Mounting rail for mounting solar panels

Abstract

The invention relates to a mounting rail (100) for mounting solar panels (200) on a support structure such as a building facade or a roof structure. The mounting rail (100) comprises a first and a second profiled element (1, 2) which each have an inner coupling device (11, 21) and an outer fastening device (12, 22) for fastening solar panels (200) to the mounting rail (100), the profiled elements (1, 2) being able to be coupled to one another by means of the coupling devices (11, 21).

Description

[0001] Mounting rail for mounting solar panels

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a mounting rail for attaching solar panels to a supporting structure such as a building facade or a roof structure. The mounting rail comprises a first and a second profile element, each with an inner coupling device and each with an outer fastening device for attaching solar panels to the mounting rail, wherein the profile elements can be coupled to one another by means of the coupling devices.

[0004] The invention also relates to a solar panel module comprising a first and a second profile element, each with an inner coupling section, and at least one solar panel coupled to the profile elements and arranged between the profile elements.

[0005] The invention further relates to a method for mounting solar panels to a support structure, wherein at least two solar panel modules are pre-assembled according to the method.

[0006] Solar panels are typically not used as freestanding units but are mounted on support structures. These support structures can be solid structures such as building facades or roof structures that are sufficiently robust to permanently secure the solar panels. Mounting rails are commonly used to attach the solar panels to these support structures. A single mounting rail allows multiple solar panels to be mounted on one structure, simplifying the installation process. However, a problem with existing mounting rails is that each solar module usually has to be individually positioned and secured to its two mounting rails. This process involves time-consuming measuring, adjustment, and / or fastening steps that typically have to be carried out directly on the support structure, for example, on a pitched roof.In this process, each individual solar panel, arranged between two mounting rails, must be mounted so precisely to form a solar panel module that this solar panel module is, in turn, positioned exactly relative to adjacent solar panel modules. In this context, a solar panel module refers to an arrangement of several solar panels on two mounting rails. This type of mounting typically requires extensive measurement steps and offers little tolerance for measurement errors, inaccurate fastenings, or uneven support structures.

[0007] Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide a mounting rail, a solar panel module comprising the mounting rail and a method for mounting solar panels, which simplify the mounting of the solar panels.

[0008] This problem is solved by a mounting rail according to claim 1, a solar panel module according to claim 9, and a method for mounting solar panels according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] According to claim 1, a mounting rail is provided for mounting solar panels on a support structure. The support structure can be a building facade, a roof structure, or any other structure suitable for permanently holding, in particular, commercially available solar panels.

[0010] The mounting rail comprises a first and a second profile element, each with an inner coupling device and an outer fastening device for attaching solar panels to the mounting rail, wherein the profile elements can be coupled to each other by means of the coupling devices.

[0011] When the two profile elements are coupled, the mounting rail is typically positioned on the support structure. The two-part design of the mounting rail allows solar panels to be pre-assembled between the first and second profile elements of the mounting rail, even away from the support structure. This pre-assembly can be carried out on a flat and easily accessible surface. Pre-assembling the first and second profile elements onto multiple solar panels results in a pre-assembled solar panel module where all solar panels are simply and correctly positioned relative to each other and to their respective first and second profile elements.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the coupling devices each comprise a coupling section, in particular an upper one, which secures the profile elements to one another in a horizontal direction, wherein preferably the upper coupling section of the first profile element projects beyond the upper coupling section of the second profile element.

[0012] The upper coupling section of the first profile element can have a U-shaped, downward-opening cross-section, and the upper coupling section of the second profile element can be located at least partially within the U-shaped cross-section when the profile elements are coupled. The coupling devices can thus provide both mechanical coupling of the two profile elements and protection against moisture.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the coupling devices each comprise a coupling section, in particular a lower one, which secures the profile elements to one another in a vertical direction.

[0014] The two lower coupling sections can overlap at least partially in the vertical direction, so that vertical relative movement of the two profile elements is only at least partially restricted. The upper and lower coupling sections can be provided at vertically opposite end sections of the mounting rail. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that an inner locking section is provided between the upper and lower coupling sections, by means of which the second profile element can be locked to the support structure, in particular screwed in place, wherein the inner locking section preferably comprises a longitudinal groove.

[0015] The inner locking section can be arranged horizontally and / or vertically between the upper and lower coupling sections. The inner locking section can be a solid section of the second profile element, the lower section of which is designed to be in contact with the supporting structure, i.e., it has a substantially flat lower section that can rest against a supporting structure that is also typically at least partially flat.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the coupling devices each comprise an inner web and the fastening devices each comprise an intermediate web and preferably an outer web, wherein preferably the inner webs have the greatest vertical extent and / or the outer webs have the smallest vertical extent and the intermediate webs have an intermediate vertical extent, and / or that the profile elements can be coupled to each other at least partially in a form-fitting manner by means of the coupling devices.

[0017] The webs can extend essentially vertically or perpendicular to a main plane of the typically planar supporting structure. The upper and lower coupling sections can be located at opposite ends of the inner webs.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that at least one solar panel coupling for connecting a solar panel is provided between the intermediate web and the inner web of each of the profile elements, preferably designed as a bolt. The solar panel coupling can connect the two webs to each other or only occupy parts of the area between the webs, i.e., not connect the webs to each other.

[0019] The actual number of solar panel couplings depends on the length of the mounting rail and the number of solar panels attached to it. Each solar panel is connected to the mounting rail by means of at least two solar panel couplings, which are positively connected to the solar panel on two opposite sides. The solar panel coupling can be a component that does not belong to the same material structure as the profile elements. For example, the solar panel coupling can be a steel bolt connected to profile elements extruded from an aluminum alloy.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that at least one of the profile elements comprises an outer locking section by means of which the respective profile element can be locked to the supporting structure, in particular clamped.

[0021] The outer locking sections can be arranged opposite the lower coupling sections and / or spaced laterally from them in a horizontal direction. The outer locking sections and the lower coupling sections can laterally define the lowest sections of the profile elements. The outer locking sections can comprise upwardly directed and / or essentially horizontal surfaces, via which the corresponding profile element can be secured to the underlying support structure by means of, for example, a clamp or a screw.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the fastening devices comprises an outwardly directed and horizontal longitudinal groove designed to partially accommodate an insulating section running parallel to the solar panel. The longitudinal grooves can be arranged above the outer locking sections and / or spaced vertically apart from them. A space suitable for utilizing solar thermal energy can be provided between the insulating section that can be inserted into the longitudinal grooves and the solar panel that can be arranged above it.

[0023] The invention is also directed to a solar panel module comprising a first and a second profile element, each with an inner coupling section, at least one solar panel coupled to the profile elements and arranged between the profile elements, wherein the solar panel module can be coupled to adjacent solar panel modules via the inner coupling sections of the profile elements, wherein the coupled profile elements form a mounting rail according to one of the preceding claims.

[0024] In a single solar panel module according to the invention, the mounting rail is initially incomplete, consisting of two profile elements that are not directly coupled to each other. Only after two solar panel modules are coupled together is a mounting rail, also according to the invention, formed between the two coupled solar panel modules by coupling a first profile element to a second profile element of the adjacent, adjoining solar panel modules.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method for mounting solar panels to a supporting structure, the method comprising the steps of:

[0026] Mount at least two solar panel modules away from the supporting structure;

[0027] Transporting the first solar panel module to the supporting structure;

[0028] Securing the first solar panel module to the support structure;

[0029] Transporting a second solar panel module to the supporting structure;

[0030] Securing the second solar panel module to the first solar panel module; and securing the second solar panel module to the support structure.

[0031] The invention allows for the pre-assembly of the solar panel modules away from the support structure, thus simplifying and accelerating the actual mounting on the support structure. The number of pre-assembled solar panel modules can be selected as needed. This pre-assembly capability is linked to the design of the two-part mounting rail. A first and a second profile element of the mounting rail can initially be used away from the support structure to pre-assemble a first solar panel module. This solar panel module can then be transported to the support structure and secured there. The solar panel module is secured to the support structure via the inner locking section, which can be considered part of the coupling device. Subsequently, the two corresponding profile elements of the first and a second solar panel module can be coupled together using the same coupling device.This approach significantly reduces the effort required for the correct installation of the individual solar panels.

[0032] Further details and advantages of the invention are explained with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. These show:

[0033] Fig. 1: schematic cross-sectional view of a mounting rail in the coupled state;

[0034] Fig. 2a: schematic cross-sectional view of a solar panel module; and

[0035] Fig. 2b: schematic cross-sectional view of two solar panel modules in the coupled state.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mounting rail 100 in its coupled state. The mounting rail 100 serves to mount solar panels 200, which are shown in Figures 2a and 2b below, to a supporting structure. The supporting structure can be a building facade, a roof structure, or any other structure suitable for permanently holding commercially available solar panels. The supporting structure is shown as the hatched area below the mounting rail 100.

[0037] The mounting rail 100 comprises a first and a second profile element 1, 2, each with an inner coupling device 11, 21 and an outer fastening device 12, 22 for attaching the solar panels 200 to the mounting rail 100. Figure 1 shows the profile elements 1, 2 in a coupled state, wherein the profile elements 1, 2 are coupled to each other via their respective coupling devices 11, 21.

[0038] In this context, internal features are defined as those located in the area of ​​the coupling device 11, 21. With respect to the cross-section of the entire mounting rail 100 shown, this corresponds to the horizontally central or inner area of ​​the mounting rail 100. External areas are located on the left and right sides of the mounting rail 100. The mounting rail 100 can extend with a constant cross-section over a length of typically several meters in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0039] The coupling devices 11, 21 can each comprise a coupling section 111, 211, in particular an upper one, which secures the profile elements 1, 2 to one another in a horizontal direction, wherein preferably the upper coupling section 111 of the first profile element 1 projects beyond and / or at least partially incorporates the upper coupling section 211 of the second profile element 2. The upper coupling section 111 of the first profile element 1 can have a U-shaped cross-section open downwards. The upper coupling section 211 of the second profile element 2 can comprise one or more sections inclined towards the first profile element 1. The upper coupling sections 111, 211 can be shaped relative to one another such that they can be wedged together or positively coupled to each other in the coupled state.The two profile elements 1, 2 can be coupled together in such a way that they are movable relative to each other in their longitudinal direction as long as they are not fixed to the supporting structure.

[0040] The upper coupling section 211 of the second profile element 2 can be located at least partially within the U-shaped cross-section when the profile elements 1, 2 are coupled. The coupling devices 11, 21 can thus provide both a mechanical coupling of the two profile elements 1, 2 and protection against moisture. This is because, in the position shown in Figure 1, the two profile elements 1, 2 can no longer be moved horizontally relative to each other. Water, for example, falling as rain onto the upper coupling section 111 from above, cannot penetrate between the two coupling devices 11, 21 or between the two profile elements 1, 2, and thus cannot enter the area of ​​the supporting structure. Instead, water flowing from above runs off to the left and right of the upper coupling section 111 and into a first intermediate area between webs of the profile elements 1, 2.In this first intermediate section, a water drain, the water can flow along the profile elements 1 and 2 without coming into contact with the supporting structure. The first intermediate section is designed so that water from the solar panels 200 can drain into it.

[0041] The coupling devices 11, 21 each have a lower coupling section 112, 212, which secures the profile elements 1, 2 to each other in the vertical direction. Together with the upper coupling sections 111, 211, the two profile elements 1, 2 can thus be secured to each other in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0042] The two lower coupling sections 112, 212 can overlap at least partially in the vertical direction, so that a vertical relative movement of the two profile elements 1, 2 is at least partially restricted. The two lower coupling sections 112, 212 can each comprise at least one interlocking feature and recess designed to fix the two profile elements 1, 2 to each other at least partially in the vertical direction.

[0043] The upper and lower coupling sections 111, 211; 112, 212 can be provided on vertically opposite end sections of the mounting rail 100: the upper coupling sections 111, 211 can form the uppermost part of the profile elements 1, 2, while the lower coupling sections 112, 212 are part of the lowest area of ​​the profile elements 1, 2.

[0044] The coupling devices 11, 21 can comprise all or part of those sections of the profile elements 1, 2 that serve to couple the profile elements 1, 2 to each other and to the supporting structure. The coupling devices 11, 21 can generally be designed such that they bring the two profile elements 1, 2 into at least partial positive engagement. As can be seen from the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the two profile elements 1, 2 are not freely movable in the horizontal and vertical directions relative to each other after they have been coupled. The two coupling devices 11, 21 of the profile elements 1, 2 are designed such that the first profile element 1 can only be partially rotated relative to the second profile element 2.

[0045] An inner locking section 216 is provided between the upper and lower coupling sections 111, 211; 112, 212, by means of which the second profile element 2 can be locked to the supporting structure, in particular screwed in place. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the inner locking section 216 includes a longitudinal groove 2161, which simplifies the positioning of screws for fastening the second profile element 2.

[0046] The inner locking section 216 can be a solid section of the second profile element 2, which is configured on its lower side to be in contact with the supporting structure, i.e., which has a substantially flat lower section that can abut a supporting structure that is also generally at least partially flat. The lower coupling section 212 of the second profile element 2 can transition directly into the inner locking section 216. The lower coupling section 212 of the second profile element 2 and the inner locking section 216 can have a common, in particular flat, upper surface. The lower coupling section 212 can extend the inner locking section 216 in a lateral direction.

[0047] The inner locking section 216 can be arranged horizontally and / or vertically between the upper and lower coupling sections 111, 211; 112, 212. The coupling devices 11, 21 can comprise both the inner locking section 216 and the upper and lower coupling sections 111, 211; 112, 212.

[0048] The coupling devices 11, 21 can each comprise an inner web 113, 213, and the fastening devices 12, 22 can each comprise an intermediate web 124, 224 and preferably an outer web 125, 225, wherein preferably the inner webs 113, 213 have the greatest vertical extent and / or the outer webs 125, 225 have the smallest vertical extent and the intermediate webs 124, 224 have an intermediate vertical extent. In the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 1, the inner web 113 of the first profile element 1 is the highest section of the entire mounting rail 100 in the vertical direction. Here, the upper coupling section 111 can be designed as part of or an extension of the inner web 113 of the first profile element 1. The profile elements 1, 2 are positively coupled to each other by means of the coupling devices 11, 21.

[0049] The webs can extend essentially vertically or perpendicularly to a main plane of the usually planar supporting structure. The upper and lower coupling sections 111, 211; 112, 212 can be arranged at opposite ends of the inner webs 113, 213.

[0050] The inner web 113 of the first profile element 1 can comprise an upper, in particular vertical, main section 1131 and a lower, in particular vertical, secondary section 1133 arranged offset to the outside, which are connected to each other via an intermediate section 1132, in particular horizontal. Below the intermediate section 1132, a space is recessed by the first profile element 1 as shaped in this way, in which the lower coupling sections 112, 212 and the inner locking section 216 are arranged when the profile elements 1, 2 are coupled.

[0051] Between the intermediate web 124, 224 and the inner web 113, 213 of each of the profile elements 1, 2, a solar panel coupling 127, 227 is provided for coupling a solar panel 200. In the illustrated embodiment, this is designed as a bolt.

[0052] In the lower outer areas of both profile elements 1, 2, an outer locking section 117, 217 is arranged, by means of which the respective profile element 1, 2 can be locked to the supporting structure, in particular clamped or screwed in place.

[0053] The outer locking sections 117, 217 of each of the profile elements 1, 2 can be arranged at a distance from the corresponding lower coupling sections 112, 212 and laterally spaced from the lower coupling sections 112, 212 in the horizontal direction. The outer locking sections 117, 217 and the lower coupling sections 112, 212 can laterally define the lowest sections of the profile elements 1, 2. The outer locking sections 117, 217 can comprise upwardly directed and / or substantially horizontal surfaces by means of, for example, a clamp or a screw, securing the corresponding profile element 1, 2 to the underlying support structure. The fastening devices 12, 22 of each of the profile elements 1, 2 comprise an outwardly directed and horizontal longitudinal groove 118, 218, which is designed to partially accommodate an insulating section 400, 400' running parallel to the solar panel 200.The insulating sections 400, 400' are only partially shown in Figure 1. The insulating section 400, 400' can have a comparable area to a solar panel 200 that can be placed above it.

[0054] The longitudinal grooves 118, 218 can be arranged above and / or vertically spaced apart from the outer locking sections 117, 217. A space suitable for the use of solar thermal energy can be provided between the insulating section 400, 400', which can be inserted into the longitudinal grooves 118, 218, and the solar panel 200, which can be arranged above it.

[0055] Figure 2a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar panel module 300 with a first and a second profile element 1, 2, each with an inner coupling section 11, 21. The two profile elements 1, 2 are shown in a state in which they are not yet coupled to the respective corresponding profile elements 1, 2 of an adjacent solar panel module 300. The mounting rail 100 shown in Figure 1 is therefore not yet in the fully assembled or coupled state of the profile elements 1, 2.

[0056] A solar panel 200 is coupled to the two profile elements 1, 2 and arranged between them. The solar panel module 300 can be coupled to adjacent solar panel modules 300 (not shown) via the remaining free inner coupling sections 11, 21 of the profile elements 1, 2. The coupled profile elements 1, 2 of adjacent solar panel modules 300 then form a mounting rail 100 as shown in Figure 1.

[0057] The two-part mounting rail 100 according to the invention makes it possible to pre-assemble solar panels 200 between a first and a second profile element 1, 2, even away from the supporting structure. This pre-assembly can take place on a flat, easily accessible area. Pre-assembling the first and second profile elements 1, 2 on a plurality of solar panels 200 results in a corresponding pre-assembled solar panel module 300, in which all solar panels 200 are simply positioned and attached correctly to each other and to their first and second profile elements 1, 2. The cross-section in Figure 2a does not show how many solar panels 200 are arranged perpendicular to the plane of the drawing on the profile elements 1, 2. The number of possible solar panels 200 in a solar panel module 300 is limited by the length of the selected profile elements 1, 2 and can be chosen almost arbitrarily depending on the length of the profile elements 1, 2.The number of solar panel couplings 127, 227 also depends on the length of the profile elements 1, 2 or the mounting rail 100 and the number of solar panels 200 connected to them. Each solar panel 200 is coupled to the mounting rail 100 by means of at least or exactly two solar panel couplings 127, 227, which are positively connected to the solar panel 200 on two opposite sides. Two adjacent solar panels 200 of a solar panel module 300 can overlap at least partially on their adjacent sides and / or be otherwise secured against the ingress of water, for example by sealing elements.

[0058] The solar panel coupling 127, 227 can be a component that does not belong to the same material structure from which the profile elements 1, 2 are made. For example, the solar panel coupling 127, 227 can be a steel bolt that is connected to profile elements 1, 2 extruded from an aluminum alloy.

[0059] To mount the two profile elements 1, 2 in the position shown in Figure 1, the entire first solar panel module 300 of Figure 2a is first transported onto a support structure and positioned there. Then, the left-hand (i.e., second) profile element 2 in Figure 2a is mounted to the support structure, for example, by means of screws. The screws can be inserted through the longitudinal groove 2161 into the inner locking section 216 and further into the support structure. The right-hand (i.e., first) profile element 1 can be coupled to another solar panel module 300 already on the support structure via its freestanding second profile element 2 or via a previously fixed and independent second profile element 2 on the support structure.

[0060] Next, a second solar panel module 300, as shown in Figure 2b, is positioned next to the first, i.e., right-hand, solar panel module 300. The second, i.e., left-hand, solar panel module 300 is coupled to the second profile element 2 of the right-hand solar panel module 300 via its initially free-standing coupling devices 11. For this purpose, as shown in Figure 1, the upper coupling section 111 of the first profile element 1 is placed at an angle onto the upper coupling section 211 of the second profile element 2, so that the lower coupling sections 112, 212 of the two profile elements 1, 2 do not yet interact with each other. Next, the first profile element 1 of the left-hand solar panel module 300 is pivoted into the position shown in Figure 1 or 2b. Both profile elements 1, 2 are now also coupled to each other via the lower coupling sections 112, 212 and the state shown in Figure 2b is achieved.The freestanding left second profile element 2 of the left solar panel module 300 can be connected to the support structure by means of screws and its inner locking section 216, as described above. In a single solar panel module 300 according to the invention, the mounting rail 100 is therefore initially not yet complete, i.e., it exists in the form of two profile elements 1, 2 that are not directly coupled to each other. Only after two solar panel modules 300 are coupled is a mounting rail 100, also according to the invention, formed between the two coupled solar panel modules 300 by coupling a first profile element 1, 2 to a second profile element 1, 2.

[0061] The invention is accordingly also directed to a method for mounting solar panels 200 to a supporting structure, wherein the method comprises the steps:

[0062] Mount at least two 300 mm solar panel modules away from the support structure; transport a first 300 mm solar panel module to the support structure;

[0063] Securing the first 300-unit solar panel module to the support structure; transporting a second 300-unit solar panel module to the support structure;

[0064] Securing the second solar panel module 300 to the first solar panel module 300; and securing the second solar panel module 300 to the supporting structure.

[0065] The pre-assembly of the solar panel modules 300, as enabled by the invention, simplifies and accelerates the actual mounting of the solar panels 200 on the support structure. This pre-assembly is made possible by the design of the two-part mounting rail 100. A first and a second profile element 1, 2 of the mounting rail 100 can initially be used away from the support structure for pre-assembling a first solar panel module 300. This solar panel module 300 can then be transported to the support structure and secured there. The solar panel module 300 is secured via the inner locking section 216, which can be considered part of the coupling device 11, 21. Subsequently, the two profile elements 1, 2 of the first and a second solar panel module 300 can be coupled together via the same coupling device 11, 21.This approach significantly reduces the effort required for the correct installation of the individual 200 solar panels.

[0066] The method may include any further steps disclosed in connection with the features of the mounting rail 100 and which can be carried out in the assembly of the solar panel modules 300, such as the mounting of insulating sections 400, 400', the wiring of the solar panels 200, the provision of solar thermal components, the attachment of additional alternative elements instead of solar panels 200 such as roof elements.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Mounting rail (100) for mounting solar panels (200) on a supporting structure such as a building facade or a roof structure, comprising a first and a second profile element (1 , 2) each with an inner coupling device (11 , 21) and each with an outer fastening device (12, 22) for attaching solar panels to the mounting rail (100), wherein the profile elements (1 , 2) can be coupled to each other by means of the coupling devices (11 , 21).

2. Mounting rail (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the coupling devices (11 , 21) each comprise a coupling section (111 , 211) which secures the profile elements (1 , 2) to each other in a horizontal direction, wherein preferably the upper coupling section (111) of the first profile element (1) extends beyond the upper coupling section (211) of the second profile element (2).

3. Mounting rail (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling devices (11 , 21) each comprise a coupling section (112, 212) in particular a lower section which secures the profile elements (1 , 2) to each other in a vertical direction.

4. Mounting rail (100) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that an inner locking section (216) is provided between the upper and lower coupling sections (111 , 211 ; 112, 212), by means of which the second profile element (2) can be locked to the supporting structure, in particular screwed in place, wherein the inner locking section (216) preferably comprises a longitudinal groove (2161).

5. Mounting rail (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling devices (11, 21) each comprise an inner web (113, 213) and the fastening devices (12, 22) each comprise an intermediate web (124, 224) and preferably an outer web (125, 225), wherein preferably the inner webs (113, 213) have the greatest vertical extent and / or the outer webs (125, 225) have the smallest vertical extent and the intermediate webs (124, 224) have an intermediate vertical extent, and / or that the profile elements (1, 2) are connected by means of the Coupling devices (11, 21) can be coupled to each other at least partially in a form-fitting manner.

6. Mounting rail (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one solar panel coupling (127, 227) for coupling a solar panel (200) is provided between the intermediate web (124, 224) and the inner web (113, 213) of each of the profile elements (1, 2), which is preferably designed as a bolt.

7. Mounting rail (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the profile elements (1 , 2) comprises an outer locking section (117, 217) by means of which the respective profile element (1, 2) can be locked to the supporting structure, in particular clamped.

8. Mounting rail (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the fastening devices (12, 22) comprises an outwardly directed and horizontal longitudinal groove (118, 218) which is configured to partially accommodate an insulating section running parallel to the solar panel (200).

9. Solar panel module (300), comprising a first and a second profile element (1, 2) each with an inner coupling section (11, 21), at least one solar panel (200) coupled to the profile elements (1, 2) and arranged between the profile elements (1, 2), wherein the solar panel module (300) can be coupled to adjacent solar panel modules (300) via the inner coupling sections (11, 21) of the profile elements (1, 2), wherein the coupled profile elements (1, 2) are a mounting rail (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Method for mounting solar panels (200) to a supporting structure, comprising the steps: Mounting at least two solar panel modules (300) according to claim 9 away from the support structure; Transporting a first solar panel module (300) to the supporting structure; Securing the first solar panel module (300) to the supporting structure; Transporting a second solar panel module (300) to the supporting structure; Attaching the second solar panel module (300) to the first solar panel module (300); and Securing the second solar panel module (300) to the support structure.

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