perspective view of a base  6 , according to an embodiment. Base  6  may include an extruded main body with upper horizontal bridge portion  51  and lower horizontal bridge portion  50 ; integral web portions  60  and  60 ′; and generally-horizontal extended support surfaces (ledges)  52 ,  53  on the secure-side of base  6 , and catch-side support surface  58  on the catch-side of base  6 . The catch-side support surface  58  on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface  52  does. A horizontal groove  30  is disposed in-between secure-side support surfaces  52  and  53 , which contains an aperture  70  for receiving an electrical bonding pin  2  (not shown). Threaded aperture  66  and threaded aperture  68  are disposed through upper horizontal bridge portion  51 . Threaded aperture  66  in upper portion aligns vertically with un-threaded aperture  67  in lower horizontal bridge portion  50 . Base  6  further includes extended surface  56  and surface spring support ledge  57  angled and extending from the extended surface  56 , which connect integrally to catch-side support surface  58 . A plurality of protruding teeth  26 ,  26 ′,  26 ″, etc. are disposed on the catch-side of upper horizontal bridge portion  51 , facing outwardly from a center of upper horizontal bridge portion  51 . Corresponding lower grooves  27 ,  27 ′ are disposed in-between adjacent teeth  26 ,  26 ′, etc. Hollow volume  64  is disposed in-between solid portions  51  and  50 ; and hollow volumes  62  and  62 ′ are disposed above integral web portions  60  and  60 ′, respectively. 
       FIG. 37  shows an isometric perspective view of a base  6 , according to an embodiment. Base  6  may include an extruded main body with upper horizontal bridge portion  51  and lower horizontal bridge portion  50 ; integral web portions  60  and  60 ′; and generally-horizontal extended support surfaces (ledges)  52 ,  53  on the secure-side of base  6 , and catch-side support surface  58  on the catch-side of base  6 . The catch-side support surface  58  on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface  52  does. A horizontal groove  30  is disposed in-between secure-side support surfaces  52  and  53 , which contains an aperture  70  for receiving an electrical bonding pin  2  (not shown). Threaded aperture  66  and threaded aperture  68  are disposed through upper horizontal bridge portion  51 . Threaded aperture  66  in upper portion aligns vertically with un-threaded aperture  67  in lower horizontal bridge portion  50 . Base  6  further includes extended surface  56  and surface spring support ledge  57  angled and extending from the extended surface  56 , which connect integrally to catch-side support surface  58 . A plurality of parallel, horizontal teeth  26 ,  26 ′,  26 ″, etc. are disposed on the catch-side of upper horizontal bridge portion  51 , facing outwardly from a center of upper horizontal bridge portion  51 . Corresponding lower grooves  27 ,  27 ′ are disposed in-between adjacent teeth  26 ,  26 ′, etc. Hollow volume  64  is disposed in-between solid portions  51  and  50 ; and hollow volumes  62  and  62 ′ are disposed above integral web portions  60  and  60 ′, respectively. 
       FIG. 38A  shows an elevation side view of a base, according to an embodiment. Base  6  includes an extruded main body with upper horizontal bridge portion  51  and lower horizontal bridge portion  50 ; integral web portions  60  and  60 ′; and generally-horizontal extended support surfaces (ledges)  52 ,  53  on the secure-side of base  6 , and catch-side support surface  58  on the catch-side of base  6 . The catch-side support surface  58  on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface  52  does. A horizontal groove  30  is disposed in-between secure-side support surfaces  52  and  53 , which contains an aperture  70  for receiving an electrical bonding pin  2  (not shown). Threaded aperture  66  and threaded aperture  68  are disposed through upper horizontal bridge portion  51 . Threaded aperture  66  in upper portion aligns vertically with un-threaded aperture  67  in lower horizontal bridge portion  50 . Base  6  further includes extended surface  56  and surface spring support ledge  57  angled and extending from the extended surface  56 , which connect integrally to catch-side support surface  58 . A plurality of teeth  26 ,  26 ′,  26 ″, etc. are disposed on the catch-side of upper horizontal bridge portion  51 , facing outwardly from a center of upper horizontal bridge portion  51 . Corresponding lower grooves  27 ,  27 ′ are disposed in-between adjacent teeth  26 ,  26 ′, etc. Hollow volume  64  is disposed in-between solid portions  51  and  50 ; and hollow volumes  62  and  62 ′ are disposed above integral web portions  60  and  60 ′, respectively. 
       FIG. 38B  shows an elevation side view of a base  6 , according to an embodiment. In this view, catch-side support surface  58  tilted-up with respect to the extended surface  56  acts as a cantilevered spring and deflects downwards when a panel  20  (not shown) is installed on the catch-side. This deflection is caused by a downwards force, F, that is applied to catch-side support surface  58  by panel  20 . An equal, and opposite, restoring force (not shown) is applied upwards to panel  20  by spring catch-side support surface  58 , which forces panel  20  up against the overhanging clamping wing  74  (not shown) of indexable cap  4 . 
       FIG. 39  shows top view of a base  6 , according to an embodiment. Base  6  includes an extruded main body with upper horizontal bridge portion  51  and lower horizontal bridge portion  50 ; integral web portions  60  and  60 ′; and generally-horizontal extended support surfaces (ledges)  52 ,  53  on the secure-side of base  6 , and catch-side support surface  58  on the catch-side of base  6 . The catch-side support surface  58  on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface  52  does. A horizontal groove  30  is disposed in-between secure-side support surfaces  52  and  53 , which contains an aperture  70  for receiving an electrical bonding pin  2  (not shown). Threaded aperture  66  and threaded aperture  68  are disposed through upper horizontal bridge portion  51 . Threaded aperture  66  in upper portion aligns vertically with threaded aperture  67  in lower horizontal bridge portion  50 . Base  6  further includes extended surface  56  and surface spring support ledge  57  angled and extending from the extended surface  56 , which connect integrally to catch-side support surface  58 . Threaded aperture  68  is offset to the catch-side from the center of upper horizontal bridge portion  51  of base  6  (wherein the center of upper horizontal bridge portion  51  is defined as the center of threaded aperture  66  and un-threaded aperture  67 ). Threaded aperture  66  is slightly larger in diameter than threaded aperture  66  to ensure proper clearance. Teeth  26  may be seen. 
       FIG. 40  shows bottom view of a base  6 , according to an embodiment. Base  6  includes an extruded main body with upper horizontal bridge portion  51  and lower horizontal bridge portion  50 ; integral web portions  60  and  60 ′; and generally-horizontal extended support surfaces (ledges)  52 ,  53  on the secure-side of base  6 , and catch-side support surface  58  on the catch-side of base  6 . The catch-side support surface  58  on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface  52  does. A horizontal groove  30  is disposed in-between secure-side support surfaces  52  and  53 , which contains an aperture  70  for receiving an electrical bonding pin  2  (not shown). Threaded aperture  66  and threaded aperture  68  are disposed through upper horizontal bridge portion  51 . Threaded aperture  66  in upper portion aligns vertically with un-threaded aperture  67  in lower horizontal bridge portion  50 . Base  6  further includes extended surface  56  and surface spring support ledge  57  angled and extending from the extended surface  56 , which connect integrally to catch-side support surface  58 . Threaded aperture  68  is offset to the catch-side from the center of upper horizontal bridge portion  51  of base  6  (wherein the center of upper horizontal bridge portion  51  is defined as the center of threaded aperture  66  and un-threaded aperture  67 ). Un-threaded aperture  67  is slightly smaller in diameter than threaded aperture  66 . 
       FIG. 41  shows an isometric perspective view of a indexable cap  4 , according to an embodiment. Indexable cap  4  includes an extruded body including a upper horizontal portion  82 ; integral overhanging catch-side wing  76 ; integral overhanging secure-side wing  74 ; and integral (downwardly-protruding) vertical leg  78  with a plurality of inwardly-facing, teeth  28 ,  28 ′,  28 ″ and corresponding grooves  29 ,  29 ′ disposed at the bottom end of vertical leg  78 . The size of teeth  28  get progressively larger moving down the vertical leg  78  towards the bottom of vertical leg  78 . indexable cap  4  includes a pair of slotted apertures  22  and  72  disposed in upper horizontal portion  82 . One aperture aligns with clamping bolt  1 , and the other aperture aligns with height adjustment bolt  3 , providing access to pass a tool through to rotate height adjustment bolt  3 . 
       FIG. 42  shows an isometric perspective view of a indexable cap  4 , according to an embodiment. Indexable cap  4  includes an extruded body including a upper horizontal portion  82 ; integral overhanging catch-side wing  76 ; integral overhanging secure-side wing  74 ; and integral (downwardly-protruding) vertical leg  78  with a plurality of inwardly-facing, horizontal, parallel teeth  28 ,  28 ′,  28 ″ and corresponding grooves  29 ,  29 ′ disposed at the bottom end of vertical leg  78 . The size of teeth  28  get progressively larger moving down the vertical leg  78  towards the bottom of vertical leg  78 . Indexable cap  4  includes a pair of slotted apertures  22  and  72  disposed in horizontal upper portion  82 . One aperture aligns with clamping bolt  1 , and the other aperture aligns with height adjustment bolt  3 , providing access to pass a tool through to rotate height adjustment bolt  3 . 
       FIG. 43A  shows an elevation side view of a indexable cap  4 , according to an embodiment. Indexable cap  4  includes an extruded body including an upper horizontal portion  82 ; integral overhanging catch-side wing  76 ; integral overhanging secure-side wing  74 ; and integral (downwardly-protruding) vertical leg  78  with a plurality of inwardly-facing, horizontal, parallel teeth  28 ,  28 ′,  28 ″ and corresponding grooves  29 ,  29 ′ disposed at the bottom end of vertical leg  78 . The size of teeth  28  get progressively larger moving down the vertical leg  78  towards the bottom of vertical leg  78 . Recess  84  is disposed above upper horizontal portion  82 . Ends of panels  20  and  21  are shown. 
       FIG. 43B  shows an elevation side view of an indexable cap  4 , according to an embodiment. Indexable cap  4  includes an extruded body including an upper horizontal portion  82 ; integral overhanging catch-side wing  76 ; integral overhanging secure-side wing  74 ; and integral (downwardly-protruding) vertical leg  78  with a plurality of inwardly-facing, horizontal, parallel teeth  28 ,  28 ′,  28 ″ and corresponding grooves  29 ,  29 ′ disposed at the bottom end of vertical leg  78 . The lower (clamping) surface of integral overhanging secure-side wing  74  is lower than (offset from) the lower (clamping) surface of integral overhanging catch-side wing  76  by a distance =d. Examples of the distance, d, may range from 1-3 mm. The purpose of the vertical offset distance “d” is to accommodate, and compensate for, the combination of spring support ledge  57  and the catch-side support surface  58  on the catch-side of indexable mounting assembly  18 . 
       FIG. 44  shows a top view of a indexable cap  4 , according to an embodiment. Indexable cap  4  includes an extruded body including an upper horizontal portion  82 ; integral overhanging secure-side wing  74 ; integral overhanging catch-side wing  76 ; and integral (downwardly-protruding) vertical leg  78 . Indexable cap  4  includes a pair of slotted apertures  22  and  72  disposed in upper horizontal portion  82 . One aperture aligns with clamping bolt  1 , and the other aperture aligns with height adjustment bolt  3 , providing access to pass a tool through to rotate height adjustment bolt  3 . Slotted aperture  72  is slightly longer than slotted aperture  22 . 
       FIG. 45  shows an elevation front view of a indexable cap  4 , according to an embodiment. Indexable cap  4  includes an extruded body including an upper horizontal portion  82 ; integral overhanging secure-side wing  74 ; integral overhanging catch-side wing  76 ; and integral (downwardly-protruding) vertical leg  78 . Patent virtual marking, Unirac Part Number information, and conformation information may be included. However, in embodiments, such information may be omitted from the vertical leg  78  and/or any other component. 
       FIG. 46  shows an isometric perspective view of a tower bracket  8 , according to an embodiment. Tower bracket  8  is an extruded body, including: a lower hollow volume  96 ; and upper hollow volume  94 ; a bottom horizontal portion  88  including a lower aperture  99 ; an upper horizontal portion  86  including an upper aperture  97 ; a pair of inwardly-facing wings  98 ,  98 ′ disposed in-between hollow volumes  94  and  96 ; a first left-side integral sidewall  91  disposed to the left of lower hollow volume  96 ; a second left-side integral sidewall  93  disposed to the left of upper hollow volume  94 ; an first right-side integral sidewall  90  disposed to the right of lower hollow volume  96 ; a second right-side integral sidewall  92  disposed to the right of upper hollow volume  94 ; a right-side hook  104  and an inwardly-facing angled ramp  103 ; a small horizontal recess  105  disposed above right-side hook  104 ; an outwardly-extending protrusion  100  disposed on the left-side of tower bracket  8 ; a downwardly-extending protrusion  102  disposed on the bottom left-hand corner of tower bracket  8 ; and a threaded horizontal aperture  106  disposed through the first left-side integral sidewall  91 . The width of tower bracket  8  is wider at its bottom than at its top. The horizontal distance between inwardly-facing wings  98  and  98 ′ is sufficiently large so that height adjustment bolt  3  may pass through un-impeded. A third hollow volume  95  is disposed in-between inwardly-facing wings  98  and  98 ′. 
       FIG. 47  shows an isometric perspective view of a tower bracket  8 , according to an embodiment. Tower bracket  8  is an extruded body, including: a lower hollow volume  96 ; and upper hollow volume  94 ; a bottom horizontal portion  88  including a lower aperture  99 ; an upper horizontal portion  86  including an upper aperture  97 ; a pair of inwardly-facing wings  98 ,  98 ′ disposed in-between hollow volumes  94  and  96 ; a first left-side integral sidewall  91  disposed to the left of lower hollow volume  96 ; a second left-side integral sidewall  93  disposed to the left of upper hollow volume  94 ; an first right-side integral sidewall  90  disposed to the right of lower hollow volume  96 ; a second right-side integral sidewall  92  disposed to the right of upper hollow volume  94 ; a right-side hook  104  and an inwardly-facing angled ramp  103 ; a small horizontal recess  105  disposed above right-side hook  104 ; an outwardly-extending protrusion  100  disposed on the left-side of tower bracket  8 ; a downwardly-extending protrusion  102  disposed on the bottom left-hand corner of tower bracket  8 ; and a threaded horizontal aperture  106  disposed through the first left-side integral sidewall  91 . The width of tower bracket  8  is wider at its bottom than at its top. The horizontal distance between inwardly-facing wings  98  and  98 ′ is sufficiently large so that height adjustment bolt  3  may pass through un-impeded. A third hollow volume  95  is disposed in-between inwardly-facing wings  98  and  98 ′. 
       FIG. 48  shows an elevation side view of a tower bracket  8 , according to an embodiment. Tower bracket  8  is an extruded body, including: a lower hollow volume  96 ; and upper hollow volume  94 ; a bottom horizontal portion  88  including a lower aperture  99 ; an upper horizontal portion  86  including an upper aperture  97 ; a pair of inwardly-facing wings  98 ,  98 ′ disposed in-between hollow volumes  94  and  96 ; an first left-side integral sidewall  91  disposed to the left of lower hollow volume  96 ; a second left-side integral sidewall  93  disposed to the left of upper hollow volume  94 ; a first right-side integral sidewall  90  disposed to the right of lower hollow volume  96 ; a second right-side integral sidewall  92  disposed to the right of upper hollow volume  94 ; a right-side hook  104  and an inwardly-facing angled ramp  103 ; a small horizontal recess  105  disposed above right-side hook  104 ; an outwardly-extending protrusion  100  disposed on the left-side of tower bracket  8 ; and a downwardly-extending protrusion  102  disposed on the bottom left-hand corner of tower bracket  8 . The width of tower bracket  8  is wider at its bottom than at its top. The horizontal distance between inwardly-facing wings  98  and  98 ′ is sufficiently large so that height adjustment bolt  3  may pass through un-impeded. A third hollow volume  95  is disposed in-between inwardly-facing wings  98  and  98 ′. 
       FIG. 49  shows a top view of a tower bracket  8 , according to an embodiment. Tower bracket  8  includes an upper horizontal portion  86  with an upper aperture  97  disposed therethrough, and a first right-side integral sidewall  90 . 
       FIG. 50  shows an elevation rear view of a tower bracket  8 , according to an embodiment. Tower bracket  8  includes a first right-side integral sidewall  90 , and a second right-side integral sidewall  92 . 
       FIG. 51  shows an isometric perspective view of an electrical bonding pin  2 , according to an embodiment. Electrical bonding pin  2 , which may be made of stainless steel, is generally-cylindrical with a plurality of vertical knurlings (ridges and grooves)  5112  disposed on an outer circumference of solid cylinder  5110 . Electrical bonding pin  2  is swaged into aperture  70  in base  6  (see  FIG. 35 ). At the top of solid cylinder  5110  is a horizontal disk  5114  with a plurality of sharp projections  5116 ,  5116 ′, etc. disposed on top of disk  5114 . The diameter of disk  5114  is greater than the diameter of solid cylinder  5110 . The plurality of sharp projections  5116 ,  5116 ′ may include a cylindrical protrusion that has a plurality of cuts  5118  around the cylindrical protrusion that leave the plurality of sharp projections  5116 ,  5116 ′. Sharp projections  5116  may be ground to a sharp point or a sharp line (like a razor blade), as shown in  FIGS. 51 and 52 . Sharp projections  116 ,  116 ′ may protrude approximately 0.5-1.0 mm from the surface of disk  5114 . 
       FIG. 52  shows an elevation side view of an electrical bonding pin  2 , according to an embodiment. Electrical bonding pin  2 , which may be made of stainless steel, is generally-cylindrical with a plurality of vertical knurlings (ridges and grooves)  5112  disposed on an outer circumference of solid cylinder  5110 . Electrical bonding pin  2  is swaged into aperture  70  in base  6  (see  FIG. 35 ). At the top of solid cylinder  5110  is a horizontal disk  5114  with a plurality of sharp projections  116 ,  116 ′, etc. disposed on top of disk  5114 . The diameter of disk  5114  is greater than the diameter of solid cylinder  5110 . The plurality of sharp projections  116 ,  116 ′ may include a cylindrical protrusion that has a plurality of cuts  5118  around the cylindrical protrusion that leave the plurality of sharp projections  116 ,  116 ′. Sharp projections  116 ,  116 ′ may be ground to a sharp point or a sharp line (like a razor blade), as shown in  FIGS. 51 and 52 . Sharp projections  116 ,  116 ′ may protrude approximately 0.2-1.0 mm from the surface of disk  5114 . 
       FIG. 53  shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  120 , according to an embodiment. The indexable mounting assembly  120  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and an extended base  140 . In an embodiment, the assembly may include more than two clamping bolts and/or less than two clamping bolts. Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  140  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Base  140  includes a pair of electrical bonding pins  2  disposed in a horizontal groove  30 . Height adjustment bolt  3  passes through aperture in base  140 , and engages threaded sliding nut  150 . Clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ engages threaded apertures in base  140 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  140  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. 
       FIG. 54  shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  120 , according to an embodiment. The indexable mounting assembly  120  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and an extended base  140 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  140  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Base  140  includes a pair of electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove  30 . Height adjustment bolt  3  passes through threaded aperture  66  in base  140 , and engages threaded sliding nut  150 . Clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ engages threaded apertures  68 ,  68 ′ in base  140 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  140  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. 
       FIG. 55  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  120 , according to an embodiment. The indexable mounting assembly  120  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and an extended base  140 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  140  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Base  140  includes a pair of electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove  30 . Height adjustment bolt  3  passes through threaded aperture  66  in base  140 , and engages threaded sliding nut  150 . Clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ engages threaded apertures  68 ,  68 ′ in base  140 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  140  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. 
       FIG. 56  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  120 , according to an embodiment. The indexable mounting assembly  120  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and an extended base  140 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  relative to clamping bolt  1  and the base  140  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Base  140  includes a pair of electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove  30 . Height adjustment bolt  3  passes through threaded aperture  66  in base  140 , and engages threaded sliding nut  150 . Clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ engages threaded apertures  68 ,  68 ′ in base  140 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  140  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. 
       FIG. 57  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  120 , according to an embodiment. The indexable mounting assembly  120  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and an extended base  140 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  140  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Base  140  includes a pair of electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove  30 . Height adjustment bolt  3  passes through threaded aperture  66  in base  140 , and engages threaded sliding nut  150 . Clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ engages threaded apertures  68 ,  68 ′ in base  140 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  140  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. 
       FIG. 58  shows an elevation side view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  120 , according to an embodiment. The indexable mounting assembly  120  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and an extended base  140 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  140  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Base  140  includes a pair of electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove  30 . Height adjustment bolt  3  passes through threaded aperture  66  in base  140 , and engages threaded sliding nut  150 . Clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ engages threaded apertures  68 ,  68 ′ in base  140 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  140  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. 
       FIG. 59A  shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  120 , according to an embodiment. The indexable mounting assembly  120  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and an extended base  140 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  140  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Base  140  includes a pair of electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove  30 . Height adjustment bolt  3  passes through threaded aperture  66  in base  140 , and engages threaded sliding nut  150 . Clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ engages threaded apertures  68 ,  68 ′ in base  140 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  140  to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. The indexable extended cap  130  further includes a pair of slotted apertures  132 ,  132 ′ for providing access for a hexagonal tool (not shown) to rotate height adjustment bolt  3  through slotted apertures  132  or  132 ′, depending on the longitudinal location of the single height adjustment bolt  3 . 
       FIG. 59B  shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  120 , according to an embodiment. In such an embodiment, the pair of slotted apertures  132 ,  132  may optionally be replaced by a single slot  133  that goes across the entire distance in-between previous slotted apertures  132  and  132 ′. 
       FIG. 60  shows an isometric perspective view of a threaded sliding nut  150 , according to an embodiment. The threaded sliding nut  150  includes an extruded body  154 , including a threaded aperture  152 , and a pair of overhanging wings  158 ,  158 ′ located above a pair of corners  156 ,  156 ′, respectively. 
       FIG. 61  shows an isometric perspective view of a threaded sliding nut  150 , according to an embodiment. The threaded sliding nut  150  includes an extruded body  154 , including a threaded aperture  152 , and a pair of overhanging wings  158 ,  158 ′ located above a pair of corners  156 ,  156 ′, respectively. 
       FIG. 62  shows an elevation end view of a threaded sliding nut  150 , according to an embodiment. The threaded sliding nut  150  includes an extruded body  154 , including a threaded aperture  152 , and a pair of overhanging wings  158 ,  158 ′ located above a pair of corners  156 ,  156 ′, respectively. 
       FIG. 63  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended base  140 , according to an embodiment. Base  140  includes an extruded body including a pair of threaded apertures  144 ,  144 ′ for engaging a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′, respectively; and a pair of threaded apertures  142 ,  142 ′ for engaging a single height adjustment bolt  3  (depending on which aperture the height adjustment bolt  3  is located within). All four apertures are disposed in an upper horizontal portion  146 . Base  140  further includes an upper horizontal hollow volume  170 , and a lower horizontal hollow volume  172  that is open on its bottom end. Base  140  further includes a pair of apertures  70 ,  70 ′ for holding electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′, respectively. 
       FIG. 64  shows an elevation end view of an extended base  140 , according to an embodiment. Base  140  includes an extruded body including a pair of threaded apertures  144 ,  144 ′ for engaging a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′, respectively; and a pair of threaded apertures  142 ,  142 ′ for engaging a single height adjustment bolt  3  (depending on which aperture the height adjustment bolt  3  is located within). All four apertures are disposed in an upper horizontal portion  146 . Base  140  further includes an upper horizontal hollow volume  170 , and a lower horizontal hollow volume  172  that is open on its bottom end. Lower horizontal hollow volume  172  includes a pair of recesses  174 ,  174 ′ and bottom shoulders  176 ,  176 ′, respectively sized to match the dimensions of threaded sliding nut  150  (with a small clearance between them). 
       FIG. 65  shows an elevation end view of an extended base  140 , according to an embodiment. Lower horizontal hollow volume  172  includes a pair of recesses  174 ,  174 ′ and bottom shoulders  176 ,  176 ′, respectively sized to match the dimensions of threaded sliding nut  150  (with a small clearance between them to allow threaded sliding nut  150  to slide freely in the lower horizontal hollow volume  172 ) Overhanging wings  158 ,  158 ′ of threaded sliding nut  150  rest on bottom shoulders  176 ,  176 ′, respectively, of base  140 . In other words, overhanging wings  158 ,  158 ′ are disposed inside of recesses  174 ,  174 ′ of base  140 . The threaded sliding nut  150  has a threaded aperture  152 . 
       FIG. 66  shows top view of an extended base  140 , according to an embodiment. Base  140  includes an extruded body including a pair of threaded apertures  144 ,  144 ′ for engaging a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′, respectively; and a pair of threaded apertures  142 ,  142 ′ for engaging a single height adjustment bolt  3  (depending on which aperture the height adjustment bolt  3  is located within). Base  140  further includes a pair of apertures  70 ,  70 ′ for holding electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′, respectively. 
       FIG. 67  shows an elevation side view of an extended base  140 , according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 68  shows an isometric perspective view of an indexable extended cap  130 , according to an embodiment. The indexable extended cap  130  includes an extruded body, including a horizontal upper portion  135 , an overhanging wing  138  integral to the indexable extended cap  130  and located on a secure side of the indexable extended cap  130 , an overhanging wing  139  integral to the indexable extended cap  130  and located on a catch side of the indexable extended cap  130 , an integral vertical support leg  134 , and a plurality of inwardly-facing teeth  28 ,  28 ′ (with corresponding grooves  29  disposed in-between adjacent teeth  28 ,  28 ′). The indexable extended cap  130  includes four slotted apertures: slotted apertures  132 ,  132 ′ for accessing height adjustment bolt  3  with a hexagonal tool; and apertures  136 ,  136 ′ for passing through a clamping bolt  1 ,  1 ′. The indexable extended cap  130  further includes a recess  84  disposed in-between the pair of wings  138 ,  139 . 
       FIG. 69  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 70  shows an elevation side view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 71  shows a top view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment. The indexable extended cap  130  includes four slotted apertures: slotted apertures  132 ,  132 ′ for accessing height adjustment bolt  3  with a hexagonal tool; and apertures  136 ,  136 ′ for passing through a clamping bolt  1 ,  1 ′. 
       FIG. 72  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  190 , according to an embodiment. Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. The threaded sliding nut  150  is prevented from rotating (when height adjustment bolt  3  is rotated) by base  140 . The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures  99 ,  97  in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  (not shown) when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. 
       FIG. 73  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  190 , according to an embodiment. Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. The threaded sliding nut  150  is prevented from rotating (when height adjustment bolt  3  is rotated) by base  140 . The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures  99 ,  97  in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  (not shown) when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. 
       FIG. 74  shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  190 , according to an embodiment. Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. The threaded sliding nut  150  is prevented from rotating (when height adjustment bolt  3  is rotated) by base  140 . The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures  99 ,  97  in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  (not shown) when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. 
       FIG. 75  shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. The threaded sliding nut  150  is prevented from rotating (when height adjustment bolt  3  is rotated) by base  140 . The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures  99 ,  97  in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  (not shown) when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. 
       FIG. 76  shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  120 , according to an embodiment. The indexable mounting assembly  120  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and an extended base  140 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Base  140  includes a pair of electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove  30 . Height adjustment bolt  3  passes through threaded aperture  66  in base  140 , and engages threaded sliding nut  150 . Clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ engages threaded apertures  68 ,  68 ′ in base  140 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. The threaded sliding nut  150  is prevented from rotating (when height adjustment bolt  3  is rotated) by base  140 . The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures  99 ,  97  in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  (not shown) when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. 
       FIG. 77  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  120 , according to an embodiment. The indexable mounting assembly  120  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and an extended base  140 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  140  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Base  140  includes a pair of electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove  30 . Height adjustment bolt  3  passes through threaded aperture  66  in base  140 , and engages threaded sliding nut  150 . Clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ engages threaded apertures  68 ,  68 ′ in base  140 . Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. The threaded sliding nut  150  is prevented from rotating (when height adjustment bolt  3  is rotated) by base  140 . The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures  99 ,  97  in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  (not shown) when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. 
       FIG. 78  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  120 , according to an embodiment. The indexable mounting assembly  120  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and an extended base  140 . The threaded sliding nut  150 , with aperture  153  for height adjustment bolt  3 , is disposed inside of lower horizontal hollow volume  172  of base  140 . The threaded sliding nut  150  is prevented from rotating (when height adjustment bolt  3  is rotated) by base  140 . 
       FIG. 79  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  120 , according to an embodiment. Base  140  and tower bracket  8  are removed for clarity. The indexable extended cap  130  is shown, along with height adjustment bolt  3 , threaded sliding nut  150 , spring clip  5  and clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′. 
       FIG. 80  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly  120 , according to an embodiment. The indexable mounting assembly  120  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and an extended base  140 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base  140  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Base  140  is removed for clarity. Rotation of height adjustment bolt  3  about its longitudinal axis causes base  6  to move up or down. The threaded sliding nut  150  is prevented from rotating (when height adjustment bolt  3  is rotated) by base  140 . The lower end of height adjustment bolt  3  is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures  99 ,  97  in tower bracket  8 . Collar/jam nut  7  allows height adjustment bolt  3  to rotate freely, but prevents height adjustment bolt  3  from lifting up out of tower bracket  8  due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp  9 , spring  10 , washer  11 , and horizontal attachment bolt  12  clamps tower bracket  8  to slider  14  (not shown) when horizontal attachment bolt  12  is tightened. 
       FIG. 81  shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly  200 , according to an embodiment. The indexable splice assembly  200  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and a base splice  210 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base splice  210  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ are disposed in horizontal groove  30  of base splice  210  on the secure-side. In an embodiment, the indexable splice assembly  200  may omit a height adjustment bolt. However, in an embodiment, the indexable splice assembly  200  may include a height adjustment bolt and/or other mechanisms for adjusting the height of the indexable splice assembly  200 . A third clamping bolt  1 ″, is added to the middle of indexable splice assembly  200  increase strength and stability of the indexable spliced assembly  200 . 
       FIG. 82  shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. The indexable splice assembly  200  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and a base splice  210 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base splice  210  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ are disposed in horizontal groove  30  of base splice  210  on the secure-side. A third clamping bolt  1 ″, is added to the middle of indexable splice assembly  200  increase strength and stability of the indexable spliced assembly  200 . 
       FIG. 83  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. The indexable splice assembly  200  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and a base splice  210 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base splice  210  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ are disposed in horizontal groove  30  of base splice  210  on the secure-side. A third clamping bolt  1 ″, is added to the middle of indexable splice assembly  200  increase strength and stability of the indexable spliced assembly  200 . 
       FIG. 84  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. The indexable splice assembly  200  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and a base splice  210 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base splice  210  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ are disposed in horizontal groove  30  of base splice  210  on the secure-side. A third clamping bolt  1 ″, is added to the middle of indexable splice assembly  200  increase strength and stability of the indexable spliced assembly  200 . 
       FIG. 85  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. The indexable splice assembly  200  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and a base splice  210 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base splice  210  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ are disposed in horizontal groove  30  of base splice  210  on the secure-side. A third clamping bolt  1 ″, is added to the middle of indexable splice assembly  200  increase strength and stability of the indexable spliced assembly  200 . 
       FIG. 86  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. The indexable splice assembly  200  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and a base splice  210 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  and the base splice  210  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ are disposed in horizontal groove  30  of base splice  210  on the secure-side. A third clamping bolt  1 ″, is added to the middle of indexable splice assembly  200  increase strength and stability of the indexable spliced assembly  200 . 
       FIG. 87  shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. The indexable splice assembly  200  includes a pair of clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an adjustable indexable extended cap  130  and a base splice  210 . Spring clips  5 ,  5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg  78  (that protrudes downwardly from indexable cap  4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the indexable extended cap  130  against the clamping bolt  1  by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′ are disposed in horizontal groove  30  of base splice  210  on the secure-side. A third clamping bolt  1 ″, is added to the middle of indexable splice assembly  200  increase strength and stability of the indexable spliced assembly  200 . 
       FIG. 88  shows a detailed elevation end view (Detail “C”) of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. Horizontal upper portion  212  of base splice  210  includes a plurality of teeth  26 ,  26 ′ and corresponding lower grooves  27  disposed in-between adjacent teeth. Likewise, vertical leg  78  includes a plurality of teeth  28 ,  28 ′ and corresponding grooves  29  disposed in-between adjacent teeth. The height, H, of the solar panel frame thickness may be easily adjusted by (1) dis-engaging the upper set of teeth  28 ,  28 ′ from the lower set of teeth  26 ,  26 ′; (2) increasing or decreasing the height, H; and (3) re-engaging a new set of upper and lower teeth. In an embodiment, the spring clip maintains proximity of the base splice  210  teeth  26  and  26 ′ and the vertical leg  78  teeth  28  and  28 ′. The spring clip  5  exerts a restoring force on the base splice  210  and the vertical leg  78 . For example, the base splice  210  and the vertical leg  78  may be separated by a force exerted on them (e.g., an installer separating them by hand and/or other means) and once that force is removed from the base splice  210  and/or the vertical leg  78  the spring clip  5  exerts a restoring force on the base splice and the vertical leg to reengage the corresponding corrugations. 
       FIG. 89  shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice  210 , according to an embodiment. Base splice  210  includes an extruded body, including: a horizontal upper portion  212  connected to secure-side support ledges  220 ,  231 , and connected to catch-side support ledges  228 ,  218 ,  216 ,  214 . Horizontal upper portion  212  of base splice  210  includes a plurality of outwardly-facing horizontal, parallel teeth  26 ,  26 ′ and corresponding lower grooves  27  disposed in-between adjacent teeth. Base splice  210  further includes a horizontal bottom portion  226  that is integrally connected to sidewalls  224 ,  224 ′ (which may be vertical, or slightly splayed outwards or inwards); thereby forming an enclosure with a horizontal hollow interior volume  222 . Sidewall  224 ′ is connected to horizontal portion  218 ; and sidewall  224  is connected to secure-side support ledge  220 . Base splice  210  may be open at both ends. 
       FIG. 90  shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice  210 , according to an embodiment. Base splice  210  includes three threaded apertures:  240 ,  240 ′,  240 ″, which engage with three clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′,  1 ″, respectively. Horizontal groove  30  includes a pair of apertures  70 ,  70 ′ for holding electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′, respectively. The horizontal hollow interior volume  222  is noted. 
       FIG. 91  shows an elevation side view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly  200 , according to an embodiment. The indexable splice assembly  200  includes: an indexable extended cap  130  that is clamped to a base splice  210  by three clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′,  1 ″ and a pair of spring clips  5 ,  5 ′. 
       FIG. 92  shows an elevation backside view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly  200 , according to an embodiment. The indexable splice assembly  200  includes: an indexable extended cap  130  that is clamped to a base splice  210  by three clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′,  1 ″ and a pair of spring clips  5 ,  5 ′. 
       FIG. 93  shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly  200 , according to an embodiment. The indexable splice assembly  200  includes: an indexable extended cap  130  that is clamped to a base splice  210  by three clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′,  1 ″; a pair of spring clips  5 ,  5 ′; and a pair of electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′. 
       FIG. 94  shows of an isometric perspective extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly  200 , according to an embodiment. The indexable splice assembly  200  includes: an indexable extended cap  130  that is clamped to a base splice  210  by three clamping bolts  1 ,  1 ′,  1 ″; a pair of spring clips  5 ,  5 ′; and a pair of electrical bonding pins  2 ,  2 ′. 
     In embodiments, an attachment mechanism may include a tower with a clamp that is urged (biased) towards the center of the tower. A latching clamp allows the clamp+tower sub-assembly to be “Clicked-On” (i.e., latched) to a rigid bar (called a “slider bar”, “slider channel”, or simply “slider”) that is lag screwed to a roof or other support substrate. The tower, with a hook on one side, is mounted on the slider in a three-step process. First, the tower is hooked-on to one side of the slider by engaging the hook with a first lip (flange) of the slider. Then the tower is rotated down and then “Clicked-On” to the slider by automatically pushing (sliding) the clamp outwards sufficiently far so as to clear the opposite (second) lip of the slider. Once the tower has been “Clicked-On” and loosely attached to the slider (held, for example, by a spring force, and the tower attached by the action of interlocking surfaces), the tower may be easily slid by hand along the length of the slider to adjust its position North/South along the slider. The clamp&#39;s bias mechanism (which may be a coil spring, for example) provides sufficient force, and the design of the interlocking surfaces of the clamp+tower/slider assembly, is sufficiently strong, so as to make the assembly substantially-resistant to accidental release (such as accidental contact with an installer&#39;s foot, safety ropes hanging on the roof, etc.). Finally the clamp&#39;s fastener is tightened (torqued) tight, which permanently locks the tower onto the slider bar. 
     The tower itself may be coupled (attached) to any type of solar panel mounting structure or mechanism that is capable of holding (mounting) one or more panels  20 ,  21 . In particular, such a solar panel mounting structure may include a height-adjustable mechanism, which may be adjusted with a tool before, or after, the panels  20 ,  21  have been mounted. Note: the clamp+tower sub-assembly may be easily removed by releasing the clamp fastener (bolt), and then simply pulling back on the biased clamp and rotating the clamp+tower subassembly back off of the slider, and finally disengaging the tower&#39;s hook from the slider. 
       FIG. 95A-D  shows elevation side views of an installation sequence of a Click-On attachment mechanism  9500 , according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 95A  shows an initially skewed position (θ=20°), where tower  116  is hooked onto slider  118 , according to an embodiment. Here, asymmetric tower (stanchion)  116  has been hooked onto slider  118  by engaging notch  127  of tower hook  122  with right slider lip  129 ′ of angled (tapered/slanted) slider flange  124 ′. Tapered (slanted) slider flanges  124  and  124 ′ may have angled faces oriented at, for example, 45° to the horizontal. In this skewed position of  FIG. 95A , the lower flange  131  of dovetail clamp  126  is resting on top of the upper surface of slider  118 , and horizontal clamp fastener  128  is in a backed-out (not-tightened) position, where dovetail clamp  126  is free to slide (translate) back and forth along horizontal clamp fastener  128 , urged forward by spring  10 . In such an embodiment, upper solar panel mounting bracket  112  and lower solar panel mounting bracket  114  are attached to tower  116 . Solar panel fastener  113  may be used to compress upper bracket  112  and lower bracket  114  together so as to mount and securely hold one or more panels (not shown) to tower  116  at a later stage in the installation process. Additionally, and/or alternatively, in an embodiment, the upper and lower brackets  112 ,  114  are made of a single, monolithic part, in which case the use of a solar panel fastener  113  may be eliminated.  FIG. 95A  also illustrates open volumes  115  and  117 , a roof surface  13 , a hollow volume  125 , and a flat washer  182 , all of which are further mentioned below. 
       FIG. 95B  shows an elevation view of an embodiment of the click-on tower assembly  110  in an attached position on slider  118 . When the tower assembly  110  is rotated towards the horizontal position, dovetail clamp  126  is pushed back (outwards) by sliding of angled lower flange  131  against left slider lip  129  of slider  118  (thereby compressing spring  10 ) to increase the clearance around the left slider lip  129 . Then, mounting assembly  110  is rotated to the horizontal position (θ=0°), whereupon the lower flange  131  clears the left slider lip  129  and dovetail clamp  126  is released, which causes dovetail clamp  126  to snap back into a latched position by action of spring  10 . This action causes an audible “clicking” sound when dovetail clamp  126  forcefully contacts the angled face of the slider flange  124  of slider  118 . Spring  10  (which may be a coil spring, stacked Bellevue washers, angled tab(s), leaf spring, elastic band, or any other elastic means for biasing/urging) has sufficient strength so that the clicked-on (attached) assembly  110  may withstand gravity loads and minor installation forces (such as interference with safety ropes), which is substantially resistant to accidental release. Flat washer  182  is placed between spring  10  and the head of horizontal clamp fastener  128 . Additionally, indicated in  FIG. 22B  are the open volumes  115  and  117 , the roof surface  13 , and the hollow volume  125 . 
       FIG. 95C  shows an elevation view of an embodiment of a click-on tower assembly  110  in a clamped and locked position on slider  118 . Here, horizontal clamp fastener  128  has been tightened and torqued to a level of torque sufficient to securely and permanently clamp (attach) tower  116  to slider  118 . In an embodiment, the angle of mating surface  121  of tower hook  122  matches the corresponding angle of the slider flange  124 ′ of slider  118 ; and the angle of mating surface or slanted face  610  of dovetail clamp  126  matches the corresponding angle of left side mating surface of the slider flange  124  of slider  118 . Both of these two angles may be 45°, for example. Horizontal clamp fastener  128  may be a cap-headed bolt (e.g., cap screw) with a hexagonal socket drive. Horizontal clamp fastener  128  may also have an unthreaded (smooth) proximal portion near the cap-head end, to make it easier for dovetail clamp  126  to slide on horizontal clamp fastener  128  during installation. In an embodiment, initial installation (i.e., clicking-on) of the clamp+tower sub-assembly onto slider  118  in  FIGS. 95A and 95B  is a “tool-less” operation that does not require any tools to accomplish. In an embodiment, pulling back of dovetail clamp  126  by hand is not necessary because dovetail clamp  126  automatically retracts and slides when the sub-assembly is hooked-on and rotated down into the horizontal position. Furthermore, slider  118  includes a pair of bottom flanges  119 ,  119 ′ that run the longitudinal length of the slider. The open volume  115 , the roof surface  13 , and the hollow volume  125  are also indicated in  FIG. 95C . 
       FIG. 95D  shows a zoomed-in elevation view of an embodiment of a click-on tower sub-assembly  110  in an attached position on a slider  118 . In this enlarged view, details of the clamp joint may be seen. In particular, the lower left corner of tower  116  includes an alignment lip  183  formed as a small protrusion which sticks out below the lower surface  181  of tower  116 . When tower  116  is loosely attached to slider  118  via spring-loaded dovetail clamp  126 , the purpose of alignment lip  152  is to provide good alignment of tower  116  relative to slider  118 , and to prevent rotation out-of-plane of tower  116  relative to slider  118 , before horizontal clamp fastener  128  may be tightened tight. The tapered or slanted slider flange  124 , the left slider lip  129 , and a flange  180  to be discussed later are also indicated in  FIG. 95D . 
       FIG. 96A  shows an elevation view of an embodiment of a click-on tower sub-assembly  110  in a skewed position next to a slider  118 . Slider  118 , tower  116 , and dovetail clamp  126  may be made as machined or extruded items, which may be made from aluminum or aluminum alloys (which may be anodized black). The open volumes  115  and  17 , one bottom flange  119 , the tower hook  122 , the slider flanges  124 ,  124 ′, the hollow volume  125 , the horizontal clamp fastener  128 , the left slider lip  129 , the spring  10 , the lower flange  131  of the dovetail clamp  126 , and the flat washer  182  are also indicated in  FIG. 96A . 
       FIG. 96B  shows an elevation view of an embodiment of a click-on tower assembly  110  in an attached position on a slider  118 . The open volumes  115  and  117 , the tower  116 , the slider  118 , one bottom flange  119 , the tower hook  122 , the tapered or slanted slider flanges  124 ,  124 ′, the hollow volume  125 , the dovetail clamp  126 , the horizontal clamp fastener  128 , the spring  10 , the lower flange  131 , and the flat washer  182  are also indicated in  FIG. 96B . 
       FIG. 97  shows an isometric perspective view of an anti-rotation clip  300 , according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the anti-rotation clip  300  prevents the base (element  6  in  FIG. 1 ) from rotating with respect to the tower bracket (element  8  in  FIG. 1 ) and the slider (element  14  in  FIG. 1 ). For example, in the embodiment shown, an anti-rotation clip  300  may include a tab  302  that is shaped such that the tab  302  may be inserted into the base. The anti-rotation clip  300  may include two clips  304  and  306 , connected by a connecting segment, that are shaped to fit around the height adjustment bolt (element  3  in  FIG. 1 ). The anti-rotation clip  300  may further include two u-shaped tabs  308  that are configured to engage the tower bracket (element  8  in  FIG. 1 ). Additionally, in an embodiment, the anti-rotation clip  300  may include a scored or otherwise relaxed section  310  that extends across the breadth of the connecting segment between the two clips  304 ,  306 . The relaxed section  310  may be formed by a reduced thickness of the material, scoring, or a change in material composition. In general, the relaxed section  310  allows the anti-rotation clip  300  to flex to a suitable degree, and may assist in the attachment process when connecting the anti-rotation clip  300  to the height adjustment bolt  3 . Further, in an embodiment, as described for example, when the tab  302  engages the base, the two clips  304  and  306  engage the height adjustment bolt  3 , and the two u-shaped tabs  308  engage the tower bracket, the anti-rotation clip  300  prevents the base from moving relative to the tower bracket and the slider. 
       FIG. 98  depicts multiple views of the anti-rotation clip  300  from various directions including: top view  300 A, isometric top front view  300 B, isometric bottom front view  300 C, front view  300 D, side view  300 E, back view  300 F, and bottom view  300 G. 
     Although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed herein as illustrative forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.