Patent ID: 8222533

Claim:
A low profile junction box for interconnection of solar cell arrays in a power distribution system, the low profile junction box comprising: an overmolded cover portion having an opening, the opening having a plurality of contacts extending therein, the contacts having exposed surfaces provided in the opening, the opening extending to a solar panel for receiving at least one conductive foil from the solar panel, the at least one conductive foil soldered to the exposed surfaces of the plurality of contacts in the opening, the plurality of contacts extending essentially parallel to the at least one conductive foil when the low profile junction box is mounted over the conductive foils; a plurality of diode elements electrically connected to the plurality of contacts, each diode element having a heat sink element attached thereto for dissipating heat generated by the diode elements; the overmolded cover portion being constructed of thermally conductive material and being overmolded over the plurality of contacts and the plurality of diode elements to provide high thermal conductivity between the plurality of contacts and the plurality of diode elements and the overmolded cover portion; a plurality of cables configured to interconnect a plurality of low profile junction boxes, and configured to conduct the energy from the solar panels; a waterproof adhesive which secures the low profile junction box to the solar panel; and wherein the heat sink elements being maintained in contact with the diode elements, such that the heat sinks elements dissipate heat externally of the junction box and wherein the contacts are disposed in the junction box to reduce vertical elevation of the junction box when mounted to the solar panel.