Module rail assembly
A solar module mounting bracket including a rail, having a box section configuration to support a solar module and a pair of arms each having a first end portion movably coupled to the rail. The pair of arms are movable relative to the rail between a first parallel configuration, and a second substantially configuration, in which the pair of arms define an opening configured to receive a torque tube. The arms each have a hole formed in a second end portion opposite the first end portion to receive a fastener to secure the rail to the torque tube.
1 . A solar module mounting bracket, comprising:
a rail, having a box cross-sectional configuration that comprises four walls that define a closed interior channel at the rail, and configured to support at least one solar module thereon;
a pair of arms each having a first end portion movably coupled to the rail, wherein the pair of arms are movable relative to the rail between a first substantially parallel configuration, and a second substantially perpendicular configuration to define an opening configured to receive a torque tube, wherein the arms each have a hole formed in a second end portion opposite the first end portion and configured to receive a fastener to secure the rail to the torque tube.
2 . The solar module mounting bracket of claim 1 , wherein the opening defined by the arms is a square, rectangular, or D-shaped opening.
3 . The solar module mounting bracket of claim 1 , wherein the four walls have a wall thickness ranging from 1.2 to 2.5 mm.
4 . The solar module mounting bracket of claim 1 , wherein the rail includes a plurality of holes formed therein configured to receive electrical cables.
5 . The solar module mounting bracket of claim 1 , further comprising at least one clip configured to secure the at least one solar module to the rail.
6 . The solar module mounting bracket of claim 5 , wherein clip further comprises a top surface with at least one opening formed therein, the opening configured to receive a fastener to secure the at least one solar module to the clip.
7 . The solar module mounting bracket of claim 5 , wherein the clip further includes at least one side surface, the side surface having at least one hole formed therein, the hole configured to receive a fastener to secure the clip to the rail.
8 . The solar module mounting bracket of claim 5 , further comprising two pairs of clips secured to the rail, wherein each pair of clips is secured to the rail with a plurality of fasteners, and each pair of clips is arranged on the rail to receive a solar module in a portrait configuration, wherein in a portrait configuration a long side of the solar module is parallel to the rail.
9 . The solar module mounting bracket of claim 8 , wherein the two pairs of clips are secured to the rail to receive two solar modules in portrait.
10 . The solar module mounting bracket of claim 9 , wherein each clip includes at two openings formed in a top surface, each opening having an oblong shape, wherein the two openings are configured to receive two solar modules parallel to one another.
11 . A solar tracker comprising:
a plurality of piers;
a bearing supported by one of the plurality of piers;
a drive device supported by one of the plurality of piers;
a torque tube operably connected to the drive device and supported by the plurality of piers; and
a solar module mounting bracket, wherein the solar module mounting bracket includes a rail, having a box cross-sectional configuration that comprises four walls that define a closed interior channel at the rail, and a pair of arms each having a first end portion movably coupled to the rail, wherein the pair of arms are movable relative to the rail between a first substantially parallel configuration and a second substantially perpendicular configuration to define an opening configured to receive the torque tube, wherein the arms each have a hole formed in a second end portion opposite the first end portion and configured to receive a fastener to secure the rail to the torque tube.
12 . The solar tracker of claim 11 , wherein the torque tube is a square, rectangular, or D-shaped torque tube and the opening defined by the arms is a square, rectangular, or D-shaped opening.
13 . The solar tracker of claim 11 , wherein the four walls have a wall thickness ranging from 1.2 to 2.5 mm.
14 . The solar tracker of claim 11 , wherein the rail includes a plurality of holes formed therein configured to receive electrical cables.
15 . The solar tracker of claim 11 , wherein the solar module mounting includes at least one clip configured to secure at least one solar module to the rail.
16 . The solar tracker of claim 15 , wherein clip further comprises a top surface with at least one opening formed therein, the opening configured to receive a fastener to secure the at least one solar module to the clip.
17 . The solar tracker of claim 15 , wherein the clip further includes at least one side surface, the side surface having at least one hole formed therein, the hole configured to receive a fastener to secure the clip to the rail.
18 . The solar tracker of claim 15 , further comprising two pairs of clips secured to the rail, wherein each pair of clips is secured to the rail with a plurality of fasteners, and each pair of clips is arranged on the rail to receive a solar module in a portrait configuration, wherein in a portrait configuration a long side of the solar module is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the torque tube.
19 . The solar tracker of claim 18 , wherein the two pairs of clips are secured to the rail to receive two solar modules in portrait.
20 . The solar tracker of claim 19 , wherein each clip includes at two openings formed in a top surface, each opening having an oblong shape, wherein the two openings are configured to receive two solar modules parallel to one another.