Patent Publication Number: US-2017366131-A1

Title: Solar panel mounting system, method and apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/352,953, filed Jun. 21, 2016, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference for any purpose. 
     The present application also claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/369,303, filed Aug. 1, 2016, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference for any purpose. 
     The present application also claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/378,608, filed Aug. 23, 2016, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference for any purpose. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to solar panel mounting systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     In various embodiments, a mounting system may comprise a downslope rail, an upslope rail, a first clamp and a second clamp. The downslope rail may have a first profile and comprising a downslope face and an upslope shelf. The upslope rail may have a second profile and comprising a downslope shelf and an upslope face. The first clamp may be configured to engage the downslope face and accept the installation of a first end of a solar panel. The second clamp may be configured to engage the upslope face and retain a second end of the solar panel against a downslope shelf 
     The downslope face may comprise a plurality of serrations. The first clamp may be configured to engage the plurality of serrations. 
     The solar panel may be configured to pivot into or rock into the first clamp. The solar panel may be configured to create an upward load on the first clamp in response to the pivoting or rocking. The solar panel may cause the first clamp to load the serrations in response to the pivoting. 
     The upslope shelf may include a pivot point or fulcrum. The solar panels may be configured to rock into a channel defined between the first clamp and the up slope shelf. The solar panels may rock on the pivot point or fulcrum. 
     The downslope rail may include a slot that is configured to receive a fastener. The first clamp may be configured to receive a portion of the fastener. The first clamp may be configured to support an array skirt. The first clamp may comprise a support slot and a support shelf. The array skirt may be configured to engage the support slot and the support shelf 
     The forgoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated herein otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation of the disclosed embodiments will become more apparent in light of the following description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a view of a leading edge of a solar panel mounting system including a first rail with a first profile with an array skirt, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a view of a leading edge of a solar panel mounting system including a first rail with a second profile, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate upslope portions of an array with a second rail with a third profile, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate various solar panel array configurations using the mounting system of the present disclosure, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 5 , illustrates a slide, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 6A-6F  illustrate various installation steps for installing solar panels in an array along the leading edge of the array and upslope in the array using the mounting system of the present disclosure, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate various leading edge rails for a solar panel mounting system, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a partial view of an assembly of leading edge rails for a solar panel mounting system, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 9A-9C  illustrate a partial view of an assembly of leading edge a solar panel mounting system with an array skirt, in accordance with various embodiments; and 
         FIG. 10A-10C  illustrate a partial view of an assembly of leading edge a solar panel mounting system with an array skirt using the second rail along the leading edge in accordance with various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventions, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical, chemical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. 
     Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like “central,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” etc.) are only used to simplify description of embodiments of the present invention and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as “first” and “second” are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance. 
     Solar panel mounting systems have generally been provided in two distinct types. These types include rail based systems and rail-less systems. Rail based systems may have a cheaper overall system installation cost. However, rail-less systems are generally considered faster and more efficient to install. As such, there is a need for a solar mounting system that is inexpensive and faster to install. 
     In various embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatuses described herein are directed to a hybrid solar panel mounting system. In this regard, the hybrid system can provide a cheaper and more efficient solar mounting system that traditional rail based or rail-less systems. 
     In various embodiments and with reference to  FIG. 1 , a portion of a solar mounting system  100  is provided. System  100  may be configured to receive, support, and secure solar panel  10 . Solar mounting system  100  may comprise a downslope rail  102 . Solar mounting system  100  may also comprise a first clamp  110 . First clamp  110  may be operatively coupled to downslope rail  102 . First clamp  110  may be coupled to downslope rail  102  by any suitable mechanism such as, for example, a fastener, inter-locking structure, an adhesive and/or the like. 
     In various embodiments, downslope rail  102  may comprise one or more teeth  104  (e.g., serrations, notches, steps, and/or the like). First clamp  110  may include teeth  118 . Teeth  104  of downslope rail  102  may be configured to interface and interlock with teeth  118 . In this regard, teeth  104 may couple and/or interlock with teeth  118  thereby coupling downslope rail  102  with first clamp  110 . When installed between first clamp  110  and downslope rail  102 , solar panel  10  may create an upward force on first clamp  110  causing teeth  104  and teeth  118  to be retained against one another. 
     In various embodiments, interlocking teeth  104  and  118  of downslope rail  102  and first clamp  110 , respectively, may adjustably couple to one another to accommodate solar panels of varying thicknesses (e.g., solar panels with thicknesses from  20  millimeters to  65  millimeters). The teeth  104  or teeth  118  may include one or more indicators (e.g., a symbol, number, color, and/or the like on each tooth) that allow arrangement of the interlocking teeth at specific positions to accommodate the thickness of solar panel  10  being used. In this regard, system  100  may be configured to work with, support, and/or retain any suitable solar panel, photovoltaic module, and/or the like. 
     In various embodiments, downslope rail  102  may include a panel shelf  106 . Panel shelf  106  may be configured to receive and support at least a portion of solar panel  10 . Moreover, Panel shelf  106  may define a portion of a channel between downslope rail  102  and first clamp  110 . The channel may be configured to receive and retain a portion of solar panel  10 . Panel shelf  106  may further comprise and/or define a fulcrum or pivot  107 . A portion of a frame of solar panel  10  may be configured to contact and/or engage the pivot  107 . Panel  10  may be placed on panel shelf  106  at an angle and loaded with downward pressure (e.g., pressure on the panel directed to the roof surface). The downward pressure may cause panel  10  to rotate or rock on pivot  107  into the channel defined by panel shelf  107  and first clamp  110 . In this regard, panel  110  may be rocked into and secured between first clamp  110  and panel shelf  107  of downslope rail  102 . 
     In various embodiments, first clamp  110  may also be retained on downslope rail  102 . For example, downslope rail  102  may include an attachment point  108  (e.g., a slot, one or more threaded holes, a shelf, a groove and/or the like) that is capable of and/or configured to receive first clamp  110  and/or an attachment device  111  (e.g., a clamp, a shelf, a fastener, such as for example, a nut and bolt, a nut and t-bolt, and/or the like). Attachment device  111  may be integral with and/or be a portion of first clamp  110 . Attachment device  111  may also be installable in and/or through first clamp  110  and downslope rail  102 . 
     In various embodiments, first clamp  110  may include an optional array skirt attachment system. The array skirt attachment system may be configured to accept and support an array skirt  126 . The array skirt attachment system may be integrally formed on and/or attached to first clamp  110 . The array skirt attachment system may comprise a support shelf  114  and/or a support slot  116 . For example, array skirt  126  may comprise a corresponding shelf that is installable on support shelf  114 . Array skirt  126  may be retained on the array skirt attachment system at support shelf  114 . For example, first clamp  110  may comprise an array skirt attachment point (e.g., a slot, one or more threaded holes, and/or the like) that is configured to receive a retention device (e.g., a fastener, a rivet, weld, solder, braze, and/or the like) to capture the shelf of the array skirt on support shelf  114 . Array skirt  126  may also comprise a tab that is installable in and/or supported by support slot  116 . 
     In various embodiments, system  100  may comprise a pedestal  124  and a slide  120 . Slide  120  may be mountable to a roof surface (e.g., roof decking, a roof truss, and/or the like). Slide  120  may be mountable to the roof surface by one or more suitable fasteners  122  (e.g., a lag bolt, a screw, a nail, an adhesive, and/or the like). Slide  120  may be configured to receive and support pedestal  124 . In this regard, pedestal  124  may be positionable along any point of slide  120  to allow for upslope—downslope or north—south adjustability on the roof 
     In various embodiments, pedestal  124  may be configured to couple to and support shaft  128 . Shaft  128  may be a threaded shaft. Shaft  128  may be configured to support and/or adjust other structures in system  100  including, for example, downslope rail  102 , first clamp  110 , and/or the like. Shaft  128  may be configured to receive and/or be engaged by tie plate  132 . Shaft  128  may also be configured to receive and/or be engaged by nut  130 . Nut  130  may be a flange nut. 
     In various embodiments, tie plate  132  may be installed on downslope rail  102 . For example, tie plate  132  may be installed in a receivable slot or channel  103  defined in downslope rail  102 . Tie plate  132  may include one or more holes that allow shaft  128  to pass through tie plate  132 . Tie plate  132  may also comprise one or more engagement flanges for engaging portions of downslope rail  102 . 
     During assembly of the downslope rail of system  100 , nut  130  may be positioned through a hole in downslope rail  102 . Tie plate  132  may be slide into channel  103  of downslope rail  102 . Tie plate  132  may include a hole that may be aligned with the hole in downslope rail  102  and the threaded hole of nut  130 . Shaft  128  may be installed through the hole in tie plate  132  into the threaded hole of nut  130  allowing the shaft to pass through downslope rail  102  as nut  130  is advanced down shaft  128 . In this regard, shaft  128 may be retained and/or captured in downslope rail  102  by nut  130  and tie plate  132 . 
     In various embodiments and in operation, nut  130  may be accessible from above downslope rail  120  and/or solar panel  10  allowing an installer to access and level system  100  and/or one or more solar panels  10  at each nut  130 . More specifically, downslope rail  102  may translate up or down on shaft  128  based on or in response to actuation (e.g., spinning) of nut  130  on shaft  128 . 
     In various embodiments and with reference to  FIG. 2 , system  200  may comprise downslope rail  202  and first clamp  210  that are installable without array skirt. In this regard, first clamp  210  may have a profile that is similar to first clap  110  as shown in  FIG. 1 . However, first clamp  210  may not include the bracketry, support slot or support shelf that is configured to receive an array skirt. As such, system  200  may be installed without an array skirt, but may include the leveling features provided by shaft  228 , nut  230 , and tie plate  232  as discussed herein. Moreover, system  200  may be adjustable on the roof with pedestal  224  installable on slide  220 . System  200  will also be configured to accommodate any thickness of solar panel  10  using interlocking teeth  204  and  218  as described herein. 
     In various embodiments and with reference to  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B , mounting system  300  may comprise one or more upslope rails  342  (shown as upslope rail  342 - 1  and upslope rail  342 - 2  in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ). Mounting system  300  may further comprise a clip  344 . Clip  344  may be installable with one or more upslope rails (e.g., clip  344  may install in a slot or channel of upslope rail  342 ). Clip  344  may be retained one upslope rail  342  by fastener  346 . In this regard,  2  sections of upslope rail  342 - 1  and  342 - 2  may be coupled together or joined to one another via clip  344  and secured with clip  344  be fasteners  346 - 1  and  346 - 1 . Fastener  346  may be any suitable fastener such as, for example, a nut and bolt, a nut and t-bolt, a bolt, a screw, a wing nut and bolt, and/or the like. 
     In various embodiments, upslope rail  342  may comprise a shelf  343 . Shelf  343  may be integrally formed in upslope rail  342 . Shelf  343  may be configured to support the face of a solar panel  10 . Moreover, shelf  343  may include a slot or channel. The slot or channel may be configured to receive a fastener. 
     In various embodiments, system  300  may further comprise a slide  320  and a pedestal  324 . Slide  320  may be secured, coupled, and/or otherwise fastened to the roof surface with any suitable fastener  322  including, for example, a lag bolt. Pedestal  324  may slidably engage slide  320  and may be positionable along any length of slide  320 . Pedestal  324  may be secured on slide  320  with a set screw or other suitable attachment device. 
     In various embodiments, mounting system may include one or more mounting clips  340 . Mounting clip  340  may be operatively coupled to upslope rail  342  at any suitable point along upslope rail  342 . For example, mounting clip  340  may be positioned to engage a panel at a point as prescribed by solar panel manufacturer. Moreover, clip  340  may be adjustable along the length of upslope rail  342  which will facilitate the use of mounting system  300  with any solar panel  10 . More specifically, clip  340  may be positioned at any point along upslope rail  342  to engage panel  10  at a location defined by anyone of a panel manufacturer, a system designer, an installer, an integrator, a rail manufacturer and/or the like. In this regard, mounting clip  340  is configured to make mounting system  300  customizable and universal. Mounting clip  340  may be configured to support an edge of a solar panel. In this regard, mounting clip  340  may support the trailing edge of the panel (e.g., upslope on array  20 ). 
     In various embodiments, clip  340  may comprise a top clamp portion  336  and a bottom clamp portion  334 . Top clamp portion  336  and bottom clamp portion  334  may be formed as a single piece. Top clamp portion  336  and bottom clamp portion  334  may also be an assembly held together by a fastener  338 . Top clamp portion  336  and bottom clamp portion  334  may be adjustable relative to one another so that they may engage and support a solar panel of any suitable thickness. Bottom clamp portion  334  may comprise an engagement arm  335  that is configured to engage and/or couple to upslope rail  342 . In this regard, engagement arm  335  may be configured to engage a slot or channel in upslope rail  342 . Engagement arm  335  may also partially wrap around a bottom surface of upslope rail  342 . Bottom clamp portion  342  may also include a fulcrum point in the shelf allowing for a solar panel  10  to be rocked in. Top clamp portion  336  may also be removable or adjustable to allow panel  10  to be placed on the shelf defined by bottom clamp portion  334 . In this regard, panel  10  may be captured between and/or positively retained by top clamp portion  336  and bottom clamp portion  334 . The amount of pressure created between top clamp portion  336  and bottom clamp portion  334  may be adjusted by adjusting the fastener used to retain top clamp portion  336  and bottom clamp portion  334  together as an assembly. 
     In various embodiments, pedestal  324  may further comprise a support rod  325 . Support rod  325  may be configured to engage and support clip  344 . Support rod  325  may be operatively coupled to clip  344  with a fastener and/or a leveling system. The leveling system may include a flange nut  330  and/or a tie plate  332 . Nut  330  may be installed in a channel or slot defined in clip  322 . A portion of nut  330  may also pass through a hole in clip  344 . Tie plate  332  may also be installed within the channel or slot of clip  344 . Support rod  325  of pedestal  324  may be installable through tie plate  332  and nut  330 . Support rod  325  may comprise threads that engage nut  330  and/or tie plate  332 . Nut  330  may be accessible from above a solar panel array  20  (e.g., an array comprising  2  or more solar panels including, for example, solar panel  10 - 1 , solar panel  10 - 1 , and/or the like). In operation, nut  330  may be accessible after one or more solar panels  10  are attached to downslope rail  342  to allow the array to be leveled by turning nut  330 . 
     In various embodiments and with reference to  FIGS. 4A-4D , upslope rail  442  may have a cross-sectional profile that is different than downslope rail  402 . In this regard, downslope rail  402  may be used as the leading edge or downslope most edge of any column (e.g., column A, as shown in  FIG. 4A ) to support the downslope edge of solar panel  10 - 1  of a solar panel array  20 . Subsequent upslope solar panels (e.g., solar panel  10 - 2 ) of solar panel array  20  may be supported by one or more upslope rails  442 . For example, the trailing or upslope edge of solar panel  10 - 1  may be supported by upslope rail  442 . In this regard, a portion of solar panel  10 - 1  (e.g., a portion of panel  10 - 1  associated with the trailing edge of panel  10 - 1 ) may be supported by one or more upslope rail  442 . Solar panel  10 - 1  may also be operatively coupled and/or attached to upslope rail  442  may any suitable mechanism as described herein, including for example, one or more clamps, one or more fasteners, and/or the like. In this regard, rail  442 - 1  may include a shelf or similar structure as described herein, to receive and support solar panel  10 - 1 . This arrangement may facilitate installation of solar array  20 . 
     In various embodiments, the leading edge of solar panel  10 - 2  may be supported by a portion upslope rail  442 - 1 . For example, the leading or downslope edge of solar panel  10 - 2  may directly engage a portion of upslope rail  442 - 1 . Solar panel  10 - 2  may also be configured to engage and/or, otherwise, rock into one of more clamps that are operatively coupled to upslope rail  442 - 1 . The upslope edge of solar panel  10 - 2  may be supported by, configured to engage and/or operatively coupled to upslope rail  442 - 2 . Upslope rail  442 - 1  and upslope rail  442 - 2  may have the same general cross sectional profile. Moreover, upslope rail  442  (e.g., upslope rail  342  as shown in  FIG. 3A ) may have a different cross sectional profile than downslope rail  402  (e.g., downslope rail  102  as shown in  FIG. 1  or downslope rail  202  as shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
     In various embodiments and with reference to  FIGS. 4B-4D , the layout of a solar panel array  20  may vary based on mounting space, load considerations, roof shape, roof protrusions and many other factors. In various embodiments and with reference to  FIG. 4B , solar panel array  20  may have a square or rectangular layout. In this configuration, solar panel array  20  may comprise and/or be supported by a leading edge of downslope rail  402 . Downslope rail  402  may include a plurality of downslope rails or segments  402 - 1 ,  402 - 2 ,  402 - 3 , and/or the like. Each of the solar panels  10  in the first row X may be coupled to and/or supported by one or more downslope rails  402 . The trailing or upslope edge of the panels  10 - 1 ,  10 - 2 ,  10 - 3 , and/or the like may be supported by one or more upslope rails  442 - 1 .  442 - 2 ,  442 - 3 , and/or the like. The subsequent upslope rows Y and Z of panels may be supported on the leading and trailing edges of each panel  10  (e.g., panels  10 - 4 ,  10 - 5 ,  10 - 6 ,  10 - 7 ,  10 - 8 ,  10 - 9 , and/or the like) by one of more upslope rails  442  (e.g., upslope rails  442 - 1 ,  442 - 2 ,  442 - 3 ,  442 - 4 ,  442 - 5 ,  442 - 6 ,  442 - 7 ,  442 - 8 ,  442 - 9 , and/or the like). 
     In various embodiments and with specific reference to  FIGS. 4C and 4D , array  20  may be designed to in any suitable shape. In this regard, the leading edge of each column in an array may start at the same location on the roof (e.g., columns A, B, and C shown in  FIG. 4C  each have a different leading edge starting positions). Moreover, columns may be interrupted (e.g., column B as shown in  FIG. 4D ) because of a roof structure or protrusion  30  (e.g., a plumbing vent, an antenna, a roof appliance, and/or the like). 
     In various embodiments, columns A and B, as show in  FIG. 4C , may be installed with either downslope rail  402  and/or upslope rail  442 . Where downslope rail  402  need to be coupled to an adjacent upslope rail  442  a clip  444 A may be used. Clip  44 B may be used to coupled adjacent sections of upslope rail  442  together. Similarly, the panel upslope of protrusion  30  in column B, as shown of  FIG. 4D  may be installed with either downslope rail  402  and/or upslope rail  442 . 
     In various embodiments, the mounting systems described herein may be coupled to a roof my any suitable mount system. The mount system may include a slide  520 . Slide  520  may be coupled to a roof with a fastener  522 . Fastener  522  may be any suitable fastener including, for example, a screw, a law screw, a bolt, a nail, and/or the like. Fastener  522  may be sealed with seal  521 . Seal  521  may be any suitable washer including, for example, an EPDM washer, a rubber washer, a metal washer, and/or the like. Slide  520  may also comprise a slot or channel  523 . The mounting system may also comprise support shaft  528 . Support shaft  528  may be receivable within channel  523 . Moreover, support shaft  528  may be secured at any position along slot  523  of slide  520  by attachment mechanism  529  (e.g., a nut). 
     In various embodiments and with reference to  FIGS. 6A-6F , downslope rail  602  may be installed on slide  620 - 1 . First clamp  610  may be coupled to downslope rail  602 . Array skirt  626  may also optionally be installed. Panel  10  may be positioned by an installer for installation on downslope rail  602 . Upslope rail  642  may also be positioned at a point upslope on the roof to capture or support panel  10  as it is installed. Upslope rail  642  may also be installed on panel  10 . In this regard, slide  620 - 2  may be positioned on the roof and may be configured to receive panel  10  and upslope rail  642 . Upslope in the array, panel  10 - 2  may be positioned, such that the leading edge of panel  10 - 2  may be rocked or pivoted into mounting clip  640 . After the panel is installed, first clamp  610  and/or mounting clip  640  may be adjusted to secure panel  10  as shown in  FIG. 6E  and panels  10 - 1  and  10 - 2  as shown in  FIG. 6F . 
     In various embodiments, each mounting point may include leveling features. In this regard, an installer may access nut  630  from above the panels (e.g., panel  10  as shown in  FIG. 6E ) after installation to adjust the height of the leading edge or trailing edge of panel  10 - 1 . Similarly, the height of two adjacent panels (e.g., panel  10 - 1  and panel  10 - 2 ) may be adjusted by adjusting nut  630  associated with upslope rail  642 . Nut  630  of upslope rail  642  is also accessible by an installer from above the array. In this regard, the height of panels  10 - 1  and  10 - 2  relative to the roof may be adjusted. 
     In various embodiments, the mounting system described herein may be provided with the ability to employ an array skirt. The mounting system described herein may also be provided without the ability to install an array skirt. For example, and with reference to  FIG. 7A , mounting system  700  may be installed with first clamps  710 - 1  and  710 - 2  that do not include supports or shelves for an array skirt. With reference to  FIG. 7B , mounting system  700  may be installed with first clamps  710 - 1  and  710 - 2  that include supports or shelves for an array skirt. 
     In various embodiments and with reference to  FIG. 8 , downslope rail  802  (shown as downslope rail  802 - 1  and downslope rail  802 - 2  in  FIG. 8A ) may be provided in any suitable length. For example, downslope rail  802  may be provided in panel length sections. In this regard, downslope rail  802  may be provided at a length that is slightly shorter than the length of a solar panel. Downslope rails  802  may be joined together or coupled to one another with clip  844 . For example, downslope rail  802 - 1  may be coupled to rail  802 - 2  via clip  844  mounted on slide  820 . Clip  844  may bridge the gap between downslope rails  802 - 1  and  802 - 2  where the rails are provided at lengths that are slightly shorter than panel length. Clip  844  may be coupled to each of downslope rails  802 - 1  and  802 - 2  with one or more fasteners. Moreover, clip  844  may be at least partially installable within a slot or channel defined in downslope rail  802 - 1  and/or downslope rail  802 - 2 . 
     In various embodiments, downslope rail  802  may also be installed in standard lengths (e.g., 72 inch lengths, 48 lengths, and/or any other suitable length). Standard lengths may be defined by an installation region, environmental loads the panels may be subjected to, requirements of an authority having jurisdiction, requirements or preferences of an installer or integrator, as defined by the engineer designing a solar system, and/or any other standard defining entity or authority. 
     In various embodiments and with reference to  FIGS. 9A-9C , array skirt  926  (shown in array skirt  926 - 1  and array skirt  926 - 2  in  FIGS. 9A and 9C ) may be provided at any suitable length. In this regard and like the rails discussed herein that may be provided at panel length or standard lengths, array skirt  926  may also be provided in panel lengths or in standard lengths. Array skirt  926  may also be customizable in the field. In this regard, an installer may cut array skirt  926  to a desired length. As discussed herein, array skirts  926 - 1  and  926 - 2  may be installed on one or more downslope rails  802 - 1 ,  802 - 2 , and the like with one or more first clamps  910 - 1  and  910 - 2 . Array skirts  926 - 1  and  926 - 2  may also be coupled together with a skirt clip  925 . Skirt clip  925  may include an alignment dimple  927 . When installed, skirt clip  925  may be operatively coupled to a channel or slot on the back surface or underside of array skirts  926 - 1  and  926 - 2 . In this regard, skirt clip  925  may not be visible when installed. Moreover, array skirts  926 - 1  and  926 - 2  may be properly aligned with alignment dimple  927  when coupled together with skirt clip  925 . 
     In various embodiments and with reference to  FIGS. 10A-10C , mounting system  1000  may be installed using only upslope rail  1042 . In this configuration, upslope rail  1042  installed along the array leading edge may be positioned so that shelf  1043  may be positioned to face upslope. In this regard, shelf  1043  may be configured to support the leading edge of panel  10 - 1 . Subsequent upslope rails  1042 - 2  and the like may be installed as otherwise described herein such that rails  1042  upslope from array leading edge support the trailing edge of one or more panels  10 . For example, and with specific momentary reference to  FIG. 10C , the leading edge and trailing edge of panel  10 - 1  are support by shelves  1043  of upslope rails  1042 - 1  and  1042 - 2 . The leading edge of panel  10 - 3  may be rocked into or pivoted into one or more mounting clips  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  and/or the like. 
     In various embodiments and with reference again to  FIGS. 10A-10C , mounting system  1000  may be configured to receive optional array skirt  1026 . Array skirt  1026  may be coupled to upslope rail  1042 . Array skirt  1026  may be coupled to a skirt bracket  1029 . Skirt bracket  1029  may be configured to engage a slot or channel defined in upslope rail  1042 . Skirt bracket  1029  may be retained on upslope rail  1042  by a fastener  1027 . In this regard, array skirt may be installed along the array leading edge. 
     The systems, methods, and apparatuses described herein may be used with any suitable roof mounted structure including, for example, a solar panel array or system, and/or the like. The systems may also be used with any suitable roof system, including for example, shingle roofing systems, metal roofing systems, slate roofing systems, concrete or ceramic tile roofing systems, and/or the like. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. 
     Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “various embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments. 
     Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 104(f), unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.