Photovoltaic energy production unit and its installation process

Abstract

Title: Photovoltaic energy production unit and its installation method The invention relates to a photovoltaic energy production unit 1 comprising at least one shade structure 2 comprising at least one table 4 of photovoltaic panels 5 resting on at least two support structures 61 and 6N+1 in the form of a cantilever comprising a post 7 surmounted by a cross member 8 extending in a transverse direction 9a perpendicular to a longitudinal direction Dl passing through the posts 7, the latter cooperating by embedding at their lower end 12 with a foundation infrastructure 13.Advantageously, said foundation infrastructure 13 comprises a reinforced concrete foundation footing 141, 142, 143, … 14N+1 extending under each of the columns 7 in a transverse direction 9b perpendicular to said longitudinal direction Dl and at least one reinforced concrete stringer 151, 152, 153, … 15N connecting said foundation footings 141, 142, 143, … 14N+1 in alignment with the columns 7, the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, … 14N+1 and the stringer(s) 151, 152, 153, … 15N having a cross-section of height 16 and width 17 between 30 and 60 cm... The invention further relates to a method of installing such a photovoltaic energy production unit. Figure for the abbreviation: [Fig.1].

Description

Title of the invention: Photovoltaic energy production unit and its installation method

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of photovoltaic energy production and more particularly to that of shade structures installed on parking areas and over which tables of photovoltaic panels are extended.

[0002] Such shade structures can take various forms. For example, a shade structure is known that essentially comprises two frames, each with at least two posts connected at the top by a longitudinal beam. A table composed of several photovoltaic panels is mounted on these frames. Optionally, bracing braces may be added to the frames. Each post requires ground anchoring at its lower end. In particular, these posts may be equipped at their lower end with a base plate having holes for, as appropriate, fixing screws to suitable foundations or piles designed to extend deep through the pavement structure of these parking areas.

[0003] Shade structures are also known, essentially consisting of two parallel brackets, each comprising a post firmly anchored to the ground at its lower end and, at its upper end, extended by a crossbar, often slightly inclined. Purlins are fixed to the parallel crossbars of these brackets, onto which table-shaped photovoltaic panels are mounted by suitable means. These panels may extend on one side of the bracket posts or on both sides, defining a single inclined surface or two inverted inclined surfaces.

[0004] Such shade structures often allow the covering of two parking spaces arranged one in line with the other and / or of one or more parking spaces side by side.

[0005] Obviously, the larger the surface area of ​​the photovoltaic panel table extending between two brackets, the more efficient the ground anchoring of a shade structure must be to compensate for wind resistance.

[0006] Essentially, two principles are implemented to ensure the ground anchoring of the photovoltaic panel shade structures. The first consists of limiting the surface area of ​​the photovoltaic panel array, which is designed to cover one, or even two, parking spaces. resting on a structure with at least four posts, each post has a base through which it is fixed, either by piles driven deep into the ground or by screws into concrete footings poured into the ground. Often the structure of such shade structures is weighted down to compensate for the rudimentary anchoring.

[0007] The other principle consists, on the contrary, in designing at the level of the parking area heavy and deep structures to which are solidly fixed cantilever poles capable of supporting the loads of a table of photovoltaic panels of more substantial dimensions capable of simultaneously covering several parking spaces.

[0008] While the first solution is easier to implement and leads to an installation that can be described as reversible, particularly when piles are used, the second solution is irreversible due to the heavy and deep works required to anchor the shade structures to the ground.

[0009] Conversely, the second solution makes it possible to limit the number of posts supporting the photovoltaic panel tables, and therefore their bulk in the parking area, while the first solution imposes a multiplication of these posts which have the disadvantage of making access to parking spaces under the shade structures more difficult, while also increasing the risk of accidents.

[0010] A photovoltaic panel shade structure is known, particularly from document JP2013253445A, comprising a table of photovoltaic panels resting, on the one hand, at the front edge on two short posts and, on the other hand, at the rear edge on two taller posts, so as to define an upward sloping section from front to back. It is therefore considered that only at this rear section, which is more exposed to the wind, it is necessary to prevent the solar panel structure from lifting. To this end, the foundations of the posts at the rear are constructed as follows: • One or more trenches are dug under these posts at the rear, as appropriate, in a direction passing through the front posts and / or perpendicular to this direction; • At the bottom of these trenches are placed corrugated anchoring plates onto which a threaded anchoring rod is attached; • If necessary, anchoring piles are driven through these sheets before the trenches are filled with earth; • A foundation block is poured around the threaded anchor rod, from which this threaded anchor rod partially emerges; • A post is fixed to the latter.

[0011] This document also refers to a solution considered to represent the prior art. In this case, the front posts, on the one hand, and the rear posts, on the other hand, rest on stringers which connect these posts, as the case may be, front or rear, to each other.

[0012] Consequently, these solutions described in document JP2013253445A share the previously listed disadvantages, namely a multitude of posts which is particularly cumbersome in an application to parking areas.

[0013] There is therefore a need for a photovoltaic power generation unit comprising at least one photovoltaic panel canopy system whose installation, particularly in a parking area, does not require civil engineering works impacting the parking area in depth, beyond the pavement structure. Furthermore, the canopy system of such a photovoltaic power generation unit must be able to operate without additional ballast, while being limited to support structures composed of brackets to support the photovoltaic panel table(s).

[0014] To this end, the invention relates to a photovoltaic energy production unit comprising at least one shade structure comprising at least one table of photovoltaic panels resting on at least two support structures in the form of cantilevers comprising a post surmounted by a cross member extending in a transverse direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction passing through the posts of the cantilevers, these posts cooperating by embedding at their lower end with a foundation infrastructure.

[0015] In particular, this foundation infrastructure comprises a reinforced concrete foundation slab extending under each of the cantilever columns in a transverse direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction and at least one reinforced concrete stringer connecting said foundation slabs in this longitudinal direction, in line with the cantilever columns, the foundation slabs and the stringer(s) having a height and a cross-section width of between 30 and 60 cm.

[0016] As a reminder, a foundation footing is a foundation element, generally rectangular or quadratic in shape, designed to distribute the loads of a structure over a larger area of ​​the ground. It is designed to ensure the stability and safety of the construction by limiting settlement and preventing the risk of soil failure.

[0017] Advantageously, the photovoltaic power generation unit comprises a shade structure including N photovoltaic panel tables resting on N + 1 cantilever-shaped support structures whose posts extend in the same longitudinal alignment and cooperate by embedding at their lower end with foundation footings of length at most equal to the length in the transverse direction of a photovoltaic panel table.

[0018] According to another feature of the invention, the foundation footings under the posts of the support structures 1 and N+1 at the longitudinal ends of the photovoltaic power generation unit are shorter compared to the foundation footings on which the posts of the intermediate support structures 2 to N rest.

[0019] The invention further relates to a method of installing a photovoltaic energy production unit on a support surface, such as a parking area, comprising at least one surface layer, such as bituminous coating, paving stones or other materials, and a compacted base layer, said photovoltaic energy production unit comprising at least one shade structure having at least one table of photovoltaic panels resting on at least two cantilever-shaped support structures comprising a post surmounted by a cross member extending in a transverse direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction passing through the cantilever posts,these posts cooperating by embedding at their lower end with a foundation infrastructure comprising a reinforced concrete foundation slab extending in the transverse direction under each of the cantilever posts and at least one reinforced concrete beam connecting said slabs together in the longitudinal direction in line with the cantilever posts, this method consisting of: , • to mark on the supporting surface the location of the foundation footings and the stringer(s); • to saw through the surface layer and at least part of the base layer at the markings; • to clear the surface layer and the bedding layer to at least the sawn depth for the design of trenches with dimensions adjusted to the section and length, as appropriate, of the foundation footings and stringers; • Optionally, to create a layer of lean concrete between 3 and 5 centimeters thick at the bottom of the trenches; • to install reinforcement bars, depending on the case of foundation footing and stringer in the corresponding trenches and to mechanically connect these reinforcement bars at the height of the junctions under the cantilever columns; • to mechanically connect to the reinforcement a receiving plate designed to receive a lower end of a column of a retaining structure at the height of the junctions between a foundation footing and a stringer; • to adjust the positioning, including the altimetry, of the receiving platforms; • to pour construction concrete into the trenches for the design, after hardening, of the foundation footings and stringers; • to build the shade structure on the foundation infrastructure, in particular by fixing, for cooperation by embedding, the lower end of the posts of the cantilevers on the said receiving plates.

[0020] According to the same inventive concept, the invention also relates to another method of installing a photovoltaic energy production unit according to the invention on a support surface, such as a parking area, comprising at least one surface layer, such as bituminous coating, paving stones or other, and a compacted base layer, said photovoltaic energy production unit comprising at least one shade structure having at least one table of photovoltaic panels resting on at least two support structures in the form of cantilevers comprising a post surmounted by a cross member extending in a transverse direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction passing through the posts,these cooperating by embedding at their lower end with a foundation infrastructure comprising a reinforced concrete foundation slab extending under each of the columns in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and at least one reinforced concrete beam connecting said foundation slabs together in the longitudinal direction in line with the columns, the method consisting of: , • to mark the location of the foundation footings on the support surface 29; • to saw through the surface layer and at least part of the bedding layer at the right angle markings; • to clear the surface layer and the bedding layer to at least the sawn depth for the design of trenches with dimensions adjusted to the section and length, as appropriate, of the foundation footings and the stringer(s); • to place in each of the trenches corresponding to the foundation footings a prefabricated reinforced concrete foundation footing and to place in the trenches corresponding to the stringers, prefabricated reinforced concrete stringers; • to mechanically connect the reinforcements of the foundation footings and the prefabricated stringers at the height of their junctions under the columns; • to fix on these foundation footings and prefabricated stringers at the height of these junctions a receiving plate intended to receive the lower end of a post; • to adjust the positioning of the receiving plates; • to pour construction concrete into the trenches for the design, after hardening, the foundation footings and the stringer(s); • to build the shade structure on the foundation infrastructure, fixing the lower end of the posts on the said receiving plates for cooperation by embedding.

[0021] The advantages arising from the present invention consist, essentially, in the fact that the foundation infrastructure of a photovoltaic power production unit extends, in depth, only over the thickness of the surface and base layers of the support surface without risk of reaching the dry and wet networks which may extend under this support surface, networks necessarily buried under the base layer of the latter.

[0022] Furthermore, by sawing into this support surface to create trenches with dimensions precisely adjusted in length and width to the foundation footings and beams they are intended to accommodate, whether these foundation footings and beams are cast in place or prefabricated, the impact on this support surface is very limited and does not, under any circumstances, require a complete replacement of the surface layer. It should also be noted that in a preferred embodiment, these foundation footings and beams can simultaneously define the boundaries of the parking spaces under the shade structure.

[0023] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below, this description being supplemented by the accompanying figures given by way of illustration and not limitation, among which:

[0024] [Fig.1] Fig.1 schematically represents in perspective a photovoltaic energy production unit comprising a simple shade structure, the table of photovoltaic panels of which extends on one side of the plane passing through the posts of the support structures;

[0025] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic and side view of a shade device simple as represented in [Fig.1]:

[0026] [Fig.3] Fig.3 schematically represents, in perspective, a unit of photovoltaic energy production comprising a double shade structure, the table of photovoltaic panels of which extends on both sides of the plane passing through the posts of the support structures;

[0027] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic and side view of a shade device double as represented in [Fig.2];

[0028] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view representation of a foundation infrastructure conforming to the invention;

[0029] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a schematic and cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a foundation footing or a stringer of the foundation infrastructure embedded in the thickness of the layers of a supporting surface;

[0030] As schematically represented, in particular in figures 1 and 3 of the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to a photovoltaic power production unit 1 comprising at least one shade device 2 composed of several elementary modules 3.

[0031] Thus, in this elementary form, this shade structure 2 comprises at least one table 4 of photovoltaic panels 5. In the sense of the present description, such a table 4 of photovoltaic panels is generally rectangular in shape and comprises a support structure onto which photovoltaic panels 5 are attached by means of suitable fixing means.

[0032] This table 4 of photovoltaic panels 5 surmounts two support structures 6. These adopt a cantilever shape comprising a post 7 surmounted by a cross member 8 extending in a transverse direction 9a, on one side (as seen in Figures 1 and 2) or on both sides (as shown in Figures 3 and 4) of this post 7, perpendicular to a longitudinal direction DI passing through the posts 7 of these cantilevers corresponding to the support structures 6. As seen in these figures, a brace 10 can extend between the post 7 and the cross member 8, on one side or, as the case may be, on both sides of a longitudinal median plane P passing through the posts 7 so as to consolidate the support structures 6.

[0033] Note that the designation "support structure" and "support bracket" is used interchangeably in the description to refer to the same element.

[0034] Correspondingly, a table 4 of photovoltaic panels 5 extends essentially above the support structures 6 on one side of this longitudinal plane P or on both sides of it, and, in this case, preferably symmetrically and over the same length. In such a configuration, this table 4 can define a single plane preferably inclined with respect to the horizontal (as seen in Figures 3 and 4) or two planes extending at opposite angles from this median plane P (solution not shown).

[0035] Preferably, a table 4 of photovoltaic panels 5 extending on either side of the longitudinal plane P has a length LT, in the transverse direction 9a, defined to cover at least two parking spaces SI, S2 located in alignment with each other. Thus, this length LT, corresponding approximately to twice the length 18 of a parking space SI; S2, is advantageously between 10 and 12 meters.

[0036] Furthermore, this table 4 of photovoltaic panels 5 has, in the longitudinal direction Dl, parallel to the longitudinal median plane P, a width corresponding at least the width 19 of a parking space SI; S2, preferably a multiple of this width 19 so as to utilize, in this longitudinal direction, several parking spaces side by side, SU, S12

[0037] The crossbeams 8 of the support structures 6 are preferably connected to each other longitudinally, that is to say parallel to the longitudinal median plane P, by purlins 11.

[0038] Thus, in concrete terms, the crossbeams 8 of two successive support structures 6 and the purlins 11 connecting these crossbeams 8 substantially define the support structure on which photovoltaic panels 5 are fixed in order to define the table 4 of photovoltaic panels.

[0039] Advantageously, the posts 7, crossbeams 8, braces 10 and purlins 11 are defined by metal profiles, although the present invention is not limited to such a material for the design of a shade device 2. In particular, the latter may be made of profiles of wood or composite material or a combination of profiles in distinct materials.

[0040] Figures 1 and 3 illustrate a photovoltaic energy production unit 1 whose shade structure 2 comprises N tables 4 (N=6 in this case) resting on N+1 support structures 61 to 6N+1, two successive tables 4 resting on the same support structure at the height of their junction.

[0041] In summary, this shade structure 2 comprises two end support structures 61 and 6N+1 and several intermediate support structures 62, 63,

[0042] Furthermore, the posts 7 of the gantries corresponding to these support structures 6 cooperate by embedding at their lower end 12 with a foundation infrastructure 13.

[0043] According to the invention, this foundation infrastructure 13 comprises a foundation footing 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 of reinforced concrete extending under each of the columns 7 of the support structures 62, 63, 64, ...6N+1 in a transverse direction 9b, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction DL.

[0044] The foundation infrastructure 13 comprises at least one reinforced concrete stringer 151, 152, 153, ... 15N connecting together the said foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 in the longitudinal direction Dl, preferably in the longitudinal median plane P, that is to say in the alignment of the columns 7.

[0045] In particular, the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and the stringer(s) 151, 152, 153, ... 15N have a section of height 16 and width 17 between 20 and 60 centimeters, preferably between 30 and 50 centimeters, advantageously, of the order of 40 cm.

[0046] According to a particular feature of the invention, the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 extend on one side of the longitudinal plane P over a length 201, 202, 203, ... 20N+1 at most equal to the length L plus one meter (1m) on which the table 4 of photovoltaic panels 5 extends in the transverse direction 9a, on the same side of this plane P.

[0047] In summary, if, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, table 4 extends over a length L on one side of this longitudinal plane P above the support structures 62, 63, the foundation footings have a length 201, 202, 203, ... 20N + 1, on this same side of plane P, at most equal to L plus one meter. Since table 4 does not extend on the opposite side of this plane P, L is equal to 0, so that the foundation footings have a length at most equal to one meter on this side opposite plane P.

[0048] Conversely, if table 4 extends transversely on either side of plane P, over a length L, the foundation footings have a length 201, 202, 203, ... 20N+1, on either side of this plane P at most equal to L plus one meter.

[0049] According to another feature of the invention, the foundation footings 141, and 14N + 1 under the posts 7 of the support structures 61 and 6N+1 at the longitudinal ends 21, 22 of the photovoltaic power generation unit 1 are shorter in relation to the length 202, 203, ... 20N of the foundation footings 142, 143, ... 14N on which the posts of the intermediate support structures 62, 63, 64... 6N rest.

[0050] According to another feature of the invention, over a portion of length pl, p2 extending from the longitudinal ends 21, 22 of the photovoltaic power production unit 1, the foundation footings 61, 62, ... 6N+1, 6N, are defined of length 201, 202, 20N+1, 20N progressively increasing and between 3 and 15 meters.

[0051] As for the reinforcement 23 of a foundation footing 14 or a stringer 15, it can be defined by a steel inertia beam of type IPN, IPE or HEA. However, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], they are advantageously presented in the form of a square or rectangular tie beam 24, where appropriate reinforced at the bottom and / or top by reinforcing bars 25; 26 of suitable cross-section.

[0052] Advantageously, these reinforcements 23 of a foundation footing 14 and of a stringer 15 are mechanically connected at the height of their junction 27 under the columns 7 of the support structures 61 at 6N+1.

[0053] Furthermore, to this frame 23, at the height of this junction 27, a receiving plate 28 is mechanically connected, on which the lower end 12 of a post 7 can be fixed for a cooperation of the embedded type with the foundation infrastructure 13.

[0054] Note that both the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and the stringers 151, 152, 153, ... 15N in reinforced concrete can be of the prefabricated type, whose reinforcements 23 are mechanically connected at the height of their junction 27.

[0055] Here again, at the level of this junction 27 of the reinforcements 23 of the prefabricated reinforced concrete foundation footings 14 with the reinforcement 23 of a stringer 15 also in prefabricated reinforced concrete can be mechanically connected a receiving plate 28 on which the lower end 12 of a column 7 can be fixed, this after solidification of a construction concrete permanently joining together the said prefabricated foundation footings 14 and stringer 15.

[0056] The invention further relates to a method of installing a photovoltaic energy production unit 1 corresponding, in particular, to the preceding description, on a support surface 29, of the parking area type.

[0057] Such a support surface 29 comprises at least a surface layer 30, of the type bituminous coating, paving stones or other, and a compacted base layer 31.

[0058] Thus, in a first step, the location of the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and the stringers 151, 152, 153, ... 15N is marked on this support surface 29. This consists of transferring onto the surface layer 30 the drawing corresponding to the perimeter, seen in plan, of these foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and these stringers 151, 152, 153, ... 15N.

[0059] This surface layer 30 and at least part of the base layer 31 are sawn, in particular by means of a material saw or chainsaw, following the path corresponding to the perimeter of these foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and of these stringers 151, 152, 153, . ..15N..

[0060] The cut part of these layers 30, 31 is then cleared away at least to the sawn depth, for the making of trenches Ts, Tl with dimensions adjusted to the section and length, respectively, of the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and the stringers 151, 152, 153, ...15N.

[0061] It is understood, under these conditions, that the tracing carried out on the support surface 29 must correspond to the length and width of the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and the stringers 151, 152, 153, ...15N.

[0062] According to the invention, the depth 32 of the trench Ts; Tl made for a foundation footing 14 and / or a stringer 15 is, as the case may be, either substantially equal to the height 16 of this foundation footing 14 and / or this stringer 15, or deeper by a height 33 corresponding at least to the thickness 34 of the surface layer 30.

[0063] Optionally, in both cases, the depth 32 of the trench Ts; Tl can be provided to accommodate at the bottom of the trench a layer of lean concrete 35.

[0064] This optional lean concrete layer 35, advantageously with a thickness p between 3 and 5 centimeters, is poured at the bottom of the trench, at this stage of the process according to the invention.

[0065] The next step consists of placing in the trenches Ts, Tl the reinforcements 23 of the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and stringers 151, 152, 153, ...15N and connecting them together at the height of their junctions 27.

[0066] A receiving plate 28 is then mechanically connected to the reinforcements 23, at the height of these junctions 27 between the reinforcements of the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and those of the stringers 151, 152, 153, ... 15N, that is to say at the receiving locations of the lower ends 12 of the columns 7 of the retaining structures 61 to 6N+1.

[0067] It is important at this stage to adjust the positioning, in particular the altimetry, of the receiving plates 28, before pouring construction concrete into the trenches Ts, Tl for the design, after hardening, of the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and the stringers 151, 152, 153, ...15N.

[0068] In the next step, the shade structure 2 is built on the foundation infrastructure 13, in particular by fixing, for cooperation by embedding, the lower end 12 of the posts 7 on said receiving plates 28.

[0069] The installation method in the case of use of prefabricated reinforced concrete foundation footings 14 and stringers 15 differs from that previously described in that, after optionally pouring a layer of lean concrete 35 at the bottom of trench Ts, Tl, a layer advantageously between 3 and 5 centimeters thick, a prefabricated reinforced concrete foundation footing 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 is placed in each of the trenches Ts corresponding to the footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and the prefabricated reinforced concrete stringers 151, 152, 153, ... 15N are also placed in the trenches Tl intended for them.

[0070] In a subsequent step, the reinforcements 23 of the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and of the prefabricated stringers 151, 152, 153, ...15N are mechanically connected together at the level of the junctions 27 at which a receiving plate 28 is also mechanically fixed on these reinforcements 23 intended to subsequently receive the lower end 12 of a column 7.

[0071] Here again, it is important, before the next step, to adjust the positioning, more particularly the altimetry, of these receiving plates 28.

[0072] In the trenches Ts, Tl, construction concrete is poured which, after solidification, permanently joins together the said foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and the stringer(s) 151, 152, 153, ... 15N prefabricated by defining the foundation infrastructure 13.

[0073] In the next step, the shade structure 2 is built on this foundation infrastructure 13, in particular by fixing, for cooperation by embedding, the lower end 12 of the posts 7 on the said receiving plates 28.

[0074] As indicated above, the depth 32 of the trenches Ts, Tl can be equal to the height 16 of the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and the stringers 151, 152, 153, ... 15N. In this case, the upper face 36 of these foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and of these stringers 151, 152, 153, ... 15N is positioned at the level of the surface layer 30 of the support surface 29. These foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and the stringers 151, 152, 153, ... 15N can thus contribute to marking the parking areas under the shade structure 2.

[0075] If, on the contrary, this depth 32 of the trenches Ts, Tl is greater than the height 16 of the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and stringers 151, 152, 153, ... 15N, over the height 33 above the latter and up to the top of the support surface 29, it may be provided to put in a layer of filling of a material identical or different from the surface layer 30 of this support surface 29.

[0076] In at least one of the trenches Ts, Tl made for receiving the foundation footings 141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1 and stringers 151, 152, 153, ...15N, at least one conduit or sleeve can be pulled for the passage, for example, of electrical connection cables for the photovoltaic panels 5. As an example, such a conduit or sleeve can emerge at the level of a junction 27 for access to the tables 4 of photovoltaic panels 5 by running alongside a post 7 of a support structure 6.

[0077] Obviously, in these trenches Ts, Tl of the stringers and foundation footings, other technical ducts can be installed.

Claims

Demands

1. A photovoltaic power generation unit comprising at least one shade structure (2) having at least one table (4) of photovoltaic panels (5) resting on at least two cantilevered support structures (61 to 6N+1) comprising a post (7) surmounted by a cross member (8) extending in a transverse direction (9a) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (Dl) passing through the posts (7), the latter cooperating by fixed connection at their lower end (12) with a foundation infrastructure (13), characterized in that said foundation infrastructure (13) comprises a reinforced concrete foundation footing (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) extending under each of the posts (7) in a transverse direction (9b) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (Dl) and at least one concrete beam (151, 152, 153, ... 15N) reinforced connecting the said foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ...14N+1) in this longitudinal direction, in alignment with the posts (7), the foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and the stringer(s) (151, 152, 153, ...15N) having a height (16) and width (17) section between 30 and 60 cm.

2. Photovoltaic energy production unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) extend from one side of a longitudinal median plane (P) passing through the posts (7) over a length (201, 202, 203, ... 20N+1) at most equal to the length (L) plus one meter (1m) on which the table (4) of photovoltaic panels (5) extends in the transverse direction (9a), on the same side of this plane (P).

3. Photovoltaic power generation unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shade device (2) comprises two end support structures (61 and 6N+1) and several intermediate support structures (62 to 6N), characterized in that the foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) under the posts (7) of the support structures (61 and 6N+1) at the longitudinal ends (21, 22) of the photovoltaic power generation unit (1) are shorter in relation to the length (202, 203, ... 20N) of the foundation footings (142, 143, ... 14N) on which the posts (7) of the intermediate support structures (62 to 6N) rest.

4. Photovoltaic power generation unit according to claim 3, characterized in that over a portion of length (pl, p2) extending from the longitudinal ends (21, 22) of the photovoltaic power generation unit (1), the foundation footings (61, 62, ... 6N+1, 6N) are defined of progressively increasing length (201, 202, ... 20N, 20N+1) between 3 and 15 meters.

5. Photovoltaic energy production unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a foundation footing (14) or a stringer (15) of reinforced concrete comprises reinforcement (23) defined by a steel inertia beam of type IPN, IPE or HEA.

6. Photovoltaic energy production unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a foundation footing (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) or a stringer (151, 152, 153, ... 15N) of reinforced concrete comprises reinforcement (23) in the form of a square or rectangular tie beam (24), preferably reinforced in the lower and / or upper part by reinforcing bars (25; 26) of suitable section.

7. Photovoltaic energy production unit according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the reinforcements (23) of a foundation footing (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and of a stringer (151, 152, 153, ... 15N) are mechanically connected at the height of their junction (27) under the columns (7) of the support structures (61 to 6N+1).

8. Photovoltaic energy production unit according to claim 7, characterized in that on these frames (23), at the height of their junction (27) is mechanically connected a receiving plate (28) designed to receive the lower end (12) of a pole (7) for a cooperation of the embedded type with the foundation infrastructure (13).

9. Photovoltaic energy production unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and the stringers (151, 152, 153, ... 15N) in reinforced concrete are of the prefabricated type.

10. Method of installing a photovoltaic power generation unit according to claims 1 to 8 on a supporting surface (29), such as a parking area, comprising at least one surface layer (30), such as bituminous pavement, paving stones or the like, and a compacted base layer (31), said power generation unit photovoltaic (1) comprising at least one shade structure (2) comprising at least one table (4) of photovoltaic panels (5) resting on at least two cantilever-shaped support structures (61 to 6N+1) comprising a post (7) surmounted by a cross member (8) extending in a transverse direction (9a) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (Dl) passing through the posts (7), the latter cooperating by fixed connection at their lower end (12) with a foundation infrastructure (13) comprising a reinforced concrete foundation footing (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) extending under each of the posts (7) in a transverse direction (9b) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Dl) and at least one reinforced concrete stringer (151, 152, 153, ... 15N) connecting said foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) in the longitudinal direction (Dl) in alignment with the posts (7), this process consisting of: • to trace on the support surface (29 the location of the foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and of the stringer(s) (151, 152, 153, ...15N); • to saw through the surface layer (30) and at least part of the base layer (31) at the markings; • to clear the surface layer (30) and the bedding layer (31) to at least the sawn depth for the design of trenches (Ts, Tl) with dimensions adjusted to the section and length, as appropriate, of the foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and of the stringer(s) (151, 152, 153, ...15N); • to put in place reinforcements (23), depending on the case of the foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and of the stringer(s) (151, 152, 153, ...15N) in the corresponding trenches (Ts ; Tl) and to mechanically connect these reinforcements (23) at the height of the junctions (27) under the columns (7); • to mechanically connect to the reinforcement (23) a receiving plate (28) designed to receive the lower end (12) of a column (7) of a retaining structure (61 at 6N+1 at the height of the junctions between a footing of

11. foundation (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and a stringer (151, 152, 153, ...15N); • to adjust the positioning of the receiving plates (28); • to pour concrete into the trenches (Ts, Tl) construction for the design, after hardening, of the foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and of the stringer(s) (151, 152, 153, ...15N); • to build on the foundation infrastructure (13) the shade structure (2), by fixing, for cooperation by embedding, the lower end (12) of the posts (7) on the said receiving plates (28). A method for installing a photovoltaic power generation unit according to claims 1 to 9 on a supporting surface (29), such as a parking area, comprising at least one surface layer (30), such as bituminous pavement, paving stones, or the like, and a compacted base layer (31), said photovoltaic power generation unit (1) comprising at least one shade structure (2) having at least one table (4) of photovoltaic panels (5) resting on at least two cantilever-shaped support structures (61 to 6N+1) comprising a post (7) surmounted by a cross member (8) extending in a transverse direction (9a) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (Dl) passing through the posts (7), the latter cooperating by fixed connection at their lower end (12) with a foundation infrastructure (13) comprising a prefabricated reinforced concrete footing (141, 142, 143, ...14N +1) extending under each of the columns (7) in a transverse direction (9b) perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (Dl) and at least one prefabricated reinforced concrete stringer (151, 152, 153, ... 15N) connecting said foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) in the longitudinal direction in line with the columns (7), the method consisting of:. • to trace on the support surface (29) the location of the foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and of the stringer(s) (151, 152, 153, ...15N); • to saw through the surface layer (30) and at least part of the base layer (31) at the markings; • to clear the surface layer (30) and the bedding layer (31) to at least the sawn depth for the design of trenches (Ts, Tl) with dimensions adjusted to the section and length, as appropriate, of the foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and of the stringer(s) (151, 152, 153, ...15N); • to place in each of the trenches (Ts) a prefabricated reinforced concrete foundation footing (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and to place the prefabricated reinforced concrete stringers (151, 152, 153, ... 15N) in the trenches (Tl) intended for them; • to mechanically connect the reinforcement bars (23) of the foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and the stringers (151, 152, 153, ...15N) prefabricated at the height of the junctions (27); • to mechanically connect to these reinforcements (23) at the height of these junctions (27) a receiving plate (28) intended to receive the lower end (12) of a post (7); • to adjust the positioning of the receiving plates (28); • to pour in the trenches (Ts, Tl) construction concrete for the design of the foundation infrastructure (13); • to erect on the foundation infrastructure (13) the shade structure (2), fixing, for cooperation by embedding, the lower end (12) of the posts (7) on the said receiving plates (28).

12. Method of installing a photovoltaic energy production unit according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that after clearing the surface layer (30) and the base layer (31) to at least the sawn depth for the design of trenches (Ts, Tl) with dimensions adjusted to the section and length, as the case may be, of the foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and of the stringer(s) (151, 152, 153, ...15N), a layer of lean concrete (35) is poured at the bottom of the trench (Ts, Tl), with a thickness of between 3 and 5 centimeters.

13. Method for installing a photovoltaic power generation unit according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that in at least one of the trenches (Ts, Tl) made for the reception of the foundation footings (141, 142, 143, ... 14N+1) and stringers (151, 152, 153, ...15N) at least one technical duct is pulled.

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