PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SOLAR POWER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a photovoltaic system for generating solar power with a plurality of photovoltaic modules.

[0002] Photovoltaic systems are typically installed on rooftops or open areas. Particularly on open land, a matrix-like arrangement of the photovoltaic modules is common, with the modules oriented at the most favorable angle to the sun, i.e., roughly facing south, to maximize solar radiation exposure.

[0003] Photovoltaic systems are primarily used in southern countries, where the photovoltaic modules are tracked as closely as possible to the sun's position throughout the day by a movable and controlled support structure. While this requires more technical effort, the electricity yield is maximized due to the optimal orientation of the photovoltaic modules throughout the day.

[0004] Furthermore, an arrangement of photovoltaic modules is known that has a supporting structure in the form of a pointed roof, with the photovoltaic modules oriented westward on one side and eastward on the other. Due to the lack of a southerly orientation, the individual photovoltaic modules are not optimally utilized, but the combination of west and east orientation results in a higher power yield per unit area of ​​the subsurface.

[0005] In all the photovoltaic systems mentioned, the individual photovoltaic modules are supported by a supporting structure, which is formed from a self-supporting frame or structure, so that the individual photovoltaic modules only need to be placed on the supporting structure and fixed to it.

[0006] In this process, the area beneath the photovoltaic modules is so occupied and impaired by the supporting structure and the photovoltaic modules that it can no longer be used for other purposes, or at best only to a very limited extent.

[0007] One possible solution to this problem is to build the supporting structure high enough to allow pedestrian and vehicular access to the areas beneath the photovoltaic modules, thus enabling their cultivation. However, this requires considerable technical effort.

[0008] Further prior art is disclosed in documents EP 3 076 103 A1, DE 20 2009 007525 U1, and WO 2013 / 040687 A1. This prior art also does not provide a satisfactory solution to the problem addressed. On the other hand, documents EP 3 076 103 A1 and DE 20 2009 007525 U1 disclose photovoltaic systems in which the photovoltaic modules of each photovoltaic module row are connected to one another such that the angle between adjacent photovoltaic modules is less than 180°, and the photovoltaic module row thus has an arcuate cross-section.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention is based on the objective of finding a photovoltaic system for generating solar power with improved usability of the area thereby covered.

[0010] This problem is solved according to the invention by the photovoltaic system claimed in claim 1.

[0011] The curved design of the photovoltaic module rows has the positive effect of positioning the modules relatively high above the ground, even without a very tall support structure. The interconnected nature of the individual modules, combined with the curved design, allows the rows to form a self-supporting structure, eliminating the need for a support frame on which each module would have to be placed. This eliminates the need for a support frame, reducing the number of necessary supports and increasing the usable headroom beneath the modules. Consequently, the usable area for pedestrians and vehicles below the modules is expanded.

[0012] Regardless of all this, the arc-shaped arrangement of the photovoltaic modules enables particularly efficient use of sunlight for electricity generation.

[0013] Advantageous further developments of the invention can be seen in the following description, the figures and the dependent claims.

[0014] The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. Figure 1A: A perspective view of a photovoltaic system of the type described in more detail below. Figure 1B: Enlarged view of a section of the... Figure 1A shown system, Figure 2A a side view of the system shown in the Figure 1A shown setup, Figure 2 legs other (from the one in Figure 2A (Side view shown on the right) Side view of the side shown in the Figure 1AFigure 2C, a top view of the system shown in the preceding figures; Figure 3A, an exploded view of a clamping device for connecting adjacent photovoltaic modules; Figure 3B, the one shown in the Figure 3A Figure 4 shows a clamping device in the state connecting two photovoltaic modules, Figure 5 shows a first embodiment of a connecting element for a different type of further connection of the photovoltaic modules, Figure 6 shows a coupling element for connecting two connecting elements according to the Figures 4 and / or 5, Figure 7 an enlarged section from the Figure 2A to explain the connection of the photovoltaic module connection using the information in the Figures 4 to 6 shown connecting means, Figure 8, in the Figure 7 shown excerpt from Figure 2A depicting the Figure 7hidden lines not shown, Figure 9A is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism by which the outermost photovoltaic modules of each photovoltaic module row are placed on a base connected to the ground, Figure 9B is a side view of the Figure 9A shown coupling mechanism, Figure 9C is an exploded view of the mechanism shown in the Figures 9A and 9B shown coupling mechanism, Figure 10A a perspective view of the in the Figure 9 The coupling mechanism shown without rail and wheel, Figure 10, another perspective view of the arrangement shown in Figure 10A, and Figure 10C, a side view of the arrangement shown in the Figures 10A and 10B arrangement shown.

[0015] The Figures 1A , 1B , 2A, 2B and 2CFigure 1 shows an embodiment of the photovoltaic system 1 for generating solar power, which is described in more detail below. The photovoltaic system 1 shown comprises two photovoltaic module arrays 2, each of which contains a plurality of photovoltaic modules 3. In the example considered, each photovoltaic module array 2 comprises three rows of photovoltaic modules R1, R2, R3 arranged one behind the other, with each row containing eight photovoltaic modules 2 arranged side by side. Each photovoltaic module array 2 thus comprises 8 x 3 photovoltaic modules 3 arranged in a matrix. As will be described in more detail later, the photovoltaic modules 3 of each photovoltaic module array 2 are directly or indirectly connected to the adjacent photovoltaic modules 2. The photovoltaic module arrays 2 thus each form a coherent unit and can be arranged and moved independently of one another.Of course, more or fewer than two photovoltaic module arrays 2 can be provided. The number of photovoltaic modules 3 per photovoltaic module array 2 and their arrangement—more specifically, the number of photovoltaic module rows R1, R2, R3 per photovoltaic module array 2 and the number of photovoltaic modules 3 per photovoltaic module row R1, R2, R3—can also differ from the example considered. There is also no restriction on the photovoltaic module arrays 2 being identical.

[0016] As can be seen in particular from the Figures 1A and 2A As can be seen, the photovoltaic module series R1, R2, and R3 each have an arc-shaped cross-section. Each photovoltaic module series therefore contains at least three photovoltaic modules 3.

[0017] Photovoltaic modules 3 are generally known as rectangular, plate-shaped structures that convert incident light into electrical energy. The photovoltaic modules used here have a surrounding frame 31; they are therefore framed photovoltaic modules. In this example, the frame 31 is made of aluminum, but it could also be made of another material. The frame height is 30–50 mm, but it could, in principle, be larger or smaller. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that only a portion of the frame height is filled by the photovoltaic module components enclosed by the frame. These photovoltaic module components are typically located in the upper part of the frame 31. The lower part is largely unused, and other system components, such as fasteners like screws, nuts, etc., can be located there.

[0018] In the example under consideration, the photovoltaic modules 3 are oriented such that the long sides of the photovoltaic modules 3 in each row R1, R2, R3 face each other. In principle, however, it would also be possible for the short sides to face each other.

[0019] The photovoltaic module arrays rest on and are supported by a base 4 connected to the subsoil 5. In this example, the base is formed by a multitude of piles 4 anchored in the subsoil 5. More precisely, these are driven piles, although other types of piles or a completely different base design could also be used. Several rows of piles R4, R5, and R6 are arranged side by side, extending perpendicular to the rows of photovoltaic modules R1, R2, and R3. Each row of piles R4, R5, and R6 comprises a multitude of piles 4 arranged in a row. One photovoltaic module array 2 is supported by the pile rows R4 and R5, and the other photovoltaic module array 2 by the pile rows R5 and R6.More precisely, the outermost photovoltaic modules of each photovoltaic module row are mounted on the piles 4 of the respective pile rows via a coupling mechanism that will be described in more detail later.

[0020] In the example under consideration, the piles 4 are formed by steel profiles with a C-shaped cross-section, but in principle they could also be designed differently and made of any other material.

[0021] As mentioned above, the photovoltaic modules 3 of each photovoltaic module array 2 are connected to each other. More precisely, both the photovoltaic modules 3 of the individual photovoltaic module rows R1, R2, R3, as well as the photovoltaic modules of adjacent photovoltaic module rows and / or the photovoltaic module rows R1, R2, R3 are connected to each other.

[0022] The connection of the photovoltaic modules 3 within each respective photovoltaic module row R1, R2, R3 will now be described. It should be noted beforehand that the photovoltaic modules 3 must be connected in such a relative position that the photovoltaic module rows, as shown in particular in the Figures 1A and 2A shown as being curved upwards in an arc. That is, the angle α (see Figure 3B The angle α between adjacent photovoltaic modules 3 of a photovoltaic module row R1, R2, R3 must be at least partially less than 180°. In the example considered, all angles between the adjacent photovoltaic modules 3 of a photovoltaic module row R1, R2, R3 are the same size. This results in a uniform and particularly stable curvature. The size of the angle α depends on the number of photovoltaic modules per photovoltaic module row and the strength of the desired curvature.

[0023] In the example under consideration, both the sides of the photovoltaic modules facing each other and the sides of the photovoltaic modules forming the long sides of the photovoltaic module series are connected to each other.

[0024] In the example under consideration, the connection of the facing sides of the photovoltaic modules in a photovoltaic module series is achieved by a [missing information - likely a specific feature or feature]. Figures 3A and 3B The illustrated clamping device 6 causes this.

[0025] The clamping device 6 comprises a clamping wedge 61 and a clamping plate 62, which can be screwed onto the clamping wedge 61 by means of a screw 63. The clamping wedge 61 comprises a base plate 611 and a substantially V-shaped elevation 612 extending upwards therefrom. In the intended mounted state, the two photovoltaic modules 3 to be connected to one another, or more precisely their frames 31, rest on the opposite ends of the base plate 611 and abut the elevation 612 from opposite sides. The clamping plate 62 is screwed onto the clamping wedge 61 until the photovoltaic modules are clamped between the base plate 611 and the clamping plate 62 and thus fixed in their intended relative position.

[0026] The base plate 611, the projection 612, and the clamping plate 62 are shaped such that the photovoltaic modules to be connected are in full contact with the base plate 611, the projection 612, and the clamping plate 62 when the angle α between them has the specified value. Conversely, the angle α between the photovoltaic modules automatically has exactly the specified value when the photovoltaic modules and the clamping device are assembled in such a way that they are in full contact with the base plate 611, the projection 612, and the clamping plate 62.

[0027] The clamping devices 6 are only a few centimeters long and connect the photovoltaic modules 3 to each other at specific points. In the example considered, two photovoltaic modules are connected to each other by two clamping devices 6, although the number of clamping connections can, of course, be greater. In the example considered, the clamping devices are located in the corner areas of the photovoltaic modules (see Figure 1B ), but could also be provided in other places.

[0028] The connection of the photovoltaic module sides forming the long side of a photovoltaic module row is carried out using Figures 4 and 5 shown connecting elements 7, 7'. The connecting elements 7, 7' are each designed to connect two or more photovoltaic modules 3 to one another.

[0029] In the example under consideration, the connecting elements 7, 7' are formed by plates which are arranged along at least one longitudinal side of at least one row of photovoltaic modules R1, R2, R3 and are attached laterally to the sides of the photovoltaic modules 3 which form the respective longitudinal side of the row of photovoltaic modules.

[0030] Preferably, connecting elements 7, 7' are attached to at least one longitudinal side of each row of photovoltaic modules. The arrangement is even more stable if connecting elements 7, 7' are attached to both longitudinal sides of each row of photovoltaic modules for connecting the photovoltaic modules.

[0031] Regardless of the practical implementation, it proves advantageous if each photovoltaic module 3 is connected to at least one other photovoltaic module from the same photovoltaic module series R1, R2, R3 via at least one connecting element 7, 7'.

[0032] As will be described in more detail later, the photovoltaic modules 3 are at least partially connected to photovoltaic modules from adjacent photovoltaic module rows via the connecting elements 7, 7'. Preferably, each photovoltaic module 3 is connected to at least one other photovoltaic module from an adjacent photovoltaic module row via at least one connecting element 7, 7'.

[0033] The attachment of the connecting elements 7, 7' to a row of photovoltaic modules is particularly important in the Figures 1B and 7 clearly visible. In the example under consideration, the attachment is carried out by screwing the connecting elements 7, 7' to the photovoltaic modules, more precisely to the frames 31 thereof.

[0034] The connecting elements 7, 7' have a sword-shaped form. More precisely, they are designed as follows: that the side of the connecting elements 7, 7' which comes to lie on top in the properly mounted state of the connecting elements 7, 7' is flush with the top sides of the photovoltaic modules 3 connected by them, and that the side of the connecting elements 7, 7' which comes to lie on the bottom in the properly mounted state of the connecting elements 7, 7' projects downwards beyond the photovoltaic modules connected by them.

[0035] For example, from the Figure 7 As can be seen in Figure 1, which shows a row of connecting elements attached to a photovoltaic module row, this row of connecting elements is composed of various types of connecting elements. More precisely, the connecting element on the far left is a connecting element 7' according to Figure 5, whereas the remaining connecting elements are connecting elements 7 according to Figure 4 is.

[0036] The different connector types differ in size, with larger connectors allowing more photovoltaic modules to be connected than smaller ones. In the example under consideration, connector 7 is the larger connector. It can connect three photovoltaic modules, whereas connector 7' can only connect two.

[0037] The fact that the fasteners of a fastener series are partly fasteners of a first type and partly fasteners of a second type applies, as far as possible, to all existing fastener series.

[0038] The connecting elements of a first connecting element row and the connecting elements of a second connecting element row located in front of or behind them are preferably arranged so differently that the boundaries or spaces between adjacent connecting elements of the first connecting element row are not congruent with the boundaries or spaces between adjacent connecting elements of the second connecting element row.

[0039] This is from Figure 8 evident which order according to Figure 7 and additionally those in the Figure 7not shown hidden lines. The solid lines show a first row of connecting elements, which is attached to the front of the row of photovoltaic modules that is also visible in the figure. The dashed lines show the second row of connecting elements located next behind it, which can be attached, for example, to the back of the row of photovoltaic modules shown in the figure. In the first row of photovoltaic modules, the left-most connecting element is formed by the connecting element 7', and all other connecting elements in the row of connecting elements are formed by the connecting element 7. In the second row of photovoltaic modules, the right-most connecting element is formed by the connecting element 7', and all other connecting elements in the row of connecting elements are formed by the connecting element 7. With such a selection and arrangement of the connecting elements 7, 7', the boundaries orThe gaps between adjacent connecting elements 7, 7' of the first row of connecting elements and the boundaries or gaps between adjacent connecting elements 7, 7' of the second row of connecting elements are offset from each other by as much as possible. For the sake of clarity, the number above the . Figure 8 placed label the components of the (front) first row of fasteners, and the ones under the Figure 8 placed label the components of the (rear) second row of fasteners. This also applies to the Figure 7 .

[0040] Of the connecting elements 7, 7', by means of which the photovoltaic modules of a photovoltaic module row are connected to each other, adjacent connecting elements are connected via a coupling element 8 connected to both connecting elements. The coupling element 8 is in the example considered by a Figure 6The plate shown is formed, which is screwed together with both connecting elements. The plate is rectangular in the example, but could also have a different shape.

[0041] As already apparent from the preceding description, connecting elements 7, 7' are provided not only at the edge of a respective photovoltaic module field, but also between adjacent photovoltaic module rows R1, R2, R3, by means of which at least two photovoltaic modules 3 are connected to one another.

[0042] The connecting elements 7, 7' provided between adjacent photovoltaic module rows R1, R2, R3 can be connected both to the photovoltaic modules 3 of one photovoltaic module row and to the photovoltaic modules of the adjacent other photovoltaic module row. In this case, only a single connecting element row would have to be provided between two adjacent photovoltaic module rows, and the connecting elements of this single connecting element row would connect both the photovoltaic modules of one photovoltaic module row and the photovoltaic modules of the adjacent other photovoltaic module row. The connecting elements provided between adjacent photovoltaic module rows are also preferably formed by coupling elements 8 according to Figure 6 or similar things connected to each other.

[0043] Alternatively, it could be provided that the connecting elements 7, 7' provided between adjacent photovoltaic module rows R1, R2, R3 comprise first connecting elements that are connected only to photovoltaic modules of one photovoltaic module row, and second connecting elements that are connected only to photovoltaic modules of the adjacent other photovoltaic module row. In this case, there would be two parallel connecting element rows between adjacent photovoltaic module rows R1, R2, R3: a first connecting element row comprising the first connecting elements and adjacent to one photovoltaic module row, and a second connecting element row arranged next to it, comprising the second connecting elements and adjacent to the other photovoltaic module row.

[0044] Adjacent first and second connecting elements can be fastened together. This can be done, for example, but understandably not exclusively, by screwing the first connecting elements to the second connecting elements. In this case, it might be unnecessary to connect the connecting elements of the individual rows of connecting elements using coupling elements 8 or the like.

[0045] As mentioned at the outset, the photovoltaic module arrays 2 are mounted on a base 4 connected to the subsoil 5, the base being formed in the example under consideration by piles 4 or pile rows R4, R5, R6. The photovoltaic module arrays 2 are mounted on the piles 4 via a coupling mechanism 9. This coupling mechanism 9 can be reconfigured and / or adjusted as required and is described below with reference to the Figures 9 and 10 described in more detail.

[0046] As can be seen from the Figures 10A to 10C As can be seen, the coupling mechanism 9 comprises a support device 91 attached to the upper end of a pile 4, a photovoltaic module carrier 92 attached to a photovoltaic module 3 and an adjustment mechanism 93 provided therebetween, by means of which the distance between the support device 91 and the photovoltaic module carrier 92 can be changed.

[0047] The support device 91 is not, strictly speaking, mounted directly on the pile 4, but rather on a head plate 41, which is attached to the upper end of each pile 4. Preferably, the head plate 41 is mounted so that it is vertically displaceable relative to the pile 4, allowing its vertical position to be adjusted as desired. The support device 91 is formed by a profile rail that extends over all piles 4 of a pile row R4, R5, R6 and is preferably connected to each pile 4. The support device can, however, be composed of several shorter individual parts.

[0048] The photovoltaic module support 92 is screwed to the outermost photovoltaic module 3 of each photovoltaic module row R1, R2, R3, more precisely to the frame 31 thereof, and additionally includes a clamping device 921 by means of which the photovoltaic module can be clamped to the photovoltaic module support. In the example considered, two photovoltaic module supports are provided for each outermost photovoltaic module, which are located in the corner areas of the respective photovoltaic modules. However, more than two photovoltaic module supports can also be provided per photovoltaic module, and the photovoltaic module supports do not necessarily have to be located in the corners of the photovoltaic modules.

[0049] The adjustment mechanism 93 allows the distance between the support device 91 and the photovoltaic module carrier 92 to be changed. One possible practical implementation of the adjustment mechanism is particularly evident in the Figure 10CThis is clearly illustrated. It should be noted at this point that any other adjustment mechanisms with a corresponding function can also be used.

[0050] The adjustment mechanism 93 used here comprises a screw 931, a first nut 932, a second nut 933, and a third nut 934.

[0051] The screw 931 is preferably attached to the support device 91 in a rotationally secure manner and is fixed in its intended position on the support device by the first nut 932. Since, as already mentioned, the support device in the considered example is formed by a profile rail manufactured, for example, by extrusion, the screw 931 can be fixed at any point along the support device. During assembly, a portion of the support device 91 is clamped between the screw head and the first nut. The photovoltaic module carrier 92 is fixed to the shank of the screw 931 by the second nut 933 and the third nut 944. A portion of the photovoltaic module carrier 92 is clamped between the second and third nuts. The distance between the first nut 932 and the second nut 933 determines the distance between the support device 91 and the photovoltaic module carrier 92.If necessary, the distance between the support device 91 and the photovoltaic module carrier 92 can be adjusted or changed as desired by changing the distance between the first nut 932 and the second nut 933.

[0052] As in the Figures 9A to 9C As illustrated, a rail 94 can be provided next to the support device 91, and a wheel 95 can be attached to the photovoltaic module carrier 92. With a suitable adjustment of the adjustment mechanism 93, the wheel rests on the rail 94, enabling movement of the photovoltaic modules, or more precisely, of a respective photovoltaic module array 2, along the rail. The photovoltaic module arrays 2 can be moved independently of one another.

[0053] In the example under consideration, the rail 94 is hooked into hook-shaped projections 911 of the support device 91 and then screwed to the head plate 41. By hooking the rail 94 onto the support device 91, the rail 94 automatically assumes the intended relative position with respect to the support device, thereby automatically engaging the rail 94 and the wheel 95 as intended. In the example under consideration, the rail 94, like the support device 91, is formed by a profile rail, for example, manufactured by extrusion, which extends over all piles 4 of a pile row R4, R5, R6 and is preferably connected to each pile 4. The rail can, however, be composed of several shorter individual parts.

[0054] The rail 94 and the wheel 95 are optional system components that do not need to be provided. The photovoltaic module arrays 2 are properly supported by the piles 4 even without the rails and wheels, but are not movable relative to the piles without the rails and wheels.

[0055] The adjustment mechanism 93 is designed in such a way that it makes it possible to place the wheel 95 onto the rail 94 and to lift the wheel off the rail.

[0056] The ability to lift the wheel off the rail proves advantageous in several respects. Firstly, it relieves stress on the relatively delicate wheels during periods when the photovoltaic modules are not being moved. Secondly, it allows for the removal and reassembly of the rails and wheels, which is beneficial, for example, when work needs to be carried out on the rails and / or wheels. Furthermore, it enables the rails and wheels to be mounted only when necessary and then immediately removed again.

[0057] The photovoltaic system described above proves advantageous in several respects. It enables highly efficient use of sunlight for electricity generation and, at the same time, efficient use of the land covered by the photovoltaic system. Parts of the photovoltaic system can be moved with reasonable effort if required, with the necessary rails and wheels being optional system components that can be quickly and easily installed and removed even during operation. List of reference symbols

[0058] 1 Photovoltaic system 2 Photovoltaic module array 3 Photovoltaic module 4 Pole 5 Subsurface 6 Clamping device 7 Connecting element 7'Connecting element 8 Coupling element 9 Coupling mechanism 41Headstock 61Clamping wedge 62Clamping plate 63Screw 91 Support device 92 Photovoltaic module carrier 93 Adjustment mechanism 94 Rail 95 Wheel 611Base plate of 61 612V-shaped elevation of 61 911 hook-shaped projection 921 Clamping device 922 Wheel 931Screw 932First nut 932Second nut 933Third nut R1, R2, R3Photovoltaic module rows R4, R5, R6Pile rows

Claims

1. Photovoltaic system for generating solar power, having a large number of photovoltaic modules (3), - wherein the photovoltaic modules are combined to form at least one photovoltaic module row (R1, R2, R3), wherein each photovoltaic module row comprises at least three photovoltaic modules arranged in series, - wherein the photovoltaic modules of each photovoltaic module row are connected to each other such that the angle between adjacent photovoltaic modules is at least partially less than 180° and the photovoltaic module row therefore has an arcuate cross section, characterized - in that the photovoltaic modules are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting elements (7, 7'), which each connect at least two photovoltaic modules to each other and are additionally connected to at least one of the other connecting elements, and - in that at least photovoltaic modules (3) of the same photovoltaic module row (R1, R2, R3) are connected to each other by way of the connecting elements (7, 7').

2. Photovoltaic system according to Claim 1, wherein the connecting elements (7, 7') are formed by plates which are arranged running along at least one longitudinal side of at least one photovoltaic module row (R1, R2, R3) and are attached laterally to those sides of the photovoltaic modules (3) which form the relevant longitudinal side of the photovoltaic module row.

3. Photovoltaic system according to Claim 2, wherein the side of the connecting elements (7, 7') which comes to lie at the top in the intended mounted state thereof terminates flush with the top sides of the photovoltaic modules (3) connected by said connecting elements.

4. Photovoltaic system according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the side of the connecting elements (7, 7') which comes to lie at the bottom in the intended mounted state thereof projects downwards beyond the photovoltaic modules (3) connected by said connecting elements.

5. Photovoltaic system according to one of Claims 2 to 4, - wherein the connecting elements (7, 7'), using which the photovoltaic modules (3) of a photovoltaic module row (R1, R2, R3) are connected to each other, are in part connecting elements of a first type (7), and in part connecting elements of a second type (7'), - wherein the different connecting element types (7, 7') differ in that they are of different size, wherein more photovoltaic modules (3) can be connected to each other by the larger connecting element type than by the smaller connecting element type, and - wherein the connecting elements (7, 7') arranged in series in a longitudinal direction of a photovoltaic module row (R1, R2, R3) form a connecting element row and wherein the connecting elements of a first connecting element row and the connecting elements of the next, second connecting element row lying in front of or behind said first connecting element row are selected, and arranged, differently such that the borders or intermediate spaces between adjacent connecting elements of the first connecting element row are not congruent with the borders or intermediate spaces between adjacent connecting elements of the second connecting element row.

6. Photovoltaic system according to one of Claims 2 to 5, wherein of the connecting elements (7, 7'), using which the photovoltaic modules (3) of a photovoltaic module row (R1, R2, R3) are connected to each other, adjacent connecting elements are connected by way of a coupling element (8) connected to both connecting elements.

7. Photovoltaic system according to one of Claims 2 to 6, wherein the coupling element (8) is formed by a plate screwed to both connecting elements (7, 7').

8. Photovoltaic system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein connecting elements (7, 7') are also provided between adjacent photovoltaic module rows (R1, R2, R3) and each connect at least two photovoltaic modules (3) to each other, and wherein the connecting elements (7, 7') provided between adjacent photovoltaic module rows (R1, R2, R3) are connected both to the photovoltaic modules (3) of the one photovoltaic module row and to the photovoltaic modules of the adjacent other photovoltaic module row.

9. Photovoltaic system according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein connecting elements (7, 7') are also provided between adjacent photovoltaic module rows (R1, R2, R3) and each connect at least two photovoltaic modules (3) to each other, and wherein the connecting elements (7, 7') provided between adjacent photovoltaic module rows (R1, R2, R3) comprise first connecting elements, which are connected only to photovoltaic modules of the one photovoltaic module row, and second connecting elements, which are connected only to photovoltaic modules of the adjacent other photovoltaic module row, and wherein adjacent first and second connecting elements (7, 7') are fastened to one another.

10. Photovoltaic system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic modules (3) have a frame (31) laterally encircling them, and wherein the connecting elements (7, 7') are connected to the photovoltaic module frame.