ROOF-MOUNTED SOLAR PANEL FIXING SYSTEM, RELATED INSTALLATION AND MANUFACTURING METHODS

Abstract

Solar panel mounting system for roofs, related installation and manufacturing processes. The invention relates to a system for fixing (1) a solar panel (2) on a roof (3, 4, 5), comprising at least: a set (6) of retaining elements (7, 8) in line, each retaining element (7, 8) comprising a lower portion (7) disposed on said roof (3, 4, 5) and an upper portion (8) projecting from said lower portion (7), a flexible band (9) covering said lower portions (7) so that said upper portions (8) pass through the band (9) and project from the latter, which is attached to said roof (3, 4, 5), securing the set (6) of retaining elements (7, 8) to the latter, a support element (10) attached to one of the upper portions (8) and receiving said panel (2) to fix it to said roof (3, 4, 5).The fastening system of the invention is intended for the low-load mounting of solar panels. Figure 5 for the abstract.

Description

Title of the invention: ROOF-MOUNTED SOLAR PANEL FIXING SYSTEM, RELATED INSTALLATION AND MANUFACTURING METHODS

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

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to a system for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a method of installing a fixing system for at least one solar panel on a roof.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a system for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof.

[0005] Photovoltaic solar panels are, in a known manner, mounted on the surface of a roof using fastening means that allow the panels to remain in position regardless of weather conditions (strong winds, rain, snow, etc.). These conventional photovoltaic solar panels each comprise a relatively thick frame and a plate surrounded and supported by said frame. The known fastening means suitable for these panels include fixing brackets for attaching said frame to the roof.

[0006] There is also a general trend towards the development and energy-efficient renovation of roofs on various structures, including houses, commercial, industrial and agricultural buildings, shelters such as those protecting parking lots, covered areas, storage sheds, etc. These roofs thus represent considerable surfaces that are currently either unused or underutilized. This principle of development and energy-efficient renovation generally translates into the installation of photovoltaic solar panels on these roofs to generate electricity.

[0007] However, a large number of structures, particularly industrial, commercial, agricultural, or more generally professional or technical buildings, have roofs that were not initially designed to support the "photovoltaic load" constituted by conventional photovoltaic solar panels and their known mounting systems, as mentioned above. This photovoltaic load can be compounded by a natural load resulting from the accumulation of snow or other external elements on the roof or panels. solar panels. Their weight is therefore a major issue in the market for energy renovation of existing roofs.

[0008] Solutions incorporating lightweight photovoltaic solar panels have thus been implemented to adapt to roofs exhibiting relative fragility in terms of mechanical resistance to load. These known lightweight photovoltaic panels differ from conventional photovoltaic solar panels and are formed of flexible sheet-shaped modules with an upper surface equipped with photovoltaic sensors and an opposite lower surface that is adhesive and designed to be glued directly onto the roof.

[0009] These known lightweight solar panels and their system of fixing by adhesion to the roof give overall satisfaction in terms of reducing the overall weight on roofs, but also present a number of disadvantages.

[0010] Indeed, there is firstly a problem of differential expansion between the roof surface and the known lightweight solar panel. The roof surface is often covered with a waterproof membrane, onto which several known lightweight panels are then glued. However, these panels have a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the roof membrane, which can eventually lead to the panels detaching, deteriorating, or even degrading the membrane, resulting in a loss of its watertightness. Furthermore, there is a significant risk of water infiltration between the panels and the membrane, which is particularly problematic during successive freeze-thaw cycles. The infiltrated water turns into ice, causing the panels to swell, detach, deteriorate, or even degrade the membrane.Furthermore, even the slightest accumulation of water, snow, or dead leaves on the roof significantly reduces the efficiency of standard lightweight solar panels, or can render them inoperable. Moreover, due to their adhesive mounting system, standard lightweight solar panels cool down slowly and quickly reach high temperatures during periods of intense heat and / or strong sunlight. The roof thus accumulates significant heat, which persists within the standard solar panels, potentially leading to their degradation over time. As a result of the above, and also simply due to the aging of the materials, the assembly formed by the standard lightweight solar panels and the roof surface is susceptible to delamination.Indeed, it is a layered assembly of several successive layers, with, from top to bottom, the photovoltaic cells, the flexible sheet of the panel to which the cells are attached (which itself may comprise several layers), the adhesive layer, the roof membrane, and possibly the elements under the membrane (insulation, etc.). Lightweight solar panels glued directly to the roof eventually shear longitudinally. perpendicular to their thickness, they are thus considerably degraded, even rendered unusable. Furthermore, maintaining these lightweight solar panels is particularly difficult since they are permanently glued in place, and removing them for replacement (at the end of their lifespan or in case of premature degradation) is often arduous, complex, and costly. The removal operation is all the more problematic as it presents a high risk of damaging the roof membrane, and therefore compromising its watertightness. The installation of these known lightweight solar panels is not as simple as it seems, since the slightest error in panel positioning is very difficult to correct due to their direct bonding to the roof.Finally, the lightweight solar panels currently available, because they are glued directly to the roof, mean that their cables and electrical boxes are pressed against the waterproofing membrane. This obviously poses significant reliability problems (short circuits, humidity, etc.) and safety issues (risk of fire, overheating and melting of materials, etc.) for the installations. In summary, while lightweight solar panels and their adhesive mounting system are suitable due to their low weight, they also lead to significant risks of damage, even damage, as well as difficulties in installation and maintenance, and ultimately, uncertain durability.

[0011] The objects assigned to the present invention are therefore aimed at remedying the various disadvantages listed above and at proposing a system for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof in a simple, safe and durable manner.

[0012] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new system for fixing at least one solar panel on 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 system for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof particularly suitable for the renovation or energy recovery of a roof, and in particular of a roof of an industrial, agricultural or commercial building.

[0014] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new system for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof, which does not impose on the roof an overload exceeding its mechanical resistance, and which does not require any particular modification of the roof, while implementing a limited number of elements.

[0015] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new system for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof whose design allows it to be particularly resistant, in particular with regard to external conditions, such as strong wind, rain or snow.

[0016] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new fixing system whose design allows it to attach at least one solar panel to a roof in a particularly fast, practical and robust manner.

[0017] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new system for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof which has a high reliability over time, and which requires only minimal maintenance.

[0018] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new fixing system whose design allows it to mount at least one solar panel on a roof, without degrading the insulation and skin sealing properties of the latter.

[0019] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new system for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof, the manufacture of which can be implemented easily and at a controlled cost.

[0020] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new fixing system whose design allows it to minimize the risk of damage to a roof when it is implemented to mount at least one solar panel on the roof.

[0021] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new system for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof whose design allows it to minimize the risk of sagging, sinking or degradation of the elements ensuring the mechanical strength of the roof, in particular any ribbed or corrugated sheets of the roof.

[0022] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new system for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof whose structure is simple and comprises only a limited number of separate parts.

[0023] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new system for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof whose design gives it excellent compactness, as well as reduced weight.

[0024] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new system for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof whose design gives it great adaptability in terms of installation on various roofs (surfaces, inclination, mechanical resistance, type of roof, etc.), significant flexibility of use with regard to the solar panels used (size, weight, type, etc.), and great flexibility of use (installation configurations, modularity), as well as easy assembly / disassembly, particularly during the installation, maintenance, repair or replacement of the solar panel(s) attached to the roof by means of the fixing system.

[0025] Another object of the invention aims to provide new equipment for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy particularly robust, lightweight, durable and easy to install and maintain on an existing or under-construction building, all at controlled costs.

[0026] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new installation for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof that is particularly robust, lightweight, durable and easy to install and maintain on an existing or building under construction, and this at controlled costs.

[0027] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy that is particularly robust, lightweight, durable and easy to install and maintain on an existing or building under construction, and this at controlled costs.

[0028] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new method of installing a fixing system for at least one solar panel on a roof which comprises only a limited number of simple steps, which is thus particularly easy, quick and inexpensive to carry out, and which is also easy to adapt to different configurations (roofs, solar panels, etc.) while allowing one or more solar panels to be mounted on the roof in a robust and practical manner without weakening or damaging it, including without degrading its watertightness.

[0029] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new manufacturing process for a system for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof which is particularly easy to industrialize and adapt to different desired configurations, which presents only a limited number of simple, easy and easy steps to carry out involving simple and inexpensive products, which thus presents an optimized implementation cost, and which makes it possible to minimize the risks of manufacturing error.

[0030] The objects assigned to the invention are reached using a system for fixing at least one solar panel to a roof, comprising at least: - a set of retaining elements intended to be arranged in a line one after the other, each retaining element comprising at least: • a lower portion intended to be placed on said roof, • an upper portion that projects from said lower portion, - a flexible band designed to cover said lower portions so that said upper portions each pass through said flexible band to protrude from the latter, said flexible band being designed to be attached to said roof in order to secure said assembly of retaining elements to the latter, - a support element designed to be attached to at least one of said upper portions, said support element further being designed to receive said solar panel in order to fix it to said roof.

[0031] The objects assigned to the invention are also reached using a mounting module for at least one solar panel on a roof comprising at least: a set of restraint elements arranged in a line one after the other, each restraint element comprising at least: a lower portion intended to be placed on said roof, an upper portion projecting from said lower portion, a flexible band covering the said lower portions such that the said upper portions each pass through said flexible band to protrude from the latter, said flexible band being designed to be attached to said roof in order to secure said assembly of retaining elements to the latter, a support element attached to at least one of said upper portions, said support element being further designed to receive said solar panel in order to fix it to said roof.

[0032] The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using equipment for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy, comprising at least: a solar panel, and a system for fixing said solar panel to a roof or a module for fixing said solar panel to a roof as described above.

[0033] The objects assigned to the invention are further achieved by means of an installation for fixing at least one solar panel on a roof, comprising at least: a set of restraint elements arranged in a line one after the other, each restraint element comprising: a lower portion arranged on said roof, an upper portion that projects from said lower portion, a flexible strip provided with a plurality of through-holes distributed along its length, said flexible strip covering said lower portions, said upper portions each passing through one of said through-holes to protrude from the flexible strip, said flexible strip being attached to said roof, thus securing said set of retaining elements to the latter, a support element which is attached to at least one of said upper portions, said support element being designed to receive said solar panel in order to fix it to said roof.

[0034] 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 solar panel, and - an installation for fixing said solar panel on a roof, conforming to that described above, where the support element receives said solar panel and fixes it to said roof.

[0035] The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a method for installing a fixing system for at least one solar panel on a roof, comprising at least: - a primary arrangement stage, during which a set of retaining elements is placed on the roof, the retaining elements being arranged in a line one after the other, each retaining element comprising: • a lower portion arranged on said roof, • an upper portion that projects from said lower portion, - a secondary arrangement step, during which a flexible band is placed over the said lower portions, so that the said upper portions each pass through the flexible band (9) in order to protrude from the latter, - a primary fixing step, during which said flexible strip is attached to said roofing, thereby securing said assembly of retaining elements to the latter, - a secondary fixing step, during which a support element is attached to at least one of said upper portions, said support element being designed to receive said solar panel in order to fix it to said roof.

[0036] The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a method for installing at least one mounting module for at least one solar panel on a roof comprising at least: - an arrangement stage, during which said fixing module is placed on the roof, said fixing module conforming to that described above, - a fixing step, during which the flexible strip of said fixing module is attached to said roof, for example by welding, thus securing said fixing module to the latter.

[0037] The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a method for manufacturing a system for fixing at least one solar panel to a roof, said method comprising at least: - a primary manufacturing or supply stage of a set of restraint elements intended to be arranged in a line one after the other, each restraint element comprising: • a lower portion intended to be placed on said roof, • an upper portion that projects from said lower portion, - a secondary step of manufacturing or supplying a flexible strip having a plurality of through holes distributed along its length, said flexible strip being designed to cover said lower portions so that said upper portions each pass through one of said through holes to protrude from the flexible strip, said flexible strip being designed to be attached to said roof in order to secure said assembly of retaining elements to the latter, - a tertiary step of manufacturing or supplying a support element designed to be attached to at least one of said upper portions, said support element being further designed to receive said solar panel in order to fix it to said roof.

[0038] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in more detail from the following description and with the aid of the accompanying figures provided for explanatory purposes only and not for limitation, in which:

[0039] [Fig-1] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, a set of elements retention devices arranged in a line one after the other, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, which has lower portions which are connected to each other.

[0040] [Fig.2] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, a set of retaining elements arranged in a line one after the other, according to another particular embodiment of the invention, which has lower portions which are not connected to each other.

[0041] [Fig.3] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, a set of retaining elements arranged in a line one after the other, which can be either that of [Fig.1] or that of [Fig.2], covered by a flexible strip according to a particular embodiment of the invention, where upper portions of the retaining elements pass through through holes in the flexible strip, the set of retaining elements and the flexible strip being arranged on a roof comprising from top to bottom a waterproofing membrane, a layer of insulating material and a corrugated sheet.

[0042] [Fig.4] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, a support element, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0043] [Fig.5] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, an installation for fixing at least one solar panel according to a particular embodiment of the invention, where several support elements, such as that illustrated in [Fig.4], are arranged perpendicularly and in interaction with upper portions of several sets of retaining elements each capped, like that of [Fig.3], by a respective flexible band, the roof not being shown.

[0044] [Fig.6] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, an installation for the fixing at least one solar panel substantially similar to that of [Fig.5] on which a solar panel has been installed, thus forming equipment for the conversion of solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0045] [Fig.7] illustrates, according to a schematic view, a sagittal section of an installation for fixing at least one solar panel comprising a retaining element, which may be one of those in [Fig.3], covered by a flexible strip as in [Fig.3], said flexible strip being welded to a roof waterproofing membrane on either side of the retaining element, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0046] [Fig.8] illustrates, according to a schematic front view, an installation for the fixing of at least one solar panel comprising a retaining element, which may be one of those in [Fig.1] and / or that of [Fig.7], and whose lower portion is covered by a flexible strip as in [Fig.3] and [Fig.7], as well as a support element, which may be that of [Fig.4] or one of those in [Fig.5] and [Fig.6], interacting with the upper portion of the retaining element, an adhesive being deposited on the support element, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, the whole being arranged on a roof which may be that of [Fig.3].

[0047] [Fig.9] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, a retaining element forming part of a set of retaining elements, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, where the retaining element has two upper portions.

[0048] [Fig. 10] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, a portion of a support element, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, where the support element is configured to interact with the retaining element of the [Fig.9].

[0049] [Fig. 11] illustrates, according to a schematic front view, a step in the installation of a fastening system, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, where the support element of [Fig. 10] is deformed to interact with an upper portion of the retaining element of [Fig. 9], and where a flexible band covers the retaining element and is crossed by the upper portion.

[0050] [Fig. 12] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, a retaining element and an intermediate element, according to another particular embodiment of the invention.

[0051] [Fig. 13] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, a set of retaining elements arranged in a line one after the other, such as those of [Fig. 12], covered by a flexible strip, where upper portions of the retaining elements pass through through holes in the flexible strip, and where intermediate elements are fixed to some of the retaining elements, as well as an unmounted support element, arranged next to it.

[0052] [Fig. 14] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, a fastening module according to a particular embodiment of the invention, which in this case implements the elements of [Fig. 13].

[0053] [Fig. 15] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, several fixing modules such as those of [Fig. 14] placed in parallel and forming an installation for fixing at least one solar panel, the roof not being shown.

[0054] [Fig. 16] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, an installation for fixing at least one solar panel substantially similar to that of [Fig. 15], on which a solar panel has been installed, thus forming equipment for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0055] The invention relates, according to a first aspect illustrated in the figures, to a fixing system 1 for at least one solar panel 2 on a roof 3, 4, 5. In other words, the fixing support assembly 1 is advantageously designed to attach, that is to say, to secure, preferably reversibly, said solar panel 2 to said roof 3, 4, 5, as illustrated in the figures. Obviously, said fixing system 1 can also be designed to attach several solar panels to said roof 3, 4, 5. Said solar panel 2 is preferably a photovoltaic panel, that is to say, it is designed to produce electricity from sunlight.Preferably, the roof 3, 4, 5 is primarily formed by a roof-type structure, said roof 3, 4, 5 forming in particular the upper part of a structure or building, for example a dwelling, a commercial, agricultural or industrial building (for example a shopping center), a parking lot, a supermarket, an office building, a service station, etc. In particular, said roof 3, 4, 5 has the function of protecting the interior (or more generally, the underside) of the building or structure from the weather (rain, snow, etc.), insulating it from the outside temperature (especially from the cold), providing it with fire protection, etc.In any event, said roof 3, 4, 5 is advantageously intended to provide some protection, preferably substantially watertight at least against water, to a structure located below, and in particular a building, said protection being, for example, designed to protect the structure from weathering or external temperature. Preferably, said roof 3, 4, 5 extends, locally, globally, and / or at least in the area where the solar panel 2 is intended to be fixed to said roof 3, 4, 5, in a substantially flat or curved manner. Preferably, said roof 3, 4, 5 extends either horizontally or obliquely. As is known, the roof 3, 4, 5 preferably comprises a waterproofing membrane 3 (in one or more parts), preferably flexible, intended to form the upper layer of . said roof 3, 4, 5 to ensure its watertightness. The roof 3, 4, 5 advantageously comprises, beneath the waterproofing membrane 3, at least one layer of insulating material 4. Advantageously, the roof 3, 4, 5 comprises a support structure 5, which is formed by or comprises, according to a particular variant of roof 3, 4, 5, one or (generally) several ribbed or corrugated sheets 5, usually made of metal (steel in particular), more optionally of plastic. The ribbed or corrugated sheets 5 advantageously provide most, if not all, of the mechanical strength of the roof 3, 4, 5.The insulating layer 4 is generally placed under the waterproofing membrane 3 and on top of the corrugated or ribbed sheets 5, which therefore bear not only the weight of the insulating layer 4 and the waterproofing membrane 3, but also that of the solar panel 2 and the fixing system 1, which secures the solar panel 2 to the roof 3, 4, 5. It is therefore important to prevent sagging of the corrugated or ribbed sheets 5, or more generally of the supporting structure 5. It is also important not to damage the waterproofing membrane 3 during the installation of the fixing system 1 on the roof 3, 4, 5. The solar panel 2 advantageously comprises a plate, generally substantially parallelepiped-shaped, forming a solar collector.In contrast, solar panel 2 is advantageously devoid, as will be seen, of the rigid frame that usually surrounds conventional solar panels, although the fixing system 1 of the invention can also work with such solar panels.

[0056] According to the invention, the fastening system 1 comprises at least one set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 intended to be arranged in a line one after the other, each retaining element 7, 8 comprising at least: - a lower portion 7 intended to be placed on said roof 3, 4, 5, and - an upper portion 8 which protrudes from said lower portion 7.

[0057] Thus, said assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 advantageously comprises a plurality of retaining elements 7, 8, which are therefore preferably designed to be placed on said roof 3, 4, 5 one after the other in a line, that is to say, along an overall direction E. Said assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 therefore advantageously extends along the overall direction E. According to a particular advantageous embodiment, said lower portions 7 are substantially flat and are designed to be pressed against said roof 3, 4, 5. Said lower portions 7 are in particular designed to be arranged one after the other in a line, preferably along said overall direction E. Said lower portions 7 are advantageously intended to be pressed against the waterproofing membrane 3 of the roof 3, 4, 5.The set of 6 retaining elements 7, 8 preferably exhibits good mechanical strength, i.e., it is not flaccid. The set of 6 elements. The retaining elements 7, 8 may, however, exhibit a certain degree of flexibility and may, for example, be flexible enough to follow the contours of a curved roof 3, 4, 5, onto which the lower portions 7 of the retaining elements 7, 8 are intended to be placed (and in particular, attached). The assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 is preferably made of metal, in particular aluminum, steel, or an alloy. Alternatively, the assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 could be made of polymer. For each retaining element 7, 8, its upper portion 8 and lower portion 7 are advantageously connected to each other, preferably permanently, and more advantageously form part of the same piece (metal, for example). Each upper portion 8 advantageously projects upwards from the lower portion 7 to which it is connected (within a given retaining element 7, 8).For example, each of said upper portions 8 forms a salient angle between 45° and 135°, preferably between 60° and 120°, more preferably between 80° and 100°, with said lower portion 7 to which it is connected. According to a particular embodiment illustrated in particular in Figures 1 to 3, 7 to 9 and 12, each of said upper portions 8 is formed from the material of the respective lower portion 7 to which it is connected.

[0058] According to the invention, the fastening system 1 comprises at least one flexible band 9 designed to cover said lower portions 7 so that said upper portions 8 each pass through the flexible band 9 to protrude from the latter. Said flexible band 9 is preferably substantially elongated, and extends, for example, along a band direction B, which is advantageously intended to be parallel to or coincide with said overall direction E.

[0059] The flexible strip 9 is designed to be attached to the roof 3, 4, 5 in order to secure the assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 to the roof. The flexible strip 9 thus advantageously constitutes a connecting strip for securing the fastening system 1 to the roof 3, 4, 5, and more specifically to the waterproofing membrane 3 thereof. This configuration notably preserves the watertightness of the roof 3, 4, 5. Preferably, the flexible strip 9 is designed to be welded to the roof 3, 4, 5, on either side of the assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8, preferably along the latter, for example, in at least two weld directions S (or weld lines S). The two weld directions (or lines) S are advantageously substantially coincident with or parallel to the assembly direction E and / or the strip direction B.The two weld directions (or lines) S are advantageously substantially parallel to each other. Preferably, the flexible strip 9 is mainly formed of a material selected from the group comprising bitumen, elastomers including ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubbers. (EPDM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyolefins, including thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) and flexible polyolefins (FPO). The flexible strip 9 is preferably made of a substantially flexible material and can thus adapt to different types of roofing 3, 4, 5. Advantageously, the flexible strip 9 is intended to be placed on the waterproofing membrane 3 of the roofing 3, 4, 5 and attached to it, in particular by heat welding, which is all the easier if said flexible strip 9 is even more advantageously made of a material similar or identical to that forming said waterproofing membrane 3. Such a configuration makes it possible, in particular, to increase the pull-out resistance of the flexible strip 9, and therefore of the fixing system 1 and the solar panel 2, with respect to the flexible strip 9, and therefore of the roofing 3, 4, 5.The flexible strip 9, for example, has a general rectangular shape, a thickness between 1 and 14 mm, more preferably between 1.2 and 8 mm, even more preferably between 1.8 and 5 mm, a length greater than 1 m and optionally less than 5 m, and a width between 5 cm and 80 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 40 cm, for example approximately 20 cm (+ / - 5 cm). Advantageously, the flexible strip 9 is cut from rolls of 15 to 30 m.

[0060] According to a particular embodiment, at least one upper portion 8 is provided with a pointed and / or cutting portion 25 for perforating the flexible band 9 and thus creating an opening through which the upper portion 8 passes. This pointed and / or cutting portion 25 may advantageously be in the form of a point. The flexible band 9 may, alternatively, be pre-perforated or unperforated. In both cases, the pointed and / or cutting portion 25 is intended to be applied, manually or mechanically, with sufficient force to the flexible band 9 so that the pointed and / or cutting portion 25 pierces the flexible band 9 completely. The hole thus obtained allows the upper portion 8 to protrude through the flexible band 9 and therefore to be accessible even when the flexible band 9 covers the lower portion 7.

[0061] According to another embodiment, the flexible strip 9 is provided with a plurality of through-holes distributed along its length, each upper portion 8 being designed to pass through one of said through-holes. These through-holes are not always clearly visible in the figures, due to their size, but are present. Advantageously, each through-hole has the shape of a slit. Each through-hole, for example, has the shape of a segment formed through the flexible strip 9, for example by cutting it. The through-holes therefore preferably do not have the shape of a geometric figure (two-dimensional), particularly of the polygon, circle, or oval type. Preferably, the dimensions of the through-holes are approximately conjugate to that of the upper portions 8. These latter are advantageously each designed to be inserted into one of the respective through-holes, in order to pass through the flexible strip 9 in its thickness. Advantageously, the through-holes are therefore provided through the thickness of the flexible strip 9 in a line one after the other, preferably in a direction parallel to or coinciding with the direction of strip B.

[0062] According to a first particular embodiment, said lower portions 7 are distinct from one another and advantageously designed to be arranged at a distance from one another, preferably in a line one after the other, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. Obviously, said lower portions 7, being distinct from one another, then preferably extend along said overall direction E. This embodiment is advantageous in terms of flexibility, as the length of the assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 can be adjusted as desired. In this latter embodiment, said upper portions 8 are not connected to each other (at least not directly, within the assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8).

[0063] According to a second particular embodiment, said lower portions 7 are connected together, thus advantageously forming a substantially elongated plate element, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. This embodiment is particularly practical due to its simplicity of manufacture and installation and the good support surface it provides, the substantially elongated plate element being advantageously designed to be pressed along its entire length against said roof 3, 4, 5. Preferably, said substantially elongated plate element then incorporates or comprises the upper portions 8 of the same set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8. Naturally, said substantially elongated plate element preferably extends along said overall direction E. In this latter embodiment, said upper portions 8 are connected together via said lower portions 7, that is to say via said substantially elongated plate element.A mixed embodiment is also possible, with lower portions 7 connected together, forming an elongated plate element, and other lower portions 7 not connected together, all advantageously being arranged on the roof 3, 4, 5 along said overall direction E. .

[0064] Regardless of the embodiment concerning said lower portions 7, said flexible band 9 is advantageously designed to cover said lower portions 7 so as to extend beyond them on either side along the assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8. In other words, said flexible band 9 and the assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 are advantageously dimensioned so that said flexible band 9 can cover said lower portions 7, and so that said flexible band 9 extends on either side of said assembly direction E until it extends laterally beyond the set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 to come into contact with the roof 3, 4, 5, and more specifically with the waterproofing membrane 3 of the latter, to which said flexible strip 9 can advantageously be welded, preferably along said weld directions (or lines) S. From an external point of view, once the flexible strip 9 covers the lower portions 7 pressed against the roof 3, 4, 5, only the upper portions 8 protrude from the flexible strip 9 (and more specifically protrude from the through holes of the latter).

[0065] The fastening system 1, according to the invention, further comprises at least one support element 10 designed to be attached to at least one of said upper portions 8. In other words, the support element 10 is advantageously designed to be connected, preferably reversibly, advantageously mechanically, to at least one of said upper portions 8, in order to secure said support element 10 to said roof 3, 4, 5, considering in particular that the flexible strip 9 covers the lower portions 7, that the upper portions 8 pass through the flexible strip 9, and that the latter is attached, for example welded, to the roof 3, 4, 5 and more specifically to the waterproofing membrane 3 of the latter.

[0066] The support element 10 is further designed to receive the solar panel 2 in order to fix it to the roof 3, 4, 5. The support element 10 is thus advantageously designed to support at least part of the weight of the solar panel 2, directly or indirectly. The solar panel 2 is in any event placed on the support element 10, optionally with an intermediate element between the solar panel 2 and the support element 10 and connecting them to each other. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, illustrated in particular in [Fig. 8], the fastening system 1 further comprises an adhesive 12 for application to the support element 10. According to a preferred embodiment, the adhesive 12 is designed to directly bond the solar panel 2 to the support element 10. Preferably, the adhesive 12 is a double-sided adhesive.This is particularly advantageous when the solar panel 2 is a flexible, lightweight, and / or frameless solar panel, as will be seen later, because it significantly reduces the weight of the mounting system 1. Generally, the solar panel 2 advantageously comprises an upper face, equipped with solar collectors and designed to face upwards, and a lower face, opposite the upper face (and therefore hidden), designed to face downwards (and towards the mounting system 1). When the mounting system 1 includes the adhesive 12, this can be glued directly to the lower face, without necessarily needing to be glued to a frame of the solar panel 2, if the latter has one (which is not always the case when the solar panel 2 is a flexible panel). More generally still, the . The fixing system 1 is preferably designed to be able to be connected directly to the underside of the solar panel 2 (and not necessarily to its frame).

[0067] According to a particular embodiment, each of said upper portions 8 is substantially flat, and thus advantageously has a height and a width that are each significantly greater than its thickness. In other words, each upper portion 8 advantageously has the shape of a plate element, with a relatively reduced thickness compared to its other dimensions (height and width in particular). This is particularly advantageous in the case where the flexible strip 9 has through-holes in the form of slots, said slots allowing the plate-element-shaped upper portions 8 to be received more closely.

[0068] Advantageously, said upper portion 8 is designed to be inserted in a tight fit within said support element 10 to retain the latter on the roof 3, 4, 5, for example by sliding connection or by deformation (preferably elastic) of said support element 10. Said support element 10 is preferably substantially elongated and extends, for example, along a longitudinal extension direction L. It has, for example, a general profile shape, in particular a profile with a cross-section generally shaped like a C or a hook, with an internal cavity 11 facing downwards, as shown in particular in Figures 4, 5, 8, 10 and 11. The support element 10 comprises, for example, an upper wall 19, and two side walls 20 connected to said upper wall 19 and opposite each other. Said two side walls 20 are therefore located on either side of the upper wall 19.The two lateral walls 20 advantageously extend downwards from the upper wall 19, as illustrated in particular in Figures 8, 10 and 11. Of course, the support element 10 is preferably hollow. The support element 10 thus advantageously delimits an internal cavity 11. When the support element 10 is elongated, the internal cavity 11 is preferably also substantially elongated, that is to say, it constitutes a space extending longitudinally. The internal cavity 11 therefore preferably extends along the longitudinal extension direction L. In general, the internal cavity 11 is advantageously designed to accommodate at least the upper portion 8 (or more precisely, at least a part thereof), or even several upper portions 8. The [Fig.[5] illustrates a particular embodiment of the fastening system 1, with different upper portions 8 and different support elements 5, where one or more of said upper portions 8 are being inserted, by sliding connection, preferably along a sliding direction G parallel to or coinciding with said longitudinal extension direction L, into one or more of said support elements 5. [Fig. 11] illustrates another particular embodiment of the fastening system 1, where the support element 10 is. designed to deform in order to accommodate the upper portion 8 (or more precisely, at least a portion thereof). In this latter mode, the support element 10 is placed above the upper portion 8, and then pressure is exerted on the support element 10 to deform its lateral walls 20, by contact with the upper portion 8, in order to accommodate the latter inside the support element 10, the lateral walls 20 then closing, by elastic deformation, on said upper portion 8. The support element 10 is then clipped onto said upper portion 8. More generally, said internal cavity 11 preferably has (internal) dimensions substantially adjusted, conjugate and / or complementary to the (external) dimensions of the upper portion 8, and more precisely to the contours of the thickness of the latter.

[0069] Obviously, a single support element 10 can be attached to a plurality of distinct upper portions 8, which may be part of the same set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 (as illustrated in [Fig. 9]), or of several distinct sets 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 (as illustrated in particular in Figures 1, 2 and 13), a combination of the two variants being obviously possible (support element 10 attached to upper portions 8 of the same set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8, and to one or more other upper portions 8 of another set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8). According to a particular embodiment illustrated in particular in [Fig. 9], one, several or all of said retaining elements 7, 8 each comprise at least two upper portions 8 projecting from the same lower portion 7. Said two upper portions 8 are, for example, flat and substantially parallel to each other.The support element 10 is then advantageously designed to be attached to at least the two upper portions 8 (for example by elastic deformation of the support element 10, as in [Fig. 11]).

[0070] Advantageously, the fastening system 1 comprises a plurality of assemblies 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 such as those described above. These assemblies 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 may be designed to be arranged substantially parallel to each other on said roof 3, 4, 5. According to another particular embodiment, implemented independently or preferably in combination with the preceding one, the fastening system 1 comprises a plurality of support elements 10 such as those described above. These support elements 10 may be designed to be arranged substantially parallel to each other on said roof 3, 4, 5.

[0071] According to one embodiment (preferably in combination with the foregoing, although not necessarily), said support element 10 is designed to be arranged substantially perpendicular to said assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8. By For example, when said support element 10 is substantially elongated, said upper portion 8 is designed to cooperate mechanically with said support element 10 so that the latter is arranged substantially perpendicular to the set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8. This depends essentially on the shape of the internal cavity 11 of the support element 10 and the corresponding shape (fitted, complementary and / or conjugate) of the upper portion 8, the latter thus fitting into said internal cavity 11. The advantage of such a configuration, where the support elements 10 are perpendicular to the sets 6 of retaining elements 7, 8, is a better distribution of the weight of the solar panel 2, better safety (reduced risk of detachment) and greater ease of installation.Indeed, each support element 10 is then advantageously designed to be connected to several sets 6 of retaining elements 7, 8, which allows for better spreading and distribution of the weight represented by the solar panel 2 supported by said support element 10. Thus, more generally, it is preferable that the support element 10 be designed to be connected to several sets 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 (for example perpendicularly as mentioned previously, but not necessarily, an oblique configuration being also conceivable between the support element 10 and each set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8).

[0072] According to another embodiment illustrated in Figures 14, 15 and 16, said support element 10 is designed to be arranged substantially parallel to said set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8. The advantage of such a configuration, where the support elements 10 are parallel to the sets 6 of retaining elements 7, 8, is the small size of the assembly of a support element 10, the flexible band 9 and a set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8. This small size makes it possible to consider pre-assembling this sub-part on the ground or in the factory and thus provide a mounting module 26 for a solar panel 2.

[0073] According to a particular embodiment, the through-holes of said flexible strip 9 are smaller than the maximum width of the upper portions 8. In other words, the largest dimension of each through-hole (typically its length) is advantageously less than the width of each upper portion 8 (said width being different from the thickness and height of the upper portion 8). The flexible strip 9 is therefore preferably designed to be traversed (through its thickness) by each of said upper portions 8 by (elastic) deformation of said through-holes, said flexible strip 9 advantageously exhibiting a certain elasticity (i.e., it can be deformed to a certain extent under the application of a force, and then return to its initial shape).

[0074] According to an advantageous embodiment, preferably in combination with the preceding one, each of said upper portions 8 itself comprises: - an upper part 13, which flares out from top to bottom, between a free upper end 14 having a first cross-section and a lower end 15 having a second cross-section, said second cross-section being therefore larger than said first cross-section; in other words, the upper part 13 advantageously has a smaller width at the free upper end 14 than at the lower end 15; and - a lower part 16, below said upper part 13 and connected to the latter via said lower end 15, said lower part 16 having a third cross-section parallel to said second cross-section and substantially lower than the latter.

[0075] By way of example, if the upper portion 8 projects vertically from the lower portion 7, the first, second, and third cross-sections are advantageously horizontal. Put another way, from top to bottom, the upper portion 8 has a width (or cross-section) that gradually increases in its upper part 13 between the free upper end 14 (with the first cross-section) and the lower end 15 (with the second cross-section), and then narrows, preferably abruptly, below the lower end 15 in the lower part 16. The third cross-section (i.e., the cross-section of the lower part 16) can be, as illustrated in the figures, substantially constant from top to bottom.The upper portion 13, for example, has a general trapezoidal shape, which may have sharp corners (as in Figures 1 to 8) or rounded corners (as in Figures 9 to 11). This trapezoid has a smaller base at the free upper end 14 and a larger base at the lower end 15. The lower portion 16, for example, has a rectangular shape, as illustrated in particular in Figures 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, and 11, with a longer side shorter than the larger base. The lower portion 16 is generally advantageously connected to the lower portion 7.

[0076] As described previously, said support element 10 advantageously delimits the internal cavity 11. Preferably, said support element 10 further comprises lower edges 17 that delimit an opening 18 allowing the internal cavity 11 to open downwards to the outside of the support element 10. Preferably, there are two opposing lower edges 17 on either side of said opening 18. Preferably, said lower edges 17 are each connected to, or form part of, one of said two lateral walls 20. Advantageously, when the support element 10 is elongated, said opening 18 forms a longitudinal opening to the outside, extending along said support element 10 preferably in a direction parallel to, or coinciding with, said direction. of longitudinal extension L. Said internal cavity 11 is thus advantageously designed to accommodate said upper part 13, said opening being designed to accommodate said lower part 16 (or at least a portion thereof) as illustrated in particular in Figures 8 and 11. When the fixing system 1 is installed on the roof 3, 4, 5, said lower edges 17 are preferably designed to be positioned directly below the lower end 15 of the upper part 13 in order to butt against the latter, for example when the support element 10 is subjected to an upward force. This prevents vertical detachment of the solar panel 2 relative to the roof 3, 4, 5, since the assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 is connected to the latter by means of said flexible band 9, while said solar panel 2 is attached to said support element 10.The connection between the upper part 13 and the lower part 16, at the lower end 15, is not necessarily always visible, but is identified in [Fig. 1 1] by a virtual dashed line on the left. In reality, the lower end 15 is mainly visible because the upper part 13 advantageously presents an overhanging portion which extends laterally above and to the right of the lower part 7 (and therefore above and to the right of the flexible band 9), without being to the right of the lower part 16, said overhanging portion being made at the lower end 15.

[0077] Advantageously, said through-holes in said flexible band 9 are intended to accommodate said lower portion 16 (or at least a portion thereof) as illustrated in particular in Figures 8 and 11. Thus, each through-hole preferably has a length less than the width of the upper portion 13 at its lower end 15 (the length of the through-hole and the width of the upper portion 13 being measured in the same plane or parallel planes). Each through-hole therefore preferably has a maximum dimension, taken in a plane parallel to that of the second cross-section, which is less than the maximum dimension of the second cross-section.In this way, when the upper portion 13 is inserted into the through-hole, the latter is advantageously designed to deform, preferably elastically, between the free upper end 14 and the lower end 15, before essentially returning to its initial shape below the lower end 15, at the lower portion 16. This allows the flexible band 9 to be "trapped" by the upper portion 8, since part of the lower end 15 of the upper portion 13 is positioned above and directly above the flexible band 9, as illustrated in Figures 3, 5, 6, 8, and 11, in order to butt against it, for example, if the flexible band 9 were to swell or lift in its middle. This also facilitates the securing of the support element 10 to the upper portion 8, as the flexible band 9 does not become trapped in the internal cavity. 11 of the support element 10 thanks to the upper part 13 / lower part 16 configuration mentioned above.

[0078] According to a particular embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 12], each of the upper portions 8 is rod-shaped and a pointed and / or cutting portion 25 is located at the top of this rod. In this embodiment, the upper portion 8 has a lower end fixed to the lower portion 7 and a free pointed and / or cutting upper end 25. Advantageously, the lower portion 7 is flat, for example disc-shaped, and the upper portion 8 protrudes in its center, as is the case on a nail.

[0079] According to a particular embodiment, illustrated in Figures 12 to 14, the fastening system 1 comprises intermediate elements 24 for connecting the support element 10 to at least one of the upper portions 8. These intermediate elements 24 are, for example, metal or plastic parts. Each of these intermediate elements 24 includes a first attachment means 27 designed to cooperate with a respective upper portion 8, in order to attach the intermediate element 24 to the upper portion 8. Advantageously, the first attachment means 27 comprises an opening designed to receive the upper portion 8, the opening and the upper portion 8 preferably being configured to form a permanent connection by their mutual interlocking, without the need for additional fastening elements. The opening may, for example, be a simple smooth-walled hole, be machined in a slightly tapered shape or with internal grooves, or be tapped.The opening can advantageously be located substantially in the center of the intermediate element 24 and constitute, for example, the first fastening means 27 on its own, as illustrated in [Fig. 12]. The upper portion 8 can be, for example, a substantially cylindrical rod with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the opening (as illustrated in [Fig. 12]), or it can be a tapered rod, a grooved rod, a threaded rod, or a spring pin. Advantageously, the upper portion 8 is designed to pass completely through the opening. Advantageously, the upper portion 8 and the intermediate element 24 are designed to be irreversibly fixed together, for example, by plastic deformation of one of the two parts or by using a self-locking insert.The intermediate elements 24 also include a second attachment means 28 designed to cooperate with the support element 10, in order to attach the intermediate element 24 to the support element 10. This latter attachment can be made by sliding connection, thus allowing the support element 10 to slide relative to the retaining elements 7, 8, to allow, for example, easier placement of the support 10 on the retaining elements 7, 8. This attachment can also be made by force, by deformation (preferably elastic) of the intermediate elements 24 or of the support element 10. This latter method has the advantage of... to secure the support element to the intermediate elements without using other fastening means. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second fastening means 28 comprises a lateral protrusion intended to hook onto the support element 10. Preferably, the second fastening means 28 also comprises a second lateral protrusion symmetrical to the first, located at a distance from the latter, as illustrated in [Fig. 12] where the fastening means comprises two symmetrical lateral protrusions in the form of a fin.

[0080] In this embodiment, the support element 10 may advantageously define an internal cavity 11, as described previously. The support element 10 then comprises lower edges 17 that define an opening 18 allowing the internal cavity 11 to open downwards to the outside of the support element 10. In this embodiment, the internal cavity 11 is designed to accommodate the second attachment means 28. The second attachment means 28 is designed to come into contact with the interior of the internal cavity 11 of the support element 10. Advantageously, the second attachment means 28 is elastically deformable and bears against the internal cavity 11 of the support element 10 when deformed, thus creating a sufficient connection with the latter to support a solar panel 2 without disassembling, but which may optionally allow relative sliding.The light 18 is designed to accommodate the lower portion 7 and the first attachment means 27. The lower edges 17 are designed to be positioned directly below and below at least one lateral protrusion in order to butt against the latter, for example, when the support element 10 is subjected to a force pulling it upwards.

[0081] The invention relates, according to a second aspect, illustrated in [Fig. 14], to a mounting module 26 for at least one solar panel 2 on a roof 3, 4, 5 comprising at least: - a set of 6 retaining elements 7, 8 arranged in a line one after the other, each retaining element 7, 8 comprising at least: • a lower portion 7 intended to be placed on said roof 3, 4, 5, • an upper portion 8 which projects from said lower portion 7, - a flexible band 9 covering said lower portions 7 so that said upper portions 8 each pass through said flexible band 9 to protrude from the latter, said flexible band 9 being designed to be attached to said roof 3, 4, 5 in order to secure said assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 to the latter, - a support element 10 attached to at least one of said upper portions 8, said support element 10 being further designed to receive said solar panel 2 in order to fix it to said roof 3, 4, 5.

[0082] Thus, the fastening module 26 is essentially formed by the assembly of said set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8, said flexible band 9 and said support element 10, as described above and below. Of course, the elements common to the different aspects of the invention, mentioned above and below, which have identical designations, are preferably the same, and not distinct or different elements.

[0083] The fixing module 26 thus designed can be installed on a roof 3, 4, 5 very easily, with little manpower and handling, the component elements being already assembled.

[0084] According to a third aspect, illustrated in [Fig. 16], the invention relates to equipment for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy, comprising at least: - a solar panel 2, and - a fixing system 1 for said solar panel 2 on a roof 3, 4, 5, conforming to that described above and below, or a fixing module 26 for said solar panel 2 on a roof 3, 4, 5 conforming to that described above and below.

[0085] Thus, the equipment for converting solar radiation essentially comprises: - either on the one hand said solar panel 2 and on the other hand said fixing system 1 adapted to fix said solar panel 2 on said roof 3, 4, 5, as described above and below; - either on the one hand said solar panel 2 and on the other hand said fixing module 26 adapted to fix said solar panel 2 on said roof 3, 4, 5, as described above and below.

[0086] Advantageously, said solar panel 2 is a flexible solar panel 2, which is therefore preferably frameless (or even frameless in general). This reduces the load on the roof 3, 4, 5, which load includes the aforementioned conversion equipment. Indeed, conventional rigid-frame solar panels are generally much heavier and are usually designed to be fixed via their rigid frame to the roof 3, 4, 5, which often cannot support such an additional load (heavy conventional rigid-frame solar panels, known mounting brackets, snow, etc.). If the flexible solar panel 2 as mentioned above is provided with a frame, said frame advantageously presents a certain flexibility, and preferably a flexibility comparable or equivalent to that of its solar collector plate.

[0087] The invention relates, according to a fourth aspect, illustrated in Figures 5 to 8 and 15, to an installation for fixing at least one solar panel 2 on a roof 3, 4, 5, comprising at least: - a set of 6 retaining elements 7, 8 arranged in a line one after the other, each retaining element 7, 8 comprising: • a lower portion 7 arranged on said roof 3, 4, 5, • an upper portion 8 which projects from said lower portion 7, - a flexible band 9 provided with a plurality of through-holes distributed along the latter, said flexible band 9 covering said lower portions 7, said upper portions 8 each passing through one of said through-holes to protrude from the flexible band 9, said flexible band 9 being attached to said roof 3, 4, 5, thus securing said assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 to the latter, - a support element 10 which is attached to at least one of said upper portions 8, said support element 10 being designed to receive said solar panel 2 in order to fix it to said roof 3, 4, 5.

[0088] Thus, the installation for the fixing comprises in substance the fixing system 1 as described above (and below), but installed on a roof 3, 4, 5 (and therefore attached to the latter).

[0089] Advantageously, the flexible strip 9 is welded to the roof 3, 4, 5, on either side of the assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8, preferably along the latter, for example in at least two weld directions S (or weld lines S). In other words, the fastening system comprises at least two weld areas 21 of the flexible strip 9 to the roof 3, 4, 5, on either side of the assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8, preferably along the latter. Each weld area 21 preferably extends in a respective weld direction S (or weld line S). The two weld directions S (or weld lines S) are advantageously substantially parallel to each other. Weld areas 21 are illustrated in particular in Figures 3 and 7.

[0090] According to one particular embodiment, the fastening installation comprises a plurality of sets 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 such as that described above, said sets 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 being arranged substantially parallel to each other on said roof 3, 4, 5. According to another particular embodiment, implemented independently or preferably in combination with the preceding one, the fastening installation comprises a plurality of elements of support 10 such as that described above, said support elements 10 being arranged substantially parallel to each other on said roof 3, 4, 5. Preferably, each support element 10 is arranged substantially perpendicular or substantially parallel to each set 6 of retaining elements 7,8.

[0091] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to an assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy, comprising at least: - a solar panel 2, and - an installation for fixing said solar panel 2 onto a roof 3, 4, 5, conforming to that described above and below, where the support element 10 receives said solar panel 2 and fixes it to said roof 3, 4, 5.

[0092] Thus, the assembly for converting solar radiation comprises in substance on the one hand said solar panel 2 and on the other hand said installation for fixing 1, which attaches said solar panel 2 to said roof 3, 4, 5.

[0093] According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a method for installing a fixing system 1 for at least one solar panel 2 on a roof 3, 4, 5, comprising at least: - a primary arrangement step, during which a set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 is placed on the roof 3, 4, 5, the retaining elements 7, 8 being arranged in a line one after the other, each retaining element 7, 8 comprising at least: • a lower portion 7 arranged on said roof 3, 4, 5, • an upper portion 8 which projects from said lower portion 7, - a secondary arrangement step, during which a flexible strip 9, comes to cover the said lower portions 7, so that the said upper portions 8 each pass through the flexible band 9 in order to protrude from the latter, - a primary fixing step, during which said flexible strip 9 is attached to said roof 3, 4, 5, thus securing said assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 to the latter, - a secondary fixing step, during which a support element 10 is attached to at least one of said upper portions 8, said support element 10 being designed to receive said solar panel 2 in order to fix it to said roof 3, 4, 5.

[0094] According to a first embodiment, during said secondary arrangement step a pointed or cutting portion 25 of said at least one upper portion 8 pierces the flexible band 9 and thus creates an opening for the passage of said upper part 8 through the flexible band 9.

[0095] According to a second embodiment, said flexible strip 9 is provided with a plurality of through holes distributed along the latter and during said secondary arrangement step said upper portions 8 each pass through one of said through holes in order to protrude from the flexible strip 9.

[0096] Advantageously, during said primary fastening step, said flexible strip 9 is welded to the roof 3, 4, 5. This flexible strip 9 is advantageously welded to said roof 3, 4, 5 on either side of the assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8, preferably along the latter, for example in at least two weld directions S (or weld lines S), as previously mentioned. Even more advantageously, the welding is carried out using a machine designed to move, for example by means of wheels, along the weld lines to be made S.During its movement, a first part of the machine simultaneously heats, for example using hot air guns, two areas of the flexible strip 9 and the sealing membrane 3 located on either side of the assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8. Then, a second part of the machine, for example using rollers, presses the heated areas together to bond them. The machine described here makes it possible to create two continuous lines of S-shaped welds by heat-sealing, simply by placing the machine at the end of the line and rolling it to the other end. Advantageously, the material of the flexible strip 9 is chosen to allow it to be welded to the sealing membrane 3 without the addition of any extra elements.

[0097] According to a particular embodiment, the installation method further includes a tertiary fixing step, during which an adhesive 12 is deposited on the support element 10, said adhesive 12 being designed to directly bond said solar panel 2 to said support element 10.

[0098] According to a seventh aspect, the invention relates to a method for installing at least one mounting module 26 for at least one solar panel 2 on a roof 3, 4, 5 comprising at least: - an arrangement stage, during which said fixing module 26 is placed on the roof 3, 4, 5, said fixing module 26 conforming to that described above, - a fixing step, during which the flexible band 9 of said fixing module 26 is attached to said roof 3, 4, 5, for example by welding, thus securing said fixing module 26 to the latter.

[0099] Advantageously, the welding step described here can be carried out in the same way as the welding step described above, i.e. by means of a continuous heat-sealing machine.

[0100] According to an eighth aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fixing system 1 for at least one solar panel 2 on a roof 3, 4, 5, said method comprising at least: - a primary manufacturing or supply step of a set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 intended to be arranged in a line one after the other, each retaining element 7, 8 comprising: • a lower portion 7 intended to be placed on said roof 3, 4, 5, • an upper portion 8 which projects from said lower portion 7, - a secondary step of manufacturing or supplying a flexible strip 9 having a plurality of through holes distributed along the latter, said flexible strip 9 being designed to cover said lower portions 7 so that said upper portions 8 each pass through one of said through holes to protrude from the flexible strip 9, said flexible strip 9 being designed to be attached to said roof 3, 4, 5 in order to secure said assembly 6 of retaining elements 7, 8 to the latter, - a tertiary step of manufacturing or supplying a support element 10 designed to be attached to at least one of said upper portions 8, said support element 10 being further designed to receive said solar panel 2 in order to fix it to said roof 3, 4, 5.

[0101] Advantageously, the primary manufacturing or supply step includes at least one cutting and / or bending step of an initial plate element, to obtain a final plate element forming one or more of the retaining elements 7, 8 of said set 6 of retaining elements 7, 8. Such an implementation is particularly fast, easy and cheap.

[0102] Preferably, the primary manufacturing or supply step includes at least: - a cutting step of an initial plate element, to obtain an intermediate plate element comprising: • an internal plate element, • an external plate element surrounding said plate element internal, • a connecting portion linking said inner plate element and outer plate element, - a folding step of said connecting portion, to form: • said upper portion 8, which therefore includes at least said internal plate element, • said lower portion 7, which therefore includes at least said external plate element.

[0103] Following the cutting step and then the bending step, the outer plate element advantageously has an empty internal portion 22. Before said bending step, the inner plate element was located within said empty internal portion 22. Empty internal portions 22 are illustrated in particular in Figures 1, 2, 7 and 9. Of course, after the cutting and bending steps, the final plate element is advantageously formed.

[0104] According to an advantageous embodiment, the tertiary manufacturing or supply step includes at least: - the manufacture or supply of a sheet metal element or a profiled element, substantially elongated along a longitudinal extension direction, - a folding of said sheet metal element or of said profiled element along a folding direction parallel or coinciding with said longitudinal extension direction.

[0105] Such an implementation makes it possible to obtain the support element 10 in a particularly fast, easy and low-cost manner.

[0106] Any combination of the various variants and examples mentioned above is obviously possible, in view of what seems relevant in the technical field concerned to realize a fastening system 1 according to the invention, or another of the aspects of the invention mentioned above.

Claims

Demands

1. A fastening system (1) for at least one solar panel (2) on a roof (3, 4, 5), comprising at least: - an assembly (6) of retaining elements (7, 8) intended to be arranged in a line one after the other, each retaining element (7, 8) comprising at least: • a lower portion (7) intended to be disposed on said roof (3, 4, 5), • an upper portion (8) projecting from said lower portion (7), - a flexible band (9) designed to cap said lower portions (7) such that said upper portions (8) each pass through said flexible band (9) to project from the latter, said flexible band (9) being designed to be attached to said roof (3, 4, 5) in order to secure said assembly (6) of retaining elements (7, 8) to the latter, - a support element (10) designed to be attached to at least one of the said upper portions (8),said support element (10) being further designed to receive said solar panel (2) in order to fix it to said roof (3, 4, 5).

2. A fastening system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said lower portions (7) are distinct from one another, and advantageously designed to be arranged at a distance from one another.

3. Fixing system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said lower portions (7) are connected together, and thus form a substantially elongated plate element.

4. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said upper portions (8) forms a salient angle between 45° and 135° with said lower portion (7) to which it is connected.

5. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said upper portions (8) is made of material with the respective lower portion (7) to which it is connected.

6. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lower portions (7) are substantially flat, and are designed to be pressed against said roof (3, 4, 5).

7. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one upper portion (8) is provided with a pointed and / or cutting portion (25) for piercing said flexible band (9) and thus creating an opening for the passage of said upper portion (8) through said flexible band (9).

8. A fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said flexible band (9) is provided with a plurality of through holes distributed along the latter, each upper portion (8) being designed to pass through one of said through holes.

9. A fastening system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the through holes in said flexible band (9) are smaller than the maximum width of the upper portions (8), the flexible band (9) being designed to be traversed by each of said upper portions (8) by deformation of said through holes, said flexible band (9) advantageously exhibits a certain elasticity.

10. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one, several or all of said retaining elements (7, 8) each comprise at least two upper portions (8) projecting from the same lower portion (7), said support element (10) being designed to be attached to at least said two upper portions (8).

11. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said upper portions (8) is substantially flat, and thus advantageously has a height and a width which are each significantly greater than its thickness.

12. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said upper portion (8) is designed to be inserted in a fitted manner within said support element (10) to retain the latter on the roof (3, 4, 5), for example by sliding connection or by deformation of said support element (10).

13. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said upper portions (8) itself comprises: - an upper part (13), which flares from top to bottom, between a free upper end (14) having a first cross-section and a lower end (15) having a second cross-section, said second cross-section being therefore larger than said first cross-section, - a lower part (16), below said upper part (13) and connected to the latter via said lower end (15), said lower part (16) having a third cross-section parallel to said second cross-section and substantially smaller than the latter.

14. A fastening system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said support element (10) delimits an internal cavity (11), said support element (10) comprising lower edges (17) which delimit a light (18) allowing the internal cavity (11) to open downwards outside the support element (10), said internal cavity (11) being designed to accommodate said upper part (13), said light (18) being designed to accommodate said lower part (16), said lower edges (17) being designed to be arranged opposite and below the lower end (15) of the upper part (13) in order to butt against the latter.

15. A fastening system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that each of said upper portions (8) is rod-shaped and in that said pointed and / or cutting portion (25) is located at the top of this rod.

16. A fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or 15, characterized in that said fastening system (1) comprises intermediate elements (24), each of which includes, on the one hand, a first attachment means (27) designed to cooperate with a respective upper portion (8) for attaching said intermediate element (24) to said upper portion (8), and, on the other hand, a second attachment means (28) designed to cooperate with the support element (10), in order to attach said intermediate element (24) to said support element (10).

17. A fastening system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first fastening means (27) comprises an orifice designed to receive said respective upper portion (8), said orifice and said upper portion (8) preferably being configured to form a permanent connection by their mutual interlocking.

18. A fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 16 and 17, characterized in that said second fastening means 28 comprises a lateral protrusion intended to hook onto the support element (10).

19. A fastening system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said support element (10) delimits an internal cavity (11), said support element (10) comprising lower edges (17) which delimit a light (18) allowing the internal cavity (11) to open downwards outside the support element (10), said internal cavity (11) being designed to accommodate said second fastening means (28), said light (18) being designed to accommodate said lower portion (7) and said first fastening means (27), said lower edges (17) being designed to be arranged opposite and below at least one lateral protrusion in order to butt against the latter.

20. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an adhesive (12) intended to be deposited on the support element (10), said adhesive (12) being designed to directly bond said solar panel (2) to said support element (10).

21. A mounting module (26) for at least one solar panel (2) on a roof (3, 4, 5) comprising at least: - a set (6) of retaining elements (7, 8) arranged in a line one after the other, each retaining element (7, 8) comprising at least: • a lower portion (7) intended to be arranged on said roof (3, 4, 5), • an upper portion (8) which projects from said lower portion (7), - a flexible band (9) covering said lower portions (7) so that said upper portions (8) each pass through said flexible band (9) to protrude from the latter, said flexible band (9) being designed to be attached to said roof (3, 4, 5) in order to secure said assembly (6) of retaining elements (7, 8) to the latter, - a support element (10) attached to at least one of said upper portions (8), said support element (10) being further designed to receive said solar panel (2) in order to fix it to said roof (3, 4, 5).

22. Equipment for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy, comprising at least: - a solar panel (2), and - a fixing system (1) for said solar panel (2) on a roof (3, 4, 5), according to any one of claims 1 to 20, or a fixing module (26) for said solar panel (2) on a roof (3, 4, 5) according to claim 21.

23. Equipment for converting solar radiation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said solar panel (2) is a flexible solar panel (2), which is therefore advantageously devoid of a non-flexible frame.

24. Installation for fixing at least one solar panel (2) to a roof (3, 4, 5), comprising at least: - a set (6) of retaining elements (7, 8) arranged in a line one after the other, each retaining element (7, 8) comprising: • a lower portion (7) disposed on said roof (3, 4, 5), • an upper portion (8) projecting from said lower portion (7), - a flexible band (9) provided with a plurality of through-holes distributed along the latter, said flexible band (9) covering said lower portions (7), said upper portions (8) thus each passing through one of said through-holes to project from the flexible band (9), said flexible band (9) being attached to said roof (3, 4, 5), thus securing said assembly (6) of retaining elements (7, 8) to the latter, - a support element (10) which is attached to at least one of said upper portions (8), said support element (10) being designed to receive said solar panel (2) in order to fix it to said roof (3, 4, 5).

25. Installation for fixing according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said flexible band (9) is welded to said roof (3, 4, 5), on either side of the assembly (6) of retaining elements (7, 8), preferably along the latter.

26. Installation for fixing according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of assemblies (6) of retaining elements (7, 8), said assemblies (6) of retaining elements (7, 8) being arranged substantially parallel to each other on said roof (3, 4, 5).

27. ​​Installation for fixing according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of support elements (10), said support elements (10) being arranged substantially parallel to each other on said roof (3, 4, 5).

28. Assembly for converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy, comprising at least: - a solar panel (2), and - an installation for fixing said solar panel (2) on a roof (3, 4, 5), according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the support element (10) receives said solar panel (2) and fixes it to said roof (3, 4, 5).

29. Method for installing a fixing system (1) for at least one solar panel (2) on a roof (3, 4, 5), comprising at least: - a primary arrangement step, during which a set (6) of retaining elements (7, 8) is arranged on the roof (3, 4, 5), the retaining elements (7, 8) being arranged in a line one after the other, each retaining element (7, 8) comprising at least: • a lower portion (7) arranged on said roof (3, 4, 5), • an upper portion (8) which protrudes from said lower portion (7), - a secondary arrangement step, during which a flexible band (9) is placed over said lower portions (7), so that said upper portions (8) each pass through the flexible band (9) in order to protrude from the latter, - a primary fixing step, during which said flexible band (9) is attached to said roof (3, 4, 5), thereby securing said assembly (6) of retaining elements (7, 8) to the latter, - a secondary fixing step, during which a support element (10) is attached to at least one of said upper portions (8), said support element (10) being designed to receive said solar panel (2) in order to fix it to said roof (3, 4, 5).

30. Method of installing a fastening system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that during said secondary arrangement step a pointed or cutting portion (25) of said at least one upper portion (8) pierces the flexible band (9) and creates an opening for the passage of said upper portion (8) through the flexible band (9).

31. Method of installing a fastening system (1) according to claim 29, characterized in that said flexible band (9) is provided with a plurality of through holes distributed along the latter and in that during said secondary arrangement step said upper portions (8) each pass through one of said through holes in order to protrude from the flexible band (9).

32. Method of installing a fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that during said primary fastening step, said flexible strip (9) is welded to the roof (3, 4, 5).

33. A method for installing a fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that it further comprises a tertiary fastening step, in which an adhesive (12) is deposited on the support element (10), said adhesive

34.

35. (12) being designed to directly bond said solar panel (2) to said support element (10). Method for installing at least one mounting module (26) for at least one solar panel (2) on a roof (3, 4, 5) comprising at least: - an arrangement step, during which said fixing module (26) is placed on the roof (3, 4, 5), said fixing module (26) conforming to claim 21, - a fixing step, during which the flexible band (9) of said fixing module (26) is attached to said roof (3, 4, 5), for example by welding, thus securing said fixing module (26) to the latter. A method for manufacturing a fixing system (1) for at least one solar panel (2) on a roof (3, 4, 5), said method comprising at least: - a primary manufacturing or supply step of a set (6) of retaining elements (7, 8) intended to be arranged in a line one after the other, each retaining element (7, 8) comprising: • a lower portion (7) intended to be placed on said roof (3, 4, 5), • an upper portion (8) which projects from said lower portion (7), - a secondary step of manufacturing or supplying a flexible strip (9) having a plurality of through holes distributed along the latter, said flexible strip (9) being designed to cover said lower portions (7) so that said upper portions (8) each pass through one of said through holes to protrude from the flexible strip (9), said flexible strip (9) being designed to be attached to said roof (3, 4, 5) in order to secure said assembly (6) of retaining elements (7, 8) to the latter, - a tertiary step of manufacturing or supplying a support element (10) designed to be attached to at least one of said upper portions (8), said element

36.

37.

38. support (10) further being designed to receive said solar panel (2) in order to fix it to said roof (3, 4, 5). Method of manufacturing a fastening system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the primary manufacturing or supply step includes at least one cutting and / or bending step of an initial plate element, to obtain a final plate element forming one or more of the retaining elements (7, 8) of said assembly (6) of retaining elements (7, 8). A method for manufacturing a fastening system (1) according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that the primary manufacturing or supply step includes at least: - a cutting step of an initial plate element, to obtain an intermediate plate element comprising: • an internal plate element, • an external plate element surrounding said internal plate element, • a connecting portion linking said inner plate element and outer plate element, - a folding step of said connecting portion, to form: • said upper portion (8), which therefore includes at least said internal plate element, • said lower portion (7), which therefore includes at least said outer plate element. A method for manufacturing a fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 35 to 37, characterized in that the tertiary manufacturing or supply step includes at least: - the manufacture or supply of a sheet metal element or a profiled element, substantially elongated along a longitudinal extension direction, - a folding of said sheet metal element or of said profiled element along a folding direction parallel or coinciding with said longitudinal extension direction.