Patent Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards fire blocking apparatuses. A fire blocking apparatus for a solar panel is mounted to an underlying mounting surface. The fire blocking apparatus includes a panel support structure sized and shaped to be mounted between a solar panel and the mounting surface thereby supporting and creating a gap between at least a portion of the solar panel and the mounting surface, where at least a portion of the panel support structure comprises a heat or fire sensitive material configured to melt, deform, or warp at a predetermined temperature such that when the structure is mounted between the solar panel and the mounting surface and heated at or above the predetermined temperature, the panel support structure collapses to reduce the gap between the at least a portion of the solar panel and the mounting surface.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/535,892, filed on Jun. 28, 2012, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to equipment and accessories for flush and tilted roof installations of solar panels, and in particular, to devices, systems and methods of installation for fire suppression and prevention in roof mounted solar panels. 
     Unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. 
     Building and construction codes in many countries and jurisdictions include stringent fire codes that require active and passive systems for stopping or limiting the spread of fire in buildings and other structures. Such fire codes include specific ratings for determining the capabilities of various aspects of buildings and structures for preventing, suppressing or retarding the ignition or the spread of fire. Pertinent to embodiments of the present invention, are the fire codes that are concerned with roofs and roofing systems. 
     To increase the safety of buildings, roof specific fire codes have been promulgated that require new and existing roofs be able to withstand certain specified tests. Such tests are designed to determine the efficacy of various roofs and roofing systems to resist or limit the spread of fire and heat in a variety of conditions. Typically, the tested rating or the determined efficacy of a particular roof or roofing system must be maintained despite the addition or augmentation of the roof or roofing system due to the installation of a secondary system. 
     Such secondary systems that can be installed on rooftops range from water towers and HVAC systems to photovoltaic solar panel installations. Each such secondary system can present a new set of challenges for the roof or roofing system to maintain its previously determined fire rating due to the fact that many of the secondary systems can include additional weight, penetrations, heat, debris traps and other factors and variables that were not present when the roof for roofing system was originally designed or installed. In the case of solar panels, there is increasing pressure from the roofing industry to ensure that both flush mounted and tilted roof mounted solar panel systems minimize their impact on the fire rating of roofs and roofing systems onto which they are installed. 
     Specifically, there is concern that the inclusion of solar panels may increase the likelihood that a fire on the roof for roofing system will spread more rapidly. Due to such concerns, various jurisdictions are responding by developing and promulgating new fire code standards specifically aimed at rooftop solar panel installations. For example, in the United States local, state, and federal government officials and agencies are cooperating with the roofing and solar panel industries and other organizations to determine changes to existing fire codes and developing new fire codes directed at rating the efficacy of rooftop solar panel installations to resist, suppress, or retard the ignition and spread of fire. Such codes include requirements for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products and rack mounted photovoltaic products for each of such products. Such codes include requirements for installation, materials, wind resistance, and fire classification. It is expected that the requirements for building integrated photovoltaic systems and rack mounted photovoltaic systems will be different. 
     Thus, there is a need for systems, methods, and devices for the installation of solar panels that meet the new and existing fire codes. The present invention solves these and other problems by providing retrofit and original installation devices and methods for the installation of solar panels on both flat and tilted roofs. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention improve fire resistance of roofs and roofing systems with solar panel installations. In one embodiment, a fire blocking apparatus for a solar panel mounted to an underlying mounting surface, the fire blocking apparatus includes a panel support structure sized and shaped to be mounted between a solar panel and the mounting surface thereby supporting and creating a gap between at least a portion of the solar panel and the mounting surface, where at least a portion of the panel support structure includes a heat or fire sensitive material configured to melt, deform, or warp at a predetermined temperature such that when the structure is mounted between the solar panel and the mounting surface and heated at or above the predetermined temperature, the panel support structure collapses to reduce the gap between the at least a portion of the solar panel and the mounting surface. 
     The panel support structure my include a heat or fire sensitive leg. In some embodiments, the panel support structure includes a support leg and a coupling joint that includes a heat or fire sensitive adhesive or fastener. The panel support structure may position the solar panel at an angle relative to the underlying mounting surface. In embodiments, the angle is defined by the solar panel and the underlying mounting surface. The angle may decrease when the panel support structure collapses. The panel support structure may include a first end and a second end opposite of the first end. The first end may be coupled to a bottom surface of the solar panel, and the second end is coupled to the underlying mounting surface. 
     In embodiments, a fire blocking apparatus for a solar panel mounted on brackets that separate the solar panel from an underlying mounting surface, the fire blocking apparatus includes a structure including a heat or fire sensitive material configured to melt, deform, or warp at a predetermined temperature, the structure having a length, a width and first and second edges spaced apart along opposing ends of the width; a first edge coupling joint configured to couple the structure to a solar panel in a first position that enables ventilation and cooling for the solar panel through a gap between the solar panel and the mounting surface; and where the structure is configured to collapse to block the gap between the solar panel and the mounting surface when coupled to the solar panel in the first position and heated above the predetermined temperature. 
     The first edge coupling joint may include a heat or fire sensitive material configured to melt, deform, or warp at a predetermined temperature. The first edge coupling joint may cause the second edge of the structure to make contact with the underlying mounting surface to close the gap when the first edge coupling joint melts, deforms, or warps at the predetermined temperature. In certain embodiments, the structure is perpendicular to the roof surface when the first edge coupling joint melts, deforms, or warps at the predetermined temperature. The structure may be made from a deformable material that melts, deforms, or warps at the predetermined temperature. In some embodiments, the structure deforms to make contact with the underlying mounting surface in more than one distinct location when the structure melts, deforms, or warps at the predetermined temperature. 
     In embodiments, a fire blocking system for a solar panel array mounted on brackets that separate the solar panel array from an underlying tilted mounting surface, the apparatus includes a downslope fire blocking apparatus an upslope fire blocking apparatus. The downslope fire blocking apparatus includes a first structure including a heat or fire sensitive material configured to melt, deform, or warp at a first predetermined temperature, the first structure having a first structure length, a first structure width and first structure first and second edges spaced apart along opposing ends of the first structure width; and a first structure edge coupling joint positioned at the first structure first edge and configured to couple the first structure to a downslope portion of the solar panel array in a first position that enables ventilation and cooling for the solar panel array through a first gap between the solar array panel and the mounting surface; where the first structure is configured to collapse from the first position to a second position when the first structure is heated above the first predetermined temperature, where in the second position the first structure blocks the first gap between the solar panel array and the mounting surface. The upslope fire blocking apparatus includes a second structure including a heat or fire sensitive material configured to melt, deform, or warp at a second predetermined temperature, the second structure having a second structure length, a second structure width and second structure first and second edges spaced apart along opposing ends of the width; and a second structure edge coupling joint positioned at the second structure first edge and configured to couple the second structure to an upslope portion of the solar panel array in a third position that enables ventilation and cooling for the solar panel through a second gap between the solar panel array and the mounting surface; where the second structure is configured to collapse from the third position to a fourth position when the second structure is heated above the second predetermined temperature, where in the fourth position the second structure blocks the second gap. 
     The first predetermined temperature may be equal to the second predetermined temperature. In some embodiments, the first structure edge coupling joint and the second structure edge coupling joint include a heat or fire sensitive material configured to melt, deform, or warp at the first and second predetermined temperatures, respectively. The first structure edge coupling joint and second structure edge coupling joint may cause the first structure second edge and second structure second edge, respectively, to make contact with the underlying mounting surface to close the first and second gaps when the first and second structure edge coupling joints melt, deform, or warp at the first and second predetermined temperatures. The first and second structures may be made from a deformable material that melts, deforms, or warps at the respective first and second predetermined temperatures. In some embodiments, the first and second structures each make contact with the underlying mounting surface in more than one distinct location when each of the structures melt, deform, or warp at the first and second predetermined temperatures, respectively. 
     The following detailed description and accompanying drawings provide a better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates conventional tilted and flat roof solar panel installations. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a rooftop fire suppressing solar panel mounting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a rooftop fire suppressing solar panel mounting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a collapsing rooftop fire suppressing solar panel mounting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another collapsing rooftop fire suppressing solar panel mounting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a rooftop fire suppressing solar panel mounting system with integrated ballast according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates fire suppressing solar panel mounting brackets for use on flat roofs according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a fire suppressing solar panel mounting bracket for use on flat roofs according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a fire blocking solar panel mounting bracket for use on flat roofs according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a fire blocking solar panel assembly with collapsible side skirts according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a fire blocking solar panel fire skirt according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a fire blocking solar panel building-integrated photovoltaic mounting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a fire blocking solar panel mounting system for use on tilted roofs mounting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a solar panel fire skirt assembly with diverting louvers according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described herein are techniques for making, installing, and using solar panel mounting systems and add-on devices to prevent, suppress, a retard the spread of fire in rooftop solar panel installations. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous examples and specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention as defined by the claims may include some or all of the features in these examples alone or in combination with other features described below, and may further include modifications and equivalents of the features and concepts described herein. 
     As used herein, the term solar panel refers to any device in a planar or semi-planar form factor that captures, collects, or otherwise uses solar energy to produce electricity, heat, or other forms of energy. Typical forms of solar panels include panels of continuous or connected photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert photons to electrons, panels of tubing or ductwork through which water or air can be circulated to capture heat, and reflector cells that reflect solar energy in the form of heat to produce electricity or steam. Such solar panels can be installed on both flat and tilted roofs. 
     Such solar panels can be installed at the same time the roof for roofing system is installed in the building, as is typically done in new construction. In the case of photovoltaic solar panels, such integration into the building structure is often referred to as a building-integrated photovoltaic system (BIPV). Alternatively, solar panels can be installed on an existing roof for roofing system using various types of weights, ballast, racks, brackets, mounts, fasteners, and other hardware that can be incorporated into or augmented by various embodiments of the present invention. The discussion of various embodiments of the present invention herein refers to the types of solar panel installations with regard to new and existing flat and tilted roofs and roofing systems. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates several simplified fire code testing scenarios addressed by various embodiments of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , solar panels  101 A can be mounted on a tilted roof surface  110 A using brackets  102 A. In such scenarios, the mounting brackets  102 A can include individual mounting brackets separately attached to a solar panel or mounting rails to which multiple solar panels can be attached. In either scenario, the mounting brackets  102 A and  102 B can have L-shaped or T-shaped cross-sections. Some embodiments of the mounting rails and brackets include extruded metal or composite materials. 
     In either the tilted roof for the flat roof installation, some fire codes are concerned with the ability of the combination of the solar panel, the mounting brackets or mounting rails, and the roofing system to resist the ignition and spread of fire underneath the solar panel when flames of a certain temperature, velocity, and duration are directed at the side of the solar panel and into the gap between the solar panel and the roof surface along directions  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106 ,  108 , and  109 . Various embodiments the present invention are directed towards blocking or redirecting the flames from directions  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106 ,  108 , and  109  to achieve the performance requirements of fire codes and to prevent the spread or ignition of fire on a roofing system. 
       FIG. 2A  shows a solar panel mounting device  206  for flat roof installations according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the mounting frame  206  can include a top mounting surface  202  and sloped side surfaces  203 ,  204 ,  207 , and  208 . Sloped side service  208  can include a ballast shelf  205  for accepting weights or ballast  210 . In such embodiments, the mounting frame device  206  can include a top mounting surface  202  other solid to which the solar panel  201  is attached. In other embodiments the top mounting surface  202  can include a recess or an opening to accept the solar panel  201  along the bottom, perimeter, or edge of the solar panel  201  or solar panel frame. 
     The sloped side surfaces  203 ,  204 ,  207 , and  208  can be coupled to the top mounting surface  202  by various means and at various angles. The angle at which the side surfaces  203 ,  205 ,  207 , and  208  are coupled to the top mounting surface  202  can be varied to minimize wind resistance and further enhance the capability of the mounting frame  206  to resist the spread of flames. In such embodiments, the sloped side surfaces  203 ,  204 ,  207 , and  208  can be angled relative to the surface of the roof onto which it is installed to redirect side directed flames away from the surface of the roof. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , the side surfaces  203 ,  204 ,  207 , and  208  can be configured to fully enclose the space between solar panel  201  and the roofing surface  110 B. In other embodiments, in which installation of multiple solar panels is necessary or desirable, multiple mounting frame devices  206  can include variations that include different configurations having various combinations of the sloped side surfaces  203 ,  204 ,  207 , and  208 , that include all or some of the sides. More particularly, mounting frame device  206  can be configured to include only side surfaces  208  with ballast shelf surface  205  and a sloped side surface  207  opposing sloped side surface  208  disposed on the opposite side of solar panel  201 . 
     Alternatively, mounting frame device  206  can be configured to include sloped side surface  208  with shelf surface  205  and one of sloped side surface  204  or sloped side surface  203 . Using such configurations of mounting frame device  206 , multiple solar panels  201  can be installed on a roof surface in which the mounting frame devices  206  form a tessellated mounting structure with side surfaces encapsulating the volume underneath the multiple solar panels  201 . 
     While the side surfaces  203 ,  204 ,  207 , and  208  are shown as meeting one another at the corners of the mounting frame device  206  to provide a complete seal, various embodiments of the present invention also include arrangements of the four corners at which the side surfaces meet include a gap. Such gaps may be necessary if the mounting frame device  206  is installed on a site using pre-scored, precut, or pre-creased sheet-metal or other sheet material. Specifically, gaps at edges  210 ,  211 ,  212 , and  213  can also provide for ventilation of the backside of solar panels  201  during normal operation of the solar panels to increase efficiency and avoid overheating. In similar embodiments, the sheet material out of which mounting frame  206  is constructed, can include perforations or slits to provide ventilation to the solar panel  201  during normal operation of the solar panels. 
     In some embodiments, the ballasts  210  can be integrally formed with shelf surface  205  of mounting frame  206 . In other embodiments, shelf surface  205  can include indentations or cutouts to accept ballasts of a predetermined size. In one embodiment, shelf surface  205  includes a flat continuous surface onto which ballasts, such as individual masonry units (IMUs), bricks, cinderblocks, rocks, or other relatively dense and heavy objects that can fit under the gap between the underside of the top mounting surface  202  and the top surface of the mounting shelf  205 . 
       FIG. 2B  includes a cross-sectional view and an isometric view of a mounting frame device  226 , according to another embodiment of the present invention. In such embodiments, the mounting frame device  226  includes vertical side surfaces  223 ,  224 ,  227 , and  228  that includes a shelf surface  225  disposed underneath the top surface  222 . Vertical side surfaces  223 ,  224 ,  227  and  228  can be configured to be approximately at right angles relative to top surface  222  and solar panel  201 . Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2A , mounting frame device  226  can include gaps at edges  231 ,  232 ,  233 , and  234  to provide ventilation for solar panel  201  during normal operation. Just as mounting frame  206 , mounting frame  226  can include various sheet materials, such as sheet-metal or high temperature composites. Such materials of mounting frame device  226  can include notches, slots, or perforations to provide additional ventilation during normal operation of solar panel  201 . The notches, slots, or perforations in the sheet material of mounting frame  226  can be configured to allow air to flow to vent heat from the undersurface of solar panel  201 , but configured to restrict the spread of fire in the space between roofing surface  110 B and the underside of the top surface  222  and solar panel  201 . 
     Similar to the embodiments described above in reference to  FIG. 2A , mounting frame device  226  can include variations having different combinations of vertical side surfaces and open sides. For example, mounting frame  226  can include a vertical side surface  227  and a vertical side surface  228  having a shelf surface  225 , wherein shelf surface  225  is disposed underneath the top surface  222 . Like shelf surface  205 , shelf surface  225  can be configured to accept weights or ballasts to secure the solar panel  201  and mounting frame  226  to flat roof surface  110 B. In other embodiments, vertical side surface  228  having shelf surface  225  can be coupled to the top surface  222  along with vertical side surface  223  or  224 . Such embodiments are useful for mounting solar panels  201  in rooftop installations having a plurality of solar panels. Various variations of mounting frame  226  can be used to create a composite tessellated mounting frame having vertical side surfaces surrounding the volume defined by the multiple top surfaces  222  and the rooftop surface  110 B. 
     The side surfaces  203 ,  204 ,  207 , and  208  of  FIG. 2A  and vertical side surfaces  223 ,  224 ,  227 , and  228 , can be arranged relative to other mounting frames and other structures present on the rooftop on which the installation is located to resist the spread of fire in the volume underneath the top surfaces  202  or  222  and the rooftop surface  110 B. In some embodiments, this can mean that the sloped side surfaces and the vertical side surfaces have different lengths and bottom edge profiles that are customized on-site or at the factory to accommodate various features on otherwise flat roofs or roofing systems. For example, vertical side surfaces  223  and  224  can be shorter than vertical side surfaces  227  and  228  to allow cables to be laid underneath mounting frame  226  and solar panel  201 . Similarly vertical side surfaces  223  and  224  can include notches or holes the pass through of cables from one solar panel to another and finally down to a an uplink/downlink electrical connection coupled to an inverter or other power conditioning or converting device or system. 
       FIG. 3  shows yet another embodiment of the present invention for mounting solar panels  201  onto a flat roof or roofing system surface  110 B. In such embodiments, solar panel  201  can be installed on the roof or roofing system surface  110 B as shown in configuration  301 A. In configuration  301 A solar panel  201  rests on the roof or roofing system surface  110 B at point  310  and is propped up by a fire or heat sensitive leg  330  such that the solar panel  201  is at an angle  320  relative to the surface  110 B. Installation configuration  301 A shows fire heat sensitive leg  330  in place supporting solar panel  201  at various points or along the line on one side of the bottom side of solar panel  201 . The configuration of the fire or heat sensitive leg  330  can vary based on the requirements for configuration of the roof or roofing system surface  110 B. For example, fire heat sensitive leg  330  can be in the form of a bar, a plank, individual shafts, rods, cones, pyramids, or any other shape suitable to stably holding solar panel  201  at angle  320  during normal operation. 
     Upon exposure to sufficient heat, fire, or flames, the material included in fire heat sensitive leg  330  can be configured to melt, deform, collapse, or otherwise fail such that the solar panel  201  will fall along direction  335  to be flush or approximately flush with the roof or roofing system surface  110 B as shown in collapsed configuration  301 B. The temperature at which the fire or heat sensitive leg  330  allows solar panel  201  to become flush or approximately flush with the roof or roofing system surface  110 B can be determined by the material used to construct the heat or fire sensitive leg  330 . In some embodiments, is advantageous for the material selected for the heat or fire sensitive leg  332  to remain structurally sound at normal operating temperatures typically encountered on a roof installation of solar panels. 
     When solar panel  210  is flush with the roof or roofing system surface  110 B, the application of fire from any angle parallel to the surface  110 B will be inhibited, thus preventing or suppressing the spread of fire between roof or roofing surf system surface  110 B and the solar panel  201 . 
       FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of the present invention which is a variation on the embodiment described above in reference to  FIG. 3 . As shown the solar panel  201  can be installed on the roof or roofing system surface  110 B using a mounting bracket  402  at one end of the solar panel  210  that can pivot about a point  403 . Point  403  can include a hinge, a Cotter pin, a hinge pin, a screw, bolt, or any other elements capable of providing a pivot point. Once solar panel  201  is coupled to the mounting bracket  402  at the point  403 , it can be lifted to create an angle with roof or roofing system surface  110 B using a support structure or leg  406  attached to the solar panel on the other end or edge attachment point  405  and coupled to the roof or roofing system surface  110 B via a mounting bracket  407  via a pivot point  408 , as shown in configuration  400 A. Support structure  406  can be coupled to the solar panel  201  via a heat or fire sensitive coupling element  405 . 
     In some embodiments the heat or fire sensitive coupling element  405  can include a heat or fire sensitive adhesive or fastener that will melt, deform, collapse, or otherwise fail such that the solar panel  201  can fall to be flush or approximately flush with the roof or roofing system surface  110 B, as shown in collapsed configuration  400 B. The heat or fire sensitive coupling element  405  can include a number of materials including, but not limited to, metal alloys, composites, polymers, plastics, and ceramics. When exposed to excessive heat or fire temperatures, heat or fire sensitive coupling element  405  will release, thus allowing support structure to fall or rotate in the direction of arrow  409 B about pivot point  408 . As support structure  406  rotates along the direction of arrow  409 B about to the point  408 , solar panel  201  will move in the direction of arrow  409 A about to the point  403  until it is in the collapsed configuration  400 B. In such embodiments, solar panel  201  can include a side vane or guard to block the gap between the roof or roofing system surface  110 B and solar panel  201  due to the solar panel  201  resting on one or more mounting brackets  407 . 
       FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of the present invention for installation of solar panels  201  on flat or semi-flat roofs or roofing systems. As shown, configuration  500 A can include a solar panel  201  coupled to a number of standoffs  503  which are resting on or coupled to a mounting frame  502 . The mounting frame  502  can be coupled to a ballast structure  501 . The ballast structure  501  can include a number of materials of sufficient density and weight to affix the solar panel  201  to the roof or roofing system surface  110 B without the use of fasteners or penetrations into the roofing surface  110 B. In such embodiments, ballast structure  501  can include cementitious material, concrete foam, cinderblocks, or other fire resistance dense or heavy materials. In some embodiments, the height of standoffs  503  can be configured to provide sufficient ventilation under solar panel  201  during normal operation. 
       FIG. 5  also shows a variation of configuration  500 A in configuration  500 B that includes channel cuts or grooves  515  that can create wiring or cable conduits  550  when the configuration  500 B unit is placed in-line with another configuration  500 B unit. Such installations beneficially protect the wiring or cabling between solar panels  201 , inverters, and other electrical components of other flat roof solar panel installations shown in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a number of structural support mounts the can be used in flats roof or roofing system installations of solar panels  201  to prevent the spread of fire underneath the solar panel  201  according to various embodiments of the present invention. Each of the variations of the structural support mounts shown in  FIG. 5  include a multi-walled structure onto which a solar panel  201  can be placed. The multi-walled structure can include a number of vertical wall elements coupled to one another in various configurations. The shape and configuration of the vertical wall elements can be customized based on the ventilation or cooling requirements of a particular solar panel  201  as well as any local, state, or federal fire codes. 
     For example, configuration  600  a can include a solar panel  201  resting on or coupled to a structural support mounts  601 ,  611 , or  621 . Structural support mounts  601 ,  611 , and  621  can include a number of vertical wall sections having identical or varied curves to provide structure and stability to one another when placed on a roof roofing system surface on the bottom edges of the walls. The solar panel  201  can then rest on or be coupled to the top edges of the walls of the structural support mounts  601 ,  611 , and  621 . The shape of the vertical wall sections of the structural support mounts  601 ,  611 , and  621  can include hyperbolic, parabolic, circular and other curved profiles as illustrated in configurations  600 A,  600 B, and  600 C. In such exemplary embodiments, the shape and height of the vertical wall sections can be optimized for number of factors or requirements such as fire suppression, wind resistance, solar panel cooling, and other operational factors. For example, structural support mounts  601  can provide enhanced solar panel ventilation or cooling based on the amount of solar panel overhang beyond the interior of the vertical wall sections. 
     In related embodiments, a plurality of structural support mounts  601 , coupled to solar panels  201  can be installed next to one another in a tiled fashion such that the structural support mounts  601 ,  611  or  621  coupled to a first solar panel  201  will match up with and abut the structural support elements  601 ,  611 , or  621  of a second solar panel placed next to the first solar panel  201 . In such embodiments, it may be desirable to use a single type of structural support mounts a particular solar panel installation to maximize the efficiency and fire suppression characteristics, such as the inclusion of the least number of gaps between the solar panels and structural support mounts. Some shapes of structural support mounts can advantageously redirect or reversed the flow of fire or flames directed into the gap between a number of solar panels and the roof or the roofing system surface onto which they are placed using the structural support mounts. 
     For example, structural support mounts  601  when placed next to another support structure mount  601  will create a rounded or U-shaped block that can redirect the flow of fire that is directed underneath the solar panels away from the space underneath the solar panel and above the roof surface. 
       FIG. 7  shows yet another embodiment of a flat roof solar panel mount assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention that can redirect flames to help prevent or suppress the spread of fire on a roof under solar panel  201 . As shown, solar panel mount  713  can include a structure having a first, or bottom, wall and a second, or top, wall separated by some distance to create a duct or channel between the first and second walls. The channel can be curved, as shown, to have a rounded bend such that the internal channel transitions from a horizontal channel to a vertical channel along path  712 . Due to the curve in the top wall of the solar panel mount  713 , solar panel  201  can be placed or mounted at an angle, as shown. The space in between the top wall of the solar panel mount  713  can be enclosed by a wall or skirt structure  720  to prevent fire from entering the gap between the solar panel mount  713  and solar panel  201 . 
     In some embodiments, the solar panel mount  713  can include fire proof materials such as metal or a cementitious material comprising fire proof or retardant properties. In such embodiments, when flames are directed at the solar panel  201  and solar panel mount  713  combination along the direction  710  parallel with the roof surface  110 B, the flames can be redirected through the inner channel of the solar panel mount  713  along direction  712  up and away from the surface of the roof  110 B to help avoid the spread of fire on the roof or under solar panel  201 . When flames are directed at the solar panel  200  and solar panel mount  713  along direction  711  parallel with the roof surface  110 B, the flames are stopped from reaching the space underneath the solar panel mount  713  by the bottom wall. 
     When flames are directed in a direction into the page parallel to the roof surface  110 B, the flames are stopped by the wall  720 . When multiple solar panels are installed on a roof in a row, the solar panel mount  713  can be dimensioned such that it can support multiple solar panels in a line. Alternatively, each solar panel mount  713  can be dimensioned to support a single solar panel  201  and configured to abut and or a couple to a neighboring solar panel mount  713  to create a line of solar panels  201  and solar panel mounts  713  assemblies. In such embodiments, only the end solar panel  201  and solar panel mount  713  assemblies need include an end wall  720  to prevent flames or fire from entering the gap between the solar panel mount  713  and the solar panels  201 . 
       FIG. 8  shows yet another embodiment of the present invention that can be used to install solar panels  201  on both flat and tilted roof surfaces. As shown, solar panel  201  is installed on roof surface  110 B by mounting brackets  801  and  802 . Solar panel  201  can be positioned in a horizontal or tilted configuration by varying the lengths of the leg elements of brackets  801  and  802 . Each of mounting brackets  801  and  802  can include extruded metal rails having wall sections that extend from the bottom surface of the solar panel  201  to the roof surface  110 B to block flames are directed along the directions  820  and  821  parallel with the roof surface  110 B, thus preventing or suppressing the spread of fire in the space underneath the solar panel  201  in the surface of the roof. 
     In related embodiments, mounting bracket  801  can include the lip or shelf element  805  for excepting a fastener or ballast  810 . In flat roof installations, as shown, the top surface of shelf element  805  can include indentations or holes for accepting specifically designed or general purpose ballast blocks. In tilted roof solutions, the shelf element  805  can include pass-through holes for accepting fasteners, such as screws, bolts or rivets, to couple mounting bracket  801  to the roof surface  110 B. Mounting bracket  802  can include a leg element having a bottom edge that rests on the roof surface  110 B. 
     In related embodiments, each of mounting brackets  801  and  802  can be dimensioned to accept multiple solar panels  102 . In such embodiments, each mounting bracket  801  can include rails that except an edge of solar panels  201  in a clamp section. As shown, the clamp section can comprise a C-shaped or U-shaped region into which the edge of solar panel  201  can be seated or clipped. 
       FIG. 9  shows yet another embodiment of the present invention. In such embodiments, a solar panel  201  is mounted to a roof surface  110 B on mounting brackets  902  and  903  in the normal operating configuration  901 A. Fire block elements  910  and  913  can be affixed around the perimeter of solar panel  201 . While fire block elements  910  and  913  are shown coupled to solar panel  210  at joints  911  and  912  at a downward angle toward the surface  110 B, various embodiments can include coupling the fire block elements  910  and  913  in other angles, including parallel to the solar panel  901 . During normal operation the solar panel  201  installed in configuration  901 A, all of the elements remain stationary or static and the fire block elements  910  and  913  relative to the roof surface  110 B to provide ventilation and cooling for the solar panel  201 . Upon application of heat or flames in the direction of arrow  920  directed at the gap under the fire block elements  910  and solar panel  201  and above roof surface  110 B, fire block element  910  can collapse into either configuration  901 B or  901 C. 
     Configuration  900   1 B illustrates the embodiment in which fire block element  910  is coupled to solar panel  201  using a heat or fire sensitive joint  911 . At a certain temperature, joint  911  can be configured to collapse down to block fire, heat or flames coming from the direction  920  from entering the space underneath solar panel net  201  and above roof surface  110 B, thus preventing or suppressing the spread of fire under the solar panel  201 . 
     Configuration  901 C illustrates another embodiment in which fire block element  910  includes a material that will melt, deform, bend or otherwise fail to conform to the gap between the solar panel  201  and the roof surface  110 B, as shown.  FIG. 10  shows a close-up of a variation of the configuration  901 C. 
     Solar panel  201  can be coupled to the roof surface  110 B by a mounting bracket  1001  using fasteners or ballast. In such embodiments, the fire blocking elements  1010  can be configured to deform or drop into position upon exposure to heat or flames of a certain temperature such that the portion of the fire blocking elements  1010  includes ripples or waves  1020  that have multiple points of contact  1030  with surface  110 B. In such embodiments, the fire blocking element  1010  can include a material that can provide tension between the multiple contact points  1030  and the roof surface  110 B. Such materials include, but are not limited to stainless steel, metal alloys, and composite plastics and polymers with spring characteristics. Advantages of having multiple contact points  1030  between fire blocking element  1010  and the roof surface  110 B include the ability to effectively block heat, fire or flames from reaching the underside of solar panel  201 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a building integrated photovoltaic installation on a slanted roof  1104 , according to various embodiments of the present invention. Such embodiments are advantageous when installed in a new construction or during the construction of a new roofing system. The roofing system shown in  FIG. 11  is a shingle or composite roofing system that can include an underlying or sub roof surface  1104 . The underlying or sub roof surface  1104  can be made of a number of materials that provide support, structure and possibly another layer of water proof membrane onto which the other components of the roofing system  1100  can be affixed. As shown, the roofing system that includes the building integrated photovoltaic cells  1120  as part of the shingled or overlapping elements also includes mounting brackets  1115  that can be fastened, adhered, or otherwise affixed to the underlying or sub roof surface  1104 . The installation of such building integrated photovoltaic systems can begin with coupling an array of mounting brackets  1115  to the underlying or sub roof surface  1104 . Such an array of mounting brackets can include multiple rows disposed over the underlying or sub roof surface  1104  with separations  1130  between the rows that are then fitted with overlapping rows of framed or frameless photovoltaic cells  1115 . As in the shingle figuration shown in  FIG. 11 , the overlapping elements  1115  and  1120  can include standard glass module laminate solar cells with and without frames. 
     Once the array of mounting brackets are disposed on the roof surface, installers can begin placing photovoltaic cells  1115  into the clamp section of the mounting brackets. In some embodiments, the clamp sections of the mounting brackets  1115  include a click-lock system that provides for the insertion of one edge of the photovoltaic cell  1120 . The interface with the click-lock system of the mounting bracket  1115  can be configured to engage the photovoltaic cell  1020  with a positive and secure physical coupling. In related embodiments, mounting bracket  1115  can also be configured to include wiring and wire contacts to electrically couple to contacts on the specialized photovoltaic cell  1120  to provide both physical coupling and electrical coupling when the photovoltaic cell  1120  is inserted into the clamp section of mounting bracket  1115 . In other embodiments, photovoltaic cells  1120  can be further secured by inserting or applying adhesive between the backside of the photovoltaic cell and a mounting located in a lower row of mounting brackets. 
     Has shown, the top row of mounting brackets and photovoltaic cells can be using metal flashing, or some other suitable material for flashing,  1110 . The flashing  1110  can be coupled to the underlying or sub roof surface  1104  at the top using traditional fastening methods and secured to the top row of mounting brackets using the adhesive under the portion of the flashing that overlaps the top of the top row of mounting brackets. All rows, including the bottom row, of photovoltaics can be stabilized and protected from mechanical stress by inserting spacers and/or adhesive in locations  1125 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates yet another embodiment the present invention for the installation of solar panels on existing tilted shingled roofing system. As shown, solar panels  1210  can be installed on the roof system using a variety of mounting brackets. Such mounting brackets can include all of the roof type mounting brackets  1230  and middle of the roof mounting brackets  1235 . In such installations, solar panels  1210  can be installed in one-dimensional or two-dimensional array of solar panels disposed along a longitudinal direction of the roof. In such installations, can include a downslope fire blocking element  1201  similar to fire blocking elements described above. The fire blocking element  1201  can include an upper materials that can be configured to lower or deform into place such that the fire blocking element  1201  is disposed to block heat, fire, or flames from entering the gap between the solar panels  1210  and the roofing surface. 
     In similar embodiments, in which the solar panel installation includes only a single solar panel or a one-dimensional array of solar panels disposed in a latitudinal direction on the roof surface, fire blocking elements  1201  can be installed on the lower edge of the solar panel  1220  and fire blocking element  1202  can be disposed or affixed to the top edge of the solar panel  1220 . In such configurations, when exposed to temperatures exceeding a certain temperature, one or both of the fire blocking elements  1201  and  1202  can be repositioned or deform into position so as to prevent or suppress the spread of heat, fire, or flames from reaching the gap between solar panel  1220  in the surface of the roof. 
       FIG. 13  shows yet another embodiment of the present invention that can be using installation of solar panels  201  on a flat or tilted roof to prevent spread of heat, fire, or flames from entering the gap between the roof surface and the underside of the solar panel  201 . As shown, solar panel  201  can be mounted to the roof surface via mounting brackets  1301 . Side skirts  1320 ,  1325 ,  1330 , and  1335  can be affixed to the outer edges of the solar panel  200 . Each of the side skirts can include a number of louvers  1315  that extend downward toward the surface of the roof and outward from the center of the solar panel  201 . The length in the direction of the louvers  1315  can vary depending on the height of mounting brackets  1301  and the requirements of any applicable fire codes. 
     As depicted in the side view of the configuration  1300 , heat, fire, or flames can be directed along the direction of  1310  or  1320 . In such embodiments, at least some portion of heat, fire, or flames directed under the configuration  1300  including side skirts  1320 , solar panel  201 , and side skirts  1325  will be redirected toward the top surface of the fire skirts thus reducing the amount of heat, fire, or flames that reach the region between the underside of solar panel  201  and the roof surface. The portion of the heat, fire, or flames that reaches the region between the underside of solar panel  201  and the roofing surface can be determined by the dimensions of the louvers  1315 . The longer and wider the louvers  1315  are dimensioned, the lower the portion of the heat, fire, or flames directed along directions  1310  and  1320  between the underside of solar panel  201  and the roof surface. The reduction of the heat, fire or flames reaches the region between the underside of solar panel  201  and the roof surface will help prevent or suppress the spread of fire or flames under the solar panel  201 . 
     The above description illustrates various embodiments of the present invention along with examples of how aspects of the present invention may be implemented. The above examples and embodiments should not be deemed to be the only embodiments, and are presented to illustrate the flexibility and advantages of the present invention as defined by the following claims. Based on the above disclosure and the following claims, other arrangements, embodiments, implementations and equivalents will be evident to those skilled in the art and may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5