CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a Non-provisional Application of U.S. Provisional

Application No: 61/381,230, titled: SOLAR PANEL SUPPORT STRUCTURE, filed on September 9, 2010, herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a combination roofing system and solar panel support structure for use with solar energy panels on roofs and decks, in particular the array and solar panel support structure holds the roof in place.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Commercially available solar racks are incompatible with the existing roof-top materials. The racks and/or supporting structure must be fastened directly to the roof or ballasted around its perimeter with weights. Such racks damage or slice through the roofing materials, such as waterproof membranes, over time. Existing solar rack systems also have disadvantages when solar rack systems are shipped with integral roof protection membranes, because such systems make it difficult to position the rack on the roof and provide roof maintenance. In addition, existing membrane systems with racks have redundant fastening mechanisms and do not recognize and incorporate the benefits of the solar rack as ballast. The practice of using a ballast material such as pavers, stones, or other materials with sufficient weight to counteract wind uplift forces are well documented in the roofing industry. Typically, a minimum weight of 10 lbs. per square foot is required when round river stone is utilized. This represents the minimal condition and the ballast weights are increased in the perimeters, corners and field of the roof in accordance with industry accepted design guidelines. The ability of a ballasted roofing system to withstand wind uplift forces given the relatively low weight of the ballast versus the design uplift pressure is due to the geometry of the stone (generally round) and the wind interaction with the shape. Pavers or other square or rectangular flat plates usually require an interlocking mechanism or increased weight to perform the same function. Racking systems utilizing additional ballast weight may exceed the safe capacity of the structure. As a result solar rack systems that minimize the additional weight required are desirable to the market since the structural impact is lessened. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is a roofing membrane and integrated solar panel support structure that is compatible with any existing roofing substrate and that optimizes the attachment benefits of the solar rack by providing a combination of a solar panel support structure and a waterproofing membrane that is secured to a roof, for example, by using the solar panel support structure and roofing membrane as ballast, such that few or no other fastening system or mechanism or wind reduction or pressure equalizing devices attached thereto are needed to complete the installation of the photovoltaic (PV) assembly to the roof. The bottom of the support rails of the solar panel rack also have a rounded (softened) designed such that when the roof pillows or bounces in the wind, the roof membrane is not damaged or sliced by the rails of the solar panel structure. The softening is extended to the panel support members (run perpendicular to the support rails) and upright PV panel support brackets that attach to the support rails. The protective membrane is loosely laid on top of the existing roof and can be held in place using the weight of the present invention and solar panel support structure and solar panel array components attached thereto. The protective membrane can be used to repair a pre-existing old roof such that it is watertight. Once the new protective member is placed on the old existing roof a two-ply redundant roofing system is formed, and the aging of the old roof ceases because there is no longer any Ultraviolet light exposure to the pre-existing roof. In cases where wind uplift or seismic forces require increased resistance to lateral or uplift forces, connectors may be utilized to counteract the forces. The connectors are secured to a structural element and the solar support structure. In some cases support members of the solar rack may be used in lieu of the existing ballast to secure a loose laid roofing material (such as an Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) membrane ballasted with river stone) to the structure thereby eliminating the need for pre- securing the underlying roof system. However, some embodiments may replace penetrating anchors, such as short or long spikes, with conventional ballast.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting drawings in which,

[0006] Figure 1 is perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in which the solar panel structure protection layer is not attached to the existing membrane/roof; [0007] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in which the solar panel structure protection layer is partially attached to the existing membrane/roof system at the edges;

[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in which the solar panel structure protection layer is sealed on three sides to the existing roof membrane;

[0009] Figure 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention having the solar panel structure protection layer and a support railing directly on a roof substrate, and with foot supports under one rail to illustrate one embodiment of the present invention to increase roof clearance or for additional support;

[0010] Figure 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention having the solar panel structure protection layer and a support railing directly on top of an existing roof membrane, and with foot supports under one rail to illustrate one embodiment of the present invention to increase roof clearance ;

[0011] Figure 6a is a perspective of an embodiment of the present invention having the solar panel structure protection layer and a connector on top of an existing roof membrane;

[0012] Figure 6b is an illustration of a connector used to retain support rail 30 in place;

[0013] Figures 7A-C are side views of embodiments of the present invention having a connector attached to wood blocking which is in turn attached to the structure, wherein the post penetrates the existing roof system and new membrane requiring the installation of flashings to both membranes in order to seal the post to water penetration;

[0014] Figure 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention having a connector attached directly the base structure of the roof, wherein the post penetrates the existing roof system and new membrane requiring the installation of filler material around the post and flashings to both membranes in order to seal the post to water penetration;

[0015] Figure 9 A is a perspective view of the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figs. 1, 2, & 3 with the solar array attached thereto; [0016] Figure 9B is a perspective view of the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figs. 1, 2, & 3 without the solar array attached thereto;

[0017] Figures 10A and 10B are illustrations of external forces and reactive forces acting on an object, such the present invention; and

[0018] Figure 1 1 is side view of an embodiment of the present invention adjacent to a corner or edge roof wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective plan view of an embodiment of the present invention

1 in which the protective membrane 5 is not fixedly attached to the existing roof membrane 10 and merely overlays the existing roof membrane 10. Roof member 10 includes an upper surface 10a. Two or more rows of support rails 30 can be positioned on top of protective membrane 5 without any adhesive or fasteners or fixturing devices used to attach or connect support rails 30 to protective membrane 5. Alternatively, support rails 30 could sit directly on the roof membrane 10 or sit on feet or risers 31.

[0020] The protective membrane 5 of the present invention 1 also protects an existing roof system from damage by solar panel structure components, such as damage during maintenance to the solar panel structure, PV panels and associated electrical system or other roof top equipment (HVAC, exhaust fans, etc), or damage incurred while relocating (horizontally or vertically) portions of an existing PV system, or damage caused by abrasion to the roof membrane 10 from "feet" or "ballast pans" that contact the roof membrane 10 and are subject to continued thermal expansion and contraction cycles. This abrasion can result in holes through the membranes 10 or a severely compromised roof system. The protective membrane 5 can be used as a new waterproofing membrane for new construction, or can be used as a new waterproofing membrane over an existing roof system. In the former case, an existing roof membrane 10 in marginal condition can be waterproofed under the solar panel structure without any preparatory repair work to the existing roof system.

[0021] Now turning to the insert in Figure 1 , support rails 30 can be generally trapezoidal shaped or any other geometric shape with rounded bottom edges 32 where the rail could contact the protective membrane 5 or roof 10. Rounded bottom edges 32 soften the contact of the surfaces to prevent cutting or tearing or excessive wear of the surfaces that results in relation motion between the surfaces due to wind induced uplift. The rounding is beneficial where the protective membrane 5 or roof 10 pillows up under a wind load and contacts the support rails 30 causing abrasion or puncture damage. The overall length 36 of support rails 30 can be shorter than length 38 of protective membrane 5. However, some embodiments of support rails 30 can have length 36 equal to or greater than length 38 of protective membrane 5. The internal cavity 39 of support rails 30 is configured to receive nuts, bolts, or other fasteners 9 to secure the solar panel supports (shown in Figure 9B) to the system 1. Internal cavity 39 shown in the insert in Figure 1 is an illustration of a nut/bolt insert slot to engage a head 33 of nut/bolt 9 to connect cross member 25 (Fig. 2) with support rail 30 to form the solar rack system 1 at any point along the support rail 30. The internal cavity 39 acts like a track for a variable sliding adjustment of the cross member 25 along guide rail 30.

[0022] Now turning to Figure 9B that illustrates an embodiment 52 of the present invention including center upright members 97 and end upright members 99, discussed below, also can be slideably adjusted along guide rail 30 to any point along the length 36 (see Figure 1) of guide rail 30. This adjustability provides flexibility in the selection of the solar array width and/or angle of incidence 0 relative to the roof upper surface by setting a distance D between cross member 25 and center upright members 97/end upright members 99. As distance D reduces, the angle of incidence 0 increases. The desired angle of incidence 0 is determined based on the position of the sun relative to the roof surface 1 OA, which is dependent on the time of year and latitudinal location relative to the equator. As mentioned above, an example of distance X that separates guide rails 30 ranges can from 3' to 16' depending upon the layout configuration. The longer distance X spans would accommodate more panels side by side supported by cross members 25 and center upright members 97 and end upright members 99. As distance X spans longer distances, then length L3 of lip 97A and L4 of lip 25A would be longer extrusions. The longer the lengths L3, L4 of lips 97A, 25A, respectively, the ratio of guide rails 30 to panels 55 (see Figure 9A) would decrease. For example, Figure 9A illustrates 3 guide rails 30 and 2 solar panels 55 or 3:2 ratio. As the distance X increases and lengths L3, L4 increase, then more than 2 solar panels 55 can be placed on lips 97A, 99A, 25 A, such as 3 guide rails with 3 solar panels making the guide rail 30 to solar panel ratio 3:3, or 3 guide rails with 4 solar panels, 3:4 ratio, etc. However, any configuration that retains the solar rack system 52 within support rails 30 is suitable for the contemplated embodiments of the present invention. [0023] Now turning to Figure 2 and an insert of cross member 25 illustrating a through hole 1 1 to receive bolt 9 (see Figure 1) to secure cross member 25 to support rail 30. Cross member rounded bottom edges 33 along bottom width 31 where cross member 25 could contact the protective membrane 5 or roof 10. Rounded bottom edges 33 soften the contact of the surfaces to prevent cutting or tearing or excessive wear of the surfaces that results in relation motion between the surfaces due to wind induced uplift. The rounding is beneficial where the protective membrane 5 or roof 10 pillows up under a wind load and contacts cross member 25 causing abrasion or puncture damage. Projections 27 and 29 form a recess 28 to attach the solar rack system (not shown) to the present invention.

[0024] Now returning to Fig. 1, bottom surface 95 A of support rail 30 or bottom surface 95B of connector 40 (Figure 7A) can have a surface roughness or be made of or coated with a material that has a sufficient coefficient of friction μ between adjacent surface protective membrane 5 or feet 31 (Figs. 4 and 5) to require a horizontal force F _x greater than sliding friction Ρμ (Ρμ equals normal force N times coefficient of friction μ) before the solar rack system 1 moves relative to the adjacent material when external force F _exte rnai is induced on solar rack system 1 (see Figures 10A and 10B). Coefficient of friction μ can be determined based on the characteristics of the mating surfaces. External force F _ex t _e rnai has an X component of force F _x and a Y component of force F _y . Normal force N is the resultant force of the weight of solar rack system 1 and External force Y component (F _y ). Fig. 10A illustrates an external force F _ex t _e mai inducing a downward or negative vertical force F _y on the solar rack system 1. Therefore, normal force N is the addition of the downward external force F _y and the weight W of solar rack system 1. Fig. 10B illustrates an external force F _ex temai inducing an upward or positive vertical force F _y on the solar rack system 1. Therefore, normal force N is the subtraction of the upward external force F _y from weight W of solar rack system 1. With regards to sliding friction Ρμ, external force vertical force Fy could be beneficial (-Fy - see Fig. 10A)) or detrimental (+Fy - see Fig. 10B). With regards to externally induced moment M, external vertical force Fy could be beneficial (-Fy - see Fig. 10A)) or detrimental (+Fy - see Fig. 10B). Therefore, weight W of solar rack system 1 must take into account the upward or positive vertical force F _y of the external force F _exte rnai- The protective membrane 5 is held in place normal to the roof membrane 10 by the weight of solar rack system land/or anchors (such as short spikes 77 and long spikes 79 shown in Figures 7A and 7B). [0025] Now turning to Figure 2 illustrating a perspective view of the protective membrane 5 partially attached to the existing membrane 10 at various (discontinuous) attachment points 15. Attachment points 15 can be used around the entire perimeter 3 of the protective membrane 5, or on one or more sides of protective membrane 5, depending on the needs of the user. Attachment methods vary with the type of membrane. A thermoplastic membrane could be heat welded to a thermoplastic membrane, a thermoset membrane may require an adhesive tape, and dissimilar materials could be attached with an adhesive tape, contact adhesive, a built-up roof (BUR) could be attached with bitumen based mastics, sealants, or any combination thereof. The guide rails 30 could sit directly on the roof membrane 10 or sit on feet or risers 31.

[0026] Now turning to Figure 3 illustrating other embodiments of protective membrane 5 can include continuous attachment 16 on one, two, three, or four sides 17 of the membrane perimeter 3. Three sides 17 are shown in Figure 3 to be continuously attached to the existing roof membrane 10. Attachment methods vary with the type of membrane. A thermoplastic membrane could be heat welded to a thermoplastic membrane, a thermoset membrane may require an adhesive tape, contact adhesive, a built-up roof (BUR) could be attached with bitumen based mastics, sealants, or any combination thereof. Support railings 30 can be spaced apart a distance X, for example about 3 feet to about 16 feet. Figure 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention having the protective membrane 5 and a support railing 30 for a solar rack system directly on a roof substrate or system 35 (without roof membrane 10) on top of insulation substrate 35A. The support rails 30 could sit directly on the protective membrane 5 or sit on feet or risers 31. Some embodiments of the protective membrane 5 will substantially cover roof membrane 10 or roof substrate 35 when there is no roof membrane 10 as illustrated in Figure 1 1.

[0027] Figure 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention 1 having protective membrane 5 and a support railing 30 shown on top of an existing roof membrane 10. The support rails 30 could sit directly on the protective membrane 5 or sit on feet or risers 31.

[0028] Figure 6a is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention 1 having the protective membrane 5 and a connector 40 on top of an existing roof membrane 10. Connector 40 can be placed directly on the roof membrane 10 when the dead load of the solar rack system 1 requires additional support to resist loads acting normal to the roof plane, for example, wind and seismic forces that act downward. As discussed above and shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, connector 40 will remain at rest in its predetermined position until external horizontal force Fx is greater than sliding friction ¥μ. If resistance to lateral forces is required, the foot 31 or a connector 40 can be attached to the roof structure to counteract the forces. Also, base 42 of connector 40 acts as a stabilizer to counter the moment M induced by the external forces, wherein a larger base 42 distributes the moment load over a greater area. Connector 40 can be solid (not shown) or include hole 43 to receive and engage a solar array rack system (not shown). Protective membrane 5 dimensions (width Wl, length LI) can be sized to be slightly larger than the dimensions (width W2, length L2) of base 42. A plurality of protective membranes 5 can be used as required under connectors 40. This feature provides for replacement of a single protective membrane 5 from under a connector 40 of smaller size than the larger protective membrane 5 intended to be a single, monolithic pad under all the connectors 40 as shown in Figs. 1-3.

[0029] Figure 6b illustrates a connector 40 used to retain support rail 30 (see Figure

1) in place. Bracket 101 includes slots 103, 105 to receive an attachment device such as nuts, bolts, or other fasteners 9 (see Figure 1) to attach bracket 101 to connector 40 and support rail 30 (see Figure 1) into hole 43 of shaft 54, thereby coupling connector 40 and support rail 30 to secure support rail 30. Connector 40 can be attached to the roof structure with an attachment device such as short spikes 77 (see Figure 7) through holes 40a in base 42 or not physically attached to the roof structure and remain a place by its own weight or ballast. Slot 103, 105 allow for variable adjustment and positioning of connector 40. Bracket 101 restrains support rail 30 from lateral and upward movement due to external forces such as wind and seismic activities.

[0030] Figures 7A-C illustrate other embodiments 2A-C of the present invention with a connector 40 having shaft 54 penetrating hole 63 of an existing roof membrane 10 and hole 65 of protective membrane 5. Figure 7A illustrates only first flashing 45. Figure 7B illustrates first flashing 45 and second flashing 47. Figure 7C illustrates first flashing 45, second flashing 47, and third flashing 47A. All flashing embodiments provide a waterproof seal at the point or along the seam of penetration of the existing roof membrane 10. Each flashing is shown was an increasing vertical height H and horizontal length L (see Figure 7C). Shaft 54 includes an outer surface 67 with a diameter smaller than or equivalent to the diameter of hole 65 of the protective membrane 5 and smaller than or equivalent to a hole 63 in roof membrane 10 of the roof. Roof membrane 10 is disposed between protective membrane 5 and base 42 with thickness 49 of connector 40. Base 42 is disposed between roof membrane 10 and wood blocking 50 or equivalent. First flashing 45 includes an inner surface 69 with a diameter larger than the diameter of the outer surface 67 of the shaft 54 of the connector 40, wherein the flashing 45 is disposed along the outer surface 67 of the shaft 54 of the connector 40 and between the roof membrane 10 and protective membrane 5 to provide a waterproof seal between the shaft 54 and the roof membrane 10. Second flashing 47 has an inner surface 71 with a diameter larger than the diameter of the outer surface 73 of the first flashing 45, wherein the second flashing 47 is disposed along the outer surface 73 of the first flashing 45 and along the outer surface 67 of the shaft 54 of the connector 40 and on top of the protective membrane 5 to provide a waterproof seal between the first flashing 45 and the protective membrane 5. Third flashing 47A includes an inner surface 47B with a diameter larger than the diameter of the outer surface 47C of the second flashing 47, wherein third flashing 47A is disposed along the outer surface 47C of second flashing 47 to provide a waterproof seal between second flashing 47, the first flashing 45, and the protective membrane 5.

[0031] Continuing with Figures 7A-C, wood blocking 50 having at least the same surface area 50A or foot print as base 42 of connector 40 is integrated within roof substrate 35, which are both attached to base structure 37 and used to provide a stable attachment point for connector 40. Attachment of connector 40 to wood blocking 50 and wood blocking 50 to base structure 37 can be accomplished by any conventional means. Figures 7A-C illustrates one embodiment of the attachment device being short spikes 77 and long spikes 79, respectively. Alternatively, conventional ballast (not shown) can replace the penetrating anchors, short spikes 77 and long spikes 79. Connector 40 provides resistance to external forces, such as wind or seismic forces, by transmitting the external loads through connector 40 to wood blocking 50 to structure 37. These adjacent components also act as a dampening system as well as a load transfer or load path system. The material of each component, such as metal or wood, has insulating or energy absorption characteristics to dampen the resonance frequency induced by the external forces. The thickness, length and/or width of the components can be adjusted to tune the dampening system, here being the connector 40, wooden blocking 50, and structure 37. The combination of energy transfer and dampening mechanisms provide for a system that is capable of efficient operation through the varying spectrum of vibrations because the system does not need to eliminate all vibrations. There only needs to be sufficient reduction in the vibrational modes such that the relative movement of the protective membrane 5/flashings 45, 47, 47A and the underlayment (the roof membrane 10 or roof substrate 35) at the contact edges or seams does not form a gap or fluid pathway therebetween to maintain integrity of the watertight seal.

[0032] Now turning to Figure 8 that illustrates another embodiment of the present invention 1 having recess 53 with depth 51 substantially equivalent to thickness 49 of base 42 of connector 40 plus thickness 83 of filler material 81, such that top surface 59 of filler material 81 (such as insulation, gypsum board, and foam) is substantially flush or level with top surface 61 of roof substrate 35. The fit of base 42 within recess 53 is sufficient prevent substantial relative movement of base 42 within recess 53 to resist external forces dislodging connector 40 from recess 53. Additional, attachment devices (such as bolts or spikes) can be used to secure base 42 of connector 40 to base structure 37 of the roof. Flashings 45, 47, 47A and protective membrane 5 are attached by the same method as described above for the embodiment of Figures 7A-C.

[0033] Now turning to Figure 9A that illustrates one embodiment of the present invention 1 being an array of the PV assemblies 55 positioned loosely on base structure 37 (see Figures 7A-C and 8), typically a horizontal roof. Solar array 55 installed on the solar panel structure protective layer 5 can be placed on either roof membrane 10 or roof substrate 35. Mounting of solar rack system 1 can be accomplished (1) without the need for fasteners and (2) without the need for wind reduction or pressure equalizing devices attached thereto.

[0034] Now turning to Figure 9B that illustrates a perspective view of the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figs. 1 , 2, & 3 without the solar array attached thereto, as illustrated in Figure 9A. The assembled frame 96 includes cross section members 25, center upright members 97, and end upright members 99 in slidable engagement with support rails 30 to adjust for varying widths of PV assemblies 55 (see Figure 9A). Nuts, bolts, or other fasteners 9 (see Figure 1) can be used to secure center upright members 97 and end upright members 99, as well as cross section members 25 discussed above. A center upright member 97 and a pair of end upright or longitudinal members 99 are generally aligned in same longitudinal plane such that back edge 55a (see Figure 9A) of PV assemblies 55 rest on lips 97a, 99a of center upright members 97 and end upright members 99, respectively. Cross section member 25 is generally aligned with front edge 55b of (see Figure 9A) of PV assemblies 55 such that front edge 55b rests in lips 25a of cross section member 25. One embodiment to the heights HI of lips 97a, 99a of center upright members 97 and end upright members 99 from support rails 30 is greater than the height H2 of lips 25a of cross section member 25 from support rails 30 to create an angle of incidence 0 of PV assemblies 55 (see Figure 9A) above the roof.

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a side view of an embodiment 100 of the present invention adjacent to or mating with a corner or edge roof wall 90 of building 98. Protective membrane 5 includes an integrally formed side wall 92 with height 94 such that the projected maximum height of sustainable water on the roof is less than height 92. The overall dimensions of embodiment 100 will be equivalent to the dimensions of the roof top for a watertight seal around the entire interior perimeter 96 of the roof. Alternative embodiments do not include the side wall 92 such that perimeter 3 (see Figure 2) of the protective membrane 5 is substantially adjacent corner or edge 102 of roof wall 90.

[0036] Additionally, the protective membrane 5 can act as a "photon reflector" to increase energy production when provided in a white or reflective color. Special reflective color coatings may be used in lieu of white or light colored materials. The protective membrane 5 may be manufactured with reflective properties to increase the solar radiation on PV panels or solar thermal. The membranes of the invention can be a single ply membrane, polyester or polypropylene mats of varying weight, polymeric foam, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the membrane material may be reinforced internally or externally. Also preferably, the membrane is made of a material that is resistant to puncture. Some commercially available products are thermoplastic and thermoset membranes with highly reflective properties in the infra-red spectrum. The membranes are available in various thicknesses.

[0037] In operation, a method of installing one embodiment of a solar array rack on top of a roof comprises the steps of: providing a support rail with rounded bottom edges and a cavity to receive the solar array rack and a membrane; laying the membrane on the top of the roof in a predetermined location without fixedly attaching the membrane to the roof; placing the support rail on the membrane without fixedly attaching the support rail to the membrane, wherein the membrane is disposed between the support rail and the top of the roof; and attaching the solar array rack to the support rail, wherein the membrane is retained in place on the roof by the combined weight of the support rail, the solar array rack, and the membrane without the use of attachments devices, such as fasteners and adhesives. [0038] In operation, another method of installing another embodiment of a solar array rack on top of a roof comprising the steps of: positioning a connector with shaft on an optional wood blocking (the connector may also be attached directly to the structure) embedded in a roof substrate and attaching to the structure; disposing a roof membrane onto a base of the connector and a portion of the roof substrate and attaching the roof membrane to the portion of the roof substrate; placing a first flashing over an outer surface of the shaft of the connector and lowering the first flashing onto the roof membrane and attaching the first flashing to the roof membrane; disposing a roofing system and solar panel support structure layer over the first flashing and a portion of the roof membrane roof membrane without fixedly attaching the roofing system and solar panel structure protection layer to the first flashing or the portion of the roof membrane; placing a second flashing over an outer surface of the shaft of the connector and lowering the second flashing onto the roof system and solar panel support structure and attaching the second flashing to the roof membrane; and attaching the solar array rack to the connector, wherein the solar array rack is retained in place on the roof by the combined weight of the connector, the solar array rack, and the roofing system and solar panel structure protection layer without the use of attachments devices. The connector provides lateral resistance to forces in this configuration. A similar procedure is followed when using only one flashing or more than two flashings.

[0039] Also discussed above is that the protective membrane 5 is laid over the existing roof membrane 10 prior to installation of the PV system, for an existing roof. An existing roof in marginal condition can receive a new solar panel structure by installing the waterproof membrane over the roof prior to installation of the solar panel structure. If there is no existing roof membrane 10, the protective membrane 5 may be placed directly on the roof substrate 35. The protective membrane 5 may be installed before the PV system installation, for example during any scheduled or unscheduled maintenance that requires disassembly or relocation of the existing solar panel structure. The protective membrane 5 may be loose laid, partially attached at the edges and/or interior, or fully adhered depending on the type of solar panel structure utilized. For example as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, a solar panel structure 52 including PV panel 55 can be held in place by the weight to the structure 52 with PV panel 55, protective membrane 5, support rails 30, and other components of the solar rack system may not require attachment of the membrane or ballast weights since the weight will prevent movement or slippage of the system 1 relative to the roof upper surface, for example roof membrane 10 or roof substrate 35. [0040] The use of a membrane is a desirable preventive measure in cases where the

PV array is installed on a roof and prevents access to maintain or replace the underlying substrate or roof system. If the array has to be disassembled along with the racking system the electrical system has to be taken off line, resulting in a loss of generation. The inclusion of a protection system such as the membranes of the invention minimizes damage to a roof system and lowers the lifecycle costs of the renewable energy production plant.

[0041] While the disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.