Tesla patents solar panel connector that twists to link modules
This filing describes a mechanical system for connecting solar panels, or photovoltaic modules, together. It uses a plate with holes and a spacer that can be adjusted, along with two electrical connectors that twist to create a secure electrical link between panels.
In the filing’s own words
The systems and methods of the present disclosure can include an interlock system. The interlock system can include a plate defining a first aperture, a second aperture, and a third aperture, a spacer removably coupled to the plate and extending at least partially through the second aperture, the spacer including a first adjustable tab and a second adjustable tab, the spacer movable through the second aperture via the first adjustable tab and the second adjustable tab, a first electrical connector coupled to the plate and extending at least partially through the first aperture, the first electrical connector configured to rotate to form an electrical connection, and a second electrical connector coupled to the plate and extending at least partially through the third aperture, the second electrical connector configured to rotate to form the electrical connection.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An interlock system for photovoltaic modules, comprising: a plate defining a first aperture, a second aperture, and a third aperture; a spacer removably coupled to the plate and extending at least partially through the second aperture, the spacer comprising a first adjustable tab and a second adjustable tab, the spacer movable through the second aperture via the first adjustable tab and the second adjustable tab; a first electrical connector coupled to the plate and extending at least partially through the first aperture, the first electrical connector configured to rotate to form an electrical connection; and a second electrical connector coupled to the plate and extending at least partially through the third aperture, the second electrical connector configured to rotate to form the electrical connection.
Facts
- Company
- Tesla (Tesla, Inc.)
- Official title
- PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE INTERLOCK SYSTEMS
- Publication number
- US20260312536A1
- Application number
- 19173563
- Filed
- Apr 8, 2025
- Published
- Oct 8, 2026
- Inventors
- 1
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H02S 40/36 Electricity & electronicsH01R 4/26 Electricity & electronicsMore from Tesla in Batteries & energy
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.