A supporting structure for mounting a photovoltaic panel and a method for suspending a photovoltaic panel from a support surface

Abstract

The present invention therefore relates to a supporting structure (100, 220) for mounting a photovoltaic panel, or PV panel (120), having a height and a width. The support structure comprises an integral supporting element (110) configured to, in use, support a PV panel to be supported. The integral supporting element has an upper engaging part (130, 230), configured to engage an upper edge of the PV panel to be supported, a lower engaging part (140, 240), configured to engage an lower edge of the PV panel to be supported, and a backplate (150, 250) that connects the upper engaging part to the lower engaging part such that the distance between the lower engaging part and the upper engaging part corresponds to the height of the PV panel. The supporting structure further comprises clamping means (161, 162, 163), configured to force the upper engaging part and the lower engaging part to move to each other and thus clamp the PV panel between the upper engaging part and the lower engaging part. The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a supporting structure. The present invention further relates to a system for supporting a photovoltaic panel and to a method for suspending a PV panel from a support surface.

Description

[0001] TITLE A supporting structure for mounting a photovoltaic panel and a method for suspending a photovoltaic panel from a support surface

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a supporting structure for mounting a photovoltaic panel. The present invention further relates to a method for suspending a photovoltaic panel from a support surface.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] There is increased interest in renewable energy sources for building projects and housing projects. More and more houses install photovoltaic (PV) panels on their roofs. However, not everyone has suitable rooftop available, think for instance of the inhabitants of an apartment building. In addition, many building projects or housing projects have ambitions in terms of sustainable energy supply that go beyond what might be possible from roof-top PV.

[0006] Installing photovoltaic panels substantially vertically, for example on balconies, walls, fences offers an additional area that can be utilized for solar energy and allows also the inhabitants of apartment buildings to benefit from this renewable cheap energy source.

[0007] Currently available systems depend on the use of screws or bolts or similar means to fixate the PV panel to the supporting structure.

[0008] However, the mounting of PV panels with structures depending on bolts is more sensitive to mounting errors and has to be performed by professionals to avoid dangerous situation. Furthermore, bolts may get turned loose over time even when applied correctly, for instant by wind induced vibrations and get rusted, leading to dangerous situations where a PV panel may fall down from its supporting structure. Preventing this would require regular checks and maintenance of the fixation of the PV panel to the supporting structure. This is an extremely time and cost demanding endeavor since these bolts are generally located such that they are very difficult and dangerous to approach when the PV panel is mounted on or suspended from a balcony, railing or other support surface.

[0009] There is a need for a supporting structure for suspending PV panels from surfaces such as railings or balconies that is safer, stable or has a decreased risk of the PV panel falling down, and / or that requires less maintenance than the currently available systems.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved, durable and safe supporting structure for mounting a photovoltaic panel.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a supporting structure for mounting a photovoltaic panel with, in use, an improved fixation of the PV panel to the supporting structure.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a supporting structure for mounting a photovoltaic panel that reduces the number of non-integral fixation elements for fixating the PV panel to the supporting structure.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing of such a supporting structure.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a simple method for mounting of a PV panel to a support surface, specifically for suspending a PV panel from a support surface. In a first aspect, the present invention therefore relates to a supporting structure for mounting a photovoltaic panel, or PV panel, having a height and a width. The support structure comprises an integral supporting element configured to, in use, support a PV panel to be supported. The integral supporting element has an upper engaging part, configured to engage an upper edge of the PV panel to be supported, a lower engaging part, configured to engage an lower edge of the PV panel to be supported, and a backplate that connects the upper engaging part to the lower engaging part such that the distance between the lower engaging part and the upper engaging part corresponds to the height of the PV panel. The PV panel is sliding in the supporting structure and fixed.

[0016] The supporting structure further comprises clamping means, configured to force the upper engaging part and the lower engaging part in each other’s direction and thus clamp the PV panel between the upper engaging part and the lower engaging part.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing the supporting structure according the first aspect, comprising the manufacturing of the integral supporting element. The manufacturing of the integral supporting element comprises providing a plate and bending of the plate such a U-shape is formed at an upper and / or lower side of the plate to form the respective engaging part(s). In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a system for supporting a photovoltaic panel comprising a PV panel and two supporting structures according to the first aspect.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for suspending a PV panel from a support surface. The method comprises sliding a PV panel into at least one supporting structure according to the first aspect, such that is engaged at an upper edge by the upper engaging part and at a lower edge by the lower engaging part; suspending the at least one supporting structure together with the PV panel from a support surface; and tensioning a tension element such that the upper engaging part and the lower engaging part are forced in each other’s direction and thus clamp the PV panel between the upper engaging part and the lower engaging part.

[0019] Embodiments of the supporting structure according to the first aspect of the present invention are applicable correspondingly for the second, third, and fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0020] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors believe that the supporting structure according to the present inventions solves one or more of the above formulated objects, because the structure allows fixation of the PV panel with less nonintegral fixation elements such as bolts for fixating the PV panel to the supporting structure. The clamping means according to the present invention may be less sensitive to wear and / or more easy to approach for maintenance when the PV panel is suspended from a railing such as a balcony railing. The resulting supporting structure is more safe to use, since it is not depending on torque-depending quality bolt fixations. This allows for less required maintenance, and also allows for installing / mounting of the PV panel without the need of specialized personnel. Furthermore, the supporting structure according to the present invention can be used for many different designs of railings / balconies.

[0021] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0022] As already states above, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a supporting structure for mounting a photovoltaic panel, or PV panel, having a height and a width, the support structure comprising an integral supporting element configured to, in use, support a PV panel to be supported and having an upper engaging part, configured to engage an upper edge of the PV panel to be supported, a lower engaging part, configured to engage an lower edge of the PV panel to be supported, and a backplate that connects the upper engaging part to the lower engaging part such that the distance between the lower engaging part and the upper engaging part corresponds to the height of the PV panel, the supporting structure further comprising clamping means, configured to force the upper engaging part and the lower engaging part in each other’s direction and thus clamp the PV panel between the upper engaging part and the lower engaging part.

[0023] As stated, the distance between the lower engaging part and the upper engaging part corresponds to the height of the PV panel. This distance may be slightly larger than the height of the PV panel, allowing for the PV panel to be placed between the upper and lower engaging parts without the need to use force. After the PV panel is placed between the upper and lower engaging parts, the clamping means can be used to force the upper and lower engaging parts in each other’s direction. This may cause the backplate to bend, which causes the distance between these parts to decrease slightly such that it equals the height of the PV panel, and the PV panel is thus clamped between the upper and lower engaging parts. When the distance between the upper and lower engaging parts is equal to the height of the PV panel to begin with, the distance will not decrease when the clamping means forces the upper and lower engaging parts in each other’s direction, but it will still lead to the parts clamping the PV panel.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, the term ‘mounting’ can be interpreted to include suspending (hanging) of the PV panel from a support surface.

[0025] It is to be understood that in the context of the present invention, the height and width of the PV panel are defined in relation to the supporting structure. The PV panel can be mounted in portrait orientation, in which case the longest dimension will be defined as the height of the PV panel, or in landscape orientation, in which the shortest dimension will be defined as the height of the PV panel.

[0026] In an embodiment of the first aspect according to the present invention, the clamping means are configured to for clamping the PV panel between the upper engaging part and the lower engaging part immovably. In a further embodiment, the clamping means comprise a tension element that, in use, engages the backplate and pulls the backplate in a direction facing away from the PV panel, when the backplate contacts on an upper side an upper contact surface and on a lower side a lower contact surface, and wherein the backplate is pulled in the direction facing away from the PV panel further than an imaginary plane formed by the upper and lower contact surfaces. The tension element may be an elongated and / or flexible tension element. An example of a tension element that is elongated and flexible is a tension strap. Other examples of elongated flexible tension elements include hook-and-loop fasteners and tie wraps. Such an elongated, flexible tension element may be for instance a (coated) stainless steel strap or tie wrap. Another example of a tension element is a threaded rod, in combination with nuts. In a related embodiment, the backplate further comprises at least two spaced apart through holes, each configured for receiving the tension element.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the integral supporting element is constructed from one piece. In other words, the integral supporting element is monolithic. This contributes to the intrinsic safety of the system, by reducing the number of non-integral elements in the system. It also may enhance the structural stability of the supporting structure, proving it with a longer life-time.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the supporting structure further comprises a locking element configured to engage an extending section of a frame of the PV panel, to prevent the frame of the PV panel from sliding beyond the locking element. As generally known, a PV panel comprises a frame that can be considered ‘hollow’ at the backside of the panel, to allow ventilation of the PV panel. In state of the art PV panels, this frame has an extending section such that it forms a II shape together with the panel, on all four sides of the panel. The locking element can be ‘hooked’ behind this extending section, such that the PV panel cannot slide beyond the locking element. The locking element can be already in place prior to activation of the clamping means. This allows for a safe system where the PV panel cannot slide out of the supporting structure during mounting of the system to a support surface. The locking element provides further fixation of the PV panel to the integral supporting element. An additional advantage of the locking element is that it may reduce sound vibrations and noise induced by the wind.

[0029] In a specific embodiment of this, the locking element is further configured for fixating the PV panel between the backplate and the locking element. The locking element may for example be an elongated metal plate, which may be bend, that one the one end can be fixated to the backplate and on the other end engages the frame of the PV panel, for instance by being “hooked” behind a section of a II- shaped frame. Fixating to the backplate may be done for instance with screws and nuts. There may also be opening in the backplate to receive the locking element, such that the locking element is, when in use, located in part on the side of the backplate facing the PV panel, and in part on the side of the backplate facing away from the PV panel.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the integral supporting element is made from metal. In a specific embodiment, the integral supporting element is made from aluminium. The metal may be coated, for instance to provide additional protection against corrosion or for aesthetic reasons (specific colour).

[0031] In a further element, the width of the integral supporting element is in the range of 5 to 50 cm. In a specific embodiment, the width of the integral supporting element is in the range of 10 to 30 cm.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the supporting structure further comprises suspension means for suspending the supporting structure from an support surface. In a specific embodiment of this, the suspension means are integrally connected to the integral supporting element.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the suspension means, together with a part of the backplate, forms a U-shaped profile, at an upper half of the backplate and the basis of the U shape facing an upper side of the backplate, or the suspension means form, together with the backplate, a U-shaped profile located at an upper side of the backplate. The U- shape having the basis directed upwards, in use, is an easy construction for suspending the supporting structure holding a photovoltaic panel from a horizontally extending bar, pipe, or other support surface being of a balcony, or attached to a wall for example. .Application of such a U-shape profile is not limited to be used on support surfaces that have a rectangular cross-section. It is also possible to suspend the supporting structure from a support surface that does not have a rectangular cross-section, such as a bar with a circular cross-section, possibly in combination with the use of a pipe clip.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the upper and / or lower engaging part, together with the backplate forms a U-shape.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the lower engaging part extends across substantially the whole width of the backplate. In a further embodiment, the combined width of the upper engaging part of the integral supporting element and the suspension means is corresponds to the width of backplate.

[0036] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing the supporting structure according to the embodiment wherein the upper and / or lower engaging part, together with the backplate forms a U-shape. The method comprises the manufacturing of the integral supporting element, wherein the manufacturing of the integral supporting element comprises: providing a plate, and bending of the plate such a U-shape is formed at an upper and / or lower side of the plate.

[0037] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the method further comprises laser cutting of the plate prior to bending of the plate, allowing one section to be bended in one direction, and another section to be bended in an opposite direction. In this way, a integral supporting element can be provided wherein the upper engaging part and the suspending means both form an integral part of the integral supporting element.

[0038] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a system for supporting a photovoltaic panel comprising a PV panel and two supporting structure according to the first aspect of the present invention. The width of each supporting structure may for example be 20-30% of the width of the PV panel.

[0039] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for suspending a PV panel from a support surface, the method comprising: sliding a PV panel into at least one supporting structure according to the first aspect , such that is engaged at an upper edge by the upper engaging part and at a lower edge by the lower engaging part, suspending the at least one supporting structure together with the PV panel from a support surface, and tensioning a tension element that engages the backplate and pull the backplate in a direction facing away from the PV panel, when the backplate contacts on an upper side an upper contact surface and on a lower side a lower contact surface, and wherein the backplate is pulled in the direction facing away from the PV panel further than an imaginary plane formed by the upper and lower contact surfaces, such that the upper engaging part and the lower engaging part are forced in each other’s direction and thus clamp the PV panel between the upper engaging part and the lower engaging part.

[0040] The skilled person will understand that the number of supporting structures required to support one PV panel will depend on several factors including the width of the PV panel and the width of the supporting structures. In an embodiment, two or 3 supporting structures are used to support one PV panel depending on the expected wind load and other forces.

[0041] In an embodiment, the method further comprises use of a locking element after sliding the PV panel into the at least one supporting structure, to engage an extending section of a frame of the PV panel, to prevent the frame of the PV panel from sliding beyond the locking element. This can take place prior to suspending the at least one supporting structure together with the PV panel from a support surface. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

[0042] The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. One or more of the objects of the invention are achieved by the appended claims.

[0043] DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] Brief description

[0045] The present invention is described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the present invention are shown and in which like reference numbers indicate the same or similar elements.

[0046] Figures 1A, 1 B and 1C show an example of a supporting structure according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein Fig. 1A is a perspective view, Fig. 1 B is a front view, and Fig. 1C is a side view of the supporting structure.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a side view of the system according to the present invention, mounted on a balcony. Figures 3-5 show perspective views of three different examples of the clamping means of the supporting structure according to the present invention, mounted on a balcony. Figure 3 shows a flexible, elongated tension element, whereas figures 4 and 5 show different applications of a tension element comprising a threaded rod.

[0048] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of (part of) a system according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 7 is a perspective view in close-up of a top side of a supporting structure according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 is a perspective back view in close-up of a top side of a supporting structure according to the first aspect of the present invention, when in use.

[0051] Figure 9 is a perspective side view in close-up of a top side of a supporting structure according to the first aspect of the present invention, when in use.

[0052] Figure 10 is a perspective side view in close-up of a bottom side of a supporting structure according to the first aspect of the present invention, when in use.

[0053] Figure 11 shows a side view of an alternative example of a supporting structure according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0054] Detailed description

[0055] Fig. 1A (perspective view), Fig. 1 B (front view) and Fig. 1C (side view) show an example of a supporting structure 100 for mounting a photovoltaic panel, or PV panel, having a height and a width, the support structure comprising an integral supporting element 110 configured to, in use, support a PV panel (not shown) to be supported.

[0056] The integral supporting element 110 has an upper engaging part 130, configured to engage an upper edge of the PV panel to be supported, a lower engaging part 140, configured to engage an lower edge of the PV panel to be supported, and a backplate 150 that connects the upper engaging part 130 to the lower engaging part 140 such that the distance between the lower engaging part and the upper engaging part corresponds to the height of the PV panel.

[0057] The backplate 150 further comprises at least two spaced apart through holes 151 , 152 each configured for receiving a tension element. In the examples of the figures, these through holes are slits. It is to be understood that any of the through holes is spaced apart from any other through hole in the backplate 150, either vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Thus, any combination of two through holes in the backplate 150 are suitable in the context of the present invention. As an alternative, the backplate may have a single through hole, the tensioning element extending through the though hole and then back along an edge of the backplate 150 instead of back through a second through hole.

[0058] The backplate further comprises notches and through holes 200 for mounting and / or accommodating of a convertor or invertor of the PV panel.

[0059] The integral supporting element 110 is constructed from one piece, and is made from aluminium however other materials are not excluded like steel.

[0060] The width of the integral supporting element 110 is 20 cm. It can be understood that the width of the integral supporting element 110 can be adjusted based on the application. Factors of influence are, for instance, the width and / or weight of the PV panel to be supported, the design of the balcony or similar where the supporting structure will be suspended from I mounted on, and the material of the integral supporting element. The latter is relevant since the material determines the strength of a structure with a certain width, as well as the flexibility that may be required to allow pulling back the back plate 150 such that the PV panel will be fixated between the upper and lower engaging parts. An example of a suitable material for the backplate is aluminium.

[0061] The supporting structure 100 further comprises suspension means 190 for suspending the supporting structure from an upper contact surface 170. The suspension means 190 are integrally connected to the integral supporting element 110, and form, together with the backplate 150, a U-shaped profile located at an upper side of the backplate 150. This can most clearly be seen in Fig. 1C. The integral supporting element 110 as shown in the Figures has as suspension means two reversed U-profiles that can engage a balcony rail, for example.

[0062] The upper and lower engaging parts 130, 140 together with the backplate 150 also each forms a U-shape.

[0063] The backplate 150 further has openings 210 to receive a locking element.

[0064] Figure 2 shows a side view of the system according to the present invention, mounted on a support surface 172, in this case a balcony. The supporting structure 100 further comprises clamping means (not shown), configured to force the upper engaging part 130 and the lower engaging part 140 in each other’s direction and thus clamp the PV panel 120 between the upper engaging part 130 and the lower engaging part 140. The clamping means are configured to for clamping the PV panel 120 between the upper engaging part 130 and the lower engaging part 140 immovably. The clamping means comprise an tension element (not shown) that, in use, engages the backplate 150 and pulls the backplate 150 in a direction facing away from the PV panel 120, when the backplate 150 contacts on an upper side an upper contact surface 170 and on a lower side a lower contact surface 171 . The backplate 150 may be pulled in the direction facing away from the PV panel 130 further than an imaginary plane formed by the upper and lower contact surfaces 170, 171. This is indicated in Fig. 2 by the dotted curved line.

[0065] Fig. 1A, together with Figure 7 also provides a clear view of an example of how the suspension means 190 and the upper engaging part 130 can be designed. In this example, the integral supporting element 110 is made by providing a plate and laser cutting a U-shape into this plate. The middle section is then bend in one direction to form the upper engaging section 130, and the outer section is bend the opposite direction to form the suspension means 190. This method of manufacturing provides an easy way to create an integral supporting element 110 comprising suspension means 190. The resulting structure also allows for additional fixation to the support surface, it in case that this is for instance a beam of bar, by strapping a tension strap or other fixating means around the supporting surface, and through the opening in the suspension means 190 that is created by bending away the middle section that forms the upper engaging element 130.

[0066] Figures 3-5 show perspective views of three different examples of the clamping means of the supporting structure according to the present invention, mounted on a balcony. The balcony has a plurality of vertical bars 175 that are connected via a horizontal beam 176. In the example of Fig. 3, the horizontal beam 176 serves as the lower contact surface. Figure 3 shows a tension element being a tension strap 161. The tension strap 161 goes through through hole 152 and around one of the vertical bars 175. This can be applied mutatis mutandis to a balcony with horizontal bars. In this way, when the tension strap 161 is tensioned, the backplate 150 is pulled in the direction facing away from the PV panel, which forces the upper engaging part and the lower engaging part in each other’s direction and thus clamp the PV panel between the upper engaging part and the lower engaging part. For symmetry purposes, another tension strap 161 (or alternative tension element) may be used in a horizontally spaced apart through hole 151. Alternatively, two horizontally spaced apart through holes 151 , 152 may be selected for receiving one tension element such as a tension strap 161. The tension strap 161 may, on the side of the backplate 150 facing the PV panel 120, run from one through hole 151 to a horizontally spaced apart through hole 152. On the side of the backplate facing the balcony, the tension strap 161 then may run around one or more bars of the balcony. Correspondingly, when the balcony has horizontal bars, two vertically spaced apart through holes 151 , 152 may be used to receive the tension element or elements. Any configuration wherein the tensioning of the tension element bends the back plate for clamping of the PV panel is possible.

[0067] Figure 3 shows another tension strap 161 on a lower vertical position. It is possible to use several tension elements to tension the backplate.

[0068] Figures 4 and 5 show further examples of tension element, wherein the tension element is formed as an assembly. Figures 4 and 5 show two different applications of a tension element comprising a threaded rod 162. A threaded rod 162 goes through the through hole 151 (Fig. 4) or 152 (Fig. 5) and through element 163, which is on the other side of the balcony. The threaded rod 162, together with the element 163 and nuts, form the tension element. The element 163 is placed on the opposite side of the horizontal beam 176, and in the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5 it is also hooked behind this beam 176. In the example of Figure 5, the element 163 is on one end hooked behind horizontal beam 176, and on the other end hooked behind the lower contact surface 171. The rod 162 and nuts are used to tension the backplate 150. The backplate 150 is pulled in the direction facing away from the PV panel, ensuring clamping of the PV panel between the upper and lower engaging parts. For symmetry purposes and additional safety , another tension strap may be used in a horizontally spaced apart through hole 151 or 152.

[0069] The tension element as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 can also be used (or easily adapted for use) for balconies or the like that do not a have beams or bars. An example is a glass balcony, that has a glass plate such that a tension strap as shown in Fig. 3 cannot be used. On these type of balconies, there is often an opening between the glass plate and the lower contact surface. This can be used to tension the backplate in a manner corresponding to the examples in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

[0070] Another way of tensioning the backplate that can be envisioned is pulling or pushing the backplate towards the PV panel. This also ensures a bending of the backplate, forcing the upper and lower engaging parts to more in each other’s direction and thus clamping the PV panel.

[0071] Thus, the system according to the present invention is very versatile in terms of that it can be mounted on many different designs of balconies or the like. The skilled person will understand that the figures only represent examples, and that alternative tension elements can be applied, or alternative clamping means in general. Figure 6 shows (part of) a system according to the third aspect of the present invention. It shows two supporting structures 100, the left one being depicted only half. The structure 100 shows suspension means 190 and upper engaging part 130. The figure further shows the PV panel 120.

[0072] In Figures 7-9, the supporting structure 100 comprises a locking element 180 configured to engage an extending section 122 of a frame 121 of the PV panel 120. This prevents the frame of the PV panel 120 from sliding beyond the locking element 180. The locking element 180 provides further fixation of the PV panel 120 to the integral supporting element 110. The locking element 180 can be already in place prior to activation of the clamping means. This means that the PV panel 120 cannot slide out of the supporting structure 100 during mounting, i.e. before clamping the PV panel 120 between the upper and lower engaging elements 130, 140. The locking element 180 is further configured for fixating the PV panel 120 between the backplate 150 and the locking element 180. In Figures 7-9, the locking element 180 is an elongated metal plate, that has two bends as can be seen in the figures. One end is be fixated to the backplate using screws, and the other end engages the frame 121 of the PV panel 120, for instance by being “hooked” behind a extending section 122 of a U-shaped frame 121. There is an opening 210 in the backplate 150 to receive the locking element 180, such that the locking element 180 is located in part on the side of the backplate 150 facing the PV panel 120, and in part on the side of the backplate 150 facing away from the PV panel 120.

[0073] A locking element 180 can be used on any side of the backplate that corresponds, in use, to an edge of the PV panel 120. Figures 8 and 9 show a locking element and the upper side of the backplate and figure 10 shows the use of a locking element on the lower side of the backplate. The figure shows only half of the supporting structure, and also only part of the PV panel. Half of opening 200 is visible, with half of locking element 180. The locking element 180 is hooked behind the extending section 122 of the frame 122.

[0074] Figure 11 shows a side view of an alternative example of a supporting structure 220 according to the first aspect of the invention. The supporting structure corresponds to the first example, except that the suspension means 290 are not located at the upper side of the backplate 250. Thus the basis of the U-shape of the suspension means 290 are not aligned with the basis of the upper engaging part 230. In use, the backplate 250 and a photovoltaic panel (not shown in figure 11) clamped between the upper (230) and lower engaging part (240) will extend upwards to beyond a supporting surface from which the supporting structure 220 together with the photovoltaic panel suspends.

[0075] The supporting structure of the present invention can be used in a upside down mounted use, wherein the locking element 180 will be used as suspension means.

[0076] LIST OF ELEMENTS IN DRAWINGS

[0077] Throughout the figures, the following numbering is adhered:

[0078] 100, 220 supporting structure

[0079] 110 integral supporting element

[0080] 120 PV panel

[0081] 121 frame

[0082] 122 extending section

[0083] 130, 230 an upper engaging part

[0084] 140, 240 a lower engaging part

[0085] 150, 250 a backplate

[0086] 151 through hole

[0087] 152 through hole

[0088] 161 a tension strap

[0089] 162 threaded rod

[0090] 163 through element

[0091] 170 upper contact surface

[0092] 171 lower contact surface

[0093] 172 support surface

[0094] 175 vertical bar

[0095] 176 horizontal beam

[0096] 180 locking element

[0097] 190, 290 suspension means

[0098] 200 notches and through holes

[0099] 210 opening

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A supporting structure (100, 220) for mounting a photovoltaic panel, or PV panel, having a height and a width, the support structure comprising an integral supporting element (110) configured to, in use, support a PV panel (120) to be supported and having an upper engaging part (130, 230), configured to engage an upper edge of the PV panel (120) to be supported, a lower engaging part (140, 240), configured to engage an lower edge of the PV panel (120) to be supported, and a backplate (150, 250) that connects the upper engaging part (130, 230) to the lower engaging part (140, 240) such that the distance between the lower engaging part and the upper engaging part corresponds to the height of the PV panel (120), the supporting structure (100, 220) further comprising clamping means (161 , 162, 163, ), configured to force the upper engaging part (130, 230) and the lower engaging part (140, 240) in each other’s direction and thus clamp the PV panel (120) between the upper engaging part (130, 203) and the lower engaging part (140, 240).

2. The supporting structure (100, 220) according to claim 1 , wherein the clamping means (161 , 162, 163) are configured for clamping the PV panel (120) between the upper engaging part (130, 230) and the lower engaging part (140, 240) immovably.

3. The supporting structure (100, 220) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping means comprise an tension element (161 , 162, 163) that, in use, engage the backplate (150, 250) and pull the backplate (150, 250) in a direction facing away from the PV panel (120), when the backplate (150, 250) contacts on an upper side an upper contact surface (170) and on a lower side a lower contact surface (171), and wherein the backplate (150, 250) is pulled in the direction facing away from the PV panel (130, 230) further than an imaginary plane formed by the upper and lower contact surfaces (170, 171).

4. The supporting structure (100, 220) according to claim 3, wherein the backplate (150, 250) further comprises at least two spaced apart through holes (151 , 152) each configured for receiving the tension element (161 , 162, 163).

5. The supporting structure (100, 220) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the integral supporting element (110) is constructed from one piece.

6. The supporting structure (100, 220) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking element (180) configured to engage an extending section (122) of a frame (121) of the PV panel (120), to prevent the frame of the PV panel (120) from sliding beyond the locking element (180).

7. The supporting structure (100, 220) according to claim 6, wherein the locking element is further configured for fixating the PV panel (120) between the backplate (150, 250) and the locking element (180).

8. The supporting structure (100, 220) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the integral supporting element (110) is made from metal, preferably aluminium.

9. The supporting structure (100, 220) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the integral supporting element (110) is in the range of 5 to 50 cm, preferably in the range of 10 to 30 cm.

10. The supporting structure (100, 220) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising suspension means (190, 290) for suspending the supporting structure from a support surface (170), preferably wherein the suspension means (190, 290) are integrally connected to the integral supporting element (110).

11. The supporting structure (100, 220) according to claim 10, wherein the suspension means (290), together with a part of the backplate (250), forms a U-shaped profile, at an upper half of the backplate (250) and the basis of the U shape facing an upperside of the backplate (250), or wherein the suspension means (190) form, together with the backplate (150), a U-shaped profile located at an upper side of the backplate (150).

12. The supporting structure (100, 220) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper and / or lower engaging part (130, 140, 230, 240) together with the backplate (150, 250) forms a U-shape.

13. A method of manufacturing the supporting structure (100, 220) according to claim 12, comprising the manufacturing of the integral supporting element (110), wherein the manufacturing of the integral supporting element (110) comprises: providing a plate, and bending of the plate such a U-shape is formed at an upper and / or lower side of the plate to form the respective engaging part or parts.

14. A system for supporting a photovoltaic panel comprising a PV panel (120) and two supporting structure (100, 220) according to any one of claims 1-12.

15. A method for suspending a PV panel (120) from a support surface (170), the method comprising: sliding a PV panel (120) into at least one supporting structure (100, 220) according to any one of claims 3-12, such that is engaged at an upper edge by the upper engaging part (130, 230) and at a lower edge by the lower engaging part (140, 240), suspending at least one supporting structure (100, 220) together with the PV panel (120) from a support surface (170), and tensioning the tension element (161 , 162, 163) such that the upper engaging part (130, 230) and the lower engaging part (140, 240) are forced in each other’s direction and thus clamp the PV panel (120) between the upper engaging part (130, 230) and the lower engaging part (140, 240).

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