Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.

A method for building a protective structure, comprising the following steps: a) a carrying structure, including a plurality of parallel carrying rails, is supplied; b) a group of panels is supplied; the panels being able to be engaged on and slide on the carrying rails; d) the panels are transferred from the storage position to a final position bearing on the carrying rails, by performing the following operations: d1) at least one of the panels is transferred from the storage position to an insertion position on the carrying rails, using a transfer device lifting said at least one panel upward; the transferred panels being placed one after the other bearing on the carrying rails; d2) the transferred panels are moved along the carrying rails.

A kit for building a protective structure according to the preceding method.

A tile replacement flashing is used with a tile hook. A bottom tile replacement flashing is shaped for placement on a lower portion of a location where a tile is removed from a roof. A top tile replacement flashing is shaped for placement on an upper portion of a location where the tile is removed from the roof. The top tile replacement flashing includes an elevated region at a lower portion of the top tile replacement flashing, the elevated region. The bottom tile replacement flashing is shaped so that after attachment of the bottom tile replacement flashing on the roof, the tile hook can be attached to a rafter of the roof, the attached tile hook extending over an upper portion of the bottom tile replacement flashing and having a portion that, past the upper portion of the bottom tile replacement flashing, extends upwards. The top tile replacement flashing is shaped so that after attachment of the top tile replacement flashing on the roof, at least part of the elevated region of the top tile replacement flashing extends over the bottom tile replacement flashing. A height of the elevated region is sufficient to allow room for the tile hook to extend over the bottom tile replacement flashing and under the elevated region of top tile replacement flashing.

Mounting systems for securing a solar array to a mounting frame and clamping systems thereof are disclosed. The clamping systems may include one or more hooks for connecting a solar panel module to mounting frame. The hooks may be disposed on one or more wings of a clamp plate that extend from a rail structure of the clamp plate. The rail structure may form a rail chamber which receives a mounting rail.

Modular photovoltaic (PV) panel, system, and method of mounting. The system including a mounting flashing configured to mounted to a mounting surface and a folding PV panel. The folding PV panel including: a first subpanel including first PV cells, wherein the first subpanel extends along a first lateral plane and comprises a plurality of mounting hooks extending laterally from and affixed to a backside of the first subpanel, the mounting hooks configured to couple to the mounting flashing; a second subpanel including second PV cells, wherein the second subpanel extends along a second lateral plane, wherein the second subpanel comprises a front edge support configured to hold a front edge of the second subpanel away from the mounting surface; and a hinge assembly rotationally coupling the first subpanel and the second subpanel to allow an angle between the first lateral plane and the second lateral plane to change.

Modular photovoltaic (PV) panel, system, and method of mounting. The system including a mounting flashing configured to mounted to a mounting surface and a folding PV panel. The folding PV panel including: a first subpanel including first PV cells, wherein the first subpanel extends along a first lateral plane and comprises a plurality of mounting hooks extending laterally from and affixed to a backside of the first subpanel, the mounting hooks configured to couple to the mounting flashing; a second subpanel including second PV cells, wherein the second subpanel extends along a second lateral plane, wherein the second subpanel comprises a front edge support configured to hold a front edge of the second subpanel away from the mounting surface; and a hinge assembly rotationally coupling the first subpanel and the second subpanel to allow an angle between the first lateral plane and the second lateral plane to change.

The invention relates to a fastening structure for being able to fit a coupling profile, in particular for fastening solar panels, to a pitched roof covered with bituminous shingles. The invention also relates to an assembly which includes a fastening structure according to the invention. The invention further relates to a kit of components which includes a fastening structure according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for fitting a coupling profile, in particular for fastening solar panels, to a pitched roof covered with bituminous shingles, by using a fastening structure according to the invention.

Modular photovoltaic (PV) panel, system, and method of mounting. The system including a mounting flashing configured to mounted to a mounting surface and a folding PV panel. The folding PV panel including: a first subpanel including first PV cells, wherein the first subpanel extends along a first lateral plane and comprises a plurality of mounting hooks extending laterally from and affixed to a backside of the first subpanel, the mounting hooks configured to couple to the mounting flashing; a second subpanel including second PV cells, wherein the second subpanel extends along a second lateral plane, wherein the second subpanel comprises a front edge support configured to hold a front edge of the second subpanel away from the mounting surface; and a hinge assembly rotationally coupling the first subpanel and the second subpanel to allow an angle between the first lateral plane and the second lateral plane to change.

A system for mounting a solar panel(s) on a building may include a panel mounting bracket(s) including a base to be positioned on the building, a vertical extension having a proximal end coupled to the base and a distal end vertically spaced apart from the base, and a first lateral extension carried on an exterior surface of the vertical extension. An extension device for the at least one panel mounting bracket may include a first portion, a second portion carried by the first portion to be connected with the at least one solar panel, a second lateral extension carried by the second portion to be vertically aligned with the first lateral extension, and a screw including a head carried by the second portion to set the extension device relative to the base.

A solar module mounting bracket system including a plurality of solar modules including mounting slots formed in a sidewall of the solar module, a torque tube configured to support the solar modules such that they can be rotated, a plurality of mounting brackets configured for integration with the torque tube and to which the plurality of solar modules are mounted, at least one first retainer assembly connected to one of the plurality of mounting brackets, the first retainer assembly including a through bolt, a spring, a mounting tab, and nut. When a solar module is placed on the mounting bracket and supported by the torque tube the mounting tab retainer assembly is received in the mounting slot of the solar module.