Mounting a PV Solar Panel on Pole to the Roof of a Building

Install mounting boards in the attic. Find the trusses closest to where you will install the pole. The pole will go through the roof at this location. The 2-by-4-inch boards are attached across a roof truss with wood screws. There are two mounting boards--one located as close to the roof as possible and another 2-feet lower. Measure and cut the lumber to fit, then install them using at least two screws on each end of the boards.

Cut a hole in the roof above the mounting boards, so the pole will easily touch the boards when installed. The diameter of the hole needs to be slightly larger than the diameter of the pole.

Raise the pole through the roof and hold it against the mounting boards. Make marks on the boards on either side of the pole. Remove the pole and install the pole mounting brackets onto the mounting boards using hardware from the mounting kit. Reinsert the pole though the roof, sliding it through the mounting brackets. Tighten the brackets around the pole to secure it.

Climb onto the roof to finish the pole installation and mount the panels. Trim any roofing material away from the hole to prevent interference with the roof seal. Slide the roof seal over the pole. Use screws that came with the seal to mount the seal to the roof.

Slide the panel-mounting bracket over the top of the pole. Use a wrench to tighten the bolts that hold the bracket in place. Make sure the bracket is positioned in the right direction for gathering solar energy.

Mount the panel onto the bracket and secure it into place. Take special care not to over-tighten the clamps or screws, as this may damage the PV panel.

Use the roofing caulk to make the roof seal water-tight. Run a bead of caulk all the way around the seal as well as over bolt and screw heads.