A solar energy collecting module includes a frame that is assembled without using screws. The peripheral frame components are joined together using locking links and one or more ribs extend along the back side of the solar panel and are coupled to opposed sides of the frame. The ribs are coupled to the frames by an edge key fastener that includes opposed first flanges and opposed second flanges, the first flanges separated from the second flanges by a gap. The edge key fastener is inserted into an opening formed in a side wall of a frame component and rotated such that the opposed first flanges are disposed behind the side wall and within the frame and the opposed second flanges are received in a corresponding cavity formed in each of opposed ends of the rib.