Assembly comprising a spar, a solar panel and a reinforcement

Abstract

Assembly comprising at least one spar (30), at least one solar panel (20) supported by at least one spar (30), and at least one reinforcement (40) extending transversely to at least one spar (30), said reinforcement (40) comprising at least one upper flange (42) and at least one lower flange (44) fixed relative to each other, the distance (E1) between the upper flange (42) and the lower flange (44) being greater than the thickness (E2) of the solar panel (20) such that the upper flange (42) and the lower flange (44) define between them a space (46) configured to receive the solar panel (20) with clearance. Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly comprising a longitudinal member, a solar panel and a reinforcement. Technical field

[0001] The present exposition relates to the field of solar panel mounting structures, and more particularly to an assembly comprising a stringer, a solar panel and a reinforcement. Previous technique

[0002] Due to the growth of renewable energies, many types of structures have been devised for attaching solar panels to various supports. The accumulation of constraints has led to particularly sophisticated structures, as described, for example, in international application WO 00 / 12839. Such a structure adequately holds the panels but proves complex and its installation requires significant labor time, making it poorly suited to current economic requirements.

[0003] Conversely, lighter structures have been proposed in which solar panels are suspended between rails running along their opposite sides. However, in such a configuration, the solar panels tend to flex, especially under the influence of weather events such as wind or snow. To limit this flexing, documents such as patent JP 3457783 recommend adding a support element to the rear of the solar panel, in its center. However, such a solution requires attachment elements to the panel and complicates panel manufacturing.

[0004] There is therefore a real need for a new type of assembly including a solar panel. Description of the invention

[0005] For this purpose, the present description relates to an assembly comprising at least one spar, at least one solar panel supported by at least one spar, and at least one reinforcement extending transversely to at least one spar, said reinforcement comprising at least one upper rim and at least one lower rim fixed to each other, the distance between the upper rim and the lower rim being greater than the thickness of the solar panel so that the upper rim and the lower rim define between them a space configured to receive the solar panel with clearance.

[0006] In this description, and unless otherwise indicated, "a" or "1" element (e.g., stringer, solar panel, reinforcement, flange, etc.) means "at least "One" or "at least one" or even "each" element. Conversely, the generic use of the plural can include the singular.

[0007] For the sake of brevity, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clearly indicated from the context, the term "edge" alone shall refer to either the lower edge, the upper edge, or both edges. With regard to the edges, the terms "lower" and "upper" are used with reference to the orientation of the assembly for its normal use, it being specified that the upper edge is the one intended to be above the solar panel (i.e., on the side facing the sun) while the lower edge is intended to be on the back of the solar panel.

[0008] A stringer is a support element extending primarily in one direction, designated as the longitudinal direction. One or more solar panels may be supported by the same stringer, side by side in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, one or more solar panels may be supported by the same stringer, side by side transversely to the longitudinal direction. A given solar panel may, in turn, be supported by one or more stringers. In the case of multiple stringers, the stringers may be parallel to each other.

[0009] In accordance with the present description, the assembly further comprises at least one reinforcement having two flanges, namely an upper flange and a lower flange, defining between them a space configured to receive the solar panel. The reinforcement extends transversely to the spar and can receive, for example, one side of the solar panel transverse to the side supported by the spar. As will be seen later, the reinforcement may or may not interact with the spar.

[0010] The solar panel is at least partially cantilevered from the stringer and, as a result, tends to flex. The reinforcement aims to stiffen the solar panel transversely to the stringer, thereby limiting its flex. However, to maintain ease of installation, the distance between the upper and lower edges is designed to be greater than the thickness of the solar panel, so that the solar panel is received with some clearance between these edges. This clearance characterizes the solar panel's ability to move within the space between the upper and lower edges. The distance between the edges and the thickness of the solar panel are considered to be at rest, in the absence of any stress on the solar panel or the reinforcement.Thus, at rest, the solar panel is in contact either entirely with the upper edge, or entirely with the lower edge, or in an intermediate position between the two edges.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper and lower rims each have a free surface, the respective free surfaces being opposite each other; thus, for the purposes of this description, the rims include any secondary components present with the reinforcement itself, such as seals, shims, spacers, etc. The rims are configured to be in direct contact with the solar panel, for example with a solar module frame forming a single block with photovoltaic cells.

[0012] Because the solar panel is received in the space with some clearance, the reinforcement can be mounted on the solar panel very easily, by simply attaching the reinforcement to one side of the solar panel using a snap-fit ​​mechanism that requires no particular force. Depending on the configuration, the solar panel may be in contact with either of the edges. However, when the solar panel begins to flex under the effect of external loads, the opposite faces of the solar panel move towards the upper edge and the lower edge, respectively, until they come into contact with both edges simultaneously. At this point, the forces are absorbed by the reinforcement, which helps to limit the deflection of the solar panel.

[0013] Thus, the reinforcement effectively limits the deflection of the solar panel while maintaining great simplicity for assembly.

[0014] In some embodiments, the panel has a dimension along the spar that is smaller than its dimension transversely to the spar. The panel can be mounted in a so-called landscape orientation with respect to the spar. In landscape orientation, the deflection is greater and the reinforcement more advantageous. However, in other embodiments, the panel may have its largest dimension along the spar, in which case the panel is mounted in a so-called portrait orientation.

[0015] In some embodiments, the reinforcement is mounted on the solar panel in a removable manner. For the purposes of this description, an element is considered removable when it can be separated from the rest of the device without the use of special tools. Typically, the reinforcement can be mounted on the solar panel without any fasteners, being held in place only by one or the other of its edges. Mounting the reinforcement is therefore particularly easy.

[0016] In some embodiments, the reinforcement is mounted to move relative to the longeron. The reinforcement may or may not be in contact with the longeron. For example, the reinforcement may slide along the longeron. In the absence of means for fixing the reinforcement to the longeron, mounting the reinforcement is facilitated.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the reinforcement extends to at least one longeron. Thus, the reinforcement comes into contact with the longeron. The longeron can serve as a guide for the correct positioning of the reinforcement. The proposed assembly is therefore particularly easy to assemble and robust in use.

[0018] In some embodiments, the lower rim is wider than the upper rim. Since the reinforcement extends mainly in the transverse direction and the upper and lower rims are separated from each other in a vertical direction, the width of a rim can be measured transversely. to the reinforcement, that is, potentially in the longitudinal direction of the spar. Because the lower edge is wider than the upper edge, the upper edge is relatively narrow so as not to obscure the active portion of the solar panel (typically, photovoltaic cells), while the lower edge is relatively wide to allow the reinforcement to withstand higher loads. The reinforcement, thus configured, is therefore appropriately sized without hindering the operation of the solar panel.

[0019] In certain embodiments, at least one upper rim and at least one lower rim are formed from the same piece, and are preferably made from a single material. Thus, the upper rim and the lower rim can respectively comprise different parts of one or more common pieces, independently of other added portions (for example, joints) that would be specific to one or the other of the rims. In these embodiments, the reinforcement is not only simpler to manufacture but also more robust.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the reinforcement includes a gutter extending beyond the space, on the side of the lower edge. The gutter can direct the water flowing into it towards the sides of the reinforcement. The gutter, like the lower edge, can be located on the back side of the solar panel. Thanks to the gutter, the reinforcement provides a rainwater harvesting function in addition to its mechanical function.

[0021] In some embodiments, the reinforcement comprises a single upper rim and a single lower rim. In these embodiments, the reinforcement is therefore particularly simple to manufacture and use.

[0022] Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the reinforcement comprises a first upper flange and a first lower flange defining between them the space configured to receive the solar panel (also called the first solar panel) with clearance, and the reinforcement comprises a second upper flange and a second lower flange, the second upper flange and the second lower flange defining between them a second space configured to receive a second solar panel with clearance. In these embodiments, the reinforcement is a double reinforcement having at least two pairs of flanges defining spaces to accommodate at least two solar panels. Thus, the reinforcement can be used at the interface between two adjacent solar panels in the longitudinal direction of the spar, and secure the positioning of these two panels relative to each other.The fact that one reinforcement serves two solar panels also reduces the number of parts required, compared to a situation where two independent reinforcements would be necessary.

[0023] The double reinforcement can be formed from a single piece, or from two simple reinforcements (i.e. having a single upper rim and a single lower rim) assembled together.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the first and second spaces are defined on either side of the reinforcement. The two solar panels are thus received on either side of the reinforcement, the reinforcement being mounted between the two solar panels. The solar panels, which thus enclose the reinforcement, help to hold it firmly in position. Furthermore, the assembly is simplified since at least one reinforcement associated with the second solar panel is put in place during the mounting of the adjacent solar panel preceding it.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the second upper rim is opposite the first upper rim and the second lower rim is opposite the first lower rim. The rim thus allows the solar panels to be easily aligned and to receive balanced loads for the first and second solar panels.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second solar panel is the same thickness as the first solar panel. The assembly is therefore homogeneous and the dimensioning of the reinforcement is simplified.

[0027] In some embodiments, the assembly comprises at least two adjacent stringers supporting at least one solar panel. The stringers may be spaced apart by a distance less than or equal to the dimension of the solar panel transversely to the longitudinal direction of the stringer. As previously stated, the stringers are preferably substantially parallel to each other. The solar panel may be supported by the stringers at its respective ends in the transverse direction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the reinforcement is shorter than the distance separating the two adjacent longerons. In these embodiments, the reinforcement may not come into contact with the longerons, which facilitates its installation. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] The aforementioned features and advantages, as well as others, will become apparent from the following detailed description and examples of embodiments. This detailed description refers to the attached drawings.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly according to a first embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly according to the first embodiment, according to plane ILII of Fig. 1.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly according to a second embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement according to a third embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly according to a fourth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 6 schematically illustrates the operation of an assembly according to the first embodiment, in cross-section along plane VLVI of Figure 1. Description of embodiments

[0036] An assembly 10 according to a first embodiment is described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Unless otherwise stated, the assembly 10 is described at rest, that is to say in the absence of forces acting on the components of the assembly 10.

[0037] The assembly 10 comprises at least one solar panel 20, for example a thermal or photovoltaic solar panel. The solar panel 20 has a usable surface 22, or upper surface, capable of converting the received solar energy into a recoverable form, for example, electricity or heat. The usable surface 22 is directed towards the sun. Conversely, the solar panel 20 has a back 24, or lower surface, which generally does not have a solar energy harvesting function.

[0038] The assembly 10 further includes at least one stringer 30 which supports the solar panel 20. The stringer 30 may be long and extends mainly along a longitudinal direction X. A transverse direction Y and a height direction Z are also defined such that the directions (X, Y, Z) form an orthogonal coordinate system, in which the solar panel 20 extends mainly in the (X, Y) plane, the thickness of the solar panel 20 being measured in the height direction Z. The height direction Z is oriented towards the sun and for the sake of brevity, elements referred to as "high", "above", "upper" or similar are closer to the sun, in the height direction Z, than elements referred to as "low", "below", "lower" or similar, in the position of use.

[0039] In this case, the assembly 10 comprises a plurality of stringers 30, each stringer 30 supporting the solar panel 20 at one of its ends. A solar panel 20 may be supported by only two adjacent stringers 30, without an intermediate stringer between them, or by more stringers 30. In other embodiments, however, a solar panel 20 could be supported by one or more stringers 30 arranged at a central portion of the solar panel 20.

[0040] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the solar panel 20 can have a dimension L1 along the stringer, i.e., here along the longitudinal direction X, smaller than its dimension L2 transversely to the stringer, i.e., here along the transverse direction Y. In other words, the solar panel 20 can be positioned relative to the stringers 30 in landscape orientation. This allows for greater spacing between the stringers 30, thus saving material and parts. However, this results in increased deflection of the solar panels 20 between two successive stringers.

[0041] As shown in [Fig. 1], in this embodiment, the stringer 30 defines a housing 32 suitable for receiving one side of the solar panel 20, here a side extending in the longitudinal direction X. The housing 32 may define a longitudinal slide in which the solar panel 20 is suitable for sliding, particularly during its installation. In this case, the stringer 30 of the type illustrated in [Fig. 1] defines two housings 32 on either side in the transverse direction Y, preferably symmetrical and / or parallel to each other, in order to accommodate two adjacent solar panels 20 in the transverse direction Y.

[0042] The stringer 30 may also define a gutter 34 in a portion below the housing 32, in order to collect and guide rainwater running down the sides of the solar panel. The gutter 34 may be in the form of a generally U-shaped profile with its opening facing the solar panel 20 and extending longitudinally along the rest of the stringer 30.

[0043] The assembly 10 further includes at least one reinforcement 40 extending transversely to at least one stringer 30, that is, here in the transverse direction Y. The reinforcement 40 may be elongated. The reinforcement 40 may be mounted on the solar panel 20, and more particularly, as will be seen later, define a space configured to receive the solar panel 20. More precisely, the space may receive one side of the solar panel 20, here a side extending in the transverse direction Y.

[0044] The reinforcement 40 can be mounted on the solar panel 20 in a removable manner, for example simply fitted with the solar panel 20, preferably without a fixing piece between the solar panel 20 and the reinforcement 40. When the solar panel 20 includes a rigid frame which is one piece with the rest of the solar panel 20, the reinforcement 40 can come outside of this frame.

[0045] Furthermore, the reinforcement 40 can be made movable relative to the stringer 30. In this embodiment, the reinforcement 40 is located at a distance from the stringers 30, for example, by being shorter (length L3) than the distance L4 separating the two adjacent stringers 30. In other embodiments (see [Fig. 3] for example), the reinforcement 40 can come into contact with one or both of the stringers 30 while remaining movable relative to that stringer(s) 30. For example, the reinforcement 40 can be received in the housing 32 and can slide longitudinally within the housing 32, as can the solar panel 20.

[0046] It is immediately apparent from the preceding description that the installation of the assembly 10 is particularly simple: once the stringers 30 are placed on a support such as a roof or a shade structure, it is simply a matter of sliding them in the direction The solar panels 20 and their associated supports 40 are moved longitudinally along the X-axis until an entire row is installed; additional rows, if necessary, can be installed in the same way. The supports 40 cooperate with the solar panels 20 and / or the stringers 30 during their sliding motion, ensuring their guidance. Sliding can be assisted by gravity when the stringers 30 are inclined: the solar panels 20 and supports 40 can be inserted at the upper end of the stringers 30 and slide freely down to the lower end until they encounter a stop or an adjacent solar panel 20 or support 40. In the installed position, most of the supports 40 can be held longitudinally simply by being clamped between two adjacent solar panels 20, thus eliminating the need for additional fastening.

[0047] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of assembly 10 along plane II-II of the [Fig. 1]. As can be seen more clearly in this figure, the reinforcement 40 comprises at least one upper rim, in particular a first upper rim 42, and at least one lower rim, in particular a first lower rim 44. The first upper rim 42 and the first lower rim 44 are fixed relative to each other. In particular, the first upper rim 42 and the first lower rim 44 may be fixed relative to each other, which allows the reinforcement 40 to have a particularly simple structure. Typically, the first upper rim 42 and the first lower rim 44 may be part of the same piece.

[0048] The first upper rim 42 and the first lower rim 44 define the space 46 configured to receive the solar panel 20. To facilitate interaction between the rims 42, 44 and the solar panel 20, the first upper rim 42 and the first lower rim 44 can extend parallel to each other, and in particular parallel to the solar panel 20. The rims 42, 44 can be planar, except for any localized singularities. In the present embodiment, for example, the first upper rim 42 and the first lower rim 44 each extend in the (X, Y) plane.

[0049] As can be seen from [Fig. 2], the distance El between the first upper rim 42 and the second lower rim 44 is greater than the thickness E2 of the solar panel 20. In this case, the distance El and the thickness E2 are measured in the height direction Z. Thanks to this characteristic, the solar panel 20 is received in the space 46 with clearance, that is to say, the solar panel 20, in the absence of any force, has the possibility of moving within the space 46, in particular in the height direction Z.

[0050] The gap, of strictly positive length E1-E2, extends taking into account the actual thickness of the edges 42, 44, including any ancillary part that might be associated with the component forming the structure of the edges 42, 44 (seals, spacers, etc.). The gap designates the non-zero space effectively available for the solar panel 20 can move in space 46. Thanks to this play, it is very easy to fit the reinforcement 40 onto the solar panel 20, without any particular effort.

[0051] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the first lower rim 44 can have a width L6 greater than the width L5 of the first upper rim 42, in particular transversely to the reinforcement 40, i.e. for example in the longitudinal direction X. This makes it possible to minimize the obstruction of the useful surface 22 by the first upper rim 42 while dimensioning the reinforcement 40 sufficiently thanks to a wider first lower rim 44, insofar as there is no disadvantage, in terms of energy efficiency, to cover more of the back 24 of the solar panel 20.

[0052] The first upper rim 42 and the first lower rim 44 which define the space 46 have been presented above. However, as illustrated in [Fig.2], in this embodiment, the reinforcement 40 is a double reinforcement suitable for receiving and reinforcing two solar panels 20. For this purpose, the reinforcement 40 may include a second upper rim 52 and a second lower rim 54, the second upper rim 52 and the second lower rim 54 defining between them a second space 56 configured to receive a second solar panel 20 with clearance.

[0053] The second upper rim 52 may have all or part of the characteristics detailed for the first upper rim 42. Furthermore, the second lower rim 54 may have all or part of the characteristics detailed for the first lower rim 44. Furthermore, the second space 56 may have all or part of the characteristics detailed for space 46.

[0054] The space 46 and the second space 56 can be defined on either side of the reinforcement 40, in this case on either side, in the longitudinal direction X, of a frame 50 extending in the transverse direction Y. More precisely, the frame 50 can extend mainly in the (Y, Z) plane. The edges 42, 44, 52, 54 project from the frame, here in the longitudinal direction X. The spaces 46, 56 are delimited by the frame 50 and respectively by the first edges 42, 44 and the second edges 52, 54.

[0055] To facilitate the relative arrangement of the solar panels 20 with respect to each other, the second upper edge 52 may be opposite the first upper edge 42. For example, the first upper edge 42 and the second upper edge 52 may lie in the same plane. Furthermore, the second lower edge 54 may be opposite the first lower edge 44. For example, the first lower edge 44 and the second lower edge 54 may lie in the same plane. The second space 56 may have the same thickness E1 as the space 46. In addition, the second solar panel 20 may have the same thickness E2 as the first solar panel 20.

[0056] As can be seen from [Fig. 2], the reinforcement 40 can have a general I- or H-shape. In this case, the reinforcement 40 is formed by two C-shaped profiles welded or otherwise assembled back-to-back, the frame 50 being formed by the two backs joined together. However, the reinforcement 40 could also be formed by a single folded sheet, or by one or more extruded components, or in any other way suitable for the desired shape. Regardless of these alternatives, it is advantageous for the corresponding upper flange 42, 52 and lower flange 44, 54 to be formed from the same piece, and preferably from a single material.

[0057] Figures 3 to 5 show the assembly, in whole or in part, in other embodiments. In these figures, elements corresponding to or identical to those of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numeral and will not be described again.

[0058] Figure 3 shows, in cross-section similar to Figure 2, an assembly according to a second embodiment. The reinforcement 40 of Figure 3 is not a double reinforcement but a single reinforcement. It comprises, for example, a single upper flange 42 and a single lower flange 44 connected to each other by the frame 50. The reinforcement 40 has a generally C-shaped cross-section and can be formed from a folded sheet of metal. A single reinforcement is particularly useful for solar panels 20 located at the ends of a row. However, instead of a double reinforcement, an example of which has been described in connection with Figures 1 and 2, two independent single reinforcements can be used to support each of two adjacent solar panels 20.

[0059] In this embodiment, it is further noted that the reinforcement 40 can extend to the longeron 30. The reinforcement 40 can be received in the housing 32. The cooperation between the reinforcement 40 and the longeron 30 increases the resistance of the reinforcement 40 to bending.

[0060] Figure 4 illustrates, in cross-section, a reinforcement 40 according to a third embodiment. The reinforcement 40 according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, except that it is formed by a cut and folded sheet metal instead of two profiles assembled back to back. The edges 42, 44, 52, 54 are formed by the same piece, which also forms the framework 50.

[0061] Figure 5 illustrates, in cross-section similarly to Figure 2, an assembly according to a fourth embodiment. The reinforcement 40 according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, except that it can be formed by extrusion or by joining metal strips together, for example by welding.

[0062] Furthermore, this embodiment illustrates that the reinforcement 40 can include a gutter 48 extending beyond the space 46, on the side of the first lower edge 44. The gutter 48 can extend from the frame 50 which continues here beyond the first lower edge 44. The gutter 48 may project from the frame 50, at least on the same side as the first lower edge 44. The gutter 48 may be provided with a return forming a rim 49 at its distal end, in order to form a channel to guide the runoff of water. This channel is open towards the space 46, in other words towards the solar panel 20.

[0063] In order to properly collect the water that runs off from space 46, the gutter 48 can be wider than the first lower rim 44, particularly in the longitudinal direction X.

[0064] If necessary, a second gutter 58, identical or not in whole or in part to the first gutter 48, may extend outside the second space 56, on the side of the second lower rim 54. The gutters 48, 58 may belong to the same plane.

[0065] In the transverse direction Y, the gutters 48, 58 may be shorter than the rest of the reinforcement 40 so as not to hinder the insertion of the reinforcement 40 into the housing 32 of the stringer, if necessary.

[0066] The operation of the reinforcement 40 is detailed with reference to [Fig. 6]. Although [Fig. 6] is a cross-sectional view along plane VLVI of [Fig. 1], the principles described below apply to all embodiments. [Fig. 6] shows two views: view (A) is a view of the assembly at rest, while view (B) is a view of the assembly when the solar panel 20 is subjected to a load, which is, for example, related to the climatic conditions acting on the solar panel 20 (wind, snow, etc.). In [Fig. 6], the proportions may be distorted and the displacements shown in an exaggerated manner to facilitate understanding.

[0067] At rest, as illustrated in view A, the reinforcement 40 can be held onto the solar panel 20 by its first upper edge 42, which prevents the reinforcement 40 from falling. The clearance with which the space 46 receives the solar panel 20 implies that the first lower edge 44 is then at a distance from the back 24 of the solar panel 20.

[0068] When the solar panel 20 is subjected to a load that causes it to deflect, the solar panel 20 tends to bend between the stringers 30 that support it, or more generally in the transverse plane (Y, Z). The active surface 22 and the back 24 bend until both the active surface 22 is in contact with the first upper edge 42 and the back 24 is in contact with the first lower edge 44. In this configuration, the reinforcement 40 absorbs part of the load exerted on the solar panel 20 and helps to limit the deflection of the solar panel 20.

[0069] A downward deflection of the center of the solar panel 20 is shown here, which can occur under the weight of snow, for example; however, an opposite deflection is also possible, for example under the effect of wind rushing under solar panel 20. Mutatis mutandis, reinforcement 40 then performs the same function.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is evident that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0071] It is also evident that all the characteristics described with reference to a process are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and conversely, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a process.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly comprising at least one stringer (30), at least one solar panel (20) supported by at least one stringer (30), and at least one reinforcement (40) extending transversely to at least one stringer (30), said reinforcement (40) comprising at least one upper rim (42) and at least one lower rim (44) fixed relative to each other, the distance (El) between the upper rim (42) and the lower rim (44) being greater than the thickness (E2) of the solar panel (20) such that the upper rim (42) and the lower rim (44) define between them a space (46) configured to receive the solar panel (20) with clearance.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the solar panel (20) has a dimension (L1) in the direction (X) of the spar (30) smaller than its dimension (L2) transverse to the spar (30).

3. Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcement (40) is mounted on the solar panel (20) in a removable manner.

4. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reinforcement (40) is mounted movable relative to the longeron (30).

5. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reinforcement (40) extends to at least one longeron (30).

6. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lower rim (44) is wider than the upper rim (42).

7. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one upper rim (42) and at least one lower rim (44) are formed from the same piece, and are preferably made from the same material.

8. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reinforcement (40) comprises a gutter (48) extending outside the space (46), on the side of the lower rim (44).

9. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the reinforcement (40) comprises a first upper flange (42) and a first lower flange (44) defining between them the space (46) configured to receive the solar panel (20) with clearance, and the reinforcement (40) comprises a second upper flange (52) and a second lower flange (54), the second upper flange (52) and the second lower flange (54) defining between them a second space (56) configured to receive a second solar panel (20) with clearance.

10. Assembly according to claim 9, wherein the space (46) and the second space (56) are defined on either side of the reinforcement (40).

11. Assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second upper rim (52) is opposite the first upper rim (42) and the second lower rim (54) is opposite the first lower rim (44), the second solar panel (20) preferably being of the same thickness as the first solar panel (20).

12. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising at least two adjacent stringers (30) supporting at least one solar panel (20).

13. Assembly according to claim 12, wherein the reinforcement (40) is shorter than the distance (L4) separating the two adjacent stringers (30).

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