Load support structures for mounting a load atop a raised rib metal panel roof make use of relatively small, inexpensive, and easy-to-make adapter plugs as interfaces between the raised ribs and one or more component pieces or members of the load support structure, such as an upper diverter or a lower closure member. The adapter plug has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having an inner profile substantially matching or conforming to some or all of the profile of a particular style of rib profile. The outer surface of the adapter plug has a standardized shape, some or all of which is made to conform to an upper diverter, lower closure, and/or other component member of the load support structure.

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 pan with raised ridges along lateral edges, where the raised ridges of one pan cooperate raised ridges of another pan to prevent water movement. A formed edge that is offset from the roof surface when the pan is installed on the roof allows a flashing to slide under the formed edge when the roof pan is installed on the roof surface.

A clamp for controlling uplift of panels of a metal roof is provided where the clamp secures two adjacent panels together. In some embodiments, the clamp has a slot configured to receive a roof joint between adjacent panels, and the clamp has at least one arm that secures the roof joint within the clamp and prevents the clamp from being pulled off of the roof joint. In addition, the clamp may have a channel and at least one protrusion that locate the roof joint within the clamp in a predetermined position to ensure that a bar component such as a bolt or a set screw can secure the roof joint within the clamp. Moreover, further features and arrangements of features can better position the clamp over a center of the roof joint.

A clamp for controlling uplift of panels of a metal roof is provided where the clamp secures two adjacent panels together. In some embodiments, the clamp has a slot configured to receive a roof joint between adjacent panels, and the clamp has at least one arm that secures the roof joint within the clamp and prevents the clamp from being pulled off of the roof joint. In addition, the clamp may have a channel and at least one protrusion that locate the roof joint within the clamp in a predetermined position to ensure that a bar component such as a bolt or a set screw can secure the roof joint within the clamp. Moreover, further features and arrangements of features can better position the clamp over a center of the roof joint.

Load support structures for mounting a load atop a raised rib metal panel roof make use of relatively small, inexpensive, and easy-to-make adapter plugs as interfaces between the raised ribs and one or more component pieces or members of the load support structure, such as an upper diverter or a lower closure member. The adapter plug has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having an inner profile substantially matching or conforming to some or all of the profile of a particular style of rib profile. The outer surface of the adapter plug has a standardized shape, some or all of which is made to conform to an upper diverter, lower closure, and/or other component member of the load support structure.

A roof pan with raised ridges along lateral edges, where the raised ridges of one pan cooperate raised ridges of another pan to prevent water movement. A formed edge that is offset from the roof surface when the pan is installed on the roof allows a flashing to slide under the formed edge when the roof pan is installed on the roof surface.

An apparatus is contemplated for creating a structure which simultaneously serves as both a building element and a photovoltaic power source. Components of the invention interface with modules which comprise photovoltaic solar panels. When used collectively, these modules are contemplated as comprising a replacement for a roof or other building component. When the present invention is used, a roof or other building component can be created without the need for a separate underlayment, and without the need for tiles or another outer waterproofing layer. This setup results in power generation, cost savings, and environmental advantages. Additionally, embodiments of the invention comprise fixed stop elements which ensure correct placement of modules on a frame assembly. The invention could also include other elements, including water gutters, grab steps which facilitate access, and specially positioned border covers to protect and aesthetically cover wired regions of solar modules.