MOUNTING SUPPORT ASSEMBLY, ASSEMBLY FOR CONVERTING SOLAR RADIATION INTO ELECTRICAL OR THERMAL ENERGY, AND RELATED ASSEMBLY METHOD

Abstract

Mounting bracket assembly, assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy, and related assembly method. - The invention relates to a support assembly (1) for fixing adjacent solar panels (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) to a roof (2) including a first panel (30) having first and second opposite rectilinear edges (10, 11), comprising two primary supports (6, 7), two secondary supports (8, 9), and a tertiary support (15), spaced apart from each other and designed to rest on said roof (2) and support said first panel (30) so that: said first edge (10) is above the primary supports (6, 7), said second edge (11) is above the secondary supports (8, 9), the first tertiary support (15) is below a tertiary zone (16) of the first panel (30) located between said two edges (10, 11).- The mounting bracket assembly according to the invention allows the fixing and maintenance of solar panels on a frame even during precipitation or snow. Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: FIXING BRACKET ASSEMBLY, CONVERSION ASSEMBLY OF THE SOLAR RADIATION INTO ELECTRICAL OR THERMAL ENERGY, AND RELATED ASSEMBLY METHOD

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of energy renovation, and more specifically to the specific problems linked to the fixing and maintenance of solar panels on reception surfaces presenting particular constraints, such as roofs.

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to a support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels adjacent to each other to a roof, said plurality of solar panels including a first solar panel which comprises at least a first and a second substantially opposite rectilinear edge.

[0003] The present invention also relates to an assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy, comprising at least one fixing support assembly as described above.

[0004] The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a method of installing on a roof an assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy as described above.

[0005] It is known to mount solar panels on roofs so that they can capture the sun's rays to produce electricity or heat from the recovered solar energy, which can then be redistributed, for example, to an electrical network, a hot water reserve of a home, a commercial or industrial building, etc. There is thus a general trend towards the development and energy renovation of the roofs of commercial or industrial buildings, which is characterized by the mounting of solar panels on these roofs, the latter forming considerable surfaces currently still unexploited or underexploited.

[0006] Solar panels are, in a known manner, mounted on the surface of a roof using fixing means, which allow the panels to be held in position regardless of the weather conditions (strong winds, rain, snow, etc.). In the case of industrial, commercial, or more generally professional buildings, the roof comprises at least three main layers placed one below the other: a first layer formed by a waterproof membrane, a second layer, under the first layer, formed by a thermal and / or sound insulating material, and a third layer, under the second layer, formed by ribbed (or possibly corrugated) steel sheets.

[0007] The third layer formed by the ribbed steel sheets provides most, if not all, of the mechanical strength of the roof. The layer of ribbed sheets must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the first and second layers, but also that of the solar panels and their means of fixing to the roof. However, there are limits to the mechanical strength of said ribbed steel sheets.Not only do they support, as already mentioned, the permanent constraints and loads to which the roof is subjected, including the significant weight of the solar panels and other roofing elements (waterproofing membrane, insulating material, means of fixing the solar panels to the roof, other various objects placed on or fixed to it), but these ribbed steel sheets must also withstand the addition of weights which are certainly "temporary" on the roof, but which can represent considerable loads: snow accumulating on the solar panels and the roof, rain, hail, maintenance technician moving on said roof, etc. In the absence of special precautions or reinforcement measures or even replacement, there is a high risk of mechanical deterioration of the ribbed steel sheets.In particular, the ribbed steel sheets, which bear the bulk of the weight of the roof itself and the elements placed on it, present significant risks of sinking, sagging, settling, deformation, bending, or even destruction or falling, at least locally. By extension, these risks are those to which the entire roof is subject.

[0008] The degradation of the ribbed steel sheets can also lead to a reduction or loss of watertightness and / or insulation provided by the roof, for example by tearing of the waterproofing membrane.

[0009] Mounting solar panels on a roof thus significantly increases the risk of the aforementioned damage to the ribbed steel sheets of the roof occurring. Such mounting can even lead, in the worst case, to a partial or total collapse of the roof, which would result in considerable damage, not only to the elements located on the roof, such as the solar panels themselves, but also to people and property located under the roof, particularly in industrial and commercial buildings.

[0010] In addition, the solar panels currently used have significant sizes, weights and installation times, and the industrial trend is to see their size increase further. It is thus necessary to reconcile contradictory issues according to which it is necessary to mount, on the roofs of industrial or commercial buildings, solar panels, which are increasingly large and heavy and on which snow (or other consequences of bad weather, objects, or even people) can accumulate, without damaging the ribbed steel sheets ensuring the essential mechanical strength of these roofs. In addition, it is also necessary to be able to carry out the assembly of panels solar panels at controlled costs, that is to say without profoundly modifying the structure of the industrial building roof and in particular, advantageously, without replacing the ribbed steel sheets with more resistant sheets. Indeed, such a replacement, in addition to being long and complex to carry out, necessarily entails significant additional costs linked in particular to the following operations: removal of the old ribbed steel sheets and the upper layers (waterproofing membrane, insulating material), possible reinforcement of the frame, manufacture and installation of the new more resistant sheets, replacement or replacement of said upper layers on the new sheets, and finally potential cessation of the commercial or industrial activity of the building without a roof during the replacement of the ribbed steel sheets.Replacing ribbed steel sheets is therefore not desirable, especially since in certain countries, such as France, a significant number of commercial and industrial buildings already constructed have roofs fitted with ribbed steel sheets whose design did not originally include the support of solar panels.

[0011] The objects assigned to the present invention consequently aim to remedy the various drawbacks listed above and to propose a new support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels to a roof in a simple, safe and durable manner.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to propose a new support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels to a roof, the installation of which, in particular on a pre-existing roof, is both quick and easy to carry out.

[0013] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels to a roof, so as to guarantee that the latter has sufficient resistance to the weight of several solar panels, without excessively complex or costly modification of the roof and by implementing a limited number of elements.

[0014] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels to a roof, the design of which allows it to be particularly resistant, in particular with regard to external conditions, such as strong wind, rain or snow.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to propose a new support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels to a roof, the design of which allows solar panels to be attached to a roof in a particularly rapid, practical and robust manner.

[0016] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels to a roof, exhibiting significant reliability over time and requiring only minimal maintenance.

[0017] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels to a roof, the design of which allows it to mount a greater number of solar panels and / or a greater surface area of ​​solar panels on a roof, compared to currently existing configurations, without causing significant additional cost or degrading the mechanical strength of the roof, even in the event of difficult weather conditions, notably involving the accumulation of snow, ice, water or hailstones on the panels.

[0018] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels to a roof, the design of which allows a relatively large number of solar panels to be mounted on a roof, without degrading the insulation and waterproofing properties of the roof.

[0019] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels to a roof, the manufacture of which can be implemented easily and at a controlled cost.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to propose a new support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels to a roof, the design of which enables it to minimize the risk of damage to a roof when it is used to mount solar panels on the roof.

[0021] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels to a roof, the design of which enables it to minimize the risk of sagging, sinking or damage to the ribbed sheets possibly making up the roof.

[0022] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels to a roof, the structure of which is simple and comprises only a limited number of separate parts.

[0023] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels to a roof, particularly suitable for the energy renovation of a roof, and in particular the roof of an industrial or commercial building.

[0024] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy which is particularly robust, durable and easy to install on an existing building or one under construction, and at controlled costs.

[0025] Another object of the invention is to propose a new method of installing on a roof an assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy, the method comprising only a limited number of simple, quick and easy to implement steps, while allowing the solar panels to be mounted on the roof in a robust and practical manner without weakening or damage the roof, even if the latter includes ribbed steel sheets not designed to support such loads, and at controlled costs.

[0026] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a support assembly for fixing a plurality of solar panels adjacent to each other on a roof, said plurality of solar panels including a first solar panel which comprises at least a first and a second substantially opposite rectilinear edge, said fixing support assembly comprising at least: - a first and a second primary support positioned at a distance from each other, - a first and a second secondary support positioned at a distance from each other, - a first tertiary support, positioned at a distance from said primary and secondary supports, said primary, secondary and tertiary supports being designed on the one hand to rest on said roof and on the other hand to support said first solar panel so that: - said first rectilinear edge is located above and in line with a part of each of said first and second primary supports, - said second rectilinear edge is located above and in line with a part of each of said first and second secondary supports, - the first tertiary support is located below and to the right of a tertiary zone of the first solar panel which is located between said first and second rectilinear edges.

[0027] The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using an assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy, comprising at least: - a plurality of solar panels adjacent to each other, said plurality of solar panels including a first solar panel which comprises at least a first and a second substantially opposite rectilinear edge, - a support assembly for fixing said plurality of solar panels to a roof, said support assembly being as described above.

[0028] The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a method of manufacturing an assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy as described above, the method comprising at least: - a primary step of fixing the primary and secondary supports to and on said roof, - a secondary step of fixing the first tertiary support to and on said roof, - a primary step of securing said first solar panel to said primary and secondary supports, - optionally, a secondary step of securing said first solar panel to said first tertiary support.

[0029] [Fig.l] illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a fixing support assembly according to a particular embodiment of the invention, where said support assembly makes it possible to hang on a roof, of which only one waterproofing membrane is illustrated, several adjacent solar panels, of which a first and a second are entirely represented in the lower left part but with their partially transparent plate, while only the support frame of another, called the fourth panel, located in the upper right part of the figure, is illustrated.

[0030] [Fig.2] illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a support assembly of fixing which corresponds in part to a portion of that of [Fig.l], with the difference in particular that only the first solar panel is partly illustrated since only its first support frame is visible, in the upper right part, while the frame of a third solar panel adjacent to said first solar panel is illustrated, in the lower left part, and that only the ribbed steel sheet of the roof is visible, below the support assembly.

[0031] [Fig.3] illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a detail of the fixing support assembly of [Fig.2], highlighting in particular the configuration of a first tertiary support.

[0032] [Fig.4] illustrates, in a schematic top view, the fixing support assembly of [Fig.2].

[0033] [Fig.5] illustrates, in a schematic side view, the fixing support assembly of [Fig.2], with the difference that an entire roof is illustrated in exploded view, including, in addition to and above the ribbed steel sheet already visible in [Fig.2], a layer of insulating material and a waterproofing membrane.

[0034] [Fig.6] illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, an embodiment of a tertiary support forming part of the fixing support assembly of [Fig.2], shown alone.

[0035] [Fig.7] illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, an embodiment of an intermediate connecting element forming part of the fixing support assembly of [Fig.2], shown alone.

[0036] [Fig.8] illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, the intermediate connecting element of [Fig.7] mounted with and on the tertiary support [Fig.6], as well as a connecting strip passing through the tertiary support, as in figure [Fig.2].

[0037] [Fig.9] illustrates, in a schematic side view, the elements illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0038] [Fig. 10] illustrates, in a schematic top view, a step of mounting a fixing support assembly according to a particular embodiment, which may be substantially similar to that illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0039] [Fig. 11] illustrates, in a schematic top view, the fixing support assembly of figure [Fig. 10] after a subsequent assembly step.

[0040] [Fig. 12] illustrates, in a schematic top view, the fixing support assembly of figure [Fig. 11] after another subsequent assembly step.

[0041] [Fig. 13] illustrates, in a schematic top view, the fixing support assembly of figure [Fig. 12] after a final assembly step, in which a plurality of solar panels which are adjacent and made partially transparent for the purposes of understanding have been fixed to the fixing support assembly, thus forming an assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0042] [Fig. 14] illustrates, in a schematic top view, a detail of the fixing support assembly of figure [Fig. 13], so as to isolate a single solar panel, which is also surrounded by a virtual dotted oval in [Fig. 13].

[0043] The invention relates, according to a first aspect, illustrated in the figures, to a fixing support assembly 1 for fixing a plurality of solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 to each other on a roof 2. In other words, the fixing support assembly 1 is advantageously intended to attach, that is to say to secure, preferably in a reversible manner, said solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 to said roof 2, as illustrated in the figures.

[0044] Preferably, the roof 2 is mainly formed by a roof-type frame, said roof 2 forming in particular the upper part of a structure or a building, for example a dwelling, a commercial or industrial premises (for example a shopping center), a parking lot, a supermarket, an office building, a gas station, etc. In particular, said roof 2 has the function of protecting the interior of the building or structure from bad weather, of insulating it from the outside temperature (in particular from the cold), of providing it with fire protection, etc. In any event, said roof 2 is advantageously intended to provide a certain protection, preferably substantially waterproof at least, to a structure located below, and in particular a building, said protection being for example designed to protect the structure from bad weather or from the outside temperature.Preferably, said roof 2 extends, locally, globally and / or at least in the area where the solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 are intended to be fixed to said roof 2, in a substantially flat or very slightly curved manner. Preferably, said roof 2 extends either horizontally or obliquely. In a known manner, the roof 2 preferably comprises a waterproofing membrane 3 (in one or more parts), preferably flexible, intended to form the upper layer of said roof 3 to ensure the watertightness of the latter. The roof 2 advantageously comprises, under the waterproofing membrane 3, at least one layer of . insulating material 4, formed for example by several plates of insulating material, two of which are visible in [Fig.5] under the waterproofing membrane 3.

[0045] Advantageously, the roof 2 comprises a support structure, which is formed by or comprises, according to a particular variant of the roof 2, one or (generally) several ribbed or corrugated steel sheets 5. For the sake of brevity, we will hereinafter only refer to ribbed steel sheets 5, but this obviously also includes corrugated steel sheets and other steel sheets folded or deformed in a similar manner (mixed corrugation / ribs, etc.) in the same direction and having identical uses (load support of the roofs). The ribbed steel sheets 5 advantageously provide most, or even all, of the mechanical strength of the roof 2.

[0046] The layer of insulating material 4 is generally placed on the ribbed steel sheets 5, which therefore receive not only the weight of the layer of insulating material 4 and the waterproofing membrane 3, but also that of the solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and the fixing support assembly 1, which therefore makes it possible to fix said solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 to said roof 2. It is therefore important to avoid sagging of said ribbed sheets 7, or more generally of the support structure (even in the possible case where the latter is not formed of ribbed sheets 7). Of course, it is entirely possible for the roof 2 to comprise several layers of ribbed steel sheets 5, of insulating material 4 and / or of waterproofing membrane 3. [Fig.5] clearly illustrates the stacking, from top to bottom, of the solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, the fixing support assembly 1, the waterproofing membrane 3, the layer of insulating material, and a ribbed steel sheet 9. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 attached to a roof 2 using a particular embodiment of the fixing support assembly 1 according to the invention, but, to make it easier to understand certain particular characteristics of the invention, only a part of the roof 2 is illustrated, which part is thus a ribbed steel sheet 9, while the layer of insulating material 4 and the waterproofing membrane 3 are hidden.

[0047] According to the invention, said plurality of solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 includes a first solar panel 30 which comprises at least a first and a second substantially opposite rectilinear edge 10, 11. In particular, the first solar panel 3 preferably comprises several sides, more preferably four sides, and has for example a substantially rectangular (sometimes square) general shape. Said first and second rectilinear edges 10, 11 then advantageously each delimit one of the respective sides of the first solar panel 30. Advantageously, said first solar panel 30 further comprises a third rectilinear edge 12. Said first solar panel 30 further comprises advantageously a fourth rectilinear edge 13, which is substantially opposite said third rectilinear edge 12. The third and fourth rectilinear edges 12, 13 also advantageously each delimit one of the respective sides of the first solar panel 30. Advantageously and known as such, the first and second rectilinear edges 10, 11 are substantially of the same length and / or are parallel to each other, and, preferably, the third and fourth rectilinear edges 12, 13 are also substantially of the same length and / or are parallel to each other. The first and second rectilinear edges 10, 11 are furthermore preferably perpendicular to said third and fourth rectilinear edges 12, 13.When the first solar panel 30 has a rectangular shape, the length of each of said first and second rectilinear edges 10, 11 corresponds for example to the length of said rectangle, and the length of each of said third and fourth rectilinear edges 12, 13 corresponds for example to the width of said rectangle, as illustrated in the figures, the reverse also being possible. Said first solar panel 30 comprises at least a first plate 35, generally substantially planar, forming a solar collector, said solar collector being designed to capture the sun's rays to provide electricity or heat. Said first plate 35 advantageously has an outer surface intended to be turned outwards, that is to say towards the sun or to receive the sun's rays, and an opposite inner surface, parallel to said outer surface, and intended to be turned towards the frame.In certain particular embodiments, such as those illustrated in the figures, said first solar panel 3 also comprises a first support frame 36 for said first plate 35 attached to the latter, said first support frame 36 surrounding said first plate 35. Said first support frame 36 advantageously ensures the mechanical strength of said first plate 35, thus preventing the latter from deforming, for example bending due to wind or handling of the first solar panel 3 during its installation on the roof 2. In the exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in the figures, the first straight edge 10 is formed by a spar of the first support frame 36. Alternatively, in the absence of any support frame, the first straight edge 10 could be formed by an outer edge of the first plate 35.

[0048] The other solar panels 31, 32, 33, 34 advantageously each comprise a respective plate similar to the first plate 35, as illustrated in the figures. For the purposes of understanding, in particular to see elements of the fixing support assembly 1, several of said plates have been made partially or totally transparent in figures 1 to 4, 13 and 14, while some of said plates are completely visible (and therefore opaque, hiding the elements of the fixing support assembly 1 located below) in figures 2, 3 and 4. Advantageously, said other solar panels 31, 32, 33, 34 of said plurality of solar panels are substantially similar to the first solar panel 30, and what is true for the latter also applies to several, preferably each, of them. The other solar panels 31, 32, 33, 34 thus advantageously each comprise a respective support frame similar to the first support frame 36. In [Fig.l], one of the support frames (top right) is not illustrated, in order to better see the elements of the fixing support assembly 1 located below.Said solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 of said plurality of solar panels are advantageously adjacent to each other, that is to say that the fixing support assembly 1 is advantageously designed to fix said solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 on said roof 2 so that they are positioned next to each other, each solar panel 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 being for example positioned less than 20 cm, preferably less than 15 cm, from one of the solar panels to which it is adjacent. Said adjacent solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 are thus, for example, positioned in the immediate vicinity of one another, side by side, each solar panel being arranged along (i.e. almost edge to edge, in the width or length direction) the solar panels to which it is adjacent.In particular, as will be seen, the first solar panel 30 is advantageously arranged adjacent to at least a second of said solar panels 31, preferably also to a third of said solar panels 32, and according to an alternative embodiment illustrated in particular in the figure, also to a fourth of said solar panels 33, or even furthermore to a fifth of said solar panels 34.

[0049] According to the invention, said fixing support assembly 1 comprises at least: - a first and a second primary support 6, 7 positioned at a distance from each other, - a first and a second secondary support 8, 9 positioned at a distance from each other, - a first tertiary support 15, positioned at a distance from said primary supports 6, 7 and secondary supports 8, 9.

[0050] Said primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 supports are advantageously designed to provide the interface between the roof 2 and the first solar panel 30, and more precisely to support and retain the latter on said roof 2. The latter will therefore have to support the weight of said solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, including the first solar panel 30, but also the weight of the fixing support assembly 1, of which said primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 supports form a substantial part. It is possible, thanks to the support assembly 1 of the invention, to have these different loads supported by the roof 2 by distributing in a particular manner said primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 supports, as will be seen below, and this, advantageously without structurally modifying said roof 2, that is to say in particular without replacing the ribbed steel sheets 5 already in place with others that are more resistant. Said first and second primary supports 6, 7, said first and second secondary supports 8, 9, and said first tertiary support 15 are advantageously separate parts and designed to be positioned at a distance from each other, for example at a distance from each other that is greater than 15 cm, or at a distance from each other that is greater than a quarter of the largest dimension (for example the length, or the diameter) of said first tertiary support 15.

[0051] According to the invention, said primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 supports are designed on the one hand to rest on said roof 2 and on the other hand to support said first solar panel 30 so that: - said first rectilinear edge 10 is located above and in line with a part of each of said first and second primary supports 6, 7, - said second rectilinear edge 11 is located above and in line with a part of each of said first and second secondary supports 8, 9, - the first tertiary support 15 is located below and to the right of a tertiary zone 16 of the first solar panel 30 which is located between said first and second rectilinear edges 10, 11.

[0052] Thus, advantageously, said first and second primary supports 6, 7 are designed to be positioned (at least in part) between, on the one hand, the first rectilinear edge 10, below and in line with the latter, and, on the other hand, said roof 2, above the latter. Similarly, preferably, said first and second secondary supports 8, 9 are designed to be positioned (at least in part) between, on the one hand, the second rectilinear edge 11, below and in line with the latter, and, on the other hand, said roof 2, above the latter. The first tertiary support 15 is thus advantageously designed to be positioned (at least in part, preferably in full) between, on the one hand, said tertiary zone 16, below and in line with the latter, and, on the other hand, said roof 2, above the latter.Said primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 supports are therefore advantageously designed to be positioned between said roof 2, on and against the latter, and the first solar panel 30, (at least in part) under the latter, each of the primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 supports therefore advantageously having at least one respective part positioned below and in line with said first solar panel 30. "In line with" here means, according to a particular (and advantageously non-limiting) interpretation, to be positioned below or above, as the case may be, one element relative to another, relative to a vertical direction, or even relative to . a virtual vertical line passing through said two elements. Such a configuration makes it possible to better distribute the loads induced by the solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 on the roof 2, in order to avoid a local overload of the latter, leading for example to an undesirable sagging or folding of the ribbed steel sheets 5 of the roof 2. This latter configuration optimizes the distribution of the loads as mentioned above so that even in the event of a temporary local overload on the roof 2, the latter is capable of resisting it without degradation, in particular during periods of heavy snowfall, hail or rain, strong wind, or even when a technician passes over said roof 2. Indeed, during the particular meteorological episodes mentioned above, or even when a technician passes over the roof 2, a sometimes considerable weight is added to the solar panels or next to them.The fixing support assembly 1 of the invention thus makes it possible to fix the solar panels to the roof 2 while optimizing the resistance of the latter whatever the external conditions, preferably without requiring major structural reinforcement work (changing the ribbed steel sheets 5 in particular).

[0053] Advantageously, said primary supports 6, 7, secondary supports 8, 9 are designed to support said first solar panel 30 at least at the level of said first and second rectilinear edges 10, 11 respectively. Preferably, said first solar panel 30 has a geometric center, and said first tertiary support 15 is designed to be positioned below and to the right of said geometric center and / or a neighboring zone surrounding said geometric center, said neighboring zone comprising for example at least one point located, relative to said geometric center, at a neighboring distance, said neighboring distance being for example less than a quarter of the largest dimension of the first solar panel 30, or even less than 50 cm, more preferably less than 20 cm.The largest dimension of the first solar panel 30 is for example the length of the latter (if it has a rectangular shape in particular, and the length of one side of the first solar panel 30 if it has a square shape).

[0054] Particularly advantageously, said primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 supports are designed to be arranged in a staggered pattern. Thus, the primary 6, 7 and secondary 8, 9 supports are positioned substantially at the corners of a staggered pattern and the first tertiary support 15 is positioned substantially at the center of said staggered pattern. Advantageously, said staggered pattern is in substance a (virtual) rectangle with four corners each occupied by one of said primary 6, 7 and secondary 8, 9 supports, as mentioned above, and a center occupied by said first tertiary support 15. Such a configuration is particularly clearly visible and illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, and 12 to 14. This particular configuration makes it possible to optimize the distribution of loads on the surface of the roof 2, and in particular to optimally distribute the weight of the first solar panel 30 (and of the other solar panels 31, 32, 33, 34) on the ribbed steel sheet(s) 5 of said roof 2 when the latter is provided with them, thus avoiding degradation, for example sagging, of said ribbed steel sheets 5. Advantageously, said first tertiary support 15 is designed to be positioned, at least in part, substantially on the one hand between the first primary support 6 and the second secondary support 9, and on the other hand between the second primary support 7 and the first secondary support 8. The first primary support 6, the second primary support 7, the second secondary support 9, and the first secondary support 8 are advantageously positioned substantially at the successive angles (or vertices) of the quincunx.

[0055] Advantageously, possibly in combination with the above concerning the staggered configuration, said primary supports 6, 7, and secondary supports 8, 9 are positioned around said first tertiary support 15, each at a respective minimum distance from the latter, said four minimum distances being substantially equal, or at least almost identical, that is to say not varying from one another by more than 20%.

[0056] In particular, said tertiary zone 16 advantageously corresponds to a central region of the first solar panel 30, that is to say a region situated at a distance from the third and fourth rectilinear edges 12, 13 which is greater than one third of the length of one of said first and second rectilinear edges 10, 11.

[0057] Advantageously, said third rectilinear edge 12 has a third length L3 which extends from one end of said first rectilinear edge 10 to one end of said second rectilinear edge 11. Said third rectilinear edge 12 is preferably substantially perpendicular to at least one of said first and second rectilinear edges 10, 11, and more preferably it is substantially perpendicular to each of said first and second rectilinear edges 10, 11.

[0058] Said primary supports 6, 7 and secondary supports 8, 9 are advantageously substantially identical (in particular in their shape, their dimensions, and preferably also in their function), in order to save production costs and to simplify the assembly of the fixing support assembly 1. On the other hand, in the particular embodiments illustrated in the figures, the first tertiary support 15 is substantially larger than each of the primary supports 6, 7 and secondary supports 8, 9. This also makes it possible to better distribute the load of the first solar panel 30, in particular when the first tertiary support 15 is designed to mainly support said first solar panel 30 at a central zone of the latter, said central zone being for example located substantially between the first primary supports 6 and secondary supports 8 on the one hand and the second primary supports 7 and secondary supports 9 on the other hand.

[0059] Advantageously, the primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 supports each have a respective extension dimension substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge 12. More advantageously, each of said extension dimensions follows a respective extension direction substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge 12. Said extension direction of the first tertiary support 15 is thus preferentially positioned between, on the one hand, said extension direction(s) of the first primary 6 and secondary 8 supports and, on the other hand, said extension direction(s) of the second primary 7 and secondary 9 supports.As will be seen in more detail below, and as illustrated in the figures, advantageously, said directions of extension of the first primary 6 and secondary 8 supports are preferably merged, and said directions of extension of the second primary 7 and secondary 9 supports are preferably merged.

[0060] According to an advantageous embodiment, Si > L3, where: Si is the sum of said extension dimensions, and L3 is said third length.

[0061] In other words, Si is the sum of the extension dimensions of the primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 supports which are substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge 12, and said sum is preferably greater than or equal to the length of said third rectilinear edge 12, called third length L3. More precisely, we have Si = Lpi + Lp2 + Ls[ + Ls2 + Lti, where Lpi is the extension dimension of the primary support 6, Lp2 is the extension dimension of the primary support 7, Lsi is the extension dimension of the secondary support 8, Ls2 is the extension dimension of the secondary support 9, Lti is the extension dimension of the tertiary support 15, each of said extension dimensions preferably representing a maximum dimension (of the support considered) measured parallel to the third rectilinear edge 12.In the particular embodiments illustrated in the figures, said extension dimensions in practice each represent a respective length of each of said primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 supports. Alternatively, said extension dimensions could represent diameters, for example in the particular case (but not illustrated here) where one or more primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 supports is circular in shape (for example in the general shape of a disc, puck, round stud, etc.), other alternatives being of course possible. Independently or in combination with the above, of . advantageously, we have Lpi = Lp2, Ls[ = Ls2, Lpi = Lsb Lp2 = Ls2, and / or Lpi = Lp2 = Ls[ = Ls2. In the particular embodiments illustrated in the figures, the respective lengths of the primary supports 6, 7 and secondary supports 8, 9 are advantageously all substantially equal.

[0062] Particularly advantageously, we have Si > 1.5xL3, preferably Si > 1.8xL3, more preferably where Si > 2xL3. Optionally, we have Si < 4xL3.

[0063] The preceding configurations concerning a proportional relationship between, on the one hand, the sum Si of the extension dimensions substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge 12 of the primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 supports, and on the other hand, the third length L3 of the third rectilinear edge 12, again makes it possible not only to optimize the distribution of the mass of the first solar panel 30 (and more generally of the plurality of solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) on the surface of the roof 2, but also to anticipate any overloads suffered by the first solar panel 30 and said roof 2, in particular the accumulation of snow, rain, hail, etc. on the first solar panel 30, thus considerably reducing the risk of damage to said roof 2.

[0064] Preferably, we have Lx + Lt[ > 0.5xL3, preferably Lx + LH > 0.7xL3, more preferably Lx + Lu > 0.9xL3 Advantageously, we have Lx + Lu < 2xL3, preferably Lx + Lt[ < 1.6xL3, more preferably Lx + Lt[ < 1.2xL3. According to an advantageous variant, Lx + Lu = L3 with a margin of error equal to or less than 5%. Lx represents one of Lpb Lp2, Lsb and Ls2. In other words, for reasons of correct load distribution on said roof 2, it is preferable that the sum of the (maximum) dimension measured parallel to the third rectilinear edge 12 of at least one of said primary 6, 7 and secondary 8, 9 supports and the (maximum) dimension measured parallel to the third rectilinear edge 12 of the first tertiary support 15 is relatively close, or even substantially equal, to the third length L3 of said third rectilinear edge 12.

[0065] Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, said first primary 6 and secondary 8 supports are substantially elongated and designed to be positioned in the longitudinal extension of one another in a first direction P. Preferably, said second primary 7 and secondary 9 supports are substantially elongated and designed to be positioned in the longitudinal extension of one another in a second direction D. Said first and second directions P, D are preferably parallel to each other and / or parallel to said third rectilinear edge 12. Advantageously, said first tertiary support 15 is substantially elongated and thus extends longitudinally in a third direction T. Said third direction T is advantageously substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge 12. Advantageously, said third direction T is substantially parallel to said first and second directions P, D, and is preferentially located between said first and second directions P, D, as can be seen in the figures, in particular in figures 4 and 14. Said first, second and third directions P, D, T advantageously correspond to the extension directions previously mentioned (for the support 6, 7, 8, 9, 15 considered).

[0066] Advantageously, each of said primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 supports comprises, and preferably is formed by, a respective profiled element formed from a single piece, that is to say which is advantageously monobloc. Each of said profiled elements has a rail shape provided with at least one substantially flat part, said substantially flat part being intended to be pressed against said roof 2, and more precisely against said waterproofing membrane 3, as illustrated in the figures (in particular in figures 1 and 4, the waterproofing membrane 3 not being illustrated in the other figures, only the ribbed steel sheet 5 of the roof 2 being illustrated there).

[0067] Advantageously, said first tertiary support 15 has a tertiary length, and is designed to support said first solar panel 30 so that the latter extends above and in line with the entirety of said tertiary length, as illustrated in the figures, in particular in [Fig.l]. Said tertiary length advantageously corresponds to said extension dimension Lu of the tertiary support 15. Thus, the first tertiary support 15 is advantageously designed to be completely overhung by said first solar panel 30.

[0068] Advantageously, said primary supports 6, 7 are further designed to support a second of said solar panels 31 (the one already mentioned above). Said secondary supports 8, 9 are further preferably designed to support a third of said solar panels 32 (the one already mentioned above). Said second and third solar panels 31, 32 are therefore adjacent to said first solar panel 30 and located on either side of the latter, as illustrated in particular in Figures 13 and 14, and partly in [Fig. 1] (where the first, second and fourth solar panels 31 are illustrated, but not the third solar panel 32).

[0069] As illustrated in the figures, in particular in figures 1, 13 and 14, advantageously, said primary supports 6, 7 are designed to be located at least partly below and in line with one part of said first solar panel 30 and on the other hand of said second solar panel 31. Said secondary supports 8, 9 are furthermore advantageously designed to be located at least partly below and in line with one part of said first solar panel 30 and on the other hand of said third panel solar 32. In other words, said first and second primary supports 6, 7 are preferably designed to support said first and second panels 30, 31, and said first and second secondary supports 8, 9 are preferably designed to support said first and third panels 30, 32. For example, each of said primary supports 6, 7 has a respective length of which at least one third, preferably about half (+ / - 10%), is located below and in line with said first solar panel 30, and of which at least another third, preferably about the other half (+ / - 10%), is located below and in line with said second solar panel 31.According to another example, in combination with the previous one or alone, each of said secondary supports 8, 9 has a respective length of which at least one third, preferably approximately half (+ / - 10%), is located below and to the right of said first solar panel 30, and of which at least another third, preferably approximately the other half (+ / -10%), is located below and to the right of said third solar panel 32.

[0070] The fixing support assembly 1 thus advantageously comprises a plurality of identical assortments each comprising primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9, and tertiary 15 supports as described above, and thus making it possible to fix said plurality of solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34. Said identical assortments are preferably made integral with each other, that is to say attached to each other (directly, for example via spacers 26 as mentioned below, or indirectly, by being linked to the same solar panel for example).

[0071] Advantageously, said fixing support assembly 1 further comprises at least one first intermediate connecting element 17 designed to be connected on the one hand to the first tertiary support 15, and on the other hand to the first solar panel 30 to receive the latter. Advantageously, said first intermediate element 17 is substantially elongated, and preferably is formed by a respective profiled element formed from a single piece, that is to say which is advantageously monobloc. Preferably, as illustrated in the figures and in particular in figures 7 to 9, said first tertiary support 15 and said first intermediate connecting element 17 are designed to cooperate mechanically with each other, preferably reversibly, via a sliding connection advantageously having a sliding direction G, which is more advantageously substantially (intended to be) parallel to said third rectilinear edge 12.Said slide direction G preferably corresponds to the translation direction permitted by said slide connection. Obviously, said slide direction G is preferably substantially parallel or coincident with the third direction T (which is therefore preferably the direction of extension, and more precisely a longitudinal extension direction, of the first tertiary support 15). Advantageously, said first intermediate element 17 has a longitudinal extension direction, which is parallel or coincident with said direction of . slide G. The fixing support assembly 1 optionally comprises a means for locking said slide connection, so as to leave no degree of freedom of the first intermediate connection element 17 relative to said first tertiary support 15, said locking means (not illustrated) possibly comprising a screw, clamping means, etc.

[0072] Said first tertiary support 15 advantageously comprises a lower tertiary part 18 provided with a flat portion intended to be pressed against said roof 2. Said first tertiary support 15 may further comprise, in combination with the above or independently, an upper tertiary part 19, while the first intermediate connecting element 17 comprises a lower connecting part 20, said upper tertiary part 19 and lower connecting part 20 being designed to cooperate mechanically with each other in order to connect said first tertiary support 15 and first intermediate connecting element 17. For example, said lower connecting part 20 forms a substantially longitudinal cavity, and said upper tertiary part 19 is designed to be inserted within said substantially longitudinal cavity preferably by translation in said slide direction G.Said first intermediate connecting element 17 may further comprise, in combination with the above or independently, an upper connecting part 21, designed to receive at least said first solar panel 30, in particular at the level of said central zone and / or said tertiary zone 16. Advantageously, said first intermediate connecting element 17 is therefore directly in contact with said first solar panel 30, whereas said first tertiary support 15 only supports said first solar panel 30 indirectly via said first intermediate connecting element 17. This makes it possible to facilitate the installation of the first solar panel 30 on said roof 2, in particular by providing better modularity to the fixing support assembly 1, while optimizing the distribution of the load of the first solar panel 30, but also of the other solar panels 31, 32, 33, 34 as will be seen.The fixing support assembly 1 may optionally comprise a first connecting means (not illustrated) designed to connect said first solar panel 30 and / or said second solar panel 31 to and against said first intermediate connecting element 17, more precisely to and against said upper connecting part 21, which preferably has a face that is at least partly flat and intended to be turned upwards in order to receive with said first solar panel 30 and / or said second solar panel 31. Said upper connecting part 21 may have a longitudinal cavity opening upwards and intended to receive a portion of said first connecting means (such a cavity is notably illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9).

[0073] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 in particular, said first intermediate connecting element 17 may further be designed to be positioned partly cantilevered relative to said first tertiary support 15, that is to say that a part (called the engaging part) of said first intermediate connecting element 17 is designed to be engaged with the first tertiary support 15 above the latter, while another part (called the cantilevered part) of said first intermediate connecting element 17 is designed to be free and positioned directly above said roof 2, without the first tertiary support 15 being below or engaged with said other part, as illustrated in the figures and in particular in [Fig. 3]. Said first intermediate connecting element 17 may in particular be designed to be positioned partly below said first rectilinear edge 10, preferably at the level of said other cantilevered part.

[0074] Advantageously, said first intermediate connecting element 17 is designed to further receive said second solar panel 31, said first intermediate element 17 thus being located partly below and to the right of said first solar panel 30, and partly below and to the right of said second solar panel 31, as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 1, 13 and 14. This further improves the distribution of the load, since the first tertiary support 15 then indirectly supports a part of the second solar panel 31.Obviously, the fixing support assembly 1 advantageously comprises another first tertiary support 15' (identical to the previous one 15) designed to support said first intermediate element 17 and to be connected with the latter (also by sliding connection), said first tertiary support 15 thus supporting a first end of the first intermediate connecting element 17, and the other first tertiary support 15' supporting a second end, opposite the first end, of the first intermediate connecting element 17.

[0075] According to a particular embodiment, said fixing support assembly 1 further comprises at least one second intermediate connecting element 22, designed to be connected on the one hand to the first tertiary support 15, and on the other hand to the second solar panel 31 to receive the latter. Said second intermediate connecting element 22 is advantageously designed to be positioned partly below said second rectilinear edge 11. According to a first alternative (not illustrated), the second intermediate connecting element 22 forms an extension of the first intermediate connecting element 21, and the first and second intermediate connecting elements 21, 22 are directly connected (or even in one piece). According to a second alternative, illustrated in the figures, the second intermediate connecting element 22 is separate and designed to be placed at a distance from the first intermediate connecting element 21.In the latter case, advantageously, the second intermediate element of . connection 22 is substantially identical to the first intermediate connection element 21, in order to rationalize the manufacture of the support assembly 1 and reduce its cost, while facilitating the installation of the latter on the roof 2.

[0076] Advantageously, said fixing support assembly 1 comprises a connection means for connecting said first tertiary support 15 to and against said roof 2. For example, as illustrated in the figures, said connection means comprises a substantially flexible tertiary connection strip 23. According to a particular variant of the invention, said connection means is designed to leave at least one degree of freedom to said first tertiary support 15 with respect to said roof 2, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to said third rectilinear edge 12 and / or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first tertiary support 15 (when the latter is substantially elongated).This makes it possible to adjust the position, during the installation of the support assembly 1 on the roof 2, of the first tertiary support 15 relative to the primary supports 6, 7 and secondary supports 8, 9, or relative to the other first tertiary supports 15' (if they are poorly aligned for example, the other first tertiary support 15' must be placed substantially in the extension of the first tertiary support 15 as illustrated in [Fig.l]), and this in particular just before or during the installation of the solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, thereby facilitating the installation of the latter. For example, in particular to allow the degree of freedom as mentioned above, said first tertiary support 15 may comprise a through slot 24, said tertiary connecting strip 23 being intended to pass through said through slot 24 and to be connected to the roof 2 (more precisely to said waterproofing membrane 3) on either side of said first tertiary support 15.According to a particular embodiment, said through slot 24 extends longitudinally substantially parallel to the third rectilinear edge 12. This through slot 24 / tertiary connecting strip 23 system is particularly easy to implement, at a reduced cost, thereby facilitating the installation and positioning of the first tertiary support 15 between said primary supports 6, 7 and secondary supports 8, 9.

[0077] Advantageously, said fixing support assembly 1 comprises fixing means designed to fix said primary 6, 7 and secondary 8, 9 supports to and against said roof 2. Said fixing means are optionally designed to eliminate any degree of freedom of said primary 6, 7 and secondary supports with respect to said roof 2. These fixing means may comprise for example a plurality of connecting membranes 25, each connecting membrane 25 being preferentially connected to only one of said primary 6, 7 and secondary 8, 9 supports, and more preferentially, each connecting membrane 25 is designed to be connected to said roof 2 and to one of said primary 6, 7 and secondary 8 supports, 9 on only one side of the latter (unlike the tertiary connecting strip 23 which is connected to said roof 2 and to said first tertiary support 15 on both sides of the latter). Said connecting membranes 25 may be of the same nature as said tertiary connecting strip 23. Said fixing support assembly 1 advantageously comprises a plurality of spacers 26, each spacer 26 being designed to connect two primary supports together or two secondary supports together, preferably two primary supports or two secondary supports of different assortments).

[0078] Advantageously, said fixing support assembly 1 comprises a second tertiary support 27 which is designed on the one hand to rest on said roof 2 and on the other hand to support said first solar panel 30, so that said second tertiary support 27 is located at least partly below and in line with said third rectilinear edge 12. Advantageously, said second tertiary support 27 is substantially elongated, and preferably is formed by a respective profiled element formed in one piece, that is to say which is advantageously monobloc. Said second tertiary support 27 is preferably designed to be positioned substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge 12. Said second tertiary support 27 is preferably located over its entire length below said third rectilinear edge 12.Said second tertiary support 27 is furthermore preferably designed to be positioned substantially parallel to said first tertiary support 15 (when the latter is of elongated shape). Advantageously, said second tertiary support 27 is further designed to support a fourth of said solar panels 33 (the one already mentioned above), said fourth solar panel 33 being adjacent to said first solar panel 30. Said fourth solar panel 33 is preferably distinct from said second and third solar panels 31, 32. Said second tertiary support 27 is preferably identical, in terms of shape and dimension in particular, but not of function, to said first tertiary support 15.Advantageously, said fixing support assembly 1 comprises a third tertiary support 28 which is designed on the one hand to rest on said roof 2 and on the other hand to support said first solar panel 30, so that said second tertiary support 27 is located at least partly below and in line with said fourth rectilinear edge 13. Said third tertiary support 28 is preferably identical, in terms of shape, dimension and preferably also function, to said second tertiary support 27. Said third tertiary support 28 is preferably located over its entire length below said third rectilinear edge 12. Advantageously, said third tertiary support 28 is further designed to support a fifth of said solar panels 34 (the one already mentioned above), said fifth solar panel 34 being adjacent to said first panel. solar 30. Said fifth solar panel 33 is preferably distinct from said second, third and fourth solar panels 31, 32, 33.

[0079] Said fourth and fifth solar panels 33, 34 are therefore advantageously adjacent to said first solar panel 30 and located on either side of the latter, as illustrated in particular in Figures 13 and 14, and partly in Figures 1 (where the first, second and fourth solar panels 31 are illustrated, but not the fifth solar panel 34) and 2 (where the first and fifth solar panels 30, 34 are illustrated, but not the fourth solar panel 33).

[0080] Advantageously (and as already mentioned previously, except with regard to the second tertiary support), said primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15, 27, 28 supports each have a respective extension dimension substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge 12. Each extension dimension thus advantageously follows a respective extension direction substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge 12. Said direction(s) of extension of the first primary 6 and secondary 8 supports is preferably between said direction of extension of the first tertiary support 15 and said direction of extension of the second tertiary support 27. Said direction(s) of extension of the second primary 7 and secondary 9 supports is preferably between said direction of extension of the first tertiary support 15 and said direction of extension of the third tertiary support 28.In the embodiments of the figures, said extension dimensions are in practice lengths of said supports 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 27, 28, but they could represent other quantities, for example their diameters, if one or more of said supports 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 27, 28 is of circular shape for example.

[0081] The invention relates, according to a second aspect, to an assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy, comprising at least: - a plurality of solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 adjacent to each other, said plurality of solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 including a first solar panel 30 which comprises at least a first and a second rectilinear edge 10, 11 substantially opposite, - a support assembly 1 for fixing said plurality of solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 to a roof 2, said support assembly 1 being produced in accordance with the preceding description (and possibly also in accordance with the following description).

[0082] Thus, the solar radiation conversion assembly comprises in substance on the one hand said solar panels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and on the other hand said fixing support assembly 1 adapted to fix said panels on said roof 2, as described above. The elements common to the different aspects of the invention having identical names are preferably the same, and not distinct elements.

[0083] Particularly preferably, said assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy is installed (and / or designed to be installed) on a roof 2 comprising one or more ribbed or corrugated steel sheets 5 provided with ribs or corrugations extending in a sheet bending direction B. Advantageously, at least one of said first and second rectilinear edges 10, 11 is positioned substantially parallel to said sheet bending direction JB, advantageously with a tolerance of + / -10°, more advantageously with a tolerance of + / - 5° (relative to the exact parallel, which is 0°). Said third rectilinear edge 12 is preferably positioned substantially perpendicular to said sheet bending direction B, advantageously with a tolerance of + / -10°, more advantageously with a tolerance of + / - 5° (relative to the exact perpendicular, which is 90°).The primary 6, 7, secondary 8, 9 and tertiary 15 (or tertiary 15, 27, 28) supports are preferably designed to be positioned substantially perpendicular to said sheet bending direction B, in particular when they are of elongated shape, advantageously with a tolerance of + / -10°, more advantageously a tolerance of + / - 5° (relative to the exact perpendicular, which is 90°). This allows a better distribution of the load on the surface of said roof 2, since in particular the weight of the solar panels and of the support assembly 1 is supported by the maximum number of different ribs of the ribbed steel sheet(s) 15, each support 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 27, 28 thus being positioned above several distinct ribs (rather than one or two, if for example the supports were positioned parallel to said sheet bending direction B).

[0084] The invention relates, according to a third aspect, to a method of installing on a roof 2 an assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy as described above, the method comprising at least: - a primary step of fixing the primary supports 6, 7 and secondary supports 8, 9 to and on said roof 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 10]; - a secondary step of fixing the first tertiary support 15 to and on said roof 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 11].

[0085] During said primary fixing step, several of said primary supports 6, 7 and secondary supports 8, 9 are advantageously connected to each other by spacers 26 (mentioned above), as illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0086] The secondary fixing step advantageously further includes fixing one or more of said second and third tertiary supports 27, 28 to and on said roof 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 11].

[0087] The method advantageously comprises a pairing step during which a first intermediate connecting element 17 and / or a second intermediate connecting element 22 is / are connected to said first tertiary support 15, as illustrated in [Fig. 12], and as mentioned previously. The first intermediate connecting element 17 is then advantageously also connected to another first tertiary support 15', as mentioned previously, intended to be located below and to the right of a second solar panel 31 (already mentioned above).

[0088] The installation method further comprises at least: - a primary step of securing said first solar panel 30 to said primary supports 6, 7 and secondary supports 8, 9, as illustrated in [Fig. 13]; - optionally, a secondary step of securing said first solar panel 30 to said first tertiary support 15.

[0089] During the primary step, advantageously, one or more of the other (second, third, fourth, fifth) solar panels 31, 32, 33, 34 are attached to the roof using the fixing support assembly 1.

[0090] The installation method advantageously comprises a secondary step of securing said first solar panel 30 to at least one of said second and third tertiary supports 27, 28.

[0091] According to a particular embodiment, the installation method comprises: - optionally, a step of replacing the waterproofing membrane 3 and / or the insulating material 4 of said roof 2, - failure to replace the ribbed steel sheet(s) 5 of said roof 2.

[0092] Any combination of the different variants and examples mentioned above is obviously possible, in view of what seems relevant in the technical field concerned for producing a fixing support assembly 1.

Claims

Claims

1. A mounting bracket assembly (1) for mounting a plurality of solar panels (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) adjacent to each other on a roof (2), said plurality of solar panels (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) including a first solar panel (30) which comprises at least a first and a second rectilinear edge (10, 11) substantially opposite each other, said mounting bracket assembly (1) comprising at least: - a first and a second primary support (6, 7) positioned at a distance from each other, - a first and a second secondary support (8, 9) positioned at a distance from each other, - a first tertiary support (15), positioned at a distance from said primary (6, 7) and secondary (8, 9) supports, said primary (6, 7), secondary (8,9) and tertiary (15) being designed on the one hand to rest on said roof (2) and on the other hand to support said first solar panel (30) so that: - said first rectilinear edge (10) is located above and in line with a part of each of said first and second primary supports (6, 7), - said second rectilinear edge (11) is located above and in line with a part of each of said first and second secondary supports (8, 9), - the first tertiary support (15) is located below and in line with a tertiary zone (16) of the first solar panel (30) which is located between said first and second rectilinear edges (10, 11).,

2. Support assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said primary supports (6, 7) are further designed to support a second of said solar panels (31), and in that said secondary supports (8, 9) are further designed to support a third of said solar panels (32), said second and third solar panels (31, 32) being adjacent to said first solar panel (30) and located on either side of the latter.

3. Support assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said primary supports (6, 7) are designed to be located at least partly below and in line with one part of said first solar panel (30) and on the other part of said second solar panel (31), and in that said secondary supports (8, 9) are designed to be located at least partly below and in line with one part of said first solar panel (30) and on the other part of said third solar panel (32).

4. Support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first solar panel (30) further comprises a third rectilinear edge (12) having a third length (L3) and extending from one end of said first rectilinear edge (10) to one end of said second rectilinear edge (11), said third rectilinear edge (12) preferably being substantially perpendicular to at least one of said first and second rectilinear edges (10, 11).

5. Support assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the primary (6, 7), secondary (8, 9) and tertiary (15) supports each have a respective extension dimension substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge (12), and in that Si > L3, where Si is the sum of said extension dimensions, and L3 is said third length.

6. Support assembly according to the preceding claim, where Si > 1.5xL3, preferably where Si > 1.8xL3, more preferably where Si > 2xL3, and optionally where Si < 4xL3.

7. Support assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said first primary (6) and secondary (8) supports are substantially elongated and designed to be positioned in the longitudinal extension of each other in a first direction (P), in that said second primary (7) and secondary (9) supports are substantially elongated and designed to be positioned in the longitudinal extension of each other in a second direction (D), said first and second directions (P, D) being preferably parallel to each other and / or parallel to said third rectilinear edge (12), and in that said first tertiary support (15) is substantially elongated and thus extends longitudinally in a third direction (T), said third direction (T) being advantageously substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge (12).

8. Support assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said third direction (T) is substantially parallel to said first and second directions (P, D), and in that it is located between said first and second directions (P, D).

9. Support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said primary (6, 7), secondary (8, 9) and tertiary (15) supports are designed to be arranged in a staggered pattern, the primary (6, 7) and secondary (8, 9) supports being positioned substantially at the corners of a staggered pattern and the first tertiary support (15) is positioned substantially at the center of said staggered pattern.

10. Support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said primary (6, 7), secondary (8, 9) and tertiary (15) supports comprises, and preferably is formed by, a respective profiled element formed from a single piece, that is to say which is advantageously monobloc.

11. A support assembly according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said first tertiary support (15) has a tertiary length, and is designed to support said first solar panel (30) so that the latter extends above and in line with the entirety of said tertiary length.

12. Support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one first intermediate connecting element (17) designed to be connected on the one hand to the first tertiary support (15), and on the other hand to the first solar panel (30) to receive the latter.

13. Support assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first intermediate element (17) is substantially elongated, and preferably is formed by a respective profiled element formed from a single piece, that is to say which is advantageously a single piece.

14. Support assembly according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said first tertiary support (15) and said first intermediate connecting element (17) are designed to cooperate mechanically with each other, preferably reversibly, via a sliding connection advantageously having a sliding direction (G) substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge (12).

15. Support assembly according to claims 2 and 12, characterized in that said first intermediate connecting element (17) is designed to further receive said second solar panel (31), said first intermediate element (17) thus being located partly below and in line with said first solar panel (30), and partly below and in line with said second solar panel (31).

16. Support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a connecting means for connecting said first tertiary support (15) to and against said roof (2), and in that said connecting means is designed to allow at least one degree of freedom for said first tertiary support (15) with respect to said roof (2), preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to said third rectilinear edge (12).

17. Support assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said connecting means comprises a substantially flexible tertiary connecting strip (23), and in that said first tertiary support (15) comprises a through slot, said tertiary connecting strip (23) being intended to pass through said through slot (24) and to be connected to the roof (2) on either side of said first tertiary support (15).

18. Support assembly according to claims 4 and 17, characterized in that said through slot (24) extends longitudinally substantially parallel to the third rectilinear edge (12).

19. A support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises fixing means designed to fix said primary (6, 7) and secondary supports to and against said roof (2), said fixing means being designed to remove any degree of freedom of said primary (6, 7) and secondary supports with respect to said roof (2).

20. Support assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a second tertiary support (27) which is designed on the one hand to rest on said roof (2) and on the other hand to support said first solar panel (30), so that said second tertiary support (27) is located at least partly below and to the right of said third rectilinear edge (12).

21. Support assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said second tertiary support (27) is substantially elongated, and preferably is formed by a respective profiled element formed from a single piece, that is to say which is advantageously monobloc, and in that said second tertiary support is designed to be positioned substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge (12).

22. A support assembly according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that said second tertiary support is further adapted to support a fourth of said solar panels (33), said fourth solar panel (33) being adjacent to said first solar panel (30), and preferably distinct from said second and third solar panels (31,32).

23. Support assembly according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that said primary (6, 7), secondary (8, 9) and tertiary (15, 27) supports each have a respective extension dimension substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge (12), each extension dimension following a respective extension direction substantially parallel to said third rectilinear edge (12), said extension direction(s) of the first primary (6) and secondary (8) supports being located between said extension direction of the first tertiary support (15) and said extension direction of the second tertiary support (27).

24. Assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy, comprising at least: - a plurality of solar panels (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) adjacent to each other, said plurality of solar panels (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) including a first solar panel (30) which comprises at least a first and a second rectilinear edge (10, 11) substantially opposite, - a support assembly (1) for fixing said plurality of solar panels (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) to a roof (2), said support assembly (1) being produced in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

25. Assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy according to the preceding claim, characterized

26. in that it is installed on a roof (2) comprising one or more ribbed (5) or corrugated steel sheets provided with ribs or corrugations extending in a sheet folding direction (B), and in that at least one of said first and second rectilinear edges (10, 11) is positioned substantially parallel to said sheet folding direction (B). Method of installing on a roof (2) an assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy according to claim 24 or 25, the method comprising at least: - a primary step of fixing the primary (6, 7) and secondary supports to and on said roof (2), - a secondary step of fixing the first tertiary support (15) to and on said roof (2), - a primary step of securing said first solar panel (30) to said primary (6, 7) and secondary (8, 9) supports, - optionally, a secondary step of securing said first solar panel (30) to said first tertiary support (15).

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