Base unit for mounting photovoltaic modules

A mounting unit couplable with a solar panel and a roof of a structure so as to mount the solar panel on the roof, the mounting unit comprising:

• a base comprising a flange that extends around a periphery of the mounting unit, the base being configured to be positioned adjacent the roof of the structure;
• a mounting surface connected with the base and configured to couple with the solar panel so that the solar panel is elevated above the roof's surface and oriented at an angle with respect thereto;
• a plurality of walls that connect the mounting surface to the base;
• and
• a flexible membrane skirt coupled with the flange and extending laterally therefrom, the flexible membrane skirt being couplable with the roof to secure the mounting unit and solar pond to the roof, wherein the mounting unit comprises a hollow interior when coupled with the flexible membrane skirt.

A method of mounting a solar panel to a roof of a structure comprising:

• providing a mounting unit comprising:
• a base;
• a mounting surface;
• and
• a plurality of walls that connect the mounting surface to the base so that the mounting surface is elevated with respect to the base;
• coupling a flexible membrane with the base such that the mounting unit comprises a hollow interior when coupled with the flexible membrane;
• coupling the flexible membrane with the roof so as to secure the mounting unit to the roof;
• and
• coupling a solar panel with the mounting surface.