Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams, in both lateral and longitudinal directions, to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, adjacent photovoltaic modules may be oriented so that a boundary between an up-roof photovoltaic module and a down-roof photovoltaic module is not noticeable by observers positioned at typical viewing angles of the roof.

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be on-roof systems, elevated from the surface of a roof, being flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, inverted seams can couple photovoltaic-supporting pans and non-photovoltaic structures, forming a substantively planar surface. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV systems can be particularly aesthetically pleasing and generally seamless to an observer.

Embodiments of the invention include structural decking systems with at least a four-layered seam and methods for manufacturing and assembling structural decking systems with at least four-layered seams. The decking panels may be provided with an edge having an exposed male lip with two layers, and an opposite edge having a female lip with two layers. Individual panels may be coupled together by placing the female lip of a first panel over the male lip of an adjacent panel, thus creating an unjoined seam. In order to couple the panels together, the panels may be secured through various couplings configurations. The couplings may be formed by deforming, cutting, and/or welding the seam. Not only do the couplings help prevent vertical separation between adjacent panels, the couplings minimize lateral shifting along the seam, and ensure a desired level of shear strength in the seam and across the structural decking system.

The invention provides a system for installing a roof penetrating structure to a metal roof, the system comprising: a) a rail and closure structure adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations of said roof; b) a skylight adapted to be supported on the rail and closure structure; and c) a support member for sealing a cut away portion of the rib structure to divert water away from the rail and closure structure.

The invention provides a system for installing a rail and closure assembly on a metal roof. The rail and closure assembly includes a supporting rail and closure structure adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations of the roof, and an overlying load adapted to be supported by the rail and closure structure. The rail and closure structure diverts water around the rail and closure assembly. The entire heights of the side rails, including the rail bottoms, are above the closest portions of the panel flats. At least one panel of each of the side rails faces the respective rib along the full length of the respective side rail. The rail and closure assembly also includes a lower closure. Opposing ends of the lower closure extend upwardly and interface with the ribs. The lower closure further comprises a lower flange which interfaces with a respective panel flat.

A standing seam roof clip system has a clip base with a horizontal portion and a vertical portion extending upwardly therefrom, and a clip tab comprising a return bend having a U configuration extending from a lower end of a vertical back surface, and a top portion comprising a hook for engaging with a roof panel. An interlocking element is formed in the vertical portion of the clip base, and has at least one seat with a substantially a J configuration which extends upwardly and outwardly from the vertical portion of the clip base and a respective shoulder extending from a top edge of the vertical portion of the clip base in a reverse U configuration. A roof panel is joined to the roof clip via the clip tab to form a seam; and the clip tab return bend engages with the clip base shoulder and seat.

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be on-roof systems, elevated from the surface of a roof, being flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, inverted seams can couple photovoltaic-supporting pans and non-photovoltaic structures, forming a substantively planar surface. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV systems can be particularly aesthetically pleasing and generally seamless to an observer.

A system for insulating a building comprising a first layer of rolled insulation disposed atop a longitudinally extending upper chord of a roof truss, a purlin or a girt of a wall. Discrete insulating spacer members are intermittently disposed atop the first insulation layer and along the longitudinally extending chord, purlin or girt. A three sided bridge with a plurality of tab elements overlaying and contiguous with the insulating spacer members. A second layer of rolled insulation disposed atop the bridge and panel clips secured with a fastener extending through each of the second layer of insulation, bridge, insulating spacer member, first layer of insulation and upper chord.

A standing seam panel for interlocking engagement with adjacent standing seam panels. The standing seam panel includes a strip of sheet material having a central panel portion, a male sidelap portion, and a female sidelap portion sized and contoured to receive the male sidelap portion of an adjacent standing seam panel. The female sidelap portion includes a first latch flange engaged with the male sidelap portion and the male sidelap portion includes a second latch flange engaged with the female sidelap portion.

Metal panel roofs, and load support structures for supporting loads on such roofs. Side rails provide primary support for loads on such roofs. The side rails can be fabricated from sheet metal or can be extruded. A side rail includes a standing seam cavity which is lowered, and covers, the standing seam. Side walls of the standing seam cavity. An upstanding web extends up from the cavity, and lower shoulders may extend laterally, optionally downwardly, from the walls which define the cavity, on either one side, or both sides, of the cavity. Building roof insulation can extend up through an aperture in the roof, surrounded by such load support structure, and extend up to the top of the side rail, thus providing a thermal break between the load support structure elements and the space surrounded by the load support structure.