Apparatus for electrically bonding a solar array
View Patent ↗In various representative aspects, an apparatus for securing solar panels to a rail support guide, while facilitating grounding by a common grounding wire. The apparatus is an electrically conductive lay-in-lug fastener, which facilitates multiple rows of solar panels to be electrically bonded to each other. The apparatus includes a lug member for securing the grounding wire. In doing so, the structure for securing the grounding wire is at an acute angle to the frame, enabling a wrench to be used even in space-challenged locations.
1. An apparatus for facilitating the completion of an electrical circuit in a solar panel array having an electrically conductive rail support guide and using a common grounding wire, the apparatus comprising:
a fastener having a frame, the frame having a proximal end and a distal end;
a clamp assembly located at the distal end, the clamp assembly further comprising:
a first member having an enlarged end, the enlarged end comprising at least one raise portion configured to penetrate a surface treatment layer of the rail support guide to contact the electrically conductive portion of the rail support guide for creating a grounding path for the solar panel array, wherein the enlarged end is insertable in a first orientation along a length of the rail support guide and rotatable to a second orientation when the enlarged end engages the rail support guide;
a shank extending from the enlarged end, the shank further comprising a nut end on the opposite end of the enlarged end for securing the fastener to the rail support guide; and
the frame further comprising an opening at the distal end for allowing passage of the shank; and
the frame further comprising a lug member on the proximal end for securing the common grounding wire.
2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the lug member further comprises an opening that is at an acute angle with respect to the rail support guide wherein the lug member further comprises a securing member for passing through the opening for contacting the grounding wire and securing it to the assembly.
3. The assembly of claim 2 , wherein the securing member has a nut end and a shank, the acute angled opening allows the shank to pass through.
4. The assembly of claim 3 , wherein the shank and the opening are compatibly threaded and wherein the nut end can be rotated to connect the grounding wire to the frame.
5. The assembly of claim 4 , wherein the clamp assembly includes a washer between the nut end and the enlarged end.
6. The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the fastener and each of its elements are electrically conductive.
7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the washer further comprises at least one raised portion for penetrating the assembly.
8. The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the common grounding wire is secured to a plurality of lug members that are secured to a corresponding rail support guide that provides an electrical conducting path between the rail support guides.