MOUNTING SOLAR PANELS ON A ROOF

The invention relates to a self-supporting solar panel assembly and to a set of at least one self-supporting solar panel assembly and a number of fastening elements, and to a roof on which such a set is arranged, and further to a method for mounting solar panels on a roof. The invention further relates to a hoisting device for lifting a self-supporting solar panel assembly.

Solar panels are currently mounted on a roof individually, which is time-consuming.

The document JP 4 382143 B1 describes a system for replacing a roof with a number of solar panels connected watertightly to each other. A number of parallel, horizontal beams are here first arranged between the gutter and the ridge, and formed on these beams is a lattice of inclining profiles, which extend between the gutter and the ridge, and horizontal profiles. The solar panels are each received individually in profiles extending along the four sides, and these profiles are mounted on the profiles which form the lattice, wherein seals and drainage options are provided. There is thus no reference here to any self-supporting assembly of solar panels; the roof-replacing structure is constructed wholly on site from individual panels and profiles.

The document DE 10 2013 225173 A1 describes a mounting profile for plate-like modules, particularly solar panels or solar collectors, which has in cross-section two C-shaped segments facing away from each other. The mounting profile is provided on its underside with upright edges which serve as fastening protrusion.

It is an object of the invention to accelerate and/or facilitate the mounting of solar panels on a roof.

This object is achieved with a self-supporting solar panel assembly which comprises according to the invention:

- a number of solar panels disposed in a row;

- a first elongate profile which is fastened to the solar panels on a first side of the row of solar panels; and

- a second elongate profile which is fastened to the solar panels on a second side of the row of solar panels lying opposite the first side.

The first and second profiles mutually connect the number of solar panels disposed in a row such that the self-supporting solar panel assembly with the number of solar panels disposed in a row can be handled as one whole and can be mounted on a roof as one whole. The mounting of the solar panels on a roof can hereby take place in relatively rapid and/or simple manner. Manufacturing a self-supporting solar panel assembly can for instance take place off-site, for instance in a factory, wherein the self-supporting solar panel assembly is subsequently displaced to a location where it will for instance be mounted on a roof.

Another advantage of the self-supporting solar panel assembly according to the invention can be that the self-supporting solar panel assembly itself can be lifted, for instance by the first but preferably by the second profile, since the second profile can in practical manner be the upper profile in a situation where it is arranged on a roof. Because the self-supporting solar panel assembly itself is lifted, no auxiliary means need be provided whereby the self-supporting solar panel assembly can be lifted.

The self-supporting solar panel assembly according to the invention can particularly be suitable for mounting on a sloping roof, i.e. a roof with an incline relative to the horizontal.

It is noted that a number of solar panels is understood to mean particularly a plurality of solar panels, i.e. more than one solar panel. In practical manner a row, and thereby an assembly, comprises for instance twelve solar panels, although any desired number of solar panels can be envisaged.

One self-supporting solar panel assembly preferably comprises solar panels disposed exclusively in a row, and so not a plurality of rows, i.e. not a matrix of solar panels. A plurality of self-supporting solar panel assemblies can here be fastened to a roof, so that the roof eventually does comprise a matrix of solar panels, formed by a plurality of self-supporting solar panel assemblies according to the invention.

The first and/or second profile can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as for instance aluminium.

The first and/or second profile is preferably embodied and/or designed with a strength such that the self-supporting solar panel assembly can be lifted by the first and/or second profile. It will be further elucidated hereinbelow that the second profile in particular can for this purpose comprise a fastening protrusion and/or an engaging part, which can respectively hook onto and/or engage on respectively a hook-shaped part and a part of the hoisting device.

The first profile and/or the second profile can be fastened to the solar panels on a stated side of the row of solar panels in any suitable manner. In practical manner the first profile and/or the second profile can for this purpose define a receiving space in which an edge of the solar panels is received.

The receiving space is for instance defined by a first profile part which is disposed parallel to the peripheral edge of the solar panel on the relevant side of the solar panel and here optionally lies against this peripheral edge, and a second profile part which extends at a preferably right angle to the first profile part and for instance supports a part of the underside of the solar panel situated close to the peripheral edge. If desired, the receiving space can further be defined by a third profile part which is disposed at an end of the first profile part lying opposite the second profile part and which extends at an optionally right or acute angle to the first profile part.

In an embodiment the self-supporting solar panel assembly according to the invention further comprises clamping means for fixedly clamping the solar panels in the receiving space.

By fixedly clamping each solar panel in the receiving space a strong connection between the solar panels and the profiles is achieved. The connection between the profile by which the self- supporting solar panel assembly is lifted and the solar panels must here be sufficiently strong to bear the weight of the solar panels and the weight of the other profile. The connection between the solar panels and the profile suspended therefrom on the opposite side need only bear the weight of that profile, and may thus take a less strong form.

In an embodiment of the self-supporting solar panel assembly according to the invention the first profile and the second profile are embodied such that the first profile of a subsequent row of solar panels supports against the second profile of a previous row of solar panels.

For this purpose the first profile and second profile can be embodied in any suitable manner. It is moreover possible that the first profile part of the first profile of the subsequent row of solar panels lies against and thereby supports against the first profile part of the second profile of the previous row of solar panels.

Additionally or alternatively, the second profile can be configured to engage on a subsequent row of solar panels or on a first profile of a subsequent row of solar panels. The second profile can for this purpose have an engaging profile part which extends from the first profile part and which for instance engages on the solar panels of the subsequent row or for instance on the third profile part of the first profile of the solar panels of the subsequent row. The engaging profile part can here be disposed at an end of the first profile part lying opposite the second profile part and can extend at an optionally right or acute angle to the first profile part. The third profile part and the engaging profile part of the second profile can more particularly extend in substantially opposite directions from the first profile part.

The engaging profile part can further be configured to engage on a part of a hoisting device which can be used to lift the self-supporting solar panel assembly.

In another embodiment of the self-supporting solar panel assembly according to the invention the first profile and/or the second profile comprises a hole for the purpose of receiving fastening means, such as for instance a screw, bolt or the like and/or an insert element, whereby a solar panel can be fastened to the first profile and/or the second profile. More particularly, the second profile part can be provided with said hole. A clamping element which clamps onto at least one solar panel of the row of solar panels, particularly onto an upper peripheral edge thereof, can also be provided here if desired, wherein the fastening means fasten the clamping element to the first profile and/or the second profile. For a strong fastening of the profiles to the solar panels each solar panel can be clamped onto each of the profiles on two sides.

In yet another embodiment of the self-supporting solar panel assembly according to the invention the first profile and/or the second profile comprise a fastening protrusion. Such a fastening protrusion can co-act with fastening elements, as will be elucidated below.

If desired, such a fastening protrusion can also co-act with a hook-shaped part of a hoisting device which can be used to lift the self-supporting solar panel assembly. The fastening protrusion can here hook onto the hook-shaped part of the hoisting device.

In yet another embodiment of the self-supporting solar panel assembly according to the invention the first profile and/or the second profile comprise at least one positioning profile part, using which the first profile and/or the second profile can be positioned directly or indirectly on the roof.

The at least one positioning profile part can extend for instance parallel to and at a determined distance from the second profile part. The hole which is optionally provided in the second profile part enables the above described fastening means, such as the screw, bolt or the like, to extend in a space between the second profile part and the at least one positioning profile part.

Connecting profile parts, which connect the at least one positioning profile part and the second profile part to each other, can extend between the at least one positioning profile part and the second profile part.

Said fastening protrusion can for instance extend from the at least one positioning profile part, more particularly for instance at a substantially right angle thereto.

In an embodiment of the set it comprises at least one self-supporting solar panel assembly as described above with one or more of the above described features, alone or in any random combination, and a number of fastening elements, wherein the fastening elements are configured to be fixed directly or indirectly to a roof and to which the first or second profile of a stated self- supporting solar panel assembly can be connected.

Fixing the fastening elements directly or indirectly to a roof and subsequently connecting the first and second profile to respective fastening elements enables the at least one self-supporting solar panel assembly to be mounted on a roof in simple manner.

Because the fastening elements are fixed directly or indirectly to the roof prior to being connected to the self-supporting solar panel assembly, the fastening means are freely accessible during the direct or indirect mounting on the roof, so that mounting thereof can take place relatively easily.

In practical manner a plurality of fastening elements is used for fastening the first profile and the second profile of a stated self-supporting solar panel assembly to the roof. In another embodiment of the set the fastening elements define a protrusion receiving space for receiving the fastening protrusion of the first or second profile.

Arranging the fastening protrusion of the first or second profile in the protrusion receiving space of the fastening elements enables the first profile and second profile to be connected to respective fastening elements in simple manner.

The protrusion receiving space can for instance be formed by a substantially hook-shaped part of the fastening elements. It is possible here that the fastening protrusion of a stated first or second profile is snapped fixedly into the protrusion receiving space formed by the hook-shaped part.

In the case of a direct fixing to the roof it is possible that the fastening elements are fixed directly to the roof with fastening means, such as for instance the screw, bolt or the like.

In the case of an indirect fixing to the roof it is possible that third elongate profiles are fastened to the roof, for instance with fastening means such as for instance a screw, bolt or the like, and that the fastening elements are fixed to the elongate profiles, for instance with fastening means such as for instance a screw, bolt or the like. For this purpose the set comprises according to an embodiment of the invention a number of third elongate profiles, which are configured to be fastened to the roof and for the fastening elements to be fixed thereto.

Whether a direct or indirect fixing of the fastening elements to the roof is opted for can for instance depend on the type of roof.

The third elongate profiles can be disposed in a substantially perpendicular direction to the first and second profiles. In practical manner the first and second profiles can here be disposed substantially horizontally and the third profiles substantially obliquely upward.

In an embodiment of the roof a set as described above with one or more of the above described features, alone or in any random combination, is arranged thereon, wherein a number of the stated fastening elements is fixed directly or indirectly to the roof and wherein the first profile of at least a first of a stated self-supporting solar panel assembly is connected to a first number of fastening elements and the second profile of that self-supporting solar panel assembly is connected to a second number of fastening elements.

The roof can particularly be a sloping roof, i.e. a roof with an incline relative to the horizontal. When mounted on such a sloping roof, the first profile can in practical manner be the lower profile and the second profile the upper profile.

It is possible here that the second number of fastening elements is fixed to the roof rotated through 180° relative to the first number of fastening elements.

In another embodiment of the roof according to the invention both the first profile and the second profile of a first self-supporting solar panel assembly are connected via the fastening elements to the roof, and the first profile of a subsequent self-supporting solar panel assembly is connected to the second profile of the first self-supporting solar panel assembly.

Connecting the first profile of a subsequent self-supporting solar panel assembly to the second profile of the first (previous) self-supporting solar panel assembly can take place as elucidated above with reference to the self-supporting solar panel assembly according to the invention.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention for mounting solar panels on a roof the method comprises the following steps, to be performed in any suitable order, of:

a) providing a set as described above with one or more of the above described features, alone or in any random combination;

b) fixing a number of the stated fastening elements directly or indirectly to the roof;

c) connecting the first profile of at least a first of a stated self-supporting solar panel assembly to a first number of fastening elements and connecting the second profile of that self- supporting solar panel assembly to a second number of fastening elements.

Advantages of such a method have already been described above with reference to the assembly and/or the set and/or the roof.

According to the invention, it can be advantageous for step b) to be performed prior to step c). The fastening elements are hereby freely accessible while step b) is being performed, whereby they can be fixed to the roof in simple manner. The self-supporting solar panel assembly can subsequently be connected to the fastening elements in simple manner in step c), for instance by snapping the fastening protrusions of the first and second profile into the protrusion receiving space of respective fastening elements.

In the case of a sloping roof the first self-supporting solar panel assembly can in practical manner be the bottom self-supporting solar panel assembly.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention step a) comprises of:

al) disposing a number of solar panels in a row at a production location remote from the roof;

a2) fastening a first elongate profile to the solar panels on a first side of the row;

a3) fastening a second elongate profile to the solar panels on a second side of the row; and a4) transporting the self-supporting solar panel assembly formed in the steps al)-a3) from the remote production location to the vicinity of the roof.

The self-supporting solar panel assembly can thus be assembled at a central production location, for instance in a factory, and then be transported as a whole to the location where the solar panels are to be mounted on the roof.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention it further comprises the step d) of connecting the first profile of a subsequent self-supporting solar panel assembly to the second profile of the first self-supporting solar panel assembly and connecting the second profile of the subsequent self-supporting solar panel assembly to a subsequent number of fastening elements.

Connecting the first profile of a subsequent self-supporting solar panel assembly to the second profile of the first (previous) self-supporting solar panel assembly can take place as elucidated above with reference to the self-supporting solar panel assembly according to the invention.

Step d) likewise applies to still further subsequent self-supporting solar panel assemblies, wherein the first profile of a further subsequent solar panel set is connected to the second profile of a self-supporting solar panel assembly already fastened to the roof, i.e. a previous self-supporting solar panel assembly which can be the first self-supporting solar panel assembly or a prior subsequent self-supporting solar panel assembly.

Said subsequent number of fastening elements is preferably fixed directly or indirectly to the roof prior to step d). The fastening elements can here be fixed directly or indirectly to the roof both before and after connection of said first self-supporting solar panel assembly to the fastening elements in step c). It can for instance be advantageous to first fix all fastening elements to the roof and then connect the first and the subsequent self-supporting solar panel assemblies thereto.

If the fastening elements will be fixed indirectly to the roof in step b), the method can comprise the step e) of fastening third elongate profiles to the roof, for instance using fastening means such as for instance a screw, bolt or the like. Step e) is here performed prior to step b). In step b) the fastening elements are fixed to the third elongate profiles.

Prior to or during step c) and/or step d) the first or subsequent self-supporting solar panel assembly can be lifted to the roof. This can for instance take place using a hoisting device according to the invention.

The first or subsequent self-supporting solar panel assembly is here preferably lifted by the second profile of that self-supporting solar panel assembly. In the case of a sloping roof the second profile is the upper profile. An advantage of lifting a self-supporting solar panel assembly by the second profile is that no auxiliary means need be provided for the purpose of lifting a self- supporting solar panel assembly.

In practical manner, after lifting of a self-supporting solar panel assembly to a roof, the first profile of a first self-supporting solar panel assembly can first be connected to the first number of fastening elements or the first profile of a subsequent self-supporting solar panel assembly to a second profile of the first self-supporting solar panel assembly, and the hoisting device can subsequently be lowered so that the self-supporting solar panel assembly can be connected with its second profile to the second number of fastening elements. During lowering the self-supporting solar panel assembly can preferably pivot and herein end up extending parallel to the roof pitch. As will be apparent from the foregoing, in practical manner the fastening elements are not lifted along with a self-supporting solar panel assembly, but have already been directly or indirectly fixed to the roof so that the self-supporting solar panel assembly can be connected thereto in simple manner.

In an embodiment of a hoisting device according to the invention for lifting a self- supporting solar panel assembly as described above with one or more of the above described features, alone or in any random combination, the hoisting device is configured to be connected to the second profile of a stated self-supporting solar panel assembly. In practice the second profile of a stated self-supporting solar panel assembly is the upper profile, making it practical to lift the self- supporting solar panel assembly thereby. The hoisting device can here have a hook-shaped part onto which the fastening protrusion of the second profile can hook. Additionally or alternatively, the hoisting device can comprise a part on which the engaging part of the second profile can engage.

The hoisting device can be pivotable so that the self-supporting solar panel assembly can extend in a substantially vertical plane during lifting thereof, and can pivot and extend at an angle substantially equal to the roof pitch when being arranged on a roof.

In practical manner the first profile of a first self-supporting solar panel assembly can here first be connected to the first number of fastening elements, or the first profile of a subsequent self- supporting solar panel assembly to a second profile of the first self-supporting solar panel assembly, and subsequently the hoisting device can be lowered so that the self-supporting solar panel assembly pivots and will extend substantially parallel to the roof pitch, and the second profile can be connected to the second number of fastening elements.

The hoisting device can for instance be connected to a crane or the like.

The invention is further elucidated below with reference to the accompanying schematic figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a roof with a self-supporting solar panel assembly according to the invention;

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show cross-sections of profiles, wherein figure 2A shows the first profile of a first self-supporting solar panel assembly; figure 2B shows the second profile of a first self-supporting solar panel assembly and a first profile of a subsequent self-supporting solar panel assembly, and figure 2C shows the second profile of the subsequent self-supporting solar panel assembly;

Figure 3 shows the lifting of a self-supporting solar panel assembly according to the invention,

Figures 4A and 4B show a hoisting device used in figure 3 in more detail in side view, and Figure 5 shows schematically the different steps of a method according to the invention for mounting solar panels on a roof.

Corresponding elements are designated in the figures with corresponding reference numerals.

Figure 1 shows a roof 1 with, in this case, two self-supporting solar panel assemblies 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. Each self-supporting solar panel assembly 2 comprises a number of, in this case twelve, solar panels 3 which are disposed in a substantially horizontal row and which are fastened on their underside to a first elongate profile 4 and on their upper side to a second elongate profile 5, see also figures 2A-2C. In this embodiment the first and second profiles 4, 5 are fastened to third elongate profiles 6 using fastening elements 9 and screws 10, which third profiles 6 are fastened to roof 1 using bolts 7 and comer profiles 8. The third profiles extend with their longitudinal direction substantially at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the first and second profiles 4, 5. The roof 1 of this embodiment is a corrugated sheet roof, wherein an indirect fastening as shown is suitable. In other types of roof it is alternatively possible that third profiles 6, comer profiles 8 and bolts 7 are not provided, but that fastening elements 9 are fixed directly to roof 1.

Figures 2A-2C show the first and second profiles 4, 5 in more detail. This shows that first profile 4 and second profile 5 each define a receiving space 20 in which a respective lower and upper peripheral edge of solar panels 3 is received. Receiving space 20 is here formed by a first profile part 21 which is disposed parallel to the peripheral edge of solar panel 3 on the relevant side of solar panel 3, a second profile part 22 which extends at an, in this case, right angle to the first profile part 21 and supports a part of the underside of solar panel 3 situated close to the peripheral edge, and a third profile part 23 which is disposed at an end of first profile part 21 lying opposite second profile part 22 and which extends at an angle to first profile part 21. In this embodiment the angle between the third profile part 23 and the first profile part 21 is substantially 90° for first profile 4 and just slightly smaller than 90° for second profile 5. In the shown embodiment the lower peripheral edge of solar panel 3 lies against the first profile part 21 of first profile 4, so that it can support thereagainst. In this embodiment there is a gap between the edge of solar panel 3 and first profile part 21 of second profile 5.

As further shown in figures 2A-2C, the first profile 4 of a subsequent, higher-lying row of solar panels 3 supports against the second profile 5 of a previous, lower-lying row of solar panels. In this embodiment the second profile 5 has an engaging profile part 24 extending substantially in line with the third profile part 23. Engaging profile part 24 engages on the third profile part 23 of first profile 4 of the higher-lying row of solar panels 3. Thus mounted on the roof, as seen from the gutter to the ridge, are: a first profile 4, a row of solar panels 3, a second profile 5, a first profile 4, a row of solar panels 3, a second profile 5, and so on and so forth. Two profiles 5, 4 are thus always present between two rows of solar panels 3.

In the embodiment shown in figures 2A-2C the second profile part 22 of the first and second profile 4, 5 has a hole 25 for receiving a screw or bolt 26 and an insert element 32 whereby solar panel 3 is fastened via a clamp 33 to first profile 4 and second profile 5. Clamp 33 clamps here onto one solar panel 3 disposed at the end of a row or onto two adjacent solar panels 3, particularly onto an upper peripheral edge thereof. The screw or bolt 26 connects clamp 33 to the first and second profile 4, 5 by means of an insert element 32 which is arranged in hole 25 using a snap connection, and a nut 31 received in insert element 32 for the purpose of tightening the screw or bolt 26 relative to insert element 32. Hole 25 can be an elongate hole extending over (a part of) the length of profile 4, 5, or a local hole.

In this exemplary embodiment at least one positioning profile part 27 extends parallel to and at a determined distance from the second profile part 22, using which positioning profile part the first profile 4 and second profile 5 can be positioned directly or indirectly via a third profile 6 on roof 1. In this embodiment first profile 4 has one positioning profile part and second profile 5 has two positioning profile parts 27, although it will be apparent that any number of positioning profile parts can be provided. Positioning profile part 27 and second profile part 22 are connected to each other via connecting profile parts 28.

A fastening protrusion 29 extends at an, in this embodiment, right angle to positioning profile part 27. In this embodiment fastening protrusion 29 can be snapped into the, in this case, hook-shaped fastening element 9, particularly into a receiving space 30 of fastening element 9, by snapping. By fixing the fastening elements 9 to roof 1, optionally indirectly via said third profile 6, and hooking the fastening protrusions 29 of the first and second profile 4, 5 therein at least the lower assembly 2 with the row of solar panels 3 can be fastened to roof 1 in simple manner, as shown in figures 2A and 2B. In other words, the first and second profiles 4, 5 of a first, bottom row of solar panels 3 can both be fastened to roof 1 using fastening elements 9. Further rows of solar panels, which are disposed above the first, bottom row, are in this embodiment connected with their second profile 5 to roof 1 via a fastening element 9, but connected with their first profile 4 to roof 1 via a second profile 5 of a row of solar panels 3 disposed thereunder.

Figure 3 shows that the self-supporting solar panel assembly 2 of figures 1, 2A-2C can be lifted in simple manner and be mounted on a roof integrally. For this purpose a hoisting device with a hoisting beam 50 is provided, which hoisting beam 50 has a number of, in this case three, lifting clamps 52 which are connected via respective chains 51 to hoisting beam 50. Lifting clamps 52 are here connected to the second profile 5 of a self-supporting solar panel assembly 2, as is also shown in figures 4A and 4B. In this embodiment each lifting clamp 52 comprises for this purpose a hook-shaped part 53 onto which the fastening protrusion 29 of second profile 5 can hook, and a part 55 on which the engaging part 24 of second profile 5 can engage. As shown in figures 4A and 4B, lifting clamp 52 comprises a pivot point 54 so that the self-supporting solar panel assembly 2 can extend in a substantially vertical plane during lifting thereof, see also figure 3 and figure 4A, and, when being arranged on a roof, can pivot and can extend at an angle substantially equal to the roof pitch, see figure 4B. Fastening protrusion 29 of the first or lower profile 4 can here first be hooked under a number of fastening elements 9 already arranged on roof 1 before the self- supporting solar panel assembly 2 is lowered onto roof 1. Lifting clamps 52 can then be released from the second or upper profile 5, and this profile can be fastened to roof 1. Meanwhile, the hoisting device can be attached to a subsequent self-supporting solar panel assembly and can likewise lift this self-supporting solar panel assembly. The subsequent self-supporting solar panel assembly is then placed with its first profile 4 in vertical position adjacently of the engaging profile part 24 of the first self-supporting solar panel assembly 2 and then lowered onto roof 1, wherein first profile 4 hooks under engaging profile part 24. Second profile 5 can then in turn be released from lifting clamps 52 and fastened to roof 1, after which the process is repeated until all solar panels 3 have been mounted on roof 1. The roof pitch shown in figure 4B is about 15°, although it will be apparent that the self-supporting solar panel assembly can be placed on any roof, preferably on a sloping roof with an incline relative to the horizontal which is greater than 0° and smaller than 90°.

All this is shown schematically in the flow diagram of figure 5. In step 100 a row of solar panels 3 is provided at a production location, while in step 101 a first elongate profile 4 is provided. In step 102 the first elongate profile 4 is fastened to a first side of the row of solar panels 3. In step 103 a second elongate profile 5 is provided, which is fastened to a second side of the row of solar panels 3 in step 104. A self-supporting solar panel assembly 2 is thus created at the production location. In step 105 this self-supporting solar panel assembly 2 is transported to the location where the solar panels 3 are to be mounted on roof 1. In step 106 fastening elements 9 are provided, which are fixed to roof 1 in step 107. In step 108 (shown with broken lines) third elongate profiles 6 can optionally first be fastened to roof 1 before the fastening elements 9 are fixed thereto. In step 109 the self-supporting solar panel assembly 2 is lifted and in step 110 it is placed on roof 1 and connected to fastening elements 9.

Fastening elements 9 can optionally already be connected to the self-supporting solar panel assembly 2 at the production location (shown with broken lines in step 111). In that case the assembly with fastening elements can be transported to the mounting location and there be lifted and mounted on roof 1.

Although the invention is elucidated above on the basis of a number of specific examples and embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto. The invention instead also covers the subject matter defined by the following claims.