Solar panel roof mounting system

Abstract

Apparatus is provided for securing solar energy collection devices to a roof. A plurality of rails ( 103, 104 ) are provided. Each rail is attachable to a roof ( 102 ) at mutually displaced positions and defines a rail slot ( 702, 915 ). Attachment devices ( 917 ) are provided, each configured to engage with a rail slot ( 702, 915 ) such that in a first condition the devices are free to move along the slot and in the second condition the devices are secured within the slot. The attachment devices ( 917 ) include an engaging portion ( 919 ) that protrudes from the slot to engage with a solar energy collection device.

1 . Apparatus for securing solar energy collection devices to a roof, comprising:
 a plurality of rails, each said rail attachable to a roof at mutually displaced positions and defining a rail slot;   attachment devices each configured to engage with a rail slot, such that in a first condition said devices are free to move along said slot and in a second condition said devices are secured within said slot; and   said attachment devices include an engaging portion that protrudes from said slot to engage with a solar energy collection device.   
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said rail includes a cavity for receiving one or more transmission cables. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein an attachment device comprises a bolt having a head and a thread each sized such that said head is slidable in the rail slot from an open end to a specified fixing position. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein an attachment device includes a cam-like portion that is insertable into a selected rail slot from above and thereafter is twistable to a locked position in said selected rail slot. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said rail is located over a roof membrane and is attached to the roof through said membrane so as to secure the membrane in addition to securing the rail. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein said rail is located at an intersection of adjacent roof membranes and includes a mechanism for securing and sealing said membranes. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein said rail is defined by a first channel section and a second slot section, such that the membranes are secured and sealed between said first section and said second section. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said mounting rail is integrally formed with a roof panel. 
     
     
         9 . On a roof of a building, apparatus for collecting solar energy, comprising:
 a plurality of solar energy collection devices;   a plurality of rails attached to said roof at mutually displaced positions and each defining a rail slot;   attachment devices each including an engaging portion that engages with a selected rail slot and a protruding portion that secures solar collection devices.   
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein said rail includes a cavity cavity for receiving one or more transmission cables or for receiving pipes or hoses conveying a heated liquid. 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein an attachment device comprises a bolt having a head and a thread each sized such that said head is slidable in the rail slot from an open end to a specified fixing position. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein an attachment device includes a cam-like portion that is insertable into a selected rail slot from above and thereafter is twistable to a locked position in said selected rail slot. 
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein said rail is located over a roof membrane and is attached to the roof through said membrane so as to secure the membrane in addition to securing the rail. 
     
     
         14 . Apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein said rail is located at an intersection of adjacent roof membranes and includes a mechanism for securing and sealing said membranes. 
     
     
         15 . Apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein said rail is defined by a first channel section and a second slot section, such that the membranes are secured and sealed between said first section and said second section. 
     
     
         16 . Apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein said mounting rail is integrally formed with a roof panel. 
     
     
         17 . A method of installing solar energy collection devices onto a roof of a building, comprising the steps of:
 fixing a plurality of rails to a roof at mutually displaced positions, wherein each said rail includes a rail slot;   placing a first solar energy collection device over at least one of said rails; and   attaching said solar energy collection device to a first rail using an attachment device that includes an engagement portion that engages with the rail slot of said first rail and a protruding portion that secures said first solar energy collection device.   
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein said fixing step includes locating the rail over a roof membrane and attaching the rail to the roof through the membrane so as to secure the membrane to the roof in addition to securing the rail. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein the rail is located at an intersection of adjacent roof membranes and includes a securing and sealing step for securing and sealing said membranes. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 19 , wherein said securing step comprises the steps of:
 locating a first channel section of the rail that defines a channel onto the roof;   placing said adjacent roof membranes over said channel; and   securing said membranes by forcing a second slot section of said rail into said channel.   
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein said attachment device is a bolt (with a head and a thread) and said attaching step includes sliding said bolt along a rail with the head of said bolt secured by said rail slot. 
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein said attachment device includes a cam-like portion and said attaching step includes inserting said cam-like portion into said rail slot and twisting the attachment device. 
     
     
         23 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein a rail includes a longitudinal cavity, including the step of inserting transmission cables or pipes/hoses through said longitudinal cavity.