US Patent 10432132 Solar mounting system having automatic grounding and associated methods

A solar mounting system includes at least one solar panel with a panel frame and a support structure including at least one elongated support rail configured to support the panel frame of the at least one solar panel. The elongated support rail includes a grounding structure with a raised edge formed from material of the at least one elongated support rail. The raised edge is configured to cut through a protective coating surrounding a conductive material forming the panel frame, thereby grounding the solar panel by providing direct electrical contact between the panel frame and the at least one elongated support rail. This automatic grounding does not require additional grounding equipment or elements to be added to the solar mounting system.