Solar panel mounting frame

Abstract

This technology enables solar panels to be portable and safely installed vertically. [Solution] The solar panel mounting frame (1) comprises a pair of support columns (4) that detachably support a pair of vertical panel support columns (21) that support both sides of the solar panel (2), a panel mounting frame (3) having a pair of support columns at both ends, and a panel connecting frame (7) that is detachably installed between two panel mounting frames arranged substantially parallel to each other. The panel connecting frame (7) and the panel mounting frame (3) each have a hollow section formed to allow wiring along their respective longitudinal directions, and the panel mounting frame (3) has a wiring opening arranged to communicate with the hollow section of the panel connecting frame.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rack for solar panels that enables vertical installation of solar panels. [Background Art]

[0002] In Japan, it is generally accepted that solar panels are preferably installed at an inclination angle of approximately 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. This is for efficiently receiving solar light, but requires a large installation area, leading to the problem that installation locations are limited. Accordingly, as disclosed in the following Patent Documents 1 and 2, methods for vertically installing solar panels have been proposed.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a method of installing a plurality of solar panels on a fence-shaped structure that is fixed on a foundation and configured by a combination of vertical structures and horizontal beams. The following Patent Document 2 discloses a method of vertically installing a plurality of double-sided light-receiving solar panels such that their respective light-receiving surfaces face each other. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-358353 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-165141 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] A vertical installation method for solar panels is more strongly affected by wind pressure than the aforementioned 30-degree inclined installation method, so enhancing resistance to wind pressure is important. Under such circumstances, the current situation is that a method of constructing a strong foundation on the ground and firmly fixing the solar panels on the foundation is adopted. With methods that require such foundation work, installing, removing, and relocating solar panels is not easy. Traditionally, this issue was not considered a problem because there was no need to consider relocation when installing solar panels.

[0006] Amidst this situation, the inventors of this invention considered that vertical installation of solar panels would loosen restrictions on installation location, such as installation area, allowing solar panels to be installed in various new locations, such as parking lots. Furthermore, in light of the increasing severity and frequency of natural disasters in recent years, the inventors considered using solar panels as an emergency power source. Specifically, they believed that if solar panels could be quickly installed in disaster-stricken areas, a minimum amount of electricity could be provided rapidly even in the event of a power outage. However, as mentioned above, conventional methods that require foundation work make it impossible to install solar panels, as this new idea cannot be realized.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances and provides a technology that enables solar panels to be portable and safely installed vertically. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a solar panel mounting frame that enables multiple solar panels to be vertically installed such that their light-receiving surfaces are substantially opposite each other. This solar panel mounting frame comprises a pair of support columns that detachably support a pair of vertical support columns that support both sides of a solar panel, a panel mounting frame having the pair of support columns at both ends, and a panel connecting frame that is detachably installed between two of the panel mounting frames which are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The panel connecting frame and the panel mounting frame each have a hollow portion formed to allow wiring along their respective longitudinal directions, and the panel mounting frame has a wiring opening arranged to communicate with the hollow portion of the panel connecting frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that makes solar panels portable and safe for vertical installation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the use of the solar panel mounting frame according to this embodiment (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "this mounting frame"). [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a solar panel mounting frame (this frame) according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the detailed structure of the support column. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the panel mounting frame, frame connecting section, and the connecting structure of the panel connecting frame. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "these embodiments") will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments listed below are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments below.

[0012] [Usage example] Figure 1 shows an example of the use of the solar panel mounting frame 1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "this mounting frame"). Figure 1 shows an example of using the mounting structure 1 in a parking lot. Specifically, the mounting structure 1 is configured such that two solar panels 2 are installed vertically on either side of the parking space for a vehicle W, with their respective light-receiving surfaces facing each other. These examples demonstrate that parking lots can be effectively utilized not only as simple parking spaces, but also as spaces for generating electricity.

[0013] Since only one vehicle is shown in FIG. 1, the present gantry 1 may be used for a private parking lot. Further, as will be described in detail later, according to the present gantry 1, three or more solar panels 2 can be arranged side by side, so the gantry 1 may be used in a coin-operated parking lot that can park a large number of vehicles, or a parking lot of a commercial facility or the like. However, the present gantry 1 is not limited to use in parking lots, and can be used in various other places.

[0014] [Solar Panel] The solar panel 2 supported by the present gantry 1 is preferably a bifacial light-receiving type (the power generation efficiency of each surface may be the same or different), but may be a monofacial light-receiving type. Further, the shape of the light-receiving surface of the target solar panel 2 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1, and may be square or vertically elongated rectangular.

[0015] Further, the target solar panel 2 only needs to be supported by a pair of vertical panel struts 21 on at least both side edges thereof. Each vertical panel strut 21 is a vertically long columnar body that supports each side edge of the solar panel 2. As shown in FIG. 1, each vertical panel strut 21 may support the solar panel 2 in a state of being fixed to both side edges of the solar panel 2, or may support the solar panel 2 rotatably or tiltably. In the example of FIG. 1, the solar panel 2 is also supported by horizontally elongated bar-shaped frames at the upper edge and the lower edge thereof.

[0016] Here, the target solar panel 2 supported by the present gantry 1 may be formed as a single solar panel, or may be formed as a plurality of solar panels connected by a connecting member (not shown). Also in the latter case, it is only required that both side edges of the plurality of connected solar panel groups are supported by the pair of vertical panel struts 21. As described above, the structure and shape of the target solar panel 2 supported by the present gantry 1 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1.

[0017] [Gantry for Solar Panels (Present Gantry)] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a solar panel rack (present rack) 1 according to the present embodiment. The present rack 1 includes a panel rack frame 3, a frame connecting portion 5, and a panel connecting frame 7. The panel rack frame 3 is provided for each solar panel 2 along the top side and bottom side of the solar panel 2, and supports the solar panel 2 from below by being placed on an installation surface such as the ground. The illustrated panel rack frame 3 is an elongated rod-shaped body having a rectangular cross-section. However, the cross-sectional shape of the panel rack frame 3 may be a rounded rectangle, an ellipse, a circle, or the like.

[0018] The panel rack frame 3 has a hollow portion formed to allow wiring along the longitudinal direction. That is, the panel rack frame 3 has a hollow structure so that electric wires connected to the solar panel 2 can be passed through the interior thereof. However, the panel rack frame 3 only needs to have the hollow portion only in a location through which the electric wires of the solar panel 2 pass, and the entire interior thereof does not need to be a hollow structure.

[0019] The panel rack frame 3 has a pair of support post supporting portions 4 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, each support post supporting portion 4 is respectively erected slightly closer to the center than each longitudinal edge on the upper surface 31 of the panel rack frame 3. The pair of support post supporting portions 4 detachably support a pair of vertical panel support posts 21 that respectively support both side edges of the solar panel 2.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed structure of the support post supporting portion 4. The column support section 4 is a long, slender, hollow tubular body having an opening 41 at its tip into which the lower end of the panel vertical support 21 can be inserted. As shown in Figure 3, the column support section 4 is fitted from the upper surface 31 to the lower surface 32 of each end in the longitudinal direction of the panel frame 3 and welded at the upper surface 31 and the lower surface 32 (welded sections 42 and 43). As a result, the panel vertical support 21 is inserted through the opening 41 of the column support section 4 and supported by contacting the lower end surface of the column support section 4 (the lower surface 32 of the panel frame 3). However, the panel vertical support 21 may be fixed to the column support section 4 by fastening members (bolts, etc.) while inserted into the column support section 4. In this way, the support column 4 is welded to the upper surface 31 and lower surface 32 of the panel mounting frame 3, thereby providing strong support to prevent the vertical panel support column 21 from tilting. Furthermore, since each support column 4 is configured to detachably support the vertical panel support column 21, the solar panel 2 and its fixing structure (including the vertical panel support column 21) can be separated from the mounting frame 1, improving portability.

[0021] Furthermore, the support column 4 has an opening 45 on its side that connects the hollow portion of the support column 4 to the hollow portion of the panel frame 3. In Figure 3, the opening 45 is provided on both the side of the support column 4 that is on the edge end side of the panel frame 3 and the side on the opposite side (the central side of the panel frame 3). However, the opening 45 may be provided only on the central side of the panel frame 3 or only on the edge end (outer) side. This allows the power wires of the solar panel 2 to be inserted into the support column 4 along with the vertical panel support column 21, and the power wires to be routed through the opening 45 into the hollow part of the panel mounting frame 3. With this mounting frame 1, the power wires can be housed inside in this way, improving both appearance and safety. The power wires of the solar panel 2 may be housed inside the vertical panel support column 21 before being inserted into the support column 4, or they may be positioned outside the vertical panel support column 21 before being inserted into the support column 4.

[0022] The panel connecting frame 7 is detachably installed between two panel mounting frames 3 that are arranged approximately parallel to each other. By installing the panel connecting frame 7 between the two panel mounting frames 3, the resistance of the two vertically installed solar panels 2 to wind pressure is enhanced, preventing the solar panels 2 from collapsing. Furthermore, since the panel connecting frame 7 is configured to be detachable, the panel mounting frame 3 and the panel connecting frame 7 can be separated, thereby improving portability.

[0023] As described above, with this mounting system 1, even if the panel mounting frame 3 and panel connecting frame 7 are simply placed on the installation surface without fixing the vertical panel support columns 21 to a solid foundation, the resistance to wind pressure can be increased and the collapse of the solar panels 2 can be prevented. However, the panel mounting frame 3 may also be fixed to the installation surface with anchors. In the example shown in Figure 2, the panel mounting frame 3 further has anchor holes 36 and anchor work openings 37, which are provided between both ends in the longitudinal direction and the positions where the wiring openings 33 are provided. The anchor hole 36 is an opening for inserting an anchor, and the anchor work opening 37 is an opening for driving an anchor into the anchor hole 36. With these features, the panel mounting frame 3 can be more firmly fixed to the mounting surface with anchors, and the anchor driving work can be made easier. Furthermore, it is preferable that the anchor work opening 37 is provided with a removable cover, as shown in Figure 2. This prevents rainwater and other elements from entering the panel mounting frame 3 and also protects the internal wiring.

[0024] Furthermore, the panel connecting frame 7, like the panel mounting frame 3, has a hollow section formed to allow wiring along its longitudinal direction. The panel mounting frame 3 also has a wiring opening 33 that is positioned to communicate with the hollow section of the panel connecting frame 7. As a result, even if two or more solar panels 2 are arranged in roughly parallel rows, the wires of each solar panel 2 can be passed through the hollow section of the panel mounting frame 3 and then through the wiring opening 33 to the hollow section of the panel connecting frame 7. This prevents the wires of multiple solar panels 2 from being exposed to the outside, improving both appearance and safety.

[0025] Furthermore, the panel mounting frame 3 has a work opening 34 on its upper surface at the location where the aforementioned wiring opening 33 is provided, which communicates with the internal hollow portion. Workers can use this work opening 34 to route the electrical wires of the solar panels 2 into the panel mounting frame 3 and the panel connecting frame 7. In other words, the work opening 34 facilitates the wiring work. Furthermore, it is preferable that the work opening 34 is provided with a removable cover, as shown in Figure 2. This prevents rainwater and other elements from entering the panel mounting frame 3 and also helps protect the internal wiring.

[0026] The frame connecting section 5 is connected to the central side of the panel mounting frame 3 in the longitudinal direction, and connects the panel mounting frame 3 and the panel connecting frame 7 in a roughly T-shape when viewed from above, allowing for detachable attachment and detachment. In other words, the panel mounting frame 3 and the panel connecting frame 7 are connected via the frame connecting section 5. The frame connection section 5 may connect the panel connection frame 7 and the panel mounting frame 3 so that the longitudinal extension of the panel connection frame 7 and the panel mounting frame 3 are perfectly perpendicular, or they may be connected at a slight inclination from perpendicular. Alternatively, the frame connection section 5 may connect the panel connection frame 7 so that the longitudinal extension of the panel connection frame 7 intersects the longitudinal center of the panel mounting frame 3, or they may be connected so that they intersect at a position slightly offset from the center.

[0027] This frame connection section 5 allows two panel mounting frames 3 to be connected by a single panel connection frame 7 so that they form a roughly H shape in plan view. Therefore, even if the vertical panel supports 21 are not fixed to a strong foundation and the panel mounting frames 3 are simply placed on the installation surface, resistance to wind pressure can be increased and the collapse of the solar panels 2 can be prevented. Furthermore, since two panel mounting frames 3 are connected by a single panel connection frame 7, the number of components can be minimized, and costs can be reduced. Furthermore, the frame connecting section 5 is also detachable from the panel mounting frame 3, improving portability.

[0028] More specifically, the frame connecting section 5 consists of a connecting plate section 51, a frame support section 52, and a rib plate section 53. The connecting plate portion 51 is an elongated plate-like member, and is connected to the panel frame 3 with one side in contact with the central side of the panel frame 3 in the longitudinal direction. Hereafter, the side of the connecting plate portion 51 that contacts the side of the panel frame 3 will be referred to as the main contact surface, and the opposite side may be referred to as the outer main surface. Details of the connection structure between the connecting plate portion 51 and the panel frame 3 will be described later.

[0029] Furthermore, the connecting plate portion 51 overlaps with the wiring opening 33 of the panel mounting frame 3 and includes a wiring opening 511 that connects the hollow portion of the panel mounting frame 3 and the hollow portion of the panel connecting frame 7. This allows the wires of the solar panel 2 to be passed from the hollow section of the panel mounting frame 3 through the wiring opening 33 and the wiring opening 511 of the connecting plate section 51 to the hollow section of the frame support section 52 (described later), and further through the hollow section of the panel connecting frame 7.

[0030] The frame support portion 52 is a hollow structure member that extends from the longitudinal center of the outer main surface of the connecting plate portion 51 in the direction of installation of the panel connecting frame 7. The frame support portion 52 has a tip opening 521 into which the end of the panel connecting frame 7 can be inserted, and detachably supports the panel connecting frame 7 inserted into the hollow portion from the tip opening 521. Details of the support structure of the panel connecting frame 7 in the frame support portion 52 will be described later.

[0031] The rib plate portion 53 is a plate-shaped member that is stretched between the connecting plate portion 51 and the frame support portion 52 for reinforcement. In this embodiment, a pair of rib plate portions 53 are provided facing each other, and are respectively stretched from each long edge of the connecting plate portion 51 to the frame support portion 52, and are connected to each side surface of the frame support portion 52. In this manner, the rib plate portion 53 is stretched across the frame support portion 52 from both sides in the longitudinal direction of the connecting plate portion 51, and is also stretched across the frame support portion 52 from each long edge of the connecting plate portion 51 so as to face each other, thereby reinforcing the frame support portion 52 so as not to tilt relative to the connecting plate portion 51. Furthermore, since it is formed as a pair of rib plate portions 53 extending from each long edge of the connecting plate portion 51 so as to face each other, the main front surface of the connecting plate portion 51 is open, which facilitates the operation of connecting the connecting plate portion 51 to the panel mounting frame 3, as will be described in detail later.

[0032] Figure 4 shows the connection structure of the panel mounting frame 3, the frame connecting section 5, and the panel connecting frame 7. The panel mounting frame 3 further has multiple fastening holes 35 on each of its two sides. Specifically, the multiple fastening holes 35 provided on each side are located on both sides of the wiring opening 33 in the longitudinal direction of the panel mounting frame 3. Figures 2 and 4 show two fastening holes 35 on each side of the wiring opening 33. However, the number of fastening holes 35 is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0033] On the other hand, in the connecting plate portion 51, multiple connecting holes 512 are provided at positions that overlap with the multiple fastening holes 35 of the panel mounting frame 3. Specifically, in the connecting plate portion 51, multiple connecting holes 512 are provided on both sides of the wiring opening 511 in the longitudinal direction of the connecting plate portion 51.

[0034] As a result, the frame connecting section 5 and the panel mounting frame 3 are detachably connected by fastening members that are inserted through overlapping fastening holes 35 and connecting holes 512. In the illustrated example, a male threaded bolt G and a female threaded nut are shown as fastening members. In the example shown in Figure 4, the bolt G is passed through a fastening hole 35 on one side of the panel frame 3, through a fastening hole 35 on the other side, and through a connecting hole 512 in the connecting plate portion 51 which is positioned overlapping with the fastening hole 35. As a result, the bolt G passes through both the panel frame 3 and the connecting plate portion 51 and is fastened with a nut.

[0035] When performing the work of connecting the frame connecting section 5 and the panel support frame 3, the frame connecting section 5 is provided with a pair of rib plate sections 53 facing each other, and the main front surface of the connecting plate section 51 is open, making it easy for the worker to access the connecting hole 512 and to operate the fastening member.

[0036] In this embodiment, the multiple fastening holes 35 of the panel support frame 3 have a shape that is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the panel support frame 3 (rectangle or rounded rectangle), as shown in the figure. This allows the position of the connecting plate portion 51 to be slid in the longitudinal direction of the panel mounting frame 3 within the length range of the fastening hole 35, and as a result, the installation position of the panel connecting frame 7 can be slid in the longitudinal direction of the panel mounting frame 3. In this way, the shape of this mounting frame 1 can be customized according to the location of use. The connecting hole 512 of the frame connecting portion 5 only needs to have a circular shape through which the bolt G can be inserted, but it may also have an elongated shape, similar to the fastening hole 35. Furthermore, for this sliding mechanism, it is preferable that the wiring opening 33 of the panel mounting frame 3 be formed to be larger than the wiring opening 511 of the frame connecting portion 5.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the frame support section 52 has multiple support holes 525 on each of its sides. Similarly, the panel connecting frame 7 also has multiple position adjustment holes 73 on each of its sides, as shown in Figure 2. The position adjustment holes 73 of the panel connecting frame 7 are arranged so that when the end of the panel connecting frame 7 is inserted into the frame support section 52, it overlaps with the support holes 525 of the frame support section 52. For this reason, the panel connecting frame 7 has four positions of adjustment holes 73 positioned closer to the center than at both ends. In the example shown in Figure 4, each support hole 525 and each position adjustment hole 73 has an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction of the panel connecting frame 7 or in the extending direction of the frame support portion 52, but they may also have a circular shape through which a fastening member (bolt G) can be inserted.

[0038] This allows one end of the panel connecting frame 7 to be inserted through the tip opening 521 of the frame support portion 52, the position adjustment hole 73 of the panel connecting frame 7 to be aligned with the support hole 525 of the frame support portion 52 to achieve the desired insertion depth, and the frame support portion 52 and the panel connecting frame 7 to be connected by inserting bolts G through both sides of the frame support portion 52 and the panel connecting frame 7 and fastening them.

[0039] Thus, in this frame 1, the support position of the panel connecting frame 7 by the frame support section 52 is adjustable, thereby allowing the distance between the two panel frame 3 which are arranged approximately parallel to each other to be adjusted. In other words, the frame support portion 52 and the panel connecting frame 7 are formed so that the support position of the panel connecting frame 7 can be adjusted within a predetermined range according to the insertion depth of the panel connecting frame 7 from the tip opening 521, in order to adjust the distance between two panel mounting frames 3 that are arranged substantially parallel to each other within a predetermined range.

[0040] When two solar panels 2 are installed vertically side by side with their respective light-receiving surfaces facing each other, if the distance between the solar panels 2 is too narrow, it becomes difficult to receive light, reducing power generation efficiency and decreasing the strength of the mounting frame 1 (such as resistance to wind). On the other hand, if they are spaced too far apart, the panel connecting frame 7 becomes longer, which may reduce portability. Therefore, the inventors succeeded in determining an appropriate distance range that can maintain portability and strength while suppressing a decrease in power generation efficiency by conducting simulations and tests regarding the distance between solar panels 2, that is, the distance between panel mounting frames 3. Specifically, compared to the case where the solar panels 2 are arranged in a line (not parallel), the decrease in power generation is suppressed to about 10%, and the distance range that can maintain strength while ensuring portability is preferably between 1.5m and 4m, more preferably between 2m and 3m, and even more preferably around 2.5m.

[0041] As an example, the power generation calculations were performed using Laplace Systems Co., Ltd.'s solar power generation system simulation software (Solar Pro 5.0), with NEDO METPV-20 (Yonago, Tottori Prefecture) used as weather data, with the solar cell module being Suntech Power Japan Co., Ltd.'s STP585S-C72 / Nsh+, the power conditioner conversion efficiency set to 0.945, and under two conditions: one where solar panels 2 are arranged perpendicular to the east-west direction (referred to as the first case) and another where solar panels 2 are arranged perpendicular to the north-south direction (referred to as the second case), in an environment without surrounding obstructions. As a result, the power generation for each configuration was estimated as follows, using the power generation when 10 solar panels 2 were arranged in a horizontal row in the first case as the baseline (100%). In the first case, the power generation rate was 92.2% when 10 solar panels were arranged in parallel with a distance of 2.5m between adjacent opposing solar panels, and 88.3% when 10 panels were arranged in parallel with a distance of 2m between them. In the second case, the power generation rate was 90.7% for a configuration in which 10 solar panels 2 were arranged in a horizontal row, 91.6% for a configuration in which 10 panels 2 were arranged in parallel with a distance of 2.5m between adjacent panels 2, and 90.36% for a configuration in which 10 panels 2 were arranged in parallel with a distance of 2m between them.

[0042] Furthermore, the wind resistance of the main mounting frame 1 when the panel mounting frame 3 is fixed with anchors using the anchor holes 36 has also been calculated. In this calculation, as an example, the main mounting frame 1 is installed so that the distance between the parallel solar panels 2 is 2.7m, and each panel mounting frame 3 is fixed with two anchors (driven 1m into the ground). When a wind with a standard wind speed of 40m / s blows perpendicular to the light-receiving surface of each solar panel 2, the uplift force of the windward panel mounting frame 3 is calculated with the leeward panel mounting frame 3 as the fulcrum. Then, the uplift of the main mounting frame 1 is estimated from this uplift force and the weight of the solar panels 2, and it is calculated that the main mounting frame 1 will not be lifted even in a wind with a standard wind speed of 40m / s.

[0043] Therefore, in order to allow the distance between the two panel support frames 3 to be adjusted within this distance range, the number and arrangement of the position adjustment holes 73 and support holes 525 are determined so that the support position of the panel connecting frame 7 by the frame support portion 52 can be adjusted within a predetermined range according to the insertion depth of the panel connecting frame 7 from the tip opening 521.

[0044] Figures 1 and 2 show an example in which the mounting system 1 is formed from two panel mounting frames 3 and one panel connecting frame 7 installed between them, and two solar panels 2 are installed side by side. However, the mounting system 1 can also accommodate three or more solar panels 2 installed side by side. For example, when three solar panels 2 are installed side by side, the second and third panel mounting frames 3 are arranged on either side of the first panel mounting frame 3 so as to be approximately parallel to each other, and the first panel connecting frame 7 is installed between the first panel mounting frame 3 and the second panel mounting frame 3, and the second panel connecting frame 7 is installed between the first panel mounting frame 3 and the third panel mounting frame 3.

[0045] As described above, the panel support frame 3 has wiring openings 33 and fastening holes 35 on both sides. Therefore, the first panel support frame 3 is connected to two frame connecting parts 5 such that the main contact surfaces of each connecting plate part 51 contact each side, and the extension directions of each frame support part 52 are in opposite directions. The panel connecting frames 7 are then erected from each side in opposite directions. At this time, the first wiring opening 33 provided on one side of the first panel frame 3 overlaps with the wiring opening 511 of the connecting plate portion 51 that is in contact with that side, and communicates with the hollow portion of the first panel connecting frame 7, and the second wiring opening 33 provided on the other side of the first panel frame 3 overlaps with the wiring opening 511 of the connecting plate portion 51 that is in contact with that side, and communicates with the hollow portion of the second panel connecting frame 7.

[0046] Thus, with this mounting system 1, even when three or more solar panels 2 are installed side by side, the wires of each solar panel 2 can be bundled and routed inside the panel mounting frame 3 and the panel connecting frame 7, preventing the wires from being exposed to the outside and improving both appearance and safety.

[0047] [Variation] The solar panel mounting frame 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to the structure described above and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the connection between the panel connecting frame 7 and the panel mounting frame 3 is not limited to the connection via the frame connecting portion 5 described above. The panel connecting frame 7 can be detachably connected to the panel mounting frame 3 in a roughly T-shape when viewed from above. The structure of the frame connecting portion 5 is also not limited to the example described above.

[0048] Furthermore, in the above example, wiring openings 33 and fastening holes 35 are provided on both sides of the panel mounting frame 3, and two frame connecting parts 5 can be connected to each side of one panel mounting frame 3. However, it is also possible for the frame connecting parts 5 to be connected to only one side of the panel mounting frame 3. In this case, it is sufficient for the wiring openings 33 and fastening holes 35 to be provided on only one side of the panel mounting frame 3, and the mounting frame 1 is formed from two panel mounting frames 3 and one panel connecting frame 7 installed between them. Even in this case, it is possible to arrange three or more solar panels 2 side by side by arranging multiple mounting frames 1 at predetermined intervals.

[0049] Furthermore, the frame connecting section 5 may not be detachable from the panel mounting frame 3, but may be fixed in place by welding or the like. Even in this case, the mounting frame 1 can be detached from the solar panel 2, and the panel mounting frame 3 and the panel connecting frame 7 can be separated, making it sufficiently portable. Furthermore, in the example described above, the frame connecting portion 5 was slidable in the longitudinal direction of the panel mounting frame 3, but the fastening holes 35 of the panel mounting frame 3 may be formed in a circular shape and configured to be non-slidable. Furthermore, the panel mounting frame 3 does not need to be fixed with anchors; it can simply be placed on the mounting surface. In this case, anchor holes 36 and anchor work openings 37 do not need to be provided.

[0050] The details of each of the embodiments described above can also be specified as follows: (Note 1) A mounting frame for solar panels that allows multiple solar panels to be vertically installed so that their respective light-receiving surfaces are approximately opposite each other, A pair of support sections that detachably support a pair of vertical support columns that support each side of the solar panel, A panel frame having the pair of support columns at both ends, A panel connecting frame is detachably installed between two panel support frames that are arranged approximately parallel to each other, Equipped with, The panel connecting frame and the panel mounting frame each have a hollow section formed along their respective longitudinal directions to allow wiring, The panel mounting frame has wiring openings arranged to communicate with the hollow portion of the panel connecting frame. Mounting frame for solar panels. (Note 2) A frame connecting portion is connected to the side of the central part in the longitudinal direction of the panel mounting frame, and connects the panel mounting frame and the panel connecting frame in a substantially T-shape when viewed from above, so as to be detachable. A mounting frame for solar panels as described in Appendix 2, further comprising the features described therein. (Note 3) The aforementioned frame connecting portion is A long, narrow, plate-shaped connecting plate is connected to the panel mounting frame, with one side of the plate in contact with the central side surface of the panel mounting frame. A hollow frame support portion extending from the longitudinal center of the connecting plate portion in the direction of installation of the panel connecting frame, A pair of plate-shaped rib plate portions are stretched from each long edge of the connecting plate portion to the frame support portion and are opposite to each other, Includes, The frame support portion has a tip opening into which the end of the panel connecting frame can be inserted, and detachably supports the panel connecting frame inserted into the hollow portion from the tip opening. The connecting plate portion overlaps with the wiring opening of the panel mounting frame and includes a wiring opening that connects the hollow portion of the panel mounting frame and the hollow portion of the panel connecting frame. The mounting frame for solar panels as described in Appendix 2. (Note 4) The panel mounting frame further includes a plurality of fastening holes provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction, flanking the wiring opening, The connecting plate portion further includes a plurality of through holes provided at positions that overlap with the plurality of fastening holes of the panel mounting frame, The connecting plate portion and the panel support frame are detachably connected by a fastening member that is inserted through the fastening hole and the through hole in an overlapping manner. The shape of the plurality of fastening holes in the panel mounting frame is a rectangle or a rounded rectangle that is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the panel mounting frame. The mounting frame for solar panels as described in Appendix 3. (Note 5) The frame support portion and the panel connecting frame are formed such that the support position of the panel connecting frame can be adjusted within a predetermined range according to the insertion depth of the panel connecting frame from the tip opening, in order to adjust the distance between the two panel mounting frames which are arranged substantially parallel to each other within a predetermined range. A mounting frame for solar panels as described in Appendix 3 or 4. (Note 6) The panel mounting frame further includes a work opening on the upper surface of the position where the wiring opening is provided, which communicates with the hollow portion. A mounting frame for solar panels as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5. (Note 7) The support column has a hollow, elongated tubular shape with an opening at its tip into which the lower end of the vertical support column of the panel can be inserted, and is welded to the upper and lower surfaces of the panel frame in a state where it is fitted from the upper surface to the lower surface of the longitudinal end of the panel frame, and has an opening on its side that connects the hollow part of the support column to the hollow part of the panel frame. A mounting frame for solar panels as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 6. (Note 8) The panel mounting frame includes anchor holes and anchor work openings provided between both ends in the longitudinal direction and the positions where the wiring openings are provided. A mounting frame for solar panels as described in any one of the notes 1 through 7. (Note 9) The second and third panel support frames are arranged on either side of the first panel support frame, so as to be substantially parallel to each other. The first panel connecting frame is detachably installed between the first panel mounting frame and the second panel mounting frame. A second panel connecting frame is detachably installed between the first panel mounting frame and the third panel mounting frame. The first panel mounting frame has a first wiring opening on one side that communicates with the hollow portion of the first panel connecting frame, and a second wiring opening on the side opposite to the first wiring opening that communicates with the hollow portion of the second panel connecting frame. A mounting frame for solar panels as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 8. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1 Solar panel mounting frame (main frame), 2 Solar panel, 3 Panel mounting frame, 4 Support column section, 5 Frame connection section, 7 Panel connection frame, 21 Vertical panel support column, 31 Top surface, 32 Bottom surface, 33 Wiring opening, 34 Working opening, 35 Fastening hole, 36 Anchor hole, 37 Anchor working opening, 41 Opening, 45 Opening, 51 Connecting plate section, 52 Frame support section, 53 Rib plate section, 73 Position adjustment hole, 511 Wiring opening, 512 Connecting hole, 521 Tip opening, 525 Support hole

Claims

1. A mounting frame for solar panels that allows multiple solar panels to be vertically installed so that their respective light-receiving surfaces are approximately opposite each other, A pair of support sections that detachably support a pair of vertical support columns that support each side of the solar panel, A panel frame having the pair of support columns at both ends, A panel connecting frame is detachably installed between two panel support frames that are arranged approximately parallel to each other, Equipped with, The panel connecting frame and the panel mounting frame each have a hollow section formed along their respective longitudinal directions to allow wiring, The panel mounting frame has wiring openings arranged to communicate with the hollow portion of the panel connecting frame. Mounting frame for solar panels.

2. A frame connecting portion is connected to the side of the central part in the longitudinal direction of the panel mounting frame, and connects the panel mounting frame and the panel connecting frame in a substantially T-shape when viewed from above, so as to be detachable. The mounting frame for solar panels according to claim 2, further comprising the above.

3. The aforementioned frame connecting portion is A long, narrow, plate-shaped connecting plate is connected to the panel mounting frame, with one side of the plate in contact with the central side surface of the panel mounting frame. A hollow frame support portion extending from the longitudinal center of the connecting plate portion in the direction of installation of the panel connecting frame, A pair of plate-shaped rib plate portions are stretched from each long edge of the connecting plate portion to the frame support portion and are opposite to each other, Includes, The frame support portion has a tip opening into which the end of the panel connecting frame can be inserted, and detachably supports the panel connecting frame inserted into the hollow portion from the tip opening. The connecting plate portion overlaps with the wiring opening of the panel mounting frame and includes a wiring opening that connects the hollow portion of the panel mounting frame and the hollow portion of the panel connecting frame. The mounting frame for solar panels according to claim 2.

4. The panel mounting frame further includes a plurality of fastening holes provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction, flanking the wiring opening, The connecting plate portion further includes a plurality of through holes provided at positions that overlap with the plurality of fastening holes of the panel mounting frame, The connecting plate portion and the panel support frame are detachably connected by a fastening member that is inserted through the fastening hole and the through hole in an overlapping manner. The shape of the plurality of fastening holes in the panel mounting frame is a rectangle or a rounded rectangle that is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the panel mounting frame. A mounting frame for solar panels according to claim 3.

5. The frame support portion and the panel connecting frame are formed such that the support position of the panel connecting frame can be adjusted within a predetermined range according to the insertion depth of the panel connecting frame from the tip opening, in order to adjust the distance between the two panel mounting frames which are arranged substantially parallel to each other within a predetermined range. A mounting frame for solar panels according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The panel mounting frame further includes a work opening on the upper surface of the position where the wiring opening is provided, which communicates with the hollow portion. A mounting frame for solar panels according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The support column has a hollow, elongated tubular shape with an opening at its tip into which the lower end of the vertical support column of the panel can be inserted, and is welded to the upper and lower surfaces of the panel frame in a state where it is fitted from the upper surface to the lower surface of the longitudinal end of the panel frame, and has an opening on its side that connects the hollow part of the support column to the hollow part of the panel frame. A mounting frame for solar panels according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The panel mounting frame includes anchor holes and anchor work openings provided between both ends in the longitudinal direction and the positions where the wiring openings are provided. A mounting frame for solar panels according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The second and third panel support frames are arranged on either side of the first panel support frame, so as to be substantially parallel to each other. The first panel connecting frame is detachably installed between the first panel mounting frame and the second panel mounting frame. A second panel connecting frame is detachably installed between the first panel mounting frame and the third panel mounting frame. The first panel mounting frame has a first wiring opening on one side that communicates with the hollow portion of the first panel connecting frame, and a second wiring opening on the side opposite to the first wiring opening that communicates with the hollow portion of the second panel connecting frame. A mounting frame for solar panels according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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