US 12015376

Patent Summary: US 12,015,376 B2

Title: Lead assembly for connecting solar panel arrays to inverter.

Assignee: Shoals Technologies Group, LLC.

Inventor: Dean Solon.

Filing Date: November 29, 2023.

Issue Date: June 18, 2024.

Abstract:
A lead assembly includes a feeder cable, one or more drop lines, and one or more mold structures. Each drop line includes a drop line connector, the drop line connector configured to be capable of detachable connection to a wire harness having a plurality of branches that are each configured to receive electrical power generated by a corresponding photovoltaic (PV) panel resulting in combined electrical power at the drop line connector. The one or more mold structures are disposed about a region of electrical interconnection between the feeder cable and the one or more drop lines. The one or more mold structures substantially seal the region of electrical interconnection from external environmental conditions. The combined electrical power received at each drop line connector is delivered to the feeder cable at the region of electrical interconnection.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a lead assembly for connecting solar power systems. The assembly consists of a main "feeder cable" and at least two "drop lines" that branch off from it. These drop lines are designed to connect to the wiring harnesses of solar panel arrays. A key feature is a molded structure that is formed over the point where the drop lines connect to the feeder cable, sealing this electrical junction from the environment. A significant aspect of this claim is that the two drop lines extend in opposite directions from each other along the same general path as the feeder cable. This configuration is intended to simplify the wiring of solar arrays by eliminating the need for traditional combiner boxes.

Independent Claim 14: This claim also outlines a lead assembly for solar power applications. It specifies a feeder cable with a particular current rating (30 amps) and a "drop line" with a different diameter. A molded structure seals the connection point between the feeder cable and the drop line. The claim highlights that the entire lead assembly is rated for high voltage (600, 1000, or 1500 VDC). A key characteristic of this claim is that the drop line and the feeder cable run parallel to each other within the sealed connection area, and they exit the molded structure through separate, distinct openings.

Litigation Status:

As of early 2026, US Patent 12,015,376, along with its family member U.S. Patent 12,015,375, is the subject of an unfair imports investigation by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The complaint was brought by Shoals Technologies Group, LLC against Ningbo Voltage Smart Production Company and Voltage, LLC.

On February 5, 2026, the ITC made an initial determination that a violation had occurred. Following this, on February 24, 2026, the ITC issued an Initial Determination on Violation of Section 337, upholding the validity of the patents and finding both direct and indirect infringement. A final determination by the full commission is anticipated by June 2026.

In addition to the ITC investigation, there is a pending lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina where Shoals has asserted this patent against Voltage, LLC. A jury trial in this case is scheduled for August 2026. These legal actions are part of a broader series of intellectual property disputes between Shoals and Voltage concerning solar energy electrical components.