Framing system for solar panels

Abstract

The invention relates generally to framing systems and more particularly is concerned with systems adapted to mount panels or laminates in an array (12) on a supporting roof structure (10) of a building exemplified with the mounting of solar electric photovoltaic (PV) panels. The framing system described uses extruded elongate elements with a sealing element (37) to frame the PV panel as a weatherproof PV solar roof tile. Individual frame element profiles effectively embody the PV building integration (BiPV), or mounting method, of the solar tile within the frame itself. Only a few additional flashing components are needed to complete the PV tile array as part of the roof, or with minor variations, as a PV wall cladding. Full BiPV panel mounting methods show potential to be used for co-generation (PV/T) of solar thermal energy capture in buildings. The batten support structures (11) of the solar tile permit variation in roof batten spacing to be tolerated in retro-fit situations, make trafficable roof with the tiles possible and provide long term weather-ability as a building element through moisture reduction by air flow and smaller surface contact. Draining of internal roof condensate from the back of the tiles to the exterior is another feature of the frame system described.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to frame systems and in particular to systems suitable for mounting panel elements or thin-plate elements in a matrix on a support structure. The invention will be illustrated with a particular application in the field of mounting solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, suitable for proper installation at an angle to the horizontal and relative to the sun. However, the invention and the frame system are not limited to these applications, but extend to similar applications. In this discussion we refer to the use of the system as primarily a roof-mounted or roof-integrated application. However, with minor adjustments, the system is also suitable for use in vertical installations as an external PV sidewall cladding system. Background technique [0002] In the field of solar PV panels, proposals have been made to form them with the usual features of roof tiles, so that the PV panels can be integrated ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, known frames have fixed dimensions and therefore do not require mounting structures and do not conform to standard batten spacing such as

The fixed size also severely limits the number of commercially available PV panels that can be integrated into the frame

And custom-sized PV panels will have additional costs, which makes any system using custom-sized PV panels less competitive in the market

[0004] Other known roof-integrated framing systems require additional structure under the PV panels to ensure a weatherproof seal, or use elongated frame sections that require additional elements to attach to the roof structure, and in some cases lack smoothness both visually and externally. The outer surface

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