CN107005198B - Photovoltaic installation system for tile roof - Google Patents

Abstract

A photovoltaic installation system for tiled roofs is disclosed. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket is attached to the roof slab and passes through the flashing support and the flexible flashing that mimics the contours of adjacent roof tiles. In other embodiments, the tile hooks pass through some or all of the tile replacement waterproofing. A plug or other structure blocks the space around the tile hooks, preventing the entry of pests and debris under the flashing and surrounding tiles. Additional photovoltaic module mounting hardware, including rail portions and frame mounting portions, are attached to mounting brackets or tile hooks.

Description

Photovoltaic mounting system for tiled roofs

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/089,132, filed December 8, 2014, and U.S. Patent Application No. 14/855,273, filed September 15, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety at this. This application is also related to US Provisional Application No. 62/053,918, filed September 23, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

technical field

This application relates generally to photovoltaic installation systems ("PV" or "solar"), and in particular to PV installation systems for tiled roofs.

Background technique

Solar energy is becoming more and more popular as a renewable energy source. Advances in panel efficiency and manufacturing technology have brought down the cost per kilowatt and have led to double-digit annual growth in solar installations and projected even greater growth in the future. Despite solar energy's recent success, the solar industry must continue to innovate and reduce costs so that it can continue to provide its customers with valuable propositions compared to petroleum-based energy sources.

Solar systems have fewer components. The main components are the panels, the mounting system, the inverter, the electrical interface to the existing grid, and the installation involving labor. Therefore, a reduction in any of these areas will have a significant impact on the cost per watt of solar energy. Specifically, solar installation systems affect not only the hard costs associated with solar energy systems, but also the underlying soft costs, such as labor, number of workers, and installation time.

Tile roofs present unique challenges for installing photovoltaic panels compared to shingle or asphalt shingle roofs, mainly because the tiles are neither flat nor flexible. Additionally, they often must be removed or removed entirely to attach the required mounting hardware to the roof or roof rafters below to support the solar array, whereas asphalt shingles can simply be drilled through. Thus, known solutions for installing PV panels to tile roofs are generally more expensive and time consuming than systems for installing solar panels on asphalt tile roofs.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates components of a photovoltaic installation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a perspective view of a section of a curved tiled roof with one tile removed to accommodate a photovoltaic mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3A is a perspective view of a section of a curved tile roof including mounting brackets for a photovoltaic mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3B is a perspective view of another mounting bracket of the photovoltaic mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a perspective view of a section of a curved tile roof including waterproof supports of a photovoltaic installation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a perspective view of a section of a curved tile roof including a waterproof portion of a photovoltaic installation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the waterproof part of FIG. 5 .

7 is a perspective view of a section of a curved tile roof including mounting adapters according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

8A is a perspective view of a section of a curved tile roof including top arms and photovoltaic module couplings according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

8B is a close-up perspective view of the photovoltaic installation system shown in FIG. 8A.

9 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic module mounted on a section of a curved tile roof with a photovoltaic mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a close-up perspective view of another photovoltaic installation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 illustrates components of a photovoltaic installation system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

12 and 13 are perspective views of a section of a roof illustrating two steps of a method of installing a photovoltaic installation system according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11 on a curved tile roof.

14 and 15 are perspective views of a section of a curved tile roof including a waterproof support and a waterproof part, respectively, of the photovoltaic installation system according to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 11 .

16 and 17 are perspective views of a section of a curved tile roof including flashing boots of the photovoltaic installation system according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11 .

18 and 19 are perspective views, respectively, of a section of a curved tile roof including a top rail and a photovoltaic module coupling of the photovoltaic installation system according to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 11 .

20 is a perspective view of a cross-section of a curved tile roof including photovoltaic modules installed using a photovoltaic installation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

21 is a perspective view of a section of a curved tile roof including photovoltaic modules installed using a photovoltaic installation system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

22 , 23 and 24 are perspective views of cross-sections of flat tile roofs including components of a photovoltaic installation system according to various embodiments of the invention.

25 is a perspective view of a section of a curved tile roof including tile hooks for a photovoltaic mounting system according to various embodiments of the invention.

26 is a perspective view of a section of a curved tile roof including a photovoltaic installation system with a complete replacement tile flashing according to various embodiments of the invention.

27 is a perspective view of a section of a curved tile roof including a photovoltaic installation system with a partial replacement tile flashing according to various embodiments of the invention.

28 is a perspective view of a section of a curved tile roof including a photovoltaic installation system with a complete replacement tile flashing according to other embodiments of the present invention.

29 is a perspective view of a section of a flat tile roof including a photovoltaic installation system with a complete replacement tile flashing according to other embodiments of the present invention.

30 is a perspective view of a section of a corrugated tile roof including a photovoltaic installation system with a complete replacement tile flashing according to other embodiments of the present invention.

31 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic installation system for a tiled roof according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

32 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic installation system for a tiled roof according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

33 and 34 are perspective views of components of the exemplary photovoltaic installation system of FIG. 32 .

35 and 36 are exploded perspective views of components of the exemplary photovoltaic installation system of FIG. 32 .

37 is a perspective view with a cross-section of a rail supporting two photovoltaic module couplings of the photovoltaic installation system illustrated in FIG. 32 .

38 is a perspective view of a section of a curved tile roof including the photovoltaic installation system of FIG. 32 .

Detailed ways

The following description intends to convey a detailed understanding of the described embodiments by providing several specific examples and details related to PV mounting hardware for pitched tile roofs. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to these specific examples and details, which are illustrative only. It should also be understood that, given the existing systems and techniques, those skilled in the art can understand that the present invention can be used in any number of alternative embodiments to achieve its objects and effects, depending on the specific design and other needs.

Figure 1 shows components of a photovoltaic installation system according to various embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , these components include a mounting bracket 100 , a flashing support 110 and a flexible flashing 120 . As shown in the more informative description herein, these three components are sufficient to provide a mounting structure to which a PV mounting system can be attached to support a commercial or residential PV array. Additional system components shown in FIG. 1 include bracket adapter 130 , top arm component 140 with integral connector 141 , track bracket component 150 with integral connector 153 , and connecting rail 160 . In various embodiments, a combination of the elements depicted in Figure 1 is used to securely and quickly attach photovoltaic panels as a complete array on an existing tiled roof.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 , which illustrates a conventional tile roof 200 comprising individual tiles 201 mounted on plywood and composite roof panels 210 supported by one or more roof rafters 211 . In Figure 2, the individual tiles 201 overlap each other both horizontally and vertically (ie across and on the roof). Although not shown in FIG. 2, the roof surface 210 is often covered with asphalt paper and/or other vapor/moisture-resistant materials to further protect against the weather and to insulate the roof surface 210 and the underlying structure from the elements . Typically, this material is visible by sliding tiles 201A on the roof. Alternatively, horizontal roof beams may be visible when sliding tiles 201A on the roof. In Figure 2, when the tile 201A is in its normal position, it covers a portion of the lower roof tile 201B so that water left along the roof can continue down the gutter rather than under the roof tile.

Typically, there is a lip or protrusion on the underside of each tile that orients the tile relative to the next lower roof tile, while upper roof tiles have no such feature. In FIG. 2 , the tile 201A is partially slid relative to the tile 201B in the upper roof direction to expose the opening 202 . In various embodiments, this is the first step in installing the photovoltaic installation system of FIG. 1 .

Referring now to FIG. 3A, this figure shows the roof 200 described in FIG. Next, the opening 202 is created. FIG. 3B is a close-up perspective view of the L-bracket 100 . The bracket 100 is mounted so that the base portion 101 faces the roof beam, preferably, but not necessarily, above the roof rafters, so that the screws or bolts holding the bracket 100 are securely fastened. As shown in FIG. 3A , bracket 100 may be mounted such that the long portion of the L (vertical portion 103 ) points upward (ie away from the roof) and the wide portion is in a north-south direction (ie up and down the roof).

In various embodiments, the L-bracket 100 includes a base portion 101 having one or more integral mounting holes 102 that allow lag bolts, screws, or other mechanical fasteners to pass through the mounting holes 102, This enables the base portion 101 to be rigidly attached to the underlying roof surface 210 . In various embodiments, the L base 100 will be attached to the roof 210 under a tile that is above one of the roof rafters 211 to provide additional pull-out resistance.

3B, in various embodiments, the L-bracket 100 can include a vertical portion 103 that terminates in a flange 104 that includes one or more attachment holes 105 for attaching other PV panels Install hardware to secure photovoltaic panels to tiled roofs. Unlike the stent 100 shown in FIG. 3A, the stent 100 of FIG. 3B has a uniform flange 104, ie, the flange 104 is not tapered. Dashed lines have been added to FIG. 3B to show that material at region 106B may be removed to thin flange 104 . It should be understood that the L brackets of FIGS. 3A and 3B are merely exemplary. Various embodiments of the invention may utilize stents having other shapes without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, in various embodiments, the top or roof-facing portion of vertical portion 103 may not form cutouts on either side of opening 105 . Furthermore, the flange 104 may be bent perpendicular to the vertical portion 103 so as to be parallel to the base portion 102, depending on the desired attachment mechanism of subsequent elements of the PV installation system.

Figure 4 illustrates the roof 200 of Figures 2 and 3A including flashing support 110 placed in opening 202 created by partially sliding tile 201A up the roof to under the next row of tiles. The flashing support 110 is shown in more detail in FIG. 1 . In various embodiments, flashing support 110 may be formed from a semi-rigid foam or foam-like material and shaped to fit various contours of the underside of tile 201A and one or more surrounding tile portions. In various embodiments, flashing support 110 may be formed from another suitable lightweight, durable material that is soft enough for L-bracket 110 to pass through but rigid enough to generally retain its shape. In various embodiments, by pushing the flashing support 110 down on the mounting bracket 100, the flange 104 of the mounting bracket passes through the lower surface of the flashing support 110 and allows the flashing support 110 to slide downward. The flashing support 110 is installed into the opening 202 until it is flush with the roof surface 210 at the bottom of the opening 202 . In various embodiments, the flashing support 110 may be pre-formed to substantially match the curve of the underside of the removed tile 201A. In other embodiments, flashing support 110 may be made of a malleable material to allow it to deform to the curve of the underside of tile 201A.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , this figure depicts the roof 200 of the previous figures with the flashing material 120 installed over the flashing support 110 in the opening 202 . In various embodiments, the waterproof material 120 is made of a flexible material, such as rubber, silicone rubber, or other waterproof, rubber-coated material. In other embodiments it may be rigid. In various embodiments, flashing material 120 is sufficiently flexible to allow flashing material 120 to conform to the curves of flashing support 110 and the lower and upper roof tiles relative to opening 202 . In various embodiments, the flashing material 120 may be laminated or include one or more flexible horizontal metal strips, for example, along the upper and lower roof edges, which help to hold the flashing material 120 in place by the waterproofing. The shape specified by the curves of the upper support 110 and surrounding tiles. In various embodiments, the waterproof portion 120 may also be stacked with one or more rigid metal rods that are oriented vertically to prevent the waterproof portion 120 from collapsing or to create a low point where water can be stored, thereby allowing the Y direction (from ridge to gutter line) to provide rigidity while allowing it to bend in the X direction (from the left side of the roof to the right side of the roof) and to accommodate curves along adjacent tiles in the Z direction (perpendicular to the roof surface ) changes in height. Preferably, the flashing 120 is large enough to allow it to be under a portion of the upper roof invoice 201A, over a portion of the lower roof tile 201B, under the left tile (protrusion), and under the right tile (recess). Extends above so that water falling directly on flashing 120 or running off the roof over flashing 120 continues its downward, gravity-directed path without leaking beneath flashing 120 to roof surface 210 .

The watertight portion 120 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 5 is shown as having a hole that enables the watertight portion 120 to slide over the mounting bracket 100 to create an upwardly tapering watertight seal around the Access at atmospheric pressure. In various embodiments, and as seen more clearly in FIG. 5 , the aperture may include a shoe-shaped protrusion having one or more stepped edges that allow waterproof portion 120 to fit within opening 202 . Accommodating different bracket positions while still covering the entire opening without overstretching the hole and thus compromising its ability to form a watertight seal around the mounting bracket 100 . This hole makes it possible to use the flashing 120 by simply rotating it 180 degrees regardless of whether the bracket protrudes relative to the tile's recessed (lower) or convex (higher). Other embodiments may include one or more punch-outs or other similar structures that may be punched, severed, or pierced to allow waterproofing 120 to be installed on mounting bracket 100 regardless of its position relative to surrounding tiles. . In various embodiments, it may be desirable to have two or more of these features at different locations to accommodate a large number of mounting bracket locations within opening 202 . The shape and size of the hole is governed, at least in part, by the size and shape of the mounting bracket 100 . In various embodiments, waterproof portion 120 may be formed in a roll in a continuous manufacturing process. In other embodiments, waterproof portion 120 may be cut from a large sheet, or even formed separately.

Figure 6 shows the roof 200 depicted in previous figures, with the tile 201A partially returned to its original position until it rests on the mounting bracket 100, covering the top of the flashing 120 and, in some embodiments, the A portion of the flashing support 110 thereby reducing and ideally minimizing displacement caused by PV installation systems according to various embodiments of the present invention. The combination of this bracket 100, flashing support 110, and flashing 120 can be considered a complete base assembly for attaching other PV installation components.

To this end, FIG. 7 illustrates the assembly shown in FIG. 6 with bracket adapter 130 attached to flange 104 of mounting bracket 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. In various embodiments, stand adapter 130 may take the circular, hockey puck-like shape depicted in FIG. 7 . In various other embodiments, bracket adapter 130 may take the shape of a bolt head or other suitable shape that allows it to mate with a track or other structure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the adapter 130 includes a threaded top opening that allows for adjustment of the PV panel connection in the X direction, the Y direction, or both directions using set bolts or other threaded fasteners. A slotted arm or other structure attaches to the adapter 130 at the location of the adapter. In various embodiments, the adapter 130 has a pair of vertical flanges with an opening in each flange so that the flanges can be mounted on or around either side of the flange 104 of the mounting bracket 100 , and bolted to it with standard nuts and bolts.

Figure 8A depicts the roof 200 shown in the previous Figures with the top arms 140 having integrated PV module connectors 141 according to various embodiments of the invention. In Figure 8A, the top arm 140 includes two attachment slots on the top surface that allow the module connector 141 to be moved closer to or away from the adapter 130 and then secured in a particular position. In various embodiments, top arm 140 is secured to adapter 130 using a screw projecting downward through one of the plurality of slots into a threaded opening in the top of adapter 130 . It should be understood that this is a design choice. This flexibility coupled with the circular geometry of the adapter 130 allows the top arm 140 to rotate 360 degrees relative to the adapter 130, and even enables the connector 141 to move to within a circle with a radius approximately equal to the length of the top arm 140. any position.

This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 8B , which is a perspective view showing bracket 100 , adapter 130 , top arm 140 , and PV module connector 141 in isolation. In various embodiments, the modular connector 141 may be a rock-it type connector (such as shown in FIG. 8B ) with a short key side 142 and a relatively long tongue side 143 for The oppositely facing frames of the two PV modules are interconnected. Such a coupling device is described and exemplified in, for example, commonly assigned US Patent Application No. 14/615,320 (Publication No. 2015/0155823-A1 ), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, in other embodiments, connector 141 may be a clamping connector, gripping connector, or other suitable means of detachably connecting the frames of two opposing facing PV modules. frame connector.

9 depicts a PV panel 300 connected to a pair of module connectors 400 attached to a corresponding pair of top arms 140 which in turn are connected via a pair of adapters 130 to A pair of corresponding mounting brackets 100 are in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. PV module 300 is depicted as having grooves on the outwardly facing side of the frame that enable the frame to mate with a swing-type connector such as connector 141 . In other embodiments, the frame of the PV panel 300 can be smooth and without grooves, and the connectors 140 can be clamped, gripped, or otherwise connected directly or through other intervening hardware (as shown in the exemplary embodiments described herein). ) detachably constrains the PV module 300.

FIG. 10 depicts an alternative assembly including a track bracket 150 with a rocker type connector 153 for use with a section of cantilever track 160 . In various embodiments of the invention, instead of the adapter 130 and top arm 140 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B , in the assembly shown in FIG. Out) or other suitable fasteners that pass through holes 105 in flanges 104 of the mounting bracket 100 are attached directly to the mounting bracket 100. In various embodiments, track 160 may include a lower channel 161 that spans the entire length of track 160 and is sized to receive and hold the head of a T-bolt, allowing cantilevered track 160 to move in the Y direction (perpendicular to opening 150) if necessary. direction) so that the connector 151 achieves the desired positioning of the connector 151 relative to one or more PV modules before being fastened in place on the bracket 100 with nuts (not shown). In various embodiments, rail 160 may include a pair of oppositely facing upper channels 162A, 162B that span the entire length of rail 161 and are also open at each end for mounting PV module connectors.

In various embodiments, track bracket 150 may be attached to one of grooves 162A, 162B using T-bolt 151 and nut 152 . Bracket 150 may include a pair of C-shaped openings on either side that allow bracket 150 to attach to track 160 using one or more T-bolts or other attachment mechanism. In various embodiments, the head of such a T-bolt can be slid into either end of the upper channel 161A, 161B until it engages one of the C-shaped openings of the track bracket 150 . Nuts 152 may then be attached to bolts 151 to hold track bracket 150 in a desired position along track 160 . As shown in FIG. 10 , rail bracket 150 may include an integral swing-type module connector 153 for securing one or more PV modules to mounting bracket 100 via connector 153 , bracket 150 , rail 160 and L bracket 100 . However, it should be understood that other types of PV module connectors (such as clamp connectors, grab connectors, or other suitable connector) can be used with the track bracket 150.

Reference will now be made to all of the foregoing figures in order to describe an exemplary installation process for a photovoltaic installation system according to various embodiments of the present invention on an existing pitched tile roof. First, a tile is positioned that is above the roof rafters or otherwise at the desired installation point, such as tile 201A. The tile is slid up the roof to expose the roof surface 210 at the opening 202 . The bracket (e.g. L-bracket 100 ) is installed through the roof surface 210 in the opening 202 . Next, the flashing support 110 is pressed down on the upward facing flange 104 of the mounting bracket 100 so that the orientation of the curve of the flashing support 110 matches the curve of the roof tile 201A such that when the tile 201A is oriented As the lower roof slides back, its contour matches the contour of the flashing support 110 so that it is not obstructed by the flashing support 110 .

Next, the flexible waterproofing material 120 is also able to slide over the flange 104 to cover the waterproofing support 110 and completely cover the opening 202 . In various embodiments, waterproof portion 120 has at least one integral aperture surrounded by a shoe to maximize positional flexibility relative to mounting bracket 100 . Under the portion of the tile 201A facing the lower roof, on the portion of the tile 201B facing the upper roof, and below the right edge of the tile to the left of the opening 202 and on the left edge of the tile to the right of the opening 202 Above the opening, the waterproof part 120 can be folded so that the opening 202 is completely covered by the waterproof part 120 . The upper roof tile 201A is then allowed to slide back down the roof until it partially covers the flashing 120 and abuts against the mounting bracket 100, thereby providing a complete freedom of movement for attaching additional PV module mounting hardware. Attachment components for climate influences.

In various embodiments, the next step will be to attach the adapter (eg, adapter 130 ) to the mounting bracket by passing the bolt 131 through the adapter and flange opening 105 and tightening the bolt 131 with a nut. 100 flange 104 . Then, in various embodiments, the top arm 140 with the integral PV module connector 141 is fastened to the adapter 140 using a threaded bolt 144 that passes through the top-facing surface of the arm 140 and mates with the adapter. The threads on the inside of the opening in the top engage to secure the top arm 140 and connector 141 in the desired position relative to the adapter 130 . At this point, the photovoltaic panel 300 can be fastened via its frame to the connector 141 , thereby keeping the panel 300 in a suspended plane on the tiled roof 200 .

Alternatively, in various other embodiments, the next step after allowing the tile 201A to slide back down the roof to rest on the mounting bracket 100 is by inserting a T-bolt into the lower channel of the cantilever track 160 and A portion of the cantilever track 160 will be attached to the flange 104 of the mounting bracket by passing the threaded end of the bolt through the opening 105 in the flange 104 and tightening it with a nut. Before the nut is tightened down, the rail 160 can slide relative to the mounting bracket 100 along the direction defined by the channel. Next, one or more track brackets 150 with integral connectors 153 are attached to either of the upper channels 162, 162B at the desired location using T-bolts 151 and corresponding nuts 152 to hold the track brackets 150 and Connector 153 is in a desired position relative to mounting bracket 100 . The PV modules can then be attached to connectors 153 as shown in Figure 9, thereby creating a PV array.

As noted above, it should be appreciated that although the panel 300 of FIG. 9 is depicted as including a frame having grooves, by replacing the connectors 141, 153 with clamp frame connectors, grip connectors, or other suitable connectors, the present invention Various embodiments of the can be configured to work with panels without a groove frame.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 11-21 , which illustrate a PV installation system for a tiled roof according to other embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11 , there is shown components of an alternative mounting system with respect to that described in FIG. 1 . The system includes a mounting bracket 400 , a flashing support member 410 , a flashing 420 , flashing boots 430 , and a top arm 440 . The top arm 440 includes a top arm mounting bracket 443 and a sliding channel mount 445 . The system also includes feet 450 having PV module connectors 460 and foot lag screws 455 that engage slide channel mounts 445 . The system may also include a cantilever track 470 for applications requiring a cantilever. In such an application, cantilever track 470 may be used in place of top arm 440 .

FIG. 12 depicts a tiled roof 500 comprising tiles 501 mounted on roof panels 600 . The tiles may be clay tiles, ceramic tiles, cement tiles, or tiles made of other strong materials. In various embodiments, one tile (eg, tile 501A) can slide under the tile above it, thereby exposing the shingle 600 for easy attachment of PV mounting hardware. In other embodiments, the tile 501A may be completely removed, leaving a gap in the direction of the upper roof of the tile 501 . Furthermore, while the tile 500 of FIG. 12 is an S-shaped tile, it should be understood that the various systems and methods disclosed herein may use tiles with different profiles, even flat tiles.

Figure 13 illustrates the next steps in utilizing a PV installation system according to various embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 13 , mounting bracket 400 is attached to roof panel 600 . In a preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket 400 is attached to a point that allows the attachment lag screws of the mounting bracket 400 to penetrate into the roof rafters and not just into the roof slab 600, thereby providing greater stability to the system and resistance to high winds. As shown in FIG. 13 , in various embodiments, the mounting bracket 400 is directed upward, perpendicular to the roof surface, so that the PV array supported by the mounting bracket 400 will be in a plane parallel to and in the same plane as the roof slab 600. Basically the same slope. Additionally, while mounting bracket 400 is shown as having a pair of recesses for receiving two mounting screws, it should be understood that the mounting bracket may have a single recess, one or more holes, or one or more holes to facilitate attachment of subsequent components. other features. For example, the mounting bracket 100 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B has only a single hole 105 and a pair of notches 106A and 106B. In various embodiments, it is contemplated that the mounting bracket 400 can be mounted at a point on the roof panel 600 that is directly in the direction of the upper roof relative to the lower portion of the lower roof tile 501B (e.g., in a valley rather than in a peak), As shown in Figure 13.

Referring now to FIG. 14 , in this figure flashing support 410 is placed on roof deck 600 . Unlike the flashing support 110 depicted in Figures 1 and 4, the flashing support 410 has a series of vertical slits pre-cut through the lower roof side of the flashing support 410, similar to a comb, so that the mounting bracket 400 is passed in a number of different locations along the east-west direction without tearing or changing flashing support 410 . In various embodiments, flashing support 410 will be pre-formed with a curve similar to that of a tile (eg, S-curve, corrugated tile, square tile, etc.). In various other embodiments, flashing support 410 simply conforms to the shape of the flashing and/or tile once weight is applied to flashing support 410 (eg, the weight of tile 501A).

FIG. 15 illustrates tile array 500 after flashing 420 is installed on flashing support 410 . In various embodiments, the waterproof portion 420 may be made of a malleable metal such as tin. In various other embodiments, waterproof portion 420 may be rigid and preformed to resemble the curve of surrounding tile 501 . In still further embodiments, the waterproof portion 420 may be formed from a rubberized material that is pre-formed or conforms to the curve of the surrounding tile 501 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 15 , the waterproof portion 420 is pre-formed with an opening sized to allow it to be mounted unhindered on the mounting bracket 400 such that the mounting bracket 400 protrudes through the opening, And the waterproof part 420 times is allowed to slide down the mounting bracket 400 until it abuts against the waterproof part support 410 . In various embodiments, flashing 420 has sufficient material on both sides to compensate for the different positions of mounting bracket 400 in the east-west direction relative to shingle 600 . The additional material may simply be pressed to fit within the opening of the shingle 600 or may be cut with a razor or other tool.

In FIG. 16 the next step in the installation process for the PV installation system of FIG. 11 has been completed. Specifically, flashing boot 430 slides over the distal end of mounting bracket 400 until it contacts the upwardly facing surface of flashing 420 , thereby creating a weatherproof seal to prevent water from entering the space above shingle 600 . In various embodiments, boot 430 includes a rubberized or other quasi-flexible material formed around the slit, sized to fit over mounting bracket 400 when stretched, but rigid enough to create a seal around the mounting bracket. Additionally, boot 430 may include adhesive material on the bottom side to further seal it to flashing 420 and to cover holes formed in the component. Alternatively, adhesive may be applied around the upper opening of flashing 420 or to the underside of flashing 430 to facilitate a weatherproof seal between these components.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 16 , boot 430 may include an upwardly tapering base that supports an opening such that after boot 430 is mounted on mounting bracket 400 , all surfaces direct water away from boot 430 . This prevents standing water, which can build up over time or accelerate deterioration of the boot 430, potentially allowing water to reach the roof.

In FIG. 17 , the tile 501A in the upper roof direction is allowed to return to its normal position until it abuts against the mounting bracket 400 . It should be understood that in embodiments where flashing 420 covers the entire opening created by removing tiles 501A, the upper roof direction tiles 501A will simply be removed. In such an embodiment, the size of flashing 420 is large enough to allow it to slide partially under the next upper roof direction tile in array 500 while still completely covering the opening created by removing tile 501A, Water is thereby prevented from entering the roof panel 600 .

Reference is now made to Figure 18, which illustrates the next steps in installing a PV installation system according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this figure, the top arm 440 is attached to the mounting bracket 400 via a reciprocating top arm mounting bracket 443 . In this example, two bolts engage two openings formed in the top of the mounting bracket 400, although it should be understood that other interconnections are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, FIGS. 1 , 7 , 8A and 8B illustrate an alternative upper wall 140 and mechanisms for attaching to the mounting bracket 100 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such variations are within the scope of the present invention.

The reciprocating mounting bracket 443 allows the top arm 440 to move up and down the roof in a south-north direction as needed to provide the required support for the one or more photovoltaic panels that make up the PV array. It should be understood that instead of the top arm 40, a portion of the boom track 470 could be attached to the mounting bracket 440 using the same type of reciprocating mounting bracket. This is especially useful in the first row (lowest on the roof) or topmost row of the array so that the array can be cantilevered over parts of the roof where mounting brackets cannot be attached (e.g. eaves or ridges where tiles are usually attached to mortar part) above. Ultimately, this could allow for larger arrays to be installed on tiled roofs.

Top arm 440 may also include a slide channel mount 445 that receives a threaded end of a leveling foot support screw 455 for attaching a leveling foot, such as foot 450 , to top arm 440 . Alternatively, a T-bolt may be used in the channel 470 formed in the top arm 440 . Leveling feet 440 may terminate in a rocker-type connector, such as rocker-type connector 460 shown in FIG. 19 . In various embodiments, connector 460 may be used to attach a PV module, a pair of PV modules, and/or a PV module and a portion of an array baffle. In various embodiments, the connector 460 can have a rotatable member that can be accessed from above (i.e., looking down) even after the PV module is attached to the connector 460, so that the module is relative to the roof. Height can be adjusted. In various embodiments, rotation of this rotatable member will cause the connector 460 to be raised or lowered relative to the top arm 40, thereby raising and/or lowering the PV module relative to the roof deck.

FIG. 20 shows the connector 460 attached to the groove of the PV module 300 . It should be understood that by employing a different type of connector than connector 460, various embodiments of the invention may use modules without grooves. For example, clamp connectors may be used to hold the module frame. Such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention. In FIG. 20 , connector 460 is supported by a portion of cantilevered track 470 . 21 is another perspective view of a PV module 300 attached to a roof panel 600 via a tile mounting system according to various embodiments of the invention.

Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment of the invention that is particularly applicable to flat roof tiles. In the system shown in FIGS. 22-24 , the tiles 701A are pushed up under the tiles in the upper roof row to expose the roof panels 800 . The mounting bracket 402 is attached to the shingle 800 and the flashing support 415 is pushed down on the mounting bracket 402 until it rests against the shingle. As shown in Figure 22, in this embodiment flashing support 415 may be flat to resemble the flat shape of a roof, but still include multiple slots from left to right of roof panel 600 to accommodate mounting Different positions of bracket 402 .

In FIG. 23 , the waterproof part 425 is installed above the waterproof part support 415 . The flashing 425 shown in Figure 23 is substantially flat, but includes corresponding tongue and groove shapes at either end to match the ends of the tiles on either side in the east-west direction. In FIG. 24 , flashing boot 435 is shown mounted over the distal end of mounting bracket 402 , abutting against the top of flashing 425 , thereby creating a weatherproof seal to prevent water from entering above shingle 600 in the space. As with boot 430 of FIG. 16 , in various embodiments, boot 435 will include rubberized or other quasi-flexible material formed around a slit sized to allow it to fit over mounting bracket 400 when stretched. on but still rigid enough to create a seal around it. Additionally, waterproof boot 435 may include adhesive material on the bottom side to further seal it to waterproof material 425 and cover holes formed in the component. Alternatively, adhesive may be applied to the waterproof portion 425 surrounding the mounting bracket 402, or to the waterproof boot 435, or both, to facilitate a weatherproof seal between these components.

As shown in FIG. 24, boot 435 may preferably include an upwardly tapering base supporting an opening such that after boot 435 is installed on mounting bracket 402, all surfaces tend to shed water away from boot 435, thereby Prevents standing water, which may increase or accelerate deterioration of the boot 435 over time.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 25-30 , which depict a system for mounting photovoltaic panels on a tiled roof according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. While the system shown in Figures 25-30 shares various features and advantages with those shown in the other previous figures, the difference is that the mounting brackets depicted in the previous figures are replaced by tile hooks.

FIG. 25 depicts an array of tiles 900 installed on a shingle 1000 . The tile array 900 of FIG. 25 is composed of corrugated tiles (softer curves than S-shaped tiles). In Fig. 25, the tile at the desired location of the hook 405 has been removed. In various embodiments, the tile may alternatively slide up under the next upper roof row of tiles as in other embodiments. As shown, the hook 405 comprises an S-hook with a plurality of holes in the base for attaching it to the shingle 1000 . Preferably, it can be attached to a location that allows the lag screws holding the hook base to the roof to pass through the roof rafters under the shingle 1000 . Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 25-30 , the hook 405 may include a pair of holes at the distal end for attaching additional PV mounting components. It should be understood that the hooks may include different shapes at the distal end for attaching additional components, such as the various mounting brackets 400, 402 illustrated in the previous figures.

Turning now to FIG. 26 , this figure illustrates flashing 1100 configured to work with tile hook 405 . Unlike flashings shown in previous embodiments, flashing 1100 is more rigid and therefore does not require flashing supports to maintain its shape or provide structural support. In various embodiments, waterproofing portion 1100 is essentially a replacement tile or a partial replacement tile. In various embodiments, waterproofing portion 1100 may be curved to resemble the curve of surrounding tile array 900, however, waterproofing portion 1100 may take other shapes for other tile types. The flashing 1100 may include raised openings 1101 configured to fit over the tile hooks 405 when the flashing 1100 is secured in a tile array. In various embodiments, flashing 1100 may include ridges on one side and channels on the other side for engaging adjacent tiles on either side of flashing 1100 in an east-west direction.

FIG. 26 also illustrates a plug 1120 made of foam or other suitable material for closing the opening in waterproof portion 1100 from which hook 405 protrudes. In some embodiments, plug 1120 may have a series of vertical slits adapted to fit over hook 405 when installed in the opening. The plug 1120 may also fit under the waterproof portion 1100 and contact the shingle 1000 so that the plug 1120 is less likely to fall out of the raised opening 1101 . In other embodiments, the installer can simply cut a slot in the plug 1120 at the location of the hook 405 to allow the plug 1120 to achieve a snug fit, preventing bedbugs, vermin, and debris from entering the opening. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 , in various embodiments, it may be desirable to position the tile hooks 405 on the valley (ie, lower) side of the flashing 1100 .

Figure 27 illustrates substantially the same installation system as shown in Figure 26, but instead of a full replacement tile, the flashing 1100 is only a partial replacement tile. Thus, instead of removing the tile 901B in the upper roof direction, the tile is simply slid upwards to allow the hook 405 and flashing 1100 to be installed and then returned to its normal position until it rests against the raised roof of the flashing 1100. on the opening 1101 .

FIG. 28 shows another flashing 1105 that includes two openings 1106 and 1107 that enable the tile hook 405 to be mounted on either the valley or peak side of the flashing 1105 . In various embodiments, both openings are closed with a plug 1120, or alternatively one plug with two parts is used. The flashing 1105 provides greater flexibility in positioning the position of the S-hooks 405 relative to the underlying roof rafters on the peak or valley side of the curved tile. In some cases, it may not be possible to position the tile hook 405 on the valley side of the flashing 1105 , but still enable the roof rafters to engage the mounting screws in the base of the tile hook 405 .

Turning now to FIG. 29, this figure illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention previously described in FIGS. Work. In this example, waterproofing 1110 is used as a replacement tile. Unlike flashing 1100 or 1105 in FIGS. 27 and 28 , flashing 1110 includes a single opening 1111 that spans substantially the entire width of flashing 1110 , thus, nearly the full width of the opening created by removing the tile. This provides maximum flexibility for attaching the base of the tile hook 405 to the roof deck in the east-west direction. As shown in FIG. 29, because a single opening 1111 spans substantially the entire width of flashing 1111, a larger plug 1121 can be used, thereby filling the entire opening and keeping bugs, rodents, and debris out.

Apart from this difference in size, the plug 1121 may be substantially identical in construction to the plug 1120 shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 . In a preferred embodiment, the waterproof portion 1110 may also include additional material in the direction of the upper roof to allow it to protrude under the row of tiles on the upper roof to prevent water ingress. Additionally, as shown in this figure, flashing 1110 may include corresponding edge joints to allow the tile to align more accurately with tiles on either side of the flashing in an east-west direction (left to right on the roof). join.

FIG. 30 illustrates another tile replacement flashing 1115 according to various embodiments of the invention. The tile replacement flashing 1115 shown in this figure is sized for W tiles. Similar to flashing 1110 of FIG. 29 , flashing 1115 includes a single opening 1116 that spans substantially the entire width of flashing 1115 (eg, the width of one tile). As shown in Figure 30, the flashing 1115 preferably has the same cross-sectional profile as the other tiles in the array 1300, allowing the flashing to fit together with adjacent tiles without compromising the integrity of the array. Tile hooks 405 protrude through openings 1116 in the same manner as other curved tiles, eg, preferably at the valley of the tile relative to the closest lower roof direction. While the plug 1122 is shown to resemble the curve of the next lower roof tile, the plug 1122 may simply comprise foam or other compressible material that can be compressed to substantially conform to the shape of the next lower roof tile to Ensure a snug fit.

FIG. 31 illustrates a PV installation system 1400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 1400 shown in FIG. 31 includes a base portion 1405 having two interconnected parallel rows of mounting holes 1406 for receiving lag bolts, lag screws, hanging bolts, or other mounting holes through the roof deck surface. Mechanical fasteners are, preferably but not required, at the location of the roof rafters. System 1400 also includes tile hook 1408 . In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 31 , the tile hook portion 1408 can include a pair of interconnected hook portions 1410A, 1410B that span from the base portion 1405 to distal ends 1415A, 1415B. The hook portions 1410A, 1410B may be joined into a single piece by a hook base extending between and perpendicular to the hook portions 1410A and 1410B. In various embodiments, the hook base can be shaped to fit over the base portion 1405 and have two or more mounting holes 1411 adapted to fit over any two hooks formed in the base portion 1405. aligned mounting holes 1406. In this manner, hook portion 1408 and base portion 1405 may be attached to roof decks and rafters with only a pair of screws, lag bolts, or other fasteners.

In various embodiments, the other end of the hook portion 1408, ie, the end opposite the base, may include a pair of tabs 1415A, 1415B, including ridges 1420A, 1420B, respectively defined for receiving a tab 1415A, 1420B formed in another mounting component. grooves of correspondingly shaped flanges. It should be understood that the specific shape of tabs 1415A, 1415B depicted in FIG. 31 is exemplary only. Various other connection mechanisms may be used to connect the hook portion 1408 to other PV mounting components, as exemplified in the previous embodiments.

In system 1400, track portion 1430 is connected to hook 1408 at tabs 1415A, 1415B. In various embodiments, the flanges 1420A, 1420B engage slots formed in the sides of the rail 1430 . In various embodiments, bolts 1418 may pass through openings in tab 1415A and through corresponding holes in tab 1415B, with nuts 1419 engaging threads on bolts 1418 to clamp track portion 1430 to the tabs. Between 1415A and 1415B. In various embodiments, track portion 1418 is fully secured, allowing any connected PV mounting components to move closer or farther relative to tabs 1415A, 1415B.

Next, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 31 , the top arm portion 1445 is attached to the track portion 1430 using a swivel connector 1440 . In various embodiments, the bottom of the swivel connector 1440 includes a T-shaped protrusion that fits into the slot 1436 at the top of the track 1430 , while the handle portion 1442 points toward the end of the top arm 1445 . In various embodiments, the T-shaped protrusion fills the slot 1436 when the handle portion 1442 is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction such that the handle portion 1442 is aligned with the long axis of the track 1430 (rather than the top arm portion 1445). , which is wider than the opening, so it can no longer be pulled out of the slot 1436 until the handle portion 1442 is rotated back in the direction of the arm 1445, releasing the T-shaped protrusion in the slot 1436. This type of connector 1440 will allow the arm 1445 to slide along the entire length of the track 1430 and then be locked in place by manually rotating the handle portion 1442 in the desired position. In various embodiments, arm 1445 may be preloaded with connector 1440 . In other embodiments, the connector 1440 may be fitted to the arm 1445 when the arm 1445 is attached to the rail portion 1430, eg, at or near installation by a PV installer.

As shown in FIG. 31 , a PV module connector, such as a swing-type connector 1450 , can be mounted on the other distal end of the arm 1445 relative to the connector 1440 so that two photovoltaic modules are connected. The rocker connector 1450 can be attached to the top arm 1445 with threaded screws 1451 . In various embodiments, rotation of screw 1451 may cause connector 1450 to be raised or lowered relative to top arm 1445, enabling height adjustment of the two module arrays from above, even after the modules have been attached to connector 1450 . In various embodiments, the head of the screw 1451 can be shaped to receive a hex wrench, a Torx wrench, a Phillips screwdriver, a flat screwdriver, or a standard or standardized size socket.

It should be understood that while FIG. 31 illustrates a swing-type connector for engagement with a PV module having a grooved frame, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 31 also works with a PV module whose frame does not have a groove. In such an embodiment, the swing-type connector 1450 would be replaced with a different type of connector, such as a clamp connector, frame connector, or other suitable device capable of detachably connecting the frame of one or more PV modules. frame connector.

32-38 illustrate a photovoltaic installation system for a tiled roof according to another embodiment of the present invention. System 1500 includes a base portion 1505 that is similar to base portion 1405 of FIG. 31 , having a plurality of mounting holes 1506 that receive lag bolts or other mechanical fasteners to attach base portion 1505 to a roof deck. Unlike base portion 1405 , base portion 1505 has raised lips on both edges extending along the length of base portion 1505 . Such protrusions provide additional underlying support to the hook 1510 when loaded.

The hook portion 1510 sits on a ridge formed in the base portion 1505 and is movable along the length of the base portion 1505 . In some embodiments, a bolt 1507 may pass through base portion 1505 into the base of a corresponding hook portion 1510 . Nut 1508 may be used to couple hook portion 1510 to base portion 1505 via bolt 1507 . It should be understood that in other embodiments, hook portion 1510 and base portion 1505 may be formed as a single structure or may be welded together as a single structure. Furthermore, having two rows of openings 1506 in the hook portion 1505 provides the installer with greater flexibility in securing the base portion 1505 to the roof rafters regardless of the position of the hook portion 1510 along the base portion 1505 .

As shown, hook portion 1510 may include sides 1510A and 1510B that contact base 1505 and extend outwardly, terminating at respective flanges 1518A and 1518B. Flanges 1518A and 1518B may each include a recess for receiving a portion of top rail 1530 . In various embodiments, the top rail 1530 can include a left protrusion 1535A and a right protrusion 1535B that fit into corresponding recesses formed in the flanges 1518A and 1518B. Bolt 1518 and nut 1519 may press flanges 1518A, 1518B against rail 1530, thereby holding it in a desired position. The greater the length of track 1530, the greater the amount of suspension that system 1500 can perform.

Once track 1530 has been attached to hook 1510 , arm 1545 may be attached at any point along track 1530 . In various embodiments, the arm 1545 can include a manual locking system 1540 that includes a lever 1541 and a cam 1542 . Track 1530 may include a top facing T-shaped channel 1536 extending the entire length of track 1530 . Cam 1542 may be sized to fit within channel 1536 when aligned with channel 1536 and may lock within channel 1536 when rotated approximately 90 degrees. In various embodiments, rotation may be performed by rotating the rod 1541 manually or with an appropriate rotation tool. In this way, the arm 1545 can be engaged with the track 1530 at any point along the track 1530, and can also be easily and selectively engaged or disengaged from the track 1530, while still providing quick and secure communication between these components. connect.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 36 , the cam 1542 can include a stem that passes completely through the arm 1545 . The stem may have a rounded portion for rotation within the opening of the arm 1545 and may terminate in a threaded end which allows attachment of the stem 1541 and locking of the nut 1543 after the stem has passed through the arm 1545 . The threaded portion may include a pair of flat surfaces that act as keys that fit into corresponding openings in the rod 1541 so that when torque is applied to the rod 1541, the rod and, by extension, the cam 1542 will rotate equally.

Arm 1545 may also include photovoltaic module connector 1550 . In various embodiments, this will be located at the opposite end of the arm 1545 to the rod 1541 so as not to interfere with the rotation of the rod 1541 and provide greater flexibility in the positioning of the PV modules. As shown, the modular connector 1550 is a swing-type connector, but it should be understood that various embodiments of the invention may use clamp connectors or other types of connectors.

Connector 1550 is supported at an elevated level above arm 1545 by threaded post 1551 . In various embodiments, threaded post 1551 includes a stop washer 1552 that limits the depth to which post 1551 can penetrate arm 1545 . As shown in FIG. 36 , base 1554 and washer 1553 may receive the bottom helical portion of post 1551 inside arm 1545 such that post 1551 remains securely coupled to arm 1545 but free to rotate within arm 1545 . Additionally, an upper portion of threaded post 1551 may be received by a threaded opening formed in connector 1550 . This allows the distance between the arm 1545 and the connector 1550 (and by extension the distance between the two PV modules and the roof surface) to be adjusted by simply rotating the connector 1550 or the threaded post 1551 .

FIG. 37 illustrates two systems 1500 supporting long sections of rails 1530 . Typically, though not necessarily, these systems will be aligned along the north-south line from roof eaves to roof ridge, such that both systems are attached to the same roof rafters. In a standard array, there would be multiple systems like that shown in Figure 37 spaced roughly in the array either the length of the module or the width of the module, depending on whether the module is oriented in a landscape or portrait orientation. Additionally, it should be understood that while only two systems 1500 support rail 1530 in Figure 37, rail 1530 may be long enough to allow three or more systems to support it. Alternatively, track 1530 may be broken down into several smaller discrete sections, with one section spanning every other module or every second adjacent module.

Figure 38 illustrates the system of Figures 32-37 installed on a portion of a tiled roof. The base part 1505 and the bottom of the hook 1510 are covered by the waterproof part 1560, and thus are not visible in the figure. Waterproofing 1560 is a sheet of metal or plastic material that is pre-formed to match the contours of the surrounding tile array. In addition, the waterproof part 1560 includes a protrusion 1565 having an outlet through which the flanges 1518A and 1518B pass. Like the other embodiments, the system shown in FIG. 38 includes a plug or vertical portion 1566 that closes the opening between flashing portion 1560 and the next roof tile through which flanges 1518A and 1518B pass.

In various embodiments, the plug or vertical portion 1566 includes a portion of quasi-compressible material, at least a portion of which includes vertical slots that allow passage of the flanges 1518A and 1518B while substantially sealing the remainder of the opening. Alternatively, waterproof portion 1560 may comprise an integral vertical portion, a portion of which includes a punched or cut vertical slot that fits around flanges 1518A, 1518B. In another alternative example, the slot portion may be formed by a separate plug, while the solid portion (eg, the portion contacting the upper upper portion of the next lower roof direction tile) may be integrated into the waterproofing portion 1560 . These variations are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The scope of embodiments of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. For example, while many of the embodiments described herein are described with reference to sloped tile roofs, the principles herein may equally apply to other types of roofs. In fact, various modifications of the embodiments of the present invention, in addition to the modifications described herein, should be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description, drawings and claims. Therefore, such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. In addition, although some embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of a particular implementation in a particular environment for a particular purpose, those skilled in the art will appreciate that their utility is not limited thereto and that embodiments of the present invention may be beneficially used for any number of The purpose is fulfilled in any number of environments. Accordingly, this disclosure should be construed in consideration of the full meaning or spirit of the embodiments of the present invention as disclosed herein and as claimed by the following claims.

Claims (19)

1. A system for installing photovoltaic modules, comprising: A mounting bracket comprising a base portion having at least one through hole formed therein for attachment to a roof slab and a protrusion comprising an attachment for attaching one or more photovoltaic module mounting components receiving agency, A flashing support having a flat surface facing the roof and a curved surface facing the photovoltaic module, wherein the curved surface facing the photovoltaic module is similar to a curved portion of a roof tile and includes a plurality of slots formed in the flashing support to allowing the protrusions of the mounting bracket to pass through at different positions; a waterproof portion having at least one opening formed in a surface of the waterproof portion, the opening adapted to allow the protrusion to pass through; and a waterproof boot having a flexible hole formed therein and adapted to fit over the protrusion so that between the boot and the protrusion and between the boot and the waterproof Create a seal. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a photovoltaic module connector coupled to the protrusion of the mounting bracket. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the photovoltaic module connector comprises a swing-type connector. 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the photovoltaic module connector comprises a clamp connector. 5. The system of claim 2, further comprising an arm coupling the photovoltaic module support to the protrusion of the mounting bracket. 6. The system of claim 2, further comprising a rail portion coupling a photovoltaic module support to the protrusion of the mounting bracket. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the flashing is pre-formed to match the contours of flashing supports and adjacent roof tiles. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the flashing is constructed of a material capable of conforming to the contours of a flashing support and four surrounding tiles. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the waterproof portion comprises two layers of flexible material surrounding a series of structural supports providing rigidity in a first direction and flexibility in a second direction , wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. 10. A system for installing photovoltaic panels on a tiled roof comprising: A mounting bracket comprising a base portion having a plurality of through holes formed therein for attachment to a roof deck and a hook portion having a hook portion attached to the base a base end of the portion and an opposite module support end comprising an attachment mechanism for attaching one or more photovoltaic mounting components; a flashing that is curved to resemble the curve of the surrounding tile array and fits within the surrounding four roof tiles, wherein the flashing includes at least one protrusion configured to allow passage of the hook the opening of the A slot portion having a plurality of vertical slots formed therein, the slots being sized to surround the hook portion while blocking a remainder of the opening of the at least one protrusion. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the slot portion is built into the waterproof portion. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the slot portion comprises a plug made of a compressible material having a plurality of slots formed therein and configured to fill the at least one opening while allowing all The hook passes through. 13. The system of claim 10, further comprising a photovoltaic module connector coupled to the module support end of the hook. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the photovoltaic module connector comprises a swing-type connector. 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the photovoltaic module connector comprises a clamp connector. 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the attachment structure of the module support end includes a pair of flanges and a fastener clamping the flanges together. 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a rail portion held in place by the pair of flanges for coupling the photovoltaic module connector to the module support end of the S-shaped hook portion. 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a top arm connecting the photovoltaic module connector to the rail portion. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the top arm includes a lever member for manually locking the top arm to the track portion.