Patent attributes
A clamping apparatus secures a photovoltaic module to a rail. The clamping apparatus includes a bolt extending between a first end and a second end of the bolt. The clamping apparatus includes a clamp defining a bolt opening into which the bolt is received and a support structure. The support structure positions the clamp at a first location on the bolt. The first location is a first distance from a top rail surface plane within which a top surface of the rail lies. The support structure is adjustable to position the clamp at a second location on the bolt. The second location is a second distance from the top rail surface plane. The first distance is different than the second distance. The support structure has a support structure thickness corresponding to a third distance that is less than the first distance and less than the second distance.