Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
     Recently, concerns over the long-term availability and pollutive effects of traditional energy sources like coal, natural gas, and nuclear power has led to increased interest and development of renewable energy sources. Even more recently, renewable energy sources, which include hydroelectric, wind, solar, geothermal and biomass have been introduced as supplements to traditional energy sources in major business and industry sectors. In some instances, solar powered energy sources have even become the primary energy source for some residences. 
     Typically, solar power generation for residential establishments involve installing large solar panels on rooftops. These solar panels absorb the solar radiation and convert the absorbed energy into electricity which can be used to power the residence. However, installation of these panels can be complex and/or difficult due to their size. Generally, a mounting system is first installed, and secured against specific locations (e.g., against rafters). A series of rails are then put in place in the mounting system (typically in a grid-like arrangement). The solar panels themselves are then securely affixed to the rails and, eventually, to neighboring panels via mechanical and/or electrical connectors. 
     However, the railing system presents additional expenditures due to materials and transport costs of the rails themselves. As a solution to this, solar panels were developed that were capable of being installed directly to mounting systems without the need for rails. In order to maintain the same stability and security, the solar panels are mechanically affixed to each other (typically in series), using a mechanical connectors, sometimes implemented as cylindrical rods or trapezoidal beams. Generally, these connectors consist of rigid, threaded connectors, often positioned in short tunnels within the interiors of frames of two neighboring rectangular panels. The connectors are inserted into a first panel, and then to a second panel on the opposite end of the splice. Initially, the connectors protrude into each panel insecurely. Subsequently, the connectors may be manually tightened to both panels—often in a user-intensive process—which increases the rigidity of the connection. However, according to such a solution, the connectors are generally very difficult to access while the panels are in position. 
     Thus, while obviating the requirement for rails, this solution presents significant problems of its own. Specifically, panel removal can become exceedingly difficult, particularly in the case of “middle” or non-end panels in a grid or panel array. Since there is generally only a small amount of space between neighboring panels, there is often insufficient clearance to completely disengage a splice from the panel to be removed. Moreover, specialized tools are commonly required to insert the splices or other connectors. As such, removal of a specific target panel may actually require the initial removal of several intervening panels in the same row or column (or other orientation). Naturally, this is both an inefficient and extremely time consuming process. 
     Another conventional solution has been proposed that positions the connectors along the exterior of the frame, with the connectors being capable of being moved along the perimeter in a single grooved channel. However, the channel is also used to affix each panel to mounting points of the mounting system. Thus, movement of the connectors is limited to the lengths of the frames between mounting points. The limited mobility can present problems during removal themselves. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In the following embodiments, a design is described for solar panel that allows for modular installation and efficient removal of panels irrespective of the panel&#39;s relative location in an array arrangement. A system is provided that includes a plurality of modular panels (such as solar power panels). These panels are rimmed by frames featuring one or more exterior-facing, grooved channels. A first channel—which may be used to mount the panel, and which replaces traditional railing installation systems—and a second channel that is configured to allow movement of one or more panel splices used to secure the panels together. Integrated electrical connection interfaces are provided on opposite side surfaces of the frames to couple with the electrical connection interfaces of adjacent panels to establish an electrical path between them. A spacer component may be inserted between panels to provide access to the electrical connection interfaces; support and rigidity to the joined panels; a grounding path between the panels; and, when combined with the panel splices, to align the panels to prevent damage to the electrical connection interfaces. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided to install a series of modular panels. According to such an embodiment, splices can be used to secure panels together by sliding the splice into a proper position along the exterior of two panel frames. For example, the splice may extend in substantially equal proportion into each of the second channels for the two adjoining panels. Once the splice is properly positioned, the splice can be affixed into to each frame (via a bolt or screw for example) to provide additional security and stability. In one or more embodiments, the splice may also be positioned through a channel of a spacer, aligned against the exterior of the two frames and inserted in between. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a method is provided to remove a modular panel. According to such an embodiment, a securing splice may be disengaged from a frame (by reversing the securing means, for example). Once unsecured, the splice may be slid into position away from the panel to be removed, e.g., to be entirely or substantially entirely deeper into the second channel of a neighboring panel. This process may be performed for each splice used to secure the target panel. Once the splices are repositioned, an electrical connector which may have been used to electrically couple the panel with adjacent panels is also disengaged, whereupon the panel may be lifted up and removed, without readjusting the position of its neighboring panels. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary system for coupling a plurality of solar panels, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an exemplary configuration of a panel frame and panel splice, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter; 
         FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary configuration of a solar panel with a pair of panel splices, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter; 
         FIG. 4   a  depicts a cross-section of an exemplary panel frame with three channels, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter; 
         FIG. 4   b  depicts a cross-section of an exemplary panel frame with two channels, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter; 
         FIG. 4   c  depicts a cross-section of an exemplary panel frame with one channel, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cross-section of an exemplary panel frame and panel splice with a shelf configuration, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter; 
         FIG. 6   a  depicts a cross-section of an exemplary panel frame and panel splice with a fastening mechanism in an unfastened alignment, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter; 
         FIG. 6   b  depicts a cross-section of an exemplary panel frame and panel splice with a fastening mechanism in an fastened alignment, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter; 
         FIG. 7  depicts an exemplary illustration of a plurality of panels, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter; 
         FIG. 8  depicts an exemplary illustration of a plurality of panels mechanically coupled by a plurality of splices, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter; 
         FIG. 9  depicts an exemplary illustration of a plurality of decoupled panel, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a flowchart of an exemplary process for coupling a plurality of panels, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter; and 
         FIG. 11  depicts a flowchart of an exemplary process for removing a panel between a plurality of adjacent panels, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While described in conjunction with these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure. 
     Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. 
     In the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. 
     In the following embodiments, an embodiment is described for an approach to modular solar panel installation and removal that provides quick and efficient removal while maintaining stability and security during operation. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary system  100  is depicted for coupling a plurality of rectangular solar collecting panels, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of panels (e.g., panels  101 ,  103 , and  105 ) may include solar panels, each being implemented as one or more solar cells. Composition of the solar cells may vary according to various implementation, and may include (but are not limited to): crystalline-silicon solar cells, thin-film solar cells, amorphous-silicon solar cells, or a combination of two or more compositions, for example. The panels may be electrical solar panels in one embodiment. 
     In one or more embodiments, the solar panels ( 101 ,  103 ,  105 ) may be mounted to a roof, other relatively flat surface, or open structures such as a carport or ground-mounted array. Mounting may be performed by affixing portions of a panel (e.g., a panel frame) to mounting points  107 . The mounting points  107  may be implemented as hinges or other vertical outcroppings and configured to be fastened to a mounting system installed (typically with a flashing) into the roof. In one embodiment, mounting points  107  may be positioned to correspond to the location of rafters or other secured points in a building or establishment. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the perimeter of each panel includes one or more channels  111 . These channels can, in various embodiments, be implemented as grooves along entire (or substantial portions of) lengths of the exterior surface of the panel&#39;s frame, allowing for the free movement and positioning of elements within the channels. The channels may themselves be disposed along any of a side, top, or bottom surface of the frame, or a combination of surfaces. In one or more embodiments, panel splices  109  may be freely positioned along the channels on opposite sides of two or more adjacent panels, to provide rigidity, panel alignment, and a grounding path between panels. According to further embodiments, a separate channel or groove may be used to position the mounting point  107  at the designed location. 
     Exemplary Panel Configuration 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , three solar panels ( 101 ,  103 ,  105 ) are arranged in series according to a horizontal configuration. Such a configuration is purely exemplary, and it is to be understood that embodiments of the claimed subject matter are well suited to varying configurations and orientations. Panels may be configured in arrays in one (a row of panels) or two (a grid of panels) dimensions, for example. 
     Exemplary Frame Configurations 
     As depicted in  FIG. 2 , an exemplary configuration  200  of a panel splice and frame is depicted, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter.  FIG. 2  depicts a cross-section of a panel  201 . The panel  201  includes a frame  202 . As depicted, the frame includes a first channel  203 , and a second channel  205 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first channel  203  may be used as a connection channel, and used to allow panel splices  209  to move along the channel into position to mechanically couple the panel to an adjacent panel, and/or out of position in order to decouple a pair of adjacent panels, for example. The second channel may be used to position a mounting point (e.g., mounting point  107  of  FIG. 1 ). According to further embodiments, the second channel can also be used to secure, or allow the movement and/or passage of various channel accessories. These channel accessories may include, for example, a series of cable clips fastening a plurality of cables together; an extra splice to reinforce or support a coupling of two adjacent panels; an electrical box, solar optimizer, micro inverter attachment, safety device, or performance enhancement device used during the process to convert absorbed solar energy into electricity, etc. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 2 , panel splice  209  is shaped as a ridged bar. Panel splice  209  may be composed of metal, or any other high density and/or rigid composition capable of supporting the weight of two adjacent solar panels. While depicted as a ridged bar in  FIG. 2 , panel splice  209  may be variously shaped, according to different embodiments. For example, panel splice  209  may also be shaped as a plate, rod, slider, beam, bolt, or other composition with a substantially straight profile. In alternate embodiments, the panel splice  209  may be shaped with a (slight) arched profile, such that the top of the arch crests at a location between two adjacent panels, and increasing the support provided by the splice  209 . In still further embodiments, the splice  209  may be shaped as any number of polyhedrons, not specifically limited to cylinders (rods). For example, embodiments may be well suited for implementations that impart a trapezoidal polyhedron shape to the panel splice  209 . 
     Also as depicted in  FIG. 2 , panel splice  209  may be fastened at a position in the channel and the frame using a fastening mechanism  207 . Fastening the panel splice  209  to the frame may be performed by adjusting a fastening mechanism  207  in an aperture through the panel splice  209 . The fastening mechanism  207  may be implemented in a variety of manners, including, but not limited to: a bolt; a cam, a screw; an interference fit fastener; a threaded fastener; a tapered threaded fastener; a cone-threaded fastener; a ball-tipped fastener; a spring-loaded fastener; a pin; and a tapered spring fastener; or any other device that may be inserted through an aperture in the splice  209  and adjusted until movement of the splice is substantially prevented. 
     In one or more embodiments, the panel splice  209  may include multiple apertures, either implemented as complete through-holes, or raised ridges (or depressions) that correspond to similar structures or protrusions on one or more surfaces of the channel that assists in the guidance of the panel splice  209  into proper positioning. Alternately, a spring pin in the splice  209  and a corresponding pin hole in the interior surface of the channel can be implemented and used as an indication when the splice  209  is properly positioned. In further embodiments, the spring pin, when positioned within the pin hole also is configured to secure the splice in place. While  FIG. 2  depicts a fastening device  207  being inserted through an aperture in a side surface of the splice  209 , according to alternate embodiments, the aperture for fastening the splice  209  may be located on a top surface, and fastening the aperture to the frame or a spacer component (described below) may be performed from a position above the panel  201  and splice  209 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary configuration  300  of a panel  301  with a pair of panel splices (splices  309 ,  311 ), in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. Panel  301  is depicted with an encircling frame  303  that includes two channels, channels  305 ,  307 . Each channel is fitted to secure the movement of corresponding panel splices  309 ,  311 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , a first panel splice  309  is operable to travel the length of the top channel  305 , along the interior of the channel  305 . A second panel splice  311  is operable to travel the length of the bottom channel  307 , with a surface on an exterior of the channel  307  (and frame  303  itself). A dual splice system may be used to provide additional load-bearing support or rigidity, for example. 
     In one or more embodiments, one or more of the splices may also be equipped with one or more friction-reducing elements, so as to allow smoother movement along a channel. The friction-reducing element may be one of several possible implementations that include, but are not limited to: a surface finish; a surface coating; a surface plating; a plurality of surface grooves to reduce contact with channel surfaces; a plurality of other raised elements (e.g., bumps); embossing; encasing in a low-friction polymer; adhesion to a low-friction tape, etc. 
       FIGS. 4   a - 4   c  depict cross-sections of varying exemplary panel frames, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter.  FIG. 4   a  depicts a cross-section of an exemplary panel frame  401   a  with three channels ( 403   a ,  405   a ,  407   a ).  FIG. 4   b  depicts a cross-section of an exemplary panel frame  401   b  with two channels ( 403   b ,  405   b ).  FIG. 4   c  depicts a cross-section of an exemplary panel frame  401   c  with one channel ( 403   c ), in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. As described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 , one or more of the channels in each frame ( 401   a ,  401   b ,  401   c ) may be used to transport, or position, one or more module splices to a location between two adjacent panels to provide structure, support, and a grounding path. Remaining, unoccupied channels may be used for various purposes as described herein. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 5 , a cross-section  500  of an exemplary panel frame  501  and panel splice  509  is depicted with a shelf configuration  511 , in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the panel frame consists of three channels, one closed channel  503 , and two exterior facing open channels  505 ,  507 . A panel splice  509 , depicted in  FIG. 5  to include a shelf  511  may be inserted—at a corner of the panel frame  501 , for example—into the lower channel  507 . Subsequently, the panel splice  509  may be moved along the channel  507  until a portion of the panel splice  509  extends at least partially into a corresponding channel  507  in an immediately adjacent panel. In this manner, a portion of the panel splice  509  may protrude into channels  507  for both panels, with the panel splice  509  bridging a space between the panels. The portion protruding into each channel  507  may then be affixed to each panel (via each respective frame, for example) thereby aligning the panels, and providing rigidity and support to the panel array. A shelf  511  as depicted in  FIG. 5  may be able to provide additional support and rigidity to the structure by preventing a slight dip or any other misalignment between adjacent panels. 
     Exemplary Fastening Device 
       FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  depict cross-sections ( 600   a ,  600   b ) of an exemplary panel frame  601  and panel splice  609 . Each of  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  depict panel frames  601  in a three channel configuration, including a closed back channel  605 , a lower, open front channel  603 , and an upper open front channel (occupied by the splice  609 ). In one or more embodiments, one or more channels of a panel frame  601  may be equipped with securing features to allow the secure movement of a panel splice  609  along the channel. These features may include, for example a bolstered edge ( 613 ) that corresponds to a dovetail feature  615  of the panel splice  609 . Such a configuration secures the splice within the channel while still allowing free movement along the channel. 
       FIG. 6   a  depicts an adjustable fastening mechanism  611   a  at a less secured position.  FIG. 6   b  depicts the adjustable fastening mechanism  611   b  at a more secured position. While the claimed subject matter is well suited to other embodiments, the fastening mechanisms  611   a  and  611   b  are depicted in  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  as bolts that are inserted through apertures in side surfaces of both the panel splice  609  and a wall in the back channel  605 . Fastening the splice  609  into a current position may thus be performed by inserting the fastening mechanism into an initial position (e.g.,  611   a ) and tightening the fastening mechanism to secure the splice  609  into place at a final position (e.g.,  611   b ). While  FIG. 6   a  depicts a side-oriented fastening embodiment, the apertures may also (or instead) be positioned on top surfaces of the panel splice  609  and frame  601   a ,  601   b , such that the fastening device may be inserted through the apertures in the top surfaces and secured also from the top. Removal of top-fastened splices may be performed in these embodiments also from a position above the panels, thereby providing greater access to fastening mechanisms of installed panels arranged in tightly spaced, two-dimensional arrays. 
     Exemplary Integrated Electrical Connection Interfaces 
       FIG. 7  depicts an exemplary illustration  700  of a plurality of panels ( 701 ), each panel having an encircling frame ( 703 ), in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. The panels  701  may be mechanically coupled to each other with panel splices  709  positioned along channels in the top and bottom edges of the frames  703  surrounding the perimeters of the panels  701 , as described above. As depicted in  FIG. 7 , each panel  701  includes a pair of integrated electrical connection interfaces. In one or more embodiments, the electrical connection interfaces may include a reception interface  705  configured to mechanically and electrically couple (via a plurality of pins, for example) with a connection interface  707 . In one or more embodiments, coupling a reception interface  705  of a panel (e.g.,  701 ) with the connection interface  707  of a neighboring panel (e.g.,  703 ) establishes an electrical path between the panels, e.g., to conduct the flow of electricity along the configuration of panels. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 7 , each electrical connection interface may be positioned to protrude from a side surface of a panel frame, and such that the reception interface of a panel is on an opposite side surface of the connection interface. In this manner, the reception interface of a panel is always aligned to couple with a connection interface of a neighboring panel, and vice versa. By having an integrated electrical connection interface in the panels themselves, conventional approaches that require sub-surface wiring underneath the panel can be avoided, such that removal of panels may be performed more easily, with greater access to the electrical path, and with less risk of exposing or damaging wiring during removal procedures. The electrical connection may be disengaged by decoupling the reception interface  705  from the connection interface  707 . 
     In one or more embodiments, disengagement of the electrical connection interfaces may be performed using a release feature  711 . The release feature may, in some embodiments, be implemented to include a mechanical release of one or more engagement features used to couple the electrical connection interfaces together. The engagement features may, in some instances, be implemented as: a spring action element; a clasping element; a latch element; a twist element; and/or a cam element, each of which, when the mechanical release is activated, releases the engagement between the connection interface  707  and the reception interface  705 . In one or more embodiments, the release feature  711  may be activated by hand (e.g., toggling a button or lever). In further embodiments, the release feature  711  may be activated with a general or specialized tool. 
       FIG. 8  depicts an exemplary illustration  800  of a plurality of coupled panels ( 801 ), each panel having an encircling frame ( 803 ), in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. As depicted in  FIG. 8 , the panels  801  correspond to the panels  701  described above with respect to  FIG. 7 . The panels  801  are depicted in a coupled state, whereby a pair of panel splices  809  are positioned in channels along the top and bottom edges of the frames  803 , and affixed to the frame. As depicted in  FIG. 8 , a roughly equivalent proportion of each splice may extend into a channel of each panel. The splices may be affixed to the frames via fastening mechanisms along the top and/or side surfaces, as variously described herein. 
     In one or more embodiments, spacer components  805  may be placed between panels, in order to provide a clearance between the pair of adjacent panels  801  and to allow access to a release feature  811  of an electrical connection  807 . In one or more embodiments, the spacer components  805  may be implemented to include a channel, aligned with the one or more channels of the panel frames  803 , and configured to allow a panel splice  809  to travel through the spacer channel. In other words, the spacer channel may act as a channel bridge in the space between the panels. Particular implementations of the spacer components  805  can vary widely across embodiments. These implementations may include, but are not limited to: a clamp; a washer; a bolt; a shelf; a full or partial cross-section of a frame; or any such component configured to align against an exterior (outwardly facing) surface of a frame  803  of a panel  801  and to provide a clearance between two adjacent panels  801 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the panel splices  809  may be fastened to a desired position through the spacer components  805 . For example, a fastening mechanism (such as fastening mechanism  611   a ,  611   b  described above with respect to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b ) may be fastened to the panel splice  809  through an aperture in the top or side surface of the spacer component  805 . In alternate embodiments, tightening of the fastening mechanism may be performed through an aperture in the panel splice  809 , with the fastening mechanism gaining access to contact the panel splice  809  through an aperture in the top or side surface of the spacer component  805 . According to such embodiments, the fastening mechanism may or may not itself be fastened to the spacer component  805 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts an exemplary illustration  900  during the removal of a middle panel of a sequence of three panels ( 901   a ,  901   b ,  901   c ), in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. As depicted in  FIG. 9 , each panel has an encircling frame ( 903 ). As depicted in  FIG. 9 , the panels  901   a ,  901   b ,  901   c  correspond to the panels  701  and  801  described above with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , panel  901   b  may be removed by unfastening the panel splices  909  and moving (sliding) the panel splices  909  out of the channels in the frame  903  of the target panel  901   b . Unfastening the panel splices  909  may be performed by removing or deactivating a fastening mechanism used to affix the panel splice  909  to a frame  903  and/or a spacer component  913 . For example, a bolt may be loosened through an aperture in either the side or top surface of a panel splice  909  and at least one of a frame  903  and a spacer  913  the panel splice  909  is affixed to. 
     In one or more embodiments, the panel splices  909  may be moved further into the channels of the adjacent panels  901   a ,  901   c , such that an entirety or a substantial portion of each panel splice  909  is in the neighboring panels, with little to no portion of the splice remaining in the panel  901   b  to be removed. In one or more embodiments, the panel splices  909  may be moved through the spacer components  913  with sufficient clearance as to allow the removal of the spacer components  913  from between the panels. In still further embodiments, a spacer component  913  may be removed (e.g., by removing a top-oriented fastening mechanism) without disturbing the placement of the panels on either side of the spacer component  913 . 
     Panel Installation 
       FIG. 10  depicts a flowchart of an exemplary process  1000  for coupling a plurality of panels. Steps  1001 - 1011  describe exemplary steps comprising the process  1000  in accordance with the various embodiments herein described. 
     At step  1001 , a panel is affixed to a mounting system. Affixing the panel to a mount may be performed by, for example, fastening a mounting point against a frame of the panel, and to the mounting system itself. According to various embodiments, the mounting point may be configured to freely travel a length of a side of the frame of the panel within a first channel or groove in the frame until a desired position is reached. The mounting point may then be fastened against the frame to secure the panel to the mounting system. 
     At step  1003 , a second panel is positioned next to the panel affixed to the mounting system. The second panel may be positioned linearly in a serial alignment with respect to the first panel, as part of a one or two dimensional array of panels, for example. Once positioned, a spacer is positioned between the two panels (step  1005 ). In one embodiment, the spacer is positioned to align with the exterior surface of the frames of the adjacent panels along the edge of one side of the frames. A panel splice is then inserted into a second channel of one of the panels at step  1007 . According to alternate embodiments, the panel splice may be inserted into a second channel of the first panel prior to the positioning of the second panel at step  1003 . 
     Once the panel splice is inserted into a second channel in the frame of either the first or second panel, the panel splice can be moved along the second channel of one or both panel frames and the spacer at step  1009  until a target position is reached. In one embodiment, the target position is achieved when the panel splice extends into the second channel of both panel frames in substantially equivalent proportion. In further embodiments, bumps, spring-pins or other guiding elements (with corresponding apertures, grooves) may be used to guide the panel splice into proper positioning, indicate the splice is in the correct position, and further secure the splice in place. Once the target position of the splice is achieved, the splice can be fastened at step  1011 , e.g., via a fastening mechanism through a side and/or top surface of the splice, whereby the splice is affixed into its present position and to the spacer, at least one of the pair of adjacent panels, or any combination thereof. 
     Steps  1005  to  1011  are then repeated for an opposite edge of the pair of adjacent panels, whereby a second spacer is inserted between the panels, a second splice is inserted, positioned, and fastened into a target position. In further embodiments, each panel may further include an electrical connection interface that is configured to electrically and physically couple when a pair of adjacent panels are positioned and aligned. In one embodiment, positioning the splice at the target position (e.g., step  1009 ) aligns the panels, and may position the electrical connection interfaces of each panel to automatically couple. In further embodiments, the alignment of the panels provided by the splice also prevents terminals (e.g., pins) of the interface from being damaged. Once splices on both opposite edges are fastened into position, and the electrical connection interfaces between the pair of panels is engaged, installation is completed for that pair of panels. A next panel in the series can be installed, adjacent to the second panel, by performing steps  1003  to  1011  for the panel, and for each subsequent panel in the series. 
     Panel Removal 
       FIG. 11  depicts a flowchart of an exemplary process for removing a panel between a plurality of adjacent panels, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. Steps  1101 - 1011  describe exemplary steps comprising the process  1000  in accordance with the various embodiments herein described. 
     At step  1101 , panel splices are unfastened for a target panel between a pair of panels, with a panel being located on either side of the target panel. Panel splices may be unfastened by loosening (and/or removing) a fastening mechanism affixing the splices to the frame of target panel and each of the two neighboring panels. At step  1103 , the splices along a top edge of the panels are moved in a channel along the frames of each of the target panel and the two neighboring panels such that no (substantial) portion of any splice remains in the channels of the target panel. This may be performed by, for example, shifting the splice so that an entirety or substantial majority of the splice extends into the channels of the neighboring panels, and away from the channel of the target panel. Movement of the splices is repeated at step  1105  for the splices in the channels along the bottom edge of the panels. 
     Once the splices are completely disengaged from the target panel along both the top and bottom edge, electrical connectors coupling the target panel to electrical connectors in each of its neighboring panels are also disengaged at step  1107 . Disengaging the electrical connectors may be performed, for example, by activating a release element in the electrical connector that automatically releases, or allows a manual separation of the electrical interfaces coupled together to form the electrical connection. At step  1109 , the target panel is unfastened from the mounting system (if necessary), by detaching or unfastening the target panel from a mounting point. Thereafter, the target panel is no longer attached to either of the adjacent panels mechanically or electrically, and any attachment to the mounting system is removed as well. Finally, the target panel may be removed at step  1111 . 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Technology Category: h