Clamping Assembly

Abstract

A clamping assembly 10 for a solar panel 12 comprises a deformable clamping plate 100 configured to engage the solar panel 12 at a first side 102 of the deformable clamping plate 100. A bracket 120 is

Description

Technical Field

[001] The present invention relates to clamping assemblies, and particularly to clamping assemblies for solar panels. Background

[002] Solar panels are generally supplied as individual panels which must be secured together and / or to a support frame when installed, for example as part of a solar farm. Conventionally, fasteners such as bolts are used to secure the solar panels together and / or to the support frame. During the process of securing the solar panels in place, there is a considerable risk of damage occurring to the solar panels due to overtightening of the fasteners. Similar damage can also occur during maintenance and / or repair of the solar panels.

[003] It will therefore be appreciated that there is a need for improvements to the means with which solar panels can be secured, to reduce the risk of damage occurring to the solar panels. Summary

[004] In a first aspect there is provided a clamping assembly for a solar panel comprising: a deformable clamping plate configured to engage the solar panel at a first side of the deformable clamping plate; a bracket configured to engage the solar panel opposite the deformable clamping plate; and a spacer for defining a minimum separation distance between the bracket and a portion of the deformable clamping plate; wherein, on application of a tensioning force to the clamping assembly, the deformable clamping plate is configured to deform to apply a clamping force to the solar panel, the clamping force comprising a maximum clamping force that is obtained when said portion of the deformable clamping plate and the bracket are spaced apart by the minimum separation distance.

[005] On application of the tensioning force to the clamping assembly, the deformable clamping plate may be configured to transition between a relaxed configuration in which a first surface of the first side is non-planar and a tensioned configuration in which the first surface is substantially planar. In the relaxed configuration, the first surface may be concave.

[006] In the tensioned configuration said portion of the deformable clamping plate may engage the spacer to prevent further deformation of the deformable clamping plate.

[007] The bracket and deformable clamping plate may be configured to be coupled by a fastener.

[008] The fastener may comprise a nut and bolt. Tightening the nut onto the bolt may provide the tensioning force to the deformable clamping plate. The bolt of the fastener may be a cap head bolt.

[009] The spacer may comprise an end-to-end opening configured to receive the fastener so that the fastener extends from ends of the spacer when disposed in the opening. The spacer may be tubular and / or cylindrical.

[010] The deformable clamping plate may comprise an opening for receiving the fastener substantially centrally through the deformable clamping plate so that the clamping force may be applied simultaneously to two solar panels disposed either side the fastener.

[011] The bracket may comprise: a channel; an opening in a floor of the channel for receiving the fastener; and first and second shoulders extending either side the channel to engage, respectively, the solar panels disposed either side the fastener.

[012] The clamping assembly may further comprise a purlin for disposal between the deformable clamping plate and the solar panel.

[013] The purlin may comprise a planar element configured to abut the solar panel on a first side and may be configured to abut the deformable clamping plate on a second side opposite the first side.

[014] The deformable clamping plate may comprise a slotted portion into which a flange of the purlin is configured to be at least partially retained. The purlin may be retained in the slotted portion via a friction or interference fit.

[015] The deformable clamping plate may be comprised in a clamping bar. The clamping bar may comprise a C- or L-shaped cross section. Other shapes of clamping bars are also applicable.

[016] The first side of the deformable clamping plate may comprise convex second and third surfaces either side the first surface. The convex second and third surfaces either side of the first surface may be considered corners of the deformable clamping plate.

[017] The maximum clamping force exerted by the deformable clamping plate may be determined at least by any one or combination of: a material of the deformable clamping plate; a thickness of the deformable clamping plate; and / or a cross sectional shape of the deformable clamping plate.

[018] The spacer may comprise a spring element. The spring element may have a compressed state which defines the minimum separation distance between the bracket and the portion of the deformable clamping plate. The spring element may be configured to resist the tensioning force.

[019] The spacer may be attached to the bracket or deformable clamping plate. The spacer may be attached by, for example, welding. The spacer may be formed as an integral part of the bracket or deformable clamping plate. The spacer may be a separate component to the bracket and / or the deformable clamping plate.

[020] In another aspect, there is provided a deformable clamping plate for a solar panel clamping assembly. A first side of the deformable clamping plate comprises a first surface and convex second and third surfaces disposed either side the first surface, the first surface being concave in a first configuration and substantially planar in a second configuration, the deformable clamping plate being configured to transition between the first and second configurations on application of a force to a second side of the deformable clamping plate, opposite the first side. The deformable clamping plate may be configured for use and / or integration into a solar panel clamping assembly.

[021] In a further aspect, there is provided a solar panel system comprising a solar panel and a clamping assembly as described above. A solar panel system may comprise one or more solar panels secured by one or more clamping assemblies. Brief Description of the Drawings 5

[022] Arrangements of the invention will now be described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[023] Figures 1A and 1B show a clamping assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[024] Figures 2A and 2B show a clamping assembly according to an embodiment 10 of the present invention;

[025] Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of a clamping assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[026] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a clamping assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 15

[027] Figure 5 shows a side-on view of a clamping assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[028] Figure 6 shows a cross sectional view of a clamping assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings

[029] Solar panels are typically rated to be installed onto a frame with up to a certain level of retaining force. When this level is exceeded, for example by overtorquing the bolts holding the solar panels in place, damage may be caused to the solar panel. In particular, excessive force can distort the frame on which the solar panels are installed and cause damage to the individual cells within the solar panel. The present invention eliminates the risk of such damage occurring to solar panels, without the need to use specialised tools or equipment to install the solar panels.

[030] Figure 1A shows a clamping assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The clamping assembly 10 is for use with a solar panel 12. The clamping assembly 10 may be used to secure one or more solar panels 12 together and / or may be used to secure one or more solar panels 12 to a support frame (not shown). The clamping assembly 10 comprises a deformable clamping plate 100, a bracket 120, and a spacer 140.

[031] The deformable clamping plate 100 has a first side 102 which is configured to engage the solar panel 12. The first side 102 of the deformable clamping plate 100 may engage the solar panel 12 at a generally flat surface of the solar panel 12. It will be appreciated that solar panels are generally flat and slab-like in shape. In some embodiments, the deformable clamping plate 100 may engage the solar panel 12 at a designated portion of the solar panel 12 intended to be used for such engagement.

[032] The bracket 120 is generally configured to be positioned opposite the deformable clamping plate 100. The bracket 120 is configured to engage the solar panel 12 opposite the deformable clamping plate.

[033] The spacer 140 is configured to define a minimum separation distance between the bracket 120 and a portion 104 of the deformable clamping plate 100. In other words, the spacer 140 is configured to prevent the bracket 120 and said portion 104 of the deformable clamping plate 100 from moving closer together than the minimum separation distance. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the portion 104 is a central portion 104 of the deformable clamping plate 100.

[034] When a force, referred to as a ‘tensioning force’, is applied to the clamping assembly 10, the deformable clamping plate 100 is configured to deform. During the deformation of the deformable clamping plate 100, the deformable clamping plate 100 applies a clamping force to the solar panel 12. As the tensioning force is increased, the clamping force will generally also increase up to a maximum clamping force. The maximum clamping force is obtained when the portion 104 of the deformable clamping plate 100 and the bracket 120 are separated by the minimum separation distance. The maximum clamping force is therefore obtained when the portion 104 of the deformable clamping plate 100 engages the spacer 140, while the spacer 140 is also engaged with the bracket 120.

[035] In some embodiments, the spacer may comprise a spring element. The spring element may result in the spacer having an uncompressed length that is greater than the minimum separation distance. On application of the tensioning force, the spring element may be compressed until the spring element is effectively a solid element (e.g., where the spring element is a coiled spring, the coils are touching). In this compressed state, the spacer may define the minimum separation distance in the same way that a solid spacer would. The spring element may be configured to oppose the tensioning force. The spring element may additionally or alternatively reduce the likelihood of the nut 132 loosening over time by maintaining a force against the nut 132 (e.g., via the purlin 150 and clamping plate 100).

[036] As will be discussed in more detail below, in reference to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the spacer may be attached or fixed (e.g., rigidly) to the bracket or the deformable clamping plate. The spacer may be attached by, for example, welding. In some embodiments, the spacer may be formed as an integral part of the bracket or the deformable clamping plate.

[037] The magnitude of the maximum clamping force exerted by the deformable clamping plate 100 is generally a function of one or more properties of the deformable clamping plate 100 (in addition to the magnitude of the tensioning force). In particular, the magnitude of the maximum clamping force may be determined by any one or combination of: the material of the deformable clamping plate 100; the thickness of the deformable clamping plate 100; and / or the cross sectional shape of the deformable clamping plate 100. The deformable clamping plate 100 may generally be formed of metal. The deformable clamping plate 100 may generally be at least 1 mm in thickness, optionally between 1 mm and 10 mm in thickness, and further optionally between 3 mm and 10 mm in thickness. Possible cross sectional shapes of the deformable clamping plate 100 will be discussed in more detail below.

[038] By way of example, a typical deformable clamping plate 100 may be made from S450 steel, may have a thickness of 3 mm, and the non-planar first side 102 may be concave with a typical radius of 100 mm. Each of these values are generally selected / determined according to the desired maximum clamping force to be applied to the solar panels. In particular, the shape of the cross section of the deformable clamping plate 100 may be determined according to the required maximum clamping force. It will therefore be appreciated that, for different types of solar panels which are rated to tolerate varying retaining forces, different clamping assemblies with varying values may be utilised.

[039] Figure 1B shows the same embodiment as Figure 1A, but with the portion 104 engaged with the spacer 140. Figure 1B, therefore shows the deformable clamping plate 100 and bracket 120 separated by the minimum separation distance, as described above. The deformable clamping plate 100 shown in Figure 1A may be referred to as being in a ‘relaxed’ configuration. Conversely, the deformable clamping plate 100 shown in Figure 1B may be referred to as being in a ‘tensioned’ configuration. It will therefore be appreciated that the application of a tensioning force to the clamping assembly causes the deformable clamping plate to move from the relaxed configuration to the tensioned configuration.

[040] In some embodiments, and as can be seen in Figure 1A, in the relaxed configuration a first surface 109 of the first side 102 of the deformable clamping plate 100 is non-planer. The non-planar first side 102 (in the relaxed configuration) is set back relative to the solar panel 12 and spacer 140. As a result, in the relaxed configuration, a gap exists between the portion 104 and the spacer 140. This gap corresponds to a difference between an initial separation distance between the portion 104 and the bracket 120, and the minimum separation distance.

[041] In some embodiments, the first surface 109 of the first side 102 of the deformable clamping plate 100 is concave in shape. In some embodiments, the first surface 109 may be a compound shape with a plurality of concave portions.

[042] As can be seen in Figure 1B, in the tensioned configuration, the first surface 109 of the first side 102 is substantially planar. The portion 104 is engaged with the spacer 140 and there is no gap between the portion 104 and the spacer 140 and thus the deformable clamping plate 100 and bracket 120 are spaced apart by the minimum separation distance. Once the portion 104 has engaged the spacer 140, any further deformation of the deformable clamping plate 100 is prevented.

[043] In some embodiments, the deformable clamping plate 100 and the bracket 120 are coupled together. In some embodiments, the coupling of the deformable clamping plate 100 and the bracket 120 is achieved using a fastener. For example, a bolt 130 may extend through the bracket 120 and the deformable clamping plate 100 and may be retained with a nut 132. In some embodiments, the spacer 140 comprises an end-to-end opening (e.g., a through-hole) through which the bolt 130 can be passed. The spacer 140 may be tubular and / or cylindrical in shape.

[044] On tightening the nut 132 onto the bolt 130 (i.e., on application of a tensioning force), the separation distance between the deformable clamping plate 100 and the bracket 120 decreases, thus causing the deformable clamping plate 100 to deform. The deformable clamping plate 100 resultantly exerts a clamping force on the solar panel 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, the tensioning force is applied directly to the deformable clamping plate 100. A washer may be positioned on the bolt 130 between the nut 132 and the deformable clamping plate 100 to distribute the tensioning force across a wider area of the deformable clamping plate 100.

[045] As the nut 132 is tightened further, the deformable clamping plate 100 is eventually deformed to such an extent that the portion 104 engages the spacer 140, thereby preventing further deformation of the deformable clamping plate 100. At this point, the clamping force exerted by the deformable clamping plate 100 on the solar panel 12 is at a maximum, regardless of whether additional force is applied to the nut 132.

[046] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the position of the nut 132 and bolt 130 may be reversed so that the bolt is arranged in the bracket 120. In this way, the fastener can be tightened from either side of the clamping assembly 10.

[047] In some embodiment, including the embodiment shown in the Figures, the deformable clamping plate 100 comprises an opening (not shown) for receiving the fastener (e.g., the bolt 130) through the deformable clamping plate 100. The opening may be positioned substantially centrally on the deformable clamping plate 100. In this way, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the deformable clamping plate 100 can engage two solar panels 12 with the fastener disposed in between. The deformable clamping plate 100 can therefore apply a clamping force to both solar panels simultaneously.

[048] When two solar panels 12 are clamped together using the clamping assembly 10, the clamping assembly 10 inhibits relative movement between the solar panels 12. The clamping assembly 10 also ensures the solar panels 12 are held substantially parallel and coplanar to each other.

[049] In some embodiments, the bracket 120 comprises a channel 124 and an opening (not shown) in a floor 126 of the channel 124. The opening may be configured to receive the fastener (e.g., the bolt 130). Where the fastener is a bolt 130, the channel 124 may be configured to secure a head 134 of the bolt 130, thus providing for the nut 132 to be threaded onto the bolt 130 without the need to manually prevent the bolt 130 from rotating.

[050] In some embodiments, the bracket 120 has one or more projections or shoulders 122. The shoulders 122 may generally extend either side of the channel 124 (i.e., laterally from the bracket 120). The shoulders 122 provide a surface against which the solar panels 12 can be received. Therefore, when the deformable clamping plate 100 applies the clamping force to the solar panels 12, the bracket 120 provides a corresponding reaction force via the shoulders 122, thereby clamping the solar panels 12 between the deformable clamping plate 100 and the bracket 120. The lateral positions of the shoulders 122 enable the fastener (e.g., the bolt 130) to be positioned between the solar panels 12.

[051] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the clamping assembly 10 may further comprise a purlin 150. The purlin 150 can be disposed between the deformable clamping plate 100 and the solar panels 12. The purlin 150 may be formed of, for example, a plastic or metal material. The purlin 150 may be at least 1 mm in thickness, may be between 1 mm and 5 mm in thickness, and preferably may be 1.5 mm in thickness. As can be seen from the Figures, the purlin 150 generally comprises a planar element configured to abut the solar panels 12 on a first side of the purlin 150 and configured to abut the deformable clamping plate 100 on a second side of the purlin 150, opposite the first side.

[052] The purlin 150 may serve a number of functions. For example, the purlin can be used to distribute the clamping force applied by the deformable clamping plate 100 across a wider area of the solar panels 12 to further reduce the risk of damage occurring to the solar panels 12. The purlin 150 may additionally or alternatively provide support to the solar panels 12 in areas not supported by the deformable clamping plate 100 and / or the bracket 120 by spanning a distance between adjacent deformable clamping plates 100.

[053] Although the deformable clamping plate can be a flat plate, the deformable clamping plate 100 can, in some embodiments, be comprised in a clamping bar. The clamping bar can comprise any appropriate cross section including a C-shaped or L-shaped cross section.

[054] In the illustrated embodiments, the first side 102 of the deformable clamping plate 100 comprises convex second and third surfaces 108, 110 either side the first surface 109. This ensures that the cross-sectional profile of the deformable clamping plate 100 comprises substantially smooth contours. The second convex surface 108 and the third convex surface 110 increase the area across which the clamping force is applied by the deformable clamping plate 100 to the solar panels 12 and / or the purlin 150, thus further reducing the likelihood of damage occurring to the solar panels 12.

[055] Turning to Figures 2A and 2B, a cross-sectional view of a clamping plate 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2A shows the clamping plate 100 in a relaxed configuration. As shown, in some embodiments in the relaxed configuration, the legs 111, 113 of the clamping plate 100 may be splayed outwards. The angle X between the portion 104 of the clamping plate 100 and either of the legs may be greater than 90 degrees in the relaxed configuration, optionally over 100 degrees, optionally 102 degrees.

[056] Figure 2B shows the clamping plate 100 in the tensioned configuration where both legs 111, 113 are moved together as a result of the tensioning force applied. The legs 111, 113 may be parallel to each other. The angle X between the portion 104 of the clamping plate 100 and either of the legs may be substantially 90 degrees in the tensioned configuration. By ‘substantially 90 degrees’, it is meant that either of the legs may be as close to 90 degrees as it is possible to resolve within the tolerance of a typical technician’s measurement method. Such measurement methods may include assessing the appearance of 90 degrees by eye.

[057] Such embodiments, where the legs 111, 113 are initially splayed and then move inwards in response to the tensioning force being applied, may be particularly useful for quickly identifying whether a clamping assembly 10 is correctly tightened. In this way, a technician can quickly check whether a clamping assembly 10 is sufficiently tightened simply be looking at the position of the legs 111, 113 of the clamping plate 100. If the legs 111, 113 are parallel, then the clamping assembly 10 can be assumed to be correctly tightened. If the legs 111, 113 are not parallel, then this is a clear indication that the clamping assembly 10 is not sufficiently tightened. A large solar installation may use in excess of 1,000 clamping assemblies 10. Therefore, the visual indication provided by the legs 111, 113 may speed up inspections significantly.

[058] Turning to Figure 3, a side profile of the clamping assembly 10 from the direction marked ‘A’ in Figures 1A and 1B is shown. As shown, in some embodiments, the deformable clamping plate 100 comprises a slotted portion 106. The slotted portion 106 may be configured to receive and retain a flange 152 of the purlin 150 to thereby secure the purlin 150 in place. The slotted portion 106 may comprise an evernarrowing profile as the distance from the first side 102 of the deformable clamping plate 100 increases. The slotted portion 106 may provide a friction or interference fit to secure the purlin 150 in place.

[059] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the clamping assembly 10 with the deformable clamping plate 100 in the tensioned configuration. It will be appreciated that multiple clamping assemblies 10 may be utilised to secure a solar panel 12 in place. Several clamping assemblies 10 may be installed on each side of a rectangular solar panel 12 to fully and evenly support the weight of the solar panel 12. Where several clamping assemblies 10 are utilised, they may each share a common deformable clamping plate 100 and / or bracket 120. In this way, the shared deformable clamping plate 100 and / or bracket 120 may extended along a length and be connected to the other of the deformable clamping plate 100 and the bracket 120 by a fastening at regular intervals. The deformable clamping plate 100 and / or the bracket 120 may extend along a length substantially parallel to the channel 124 of the bracket 120.

[060] Solar panels must generally be earthed (e.g., connected to Earth’s conductive surface) for proper electrical operation. Ordinarily, this is achieved by attaching solar panels to earthing points via cables. The ends of the cables are generally secured via cable eyelets and fasteners. However, embodiments of the present invention provide for a more convenient means for grounding solar panels which uses fewer components, and is easier to install and service.

[061] Turning to Figure 5, a partial side-on view of a clamping assembly 10 is shown. As shown, in some embodiments the clamping plate 10 may include a lip 114 configured to at least partially embed into a metallic portion of the solar panel 12. The lip 114 may generally extend from the first surface 109 of the first side 102 of the clamping plate 100. The lip 114 may be formed by upturning an end portion of the clamping plate 100.

[062] On application of the tensioning force, the lip 114 may engage the solar panel 112. As the separation distance between the clamping plate 100 and the bracket 120 decreases, the lip 114 may be driven further into the solar panel 12. In this way, once the minimum separation distance is achieved, the lip 114 may be at least partially embedded into a metallic portion of the solar panel 12. In some embodiments, lip 114 may be sharpened to aid in driving the lip into the solar panel 12.

[063] It will be appreciated that as the portion 104 of the clamping plate 100 moves towards the solar panel 12, the lateral edges of the lip 114 may move outwards slightly - further embedding into the solar panel 12.

[064] Metallic portions of solar panels are generally anodized or painted to prevent exposure to the atmosphere and thus reduce the likelihood of corrosion. The process of at least partially embedding the lip 114 into a metallic portion of a solar panel 12 may penetrate any such anodised or painted coating. In doing so, the embedded portion of the lip 114 may be in direct contact with a metallic portion of the solar panel 12 - thus forming an electrical connection which would otherwise be prevented by the coating.

[065] By forming such a connection, the solar panel 12 can be earthed via the clamping plate 10, avoiding the need to use additional hardware to form an earthing connection. Therefore, the solar panel 12 can be fastened and the earthing connection can be installed in a single operation.

[066] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of a clamping assembly 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the spacer 140 is formed as an integral part of the bracket 120. In similar embodiments, the spacer 140 may be attached to the bracket 120, for example by welding. In the embodiment shown, the spacer 140 in combination with the bracket 120 forms a continuous surface against which the solar panels 12 can abut. The spacer 140 is hollow to permit a bolt 130 to extend therethrough.

[067] It will be appreciated that where the spacer 140 is attached to / formed as an integral part of the bracket 120 the total number of individual parts required to install the clamping assembly 10 is reduced. In particular, there is a single bracket 120 component which includes the spacer 140, rather than these being separate components which must be individually installed. Therefore, the speed with which the clamping assembly 10 can be installed and / or maintained is improved.

[068] It will be appreciated that the clamping assembly 10 disclosed herein is particularly applicable for use in a solar panel system, in which multiple solar panels 12 are arranged together. The clamping assembly 10 provides for the solar panels 12 to be secured together and / or to a frame. The clamping assembly 10 also provides for a maximum clamping force to be applied to the solar panels 12 independent of the maximum tensioning force applied to the clamping assembly 10. In this way, the clamping assembly (and in particular the deformable clamping plate) reduces the possibility of damage occurring to the solar panels 12 during installation and / or maintenance.

[069] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A clamping assembly (10) for a solar panel (12) comprising:a deformable clamping plate (100) configured to engage the solar panel (12) at a first side (102) of the deformable clamping plate (100);a bracket (120) configured to engage the solar panel (12) opposite the deformable clamping plate (100); anda spacer (140) for defining a minimum separation distance between the bracket (120) and a portion (104) of the deformable clamping plate (100);wherein, on application of a tensioning force to the clamping assembly (10), the deformable clamping plate (100) is configured to deform to apply a clamping force to the solar panel (12), the clamping force comprising a maximum clamping force that is obtained when said portion (104) of the deformable clamping plate (100) and the bracket (120) are spaced apart by the minimum separation distance.

2. The clamping assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein on application of the tensioning force to the clamping assembly (10), the deformable clamping plate (100) is configured to transition between a relaxed configuration in which a first surface (109) of the first side (102) is non-planar and a tensioned configuration in which the first surface (109) is substantially planar; and, optionally wherein, in the relaxed configuration, the first surface (109) is concave.

3. The clamping assembly (10) of claim 2, wherein in the tensioned configuration said portion (104) of the deformable clamping plate (100) engages the spacer (140) to prevent further deformation of the deformable clamping plate (100).

4. The clamping assembly (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the bracket (120) and deformable clamping plate (100) are configured to be coupled by a fastener.

5. The clamping assembly (10) according to either of claim 4, wherein the fastener comprises a nut (132) and bolt (130), and wherein tightening the nut (132) onto the bolt (130) provides the tensioning force to the deformable clamping plate (100).

6. The clamping assembly (10) of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the spacer (140) comprises an end-to-end opening configured to receive the fastener so that the fastener extends from ends of the spacer (140) when disposed in the opening and, optionally, wherein the spacer (140) is tubular.

7. The clamping assembly (10) of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the deformable clamping plate (100) comprises an opening for receiving the fastener substantially centrally through the deformable clamping plate (100) so that the clamping force may be applied simultaneously to two solar panels (12) disposed either side the fastener.

8. The clamping assembly (10) of claim 7, wherein the bracket (120) comprises: a channel (124); an opening in a floor (126) of the channel (124) for receiving the fastener; and first and second shoulders (122) extending either side the channel (124) to engage, respectively, the solar panels (12) disposed either side the fastener.

9. The clamping assembly (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the clamping assembly (10) further comprises a purlin (150) for disposal between the deformable clamping plate (100) and the solar panel (12).

10. The clamping assembly (10) of claim 9, wherein the purlin (150) comprises a planar element configured to abut the solar panel (12) on a first side (102) and configured to abut the deformable clamping plate (100) on a second side opposite the first side (102).

11. The clamping assembly (10) according to either claim 9 or 10, wherein the deformable clamping plate (100) comprises a slotted portion (106) into which a flange (152) of the purlin (150) is configured to be at least (1) partially retained.

12. The clamping assembly (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the deformable clamping plate (100) is comprised in a clamping bar, optionally wherein the clamping bar comprises a C or L shaped cross section.

13. The clamping assembly (10) of any of claims 2 to 12, wherein the first side (102) of the deformable clamping plate (100) comprises convex second and third surfaces (108, 110) either side the first surface (109).

14. The clamping assembly (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the maximum clamping force exerted by the deformable clamping plate (100) is determined at least by any one or combination of: a material of the deformable clamping plate (100); a thickness of the deformable clamping plate (100); and / or a cross sectional shape of the deformable clamping plate (100).

15. The clamping assembly (10) of any preceding claim, further comprising a lip (114) extending from the first side (102) of the deformable clamping plate (100), the lip (114) being configured to at least partially embed into a metallic portion of the solar panel (12) when the bracket (120) and the portion (104) of the deformable clamping plate (100) are separated by the minimum separation distance.

16. A deformable clamping plate (100) for a solar panel clamping assembly (10), wherein a first side (102) of the deformable clamping plate (100) comprises a first surface (109) and convex second and third surfaces (108, 110) disposed either side the first surface (109), the first surface (109) being concave in a first configuration and substantially planar in a second configuration, the deformable clamping plate (100) being configured to transition between the first and second configurations onapplication of a force to a second side of the deformable clamping plate (100), opposite the first side (102).

17. A solar panel system comprising a solar panel (12) and a clamping assembly (10) 5 according to any of claims 1-15.

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