A slide-on spring damp for installing solar panels has a slide portion with a centrally located slot. The slot is used to attach the slide-on clamp to a solar panel mounting base using an attachment bolt that allows the installer to locate and secure a solar panel frame from the top without having to access the underside. The slide-on clamp has a clamp portion that has a reverse curve portion that curves back over itself to form a resilient gripping portion. The reverse curve portion has locking teeth located on the interior surfaces that lock the frame in place when inserted in the slide-on clamp. A stop portion is disposed the end of the slide portion. The method includes inserting a slide-on clamp on opposite sides of the frame so that the frame has at least four slide-on clamps thereon and then securing them to the mounting bases.

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as multi-region roofing modules that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the module, in distinct tiles-sized regions. Such multi-region photovoltaic modules can replicate the look of individual roofing tiles or shingles. Further, multi-region photovoltaic modules can include support structures between the distinct regions having a degree of flexibility, allowing for a more efficient installation process.

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as multi-region roofing modules that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the module, in distinct tiles-sized regions. Such multi-region photovoltaic modules can replicate the look of individual roofing tiles or shingles. Further, multi-region photovoltaic modules can include support structures between the distinct regions having a degree of flexibility, allowing for a more efficient installation process.

Roof brackets for attaching a structure such as a patio cover to a building, and methods for installing the brackets. The brackets have a saddle for receiving a support beam of the structure. The brackets can be attached to the building roof, but do not penetrate the roof substrate, thus preventing leakage and other structural problems. The roof brackets comprise a plate that is installed between the roof substrate and the shingles or tile on the roof. The brackets are available in different configurations depending on the roof pitch for easy installation. One roof bracket has a riser so that the saddle is lifted above the roof. Another roof bracket is configured so that when installed the saddle is located beyond the edge of the roof. Other brackets can be attached to the rafters under the roof. These also come in different configurations depending on roof pitch, and they are configured to extend below and outward from the fascia.

A system for mounting a photovoltaic array onto short sections of mounting rails such that a section of mounting rail is only installed fewer than all the photovoltaic modules in the array. A single section of mounting rail may support one, two or three photovoltaic modules depending on it's length and position respect to the edge of each module frame.

An apparatus and system for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In some embodiments, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is angled into the frame with respect to the planar surface of the modules. Various components may engage within the angled groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array using what may be referred to as a pivot-fit connection between the components and angled groove. Other embodiments may operate with PV modules having frames without angled grooves as by use of wraparound brackets.

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 roofing, cladding, or siding apparatus comprises a roofing, cladding, or siding module and at least one clip. The module comprises an underlapping region and an exposed region. The underlapping region is adapted to be substantially covered by the exposed region of an adjacent overlapping module when installed on a building surface. A projection extends from the exposed region to provide a bearing surface facing the under surface of the exposed region. The clip or clips is attachable to the underlapping region to provide a tongue adapted to be received between the bearing surface and the under surface of the exposed region of an adjacent overlapping module when installed on a building surface.

A roof integrated photovoltaic system includes a starter bar having a foot base and configured to be installed to a roof deck, a plurality of water shedding layers, and a photovoltaic module. One of the plurality of water shedding layers is configured to be installed over the foot base of the starter bar, and one of another of which is configured to overlap and be installed over the one of the plurality of water shedding layers. The system further includes a foot module configured to be attached to an upper portion of the photovoltaic module. A lower portion of the photovoltaic module is configured to align with the foot base of the starter bar, and the foot module is configured to be affixed on a last overlapping layer of the plurality of water shedding layers to the roof deck.

A non-invasive roof attachment system for attaching structures to residential and commercial roofs without the use of penetrations to roofing shingles and sealing layers is described. The attachment system includes vertical and lateral array stays to attach roof mounted systems such as solar panels. The non-slip attachment system also allows for the quick removal of such roof mounted systems rapidly and without the need for repair of penetrations. The non-slip attachment system uses, among other things, an array-stay retainer comprising a vertical member and a horizontal member. A high friction foam polymer padding may further secure the array stays to the roof.