Solar panel roof mounting bracket and related methods

A panel mounting bracket for mounting at least one solar panel on a roof, the panel mounting bracket comprising:

• a base to be positioned on the roof having at least one first opening therein;
• and
• a vertical extension having a proximal end coupled to the base, a distal end, and a central portion extending between the proximal and distal ends;
• wherein the distal end defines a fastener channel having a fastener slot opening vertically aligned with the at least one first opening in the base,
• wherein the central portion comprises at least one cross member defining at least one second opening therein vertically aligned with the fastener slot opening and the at least one first opening in the base for at least one bracket fastener to be inserted through the fastener slot opening, the at least one second opening, and the at least one first opening of a respective panel mounting bracket and coupled to the roof;
• wherein the fastener channel is configured to receive a clamp fastener to couple the at least one solar panel with the fastener channel so that the clamp fastener is retained within the fastener channel and extends vertically upward through the fastener slot opening to the at least one solar panel.

A method for mounting at least one solar panel on a roof comprising:

• arranging a plurality of panel mounting brackets on the roof and each comprising
• a base positioned on the roof having at least one first opening therein, and
• a vertical extension having a proximal end coupled to the base, a distal end, and a central portion extending between the proximal and distal ends,
• wherein the distal end defines a fastener channel having a fastener slot opening vertically aligned with the at least one first opening in the base,
• wherein the central portion comprises at least one cross member defining at least one second opening therein vertically aligned with the fastener slot opening and the at least one first opening in the base;
• inserting at least one bracket fastener through the fastener slot opening, the at least one second opening, and the at least one first opening of a respective panel mounting bracket and coupling the bracket fastener to the roof;
• and
• coupling a plurality of clamps and corresponding clamp fasteners to the at least one solar panel so that each fastener is retained within the respective fastener channel and extends vertically upward through the fastener slot opening to the at least one solar panel.