The present invention relates to a mounting structure comprising a structural member having a first surface adapted to engage a support and at least one first flange extending outwardly from a second surface, wherein the first surface is distal from the first flange; and at least one securing member comprising at least one second flange extending outwardly from a surface of the securing member, wherein the securing member is operable to juxtapose with the structural member via the first surface, and engage with the structural member to secure a side of a panel between the first flange and the second flange. The present invention also relates to a mounting structure assembly and method of assembling the same.

In an embodiment, a solar energy system includes multiple photovoltaic modules, each oriented substantially at a same angle relative to horizontal. The angle is independent of a latitude of an installation site of the solar energy system and is greater than or equal to 15 degrees. The solar energy system defines a continuous area within a perimeter of the solar energy system. The solar energy system is configured to capture at the photovoltaic modules substantially all light incoming towards the continuous area over an entire season.

A photovoltaic module mounting system is disclosed. The system includes a rail with an elongated body with opposing first and second shoulders and opposing first and second sides. A first track is defined by the first shoulder, a second track is defined by the first side, and a third track is defined by the second side. The first track has a first channel and a first slot, the second track has a second channel and a second slot, and the third track has a cavity. A connector bracket has a first flange, a second flange, and an elbow, the first flange forming a substantially right angle with the second flange, and the elbow being substantially L-shaped and extending at a substantially right angle from the second flange. In an operative configuration, the elbow of the connector bracket is engaged within the cavity of the rail.

A solar panel mounting system for forming a solar array includes longitudinal support rails mounted to a support structure such as a roof. A first solar panel disposed on the rails has a peripheral frame including a locking frame member with deformable clamping portion configured for slideably receiving a peripheral frame portion of an adjacent second solar panel. A pair of captive T-bolt sets passing through the clamping portion include T-bolts having locking heads and nuts frictionally engaged with the T-bolts to rotate the T-bolts. The heads are each inserted and rotationally locked into fastening channels of respective support rails. The second solar panel is inserted into the first panel clamping portion and the nuts are fully tightened producing a clamping action which locks the first and second panels together. Power/control cables may be routed inside covered cable compartments on rears of the panels for protection against rodent damage.

A roof mounting system for the attachment of an article to a roof, the system comprising a plurality of PV modules each having at least one corner and a frame member, a flashing member having a top surface; an upstanding sleeve attached to the top surface of the flashing member; an elevated water seal having a borehole formed therethrough, the elevated water seal further comprising at least one screw for providing a waterproof seal between the article and the roof structure; and whereby the plurality of PV modules are interlocked in a way to provide a corner-to-corner coupling arrangement supported above the roof through the frame members of the plurality of PV modules.

A channel having a base portion, an open central region, and an integral pair of sidewalls. The integral pair of sidewalls having an upper portion of each sidewall that includes an inward-facing downturned internal flange and an outward-facing upturned external flange.

A solar panel assembly includes a substrate and a solar array coupled to the substrate. The solar array includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells. An optical layer is disposed over the solar array. The optical layer, the solar array, and the substrate together form a solar assembly. A frame surrounds the solar assembly and includes a plurality of frame members. Each frame member of the plurality of frame members includes an arcuate member that forms an aerodynamic outer edge of the frame member.

A system for attaching a solar panel to a support, includes a support connector and a solar panel connector, where the support connector includes a U-shaped profile having a lower wall and two side walls, where an upper end of the side walls is bent inwards to provide vertical rails for receiving the panel connector; and the panel connector include a profile having: an upper C-shaped portion configured for receiving a side edge of a solar panel; a lower, upwardly oriented channel portion configured for receiving the vertical rail of the support connector; and at least one box-shaped portion connecting the upper C-shaped portion and the lower channel portion.

A rail assembly (530) includes a rail (540) and an adapter (640). The adapter (640) may be slidably interconnected with the rail (540) via a first rail channel (604a) on a first rail side (600a) of the rail (540), and may also be slidably interconnected with the rail (540) via a second rail channel (604b) on a second rail side (600b) of the rail (540). The adapter (640) may be inverted (whether installed via the first rail channel (604a) or the second rail channel (604b)) between two different orientations that dispose a mounting flange (670) at different elevations to accommodate two different mounting configurations.

A roof mounting system for the attachment of an article to a roof, the system comprising a plurality of PV modules each having at least one corner and a frame member, a flashing member having a top surface; an upstanding sleeve attached to the top surface of the flashing member; an elevated water seal having a borehole formed therethrough, the elevated water seal further comprising at least one screw for providing a waterproof seal between the article and the roof structure; and whereby the plurality of PV modules are interlocked in a way to provide a corner-to-corner coupling arrangement supported above the roof through the frame members of the plurality of PV modules.