Patent attributes
A solar panel mounting apparatus for use in securing a frame with a solar panel stored therein to a roof of a building includes a non-hollow member with a lower cross-sectional profile and enhanced strength. The apparatus includes a rail coupled to the frame and the roof, the rail having a cross-sectional profile comprising an upper cavity, a first side cavity, a second side cavity and a third side cavity, a first set of fasteners coupled to the frame and the upper cavity, and a second set of fasteners coupled to the roof and the first side cavity or the second side cavity. The upper cavity has a substantially pentagonal cross-sectional shape, the first side cavity has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, the second side cavity has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the third side cavity has a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.