FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a solar panel mounting arrangement and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a solar panel mounting arrangement for mounting a solar panel to the roof of a dwelling.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Solar panels are generally mounted to the roofs of buildings and especially on a north facing inclined part of a roof.

Solar panels are relatively expensive and are thus targeted by thieves.

The solar panels refer to in this specification are both photo-voltaic solar panels or water heater solar panels.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a solar panel mounting arrangement which, at least partially, alleviates the abovementioned difficulties. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided a solar panel mounting arrangement comprising a frame for supporting a solar panel and anti-theft means attachable to the frame.

A further feature of the invention provides for adjustable brackets to be attachable to the frame.

The brackets may be of different sizes to allow for the frame to be attached to a roof of a dwelling at different angles.

A still further feature of the invention provides for the anti-theft means to include a movement sensor.

The arrangement has multiple sensors for sensing numerous characteristics.

There is further provided for the anti-theft means to include a transmitter.

A yet further feature of the invention provides for the anti-theft means to include a deterrent gas.

These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One embodiment of the invention is described below by way of the example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a solar panel mounting assembly; figure 2 shows the mounting assembly supporting a solar panel attached to the roof of a dwelling; figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly of figures 1 and 2 with a with an anti-theft means column attached thereto; and figure 4 shows mounting brackets for the solar panel mounting assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the drawings a solar panel mounting arrangement is generally indicated by reference numeral 1.

The mounting arrangement 1 consist of a frame having side bars 3 at opposing short ends of the frame and at opposing long ends of the frame. The side bars are flat plates, alternatively they are channel sections so that each channel of the bars face inwards of the frame. Cross support members 4 extend inside the frame and are also double channel sections. Two opposing channels facing opposite sides also face inward of the frame.

Flat support lugs 5 extend from an under-side of the frame from the long side bars into the frame. The support lugs are short flat sheet material sections.

Figure 2 shows a solar panel located within a frame and supported between upper and lower central frame bars or in their channels and within the side bars 3.

A central console 7 consists of attachment brackets 10, a securing brace 9 and support braces 13. The central column consists further of a housing 11 in which an electrical cable 12 terminate and is connected to electrical terminals as well as anti-theft or security means 8.

A movement switch such as a mercury trip or any other convenient sensor switch may be mounted within the securing means 8 housing. The securing means may also include a gas such as a pepper gas and further alternatively, a transmitter for transmitting a signal when movement or tampering is detected.

The brackets of figure 4 are used to attach the frame to a roof. The brackets 14 have U-shaped sections 15 which may attach around the frame or directly around the solar panels. At their other ends the frames terminate in an elbow section in which holes 17 are located for receiving an L-shaped bracket 16. The L-shaped bracket 16 is attached to the elbow section through the holes 17 with bolt and nut combinations 18. In this way the L-sections are adjustably attachable to the brackets to change a length or height of attachment of the solar panel mounting arrangement so that the solar panel may be mounted at an angle.

The brackets also have different lengths further assisting easy mounting and mounting at different angles of the solar panel.

It is envisaged that the mounting assembly described herein will be convenient to use in securing solar panels to the roof in that it would be convenient to house the solar panels and would also provide security measures as described above.

It is envisaged that the solar panel mounting arrangement will prevent or at least curb theft of solar panels and will provide a sturdy frame for physical protection of the solar panels.

The invention is not limited to the precise detail as described herein and many embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the gas canister may be mounted at any convenient location other than what is described herein.