ROW-TO-ROW BONDING JUMPER
An electrically conductive bond jumper connects two solar modules, and is affixed to the solar modules with u-shaped spring grips on each end. The spring grips have sharp pointed teeth to penetrate coatings on the solar modules and enhance the electrical connection between the solar modules.
1 . A bond jumper, for providing an electrical bond path between two solar modules, the bond jumper comprising:
a first u-shaped spring grip comprising at least:
a first planar member comprising at least:
a first sharp tooth; and
a first lip;
a second planar member;
a first curved member connecting the first planar member and the second planar member;
a second u-shaped spring grip; and
a body connecting the first u-shaped spring grip and the second u-shaped spring grip.
2 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein the second planar member further comprises at least:
a second sharp tooth;
a third sharp tooth; and
a second lip.
3 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein the first curved member further comprises at least a relief cut between the first planar member and the second planar member.
4 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein the second u-shaped spring grip further comprises at least a third planar member, a fourth planar member, and a second curved member connecting the third planar member and the fourth planar member.
5 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein the first sharp tooth is configured to pierce a coating on one of the two solar modules when the bond jumper is attached to one of the two solar modules.
6 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein the first sharp tooth protrudes from a central region of the first planar member.
7 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein the first lip guides the first u-shaped spring grip onto one of the two solar modules.
8 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein the body is s-shaped.
9 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein the body is straight.
10 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein the bond jumper is a substantially uniform thickness conductive material.
11 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein the bond jumper is a made of aluminum or stainless steel.
12 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein the bond jumper is formed using a progressive die.
13 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , further comprising a certification mark on at least one side of the body.
14 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein the first u-shaped spring grip and the second u-shaped spring grip are on a same side of the body.
15 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein a distance between the first sharp tooth and a second sharp tooth on the first planar member is less than a thickness of a solar module frame flange.
16 . The bond jumper of claim 1 , wherein a clamping force between the first sharp tooth and a second sharp tooth on the first planar member is sufficient to pierce a coating on a solar module frame flange.
17 . A method for installing a bond jumper, comprising:
aligning a first u-shaped spring grip of the bond jumper on a first solar module frame flange;
aligning a second u-shaped spring grip of the bond jumper on a second solar module frame flange; and
simultaneously pressing the first u-shaped spring grip and the second u-shaped spring grip onto the first and second solar module frame flanges.
18 . A method for installing a bond jumper, comprising:
aligning a first u-shaped spring grip of the bond jumper on a first solar module frame flange;
pressing the first u-shaped spring grip onto the first solar module frame flange;
aligning a second u-shaped spring grip of the bond jumper on a second solar module frame flange; and
pressing the second u-shaped spring grip onto the second solar module frame flange.