SYSTEM FOR FIXING AT LEAST ONE PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE ON A ROOF SURFACE AND ROOF SURFACE INCLUDING SUCH A FIXING SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixing system (1) for at least one photovoltaic module (3) on a roofing surface (5) comprising at least one roofing element (7), said system (1) comprising at least: – a first profile (9), referred to as the base profile, which includes a central portion (13) forming a base arranged to receive an edge of a photovoltaic module (3) and two lateral wings (15) extending on each side of the central portion (13); – a fixing device (11; 111; 112; 113) configured to be fixed to at least one roofing element (7) and which includes two fixing tabs (22), each of which is fixed to one of the lateral wings (15) of the first profile (9). Figure to be published with the abstract: [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: SYSTEM FOR FIXING AT LEAST ONE PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE ON A COVERING SURFACE AND COVERING SURFACE COMPRISING SUCH A FIXING SYSTEM

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of photovoltaic panels or modules, and more particularly, the invention relates to the fixing of photovoltaic modules on covering surfaces, such as roofs, for example roofs of industrial, public, agricultural, shade or residential buildings.

[0002] For about ten years, for economic reasons, a certain interest has developed in the use of solar energy to partially meet the electricity consumption needs of homes, commercial premises or industrial premises, or to generate additional income by reselling the electricity to a producer and / or electricity supplier.

[0003] Thus, to produce electricity, it is known to place on roofs photovoltaic modules comprising photovoltaic cells coupled in series with each other and generating a direct current when they are exposed to sunlight.

[0004] Some large roofs, such as those of livestock buildings, are even increasingly being transformed or constructed by assembling photovoltaic modules. There is also the installation of solar canopies on parking lots, for example in shopping centers or amusement parks, i.e. one or more structures equipped with photovoltaic modules under which cars can park in the shade and which, in addition, produce electricity.

[0005] A photovoltaic module is most often formed from a laminated panel, comprising two glass substrates on the front and rear faces, and between which are arranged photovoltaic cells consisting of a stack of semiconductor materials (for example silicon) sandwiched between two metal electrodes.

[0006] All of the above elements constituting the photovoltaic cells are surrounded and carried by a metal support frame, also integrating the cables for electrical distribution. This frame offers the advantage of being able to easily attach and fix a photovoltaic module to a roof, or at least a covering surface.

[0007] The fixing of such photovoltaic modules is usually carried out by fixing them to the existing framework, more particularly on and transversely to battens or to purlins, suitable fixing systems, for example metal profiles spaced the width of a module. The modules are then placed against the profiles, and secured to them by suitable fixing means.

[0008] The installation of such photovoltaic modules on covering surfaces, roofs or shade structures, is work that is carried out at height, making it difficult to position and fix the various elements of the fixing devices forming the interface between the covering surface and the photovoltaic modules.

[0009] Furthermore, existing fixing systems and photovoltaic modules are generally composed of several elements which each need to be fixed to the covering surface and / or to each other using fixing members, such as screws, rivets and / or bolts.

[0010] Unfortunately, due to the height and productivity requirements, it is common for the fixing members to not always be properly fixed, leading to risks of a photovoltaic module becoming detached, particularly when there is a lot of wind.

[0011] Furthermore, it is necessary for operators to use heavy and bulky tools, such as screwdrivers, buttonholes, riveters, etc. which make the installation of such fastening systems difficult, tiring and time-consuming, particularly at height.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention thus proposes to remedy at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a new type of system for fixing at least one photovoltaic module to a covering surface comprising at least one covering element, said system comprising at least: - a first profile, called the seat profile, which includes: a middle part forming a base arranged to accommodate an edge of a photovoltaic module and, two lateral wings extending on either side of the middle part; - a fixing device configured to be fixed to at least one covering element and which comprises two fixing lugs each of which is fixed to one of the side wings of the first profile.

[0013] The fixing system according to the invention thus proposes another solution to the known systems for fixing photovoltaic modules to a covering surface, and more particularly to the covering elements of said surface. The fixing system according to the invention allows simpler and faster fixing of a photovoltaic module on a covering surface.

[0014] According to a possible characteristic, said fixing device comprises hooks configured to cooperate with one or more openings provided in said at least one covering element. The fact that the fixing device, which provides the mechanical connection between the covering element and the base profile, is itself fixed to said covering element by mechanical cooperation, for example by the insertion or fitting of hooks into openings provided in said covering element, makes it possible to avoid using tools and fixing members, such as a screwdriver and screws, etc., thus reducing the labor time for installing said fixing systems according to the invention.

[0015] According to another possible characteristic, said fixing device is configured to be fixed by means of at least one opening provided in said at least one covering element and two complementary parts forming a tenon-mortise type assembly. Such a way of fixing the fixing system to a roofing element makes it possible to fix said system to a roofing element simply, quickly and with a minimum of tools, or even none at all, and therefore to avoid the need to handle heavy and unwieldy tools to carry out this operation.

[0016] According to another possible characteristic, said system comprises at least one clip configured to secure a part of the first profile to a part of said at least one photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module is advantageously fixed to the fixing system of the invention by means of a clip (or a clamp), therefore without it being necessary for the operator to screw, bolt, etc. said module to the fixing system, thus making it simpler and faster to install said photovoltaic module on the covering surface by means of the fixing system according to the invention.

[0017] According to another possible characteristic, said clip is configured to fix the first profile to a photovoltaic module by friction and / or by snap-fastening. Advantageously, the clip (or clamp) “pinches” a part of the photovoltaic module and of the first profile, the mechanical cooperation by friction and / or by snap-fastening of the clip on said parts making it possible to secure the photovoltaic module together to the first profile of the fixing system.

[0018] According to another possible characteristic, said fixing system comprises a reinforcing part configured to cooperate mechanically with the first profile, transversely to the longitudinal axis of said first profile. The reinforcing piece makes it possible to reinforce the mechanical strength of the fixing system according to the invention when at least one photovoltaic module is mounted on said system according to the invention. The reinforcing piece is advantageously fixed close to or in mechanical cooperation with one of the free edges of said at least one photovoltaic module.

[0019] According to another possible characteristic, said reinforcing piece is configured to be fixed by snap-fastening and / or a tenon-mortise assembly to said first profile. Advantageously, the reinforcement piece can be fixed by mechanical cooperation, snap-fastening and / or mortise-and-tenon assembly, to the first profile, therefore without the use of tools and / or additional fixing members, such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc.

[0020] According to another possible characteristic, said fixing system comprises a second profile, called an angle iron, configured to secure two adjacent photovoltaic modules together. The second profile allows two adjacent or side-by-side photovoltaic modules to be joined longitudinally or transversely, thus reinforcing the mechanical strength of the assembly formed by one or two fixing systems, as well as several photovoltaic modules.

[0021] According to another possible characteristic, said second profile is configured to fit by elastic deformation across at least two photovoltaic modules. Advantageously, the second profile can be fixed without tools or additional fixing members. The second profile can thus secure two adjacent photovoltaic modules by mechanically cooperating with each of the edges of said modules, for example by fitting with said edges after elastic deformation.

[0022] According to another possible characteristic, the second profile comprises water drainage openings, for example at least one opening provided at each of the longitudinal ends of said second profile.

[0023] According to another possible characteristic, said middle part, such as a core, and the lateral wings have a substantially trapezoidal shape. The first profile advantageously has a (transverse) section whose shape is substantially open trapezoidal, a shape allowing the first profiles of the fixing system according to the invention to be stacked (by nesting), in order to facilitate their transport and storage.

[0024] According to another possible characteristic, the first profile, the fixing device, the second profile and / or the reinforcement piece are in one piece. Advantageously, the first profile, the fixing device, the second profile and / or the reinforcement part are single-piece or unitary, reducing their manufacturing cost, facilitating their installation and / or improving their mechanical strength.

[0025] According to another possible characteristic, the first profile, the fixing device, the second profile and / or the reinforcement piece (is or) are made of steel, aluminum, and / or plastic.

[0026] The invention also relates to a covering surface comprising a covering element, a fixing system as defined above, as well as a photo module tovoltaic fixed to said covering element by means of said fixing system.

[0027] The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given solely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - [Fig.l] illustrates a schematic, perspective, three-quarter view of a fixing system according to the invention intended to secure at least one photovoltaic module to a covering surface; - [[Fig.2]] is a schematic, enlarged, and partial view of an element of the fixing system of [Fig.l]; - [[Fig.3]] is a schematic, cross-sectional and partial view of the fixing system of [Fig.l]; - [[Fig.4]], [Fig.5] and [Fig.6] are schematic, enlarged, three-quarter perspective views of a fixing device of the system of [Fig.l]; - [Fig.7] illustrates a first variant embodiment of the fixing device of the system of [Fig.l]; - [Fig.8] illustrates a second variant embodiment of the fixing device of the system of [Fig.l]; - [Fig.9] illustrates a third variant embodiment of the fixing device of the system of [Fig.l]; - [[Fig.10]] is a schematic, cross-sectional and partial view of a second profile of the fixing system of [[Fig.l]]; - [Fig. 11] is a schematic, partial and perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a first profile of the fixing system of [Fig.l].

[0028] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the vehicle, or the structure to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". Furthermore, it will be noted that in the different figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

[0029] In the present application, it will be noted that "substantially parallel" means a direction deviating by at most 20°, or even by at most 10° or by at most 5° from a parallel direction. It will also be noted that "substantially orthogonal" means a direction deviating by at most 20°, or even by at most 10° or by at most 5° from an angle of a value of 90°.

[0030] [Fig.l] thus illustrates a schematic, perspective, three-quarter view of a fixing system 1 according to the invention intended to secure at least one photovoltaic module 3, advantageously at least two, to a covering surface 5.

[0031] The photovoltaic module 3 comprises, for example, a photovoltaic panel 3a and a frame 3b in which said photovoltaic panel 3a is arranged or mounted. Said photovoltaic module 3 may also comprise a connection (not connected), for example a cable, plug, micro-inverter, etc., making it possible to connect, in parallel and / or in series, several photovoltaic modules 3 to each other.

[0032] The covering surface 5 thus defines the upper surface or roof of a building, shade house, etc., and comprises one or more covering elements 7 fixed to a batten (not shown) or to a purlin (not shown).

[0033] The fixing system 1 comprises at least: - a first profile 9, called the base profile, which comprises a part 14 arranged to accommodate an edge of the photovoltaic module 3, in particular one of the sides of the frame 3b of said photovoltaic module 3; - a fixing device 11 configured to be fixed, on the one hand, to the covering element 7 and, on the other hand, to the first profile 9.

[0034] [Fig.2] is a schematic, partial and enlarged view of the first profile 9, said first profile 9 comprising: - a middle part 13 forming a base 14 arranged to accommodate or cooperate with an edge of the photovoltaic module 3; - two lateral wings 15 extending on each side of the middle part 13, and thus extending laterally, on either side, the middle part 13.

[0035] It will be noted that the first profile 9, or seat profile, is advantageously a single piece or unit, and is preferably metallic, for example made of steel, aluminum, etc. The first profile 9 thus has an elongated shape and has, for example, a symmetry with respect to its longitudinal median axis.

[0036] The middle part 13, for its part, advantageously has, in cross-section, a substantially trapezoidal shape. The trapezoidal middle part 13 is advantageously open, that is to say that the middle part is not a closed contour and has an open side 13a, the open side 13a being the side opposite a side 13b on which the base 14 is arranged to receive or cooperate with an edge of the photovoltaic module 3.

[0037] In the mounted position, the open side 13a corresponds to the lower part of the first profile 9, that is to say the part 13a of the first profile 9 oriented towards the covering surface 5, while the side 13b where the base 14 is arranged to receive or cooperate with an edge of the photovoltaic module 3 corresponds to the upper part of the first profile 9, that is to say the part of the profile 9 oriented upwards (or away from the covering surface 5).

[0038] As is more particularly visible in [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], the middle part 13 thus comprises several folds, for example crushed, 17 and 19: - a first crushed fold 17, called the central fold, which extends substantially in the plane of symmetry of said first profile 9; - at least one second crushed fold 19, called transverse fold, and advantageously at least two second folds 19 which extend on either side of the first fold 17, advantageously said transverse folds extend substantially orthogonally to the plane of symmetry of the first profile 9.

[0039] The central fold 17 and each of the transverse folds 19 thus extend away from the middle part 13, the central fold 17 and each of the transverse folds 19 thus forming substantially a right angle with each other, each association of the central fold 17 with one of the transverse folds 19 being configured to accommodate an edge of the photovoltaic module 3, and therefore form a receiving base 14.

[0040] It will be noted that advantageously, the angle defined between the central fold 17 and one of the transverse folds is advantageously less than 90° (or an acute angle), for example an angle between 80° and 89°, and preferably between 84° and 88°. Thus, in the mounted position of the first profile 9, the transverse folds 19 are configured to be oriented upwards, facilitating the flow of water (rain, humidity, etc.) towards the angle defined by said folds 17 and 19 and its evacuation either through one of the open longitudinal ends of said first profile 9, or through a water evacuation hole (arranged for this purpose).

[0041] Each of the lateral wings 15, for its part, further comprises a base 15a and a return 15b extending said base. In the mounted position, said base 15a of each of the wings 15 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the transverse folds 19, while the return 15b is oriented away from the middle part 13 and upwards.

[0042] Each of the wings 15 and a portion of the middle part 13 thus form a gutter for collecting the water and evacuating it, either by providing an evacuation hole (not visible) at the base 15a of each of the wings 15, or by gravity, the gutter having a slope in the mounted position, the water being evacuated at one of the ends of the first profile 9 (directly by the end and / or by means of an evacuation hole).

[0043] It will also be noted that the first profile 9 may comprise an opening 19a arranged at each of the transverse folds 19, this acting as an opening for the evacuation of water. Said openings 19a are advantageously arranged at each of the ends of the first profile 9. Said openings 19a are thus configured to pass through the thickness of the transverse fold 19 and open out on the open side 13a of the first profile 9.

[0044] As is more particularly illustrated in [[Fig.4]] to [Fig.6] the fixing device 11 comprises several separate parts: - a first part 21, called the main part, which comprises two fixing lugs 22 configured so that each is fixed to one of the lateral wings 15 of the first profile 9; - at least two complementary fixing parts 23 and 25 configured to secure the main part of the fixing device 11 to a covering element 7.

[0045] More particularly, the main part 21 of the fixing device comprises a main body 27 which has for example an elongated shape and each of the opposite ends of which ends in one of said fixing lugs 22.

[0046] Said fixing lugs 22 are advantageously flexible or deformable and have at their free end a hook 22a configured to cooperate with the lateral wing 15 of the first profile 9, for example at the return 15b of said wing 15. Advantageously, the return 15a of each of the wings 15 has a notch 15c configured to accommodate the hook 22a of the fixing lug 22.

[0047] The main body 27 also comprises a through opening 27a intended to be positioned opposite an opening provided in the covering element 5 on which the first profile 9 is to be fixed. The complementary fixing parts 23 and 25 form a tenon-mortise type assembly.

[0048] More particularly, the first complementary fixing part 23 has an end 23a in which an opening 23b is arranged, acting as a mortise, said end 23a being configured to be inserted through the openings (facing) arranged in the main body 27 and the cover element 5.

[0049] The second complementary fixing part 25 is configured to be inserted into the opening 23b of the first complementary fixing part 23. Said second complementary fixing part 25 advantageously comprises a protuberance 25a acting as a tenon.

[0050] The opening 23b of the first complementary fixing part 23 has for example an elongated shape, such as a slot shape, while the protuberance 25a of the second complementary fixing part 25 also has an elongated shape, such as a tab shape.

[0051] Once the end 23a of the first complementary fixing part 23 is inserted into said openings of the main body 27 and of the cover element 7, said end 23a and the opening 23b protrude relative to the main body 27. The second complementary fixing part 25, more particularly the protuberance 25a, is then inserted into the opening 23b of the first complementary fixing part 23.

[0052] The protuberance 25a can be inserted by force into the opening 23b, but the second complementary fixing part 25 can also comprise a stop 25b arranged on either side of the protuberance 25a configured to come into support against the first complementary fixing part 23 and thus stop the insertion movement of the protuberance 25a into the opening 23b.

[0053] [Fig.7] and [Fig.8] illustrate alternative embodiments of the fixing device 11 of [Fig.4] to [Fig.6]. More particularly, [Fig.7] illustrates a schematic, partial and sectional view of a first alternative embodiment of a fixing device.

[0054] Unlike the fixing device 11, the fixing device 111 comprises a main part 211 and at least one fixing member 24 of the rivet or clip type, for example by pressure and / or by force fitting. Thus, the main part 211 comprises a main body 271 in which one or more openings (preferably at least two) are arranged, configured to be positioned opposite openings arranged in the cover element 7.

[0055] Said fixing members 24 are thus configured to be inserted through the respective openings of the main part 211 and of the cover element 7 by hand (therefore without tools), and therefore to secure the fixing device 1 h to the cover element 7.

[0056] It will be noted that said fixing members 24 of the rivet or clip type, for example by pressure and / or by force fitting, are advantageously made of plastic material, these having to deform during their insertion before returning to position and blocking any withdrawal of said member 24 from said openings of the main part 211 and of the cover element 7.

[0057] [Fig. 8], for its part, illustrates a schematic, partial and sectional view of a second variant embodiment of a fixing device 112. The fixing device 112 of [Fig. 8] thus comprises, unlike the device 11, a main part 212 and at least one fixing member 26 of the rack type, for example of substantially triangular shape, and preferably at least two rack-type members 26.

[0058] Thus, the main part 212 comprises a main body 272 in which one or more openings (preferably at least two) are arranged, configured to be positioned opposite openings arranged in the cover element 7.

[0059] Said fixing members 26 are thus configured to be inserted through the respective openings of the main part 212 and of the cover element 7 by hand (therefore without tools), and therefore to secure the fixing device 112 to the cover element 7.

[0060] [Fig.9], for its part, illustrates a schematic, partial and sectional view of a third variant embodiment of a fixing device 113. The fixing device fixing 113 of [Fig.9] thus comprises, unlike the device 11, a single main part 213.

[0061] Said main part 213 comprises a main body 273 on which hooks 28, or protrusions, are arranged, configured to cooperate with one or more openings arranged in said at least one covering element 7.

[0062] In the mounted position, said hooks 29 provide the mechanical connection between the covering element 7 and the seat profile 9, being itself fixed to said covering element 7 by mechanical cooperation, for example by the insertion or fitting of hooks into the openings provided in said covering element 7.

[0063] As is more particularly visible in [Fig. 1], the fixing system 1 also advantageously comprises one or more clips 29 (or clamps) configured to secure a part of the first profile 9 to a part of at least one photovoltaic module 3, here to said frame 3b of said module 3.

[0064] The clip or clamp 29 is thus configured to clamp together a part of the first profile 9, for example at the level of one of the transverse folds 19. Said clip 29 has for example a substantially U-shaped shape, each branch of the U being positioned respectively against the frame 3b of the module 3 and against the transverse fold 19. In the mounted position of the clip 29, each of said branches of the clip 29 blocks any relative movement by friction and / or by snap-fastening, of a part of the clip 29 in a complementary shape, between the photovoltaic module 3 and the first profile 9.

[0065] Said clip 29 is for example made of plastic or metal, as long as it is capable of deforming during its insertion on the first profile 9 and the frame 3b of the module 3, then of exerting, once in the mounted position, a force (or pressure) against said elements 9 and 3b, thus securing the photovoltaic module to the first profile 9.

[0066] The clip 29 may further comprise projections (not shown), for example pointed, configured so that, in the mounted position, said projections scratch the frame 3b of the photovoltaic module 3 and the first profile 9, thus allowing grounding of the frame 3b. Said projections of the clip 29 are advantageously arranged on the faces of the clip 29 intended to be located opposite respectively the frame 3b of the module 3 and the first profile 9 (and more particularly one of said transverse folds 19).

[0067] Said fixing system 1 comprises a reinforcing piece 31, more particularly visible in [Fig. 3], configured to cooperate mechanically with the first profile 9, said reinforcing piece 31 being, in the mounted position, arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of said first profile 9.

[0068] The reinforcing piece 31 has an elongated shape, and is for example a metal profile, one of the longitudinal ends 31a of which is configured to cooperate me mechanically with the first profile 9, for example with an opening (not shown) arranged under one of the transverse folds 17, in particular at the level of the upper part of the middle part 13 located directly below one of the transverse folds 19.

[0069] More particularly, the end 31a of the reinforcing piece 31 comprises a projection intended to be inserted into an opening of the middle part 13 and to cooperate mechanically with said opening. The other end (not shown) of said reinforcing piece 31 may be similar or identical to the end 31a and cooperate with another first profile 9, or have a distinct structure and cooperate with a covering element 7.

[0070] It will be noted that in an alternative embodiment not shown, the reinforcing piece 31 is configured to cooperate mechanically with the opening 19a arranged on one of the transverse folds 19 of the first profile 9, for example by means of a projection cooperating with the opening 19a, thus fixing or securing the reinforcing piece 31 to said first profile 9.

[0071] Said reinforcing piece 31 is configured to be fixed by snap-fastening and / or a tenon-mortise assembly to said first profile 9. Advantageously, the reinforcing piece 31 comprises, at each of its longitudinal ends, a projection or protuberance configured to cooperate mechanically, by snap-fastening and / or tenon-mortise assembly, with an opening provided in said first profile 9.

[0072] Thus, in the mounted position, the reinforcing piece 31, in particular one of its longitudinal faces, extends opposite one of the sides of at least one of the photovoltaic modules 3, and may for example be in support and / or in mechanical cooperation with the frame 3b of a module 3.

[0073] The reinforcing piece 31 is therefore advantageously fixed close to or in mechanical cooperation with one of the free edges of said at least one photovoltaic module 3. Furthermore, the reinforcing piece 31 is preferably mounted at the longitudinal ends of the first profiles 9, advantageously at the end having the lowest altitude (or at the bottom of the slope of the covering surface 5), in order to block the position of said modules 3 before they are secured to the first profile 9 by means of one or more clips 29.

[0074] [Fig. 10] illustrates a schematic, partial and sectional view of a fixing system 1 according to the invention which comprises a second profile 35 configured to secure together two adjacent photovoltaic modules 3.

[0075] The second profile 35 makes it possible to secure, longitudinally or transversely, two adjacent or side-by-side photovoltaic modules 3, thus reinforcing the mechanical strength of the assembly formed by one or two fixing systems 1, as well as several photovoltaic modules 3.

[0076] Said second profile 35, also referred to as an angle iron, is in particular configured to fit by elastic deformation across at least two photovoltaic modules 3, more particularly by coming to bear on the frames 3b of each of said modules 3.

[0077] The second profile 35 thus comprises a central part 35a configured to deform, for example by having a substantially W shape, extended at each of its ends by a hooked part 35b and 35c. Each of the hooked ends 35b and 35c may have a different shape, in particular because one of the hook shapes is easier to mount first on the frame 3b of a module compared to the other.

[0078] Thus, when fixing the second profile 35 on photovoltaic modules 3, the hooked end 35b of the second profile 35 hooks (or cooperates mechanically) on the edge of the frame 3b, then by deformation of the central part 35a, there is hooking of the other hooked end 35c on the frame 3b of the other module 3. Thus, once fixed (or in the mounted position) the second profile 35 cooperates with the two adjacent photovoltaic modules 3, in particular by means of the ends 35b and 35c which come to cooperate mechanically with each of the edges of the frame 3b of each of said modules 3.

[0079] It will be noted that the second profile 35 and / or the reinforcement piece 31 are advantageously monobloc or unitary. The second profile 35 and / or the reinforcement piece 31 (is or) are for example made of steel, aluminum, and / or plastic.

[0080] [Fig. 11] is a schematic, partial, three-quarter perspective view of a profile 9' which is an alternative embodiment of the first profile 9 illustrated in [Fig. 2]. Thus, unlike the first profile 9 of [Fig. 2], said first profile 9' comprises tabs 19b acting as a stop for a photovoltaic module 3.

[0081] Said tab 19b is advantageously made of the same material as the first profile 9, for example by partial cutting and folding of the material constituting the first profile 9 when arranging the opening 19a. Advantageously, there is one tab 19b per opening 19a. In addition, said opening 19a is preferably located on the side of the module 3, this is to prevent the tab 19b from obstructing the evacuation of water.

[0082] Said tab 19b thus extends, in the mounted position, substantially orthogonally to the main extension plane of the opening 19a (or else substantially parallel to the central fold 17). Thus, in the mounted position, one of the edges of the frame 3b of the photovoltaic module 3 comes to bear against said tab 19b and prevents said module 3 from sliding and falling beyond the first profile 9 before said module 3 is secured to the first profile 9.

[0083] In another variant embodiment of the invention, the clip(s) 29 configured to secure a part of the first profile 9 to a part of said at least one photovoltaic module 3, each comprise an elongated part acting as a gripping part or handle to facilitate its grasp by an operator.

Claims

Claims

1. System (1) for fixing at least one photovoltaic module (3) on a covering surface (5) comprising at least one covering element (7), said system (1) comprising at least: - a first profile (9), called a base profile, which comprises: - a middle part (13) forming a base arranged to receive an edge of a photovoltaic module (3) and, - two lateral wings (15) extending on each side of the middle part (13); - a fixing device (11; 111; 112; 113) configured to be fixed on at least one covering element (7) and which comprises two fixing lugs (22) each being fixed to one of the lateral wings (15) of the first profile (9).

2. Fixing system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said fixing device (113) comprises hooks (28) configured to cooperate with one or more openings provided in said at least one covering element (7).

3. Fastening system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said fastening device (11) is configured to be fastened via at least one opening provided in said at least one cover element (7) and two complementary parts (21, 25) forming a tenon-mortise type assembly.

4. Fixing system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said system (1) comprises at least one clip configured to secure a part of the first profile to a part of said at least one photovoltaic module.

5. Fixing system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said clip (29) is configured to fix the first profile (9) to a photovoltaic module (3) by friction and / or by snap-fastening.

6. Fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fastening system (1) comprises a reinforcing piece (31) configured to cooperate mechanically with the first profile (9), transversely to the longitudinal axis of said first profile (9).

7. Fastening system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said reinforcing piece (31) is configured to be fixed by snap-fastening and / or a tenon-mortise assembly to said first profile (9).

8. Fixing system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said fixing system (1) comprises a second profile (35), called an angle iron, configured to secure together two adjacent photovoltaic modules (3).

9. Fixing system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said second profile (35) is configured to fit by elastic deformation across at least two photovoltaic modules (3).

10. Fixing system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said middle part (13) and the lateral wings (15) have a substantially trapezoidal shape.

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