WO2009146422A1 - A solar panel roof mounting system having integrated standoff - Google Patents

A solar panel roof mounting system having integrated standoff Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009146422A1
WO2009146422A1 PCT/US2009/045662 US2009045662W WO2009146422A1 WO 2009146422 A1 WO2009146422 A1 WO 2009146422A1 US 2009045662 W US2009045662 W US 2009045662W WO 2009146422 A1 WO2009146422 A1 WO 2009146422A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
elongated member
roof
shaped
shaped channel
solar panel
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2009/045662
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Barend Venter
Michael D. Bright
Original Assignee
The Bright Group Inc.
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
Application filed by The Bright Group Inc. filed Critical The Bright Group Inc.
Publication of WO2009146422A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009146422A1/en

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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
    • 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
    • F24S25/33—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 forming substantially planar assemblies, e.g. of coplanar or stacked profiles
    • 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
    • F24S25/40—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using plate-like mounting elements, e.g. profiled or corrugated plates; Plate-like module frames 
    • 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
    • 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
    • F24S2025/01—Special support components; Methods of use
    • F24S2025/013—Stackable support elements
    • 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 present invention relates to systems for mounting solar panels on a roof.
  • the present invention provides a novel system for mounting solar panels on a roof.
  • the present invention provides a solar panel roof mounting system, comprising: a first elongated member having a U-shaped or C-shaped channel therein; and a second elongated member having a U-shaped or C-shaped channel therein, wherein the second elongated member is received into the first elongated member such that the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member is elevated with respect to the U-shaped channel in the first elongated member.
  • the first elongated member may be a cladded standoff. It may be made of Steel, Galvalume, Aluminum, Stainless steel, any other suitable metal, PVC or any other similar extrusion, and be cladded with TPO, PVC, Hypalon, EPDM, sprayed polyurethane foam, modified Bitumen, building roofing, or similar materials.
  • the first elongated member may be connected to the roof by heat welding, fastening or ballasting. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to any particular system of fastening.
  • the second elongated member may be made of Galvalume, Aluminum, Stainless steel, any other suitable metal, PVC or any other similar extrusion.
  • the U- shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member forms a cable tray when the second elongated member is positioned on top of the first elongated member.
  • Optional end plates may be dimensioned to connect onto the first and second elongated members and to cover an end of the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member.
  • the end plate is dimensioned to wrap around a side and front portion of a solar panel positioned on top of the second elongated member.
  • An optional center plate may be dimensioned to connect onto the first and second elongated members and to cover a portion of the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member.
  • the center plate is dimensioned to wrap around a side and front portion of two spaced apart solar panels that are positioned on top of the second elongated member.
  • the present invention also provides a method of mounting solar panels on a roof, comprising: mounting a first elongated member on a roof, the first elongated member having a U-shaped channel therein; mounting a second elongated member onto the first elongated member, the second elongated member having a U-shaped or C- shaped channel therein, wherein the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member is received into the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the first U- shaped or C-shaped channel thereby forming a cable tray; positioning a solar panel on top of the second elongated member; and securing the solar panel onto the top of the second elongated member.
  • Securing the solar panel onto the top of the second elongated member may be done by wrapping an edge of a center plate around the solar panel; and connecting the center plate onto the second elongated member. Further steps include positioning a second solar panel on top of the second elongated member; and wrapping an opposite edge of a center plate around the second solar panel.
  • Fig. IA is an exploded perspective view of the present solar panel roof mount.
  • Fig. IB is an assembled view corresponding to Fig. IA.
  • Fig. 2A is an end perspective view of the present solar panel roof mount with a pair of solar panels mounted thereon, also showing a pair of end plates.
  • Fig. 2B is a top perspective view corresponding to Fig. 2A (showing three solar panels mounted onto the roof mount, where portions of the roof mount system are shown in dotted lines).
  • FIG. 2C is a close-up perspective view corresponding to a portion of the system shown in Fig. 2A.
  • Fig. 3 A is a perspective view of a center plate.
  • Fig. 3B is a side elevation view of the center plate of Fig. 3 A positioned on top of the roof mount system, between two solar panels.
  • Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. IA, but instead having a C-shaped channel.
  • System 10 comprises: a first elongated member 20 having a U- shaped channel 25 therein; and a second elongated member 30 also having a U-shaped channel 35 therein. Second elongated member 30 is received down into first elongated member 20 (as shown by dotted lines in Fig. IA) such that U-shaped channel 35 in second elongated member 30 is elevated with respect to the U-shaped channel 25 in first elongated member 20.
  • First elongated member 20 functions as a physical standoff, for raising a plurality of solar panels up off of a roof.
  • elongated member 20 is fastened to the roof and then one or more solar panels are positioned on top of elongated member 20.
  • This has the advantage of eliminating the use of a PV racking system, no or limited penetrations to the roof, more cost effective, faster installation, less actively on the roof, incorporate the cable tray, excellent weight distribution of the solar system on the roof, use all standard roofing fasteners and material to install the standoff and fit the panels.
  • First elongated member 20 may be secured directly to onto roof R by a variety of methods, including, but not limited to heat welding of an strip of membrane on the cladded or extruded member 20 and then welding to the roof membrane, adhering member 20 to the roof, fastening through member 20 in to the roof, using weights to ballast member 20 on the roof , bolting to the roof or a combination of the above.
  • First elongated member 20 may be made of Steel, Galvalume, Aluminum, Stainless steel, any other suitable metal, (PVC or any other similar extrusion) and my be cladded with TPO, PVC, Hypalon, EPDM, sprayed polyurethane foam, modified Bitumen, building roofing, or similar roofing materials/membranes.
  • Second elongated member 30 is then received into the open top of first elongated member 20, with the U-shaped channel 35 in second elongated member 30 forming a "cable tray" that can be used to support cables running to/from the solar panels Sl and S2 (Figs. 2A to 2C).
  • An advantage of this design is that the cable tray formed in elevated channel 35 is raised above the roof R' s surface. As such, it lifts the cables therein out of the way of any rain or run-off on the roofs surface.
  • the cables are isolated from the elements, as the ends of channels 35 may also be covered (as will be shown).
  • first and second elongated members 20 and 30 may comprise laterally extending portions 21 and 31 that are connected to one another. As illustrated, laterally extending portion 31 of second elongated member 30 is positioned on top of laterally extending portion 21 of first elongated member 20. Preferably, the laterally extending portions 21 an 31 of first and second elongated members 20 and 30 are interlocking. This interlocking may be further enhanced by having end portions 22 and 32.
  • Figs. 2A to 2C shows solar panels Sl and S2 mounted onto a pair of mounting systems 10. It is to be understood that the present system can use a pair of systems 10 onto which solar panels S are mounted. However, in alternate embodiments, additional systems 10 can be placed under solar panels S. Moreover, the present invention also encompasses a system in which a single system 10 is used with the solar panels S centered thereover.
  • end plates 40 can also be provided. End plates 40 are dimensioned to connect onto the first and second elongated members 20 and 30 and to cover the (otherwise) open end of U-shaped channel 35 (i.e.: the "cable tray") in second elongated member 30. Moreover, each end plate 40 may be dimensioned to wrap around a side and front portion of a solar panel positioned on top of the second elongated member, as shown. Specifically, each end plate 40 may include portions 41, 42, 43 and 44 that are each at right angles to one another with portion 43 positioned against the side of solar panel S and portion 44 positioned slightly across the front face of solar panel S, as shown.
  • center plates 50 may also be provided to secure solar panels Sl and S2 to system 10.
  • Center plate 50 is dimensioned to connect onto first and second elongated members 20 and 30 and to cover a portion of the U- shaped channel 35 in second elongated member 30.
  • center panel 50 is dimensioned to wrap around a side and front portion of two spaced apart solar panels positioned on top of second elongated member 30, as shown.
  • each center plate 50 may comprise portions 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 that are each at right angles to one another with portions 52 and 54 positioned against the sides of solar panels Sl and S2, and portions 51 and 55 positioned slightly across the front faces of solar panels Sl and S2, as shown.
  • first elongated member 20 is made of Steel, Galvalume, Aluminum, Stainless steel, PVC or similar extrusion cladded with TPO, PVC, Hypalon, EPDM, sprayed polyurethane foam, modified Bitumen, building roofing
  • second elongated member 30 is made of Steel, Galvalume, Aluminum, Stainless steel, PVC or similar extrusion cladded with TPO, PVC, Hypalon, EPDM, sprayed polyurethane foam, modified Bitumen, building roofing. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention is not so limited. Other materials may be used.
  • First elongated member 20 may be connected to a roof by heat welding of an strip of membrane on the cladded or extruded member 20 and then welding to the roof membrane, adhering member 20 to the roof, fastening through member 20 in to the roof, using weights to ballast member 20 on the roof , bolting to the roof or a combination of the above and second elongated member 30 is connected onto first elongated member 20 by bolting, metal fasteners, pop rivets, etc.
  • the present invention also provides method of mounting solar panels on a roof, comprising: mounting first elongated member 20 on a roof R; mounting a second elongated member 30 onto first elongated member 20, wherein U-shaped channel 35 in second elongated member 30 is received into U-shaped channel 25 in U-shaped channel 25 thereby forming a cable tray. Next, a solar panel S is positioned on top of second elongated member 30 and solar panel S is then secured onto the top of second elongated member 30.
  • securing solar panel S onto the top of the second elongated member 30 comprises; wrapping edge 51 / 52 of center plate 50 around solar panel S; and connecting center plate 50 onto second elongated member 30 of system 10.
  • System 1OA comprises: a first elongated member 20A having a C-shaped channel 25 A therein; and a second elongated member 30A having a U-shaped channel 35 A therein. Second elongated member 30A is received down into first elongated member 2OA (as shown by dotted lines) such that U-shaped channel 35 A in second elongated member 3OA is elevated with respect to the C-shaped channel 25A in first elongated member 2OA.
  • the present invention can be formed by bended or extruded, and is not limited to any particular shape or combination of shapes.
  • welding is easier, offering more room to move around the stand off.
  • U-shaped channels stacking in easier.
  • the present invention is not limited to any particular system of fastening or anchoring (seismic or otherwise) to a roof surface.
  • ballast may optionally be added to the system to counter any wind uplift forces.

Abstract

A solar panel roof mounting system, including: a first elongated member having a U-shaped or C-shaped channel therein; and a second elongated member having a U- shaped or C-shaped channel therein, wherein the second elongated member is received into the first elongated member such that the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member is elevated with respect to the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the first elongated member.

Description

A SOLAR PANEL ROOF MOUNTING SYSTEM HAVING INTEGRATED STANDOFF
RELATED APPLICATION:
[0001] The present application claims priority to U. S. Provisional patent application serial No. 61/057,710, filed May 30, 2008 of same title.
TECHNICAL FIELD:
[0002] The present invention relates to systems for mounting solar panels on a roof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0003] The present invention provides a novel system for mounting solar panels on a roof. In various aspects, the present invention provides a solar panel roof mounting system, comprising: a first elongated member having a U-shaped or C-shaped channel therein; and a second elongated member having a U-shaped or C-shaped channel therein, wherein the second elongated member is received into the first elongated member such that the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member is elevated with respect to the U-shaped channel in the first elongated member.
[0004] The first elongated member may be a cladded standoff. It may be made of Steel, Galvalume, Aluminum, Stainless steel, any other suitable metal, PVC or any other similar extrusion, and be cladded with TPO, PVC, Hypalon, EPDM, sprayed polyurethane foam, modified Bitumen, building roofing, or similar materials. The first elongated member may be connected to the roof by heat welding, fastening or ballasting. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to any particular system of fastening.
[0005] The second elongated member may be made of Galvalume, Aluminum, Stainless steel, any other suitable metal, PVC or any other similar extrusion. The U- shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member forms a cable tray when the second elongated member is positioned on top of the first elongated member.
[0006] Optional end plates may be dimensioned to connect onto the first and second elongated members and to cover an end of the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member. Preferably, the end plate is dimensioned to wrap around a side and front portion of a solar panel positioned on top of the second elongated member.
[0007] An optional center plate may be dimensioned to connect onto the first and second elongated members and to cover a portion of the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member. Preferably, the center plate is dimensioned to wrap around a side and front portion of two spaced apart solar panels that are positioned on top of the second elongated member.
[0008] The present invention also provides a method of mounting solar panels on a roof, comprising: mounting a first elongated member on a roof, the first elongated member having a U-shaped channel therein; mounting a second elongated member onto the first elongated member, the second elongated member having a U-shaped or C- shaped channel therein, wherein the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member is received into the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the first U- shaped or C-shaped channel thereby forming a cable tray; positioning a solar panel on top of the second elongated member; and securing the solar panel onto the top of the second elongated member.
[0009] Securing the solar panel onto the top of the second elongated member may be done by wrapping an edge of a center plate around the solar panel; and connecting the center plate onto the second elongated member. Further steps include positioning a second solar panel on top of the second elongated member; and wrapping an opposite edge of a center plate around the second solar panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0010] Fig. IA is an exploded perspective view of the present solar panel roof mount.
[0011] Fig. IB is an assembled view corresponding to Fig. IA.
[0012] Fig. 2A is an end perspective view of the present solar panel roof mount with a pair of solar panels mounted thereon, also showing a pair of end plates.
[0013] Fig. 2B is a top perspective view corresponding to Fig. 2A (showing three solar panels mounted onto the roof mount, where portions of the roof mount system are shown in dotted lines).
[0014] Fig. 2C is a close-up perspective view corresponding to a portion of the system shown in Fig. 2A.
[0015] Fig. 3 A is a perspective view of a center plate.
[0016] Fig. 3B is a side elevation view of the center plate of Fig. 3 A positioned on top of the roof mount system, between two solar panels.
[0017] Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. IA, but instead having a C-shaped channel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0018] Referring first to Figs. IA and IB, the present invention provides a solar panel roof mounting system 10. System 10 comprises: a first elongated member 20 having a U- shaped channel 25 therein; and a second elongated member 30 also having a U-shaped channel 35 therein. Second elongated member 30 is received down into first elongated member 20 (as shown by dotted lines in Fig. IA) such that U-shaped channel 35 in second elongated member 30 is elevated with respect to the U-shaped channel 25 in first elongated member 20. [0019] First elongated member 20 functions as a physical standoff, for raising a plurality of solar panels up off of a roof. First, elongated member 20 is fastened to the roof and then one or more solar panels are positioned on top of elongated member 20. This has the advantage of eliminating the use of a PV racking system, no or limited penetrations to the roof, more cost effective, faster installation, less actively on the roof, incorporate the cable tray, excellent weight distribution of the solar system on the roof, use all standard roofing fasteners and material to install the standoff and fit the panels.
[0020] First elongated member 20 may be secured directly to onto roof R by a variety of methods, including, but not limited to heat welding of an strip of membrane on the cladded or extruded member 20 and then welding to the roof membrane, adhering member 20 to the roof, fastening through member 20 in to the roof, using weights to ballast member 20 on the roof , bolting to the roof or a combination of the above. First elongated member 20 may be made of Steel, Galvalume, Aluminum, Stainless steel, any other suitable metal, (PVC or any other similar extrusion) and my be cladded with TPO, PVC, Hypalon, EPDM, sprayed polyurethane foam, modified Bitumen, building roofing, or similar roofing materials/membranes.
[0021] Second elongated member 30 is then received into the open top of first elongated member 20, with the U-shaped channel 35 in second elongated member 30 forming a "cable tray" that can be used to support cables running to/from the solar panels Sl and S2 (Figs. 2A to 2C). An advantage of this design is that the cable tray formed in elevated channel 35 is raised above the roof R' s surface. As such, it lifts the cables therein out of the way of any rain or run-off on the roofs surface. In addition, the cables are isolated from the elements, as the ends of channels 35 may also be covered (as will be shown).
[0022] As seen in Figs. IA to 2B, first and second elongated members 20 and 30 may comprise laterally extending portions 21 and 31 that are connected to one another. As illustrated, laterally extending portion 31 of second elongated member 30 is positioned on top of laterally extending portion 21 of first elongated member 20. Preferably, the laterally extending portions 21 an 31 of first and second elongated members 20 and 30 are interlocking. This interlocking may be further enhanced by having end portions 22 and 32.
[0023] Figs. 2A to 2C shows solar panels Sl and S2 mounted onto a pair of mounting systems 10. It is to be understood that the present system can use a pair of systems 10 onto which solar panels S are mounted. However, in alternate embodiments, additional systems 10 can be placed under solar panels S. Moreover, the present invention also encompasses a system in which a single system 10 is used with the solar panels S centered thereover.
[0024] As can also be seen, end plates 40 can also be provided. End plates 40 are dimensioned to connect onto the first and second elongated members 20 and 30 and to cover the (otherwise) open end of U-shaped channel 35 (i.e.: the "cable tray") in second elongated member 30. Moreover, each end plate 40 may be dimensioned to wrap around a side and front portion of a solar panel positioned on top of the second elongated member, as shown. Specifically, each end plate 40 may include portions 41, 42, 43 and 44 that are each at right angles to one another with portion 43 positioned against the side of solar panel S and portion 44 positioned slightly across the front face of solar panel S, as shown.
[0025] As also seen in Figs. 2 A, 3 A and 3B, center plates 50 may also be provided to secure solar panels Sl and S2 to system 10. Center plate 50 is dimensioned to connect onto first and second elongated members 20 and 30 and to cover a portion of the U- shaped channel 35 in second elongated member 30. In one embodiment, center panel 50 is dimensioned to wrap around a side and front portion of two spaced apart solar panels positioned on top of second elongated member 30, as shown. Specifically, each center plate 50 may comprise portions 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 that are each at right angles to one another with portions 52 and 54 positioned against the sides of solar panels Sl and S2, and portions 51 and 55 positioned slightly across the front faces of solar panels Sl and S2, as shown. [0026] In preferred embodiments, first elongated member 20 is made of Steel, Galvalume, Aluminum, Stainless steel, PVC or similar extrusion cladded with TPO, PVC, Hypalon, EPDM, sprayed polyurethane foam, modified Bitumen, building roofing, and the second elongated member 30 is made of Steel, Galvalume, Aluminum, Stainless steel, PVC or similar extrusion cladded with TPO, PVC, Hypalon, EPDM, sprayed polyurethane foam, modified Bitumen, building roofing. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention is not so limited. Other materials may be used. First elongated member 20 may be connected to a roof by heat welding of an strip of membrane on the cladded or extruded member 20 and then welding to the roof membrane, adhering member 20 to the roof, fastening through member 20 in to the roof, using weights to ballast member 20 on the roof , bolting to the roof or a combination of the above and second elongated member 30 is connected onto first elongated member 20 by bolting, metal fasteners, pop rivets, etc.
[0027] The present invention also provides method of mounting solar panels on a roof, comprising: mounting first elongated member 20 on a roof R; mounting a second elongated member 30 onto first elongated member 20, wherein U-shaped channel 35 in second elongated member 30 is received into U-shaped channel 25 in U-shaped channel 25 thereby forming a cable tray. Next, a solar panel S is positioned on top of second elongated member 30 and solar panel S is then secured onto the top of second elongated member 30.
[0028] Preferably, securing solar panel S onto the top of the second elongated member 30 comprises; wrapping edge 51 / 52 of center plate 50 around solar panel S; and connecting center plate 50 onto second elongated member 30 of system 10.
[0029] Referring lastly to Fig. 4, the present invention provides a solar panel roof mounting system 1OA. System 1OA comprises: a first elongated member 20A having a C-shaped channel 25 A therein; and a second elongated member 30A having a U-shaped channel 35 A therein. Second elongated member 30A is received down into first elongated member 2OA (as shown by dotted lines) such that U-shaped channel 35 A in second elongated member 3OA is elevated with respect to the C-shaped channel 25A in first elongated member 2OA.
[0030] It is to be understood that the present invention can be formed by bended or extruded, and is not limited to any particular shape or combination of shapes. For example, when using C-shaped channels, welding is easier, offering more room to move around the stand off. In contrast, when using U-shaped channels, stacking in easier.
[0031] In addition, the present invention is not limited to any particular system of fastening or anchoring (seismic or otherwise) to a roof surface. Moreover, ballast may optionally be added to the system to counter any wind uplift forces.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A solar panel roof mounting system, comprising: a first elongated member having a U-shaped or C-shaped channel therein; and a second elongated member having a U-shaped or C-shaped channel therein, wherein the second elongated member is received into the first elongated member such that the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member is elevated with respect to the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the first elongated member.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first elongated member is a standoff.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first elongated member is cladded or extruded.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member forms a cable tray.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second elongated members comprise laterally extending portions that are connected to one another.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the laterally extending portion of the second elongated member is positioned on top of the laterally extending portion of the first elongated member.
7. The system of claim 5, wherein the laterally extending portions of the first and second elongated members are interlocking.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an end plate dimensioned to connect onto the first and second elongated members and to cover an end of the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the end plate is dimensioned to wrap around a side and front portion of a solar panel positioned on top of the second elongated member.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a center plate dimensioned to connect onto the first and second elongated members and to cover a portion of the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the center plate is dimensioned to wrap around a side and front portion of two spaced apart solar panels positioned on top of the second elongated member.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first elongated member is made of of Steel, Galvalume, Aluminum, Stainless steel, PVC or similar extrusion cladded with TPO, PVC, Hypalon, EPDM, sprayed polyurethane foam, modified Bitumen, building roofing.
13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second elongated member is made of Steel, Galvalume, Aluminum, Stainless steel, PVC or similar extrusion cladded with TPO, PVC, Hypalon, or EPDM, sprayed polyurethane foam, modified Bitumen, building roofing.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the first elongated member is connected to a roof by heat welding of an strip of membrane on the cladded or extruded member and then welding to the roof membrane, adhering the first member to the roof, fastening through first member in to the roof, using weights to ballast the first member on the roof, bolting to the roof or any combination of the above.
15. A method of mounting solar panels on a roof, comprising: mounting a first elongated member on a roof, the first elongated member having a U-shaped channel therein; mounting a second elongated member onto the first elongated member, the second elongated member having a U-shaped or C-shaped channel therein, wherein the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member is received into the U-shaped or C- shaped channel in the first U-shaped or C-shaped channel thereby forming a cable tray; positioning a solar panel on top of the second elongated member; and securing the solar panel onto the top of the second elongated member.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein securing the solar panel onto the top of the second elongated member comprises: wrapping an edge of a center plate around the solar panel; and connecting the center plate onto the second elongated member.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: positioning a second solar panel on top of the second elongated member; and wrapping an opposite edge of a center plate around the second solar panel.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein mounting a first elongated member on a roof comprises heat welding of an strip of membrane on the cladded or extruded member and then welding to the roof membrane, adhering the first member to the roof, fastening through first member in to the roof, using weights to ballast the first member on the roof , bolting to the roof or any combination of the above.
PCT/US2009/045662 2008-05-30 2009-05-29 A solar panel roof mounting system having integrated standoff WO2009146422A1 (en)

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US61/057,710 2008-05-30

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