Solar panel mounting system, solar panel comprising the system and method for mounting solar panel plates to a solar panel

Abstract

A mounting system for a solar panel is designed for mounting at least one solar panel plate (4, 4') to a support frame (12) of the solar panel (24), wherein the solar panel (24) comprises a base portion (14), wherein the support frame (12) is attached to the base portion (14) of the solar panel (24). The at least one solar panel plate (4, 4') is attached to the support frame (12) by means of one or more wedges (22, 22') arranged in a gap between a support structure (58) of the support frame (12) and the solar panel plate (4, 4').

Description

[0001] Solar Panel Mounting System, Solar Panel comprising the

[0002] System and Method for Mounting Solar Panel Plates to a Solar Panel

[0003] Field of invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a method for mounting solar panel plates to a solar panel. The present invention also relates to a mounting system for mounting solar panel plates to a solar panel.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] There is increasing focus on renewable energy. Accordingly, many new solar panels are being installed both in solar panel parks and on buildings.

[0007] When solar panels are installed, it is extremely important to attach the solar panel plates to the mounting structures of the solar panels in a reliable manner.

[0008] In the prior art, the solar panel plates are attached to the mounting structures of the solar panels by means of bolts that are mounted by an installation contractor. There is, however, several drawbacks associated to this mounting procedure.

[0009] First of all, the bolts are often tightened too much (causing permanent damage) or too little which can cause the bolts to loosen and fall off. Secondly, the mounting procedure is very time consuming.

[0010] CN 109617511 A discloses a photovoltaic power generation support that comprises solar cell panels, a support main body and fixed assemblies. A plurality of solar cell panels are laid on the support main body in a tiled mode in a rectangular array form. A plurality of wedges are used to provide a fast attachment. The wedges are, however, not configured to provide a secure attachment. Accordingly, it would be desirably to have an alternative.

[0011] Thus, there is a need for a method and a mounting system which reduces or even eliminates the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] The object of the present invention can be achieved by a mounting system as defined in claim 1 and by a method as defined in claim 10. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent subclaims, explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0014] The mounting system according to the invention is a mounting system for mounting at least one solar panel plate to a support frame of a solar panel, wherein the solar panel comprises a base portion, wherein the support frame is attached to the base portion of the solar panel, wherein the at least one solar panel plate is attached to the support frame by means of one or more wedges arranged in a gap between a support structure of the support frame and the panel plate, wherein the wedge comprises a barbed portion, wherein the support structure comprises an opening configured to lockingly receive the barbed portion of the wedge and hereby provide a locking engagement of the barbed portion and the opening.

[0015] Hereby, it is possible to provide an alternative to the use of bolts. The invention makes it possible to mount the panel plates to a solar panel in a fast and reliable manner.

[0016] In one embodiment, the base portion comprise one or more plates. In one embodiment, the base portion is plate-formed.

[0017] It is an advantage that the wedge comprises a barbed portion, wherein the support structure comprises an opening configured to lockingly receive the barbed portion of the wedge and hereby provide a locking engagement of the barbed portion and the opening.

[0018] In one embodiment, the wedge comprises a pointed distal end.

[0019] In one embodiment, the support structure extends parallel with the underside of the solar panel plate. Hereby, the mounting of the one or more wedges can be eased. Moreover, the one or more wedges will hereby be configured to provide a permanently attachment.

[0020] In one embodiment, the the solar panel plate has a normal axis, wherein the support frame comprises a bend portion configured to prevent the solar panel plate from being displaced along the normal axis of the solar panel plate.

[0021] In one embodiment, the bend portion comprises several arced portions.

[0022] In one embodiment, the support frame is symmetric and is designed to receive and be attached to two adjacent panel plates .

[0023] In one embodiment, the wedge is provided with a bore. Hereby, it is possible to detach the wedge.

[0024] In one embodiment, the bore is a through bore.

[0025] In one embodiment, the bore is arranged in the proximal end of the wedge. In one embodiment, the wedge comprises a proximal structure that has a larger thickness than the gap into which the wedge is inserted. Hereby, the proximal structure protrudes from the gap and thus the proximal structure can be accessed.

[0026] In one embodiment, the solar panel comprises a base portion, wherein the support frame is attached to the base portion of the solar panel.

[0027] In one embodiment, the mounting system comprises a lock configured to be arranged in a position, in which the lock is configured to prevent the solar panel plate from moving along the lateral axis of the solar panel.

[0028] In one embodiment, the lock comprises a body portion that is designed to bear against the long side portion and hereby prevent the lock from being displaced towards the central portion of the solar panel.

[0029] In one embodiment, the lock comprises a body portion and two protruding members protruding therefrom, wherein a barbed portion is provided in the protruding members.

[0030] In one embodiment, the barbed portion is provided in the distal end of the protruding members.

[0031] In one embodiment, the support frame is provided with a number of holes that are configured to lockingly receive the barbed portion and hereby lockingly receive the lock.

[0032] The method according to the invention is a method mounting at least one solar panel plate to a support frame of a solar panel, wherein the solar panel comprises a base portion, wherein the support frame is attached to the base portion of the solar panel, wherein the method comprises the step of attaching the at least one solar panel plate to the support frame by means of one or more wedges arranged in a gap between a support structure of the support frame and the panel plate, wherein the wedge comprises a barbed portion, wherein the support structure comprises an opening configured to lockingly receive the barbed portion of the wedge and hereby provide a locking engagement of the barbed portion and the opening.

[0033] Hereby, it is possible to provide an alternative to the use of bolts. The invention makes it possible to mount the panel plates to a solar panel in a fast and reliable manner.

[0034] It is an advantage that the support structure comprises an opening configured to lockingly receive the barbed portion of the wedge and hereby provide a locking engagement of the barbed portion and the opening.

[0035] In one embodiment, the support structure extends parallel with the underside of the solar panel plate.

[0036] In one embodiment, the the solar panel plate has a normal axis, wherein the method comprises the step of preventing the solar panel plate from being displaced along the normal axis of the solar panel plate by means of a bend portion arranged above the solar panel plate.

[0037] In one embodiment, the support frame is symmetric and is designed to receive and be attached to two adjacent panel plates.

[0038] In one embodiment, the wedge is provided with a bore.

[0039] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of applying a wedge that comprises a proximal structure that has a larger thickness than the gap into which the wedge is inserted.

[0040] Hereby, the proximal structure protrudes from the gap and thus the proximal structure can be accessed.

[0041] In one embodiment, the solar panel comprises a base portion, wherein the support frame is attached to the base portion of the solar panel.

[0042] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of applying a lock and arranging the lock in a position, in which the lock prevents the solar panel plate from moving along the lateral axis of the solar panel.

[0043] In one embodiment, the lock comprises a body portion that is designed to bear against the long side portion and hereby prevent the lock from being displaced towards the central portion of the solar panel.

[0044] In one embodiment, the lock comprises a body portion and two protruding members protruding therefrom, wherein a barbed portion is provided in the protruding members.

[0045] In one embodiment, the barbed portion is provided in the distal end of the protruding members.

[0046] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of lockingly receive the barbed portion in a number of holes provided in the support frame.

[0047] Description of the Drawings

[0048] The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings: Fig. 1A shows a schematic perspective top view of a solar panel, in which the panel plates are mounted by means of a mounting system according to the invention;

[0049] Fig. IB shows a schematic side view of the solar panel shown in Fig. 1A;

[0050] Fig. 1C shows a close-up view of mounting system according to the invention used to mount panel plates to a solar panel;

[0051] Fig. 2A shows a schematic top view of the solar panel shown in Fig. 1A;

[0052] Fig. 2B shows a side view of the solar panel shown in Fig. 2A;

[0053] Fig. 2C shows a top view of a lock of a mounting system according to the invention;

[0054] Fig. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of mounting system according to the invention used to mount panel plates to a solar panel;

[0055] Fig. 3B shows a perspective bottom view of a solar panel, in which the panel plates are mounted by means of a mounting system according to the invention;

[0056] Fig. 4A shows a perspective top view of a lock of a mounting system according to the invention;

[0057] Fig. 4B shows another perspective top view of a lock of the mounting system shown in Fig. 4A and

[0058] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a portion of a solar panel of the invention.

[0059] Detailed description of the invention

[0060] Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a schematic perspective top view of a solar panel 24, in which the panel plates 4, 4' are mounted by means of a mounting system according to the invention is illustrated in Fig. 1A. Fig. IB illustrates a schematic side view of the solar panel 24 shown in Fig. 1A. Fig. IB illustrates a schematic side view of the solar panel 24 shown in Fig. 1A. The solar panel 24 comprises a plurality of panel plates 4, 4' placed in two rows extending along the longitudinal axis Y of the solar panel 24. Each panel plate 4, 4' is rectangular and comprises a longitudinal axis that extends along the lateral axis X of the solar panel 24. The normal axis Z of the solar panel 24 is indicated. The normal axis Z of the solar panel 24 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y and the lateral axis X of the solar panel 24.

[0061] The solar panel 24 comprises a frame having a first long side portion 6 and a second opposing side long portion 8 extending parallel to each other. The frame comprises a first end portion 10 and a second opposing end portion that extends parallel to the first end portion 10.

[0062] Fig. 1C illustrates a close-up view of mounting system 2 of the solar panel 24 shown in Fig. IB. The mounting system 2 is used to mount panel plates 4, 4' to the solar panel 24. The solar panel 24 comprises a base portion 14.

[0063] The mounting system 2 comprises a support frame 12 that is used as a mounting basis for attachment of the panel plates 4, 4'. The panel plates 4, 4' are attached to the support frame 12 by means of wedges 22, 22'. The first panel plate 4 is attached to the support frame 12 by means of a first wedge 22 that is inserted into a gap 56 provided between the underside of the first panel plate 4 and the first support structure 58 of the support frame 12. Likewise, the second panel plate 4' is attached to the support frame 12 by means of a second wedge 22' that is inserted into a gap 56' provided between the underside of the second panel plate 4' and the second support structure 58' of the support frame 12. The support frame 12 is attached to a base portion 14 by means of a bolt 16, a washer 18 and a nut 20.

[0064] Fig. 2A illustrates a schematic top view of the solar panel 24 shown in Fig. 1A. Fig. 2B illustrates a side view of the solar panel 24 shown in Fig. 2A. The solar panel 24 comprises a plurality of panel plates 4, 4' placed in two rows extending along the longitudinal axis Y of the solar panel 24. The panel plates 4, 4' have the same size and orientation. The solar panel 24 comprises a lateral axis, a normal axis Z and a longitudinal axis Y. It can be seen that the normal axis Z of the solar panel 24 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y and the lateral axis X of the solar panel 24. The axes X, Y, Z constitute a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0065] The solar panel 24 comprises a frame having a base portion that is provided with mounting brackets 26, 26' for attaching the base portion and thus the frame and hereby the entire solar panel 24 to an underlying structure. The mounting brackets 26, 26' may be L-shaped or U-shaped by way of example.

[0066] Fig. 2C illustrates a top view of a lock 30 of a mounting system 2 according to the invention. The mounting system 2 comprises a lock 30 that is configured to prevent the support frame 12 from moving along its longitudinal axis. The lock 30 comprises a body portion 38 that is designed to bear against the long side portion 8 and hereby prevent the lock 30 from being displaced towards the central portion of the solar panel. In Fig. 2C the lock 30 cannot be moved further to the right because the body portion 38 of the lock 30 bears against the long side portions 8.

[0067] The lock 30 comprises two protruding members 54, 54' shaped as parallel arms each provided with a barbed portion configured to lockingly engage with openings in the support frame 12 (see Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B for a better view).

[0068] The support frame 12 is attached to the underlying base portion by means of a bolt 16, a washer 18 and a nut (not shown).

[0069] Fig. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of mounting system 2 according to the invention used to mount panel plates 4, 4' to a solar panel 24.

[0070] The mounting system 2 comprises a support frame 12 that is used as a mounting basis for attachment of the panel plates 4, 4'. The first panel plate 4 comprises a lower portion 60 and an upright portion 62 extending therefrom. The second panel plate 4' comprises a lower portion 60' and an upright portion 62' extending therefrom.

[0071] The panel plates 4, 4' at attached to the support frame 12 by means of wedges 22, 22'. The first panel plate 4 is attached to the support frame 12 by means of a first wedge 22 that is inserted into a gap provided between the underside of the first panel plate 4 and the first support structure 58 of the support frame 12. Likewise, the second panel plate 4' is attached to the support frame 12 by means of a second wedge 22' that is inserted into a gap provided between the underside of the second panel plate 4' and the second support structure 58' of the support frame 12.

[0072] The first wedge 22 comprises a barbed portion 42 that has been lockingly received by an opening provided in the first support structure 58 of the support frame 12. Similarly, the second wedge 22' comprises a barbed portion 42 that has been lockingly received by an opening 40 provided in the second support structure 58' of the support frame 12. The support frame 12 is attached to a base portion 14 by means of a bolt 16, a washer 18 and a nut or a threaded hole.

[0073] The first panel plate 4 is clamped between the first wedge 22 and a first bend portion 32 of the support frame 12. Hereby, the first panel plate 4 is held in place and restricted from moving along the normal axis of the solar panel 24. Likewise, the second panel plate 4' is clamped between the second wedge 22' and a second bend portion 32' of the support frame 12. Hereby, the second panel plate 4' is held in place and restricted from moving along the normal axis of the solar panel 24.

[0074] The first wedge 22 is in engagement with the lower part 60 of the first panel plate 4 and the first support structure 58 of the support frame 12. The second wedge 22' is in engagement with the lower part 60' of the second panel plate 4' and the second support structure 58' of the support frame 12.

[0075] The support frame 12 comprises a plate-shaped bottom member 46 provided with a hole, through which hole the bolt 16 extends.

[0076] The support frame 12 comprises two spaced apart, parallel plate- formed side members 36, 36'. The support frame 12 comprises two spaced apart, parallel plate-formed upper side portions 34, 34' extending upright from the first support structure 58 and second support structure 58 of the support frame 12. A lock 30 as shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 2C is place in the space between the side members 36, 36'.

[0077] A bore 44 is provided in the proximal end og each of the wedges 22, 22'.

[0078] Fig. 3B illustrates a perspective bottom view of a solar panel 24, in which the panel plates 4, 4' are mounted by means of a mounting system corresponding to the one shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 3A. The first panel plate 4 comprises a long side portion 8 and a lower part 60. The first panel plate 4 is attached to a support frame 12 of the mounting system by means of a first wedge 22 and a second wedge 22'. The wedges 22, 22' are inserted into a gap between the lower part 60 and the support frame 12. As shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 3A, each wedge 22, 22' comprises a barbed portion that is designed to engage with a corresponding hole 48 provided in the support structures of the support frame 12.

[0079] It can be seen that the first panel plate 4 is sandwiched between a first bend portion 32 and the support structure 58 of the support frame 12.

[0080] Fig. 4A illustrates a perspective top view of a lock 30 of a mounting system according to the invention. The mounting system comprises a support frame 12 as the one shown in Fig. 3A. Fig. 4B illustrates another perspective top view of a lock 30 of the mounting system shown in Fig. 4A. The lock 30 is mounted in a mounting system corresponding top the one shown in Fig. 4A.

[0081] The support frame 12 comprises two spaced apart, parallel plate- formed upper side portions 34, 34' extending upright from the first support structure 58 and second support structure 58 of the support frame 12. A lock 30 as shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 2C is placed in the space between the side members 36, 36' each provided with an opening 52.

[0082] The lock 30 is configured to prevent the support frame from moving along its longitudinal axis. The lock 30 comprises a body portion 38 that is designed to bear against the long side portion of the panel plates 4, 4' and hereby prevent the lock 30 from being displaced towards the central portion of the solar panel. The lock 30 cannot be moved further towards the central portion of the solar panel because the body portion 38 of the lock 30 bears against the long side portions of the panel plates 4, 4'.

[0083] The lock 30 comprises two protruding members 54, 54' shaped as parallel arms each provided with a barbed portion 50 configured to lockingly engage with the openings 52 in the upper side portions 34, 34' of the support frame.

[0084] A first bend portion 32 prevents the long side portion 8 of the first panel plate 4 from moving upwards along the normal axis of the solar panel. A second bend portion 32' prevents the long side portion 8 of the second panel plate 4' from moving upwards along the normal axis of the solar panel.

[0085] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a solar panel 24 of the invention. The solar panel 24 comprises a plurality of solar panel plates 4, 4' arranged side by side. The solar panel 24 comprises a mounting system according to the invention. The mounting system comprises a support frame 12 as the one shown in Fig. 3A.

[0086] The support frame 12 comprises two spaced apart, parallel plate- formed side members 36 and two spaced apart, parallel plate-formed upper side portions 34. The support frame 12 is configured to receive a lock 30 as shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 2C. The lock is intended to be inserted into the space between the side members 36. It can be seen that an opening 52 is provided in the side member 36. This opening is configured to receive a barbed portion of a lock corresponding to the one shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 4A or Fig. 4B. The first panel plate 4 is attached to the support frame 12 by means of a wedge 22 that is inserted into a gap provided between the underside of the first panel plate and the first support structure of the support frame 12.

[0087] List of reference numerals

[0088] 2 Mounting system

[0089] 4, 4' Solar panel plate

[0090] 6 Side portion (of the frame)

[0091] 8 Side portion (of the frame)

[0092] 10 End portion (of the frame)

[0093] 12 Support frame

[0094] 14 Base portion (of the frame)

[0095] 16 Bolt

[0096] 18 Washer

[0097] 20 Nut

[0098] 22, 22' Wedge

[0099] 24 Solar panel

[0100] 26, 26' Mounting bracket

[0101] 28 Slot

[0102] 30 Lock

[0103] 32, 32' Bend portion

[0104] 34, 34' Upper side portion

[0105] 36, 36' Side member

[0106] 38 Body portion

[0107] 40 Opening

[0108] 42 Barbed portion

[0109] 44 Bore

[0110] 46 Bottom member

[0111] 48 Hole

[0112] 50 Barbed portion

[0113] 52 Opening

[0114] 54 Protruding member

[0115] 56 Gap

[0116] 58 Support structure

[0117] 60, 60' Upright part 62, 62' Lower part

[0118] 64 Proximal structure / Lateral axis

[0119] Y Longitudinal axis

[0120] Z Normal axis

Claims

Claims1. A mounting system (2) for mounting at least one solar panel plate (4, 4') to a support frame (12) of a solar panel (24), wherein the solar panel (24) comprises a base portion (14), wherein the support frame (12) is attached to the base portion (14) of the solar panel (24), wherein the at least one solar panel plate (4, 4') is attached to the support frame (12) by means of one or more wedges (22, 22') arranged in a gap (56) between a support structure (58) of the support frame (12) and the panel plate (4, 4'), characterised in that the wedge (22, 22') comprises a barbed portion (42), wherein the support structure (58) comprises an opening (40) configured to lockingly receive the barbed portion (42) of the wedge (22, 22') and hereby provide a locking engagement of the barbed portion (42) and the opening (40).

2. A mounting system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the support structure (58) extends parallel with the underside of the solar panel plate (4, 4').

3. A mounting system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the the solar panel plate (4, 4') has a normal axis (Z), wherein the support frame (12) comprises a bend portion (32, 32') configured to prevent the solar panel plate (4, 4') from being displaced along the normal axis (Z) of the solar panel plate (4, 4').

4. A mounting system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (12) is symmetric and is designed to receive and be attached to two adjacent panel plates (4, 4').

5. A mounting system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, the wedge (22, 22') is provided with a bore (44).

6. A mounting system (2) according to one of the preceding claims,wherein the wedge comprises a proximal structure (64) that has a larger thickness than the gap into which the wedge (22, 22) is inserted.

7. A mounting system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting system (2) comprises a lock (30) configured to be arranged in a position, in which the lock (30) is configured to prevent the solar panel plate (4, 4') from moving along the lateral axis (X) of the solar panel (24).

8. A mounting system (2) according to claim 7, wherein the lock (30) comprises a body portion (38) and two protruding members (54) protruding therefrom, wherein a barbed portion (50) is provided in the protruding members (54).

9. A mounting system (2) according to claim 8, wherein the support frame (12) is provided with a number of holes (52) that are configured to lockingly receive the barbed portion (50) and hereby lockingly receive the lock (30).

10. A method for mounting at least one solar panel plate (4, 4') to a support frame (12) of a solar panel (24), wherein the solar panel (24) comprises a base portion (14), wherein the support frame (12) is attached to the base portion (14) of the solar panel (24), wherein the method comprises the step of attaching the at least one solar panel plate (4, 4') to the support frame (12) by means of one or more wedges (22, 22') arranged in a gap between a support structure (56) of the support frame (12) and the panel plate (4, 4'), characterised in that the wedge (22, 22') comprises a barbed portion (42), wherein the support structure (56) comprises an opening (40) configured to lockingly receive the barbed portion (42) of the wedge (22, 22') and hereby provide a locking engagement of the barbedportion (42) and the opening (40).

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the support structure (56) extends parallel with the underside of the solar panel plate (4, 4').

12. A method according to one of the preceding claims 10-11, wherein the the solar panel plate (4, 4') has a normal axis (Z), wherein the method comprises the step of preventing the solar panel plate (4, 4') from being displaced along the normal axis (Z) of the solar panel plate (4, 4') by means of a bend portion (32, 32') arranged above the solar panel plate (4, 4').

13. A method according to one of the preceding claims 10-12, wherein the support frame (12) is symmetric and is designed to receive and be attached to two adjacent panel plates (4, 4').

14. A method according to one of the preceding claims 10-13, wherein the wedge is provided with a bore (44).

15. A method according to one of the preceding claims 10-14, wherein the method comprises the step of applying a wedge that comprises a proximal structure (64) that has a larger thickness than the gap into which the wedge (22, 22) is inserted.

16. A method according to one of the preceding claims 10-15, wherein the method comprises the step of applying a lock (30) and arranging the lock (30) in a position, in which the lock (30) prevents the solar panel plate (4, 4') from moving along the lateral axis (X) of the solar panel (24).

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the lock (30) comprises a body portion (38) and two protruding members (54) protrudingtherefrom, wherein a barbed portion (50) is provided in the protruding members (54).

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the method comprises the step of lockingly receive the barbed portion (50) in a number of holes (52) provided in the support frame (12).

19. A solar panel (24) comprising a mounting system (2) according to one of the claims 1-9.

20. A solar panel (24) comprising a mounting system (2) made by using a method according to one of the claims 10-18.

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