EP3230658A1 - Système de montage photovoltaïque pour toits en tuiles - Google Patents

Système de montage photovoltaïque pour toits en tuiles

Info

Publication number
EP3230658A1
EP3230658A1 EP15819945.5A EP15819945A EP3230658A1 EP 3230658 A1 EP3230658 A1 EP 3230658A1 EP 15819945 A EP15819945 A EP 15819945A EP 3230658 A1 EP3230658 A1 EP 3230658A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flashing
roof
tile
connector
mounting bracket
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15819945.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Emil Johansen
Martin Seery
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SolarCity Corp
Original Assignee
SolarCity Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/855,273 external-priority patent/US9806668B2/en
Application filed by SolarCity Corp filed Critical SolarCity Corp
Publication of EP3230658A1 publication Critical patent/EP3230658A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
    • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
    • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
    • H02S20/25—Roof tile elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/63—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements
    • F24S25/634—Clamps; Clips
    • F24S25/636—Clamps; Clips clamping by screw-threaded elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/30—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the supporting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/61—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures
    • F24S25/613—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures in the form of bent strips or assemblies of strips; Hook-like connectors; Connectors to be mounted between building-covering elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2025/80—Special profiles
    • F24S2025/807—Special profiles having undercut grooves
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

  • the instant invention relates generally to photovoltaic mounting systems (“PV” or “solar”) and in particular to PV mounting systems for tiled roofs.
  • PV photovoltaic mounting systems
  • Solar systems have relatively few components. The primary ones are the panels, mounting system, inverters, electrical interfaces to existing grid power, and the labor involved installation. Therefore, a reduction in any one of these will have a measurable impact on the cost per watt of solar. Solar mounting systems in particular effect not only hard costs associated with solar system, but also potentially soft costs such as labor, crew size and installation times.
  • Tile roofs present a unique challenge for installing photovoltaic panels as compared to shingled or composite shingle roofs, primarily because tiles are neither flat nor flexible. Also, they typically must be moved out of the way or completely removed to attach the requisite mounting hardware to the underlying roof or roof rafter to support a solar array, whereas composite shingles can simply be drilled through. Therefore, known solutions for mounting PV panels onto tiled roofs are often relatively more expensive as well as more time consuming compared to the systems used to install solar panels on shingle roofs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Figure 1 illustrates components of a photovoltaic mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of a section of curved tile roof with a tile moved to accommodate a photovoltaic mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3A is a perspective view of a section of curved tile roof including a mounting bracket for a photovoltaic mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3B is a perspective view of another mounting bracket for a photovoltaic mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of a section of curved tile roof including a flashing support member for a photovoltaic mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of a section of curved tile roof including a flashing member for a photovoltaic mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 6 is another perspective view of the flashing member of Figure 5.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of a section of curved tile roof including a mounting adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 8A is a perspective view of a section of curved tile roof including a top arm and photovoltaic module coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 8B is a close-up perspective view of the photovoltaic mounting system shown in Figure 8A.
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic module installed on a section of curved tile roof with a photovoltaic mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 10 is a close-up perspective view of an alternative photovoltaic mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 11 illustrates components of a photovoltaic mounting system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views of a section of roof illustrating two steps of a method of installing the photovoltaic mounting system according to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 11 on a curved tile roof.
  • Figures 14 and 15 are perspective views of a section of curved tile roof including a flashing support member and flashing member respectively for the photovoltaic mounting system according to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 11.
  • Figures 16 and 17 are perspective views of a section of curved tile roof including a flashing boot for the photovoltaic mounting system according to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 11.
  • Figures 18 and 19 are perspective views of a section of curved tile roof including a top rail and photovoltaic module coupling device respectively for the photovoltaic mounting system according to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 11.
  • Figure 20 is a perspective view of a section of curved tile roof including a photovoltaic module mounted using a photovoltaic mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 21 is a perspective view of a section of curved tile roof including a photovoltaic module mounted using a photovoltaic mounting system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 22, 23, and 24 are perspective views of a section of flat tile roof including components of a photovoltaic mounting system according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 25 is a perspective view of a section of curved tile roof including a tile hook for a photovoltaic mounting system according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 26 is a perspective view of a section of curved tile roof including photovoltaic mounting system with a full replacement tile flashing according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 27 is a perspective view of a section of curved tile roof including photovoltaic mounting system with a partial replacement tile flashing according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 28 is a perspective view of a section of curved tile roof including photovoltaic mounting system with a full replacement tile flashing according to other embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 29 is a perspective view of a section of flat tile roof including photovoltaic mounting system with a full replacement tile flashing according to other embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 30 is a perspective view of a section of wave tile roof including a photovoltaic mounting system with a full replacement tile flashing according to other embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 31 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic mounting system for tile roofs according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 32 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic mounting system for tile roofs according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 33 and 34 are perspective views of components of the exemplary photovoltaic mounting system of Figure 32.
  • Figures 35 and 36 are exploded perspective views of portions of components of the exemplary photovoltaic mounting system of Figure 32.
  • Figure 37 is a perspective view of a section of rail supporting two photovoltaic module coupling devices with the photovoltaic mounting systems illustrated in Figure 32.
  • Figure 38 is a perspective view of a section of curved tile roof including the photovoltaic mounting system of Figure 32. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • Figure 1 shows the components of a photovoltaic mounting system according to various embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figure 1, these components include mounting bracket 100, flashing support 110, and flexible flashing 120. As will be shown in greater detail herein, these three components alone are sufficient to provide a mounting structure on which PV mounting systems can be attached to support a commercial or residential PV array. Additional system components depicted in Figure 1 include bracket adapter 130, top arm assembly 140 with integral connector 141, rail bracket assembly 150 with integral connector 153, and connecting rail 160. In various embodiments, combinations of the elements depicted in Figure 1 are used to securely and quickly attach photovoltaic panels into a complete array over an existing tile roof.
  • this Figure illustrates conventional tile roof 200 comprising individual tiles 201 installed on a plywood or composite roof deck 210 supported by one or more roof rafters 211.
  • individuals tiles 201 overlap one another in both the horizontal and vertical directions (i.e., across roof and up roof) as is well known in the roofing arts.
  • roof surface 210 is frequently covered with tarpaper and/or other vapor/moisture blocking material to further weatherproof and insulate roof surface 210 and the structure beneath it from the elements.
  • this material would be visible in gap 202 created by sliding tile 201A up-roof.
  • a horizontal roof batten may be seen when sliding tile 201A up-roof.
  • Figure 2 when tile 201A is in its normal position, it covers a portion of down-roof tile 201B so that water running down the roof will continue down to the gutter rather than flowing under the roof tiles.
  • tile 201A has been partially slid in the up-roof direction relative to tile 201B to expose opening 202. In various embodiments, this may be the first step in installing the photovoltaic mounting system shown in Figure 1.
  • FIG. 3A shows roof 200 depicted in Figure 2, with an exemplary mounting bracket such as L-bracket 100 installed in opening 202 created by sliding tile 201A up and under the adjacent up-roof tile.
  • Figure 3B is a close-up perspective view of L- bracket 100.
  • Bracket 100 is installed so that base portion 101 faces the roof deck, preferably, though not necessarily, over a roof rafter so that the screws or lag bolt(s) holding down bracket 100 are solidly anchored.
  • bracket 100 may be installed so that the long part of the L, vertical portion 103, points upwards (i.e., away from roof surface) and the wide part runs North-South (i.e., up and down the roof).
  • L-bracket 100 includes base portion 101 with one or more integral mounting holes 102 that allow a lag bolt, screw or other mechanical fastener to pass through so that base portion 101 can be rigidly attached to underlying roof surface 210.
  • L-bracket 100 will be attached to roof surface 210 under a tile that is above one of roof rafters 211 to provide additional resistance to pull out.
  • L-bracket 100 may include vertical portion 103 that terminates in flange 104 that includes one or more attachment holes 105 for attaching other PV panel mounting hardware to secure a photovoltaic panel above the tile roof.
  • bracket 100 in Figure 3B has uniform flange 104, that is, it is not tapered. Dotted lines have been added to Figure 3B to show where material at areas 106B may be removed to taper flange 104. It should be appreciated that the L-brackets of Figures 3A and 3B are exemplary only. Various embodiments of the invention may utilize brackets having other shapes without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
  • top or roof-facing portion of vertical portion 103 may not be notched on both sides of opening 105 as shown in Figure 3B.
  • flange 104 may be bent perpendicular to vertical portion 103 to be parallel to base portion 102 depending on the desired attachment mechanism for subsequent elements of the PV mounting system.
  • FIG 4 illustrates roof 200 of Figures 2 and 3A including flashing support 110 placed in opening 202 created by partially sliding tile 201A up-roof under the next row of tiles.
  • Flashing support 110 is shown in greater detail in Figure 1.
  • flashing support 110 may be formed of semi-rigid foam or foam-like material and shaped to fit the various contours of the underside of tile 101A as well as portions of one or more surrounding tiles.
  • flashing support 110 may be formed out of another suitable lightweight, durable material that is soft enough to be punctured by L-bracket 100 but rigid enough to generally hold its shape.
  • flashing support 110 is installed into opening 202 by pushing it down over mounting bracket 100 so that mounting bracket flange 104 punches through the bottom surface of flashing support 110 and allows flashing support 110 to slide down until it is flush with roof surface 210 at the bottom of opening 202.
  • flashing support 110 will be pre-formed to substantially match the curvature of the underside of tile 201A that it is displacing.
  • flashing support 110 may be made of a malleable material to allow it to be deformed into the curvature of the underside of tile 201A.
  • flashing material 120 is composed of a flexible material such as rubber, silicone rubber, or other waterproof, rubberized material. In other embodiments, it may be rigid. In various embodiments, flashing material 120 is sufficiently supple to allow it to conform to the curvature of flashing support 110 and the down-roof and up-roof tiles with respect to opening 202.
  • flashing material 120 may be laminated or include one or more supple horizontal metal strips, for example along the up-roof and down-roof edges that assist in holding flashing 120 in the shape dictated by flashing support 110 and curvature of the surrounding tiles.
  • flashing 120 may also laminate one or more rigid metal rods that are oriented in the vertical direction to prevent flashing 120 from caving in or developing low spots that would allow water to stand, thereby providing rigidity in the Y direction (line going from roof ridge to gutter), while allowing it to be bendable in the X direction (line going from left side of roof to right side of roof) and able to accommodate variations in Z direction (normal to roof surface) elevation along the curve of adjacent tiles.
  • flashing 120 be large enough to allow it to extend under a portion of up-roof tile 201A, over a portion of down-roof tile 201B, under the left-side tile (convex) and over the right side tile (concave) so that water falling directly on flashing 120 or running down the roof over flashing 120 continues it’s downward, gravity-guided path without leaking under flashing 120 to roof surface 210.
  • Flashing 120 depicted in Figures 1 and 5 is shown with an aperture that allows it to be slid over mounting bracket 100 there by creating an upward tapered, water-tight seal around bracket 100 to prevent the ingress of water under normal atmospheric conditions.
  • the aperture may comprise a boot- like raised portion with one or more stepped ridges that allow flashing 120 to accommodate different bracket locations within opening 202,while still covering the entire opening, and without unduly stretching the aperture, thereby compromising its ability to make a watertight seal around the mounting bracket 100.
  • the aperture enables flashing 120 to be used regardless of whether the bracket protrudes from the concave (lower) or convex (higher) portion of the tile pattern by simply rotating it 180 degrees.
  • Other embodiments may include one or more punch- outs or other similar structures that can be punched out, cut out, or pierced to allow flashing 120 to fit over the mounting bracket 100 regardless of its location relative to the surrounding tiles.
  • the shape and size of the aperture will be dictated to at least some extent by the size and shape of mounting bracket 100.
  • flashing 120 may be roll formed in a continuous manufacturing process. In other embodiments, flashing 120 may be cut from large sheets, or even individually formed.
  • Figure 6 shows roof 200 depicted in the previous Figures wherein tile 101A is partially returned to its original position until it rests against mounting bracket 100, covering the top portion of flashing 120, as well as, in some embodiments, a portion of flashing support 110, thereby reducing and ideally minimizing the displacement of tiles resulting from the PV mounting system according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • This combination of bracket 100, flashing support 110, and flashing 120 may be considered an entire base assembly for attaching further PV mounting components.
  • Figure 7 illustrates the assembly shown in Figure 6 with bracket adapter 130 attached to flange 104 of mounting bracket 100 according to at least one
  • bracket adapter 130 may take the circular, puck-like shape depicted in Figure 7. In various other embodiments, bracket adapter 130 may take the shape of a bolt head, or other suitable shape that allows it to be mated with a rail or other structure. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, adapter 130 includes a threaded top opening that allows a slotted arm or other structure for making adjustments to the location of a PV panel connector in the X direction, Y direction or both directions to be attached to adapter 130 with a restraining bolt or other threaded fastener.
  • adapter 130 has a pair of vertical flanges with an opening in each flange, thereby enabling the flanges to fit over and around either side of flange 104 of mounting bracket 100 and be bolted thereto with a standard nut and bolt.
  • Figure 8A depicts roof 200 shown in the preceding Figures with top arm 140 with integral PV module connector 141 according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • top arm 140 includes two attachment slots in the top surface that allow module connector 141 to be moved closer to or further away from adapter 130 and then fixed in a particular position.
  • top arm 140 is fixed to adapter 130 using a screw protruding down through one of the slots into the threaded opening in the top of adapter 130.
  • top arm 140 to be rotated 360 degrees with respect to adapter 130, and by extension enables connector 141 to be moved anywhere within a circle having a radius substantially equivalent to the length of top arm 140.
  • module connector 141 may be a rock-it style connector such as that shown in Figure 8B with short key side 142 and relatively longer tongue side 143 for interconnecting opposite-facing frames of two PV modules.
  • a coupling device is described and illustrated, for example, in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application No.14/615,320, Publication No. 2015/0155823-A1, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • connector 141 may be a clamping connector, gripping connector or other suitable module frame connector capable of detachably connecting the frames of two opposite facing PV modules.
  • FIG. 9 depicts PV panel 300 connected to a pair of module connectors 141 attached to pair of respective top arms 140, which in turn are connected to pair of respective mounting brackets 100 via pair of adapters 130, all according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • PV module 300 is depicted as having a groove in the outward facing side of the frame that enables the frame to be mated with a rock-it style connector such as connector 141.
  • the frame of PV panel 300 may be smooth or groove-less and connector 141 may clamp down on, grab, or otherwise detachably restrain PV module 300, either directly, or through other intervening hardware as shown in the exemplary embodiments depicted herein.
  • Figure 10 depicts an alternative assembly including rail bracket 150 with rock-it connector 153 for use with section of cantilever rail 160.
  • section of cantilever 160 is connected directly to the mounting bracket 100 via a T-bolt and nut (not shown) or other suitable fastener that passes through the hole 105 in the flange 104 of the mounting bracket 100.
  • rail 160 may include lower channel 161 that spans the entire length of rail 160 and that is sized to receive and retain the head of a T-bolt, allowing cantilever rail 160 to be slid in the Y direction (perpendicular to direction of opening 105) as necessary to achieve the desired positioning of connector 151 with respect to one or more PV modules before being tightened into place on bracket 100 with a nut (not shown).
  • rail 160 may include a pair of opposite facing upper channels 162A, 16B spanning the entire length of rail 161 and also open at each end for mounting a PV module connector.
  • rail bracket 150 may be connected to one of grooves 162A, 162B using T-bolt 151 and nut 152.
  • Bracket 150 may include a pair of C-shaped openings on either side that enable bracket 150 to be attached to rail 160 using one or more T- bolts or other attaching mechanism.
  • the head of such a T-bolt may be slid into either end of either of upper channels 161A, 161B until it engages one of the C-shaped openings of rail bracket 150.
  • Nut 152 may then be attached to bolt 151 to hold rail bracket 150 at the desired location along rail 160.
  • rail bracket 150 may include an integral rock-it type module connector 153 for securing one or more PV modules to mounting bracket 100 through connector 153, bracket 150, rail 160, and L-bracket 100. It should be appreciated, however, that as with the exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 8A and 8B, other types of PV module connectors such as clamping connectors, grabbing connectors or other suitable connectors may be utilized with rail bracket 150 according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • a tile is located that is over a roof rafter or otherwise at a desired mounting point, such as tile 201A. That tile is slid up-roof to expose roof surface 210 at opening 202.
  • a mounting bracket such as L-bracket 100 is then installed through the roof surface 210 in opening 202 by pre-drilling one or more pilot holes and screwing in two or more lag bolts and/or screws into the pilot holes via holes 102 in the base of mounting bracket 100.
  • flashing support 100 is pressed down over upward facing flange 104 of mounting bracket 100 so that the orientation of the curve of flashing support 110 matches the curve of roof tile 201A and so that when tile 201A is slid back down-roof, its contours match that of flashing support 110 and so that it is not obstructed by flashing support 110.
  • flexible flashing material 120 is also slid over flange 104 to cover flashing support 110 and to completely cover opening 202.
  • flashing 120 has at least one integral aperture surrounded by a boot to maximize positional flexibility with respect to mounting bracket 100. Flashing 120 may be tucked under the down-roof facing portion of tile 201A, over up-roof facing portion of tile 201B, and under the right edge of the tile to the left of opening 202 and over the lip of left edge of the tile to the right opening of opening 202 so that opening 202 is completely covered by flashing 120. Then, up-roof tile 201A is allowed to slide back down-roof until it partially covers flashing 120 and rests against mounting bracket 100, thereby providing a completed weatherproof attachment assembly for attaching additional PV module mounting hardware.
  • the next step will be to attach an adapter such as adapter 130 to flange 104 of mounting bracket 100 by inserting bolt 131 through adapter 130 and flange opening 105 and securing bolt 131 with a nut.
  • top arm 140 with integrated PV module connector 141 is secured to adapter 140 using threaded bolt 144 that fits through a slot in the top-facing surface of arm 140 and engages threads inside an opening in the top of adapter 130 to secure top arm 140 and connector 141 at the desired location relative to adapter 130.
  • photovoltaic panel 300 can be secured to connector 141 via its frame, thereby holding panel 300 in a suspended plane above tile roof 200.
  • the next step after allowing tile 201A to slide back down-roof to rest against mounting bracket 100 will be to attach a section of cantilever rail 160 to flange 104 of the mounting bracket by inserting a T-bolt into a lower channel 161 of cantilever rail 160 and passing the threaded end of the bolt through opening 105 in flange 104 before securing it with a nut.
  • Rail 160 may be slid relative to mounting bracket 100 along the direction defined by the channel before the nut tightened down.
  • one or more rail brackets 150 with integrated connector 153 are attached to either upper channel 162A, 162B at the desired location using T-bolt 151 and corresponding nut 152 to hold rail bracket 150 and connector 153 at the desired location with respect to mounting bracket 100.
  • a PV module may then be attached to connector 153 as depicted in Figure 9 to create a PV array.
  • panel 300 of Figure 9 is depicted as having a grooved frame
  • various embodiments of the invention may be adapted to work with panels that do not have grooved frames by replacing connectors 141,153 with clamping frame connectors, gripping connectors or other suitable connectors.
  • FIG. 11-21 illustrate a PV mounting system for tile roofs according to other embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG 11 shows components of an alternative mounting system to that depicted in Figure 1.
  • the system includes mounting bracket 400, flashing support member 410, flashing portion 420, flashing boot 430, and top arm 440.
  • Top arm 440 includes top arm mounting bracket 443 and sliding channel mount 445.
  • the system also includes foot 450 with PV module connector 460 and foot lag screw 455 that engages with sliding channel mount 445.
  • the system may also include cantilever rail 470 for applications where cantilevering is required. In such applications, the cantilever rail 470 may be used in place of top arm 440.
  • FIG 12 depicts tiled roof 500 that includes tiles 501 installed over roof deck 600.
  • the tiles may be clay tiles, ceramic tiles, cement tiles, or tiles made of other rigid material.
  • one tile such as tile 501A, will be slid upwards under the tile above it to reveal roof deck 600 for purposes of attaching PV mounting hardware.
  • tile 501A may be completely removed, leaving a gap up-roof from tile 501B.
  • tiles 500 of Figure 12 are S-type tiles, it should be appreciated that the various systems and methods disclosed herein would work with tiles having a different profile, or even flat tiles.
  • Figure 13 shows the next step in utilizing the PV mounting system according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • mounting bracket 400 has been attached to roof deck 600.
  • mounting bracket 400 is attached at a point that allows its attaching lag screws to penetrate into a roof rafter and not just into roof deck 600 to provide greater stability to the system and to resistance to high winds.
  • mounting bracket 400 points up, normal to the roof surface, so that a PV array supported by mounting bracket 400 will be in a parallel plane to and at substantially the same slope as roof deck 600.
  • mounting bracket 400 is shown with a pair of recesses for receiving two mounting screws, it should be appreciated that the mounting bracket may have a single recess, one or more holes, or other feature(s) for facilitating attachment of subsequent components.
  • mounting bracket 100 shown in Figures 3A and 3B has only single hole 105 and pair of notches 106A and 106B.
  • flashing support 410 has been placed on roof deck 600. Unlike flashing support 110 depicted in Figures 1 and 4, flashing support 410 has a series of vertical slits precut all the way through on the down-roof side of flashing support 410, like a comb, to enable mounting bracket 400 to pass through at numerous different locations along the East-West direction, without the need to tear or alter flashing support 410.
  • flashing support 410 will be pre-formed with a curvature that mimics the curvature of the tiles (e.g., S-curve, wave tile, square tile, etc.). In various other embodiments, flashing support 410 will simply conform to the shape of the flashing and/or tile once it is loaded with weight, such as the weight of tile 501A.
  • FIG 15 illustrates tile array 500 after flashing 420 has been installed over flashing support 410.
  • flashing 420 may be made out of a malleable metal such as tin.
  • flashing 420 may be rigid and pre-formed to mimic the curvature of the surrounding tiles 501.
  • flashing 420 may be formed of a rubberized material that is either pre-formed or conforms to the curvature of the surrounding tiles 501.
  • flashing 420 is per-formed with an opening that is dimensioned to allow it to be installed unimpeded over mounting bracket 400 so that mounting bracket 400 protrudes through the opening and flashing 420 is allowed to slide down mounting bracket 400 until rests on flashing support 410.
  • flashing 420 may have enough material on either side to compensate for different locations of the mounting bracket 400 with respect to roof deck 600 in the East-West direction. Extra material may simply be compressed to fit within opening to roof deck 600 or may be cut with a razor knife or other tool.
  • flashing boot 430 has been slid over the distal end of mounting bracket 400 until it contacts the upward facing surface of flashing 420, thereby creating a weatherproof seal to prevent the ingress of water into the space above roof deck 600.
  • flashing boot 430 will include a rubberized or otherwise semi-flexible material formed around a slit that is dimensioned to fit over mounting bracket 400 when stretched, but rigid enough to create a seal around it.
  • flashing boot 430 may include an adhesive material on the underside to further seal it to flashing 420 and cover up the hole formed in that component. Alternatively, adhesive may be applied on flashing 420 around the opening, or to the underside of flashing boot 430, or both, to facilitate a weatherproof seal between these components.
  • flashing boot 430 may include an upward- tapered base that supports the opening so that after boot 430 is installed over mounting bracket 400, all surfaces will tend to divert water away from boot 430, thereby preventing pooling of water, which could enhance or speed-up the degradation of boot 430 over time and potentially allow water to reach the roof.
  • up-roof tile 501A is allowed to return to its normal position until it comes to rest against mounting bracket 400. It should be appreciated that in embodiments where flashing 420 covers the entire opening created by the removal of tile 501A, up-roof tile 501A will simply be removed. In such embodiments, flashing 420 will be dimensioned large enough to permit it to slide partially under the next up-roof tile in the array 500 while still completely covering the opening created by removing tile 501A, thereby preventing the ingress of water to roof deck 600.
  • FIG. 18 shows the next step in installing the PV mounting system according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • top arm 440 has been attached to mounting bracket 400 via reciprocal top arm mounting bracket 443.
  • two bolts engage two openings formed in the top of mounting bracket 400, although it should be appreciated that other means of interconnection are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
  • Figures 1, 7, 8A, and 8B show an alternative upper arm 140 and mechanism for attachment to mounting bracket 100. Such variations will appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art to be within the scope of the invention.
  • Reciprocal mounting bracket 443 allows top arm 440 to be moved up or down the roof, in the North-South direction, as necessary to provide the required support for one or more photovoltaic panels making up the PV array. It should be appreciated that instead of top-arm 440, section of cantilever rail 470 may be attached to mounting bracket 440 using the same type of reciprocal mounting bracket. This may be particularly useful in the first row of an array (lowest on the roof) or top-most row so that the array can be cantilevered over a section of the roof where a mounting bracket could not be attached, such as, for example, at the eave or at the ridge where the tiles are often attached with mortar. Ultimately, this may allow a larger array to be installed on the tile roof.
  • Top arm 440 may also include sliding channel mount 445 that receives a threaded end of leveling foot support screw 455 used to attach a leveling foot such as foot 450 to the top arm 440.
  • a T-bolt may be used in channel 470 formed in the top of arm 440.
  • Leveling foot 440 may terminate in a rock-it type connector such as rock-it 460 shown in Figure 19.
  • connector 460 may be used to attach one PV module, a pair of PV modules, and/or a PV module and a section of array skirt.
  • connector 460 may have a rotatable member that is accessible from above, (i.e., looking down) even after a PV module has been attached to connector 460 so that the height of the module with respect to the roof may be adjusted. In various embodiments, rotation of this rotatable member will cause connector 460 to raise or lower with respect to the top arm 440, thereby raising and/or lowering the PV module with respect to the roof deck.
  • Figure 20 shows connector 460 attached to a groove of PV module 300. It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the invention may be usable with non-grooved modules by employing a different type of connector than connector 460. For example, a clamping connector may be used to hold the module frame. Such variations are within the spirit and scope of the invention.
  • connector 460 is supported by a section of cantilever rail 470.
  • Figure 21 is another perspective view of PV module 300 attached to roof deck 600 via a tile mounting system according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment of the invention particularly adapted for use with flat roof tiles.
  • tile 701A is pushed upward under the tiles in the up-roof row to reveal roof deck 800.
  • Mounting bracket 402 is attached to roof deck 800 and flashing support 415 is pushed down over the mounting bracket 402 until it rests on the roof deck.
  • the flashing support 415 may be flat to mimic the flat shape of the roof, but still includes a plurality of slits to accommodate different positions of mounting bracket 402 from left to right of roof deck 600.
  • flashing 425 is installed over flashing support 415. Flashing 425 shown in Figure 23 is substantially flat but includes reciprocal tongue-and-groove shapes on either end to match ends of the tiles on either side in the East-West directions.
  • flashing boot 435 is shown installed over the distal end of mounting bracket 402, resting on top of flashing 425 thereby creating a weatherproof seal to prevent the ingress of water into the space above roof deck 600.
  • flashing boot 435 will include a rubberized or otherwise semi-flexible material formed around a slit that is dimensioned to fit over mounting bracket 400 when stretched but rigid enough to create a seal around it.
  • flashing boot 435 may include an adhesive material on the underside to further seal it to flashing 425 and cover up the hole formed in that component.
  • adhesive may be applied on flashing 425 around mounting bracket 402, or to the underside of flashing boot 435, or both, to facilitate a weatherproof seal between these components.
  • flashing boot 435 may preferable include an upward- tapered base that supports the opening so that after boot 435 is installed over mounting bracket 402, all surfaces will tend to divert water away from boot 435, thereby preventing pooling, which could enhance or speed-up the degradation of boot 435 over time.
  • FIGS 25-30 depict a system for mounting photovoltaic panels on a tile roof according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • the system shown in Figures 25-30 shares various features and benefits of the systems shown in the other preceding Figures, it differs in that the mounting bracket depicted in those preceding embodiments has been replaced with a tile hook.
  • FIG. 25 depicts tile array 900 installed over roof deck 1000.
  • Tile array 900 of Figure 25 is comprised of wave-shaped tiles (a softer curve than s-shaped tile).
  • the tile located at the desired location of hook 405 has been removed.
  • the tile may instead be slid upwards under the next up-roof row of tiles as in other embodiments.
  • hook 405 comprises an S-hook with a plurality of holes in the base for attaching it to roof deck 1000.
  • it is attached at location that permits the lag screws holding the hook base to the roof to penetrate a roof rafter under roof deck 1000.
  • hook 405 may include a pair of holes at the distal end for attaching additional PV mounting components. It should appreciated that the hook may include a different shape at the distal end for attaching additional components, such as the various mounting brackets 400, 402 illustrated in the prior figures.
  • flashing 1100 adapted to work with tile hook 405.
  • flashing 1100 is more rigid and therefore does not require a flashing support to maintain its shape or provide structural support.
  • flashing 1100 is essentially a replacement tile or a partial replacement tile.
  • flashing 1100 may be curved to mimic the curve of surrounding tile array 900, however, flashing 1100 may take on other shapes for use with other tile types.
  • Flashing 1100 may include raised opening 1101 that is adapted to fit over tile hook 405 when flashing 1100 is secured within the tile array.
  • flashing 1100 may include a ridge on one side and a channel on the other for mating with adjacent tiles on either side of flashing 1100 in the East-West direction.
  • Figure 26 also illustrates plug 1120 made of foam or other suitable material for closing the opening in flashing 1100 where hook 405 protrudes.
  • plug 1120 may have a series of vertical slits that are adapted to fit over hook 405 when it is installed in the opening.
  • Plug 1120 may also fit under flashing 1100 and contact roof deck 1000 to make plug 1120 more resistant to falling out of raised opening 1101.
  • an installer may simply cut a slit in plug 1120 at the location of hook 405 to allow plug 1120 to achieve a snug fit, thereby discouraging bugs, pests and debris from entering the opening.
  • Figure 27 illustrates a substantially identical mounting system as shown in Figure 26, but instead of a full replacement tile, flashing 1100 is only a partial replacement tile.
  • this tile instead of removing up-roof tile 901B, this tile has merely been slid up to allow installation of hook 405 and flashing 1100, before returning it to is normal position, resting against raised opening 1101 of flashing 1100.
  • FIG 28 shows alternative flashing 1105 that includes two openings 1106 and 1107 that enable tile hook 405 to be installed on either the valley or peak side of flashing 1105.
  • both openings will be closed with plugs 1120, or optionally a one-piece plug having two portions will be used.
  • Flashing 1105 may provide greater flexibility in locating the position of S-hook 405 with respect to the underlying roof rafters on either the peak or valley side of a curved tile. In some situations, it may not be possible to locate tile hook 405 on the valley side of flashing 1105 and still be able to engage the roof rafter with the mounting screws in the base of tile hook 405.
  • flashing 1110 is adapted to work with square tiles such as tile array 1200.
  • flashing 1110 functions as a replacement tile.
  • flashing 1110 comprises single opening 1111 spanning substantially the entire width of flashing 1110 and therefore, nearly the entire width of the opening created by removing a tile. This provides maximum flexibility in the East-West direction for attaching the base of tile hook 405 to the roof deck.
  • larger plug 1121 may be used so as to fill the entire opening and prevent ingress of bugs, rodents and debris.
  • plug 1121 may be essentially identical in construction to plug 1120 shown in Figures 27 and 28.
  • flashing 1110 may also include additional material in the up-roof direction to allow it to protrude under the row of up-roof tiles to prevent the ingress of water.
  • flashing 1110 may include reciprocal edge joints to allow the tile to more precisely engage with the tiles on either side of the flashing in the East-West direction (across the roof from left to right).
  • Figure 30 illustrates another tile replacement flashing 1115 according to various embodiments of the invention. Tile replacement flashing 1115 shown in this Figure is dimensioned to work with W-tile.
  • flashing 1115 includes single opening 1116 that spans substantially the full width of the flashing 1115 (e.g., one tile width).
  • the cross-sectional profile of flashing 1115 is preferably the same as the other tiles in array 1300 so as to allow the flashing to fit together with the adjacent tiles without compromising the array’s integrity.
  • Tile hook 405 protrudes through opening 1116 in the same manner as with other curved tiles, for example, preferable at a valley with respect to the closest down-roof tile.
  • plug 1122 is shown as mimicking the curvature of the next down-roof tile, plug 1122 may simply comprise foam or other compressible material that can be compressed to substantially conform to the contour of the next-down-roof tile to ensure a snug fit.
  • FIG 31 illustrates PV mounting system 1400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • System 1400 shown in Figure 31 comprises base portion 1405 having two interconnected parallel rows of mounting holes 1406 for receiving a lag bolt, lag screw, hanger bolt, or other mechanical fastener that penetrates a roof deck surface, preferably although not necessarily, at a position over a roof rafter.
  • System 1400 also comprises tile hook portion 1408.
  • tile hook portion 1408 may comprise a pair of interconnected hook portions 1410A, 1410B, that span from base portion 1405 to distal ends 1415A, 1415B.
  • Hook portions 1410A, 1410B may be joined into a single piece by a hook base that runs perpendicular to and between portions 1410A, 1410B.
  • the hook base may be shaped to fit over base portion 1405 and have two or more mounting holes 1411 adapted to fit over any two aligned mounting holes 1406 formed in base portion 1405. In this manner, hook portion 1408 and base portion 1405 may be attached to the roof deck and rafter with only a single pair of screws, lags, or other fasteners.
  • the other end of the hook portion 1408, that is, the end opposite from the base, may comprise pair of tabs 1415A, 1415B that include ridges 1420A, 1420B respectively that define a groove for receiving a reciprocally-shaped flange formed in another mounting component.
  • tabs 1415A, 1415B depicted in Figure 31 is exemplary only.
  • Various other connecting mechanisms may be used to connect the hook portion 1408 to other PV mounting components as illustrated in previous embodiments.
  • rail portion 1430 is connected to hook 1408 at tabs 1415A, 1415B.
  • flanges 1420A, 1420B engage with a groove formed on side faces of rail 1430.
  • bolt 1418 may pass through an opening in tab 1415A and through a reciprocal hole in tab 1415B, where nut 1419 engages threads on bolt 1418 to pinch rail portion 1430 between tabs 1415A, 1415B.
  • rail portion 1430 may slide from end to end between tabs 1415A, 1415B until nut 1419 at the end of bolt 1418 is fully tightened thereby allowing any connected PV mounting components to be moved closer to or further away from tabs 1415A, 1415B.
  • top arm portion 1445 is attached to rail portion 1430 with rotating connector 1440.
  • the bottom portion of rotating connector 1440 contains a T-shaped male portion that fits into groove 1436 in the top of rail 1430 while handle portion 1442 is pointing towards the end of top arm 1445.
  • the T-shaped male portion fills in groove 1436, which is wider than the opening, and as a result can no longer be pulled out of groove 1436 until handle portion 1442 is rotated back in the direction of arm 1445 releasing the T-shaped male portion in groove 1436.
  • This type of connector 1440 will allow arm 1445 to slide along the entire length of rail 1430 and then be locked into place at the desired location by manual rotation of handle portion 1442.
  • arm 1445 may come preloaded with connector 1440.
  • connector 1440 may be mated to arm 1445 at the time arm 1445 is attached to rail portion 1430, such as, for example, by a PV installer at or near the time of installation.
  • a PV module connector such as rock-it connector 1450
  • rock-it connector 1450 may be mounted on the other distal end of arm 1445 from connector 1440 to enable two photovoltaic modules to be connected.
  • Rock-it connector 1450 may be attached to top arm 1445 with threaded screw 1451.
  • rotation of screw 1451 may cause connector 1450 to raise or lower with respect to top arm 1445, to enable height adjustment of a two-module array from above, even after the modules have been attached to connector 1450.
  • the head of screw 1451 may be shaped to receive a hex wrench, Torx wrench, Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, or a standard or metric sized socket.
  • Figure 31 illustrates a rock-it connector for engaging with grooved frame PV module
  • the embodiment illustrated in Figure 31 will also work with PV modules that have frames that are not grooved.
  • rock-it connector 1450 will be replaced with a different style connector such as a clamping connector, frame connector, or other suitable frame connector capable of detachably connecting the frames of one or more PV modules.
  • Figures 32-38 illustrate a photovoltaic mounting system for tile roofs according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • System 1500 includes base portion 1505, which is similar to base portion 1405 of Figure 31, with plurality of mounting holes 1506 that receive a lag bolt or other mechanical fastener to attach base portion 1505 to the roof deck.
  • base portion 1505 has a raised lip on both edges running the length of base portion 1505. This ledge provides additional subjacent support to hook portion 1510 when it is loaded.
  • Hook portion 1510 sits on a ridge formed in base portion 1505 and can be moved along the length of base portion 1505.
  • bolt 1507 may pass through base portion 1505 into the reciprocal base of hook portion 1510.
  • Nut 1508 may be used to couple hook portion 1510 to base portion 1505 via bolt 1507.
  • hook portion 1510 and base portion 1505 may be formed as a single structure or may be welded together into a single structure. Further, having two rows of openings 1506 in hook portion 1505, provides an installer with more flexibility in securing base portion 1505 to a roof rafter regardless of the position of hook portion 1510 along base portion 1505.
  • hook portion 1510 may include sides 1510A and 1510B that meet at base 1505 and run outward, terminating in respective flanges 1518A and 1518B.
  • Flanges 1518A, 1518B may each include a recess that receives a portion of top rail 1530.
  • top rail 1530 may include left and right protrusions 1535A, 1535B which fit into the respective recesses formed in flanges 1518A, 1518B.
  • Bolt 1518 and nut 1519 may compress flanges 1518A, 1518B against rail 1530 to hold it at the desired position. The greater the length of rail 1530, the greater the amount of cantilevering that can be performed with system 1500.
  • arm portion 1545 can be attached at any point along rail 1530.
  • arm portion 1545 may include manual locking system 1540 comprising lever 1541 and cam 1542.
  • Rail 1530 may include top-facing t- shaped channel 1536 running the entire length of rail 1530.
  • Cam 1542 may be dimensioned so as to fit within channel 1536 when aligned with channel 1536 but to lock within channel 1536 when rotated approximately 90 degrees.
  • rotation may occur by rotating lever 1541, either manually, or with a suitable rotation tool. In this way, arm 1545 may be mated with rail 1530 at any point along rail 1530 and also selectively engaged and disengaged from rail 1530 with very little effort, while still providing a rapid and secure connection between these components.
  • cam 1542 may include a stem that passes completely through arm portion 1545.
  • the stem may have a rounded portion for rotating within the opening in arm portion 1545, and may terminate in a threaded end that allows attachment of lever 1541 and locking nut 1543 after the stem has passed through arm 1545.
  • the threaded portion may include a pair of flat surfaces that act as a key fitting into a reciprocal opening in lever 1541 so that when torque is applied to lever 1541, stem and by extension cam 1542, will rotate equally.
  • Arm portion 1545 may also include photovoltaic module connector 1550. In various embodiments, this will be located an opposite end of arm 1545 from lever 1541 so as not to interfere with the rotation of lever 1541, and to provide greater flexibility in the positioning of PV modules. As shown in the Figures, module connector 1550 is a rock-it connector, however, it should be appreciated that a clamping connector or other type of connector could be used with the various embodiments of the invention. [0096] Connector 1550 is supported at an elevated height above arm 1545 by threaded stud 1551. In various embodiments, threaded stud 1551 includes stop washer 1552 that limits the depth that stud 1551 can penetrate into arm 1545.
  • base 1554 and washer 1553 may receive the bottom threaded portion of stud 1551 inside of arm 1545 so that stud 1551 remains securely coupled to arm 1545 but is free to rotate within arm 1545. Also, the upper portion of threaded stud 1551 may be received by a threaded opening formed within connector 1550. This will enable the distance between arm 1545 and connector 1550, and by extension the distance between two PV modules and a roof surface, to be adjusted by simply rotating either connector 1550 or threaded stud 1551.
  • Figure 37 illustrates two systems 1500 supporting a long section of rail 1530. Typically, though not necessarily, these systems would be aligned along a North-South line running from the roof eave to the roof ridge so that both systems are connected to the same roof rafter. In a standard array, there would be several systems like that shown in Figure 37, roughly spaced apart in an array by module length or module width depending on whether the modules are oriented in landscape or portrait orientation respectively. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that although there are only two systems 1500 supporting rail 1530 in Figure 37, rail 1530 could be sufficiently long to warrant having 3 or more systems supporting it. Alternatively, rail 1530 could be broken into several smaller discrete sections, with one section spanning every other module or every two adjacent modules.
  • Figure 38 illustrates the system of Figures 32-37 installed in a section of tile roof.
  • Base portion 1505 and the bottom part of hook 1510 are covered by flashing portion 1560 and therefore are not visible in the Figure.
  • Flashing portion 1560 is a sheet of metal or plastic material that is pre-formed to match the contour of the surrounding tile array.
  • flashing portion 1560 includes raised portion 1565 that has an outlet through which flanges 1518A and 1518B pass.
  • the system shown in Figure 38 includes plug or vertical portion 1566 that closes the opening between flashing portion 1560 and the next down- roof tile– the same opening through which flanges 1518A and 1518B pass.
  • plug or vertical portion 1566 comprises a section of semi-compressible material, at least a portion of which includes a several vertical slots that allow flanges 1518A and 1518B to pass through while substantially sealing the remainder of the opening.
  • flashing 1560 may include an integral vertical portion, part of which includes stamped or cut-out vertical slots that fit around flanges 1518A, 1518B.
  • the slotted portion could be formed form a separate plug while the solid portion (e.g., the portion that contacts the raised half of the next down-roof tile) could be integrated into flashing 1560. All these variations are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
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  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de montage photovoltaïque pour toits en tuiles. Dans un mode de réalisation, un support de montage est fixé à une plate-forme de toit et passe à travers un support de solin et un solin flexible qui imite le contour des tuiles de toit adjacentes. Dans d'autres modes de réalisation, un crochet de tuile passe à travers un solin de remplacement de tuile partiel ou complet. Un bouchon ou une autre structure bloque l'espace autour du crochet de tuile en empêchant l'entrée de nuisibles et de débris sous le solin et les tuiles voisines. Le matériel supplémentaire de montage de module photovoltaïque, y compris des sections de rails et des supports de cadre, est fixé soit au support de montage soit au crochet de tuile.
EP15819945.5A 2014-12-08 2015-12-08 Système de montage photovoltaïque pour toits en tuiles Withdrawn EP3230658A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201462089132P 2014-12-08 2014-12-08
US14/855,273 US9806668B2 (en) 2014-09-23 2015-09-15 Photovoltaic mounting system for tiled roofs
PCT/US2015/064552 WO2016094442A1 (fr) 2014-12-08 2015-12-08 Système de montage photovoltaïque pour toits en tuiles

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EP3230658A1 true EP3230658A1 (fr) 2017-10-18

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US11258398B2 (en) * 2017-06-05 2022-02-22 Tesla, Inc. Multi-region solar roofing modules
US10581372B2 (en) * 2018-06-15 2020-03-03 Sunpower Corporation Photovoltaic panel
CN108826719A (zh) * 2018-07-06 2018-11-16 安徽光鼎晶新能源科技有限公司 一种方便更换水箱的太阳能热水器
CN111395658A (zh) * 2018-12-14 2020-07-10 汉能移动能源控股集团有限公司 一种用于瓦片安装的固定装置及具有其的可拆卸鱼鳞瓦

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DE20005590U1 (de) * 2000-03-24 2000-06-21 Vetter Ulrich Dachständer für Antennen
JP4578184B2 (ja) * 2003-09-05 2010-11-10 株式会社コトガワ ソーラパネル支持金具
ES2430334T3 (es) * 2008-04-25 2013-11-20 Viessmann Werke Gmbh & Co. Kg Sistema de fijación de tejado
CN201843276U (zh) * 2010-10-30 2011-05-25 杭州帷盛太阳能科技有限公司 整体排水式光伏安装结构
FR2976304B1 (fr) * 2011-06-10 2013-08-23 Saint Gobain Dispositif de fixation pour tuile solaire
US9698724B2 (en) 2011-12-13 2017-07-04 Solarcity Corporation Connecting components for photovoltaic arrays
CN202831426U (zh) * 2012-08-07 2013-03-27 苏州瑞得恩光能科技有限公司 沥青瓦斜屋顶光伏支架
JP6181416B2 (ja) * 2013-05-09 2017-08-16 株式会社屋根技術研究所 屋根上設置物固定装置

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CN107005198A (zh) 2017-08-01
CN107005198B (zh) 2019-08-16
WO2016094442A1 (fr) 2016-06-16

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