Patent ID: 8656659

Claim:
A frame assembly for a solar panel, the frame comprising: a plurality of frame members that are structured to collectively support and hold a first solar module, including a first frame member that at least partially supports a first solar module and a second frame member that at least partially supports a second solar module; wherein the first frame member is adjacent to the second frame member; wherein a lengthwise segment of the first frame member extends (i) over a surface of the first solar module, and (ii) inward a depth distance so as to form a recessed platform relative to an exterior of the first frame member; wherein the second frame member has an exterior segment extending inward from a wall segment over a portion of the second solar module and outward from the wall segment over the recessed platform; and wherein the depth distance is substantially equivalent to a thickness dimension of the second frame member that extends over the recessed platform, the wall segment having a height dimension substantially greater than the depth distance and the thickness dimension.