Description:DESCRIPTION
Technical Field of the Invention
[001] The present invention related to the field of renewable energy technology, specifically to systems and methods for installing solar panels. More particularly, it pertains to solution for mounting solar panels using adjustable clamping mechanisms within solar panel mounting systems.

Background of the Invention
[002] Solar energy has become a cornerstone of sustainable energy production worldwide, significantly impacting how nations harness renewable resources. The effectiveness of solar panels largely depends on the efficiency of the mounting systems that support them, designed to secure solar panels in place and ensure optimal sunlight capture.

[003] Solar panel mounting systems vary in structure and function, generally supporting solar modules in residential, commercial, or utility-scale installations. These systems maintain the stability of solar panels while maximizing their exposure to sunlight over long periods, despite environmental challenges such as wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations.

[004] In current solar mounting systems, clamping mechanisms are crucial for securing the panels to the mounting framework. Typically made from durable materials like aluminum or stainless steel, these clamps are either fixed or adjustable to withstand harsh conditions. There are two main types of clamps: end clamps, which secure the ends of the solar panel array, and mid clamps, which hold the panels together in the middle. These clamping systems usually require pre-punched holes in the mounting rails, necessitating precise alignment and spacing to match the dimensions and layout of the solar panels.

[005] While existing mounting systems are functional, they have several drawbacks in terms of adaptability and installation efficiency. One major limitation is the need for pre-punched rails, requiring precise and sometimes costly manufacturing processes. This design reduces flexibility in field adjustments and module replacements, as any deviation from the pre-set configurations can lead to significant complications, such as misalignment of the mounting holes.

[006] Moreover, the rigidity of fixed clamping systems prevents accommodation of panels of different sizes or thicknesses without significant modifications to the mounting framework. This limitation is particularly challenging as solar technology evolves rapidly, with new types of solar panels being developed frequently.

[007] The installation process is also hampered by these rigid systems. The need for precise hole punching can delay the mounting process, increase labor costs, and extend the overall project timeline. Furthermore, any errors in the initial setup can necessitate a complete overhaul of the mounting infrastructure, adding further costs and delays.

[008] During the project finalization phase, while the site layout, array size, and tilt angles are typically determined early on, the specific make and dimensions of the solar modules are often not finalized until much later. This delay in finalizing the module specifications necessitates waiting to design the structural components, including the rails, as the punching pattern on the rails must align with the module dimensions. This uncertainty can lead to significant delays in the installation process, as the preparation of the mounting system cannot proceed until the exact module dimensions are known.

[009] The inventor, with a robust background in renewable energy systems, has been deeply involved in the research and development of more efficient solar technologies. Observing the challenges and inefficiencies in existing mounting systems, the inventor has focused on developing a solution that addresses these shortcomings, emphasizing adaptability and installation efficiency of solar panel clamping mechanisms.

[010] The solar power industry is rapidly evolving, demanding more versatile and adaptive technologies. The limitations of current clamping mechanisms have become increasingly apparent, highlighting a critical need for innovation in this area. An adjustable clamping mechanism could dramatically enhance the flexibility of solar installations, allowing for easy integration of panels of varying sizes and specifications without altering the mounting infrastructure.

[011] Such a system would not only reduce installation times but also lower labor and material costs. It would provide a much-needed solution to the industry, facilitating easier updates and expansions of solar installations as new technologies emerge and standards change. Moreover, an adjustable system would significantly decrease the environmental impact associated with re-manufacturing and waste generated from replacing outdated or incompatible mounting components.

[012] In response to these challenges, the inventor has developed a novel adjustable clamping mechanism that eliminates the need for pre-punched rails, offers greater flexibility in module selection, and simplifies the entire process of solar panel installation. This innovation is poised to transform the landscape of solar mounting systems, making solar energy more accessible, cost-effective, and adaptable to a variety of installation environments and technological advancements.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[013] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure, and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[014] The invention presented here, an adjustable clamping system for solar panel mounting, aims to revolutionize the solar power industry by addressing key inefficiencies found in traditional solar panel mounting systems. The primary objective of this invention is to simplify the installation process of solar panels, enhance system flexibility, and reduce the overall project timelines and costs associated with solar installations. This is achieved through the development of a novel clamping mechanism that eliminates the need for pre-punched rails in the mounting framework, thereby offering unprecedented adaptability in accommodating various solar panel sizes and configurations.

[015] The invention involves a comprehensive clamping system designed to securely fasten solar panels to mounting rails or frames without the necessity of punching holes in the rails, which has been a longstanding requirement in traditional systems. By doing away with this need, the invention allows for quicker and more flexible installations. The clamps in this system are specially designed to adjust and secure solar panels of different thicknesses and lengths, providing a versatile solution suitable for various types of solar installations, from small-scale residential projects to large commercial and utility applications.

[016] In practice, the adjustable clamping mechanism includes a series of uniquely designed rail clamps and module clamps. The rail clamps feature a trapezoidal top portion with either a slot for a nut or a drilled and tapped hole for a bolt, facilitating easy and secure attachment to the mounting rails. The module clamps, made from durable materials such as aluminum or stainless steel, are designed to withstand environmental stressors while securely holding the solar panels. These clamps accommodate a tilting feature for pre-assembly, which simplifies the placement and fastening of solar panels during installation.

[017] The applications of this invention extend across various types of solar power installations. It is particularly beneficial in ground-mounted solar farms, roof-top installations on residential and commercial buildings, and even in portable solar setups used in remote locations.

[018] Among the key advantages of this invention is the significantly reduced time and labor required for installing solar panels. Since there is no need for rail punching, the mounting rails can be prepared and assembled more quickly and with less precision in pre-manufacturing, which lowers production costs. The flexibility in module selection facilitated by the adjustable clamps also reduces the constraints during the procurement phase, allowing for a broader selection of solar panels and reducing the need for custom solutions.

[019] Furthermore, the invention enhances the overall durability and reliability of solar installations. By eliminating the fixed and often vulnerable points of attachment required by pre-punched rails, the mounting system is less susceptible to mechanical stress and wear, which can result from environmental factors such as wind and thermal expansion. This adaptability not only improves the longevity of the solar installation but also reduces maintenance costs over its operational life.

[020] Additionally, the invention provides environmental benefits by reducing waste. Traditional systems often require complete replacement of mounting components to accommodate new or different types of solar panels. With the adjustable clamping mechanism, existing installations can be easily adapted to new technologies or expanded without the need to discard still-functional components. This not only conserves resources but also supports the sustainability goals that drive the adoption of solar power in the first place.

[021] In summary, this invention offers a transformative approach to solar panel installation. It simplifies the process, reduces associated costs, and enhances the adaptability and durability of solar power systems. By addressing the limitations of traditional mounting technologies, the adjustable clamping system for solar panel mounting sets a new standard in the industry, promising to accelerate the adoption of solar energy across diverse applications while supporting environmental and economic sustainability objectives. The potential of this invention to impact the solar industry is immense, providing a robust solution that can adapt to the evolving needs of a rapidly growing market.

Brief Summary of the Drawings

[022] The invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with an appended drawing, in which:

[023] Figure 1 (a-c) illustrates the current solar panel installation mechanism wherein each solar panel has to be screwed in by removing the entire clamping mechanism for replacing each solar panel.

[024] Figure 2 (a) illustrates a rail clamp section wherein the rail clamp section has a nut holding socket, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[025] Figure 2 (b) illustrates a rail clamp section wherein the rail clamp section does not have the nut holding socket, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[026] Figure 2 (c) illustrates a rail clamp section for bifacial solar panel wherein the rail clamp section is elevated, and the rail claim section has a nut holding socket, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 (a) illustrates a panel holding section placed on top of the rail clamp section having a nut holding socket, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[027] Figure 3 (b) illustrates a panel holding section placed on top of the rail clamp section wherein the rail clamp section does not have the nut holding socket, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[028] Figure 3 (c) illustrates a panel holding section placed on top of the rail clamp section for bifacial solar panel wherein the rail clamp section is elevated, and the rail claim section has a nut holding socket, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[029] Figure 4 (a) depicts an adjustable clamping apparatus with a clamping section (402) fastened on the rails and a panel holding section (404) fixed or fastened on the clamping section (402) such that a solar panel is placed and secured between the panel holding section (404) and the rail (406).

[030] Figure 4 (b) depicts an adjustable clamping apparatus with an elevated clamping section (412) fastened on the rails and a panel holding section (414) fixed or fastened on the elevated clamping section (412) such that a solar panel is placed and secured between the panel holding section (414) and the top of the elevated clamping section (412).

[031] Figure 5 (a-c) illustrates the mechanism of installing a solar panel (monofacial or bifacial) on the rails using the clamp assemblies, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[032] The example embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the nonlimiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and details in the following description. Description of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The description herein is intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the example embodiments herein can be practices and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the example embodiments herein. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the example embodiments herein. .

[033] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not 25 address all the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.

[034] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth.

[035] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[036] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in the figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

[037] The terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof are meant to encompass listed items and their equivalents, as well as additional items. The terms "a" and "an" do not denote quantity limitations but signify the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Terms like "first," "second," and "third" are used to distinguish elements without implying order, quantity, or importance.

[038] Figure 1 (a) shows the current mechanism of installing solar panels on mounting rails or frames using traditional mounting solutions. The mechanism, due to the use of traditional mounting solutions, is not flexible and is not future proof. In case, any one solar or even all of the solar panels are to be replaced, the process would require using drills and cumbersome efforts to remove the clamps along with the old solar panels. The clamps would have to be redrilled or screwed along with the new solar panels.

[039] Figure 1 (b) and Figure 1 (c) shows a closer view or a zoomed in version of the current mechanism of installing solar panels on mounting rails or frames using traditional mounting solutions.

[040] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, clamping method and mounting system designed for ground-mounted solar panel installations is disclosed. The system addresses the shortcomings by introducing a clamping method that eliminates the need for rail punching, enhances flexibility in module selection, and facilitates easy module replacement.

[041] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the clamping method securely fastens solar panels to mounting rails or frames without the necessity of punching holes in the rails. Specially designed clamps, constructed from durable materials such as aluminum or stainless steel, are utilized to firmly grip the panels, ensuring stability and reliability even in adverse environmental conditions. These clamps feature innovative designs that allow for quick and straightforward installation, minimizing labor requirements and reducing installation time.

[042] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the integrated mounting system optimized for ground-mounted solar installations. The system comprises mounting rails or frames, specialized clamps, and supporting components designed to facilitate seamless panel integration. Unlike conventional systems that rely on pre-punched rails, this mounting system offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing for easy adjustment and customization based on project requirements.

[043] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, ability to accommodate various module sizes and configurations by eliminating the constraints imposed by pre-punched rails, the system allows for greater flexibility in module selection. A wide range of solar panels without having to worry about compatibility issues or retrofitting existing infrastructure. This flexibility not only simplifies the procurement process but also future proofs the installation, enabling easy upgrades or expansions as technology advances.

[044] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system allows for easy module replacement without the need for significant modifications to the existing system. This feature not only reduces downtime and installation costs but also enhances the overall longevity and adaptability of the solar installation.

[045] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elimination for the need of rail punching and offering flexibility in module selection, the invention streamlines the installation process significantly. The timelines are shortened, and installation complexities are reduced, leading to cost savings and improved project efficiency. Moreover, the simplified installation process minimizes the risk of errors and ensures consistent, reliable performance over the system's lifecycle.

[046] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elevated arrangement is ideal for installing bifacial solar modules, which absorb sunlight from both their front and rear surfaces. Elevating these modules to a height of atleast 60 mm allows the underside to capture reflected and diffuse radiation, significantly boosting energy production.

[047] Figure 2 (a) depicts a clamping section (200) of an Adjustable Clamping Apparatus (314). This clamping section (200) forms the base of the Adjustable Clamping Apparatus (314). The clamping section (200), as shown in Figure 1 (a), may be made of a strong and moldable metal or alloy including aluminum, steel or any other metal. The clamping section may also be made using high strength plastic/ceramics. The clamping section (200) has a trapezoidal shape. The trapezoidal clamping section (200) has a pair of parallel sides – the longer side (202) is the base on which the clamping section (200) rests on the rail and the shorter side (206) is the top of the trapezoidal clamping section (200) on which the panel holding section (300) is fixed using a bolt (306). The non-parallel sides (212), also called the lateral sides, provide height and support to the Adjustable Clamping Apparatus (314). The parallel sides (202 and 206) of the clamping section (200) are placed between the rails and the solar panel. The longer side (202) is placed on the rail and has dimensions such that it encapsulates the rail. The longer side (202) has protruding extensions (204) perpendicular to the longer side (202) or are at any other angle to the longer side (202) and has slots or holes for connecting or fastening the clamping section (200) to the rails. A solar panel (monofacial or bi-facial) is placed on top of the shorter side (206) of the clamping section (200). The shorter side (206) of the clamping section (200) has a lower slot (208) for the purpose of connecting or fastening the panel holding section (300) with the shorter side (206) of the clamping section (200). The non-parallel sides (212) of the clamping section (200) provide support to the Adjustable Clamping Apparatus (314). The lower slot (208) may have at least one of a round, elliptical or oblong shape. The clamping section (200) may also have a nut holding socket (210) right under the lower slot (208). The panel holding section (300) has an upper slot (304) which aligns perfectly on top of the lower slot (208). A bolt (306) is used to connect, fix or fasten the panel holding section (300) to the top of the clamping section (200) such that the bolt (306) is inserted through the upper slot (304) and the lower slot (308) and a nut is screwed on the thread of the bolt. The thread section of the bolt is encapsulated by the nut holding section (210) such that the nut can be unscrewed and the bolt (306) can be made loose to allow tilting of the panel holding section (300) for easy replacement of a solar panel. The nut holding section (210) ensures that the nut does not fall in case the nut is completely unscrewed from the bolt.

[048] Figure 2 (b) depicts another embodiment of the clamping section (200) wherein the configuration of the clamping section (200) as mentioned in Para [047] above, does not include the nut holding section (210).

[049] Figure 2 (c) depicts another embodiment of the clamping section (200) to be used in case of a bifacial solar panel. This embodiment caters to a bifacial solar panel and hence has an elevated configuration resulting in elevating the bifacial solar panel at least 60 mm above the rails to ensure that the bottom face of the bifacial solar panel gets sufficient solar energy and leads to higher efficiency of the bifacial solar panel. To ensure that the elevated clamping section (220) elevates the bifacial solar panel securely, the breadth of each side of the elevated clamping section (220) is at least 40 mm. The increase in the breath of the elevated clamping section (220) results in increase of the surface area at the longer side (222), leading to a larger area for the elevated clamping section (220) to rest on the rails, and an increase of the surface area at the shorter side (226), leading to a larger area for the panel holding section (300) to be placed on the elevated clamping section (220). The solar panel is required to be placed on the elevated clamping section (220) as the solar panel cannot rest on the rail due to the elevation.

[050] Figure 3 (a) depicts an Adjustable Clamping Apparatus (314) having a panel holding section (300) placed on top of the clamping section (316). The panel holding section (300) is for holding or fastening a solar module. The panel holding section (300) has a square or rectangular top portion with an upper slot (304) for fastening the panel holding section (300) with the clamping section (316) using a bolt (306). The panel holding section (300) also has a couple of support pillars (308) on the bottom portion. These couple of support pillars (308) have a height sufficient to keep the solar panel fixed between the panel holding section (300) and the rail using the fastening bolt (206). The bolt (306) is fastened or screwed through the upper slot (304) which is on the square or rectangular top portion of the panel holding section (300) and the lower slot (208) which is on top portion of the clamping section (316) fastening or joining or attaching the panel holding section (300) to the clamping section (316) such that a solar module can be fixed, mounted or slid in the space or opening beside the couple of support pillars (308). The thread section of the bolt (306) is encapsulated by the nut holding section (310) such that the nut can be unscrewed and the bolt (306) can be made loose to allow tilting of the panel holding section (300) for easy replacement of a solar panel. The nut holding section (310) ensures that the nut does not fall in case the nut is completely unscrewed from the bolt (306).

[051] Figure 3 (b) depicts another embodiment of the Adjustable Clamping Apparatus (314) having a panel holding section (300) placed on top of the clamping section (316) wherein the configuration of the clamping section (316) is as mentioned in Para [050] above, does not include the nut holding section (310).

[052] Figure 3 (c) depicts another embodiment of the Adjustable Clamping Apparatus (340) to be used in case of a bifacial solar panel. This embodiment caters to a bifacial solar panel and hence has an elevated configuration resulting in elevating the bifacial solar panel is at least 60 mm above the rails to ensure that the bottom face of the bifacial solar panel gets sufficient solar energy and leads to higher efficiency of the bifacial solar panel. The panel holding section (320) is placed on top of the elevated clamping section (328) as mentioned in Para [50] above wherein the breadth of each side of the elevated clamping section (328) is at least 40 mm. The increase in the breath of the elevated clamping section (328) results in increase of the surface area at the longer side (324), leading to a larger area for the elevated clamping section (328) to rest on the rails, and an increase of the surface area at the shorter side (330), leading to a larger area for the panel holding section (320) to be placed on the elevated clamping section (328). The solar panel is required to be placed on the elevated clamping section (328) as the solar panel cannot rest on the rail due to the elevation.

[053] Figure 4 (a) depicts an Adjustable Clamping Apparatus with a clamping section (402) fastened on the rails and a panel holding section (404) fixed or fastened on the clamping section (402) such that a solar panel is placed and secured between the panel holding section (404) and the rail (406).

[054] Figure 4 (b) depicts an Adjustable Clamping Apparatus with an elevated clamping section (412) fastened on the rails and a panel holding section (414) fixed or fastened on the elevated clamping section (412) such that a solar panel is placed and secured between the panel holding section (414) and the top of the elevated clamping section (412).

[055] Figure 5 (a-c) depicts the mechanism of installation of a solar panel (monofacial or bifacial) using Adjustable Clamping Apparatus.

[056] Figure 5 (a) shows that for installing or replacing a solar panel (502), the panel holding section (506) on one of the Adjustable Clamping Apparatus (504) is tilted. This tilting mechanism is obtained by loosening the nut on the bolt such that the bolt has sufficient space to be tilted to any direction by applying a force towards the intended direction. Once the panel holding section (506) is tilted to the intended angle, a solar panel can then be placed or slid into position.

[057] Figure 5 (b) shows the position of the solar panel (512) once it is placed at the intended position. The panel holding section (516) is then returned to its non-tilted orientation.

[058] Figure 5 (c) depicts that once the solar panel (522) is in its intended position, the tilted panel holding section (526) is brought back to its non-tilted orientation and the bolt is fastened by tightening the nut ensuring that the panel holding section (526) secures the solar panel in its position on the rail.

[059] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method for installing solar panels using an adjustable clamping apparatus, comprising the steps of:
a) installing columns, rafters, and bracings at the desired tilt angle;
b) positioning the mounting rails perpendicular to the slope beam with the required spacing between them;
i. In case of a flexible arrangement:
• pre-assembling clamping sections and panel holding sections at the factory;
• positioning the clamping sections on the rails using a module template to avoid any misalignments on the rail;
• using self-drilling/self-tapping screws to secure the clamping sections to the rails;
• tilting the adjacent clamping sections and inserting one end of the solar module;
• positioning the end of the clamping sections on the rail, the module template is then placed on the rail to identify the position of the next clamping sections and the clamp is fixed or fastened using a drilll
• tightening the panel holding section to secure the module in place;
ii. In case of a fixed arrangement:
• pre-assembling clamping sections and panel holding sections at the factory;
• positioning the clamping sections on the rails using a module template to avoid any misalignments on the rail;
• using self-drilling/self-tapping screws to secure the clamping sections to the rails;
• sliding or positioning the solar panel on the rail from bottom to top row;
• tightening the panel holding section to secure the module in place;
iii. In case of an elevated arrangement:
• pre-assembling elevated clamping sections and panel holding sections at the factory
• placing the elevated clamping sections, each elevated to a height of at least 60 mm, on the rails using a module template to avoid any misalignments;
• using self-drilling/self-tapping screws to secure the elevated clamping sections to the rails;
• Sliding or positioning the solar panel module on the elevated clamping section from bottom to top row;
c) ensuring all panel holding sections are tightened and the solar panels are securely fastened to the mounting system;
d) verifying the alignment and positioning of the solar panels and making any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal placement and stability;
e) using bonding pins on the panel holding sections to ensure proper electrical bonding and grounding of the solar modules, enhancing the safety and reliability of the installation.

, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. An adjustable clamping apparatus comprising:
b. a clamping section having a trapezoidal shape with a pair of parallel sides and a pair of non-parallel sides wherein:
i. the longer parallel side forms the base of the clamping section and is configured to rest on a rail, the longer parallel side having protruding extensions with slots or holes for fastening the clamping section to the rail;
ii. the shorter parallel side forms the top of the clamping section and is configured to support a panel holding section, the shorter parallel side having a lower slot for connecting the panel holding section;
iii. the non-parallel sides provide height and support to the clamping section;
c. a panel holding section having an upper slot aligned with the lower slot of the clamping section;
d. a bolt configured to be inserted through the upper slot and the lower slot, and a nut configured to be screwed onto the bolt, the bolt and nut allowing the panel holding section to be fastened to the clamping section;
e. a nut holding socket positioned under the lower slot of the clamping section, the nut holding socket configured to encapsulate the nut and prevent it from falling when unscrewed.
2. The adjustable clamping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamping section is made of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, high strength plastic, and ceramics.
3. The adjustable clamping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower slot of the clamping section is shaped as at least one of round, elliptical, or oblong.
4. The adjustable clamping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an elevated clamping section configured to elevate a bifacial solar panel at least 60 mm above the rails, the elevated clamping section having increased breadth dimensions to provide a larger surface area for resting on the rails and supporting the panel holding section.
5. The adjustable clamping apparatus of claim 4, wherein the elevated clamping section is made of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, high strength plastic, and ceramics.
6. The adjustable clamping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a panel holding section with support pillars configured to hold a solar module between the panel holding section and the rail, the support pillars having a height sufficient to keep the solar panel fixed using the fastening bolt.
7. The adjustable clamping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the panel holding section is configured to be tilted by loosening the nut on the bolt, allowing the panel holding section to be tilted to an intended angle for installing or replacing a solar panel.
8. The adjustable clamping apparatus of claim 7, wherein the panel holding section is returned to its non-tilted orientation after the solar panel is placed in its intended position, and the bolt is fastened by tightening the nut to secure the solar panel in position on the rail.