Andalay Solar (OTCQB: WEST), a leading manufacturer of integrated solar power systems, announced today that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") granted the company a new patent that covers key aspects of its solar system technology in recognition of the unique and proprietary nature of Andalay's core technology.
The new patent (U.S. No. 8,813,460 B2) issued on August 26, 2014 is both seminal and broad, covering the Andalay solar module frames and more particularly its unique integrated mounting system for solar panels. The patented attributes of the integrated solar system include:
Providing for a low profile aesthetically pleasing solar system
A module frame that substitutes for a rail that would otherwise need to have been installed on the roof
Splices that both connect the solar modules as well as provide for mechanical rigidity and electrical grounding
Minimal parts count for the solar installation
Integrated wire management to enable easier and safe installations as well as minimize future electrical issues
"We are proud to have received this patent which recognizes the groundbreaking nature of our technology. Andalay is the first in the residential solar industry to receive a patent for an integrated solar system with an easy to install, rail-less technology that we have seen dramatically reduce parts count by 80% and installation time by 50% over traditional systems," said Steven Chan, CEO of Andalay Solar. "We already have over 100,000 solar panels deployed in solar installations around the world using this technology so we are confident not only that it is a differentiated technology, but also that it has a strong track record of commercial deployment which we intend to continue to grow in the future."
