A solar cell roofing system that includes a solar cell module including at least one solar cell that is laminated to a metal support sheet; and at least one bracket having a first type attachment point for engaging a standing seam of a standing seam metal roof and a second type attachment for engaging the metal support sheet of an adjacent solar cell module. During engagement of the solar cell module to the bracket, and engagement of the bracket to the standing seam, at least the metal support sheet is engaged in tension.

A roof-mounted solar energy apparatus including a mounting frame having a plurality of struts positioned in a first direction, the plurality of struts substantially parallel to one another, and a plurality of cross-member struts positioned in a second position that is substantially perpendicular to the plurality of struts positioned in the first direction. The plurality of struts attached to the crossmember struts. The apparatus also including a bracket having an end for engaging a strut or a cross-member strut and dimensioned to hold a solar panel. The solar panel or panels are held at an angle with respect to the flat roof or with respect to the struts. A method of forming a solar energy apparatus includes laying a plurality of struts in a first orientation, the plurality of struts being substantially parallel to one another, and attaching at least one crossmember to the plurality of struts to form a frame.

A roof-mounted solar energy apparatus including a mounting frame having a plurality of struts positioned in a first direction, the plurality of struts substantially parallel to one another, and a plurality of cross-member struts positioned in a second position that is substantially perpendicular to the plurality of struts positioned in the first direction. The plurality of struts attached to the crossmember struts. The apparatus also including a bracket having an end for engaging a strut or a cross-member strut and dimensioned to hold a solar panel. The solar panel or panels are held at an angle with respect to the flat roof or with respect to the struts. A method of forming a solar energy apparatus includes laying a plurality of struts in a first orientation, the plurality of struts being substantially parallel to one another, and attaching at least one crossmember to the plurality of struts to form a frame.

A solar array may have a primary solar panel attached to a supporting structure and an auxiliary solar panel attached at an angle to the primary panel. The primary solar panel may be positioned to collect daily solar radiation and the auxiliary solar panel may be positioned relative the primary panel to collect daily solar radiation. The daily solar radiation collected by the primary solar panel may be peak annualized daily solar radiation and the daily solar radiation collected by the auxiliary solar panel may be off-peak solar radiation.

A solar array may have a primary solar panel attached to a supporting structure and an auxiliary solar panel attached at an angle to the primary panel. The primary solar panel may be positioned to collect daily solar radiation and the auxiliary solar panel may be positioned relative the primary panel to collect daily solar radiation. The daily solar radiation collected by the primary solar panel may be peak annualized daily solar radiation and the daily solar radiation collected by the auxiliary solar panel may be off-peak solar radiation.

The present application provides methods for loading and unloading high capacity storage equipment to a solar power canopy. The methods and structures may include horizontal support members have mechanisms to engage corresponding mechanisms on a compartment housing the high capacity storage equipment. The mechanisms may include plates, flanged surfaces, rails, tracks, hook assemblies, and ridges. The methods and structures may include a superstructure that is coupled to an moves with respect to the solar power canopy frame. The superstructure may pivot and/or rotate to allow loading and unloading. The methods and structures also may include cabinets or cubicles sized to receive one or more compartments housing the high capacity storage equipment.

The present application provides methods for loading and unloading high capacity storage equipment to a solar power canopy. The methods and structures may include horizontal support members have mechanisms to engage corresponding mechanisms on a compartment housing the high capacity storage equipment. The mechanisms may include plates, flanged surfaces, rails, tracks, hook assemblies, and ridges. The methods and structures may include a superstructure that is coupled to an moves with respect to the solar power canopy frame. The superstructure may pivot and/or rotate to allow loading and unloading. The methods and structures also may include cabinets or cubicles sized to receive one or more compartments housing the high capacity storage equipment.

The invention relates to a system and a method for mounting at least one solar panel on a substantially flat mounting surface. The system comprises thereto a base element, a support structure configured for supporting at least part of at least one solar panel, which is connected to the base element and wherein the support structure comprises a retaining element for retaining at least part of an upper edge of the solar panel and a clamping element configured for clampingly engaging at least part of a lower edge the solar panel.

The invention relates to a system and a method for mounting at least one solar panel on a substantially flat mounting surface. The system comprises thereto a base element, a support structure configured for supporting at least part of at least one solar panel, which is connected to the base element and wherein the support structure comprises a retaining element for retaining at least part of an upper edge of the solar panel and a clamping element configured for clampingly engaging at least part of a lower edge the solar panel.

A solar energy roof tile, thermally and/or electrically conductively connected to an adjacent solar energy roof tile, includes a lower face for placing on at least some regions of a roof construction, an upper face opposite the lower face formed at least in some regions by a solar energy utilisation module, two opposite lateral walls, a rear face connecting the lateral walls, and a front face opposite the rear face that connects the lateral walls. The two lateral walls, the rear face and front face together connect the lower and upper faces, such that a cavity is formed between the two lateral walls, the rear face, front face, and lower and upper faces. The lower face has, in the region of the front face, a lower opening for providing access. The upper face has, in the region of the rear face, an upper opening for providing access into the cavity.