In various embodiments, the mounting systems described herein may be configured to mount a solar panel array to a flat concrete roof like those found throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America. Other systems described herein may be configured to facilitate mounting structures on standing seam metals roofs. Still other systems described herein may be configured to facilitate mounting structures on composite shingle, slate, or tile roofs. The mounting systems described herein may be configured as rail-less or rails free roof mounting systems.

In various embodiments, the mounting systems described herein may be configured to mount a solar panel array to a flat concrete roof like those found throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America. Other systems described herein may be configured to facilitate mounting structures on standing seam metals roofs. Still other systems described herein may be configured to facilitate mounting structures on composite shingle, slate, or tile roofs. The mounting systems described herein may be configured as rail-less or rails free roof mounting systems.

An example solar structure is disclosed for providing shade to a roof of a building having a building support structure. The solar structure may comprise: a plurality of vertical supports; a plurality of connecting beams; and a plurality of solar panels, wherein the plurality of vertical supports couple the load of the solar structure directly to the building support structure. Example methods are disclosed for keeping rooftop equipment cooler and operating more efficiently and longer, for specifying smaller AC units, for extending the life of a roof, for reducing the heat entering a building from sunshine, for reducing the heat re-radiated from solar panels onto a roof, and for specifying smaller structural roof support beams. An example solar structure comprises a movable portion configured to move from a first position to a second position to allow rooftop equipment to be lifted off the roof through the solar structure.

An example solar structure is disclosed for providing shade to a roof of a building having a building support structure. The solar structure may comprise: a plurality of vertical supports; a plurality of connecting beams; and a plurality of solar panels, wherein the plurality of vertical supports couple the load of the solar structure directly to the building support structure. Example methods are disclosed for keeping rooftop equipment cooler and operating more efficiently and longer, for specifying smaller AC units, for extending the life of a roof, for reducing the heat entering a building from sunshine, for reducing the heat re-radiated from solar panels onto a roof, and for specifying smaller structural roof support beams. An example solar structure comprises a movable portion configured to move from a first position to a second position to allow rooftop equipment to be lifted off the roof through the solar structure.

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.

Solar panels are coupled to elongated purlins by solar panel clamps. A single strip of sheet metal is folded to form a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion opposed to the first mounting portion, and a first section of an upright wall extending perpendicularly therebetween. A first and second mounting shelves extend perpendicularly from the first section of the upright wall. A second section of the upright wall extends perpendicularly from between the first and second mounting shelves. A plurality of solar panel clamps affix the plurality of solar panels to the mounting shelves of the elongated purlins.

Solar panels are coupled to elongated purlins by solar panel clamps. A single strip of sheet metal is folded to form a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion opposed to the first mounting portion, and a first section of an upright wall extending perpendicularly therebetween. A first and second mounting shelves extend perpendicularly from the first section of the upright wall. A second section of the upright wall extends perpendicularly from between the first and second mounting shelves. A plurality of solar panel clamps affix the plurality of solar panels to the mounting shelves of the elongated purlins.

A method of installing on a horizontal or near-horizontal support surface a solar panel array including multiple solar panels may include, at the deployment site, fabricating from metal coil stock longitudinally continuous rack channels each having upstanding legs of different heights, locating the channels in parallel rows with a spacing determined by a width of the solar panels with interior spaces of the channels facing upwardly, weighing the channels down on the support surface by placing ballast in the channel spaces, and positioning the solar panels each with an edge supported by a high leg of one channel of the channels and an opposite edge supported by a low leg of an adjacent channel of the channels.

A solar array is mounted on a surface of a structure, the surface being generally planar. The solar array comprises a solar module and a support that supports the solar module a distance above the surface. The support defines a channel to receive the solar module. A locking mechanism engages the support to secure the solar module to the support, wherein the solar module extends between the support and the locking mechanism and into the channel such that the solar module is allowed to move relative to the support in a first plane generally parallel to the surface when the solar module is secured to the support. The locking mechanism and the support inhibit movement of the solar module in a second plane generally perpendicular to the surface when the solar module is secured to the support.