Patent Publication Number: US-2013240466-A1

Title: Photovoltaic panel racking assembly for use in connection with roof installation of panels

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims all available benefit of and priority to P.C.T. international patent application No. PCT/US2011/059481 filed on Nov. 5, 2011 (designating the United States); U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/575,436 filed Aug. 22, 2011; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/459,701 filed Dec. 17, 2010; and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/456,330 filed Nov. 5, 2010. By this reference, the full disclosures, including the drawings, of P.C.T. international patent application No. PCT/US2011/059481; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/575,436; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/459,701; and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/456,330 are incorporated herein as though now set forth in their respective entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to building construction. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel racking system for roof installation of photovoltaic panels. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     After much improvement in the efficiency of photovoltaic panels and decease in cost technological cost, implementation of photovoltaic panel systems remains greatly hampered by installation costs and potential for damage to the roof section upon which a system is to be installed. 
     As a result, the overriding object of the present invention is to improved over the prior art by setting forth an assembly and method of its use for fast, easy and cost effective roof installation of a photovoltaic panel system including, among other advantages, the ability for a single installer to deploy the assembly without need for locating underlying rafters. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention—a photovoltaic panel racking assembly for use in connection with roof installations of photovoltaic panels—generally comprises a cylindrically shaped standoff cooperatively adjoined to a specially formed toggle through an all thread rod, or similar hardware, and having positioned at an end opposite the standoff a nut that is sized and shaped to operatively engage with the toggle to fix the relative position of one to the other. A rubber or like material gasket is also provided in order to promote watertight sealing upon installation and during use of the racking assembly. Additionally, a relief plate may be provided in order to prevent installation damage to more generally fragile roofing materials such as, for example, asphalt shingles or like composite roofing. Finally, a rubber or like material sleeve is provided in order to facilitate positioning of the toggle during installation of the racking assembly. 
     Many other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts, especially in light of the foregoing discussions and the following drawings, exemplary detailed description and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with illustrative figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows, in a perspective view, the preferred embodiment of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows, in a front elevational view, the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows, in a perspective view, details of the preferred embodiment of a standoff as implemented in the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows, in a cross sectional view taken through cut line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 , various additional details of the standoff of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows, in a top perspective view, details of the preferred embodiment of a toggle as implemented in the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows, in a bottom perspective view, various additional details of the toggle of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows, in a top plan view, various still further details of the toggle of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  shows, in a front elevational view, the toggle of  FIG. 5  as oriented in a first generally extreme position with respect to an all thread rod implemented in the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  shows, in a left side elevational view, the toggle of  FIG. 5  as oriented with respect to the all thread rod in the position of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows, in a front elevational view, the toggle of  FIG. 5  as oriented in a second generally extreme position with respect to the all thread rod implemented in the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  shows, in a right side elevational view, the toggle of  FIG. 5  as oriented with respect to the all thread rod in the position of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows, in a partially exploded perspective view, the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1  as configured and positioned for installation on a roof section; 
         FIG. 13  shows, in a perspective view, the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1  as initially installed through a mounting hole in a roof section; 
         FIG. 14  shows, in a front elevational view, the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1  as initially installed through a mounting hole in a roof section as shown in  FIG. 13  and, in particular, shows the toggle in a state of transition during the course of installation of the racking assembly; 
         FIG. 15  shows, in a front elevational view generally corresponding to the view of  FIG. 14 , the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1  in a further state of installation on a roof section; 
         FIG. 16  shows, in a front elevational view generally corresponding to the view of  FIG. 14 , the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1  in a still further state of installation on a roof section; 
         FIG. 17  shows, in a front elevational view generally corresponding to the view of  FIG. 14 , the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1  in a final state of installation on a roof section; 
         FIG. 18  shows, in a perspective view, the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1  in the final state of installation of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  shows, in a cross sectional view taken through cut line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 , various additional details of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1  in the final state of installation of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  shows, in a partially exploded perspective view, the preferred embodiment of an extension of the present invention for providing an extended mounting surface for one or more photovoltaic panels; 
         FIG. 21  shows, in a perspective view, the preferred embodiment of an assembly jig as particularly adapted for use in connection with the extension of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  shows, in a bottom plan view, the various details of the assembly jig of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  shows, in a perspective view, various details of the installation of the extension of  FIG. 20  and, in particular, shows the manner of use of the assembly jig of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  shows, in a perspective view, the extension of  FIG. 20  in a final state of installation; 
         FIG. 25  shows, in a partially exploded perspective view, the preferred embodiment of a further extension of the present invention for securing a photovoltaic panel to the mounting surface of  FIG. 20  and, in particular, shows a panel mounting bracket as particularly useful for securing an end panel the mounting surface of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 26  shows, in a detail view located by reference  26  of  FIG. 25 , various details of the panel mounting bracket of  FIG. 25  and its associated hardware; 
         FIG. 27  shows, in a perspective view, the panel mounting bracket of  FIG. 25  as utilized to secure an end photovoltaic panel atop the mounting surface of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 28  shows, in left side elevational view, various details of the utilization of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  shows, in a detail view located by reference  29  of  FIG. 28 , various additional details of the of the utilization of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 30  shows, in a partially exploded perspective view, the preferred embodiment of a still further extension of the present invention for securing a pair of photovoltaic panels to the mounting surface of  FIG. 20  and, in particular, shows an integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip as particularly useful for securing a pair of end panels to the mounting surface of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 31  shows, in a top perspective view, various details of the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  shows, in a bottom perspective view, various details of the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  shows, front elevational view, various details of the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 34  shows, in a right side elevational view, various details of the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 35  shows, in a left side elevational view, the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip of  FIG. 30  as utilized to secure a pair of photovoltaic panels atop the mounting surface of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 36  shows, in a perspective view, various details of the utilization of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  shows, in a top plan view, various additional details of the utilization of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 38  shows, in a perspective view, various details for utilization of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1  in connection with a tile roof and, in particular, shows various details of the initial step for preparation of the tile roof for use of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly; 
         FIG. 39  shows, in a perspective view generally corresponding to the view of  FIG. 38 , various details of a further step for preparation of the tile roof for use of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly; 
         FIG. 40  shows, in a top plan view generally corresponding to the view of  FIG. 38 , various details of a still further step for preparation of the tile roof for use of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly; 
         FIG. 41  shows, in a top plan view generally corresponding to the view of  FIG. 38 , various details of the final step for preparation of the tile roof for use of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly; 
         FIG. 42  shows, in a front elevational view, the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 1  as installed for use in connection with a tile roof; 
         FIG. 43  shows, in a perspective view, the installation of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 44  shows, in a partially exploded perspective view, various details of an alternatively preferred embodiment of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 45  shows, in a detail view located by reference  45  of  FIG. 44 , various additional details of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 46  shows, in a front elevational view, various details of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 44  as installed on a roof section; 
         FIG. 47  shows, in a perspective view, various additional details the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of  FIG. 44  as installed on a roof section; 
         FIG. 48  shows, in a perspective view, various details of a first preferred embodiment of a standoff as implemented in a second alternatively preferred embodiment of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 49  shows, in a right side elevational view, various additional details of the standoff of  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 50  shows, in a cross sectional view taken through cut line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49 , various still further details of the standoff of  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 51  shows, in a perspective view, various details of the installation and use of the second alternatively preferred embodiment of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of the present invention and, in particular, shows utilization of the standoff of  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 52  shows, in a front elevational view, various further details of the installation and use of  FIG. 51 ; 
         FIG. 53  shows, in a perspective view, various details of a second preferred embodiment of a standoff as implemented in the second alternatively preferred embodiment of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 54  shows, in a right side elevational view, various additional details of the standoff of  FIG. 53 ; 
         FIG. 55  shows, in a perspective view, various details of the installation and use of the second alternatively preferred embodiment of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly of the present invention and, in particular, shows utilization of the standoff of  FIG. 53 ; and 
         FIG. 56  shows, in a front elevational view, various further details of the installation and use of  FIG. 55 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Although those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize many alternative embodiments, especially in light of the illustrations provided herein, this detailed description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention—a photovoltaic panel racking assembly for use in connection with roof installation of photovoltaic panels, the scope of which is limited only by the claims appended hereto. 
     Referring now to the figures and to  FIGS. 1 and 2  in particular, a first preferred implementation of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly  60  of the present invention is shown to generally comprise a generally cylindrically shaped standoff  70  cooperatively adjoined to a specially formed toggle  80  through an all thread rod  100  having positioned at an end opposite the standoff  70  a nut  101  that is sized and shaped to operatively engage with the toggle  80  as will be better understood further herein. In a critical aspect of the present invention, as will be better understood further herein with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 9 , in particular, a tab-like tongue  92  is formed on a shoulder  91  of the toggle  80 . In the most preferred embodiment of the first implementation of the present invention, as will be better understood further herein, a rubber or like material gasket  110  is also provided in order to promote watertight sealing upon installation and during use of the present invention. Additionally, and also as will be better understood further herein, a relief plate  112  may be provided in order to prevent installation damage to more generally fragile roofing materials such as, for example, asphalt shingles or like composite roofing  125 . In any case, a rubber or like material sleeve  102  is provided and cooperates with the previously noted tongue  91  in order to facilitate positioning of the toggle  80  during installation of the racking assembly  60 . 
     As particularly shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the standoff  70  is formed of a structural solid such as, for example, aluminum or steel and, in a critical aspect of the present invention, is generally cylindrical in shape. Additionally, as also shown in the figures, the standoff  70  of the first preferred implementation of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly  60  of the present invention comprises at its first, top end  71  a first preferably tapped, longitudinally oriented hole  72 , which, as will be better understood further herein, is adapted for receiving various mounting hardware such as, for example, a self-tapping machine screw  151  or the like as may be utilized in the further use of the racking assembly  60 . Likewise, the standoff  70  of the first preferred implementation of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly  60  of the present invention also comprises and at its second, bottom end  73  a second preferably tapped, longitudinally oriented hole  74 , which, as will also be better understood further herein, is sized, threaded and otherwise adapted to operatively receive therein one end of the all thread rod  100 . 
     As particularly shown in  FIGS. 5 through 11 , the toggle  80  as implemented in accordance with the photovoltaic panel racking assembly  60  of the present invention is specially sized and shaped to exhibit various operative characteristics. In particular, the top  81  of the toggle  80  preferably comprises a plurality of coplanar edges  82  and, in any case, is formed to enable generally planar engagement with a substantially flat surface such as, for example, the underside of a roof deck  122  such as may comprise sheathing material. Additionally, the toggle  80  is provided with a central aperture  90  oriented and extending through the toggle  80  from the top  81  of the toggle to the bottom  83  of the toggle  80 . Further, the central aperture  90  generally divides the toggle into a first side  85  toward a first end  84  of the toggle and a second side  88  toward a second end  87  of the toggle. In a critical aspect of the present invention, the second side  88  of the toggle  80 , as otherwise herein described, is formed to have a mass appreciably greater than the mass of the first side of the toggle  80 , also as otherwise herein described. 
     As particularly shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the toggle  80  is defined to comprise a vertical axis A running generally through the center of the central aperture  90  and oriented substantially normal to the plane defined by the coplanar edges  82  of the top  81  of the toggle  80 . Additionally, the toggle  80  is defined to comprise a longitudinal axis B running from the center of the first end  84  of the toggle  80  perpendicularly through the vertical axis A to the center of the second end  87  of the toggle  80 . Finally, the toggle  80  is defined to comprise a transverse (or lateral) axis C running orthogonally through the vertical axis A and the longitudinal axis B. 
     As shown in the figures, the toggle  80  comprises in its first side  85  a generally downwardly oriented, open-ended trough  86  positioned slightly above and about the longitudinal axis B and further comprises in its second side a generally C-shaped, upwardly oriented channel  89  having an open top and ends. As particularly shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the trough  86  and channel  89  are sized and otherwise configured such that the toggle  80  is adapted to snuggly but freely receive the all thread rod  100  along the longitudinal axis B through the toggle  80 . Additionally, the trough  86  and channel  89  are sized and otherwise configured such that the toggle  80  may freely translate along and roll about the all thread rod  100  when the all thread rod  100  is positioned along the longitudinal axis B, but, when the all thread rod  100  is so positioned, is generally prevented from yawing about the vertical axis A. As particularly shown in  FIGS. 10  and  11 , the central aperture  90 , trough  86  and channel  89  are also sized and otherwise configured such that the toggle  80  is adapted to closely but freely receive the all thread rod  100  along the vertical axis A or along any axis perpendicular to the transverse axis and within the 90 degree arc between the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis extending above the second side  88  of the toggle  80  and below the first side  85  of the toggle  80 . Additionally, the central aperture  90 , trough  86  and channel  89  are also sized and otherwise configured such that the toggle  80  may freely translate along and yaw about the vertical axis A when the all thread rod  100  is positioned along the vertical axis A. Further still, the central aperture  90 , trough  86  and channel  89  are sized and otherwise configured such that the toggle  80  is generally constrained to approximately 90 degrees pitch about the transverse axis C. Finally, a small tab-like tongue  92  is formed at the shoulder  91  of the toggle  80  adjacent to the bottom of the toggle  80 . As particularly shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9 , the tongue  92  projects from the shoulder  91 , in a direction generally parallel to the vertical axis A through the toggle  80 , such that when the all thread rod  100  is positioned along the longitudinal axis B through the toggle  80 , the distal end of the tongue  92  will loosely engage the threads of the all thread rod  100 . To this end, at least the distal end of the tongue  92  is sized and shaped in the manner of a pronounced burr such that the distal end of the tongue may readily be received in the groove formed by adjacent threads of the all thread rod  100 . In any case, with the sleeve  102  pressed into engagement with the second end  87  of the toggle  80  and with the all thread rod  100  positioned along the longitudinal axis B of the toggle  80  such that the tongue  92  engages the threads of the all thread rod  100 , the toggle  80  is prevented from translating along in longitudinal axis B along the all thread rod  100 . As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the provision of this tongue feature is a critical aspect of the invention inasmuch as the described operable combination serves to fix the toggle  80  into position during “blind” insertion through a mounting hole  142 . In any case, as used herein, the phrase “means for constraining motion about an inserted” cylindrical object such as, for example, an all thread rod  100 , a bolt  220  or the like is expressly defined to mean and be limited to the complete structure described in this paragraph and equivalents thereof. 
     Referring now then to  FIGS. 12 through 19 , in particular, installation on a typical roof section  120  of the first preferred implementation of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly  60  of the present invention is described. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the installation begins with preassembly of the various required and optional components of the racking assembly  60 . In particular, the all thread rod  100  is inserted into the tapped hole  74  at the second, bottom end  73  of the standoff  70 . Preferably, in order to facilitate a watertight seal upon installation of the assembly  60  on the roof section  120 , a gasket  110  is then placed in the assembly  60  by inserting the free end of the all thread rod  100  through the mounting hole  111  provided through the gasket  110 . In the case of the racking assembly  60  being prepared for use in connection with a roof section comprising composite roofing  125  such as, for example, asphalt shingles or the like, a relief plate  112  is most preferably then next placed in the assembly  60  by inserting the free end of the all thread rod  100  through the mounting hole  113  provided through the relief plate  112 , thereby distributing the tightening force of the assembly  60  over a greater area of the composite roofing  125 . Next, in order to facilitate positioning of the toggle  80  during installation, as will be better understood further herein, the rubber or like material sleeve  102  is then added to the assembly  60  by placing the sleeve  102  over the free end of the all thread rod  100 . In any case, the toggle  80  is then added to the assembly  60  by running the free end of the all thread rod  100  from top to bottom through the central aperture  90  of the toggle  80 . Finally, the provided nut  101  is threaded onto the all thread rod  100  to complete the preassembly of the various required and optional components of the racking assembly  60 . 
     If not already prepared, the roof section  120  is then prepared for installation of the racking assembly  60  by drilling a mounting hole  142  through the composite roofing  125  (and any moisture barrier  123  such as, for example, roofing felt  124  or like tar paper) and the roof deck  122 . In a particular advantage of the present invention over the prior art, the mounting hole  142  is placed between rafters  121  rather than being constrained to being centered on a rafter  121 . In any case, the preassembled racking assembly  60  is then configured as generally shown in  FIG. 12  by orienting the toggle  80  such that its longitudinal axis B lies along the all thread rod  100  with the first end  84  of the toggle  80  resting at least slightly above the nut  101 . In order to maintain this positioning and orientation of the toggle  80 , the sleeve  102  is pressed down along the all thread rod  100  into firm contact with the second end  87  of the toggle  80 , which is prevented from sliding downward due to the engagement, as previously described, of the distal end of the tongue  92  with a groove between adjacent threads of the all thread rod  100 . In order to ensure positive positioning of the toggle  80 , however, the toggle  80  may be “tightened” against the sleeve  102  by screwing the toggle  80  about the all thread rod  100 , in which case the distal end of the tongue acts as a single, partial thread operable with the threading provided about the all thread rod  100 . In any case, the end of the assembly  60  generally opposite the standoff  70  is then inserted through the prepared mounting hole  142  into position beneath the roof deck  122  as generally shown in  FIG. 13 . As the assembly  60  is inserted through the mounting hole  142 , the sleeve  102  is manually restrained to free the toggle  80  whereafter the greater mass of the second side  88  of the toggle  80  with respect to the first side  85  of the toggle  80  will cause the toggle  80  to pitch within its previously described constrained motion, as shown in  FIG. 14 , and fall into the position of  FIG. 15 . In the alternative, however, the toggle  80  may be freed from its engagement with the sleeve  102  by canting the assembly  60  to press the top  81  of the toggle  80 , adjacent its second end  87 , against the interior edge of the mounting  142  as the toggle  80  passes therethrough. 
     In any case, with the toggle  80  in the position of  FIG. 15 , jostling or the like will readily bring the toggle  80  into position about the nut  101  such that an edge of the nut  101  abuts against the shoulder  91  formed at the intersection of the central aperture  90  and the channel  89  of the toggle  80 . As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, especially in light of this exemplary description, the described positioning of the toggle  80  with respect to the nut  101  will cause the rotational position of the nut  101  about the all thread rod  100  to be fixed with the rotational position of the toggle  80  about the all thread rod  100 . In order to ensure maintenance of this fixed relationship, the sleeve  102  is slid into position adjacent the top  81  of the toggle  80  as also shown in  FIG. 15 . In any case, in order to complete installation of the racking assembly  60 , the all thread rod  100  is then withdrawn trough the mounting hole  142  until the top  81  of the toggle engages the underside of the roof deck  122  where only slight upward force is required to frictionally fix the position of the toggle  80  about its vertical axis A. With the toggle  80  in fixed position, the standoff  70  and consequently the all thread rod  100  are manually or mechanically rotated to thread the all thread rod  100  through the nut  101 , as held in place by the toggle  80 , until the assembly is in its fully installed fixed position as shown in  FIGS. 17 through 19 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , it is noted that the sleeve  102  will in at this point be contained within the bounds of the mounting hole  142 . To this end, in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interior edge of the mounting hole  142  is preferably sized to generally conform to the outer surface of the sleeve  102 . In this manner, the sleeve  102  serves a second function as a guide for aligning the centerline through the all thread rod  100 , and consequently the centerline of the assembly  60 , with the centerline through the mounting hole  142 , thereby ensuring fast, accurate and consistent installation of the racking assembly  60  of the present invention. 
     In an extension of the present invention, as particularly shown in  FIGS. 20 through 24 , an extended mounting surface for dependently supporting one or more photovoltaic panels  170  may be implemented as an L-shaped, elongate bracket  151  preferably comprising a length of aluminum angle stock. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the elongate bracket may be placed atop one or more installed photovoltaic panel racking assemblies and secured in place by driving the point  152  of a self-tapping machine screw  151  through the top of the bracket  150  and into the first tapped hole  72  previously described as being provided at the first end  71  of the standoff  70 , whereafter the machine screw  151  may be tightened into the tapped hole  72  to secure the bracket  150  in place as generally depicted in  FIG. 24 . In order to facilitate placement of the self-tapping machine screw  151 , however, the present invention further contemplates the option inclusion to the assembly  60  of an assembly jig  160  specially adapted to readily and accurately locate the correct insertion point for the machine screw  151 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the assembly jig  160  generally comprises a U-shaped article having a top prong  161  and a bottom prong  165 . As shown in the figures, the top prong comprises a preferably semicircular notch  163  at its distal edge  162 , the size of this notch  163  being generally of the diameter of the machine screw  151 . Similarly, the bottom prong comprises a preferably semicircular notch  167  at its distal edge  166 , the size of this notch being generally of the diameter of the standoff  70 . As particularly shown in  FIG. 23 , the origins of the first semicircular notch  163  and of the second semicircular notch  167  are aligned. In this manner, as shown in  FIG. 23 , simply pressing the distal edge  166  of the bottom prong of the assembly jig  160  against the side of the standoff while the top prong  161  rests atop the bracket  150  locates the correct location for insertion of the self-tapping machine screw  150  according to the location of the notch  163  formed in the distal edge  162  of the top prong  161 . 
     In a further extension of the present invention, novel means for securing a photovoltaic panel  170  atop a provided extended mounting surface  150  are disclosed. In particular, a means for securing a single photovoltaic panel  170  atop a provided extended mounting surface is particularly shown in  FIGS. 25 through 29  to generally comprise a panel mounting bracket  180  in the general form of a parallel-S type angle bracket, wherein the panel mounting bracket is provided with means  186  for adjusting the height of the bracket to accommodate a range of thicknesses of photovoltaic panels  170 . In particular, as shown in the figures, the base  181  of the panel mounting bracket  180  is provided with a tapped hole  183  generally adjacent its outer edge  182  and an aperture  184  at a more interior location as particularly shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , the photovoltaic panel  170  to be mounted is positioned such that a perimetrical edge  172  of the frame  171  about the photovoltaic array  174  is rested atop a portion of the elongate bracket  150  and the panel mounting bracket  180  is positioned such that the clamping arm  185  of the mounting bracket  180  rests on the top  173  of the frame  171  of the photovoltaic panel  170 . As shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , a hex head or like bolt  189  having a substantially flat point  190  is inserted through the tapped hole  183  provided in the base  181  of the panel mounting bracket  180  in order to adjust the height of the base  181  above the elongate bracket  150  as necessary to accommodate the height of the frame  171  of the photovoltaic panel  170 . The point  188  of a self-tapping machine screw  187  is then inserted through the aperture  184  provided in the base  181  of the panel mounting bracket  180 , driven into and through the elongate bracket  150  and tightened in place to secure the clamping arm  185  firmly against the top  173  of the frame  171  of the photovoltaic panel  170 , thereby firmly securing the photovoltaic panel  170  in place atop the elongate bracket  150  as particularly shown in  FIGS. 27 through 28 . 
     A means for securing a pair of photovoltaic panels  170  atop a provided extended mounting surface  150  is particularly shown in  FIGS. 30 through 37  to generally comprise an integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip  200 , which is preferably stamped or similarly constructed from stainless steel. In addition securing a pair of photovoltaic panels  170  in place atop the elongate bracket  150 , the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip  200  of the present invention also provides a grounding bridge between adjacent photovoltaic panels  170 . As shown in  FIGS. 31 through 34 , the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip  200  generally comprises a top surface  201  having formed therein a downwardly projecting mounting tab  206  such that the top surface comprises a plurality of wings  202  extending outward from the first outer edge  208  of the downwardly projecting mounting tab  206  on one side of the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip  200  and extending oppositely outward from the second outer edge  209  of the downwardly projecting mounting tab  206  on the opposite side of the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip  200 . The downwardly projecting mounting tab  206  is also provided with a central aperture  207  therethrough for affixation of the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip  200  in place atop the elongate bracket  150 , as will be better understood further herein. 
     In order that the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip  200  of the present invention may adequately provide a grounding bridge between adjacent photovoltaic panels  170 , a plurality of projections  204  are provided on the underside  203  of each wing  203 , which projections  204  preferably each comprise a sharp point or edge  205  for embedding into the metal frames  171  of the adjacent photovoltaic panels  170 . As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, such projections  204  may be readily formed by through punching the wings  202  from the top surface  201  of the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip  200 . In any case, the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip  200  of the present invention is utilized by first positioning a pair of photovoltaic panels  170  atop a provided elongate bracket  150 , using the opposite outer edges  208 ,  209  of the downwardly projecting mounting tab  206  of an integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip  200  as a guide for spacing of the adjacent photovoltaic panels  170 . With the photovoltaic panels  170  properly positioned, as generally shown in  FIG. 35 , appropriate mounting hardware  210  is used to secure the integrated inter-panel mounting bracket and grounding clip  200  of the present invention in place as well as to force the sharp projections  204  into the metal frames  171  of the adjacent photovoltaic panels  170 . In particular, as shown in the figures, a self-tapping machine screw  211  with sharp point  212  is inserted through the central mounting aperture  207  of the downwardly projecting mounting tab  206 , driven into and through the elongate bracket  150  and tightened in place to secure the wings  202  firmly against the tops  173  of the frames  171  of the adjacent photovoltaic panels  170 , thereby firmly securing the photovoltaic panels  170  in place atop the elongate bracket  150  as particularly shown in  FIGS. 35 through 37 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 38 through 43  in particular, a slight variation in the manner of use of the first preferred implementation of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly  60  of the present invention is described for accommodating utilization in connection with ceramic or similar roofing tiles  126 . In particular, it is first noted that because roofing tiles  126  will generally be installed directly atop a moisture barrier  123  over the roofing deck  122 , the use of the relief plate  112  is not considered necessary. As a result, the preassembly of the various required and optional components of the racking assembly  60  is a previously described with the exception that the relief  112  is not added to the assembly  60 . Turning then to preparation of the roof section  120 , and with particular reference to  FIG. 38 , a small pilot hole  140  is first drilled into and through a selected roofing tile  126  as well as any moisture barrier  123  such as, for example, roofing felt  124  or like tar paper and also through the roof deck  122 . With the pilot hole  140  drilled, a clearance hole  141  closing matching the dimension of the standoff  70  is drilled through the selected roofing tile  126  only as particularly shown in  FIGS. 39 and 40 . With the access gained by the clearance hole  141  through the roofing tile  126  and using the previously established pilot hole  140  as a guide, a larger mounting hole  142  is then drilled through the roofing felt  124  or like tar paper and also through the roof deck  122  as previously discussed and as particularly shown in  FIG. 41 . With the roof section  120  thus fully prepared, the remaining installation of the first preferred implementation of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly  60  of the present invention proceeds as previously discussed in order to arrive at the arrangement as particularly shown in  FIGS. 42 and 43 . In the case of this type of installation, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will of course recognize that a roof sealant or the like should be applied about the interface between the clearance hole  141  through the roofing tile  126  and the installed standoff  70 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 44 through 47 , a second preferred implementation of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly  60  of the present invention, as particularly useful for mounting extra-assembly hardware  230  or other components such as, for example, a simple mounting bracket  231  is shown to substitute all of the above the roof deck components of the first implementation of the photovoltaic panel racking assembly  60  of the present invention for a washer head bolt  220  and, if required for the particular implementation, a rubber or like material gasket  221  adapted to facilitate a watertight installation. As shown in the figures, the washer head bolt  220  replaces the previously described all thread rod  100 , but is otherwise installed as previously discussed. 
     Finally, as particularly shown in  FIGS. 48 through 52 , an alternative embodiment of the standoff  70  may be implemented for use in connection with standing seam metal roofing  127  such as commonly comprises an L-shaped seam or rib  128  where a first vertical edge  129  rises above the roof surface and is mated with and folded over a second vertical edge  130  rising from the roof surface to form inverted L-shaped profile  131 . To accommodate this type of standing seam metal roofing  127 , the standoff  70  comprises a slot  75  through its second, bottom end  73  in place of the previously described tapped hole  75 . As shown in  FIGS. 48 through 50 , a plurality of transversely oriented, threaded apertures  76  are provided through one of the tangs formed by the provision of the slot  75 . In use, as particularly shown in  FIGS. 51 and 52 , the modified standoff is placed over and about the L-shaped seam  128  of the standing seam metal roofing  127  with the untapped tang against the unobstructed vertical edge  129  and the tang comprising the threaded apertures  76  positioned facing the opposite vertical edge  130 . In position, an appropriate number of hex head or like bolts  78  comprising substantially flat points, or like mounting hardware  77 , are utilized to fasten the modified standoff  70  securely in place as shown in  FIGS. 51 and 52 . 
     In a slight variation, such as is particularly useful in connection with an installation over a standing seam metal roofing  127  comprising a T-shaped seam or rib  132  wherein a first vertical edge  133  and a second vertical edge  134  are both obstructed by T-arms  135 , the modified standoff  70  may be provided with a plurality of transversely oriented, threaded apertures  76  through each of the tangs formed by the provision of the slot  75 . In this case, the modified standoff is centered over and about the T-shaped seam  132  of the standing seam metal roofing  127  and fastened from both sides with an appropriate number of hex head or like bolts  78  comprising substantially flat points, or like mounting hardware  77  as shown in  FIGS. 55 and 56 . 
     While the foregoing description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize the many variations, alterations, modifications, substitutions and the like as are readily possible, especially in light of this description, the accompanying drawings and the claims drawn hereto. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that if a relief plate  112  is used the installer should during installation apply a roof sealant or the like between the bottom of the relief plate  112  and the roofing material. In any case, because the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, the foregoing detailed description should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.