Photovoltaic roof solution, in particular suitable for parking lot roofing and highway roofing

Abstract

The invention relates to a photovoltaic roof system containing a plurality of solar units (12) and at least two coupling elements (21, 23), wherein: each solar unit (12) contains at least two connecting profiles (18) and a plurality of mounting elements; in each solar unit (12), the at least one or more solar modules of the solar unit are fastened to the at least two connecting profiles of the solar unit by means of the mounting elements such that the one or more solar modules of the solar unit are supported by the connecting profiles of the solar unit by means of the mounting elements; and the plurality of solar units (12) are coupled to one another by means of the first coupling element (21) and also by means of the second coupling element (23).

Description

[0001] Photovoltaic roof solution, particularly suitable for parking lot and highway roofing

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a photovoltaic roof system according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a photovoltaic roof system is particularly suitable, for example, for the construction of photovoltaic roofs over parking lots or logistics areas, such as sewage treatment plants, truck maneuvering areas, storage areas, or even sections of roads or highways. The invention further relates to a photovoltaic roof kit for assembling a photovoltaic roof system and an assembly method for assembling a photovoltaic roof system.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] There are already a number of different photovoltaic carport solutions. These typically feature a pitched roof consisting of several rows of solar modules mounted on a substructure of supports and foundations. There are also variants of pitched roofs that slope toward each other and converge in the center (so-called Y-roofs). These types of solutions are widely implemented. However, these solutions have several disadvantages. For example, in many of these solutions, the supports are located to the side of the vehicle parking space, which can cause damage to the vehicle when parking. A large proportion of the solutions only cover the vehicle parking space itself, but not the access roads between the parking spaces, meaning that less than two-thirds of the available space is used for solar power generation.Further disadvantages are that the entire assembly must be carried out on-site at a considerable height, with corresponding risks and costs. The cantilevered construction solutions frequently used also require a high level of material for the supports and foundations, with corresponding costs and gray energy consumption. In many cases, the drainage of rainwater and snow sliding is unsatisfactorily solved. The use of inexpensive standard photovoltaic modules is often not possible, as otherwise, when it rains, water would drip from the edges of the module onto the parking area below. In parking lots and logistics areas, there is also a risk that a photovoltaic module or an object beneath the photovoltaic roof could cause a fire. With existing solutions, the fire risk can often only be countered with great effort.Another, primarily cost-related, problem is the fact that special regulations for overhead glazing exist in Germany and other countries. To comply with these specific regulations, existing photovoltaic roof solutions are adapted in a very complex way, for example, by using a double roof or a specially manufactured, expensive photovoltaic module. Another common problem is subsequent maintenance, which means that the photovoltaic modules must be serviced from above, with the associated risks for maintenance personnel.

[0006] TASK

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a photovoltaic roof device, particularly for the dual use of parking spaces and logistics areas, that does not have the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, it is also an object to find a new or alternative solution for a photovoltaic roof that significantly simplifies the use of materials, the manufacture of the components, and the installation of the roof, thereby reducing costs.

[0008] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] This invention meets the foregoing needs by providing a photovoltaic roof device according to claim 1.

[0010] In particular, a photovoltaic roof system is described comprising a plurality of solar units and at least two coupling elements, i.e. a first and a second coupling element, wherein each solar unit comprises at least one or more, preferably two, solar modules and components of a mounting system, wherein in the respective solar unit, components of the mounting system and the respective one or more solar modules are fastened to one another, and wherein the plurality of solar units are coupled to one another by means of the two coupling elements (mechanically connected, i.e. in particular fastened to one another and positioned with respect to one another or - in other words - fixed with respect to one another). The solar unit is designed in particular as a mechanically stable, transportable construction.By coupling several solar units using coupling elements, a photovoltaic roof is created, particularly a transportable photovoltaic roof that can be mounted on a prepared support structure. Optionally, and depending on the system design, the coupling elements can be removed after the photovoltaic roof system has been mounted on a prepared support structure. In other designs, the coupling elements form an integral part of a roof created using the photovoltaic roof system, for example, by the coupling elements serving structurally as supports and / or as gutters.

[0011] The photovoltaic roof system according to the invention includes a plurality of solar units and at least one first coupling element and a second coupling element, wherein each solar unit includes at least one or more solar modules, preferably two solar modules, at least two connecting profiles and a plurality of mounting elements, wherein per solar unit the at least one or more solar modules of the solar unit are fastened to (or on) the at least two connecting profiles of the solar unit by means of the mounting elements in such a way that the one or more solar modules of the solar unit can be carried by the connecting profiles of the solar unit by means of the mounting elements, and wherein the plurality of solar units are coupled to one another (in particular mechanically coupled) on the one hand by means of the first coupling element and on the other hand by means of the second coupling element.

[0012] An advantage of this photovoltaic roof system is the simple, low-risk installation of the photovoltaic roof system, consisting of several photovoltaic modules, a mounting system and preferably lateral coupling elements, which can be completely assembled in the factory or on the ground next to a supporting structure and then lifted on site with a crane onto the previously constructed support system.

[0013] Another advantage of this photovoltaic roof system is that it allows the realization of a roof based on two separate core elements: a) A simple support structure made of wood or steel, which a steel fabricator can realize on-site without knowledge of the underlying photovoltaic solution, and b) Photovoltaic roof units that precisely address a customer's specific needs but can be completely prefabricated separately in a factory or other location and then lifted onto the support unit and secured on-site. Another advantage of this photovoltaic roof system is that it is suitable for attaching a drip guard and / or a sound absorber and / or a safety grille and / or sprinkler piping to the underside of the photovoltaic modules to address all related issues.

[0014] A further advantage of this photovoltaic roof system is that it allows moisture protection for an underlying supporting structure, as the lateral connecting elements are suitable, in particular designed accordingly, e.g. as gutters, to provide moisture protection for the underlying supporting structure.

[0015] Another advantage of this photovoltaic roof system is that, depending on the design of the supporting structure, it allows for large-scale construction without interrupting the covered area with supports. Supports are then placed, for example, only at the end or edge of parking spaces or only at the opposite ends of the parking spaces. Access roads adjacent to or between the parking spaces can also be covered and used for energy generation.

[0016] Another advantage of this photovoltaic roof system is that it can be completely serviced from the underside of the solar modules. Maintenance can then be carried out from below, for example, using a lifting platform. This simplifies maintenance and reduces hazards and costs.

[0017] The coupling elements can be designed in such a way that they support the solar units together.

[0018] It is advisable for the coupling elements to be aligned parallel to each other.

[0019] It is advantageous if the coupling elements are connected to one another in a spaced-apart arrangement via the connecting profiles or via the solar units, e.g., they are connected permanently or detachably. The coupling elements expediently define the relative position of the solar units.

[0020] It is expedient for the plurality of solar units to be arranged in a row and coupled by the coupling elements. It is particularly expedient for the plurality of solar units to be arranged in a row along the coupling elements and coupled by the coupling elements. It is advantageous for the solar units coupled to one another by means of the at least two coupling elements to form a row of similarly aligned solar units, in particular by the lined-up solar units forming a common (essentially straight) ridge that continues from solar unit to solar unit, with correspondingly common (essentially straight) eaves (or eave edges) that continue parallel to the ridge from solar unit to solar unit.

[0021] The eaves can therefore be easily and inexpensively equipped with gutters. This design is therefore ideal for draining rainwater.

[0022] Suitable gutters are conveniently equipped with a water-permeable element, such as a perforated sheet.

[0023] The photovoltaic roof system is advantageously suited to arranging several assembled systems in a row of similarly aligned solar units next to each other on the eaves side, resulting in a large-area roof with any desired length and width. Rain gutters are preferably provided on the eaves side between the assembled individual systems. Additional collecting gutters can be conveniently provided at right angles to the aforementioned eaves-side rain gutters at the outlet points of the eaves-side rain gutters.

[0024] Such a larger roof covering combined with photovoltaic systems also has the advantage that large amounts of snow cannot slide off. Due to the multiple ridge roofs arranged side by side along the eaves, such a larger roof offers only a short sliding surface for snow at the edge of the roof. This significantly reduces the amount of snow that can slide off a roof covering with only one slope.

[0025] The design variants listed below, alone and / or in combination with each other, lead to further improvements and advantages.

[0026] It is advantageous if the at least one coupling element couples the solar units to one another laterally, or if the two coupling elements couple the solar units to one another laterally, in particular laterally on both sides, or if the first coupling element couples the solar units along a first side of the solar units and the second coupling element couples the solar units along a second side of the solar units, which expediently runs essentially parallel to the first side. The coupling element(s) couple the multiple solar units or connect the multiple solar units by the respective coupling element being connected to the multiple solar units extending along the multiple solar units (arranged in series), thereby coupling or connecting the multiple solar units to one another.The coupling element is thus the means by which the multiple solar units are connected to one another and preferably secured to one another. For this purpose, the coupling elements are expediently shaped essentially longitudinally or as elongated bodies, e.g., as plates or slats or made of profiles, in particular as tubes.

[0027] Preferably, the solar module units are lined up on the coupling elements in an arrangement that together forms a ridge and are fastened if necessary.

[0028] Preferably, the solar units are preferably arranged in a row, in particular in a row along the longitudinal orientation of the coupling elements.

[0029] Advantageously, the coupling elements have a length dimension in their longitudinal extension which exceeds a side length of a solar unit by several times, so that the plurality of solar units are positioned in the extension of that side length (preferably aligned in the same direction to one another) in succession on the two coupling elements and in a row along the longitudinal extension of the coupling elements.

[0030] The coupling elements can be designed as supports, e.g., wooden beams or steel beams, preferably so that the solar units can be supported by the coupling elements, or as battens. At the same time or alternatively, the coupling elements can be designed as rain gutters.

[0031] It can be advantageous if the coupling elements for positioning and optionally fastening the solar units are designed with receiving structures.

[0032] It may be advantageous if the multiple solar units are positioned at predetermined positions by the receiving structures.

[0033] It may be advantageous if the receiving structures serve to receive and optionally secure the connecting profiles, whereby each coupling point can conveniently accommodate a connecting profile. The coupling element(s) can also be referred to as a side element, in particular to indicate that it(s) is / are preferably arranged or intended to be arranged laterally on the solar units.

[0034] It is advantageous if at least one of the coupling elements or side elements, or one or both of the preferably two coupling elements or side elements, are designed as gutters for draining rainwater. If both coupling elements or side elements are designed as gutters, the first of the two gutters is preferably equipped with a fold on the outside, which can be interlaced with a structure provided for this purpose or with the second of the gutters (especially the foldless one) of another identical system.

[0035] The connecting profiles can be designed as rods or, preferably, as tubular rods, such as round rods or round tubular rods. The connecting profiles are advantageously designed to be so stable that the assembled solar unit can be lifted and supported directly or indirectly by the at least two connecting profiles.

[0036] It is advantageous if the components of the mounting system include at least two connecting profiles per solar unit and one or more, preferably three, mounting elements for each connecting profile for fastening the one or more, preferably two, solar modules. The mounting elements are expediently designed such that they are suitable for fastening the at least one or more solar modules to the at least two connecting profiles in such a way that an inherently stable structure is created in which the one or more solar modules are positioned and supported by means of the mounting elements above the connecting profiles.

[0037] It is advantageous if the coupling elements couple the solar units to one another (and position them in relation to one another) in that the coupling elements have coupling points for receiving the connecting profiles of the plurality of solar modules (in which the connecting profiles of the plurality of solar units are received), wherein a connecting profile is expediently received in each coupling point.

[0038] It is advantageous if the respective solar unit contains at least two solar modules, two central mounting elements and four side mounting elements, wherein the first of the central mounting elements fastens or clamps each of the two solar modules at a first location (in particular at a first edge of the respective solar module) and connects it to the first of the two connecting profiles, the second of the central mounting elements fastens or clamps each of the two solar modules at a second location (in particular likewise at the respective first edge of the respective solar module) and connects it to the second of the two connecting profiles, a first and a second of the side mounting elements each fasten or clamp one of the at least two solar modules at a second location (in particular at a second edge of the respective solar module, which lies opposite the first edge of the respective solar module).clamps and connects it to the first connecting profile and a third and a fourth of the side mounting elements each fasten or clamp one of the at least two solar modules at a third location (in particular also at the respective second edge of the respective solar module, which is opposite the first edge of the respective solar module) and connects it to the second connecting profile.

[0039] In one embodiment, the four side mounting elements are each equipped with a mounting device, which is designed, for example, as a two-leg hole bracket, by means of which the respective side mounting element can be plugged onto the connecting profile and clamped onto the connecting profile by spreading the two legs.

[0040] In the above-mentioned embodiment, it may be advantageous if the side mounting elements can be or are each secured to the connecting profile by means of a screw, in particular by adjusting and / or fixing the spread by means of a screw (whereby the mounting device or hole mounting can be clamped or fixed to the connecting profile and thus secured).

[0041] The side mounting elements are positioned on the connecting profiles on both sides or near the front end.

[0042] In the above-mentioned embodiment, it may be advantageous if the mounting elements are equipped, on the one hand (e.g. at a first end) with a gripping device for fastening or clamping one or more solar modules and, on the other hand (e.g. at a second end), with a holding device for fastening to or connecting to a respective connecting profile.

[0043] It is advantageous if the central mounting element has a longer shaft than the side mounting elements between the gripping device (at the first end) and the holding device (at the second end), so that each solar unit forms a type of ridge above the connecting profile with sloping flanks towards the coupling elements or side elements.

[0044] It is advantageous if the central mounting element is designed to be separable, in that the gripping device can be separated from the holding device due to a detachable connection between the gripping device and the holding device (preferably in the region of the shaft between the gripping device and the holding device).

[0045] It is possible for holes or markings for holes to be provided in the coupling elements at a plurality of locations distributed over the length of the coupling elements, which are suitable for establishing a connection to a support system by means of a plurality of screws or corresponding connecting means. Alternatively, it is possible for brackets to be provided on the mounting elements, in particular the side mounting elements, or on the connecting profiles (in particular on or near their front ends), which are suitable for establishing a connection to a support system by means of a plurality of screws or corresponding connecting means. Furthermore, it is possible for a plurality of brackets to be provided on the coupling elements distributed along or over the length of the coupling elements, which are suitable for establishing a connection to a support system by means of a plurality of screws or corresponding connecting means.

[0046] Advantageously, sprinkler equipment can be provided for fire prevention, which is ideally attached to the mounting system, for example, and can therefore also be pre-assembled.

[0047] Advantageously, a fall arrest device can be provided to catch falling solar modules or solar module parts, which, for example, rests on the mounting system and is ideally also connected to the mounting elements of the mounting system for additional load-bearing capacity.

[0048] Advantageously, thermal insulation and / or soundproofing equipment can be provided, particularly in the area between the solar modules and the fall arrest equipment. This protective equipment can, for example, be glued to the back of the photovoltaic module or clamped into the area between the back of the PV module and the fall arrest equipment.

[0049] Advantageously, equipment for preventing the ingress of rainwater between the joints between the solar modules may be provided, for example by the equipment for preventing the ingress of rainwater comprising seals, in particular rubber seals, silicone seals and / or metal strips, which may be formed in the joints between the solar modules.

[0050] Advantageously, equipment or aids for lifting onto a supporting structure can be provided, for example lifting plates, if necessary with adapted load-handling equipment, wherein advantageously securing devices for releasably fastening (e.g. for clamping) the lifting plates to the coupling elements or channels can be provided.

[0051] Advantageously, the lifting equipment, in particular the lifting plates, can be provided with coupling points for receiving the ends of the connecting profiles, e.g. designed as through holes or notches (in which the connecting profiles of the several solar units are received), in order to strengthen the construction of the photovoltaic roof system or to relieve the coupling elements, wherein a connecting profile can expediently be received in each coupling point.

[0052] Furthermore, a photovoltaic roof system is disclosed whose coupling elements can be designed as aids, in particular as removable aids, which serve to couple, in particular to support and mutually fixate, the solar units during lifting, but can be removed as soon as the solar units are placed on a supporting structure. If photovoltaic roof systems with coupling elements, which are designed as aids, in particular as removable aids, are used to create solar roof systems, it may be expedient to use a support system for installing the photovoltaic roof system, onto which gutters for draining the rainwater are pre-mounted and preferably fixed.

[0053] The present invention also relates to a photovoltaic roof set for creating a photovoltaic roof system, the set comprising components for constructing a plurality of solar units and components for mutually coupling the solar units,

[0054] - wherein the components for constructing each solar unit comprise at least the following,

[0055] - at least one or more solar modules, preferably two solar modules,

[0056] - at least two connecting profiles and - several mounting elements, preferably at least four mounting elements, preferably at least six mounting elements, e.g. four side mounting elements and two central mounting elements, and

[0057] - wherein the mounting elements are suitable for fastening the at least one or more solar modules to the at least two connecting profiles in such a way that the one or more solar modules are supported by the connecting profiles by means of the mounting elements, and

[0058] - wherein the components for mutually coupling the solar units comprise at least the following,

[0059] - at least one first coupling element and one second coupling element for coupling the plurality of solar units to one another, in particular for coupling the plurality of solar units to one another on both sides.

[0060] Advantageously, the set can further comprise components of a lifting system for gripping and, if necessary, stiffening the installed photovoltaic roof system for the purpose of lifting the photovoltaic roof system and placing the photovoltaic roof system on a supporting structure, wherein the components of the lifting system for gripping the photovoltaic roof system preferably comprise the following:

[0061] - aids, in particular designed as lifting plates, for detachable connection to the connecting profiles and thereby stiffening the photovoltaic roof system, wherein the aids or lifting plates are preferably equipped with attachment points for load-carrying devices for a crane and / or load-carrying devices are attached to the aids or lifting plates, and

[0062] - Securing devices for releasably securing the connection between the aids or lifting plates and the connecting profiles.

[0063] Alternatively, the aids or lifting plates can be designed in such a way that they mechanically couple the solar units and coupling elements can be dispensed with or replaced.

[0064] The solar unit is further disclosed as a self-supporting structure. By fastening the at least one or more solar modules to the at least two connecting profiles by means of the mounting elements in such a way that the one or more solar modules are supported (preferably in equal proportions) by the connecting profiles by means of the mounting elements, a solar unit is created which can be carried or transported by simultaneously lifting the connecting profiles. The arrangement of the solar modules in the solar unit is expediently such that the weight of each of the one or more solar modules of the solar unit is or can be supported to a certain extent (particularly preferably in substantially equal proportions) by means of the mounting elements of each of the at least two connecting profiles of the solar unit.Optionally, the at least two connecting profiles of each solar unit can also be directly connected to each other (not shown in the figures) in order to give the solar unit additional stability.

[0065] The solar unit includes at least one or more solar modules, preferably two solar modules, at least two connecting profiles, and a plurality of mounting elements, wherein the at least one or more solar modules are fastened to (or onto) the at least two connecting profiles (18) by means of the mounting elements in such a way that the one or more solar modules are supported by the connecting profiles of the solar unit by means of the mounting elements. Further features of the solar unit emerge from the preceding and following description.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the solar modules of a respective solar unit are preferably arranged or fastened on the connecting profiles of the solar unit in an arrangement that together forms a ridge.

[0067] The present invention also relates to an assembly method for producing a photovoltaic roof system, in particular a preferred photovoltaic roof system, using components for constructing a plurality of solar units and for mutually coupling the solar units, characterized in that

[0068] - a plurality of solar units are created, whereby the creation of a solar unit includes the following steps,

[0069] - optionally attaching at least one central mounting element each to a first and a second connecting profile, e.g. by clipping or sliding on,

[0070] - Attaching at least one side mounting element to each of the two end regions of each of the at least two connecting profiles, e.g. by clipping or sliding on,

[0071] - Attaching one or more solar modules to the mounting elements of the two connecting profiles, preferably in such a way that each solar module is gripped by at least one side mounting element of the first connecting profile and the second connecting profile and by at least one center mounting element of the first connecting profile and the second connecting profile, wherein each center mounting element clamps two solar modules simultaneously,

[0072] - Securing or fixing the side mounting elements on the connecting profiles, e.g. by clamping, screwing or welding, and

[0073] - the majority of pre-assembled solar units are placed in a row on two coupling elements and optionally fastened to them.

[0074] According to one version of the assembly method, the assembled photovoltaic roof system is lifted onto the supports of a supporting structure. To reinforce the coupling through the coupling elements, the connecting profiles and side element(s) can be additionally coupled using auxiliary means to stiffen or reinforce the connection between the solar units, which is created by the coupling elements but is insufficiently stable, so that the assembled photovoltaic roof system remains dimensionally stable during lifting. This is particularly useful when the coupling elements are designed as rain gutters and are not strong enough on their own to absorb the forces when lifting the assembled photovoltaic roof system.

[0075] According to an alternative version of the installation method, after the assembled photovoltaic roof system has been lifted onto the supports of a support structure and the solar units have been placed on the support structure, the coupling elements are removed and, if necessary, the solar units are attached to the supports of the support structure using other fastening devices. According to this alternative version, the coupling elements serve merely as an aid for lifting and placing or placing the solar units on a support system and are then removed.

[0076] It should be noted that the term solar modules refers to modules that usually contain photovoltaic cells, i.e. photovoltaic modules. In some cases, however, modules can be designed as dummy modules without photovoltaic cells. In positions where insufficient light is expected, dummy modules can be used instead of the expensive photovoltaic modules for cost reasons, whereby the dimensions of the dummy modules are essentially the same as the replaced photovoltaic modules. Depending on the location of a structure with a solar roof and depending on the orientation of the solar roof, in particular its ridge, in relation to the cardinal directions, and depending on the inclination of the solar modules, possibly also a different inclination to the left and right of the ridge, it can be advisable, for example, to replace the solar modules on one side of the ridge with dummy modules.The optional or preferred features mentioned may be implemented in any combination, provided they are not mutually exclusive.

[0077] Further advantages, features, and preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0078] They show in a not to scale, schematic representation:

[0079] Figure 1: a photovoltaic roof device consisting of several solar units, each solar unit comprising two solar modules;

[0080] Figure 2: a partial view of a photovoltaic roof device comprising a mounting element with a locking screw for fixing a solar module on the eaves side (detail image of a photovoltaic roof device);

[0081] Figure 3: a partial view of a photovoltaic roof device comprising a mounting element for fixing two solar modules on the ridge side (detail image of a photovoltaic roof device);

[0082] Figure 4: a photovoltaic roof device with side gutters;

[0083] Figure 5: a partial view of a photovoltaic roof comprising several photovoltaic roof devices arranged side by side on the eaves side and mounted on a common support structure;

[0084] Figure 6: a partial view of a photovoltaic roof including several on a

[0085] Supporting structure of photovoltaic roof devices mounted in storage with a front-mounted rainwater collector; Figure 7 shows a supporting structure with lateral stiffeners;

[0086] Figure 8 shows a photovoltaic roof device with a water supply line with sprinkler heads;

[0087] Figure 9 is a partial view of a photovoltaic roof device with a protective device;

[0088] Figure 10 shows an oblique view from above of the spaced arrangement of the solar modules of a photovoltaic roof device forming the joints (detail image of a photovoltaic roof device with protective device);

[0089] Figure 11 in a substantially frontal perspective oblique view a

[0090] Photovoltaic roof device with intermediate area between solar module and protective device;

[0091] Figure 12 a partial view of a photovoltaic roof device with lifting aids

[0092] (Detailed image of a photovoltaic roof device);

[0093] Figure 13 is a partial view of a photovoltaic roof device showing positions for attaching fastening screws for fastening a photovoltaic roof device to a supporting structure (detail image of a photovoltaic roof device with protective device);

[0094] Figure 14 is a partial view of a support beam mounted by means of fastening elements on a

[0095] Photovoltaic roof device attached to the supporting structure, the photovoltaic roof device having an alternative mounting element for the ridge-side fixation of two solar modules (detail image of a photovoltaic roof device);

[0096] Figure 15 shows a partial view of a photovoltaic roof device comprising an alternative mounting element for fixing two solar modules on the ridge side (detail image of a photovoltaic roof device); Figure 16 shows a partial view of a photovoltaic roof comprising at least two

[0097] Photovoltaic roof devices mounted in a row next to each other on the eaves side on a common support structure, with an alternative gutter design and additional equipment in the gutter;

[0098] Figure 17 shows a partial view of a photovoltaic roof comprising at least two

[0099] Photovoltaic roof devices mounted in a row next to each other on the eaves side on a common support structure, with another alternative gutter design;

[0100] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic roof comprising a plurality of photovoltaic roof devices in an alternative embodiment mounted in a row next to one another on the eaves side on a common support structure;

[0101] Figure 19 a more detailed perspective view of the alternative photovoltaic roof device, here with protective device;

[0102] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the alternative photovoltaic roof system without solar modules and protective device.

[0103] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0104] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES A photovoltaic roof device 11 or photovoltaic roof system according to the invention, as shown in Fig. 4, has a plurality of solar units 12 and two coupling elements 21, 23 that couple the solar units to one another. Each solar unit 12 preferably comprises at least two solar modules 13 inclined relative to one another (Fig. 1), wherein the solar modules 13 of each solar unit 12 are connected to one another by means of a simple mounting system 15, 18, 19 (Figs. 2 and 3) and are thereby fixed relative to one another. Each of the two coupling elements 21, 23 couples the plurality of solar units 12 to one another by being connected to the mounting systems of the plurality of solar units 12 and positioning or fixing them relative to one another.The coupling elements 21, 23 attached to both sides of the mounting system of the solar units 12 can be used as a holder to lift the fully assembled photovoltaic roof device onto a support structure 30, as shown, for example, in Fig. 7, if the structure is designed to be sufficiently strong, or otherwise by bracing or strengthening it with aids 81, 83, 84, 87. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show a photovoltaic roof device 11 mounted on a support structure 30. Alternatively, the coupling elements 21, 23 themselves can be designed as aids that are removed after the photovoltaic roof device has been placed on a support structure 30.

[0105] According to the exemplary figures shown here, the coupling elements 21, 23 are expediently positioned laterally or rather laterally on the device, in particular spaced apart from one another on two different sides or opposite sides of the device and preferably running parallel to one another. This allows the solar units to be coupled to one another particularly securely and, if necessary, stabilized by means of the coupling elements. The coupling elements 21, 23 are also referred to herein as side elements, particularly insofar as the coupling elements in the exemplary figures are arranged substantially laterally.

[0106] The solar modules 13 in the solar units 12 are expediently arranged in pairs or in groups in a formation having a ridge and two eaves sides. In a simple embodiment, two solar modules 13 arranged at an angle to one another together form a ridge with surfaces sloping (or inclined) on both sides from the ridge to the respective eaves side. Several solar units 12 are lined up one after the other on the gable side, so that the several solar units 12 form a photovoltaic roof device which, in the line-up from solar unit to solar unit, has a continuous ridge and eaves sides continuing parallel to the ridge on both sides. The gable ends of the line-up of the several solar units 12 can be referred to as end faces.

[0107] Each of the two side elements 21, 23 is connected to the mounting system on the eaves side, thereby coupling the various solar units 12 together and, if necessary, securing them against one another. In particular, the side elements 21, 23 support and secure the connecting profiles 18 of adjacent solar units 12 against one another. The side elements 21, 23 thus connect the solar units 12 to form a coherent photovoltaic roof device 11. To create a connection between the side elements 21, 23 and the connecting profile 18, the side elements have receiving structures 26, i.e., receiving points or coupling points, for the solar units 12. These can be designed, for example, as through-holes in or supports on the side elements 21, 23 for receiving the connecting profiles 18.

[0108] Particularly preferably, the side elements 21, 23 are designed to be so stable or can be stabilized in such a way that they can be used as a holder for lifting the assembled photovoltaic roof device 11 during installation on a support structure 30 in order to place the completely assembled photovoltaic roof device 11 onto the support structure 30. In order for the assembled photovoltaic roof device 11 to be lifted by a crane for installation on a support structure 30, attachment points for load-handling devices can expediently be provided on the side elements 21, 23 themselves or on the aids 81 that stabilize the side elements 21, 23 or the mutual position of the connecting profiles 18, so that crane cables or load-handling devices can be attached.

[0109] According to a preferred embodiment, the two-sided side elements 21, 23 can be designed as gutters 21, 23, which serve as rain gutters after assembly. Furthermore, the gutters 21, 23 serve as moisture protection for the underlying support structure 30. Particularly preferably, the side elements 21, 23 are designed such that, on the one hand, they can be used as a holder for lifting the assembled roof structure during assembly and, on the other hand, serve as rain gutters after assembly.

[0110] In particular, if the side elements 21, 23 are designed to be so stable or if the side elements 21, 23 stabilize or stiffen the coupled solar units 12 in such a way that the side elements 21, 23 can be used as a holder for lifting the assembled photovoltaic roof device, these side elements 21, 23 can also be referred to as side supports.

[0111] Alternatively, if the side elements 21, 23 designed as gutters do not have sufficient strength to lift the assembled photovoltaic roof, temporarily attached aids can be provided, as shown, for example, in Fig. 12, which stiffen the photovoltaic roof device such that the roof device can be lifted onto the support structure 30 using a crane. These aids 81 can, for example, include lifting plates or bracing profiles with optional securing means 83 for temporarily securing and thus securely fixing it to the photovoltaic roof device. For this purpose, the bracing profiles 81 can be fastened to the photovoltaic roof device, in particular on the eaves side, preferably in such a way that they additionally support and fix the solar units 12 or, in particular, the connecting profiles 18 of adjacent solar units 12 against one another. The bracing profiles 81 can be designed in the form of plates or battens.The bracing profiles 81 can, for example, be designed with coupling points 82, in particular, for example, with through holes, for receiving the ends of the connecting profiles 18 in order to strengthen the assembled roof structure or to support or assume the supporting function of the side elements 21, 23 designed as gutters. The through holes 82 are expediently distributed over the longitudinal extent of the bracing profiles 81 - in particular such that the connecting profiles 18 of the assembled photovoltaic roof device 11 fit or are guided into the through holes 82. Using securing means 83 (here, for example, a square bar profile), the bracing profiles 81 can be clamped in the gutters, for example. Other or additional securing measures are conceivable. The supporting function of the aids 81, 83 is particularly useful when lifting the roof device by crane for installation on a supporting substructure.For the purpose of lifting by crane, lifting points for lifting, in particular four lifting points 85 and, if necessary, a suitable load-handling device (e.g. in the form of a crane rope set with four strands 84 and an attack point 87) for a crane for lifting are expediently provided.

[0112] After being placed on the support structure 30, the photovoltaic roof device 11 can be fixed to the support 31 of the support structure 30 by means of screws at several points 91 along the side elements 21, 23 designed as a gutter (Fig. 13 and Fig. 5) or, if fastening elements 93 are attached laterally to the side elements or gutters 21, 23, these can be connected to the support 31 of the support structure 30 located underneath (Fig. 14).

[0113] A mounting system consists of several mounting elements 14, 19 and at least two connecting profiles 18, wherein the mounting elements 14, 19 serve to fix one or more solar modules 13 on the at least two connecting profiles 18. An assembled device consisting of at least one solar module 13, preferably two solar modules 13, two connecting profiles 18 and a plurality of mounting elements 14, 19, in particular preferably four side mounting elements 14 and two center mounting elements 19, is hereinafter referred to as a solar unit 12. A solar unit 12 is a solid structure that is inherently stable. A photovoltaic roof device 11 comprises several solar units 12, which are coupled to one another by means of two side elements 21, 23.

[0114] Preferably, to create a solar unit 12, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, two solar modules 13 are mounted on two connecting profiles 18, each of the two connecting profiles 18 separately connecting the two solar modules to each other. This results in an inherently stable solar unit. The solar modules 13 are fastened to the connecting profiles 18 by means of the mounting elements 14 and 19. Each mounting element is equipped with one or two gripping devices 15, 20 and a holding device 16, 22. The gripping device 15, 20 and the holding device 16, 22 of the mounting elements 14, 19 can be spaced apart from each other by different distances, ieA mounting element can be designed longer or shorter, which affects the spacing of the solar module 13 from the connecting profile 18 by positioning the module edge, gripped in a gripping device 15, 20, of the respective mounting element 14, 19 more or less high above the connecting profile 18. While the gripping devices 15, 20 are designed to clamp one or two solar modules, the holding device 16, 22 serves to fix them to the connecting profile 18.In order to form a formation of solar modules 13 that has a ridge and two eaves sides that are lower than the ridge and run parallel to the ridge, three mounting elements 14, 19 are expediently used per connecting profile, wherein the first of the three mounting elements is in a first version 19 for clamping at the ridge position, and the second and third of the three mounting elements are in a second version 14 for clamping at the eaves sides. The first version is also referred to as a center mounting element or middle mounting element 19. The second version is also referred to as a side mounting element or lateral mounting element 19. The first version 19 is equipped with a gripping device 20 with two gripping mouths pointing in opposite directions for grasping the module edges of two modules 13 positioned opposite one another.The second embodiment 14 has a gripping device 15 with a gripping mouth for gripping a module edge. The first embodiment 19 also has a greater distance between the gripping device 20 and the holding device 22 than the second embodiment 14 between the gripping device 15 and the holding device 16. As a result, the adjacent module edges of the two modules 13 positioned opposite one another, which are both gripped by the longer, first mounting element or the central mounting element 19, are positioned at a greater height above the connecting profile 18 than the opposite module edges of the other module end, which are each gripped by the lateral mounting elements or the side mounting elements 14.The adjacent module edges of the two modules 13 positioned against each other are thus in a ridge position, while the opposite module edges of the other module end are in an eaves position.

[0115] Fig. 1 shows five solar units 12 arranged in a row. Each solar unit 12 consists of two solar modules 13, which are fixed by means of a mounting system in a formation forming a ridge with eaves sides. The mounting system comprises two connecting profiles 18, and for each connecting profile 18, two lateral mounting elements 14, each with a holding device 16 and a gripping device 15, and a central mounting element 19 with a holding device 22 and a gripping device 20, which is designed in particular as a double gripping device. In the solar unit 12, one of the two lateral mounting elements 14 connects each of the two solar modules 13 to the connecting profile 18, and the central mounting element 19 connects both solar modules 13 to the connecting profile 18 centrally between the two laterally arranged mounting elements 14.

[0116] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show sections of the photovoltaic roof device, in particular the mounting elements 14 and 19 are visible in the assembled state. Fig. 2 shows a lateral mounting element 14. The mounting element 14 is fixed to the connecting profile 18 by means of its holding device 16 and grips the edge of a solar module 13 by means of its gripping device 15, as a result of which the solar module 13 is fixed to the connecting profile 18 via its edge. A preferred mounting element 14, as shown in Fig. 2, has a holding device 16 with two sheet metal legs that can be bent against one another and have coordinated holes. The gripping device 15 of the mounting element 14 results from extensions of the two sheet metal legs, wherein the extensions interact as a type of clamp.The holes are aligned such that the mounting device 16 can be attached to the connecting profile 18 using its holes 14. The mounting device 16 is fixed to the connecting profile by spreading the two sheet metal legs attached to the connecting profile 18 at an angle, which leads to the sheet metal legs being clamped together. To secure the mounting device 16 to the connecting profile 18, the sheet metal legs can be fixed against each other using a screw 17. By turning the respective screw 17, the sheets are spread against each other and clamped onto the connecting profile 18. A central mounting element 19 is shown in Fig. 3.The middle mounting element 19 is fixed to the connecting profile 18 by means of its holding device 22 and grips the opposing edges of the two adjacent solar modules 13, which together form a ridge, by means of its gripping device 20, as a result of which the two solar modules 13 are fixed to the connecting profile 18 via their respective edges. The middle mounting element 19 has a relatively long shaft 24 between the holding device 22 and the gripping device 20, which is designed so long that the solar module edges clamped in the gripping device 20 are spaced significantly further from the connecting profile 18 than the solar module edges clamped by the lateral mounting elements 14. The middle clamping center 19, as shown in Fig. 3, has a holding device 22 with a hole or a notch for fixing to the connecting profile 18 by inserting the profile 18 orPlacing the mounting device 22 onto the connecting profile 18. The mounting device 22 can optionally have two sheet metal legs with coordinated holes. This optional two-leg mounting device can be clamped onto the connecting profile 18 by opening the two sheet metal legs attached to the connecting profile 18 at an angle, which leads to the sheet metal legs being clamped onto the connecting profile 18. The gripping device 20 of the mounting element 19 has two gripping openings, essentially pointing away from each other, so that the gripping device 20 can grip the essentially facing edges of two solar modules arranged adjacent to one another and to be connected. Thus, one central mounting element 19 simultaneously connects two solar modules to the connecting profile 18.

[0117] The gripping devices 15 and 20 of the mounting elements 14 and 19 are designed such that they can grip solar module edges, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In particular, solar module edges that run essentially horizontally in their fixed position in the photovoltaic roof device 11 are to be gripped. The gripping devices 15 of the lateral mounting elements 14 are designed such that they can grip the lower edge of an obliquely positioned solar module, e.g., in particular, in that the gripping devices 15 each have a gripping mouth orientation that forms an obtuse angle with respect to the holding device 16 of the respective mounting element. In contrast, the gripping device 20 of the central mounting element 19 is designed such that it can simultaneously grip the respective upper edge of two mutually facing, obliquely positioned solar modules 12, e.g.,in particular in that it is designed as a double gripping device 20 with two gripping mouths, each of which has a gripping mouth orientation that forms an acute angle with respect to the holding device 22.

[0118] Fig. 15 shows a particularly preferred alternative embodiment of a central mounting element 95. The essential difference from the central mounting element 19 shown in Fig. 3 is that the shaft of the mounting element 95 is two-part and is detachably connected via a screw connection 96, preferably comprising at least two screws. This has the advantage that the replacement of a damaged solar module in an assembled photovoltaic roof device 11 can be carried out more easily. For maintenance purposes, a detachable central mounting element 95 is an important addition. Maintenance, for example, for the purpose of replacing a defective PV module, can be carried out from below using a lifting platform. The alternative, detachable central mounting element 95 offers a detachable connection 96 accessible from below in the assembled photovoltaic roof device installed on a support structure (e.g.Screw connection), due to which the gripping device 97 can be separated from the mounting device 98. This ensures simple and safe maintenance and eliminates the need to walk on the photovoltaic roof.

[0119] The mounting device 98 of the mounting element 95 can have two sheet metal legs with coordinated holes. The holes are coordinated such that the mounting device 98 can be attached to the connecting profile 18 using its two holes. The gripping device 97 of the mounting element 95 essentially corresponds to the gripping device 20 of the mounting element 19.

[0120] A suitable support structure 30 (Fig. 7) includes, for example, a combination of two or more cross beams 31, which serve as a support for one or more photovoltaic roof devices 11 (Fig. 5), and longitudinal beams 33, on which the cross beams are mounted or to which they are connected (Fig. 5). The longitudinal beams 33 of the support structure 30, in turn, are mounted on supports 35. Each photovoltaic roof device 11 rests on a cross beam on the eaves side, with the two adjacent eaves sides of two parallel photovoltaic roof devices jointly resting on a cross beam 31. To mutually stiffen the support structure 30, struts 38, 39 can be attached between the supports and the longitudinal beams and between the longitudinal and cross beams. Fig. 7 shows the supporting structure 30 with lateral stiffeners 38, 39. Furthermore, the supporting structure is preferably mounted on a foundation which has sufficient tensile and compressive strength (Fig.7). If the crossbeams 31 have a certain inclination in their longitudinal extension (e.g., approximately 2 millimeters per meter or more), the gutters 21, 23 can drain rainwater to the lower side of the supporting structure. The rainwater flowing through the gutters 21, 23 can, if necessary, be collected in a collecting gutter 37, which runs transversely to the gutters 21, 23 (Fig. 6), and from there can be drained into the sewer system via further piping. Fig. 6 shows several photovoltaic roof devices 11 on the supporting structure 30 with a collecting gutter 37, which collects the rainwater from several gutters 21, 23 for further drainage to the sewer system. The cleaning of the solar modules of the photovoltaic roof device 11 assembled according to the invention and installed on a support structure can be carried out by means of a robot, for example a commercial robot Solarcleano Fl from the company Solarcleno.

[0121] Installation of the photovoltaic roof device

[0122] To assemble the photovoltaic roof device 11, the following procedure can be used, for example: First, a central mounting element 19 is pushed onto a connecting profile 18 using its holding device 22, then the connecting profiles 18 are pushed into the openings 91 of the two side elements or grooves 21, 23. Subsequently, a side mounting element 14 is pushed onto each of the two end regions of each connecting profile 18 using its holding device 16. The solar modules 13 can then be attached to the gripping devices 15 and 22 of the mounting elements 14 and 19 - preferably in such a way that each solar module 13 is gripped by the gripping devices 15 of two side mounting elements 14 and by one gripping device 22 of each of the central mounting elements 19.In a further step, the side mounting elements 15 are - if necessary - moved against each other on both sides until the solar modules 13 fit precisely between the respective central and side mounting elements, and are secured by screwing in the clamping screws 17 on the connecting profile 18, in that the sheets of the mounting devices 16 of the side mounting elements 15 are spread by screwing in the clamping screws 17 and the mounting devices 16 are thereby clamped on the connecting profile 18.

[0123] Installation on a supporting structure

[0124] After all solar modules 13 have been mounted on the side elements or gutters using the mounting system

[0125] 21, 23 are coupled or mechanically connected, the entire photovoltaic roof device 11 (Fig. 4) can be lifted onto the supports 31 of a support structure 30 (Fig. 7) and secured by fixing. Securing can be achieved by means of fastening screws that are screwed through holes 91 in the side elements or grooves 21, 23 to the underlying cross member 31 of the support structure 30 (Fig. 13). Or alternatively, securing can be achieved by means of fastening elements 93 that are fastened on the one hand to the connecting profiles 18 (or alternatively could be fastened to the backs of the grooves) and on the other hand, e.g. by screw connections, to the cross members 31 of the support structure 30 (Fig. 5). Fig. 13 shows possible positions 91 in a groove 21 for attaching fastening screws to secure the photovoltaic roof device 11 to the support structure. Fig.Figure 14 shows a photovoltaic roof device 11 secured to the crossbeam 31 by means of elements 93 laterally mounted on the connecting profiles 18. The fastening elements 93 are preferably positioned between the side mounting elements and the center mounting elements, in particular on the eaves side behind the gutter. The elements 93 preferably each have a hole structure consisting of a larger hole that fits over the cross-section of the connecting profile 18, as well as one or more smaller holes suitable for fastening to the crossbeam 31 using screws or other fasteners.

[0126] If roof installations are created from multiple photovoltaic roof devices, these are expediently arranged in such a way that they run parallel on the eaves side and preferably interlock. Particularly if gutters are provided, it is expedient for the gutters to be arranged parallel to one another, possibly abutting one another, and also interlocking. In the case of a photovoltaic roof device that has side elements 21, 23 on both sides that are designed as gutters, one of the two gutters of a photovoltaic roof device 11 can, for example, be provided with a fold 25 (Fig. 4). This is because, if one of the gutters, e.g. 21, has a fold 25 on its outer edge, this gutter 21 can be coupled or interlocked by means of the fold 25 with the preferably foldless gutter 23 of a photovoltaic roof device 11' installed parallel and adjacent (Fig.5) to prevent water from penetrating between the two gutters 21, 23 onto the supporting beam 31 of the supporting structure 30.

[0127] For roof installations composed of several adjacent parallel photovoltaic roof devices 11, photovoltaic roof devices can alternatively be provided whose side elements are designed as partial gutters 101, 103, which, in a parallel adjacent arrangement of the photovoltaic roof devices, complement each other to form a common gutter (Fig. 16). Or, according to a further alternative embodiment, photovoltaic roof devices are used which are designed without gutters, but which are suitable for mounting on support structures with prepared gutters (Fig. 17).

[0128] Fig. 12 shows a photovoltaic roof device with aids for lifting the assembled photovoltaic roof device. The aids shown are two profiles 81, securing elements 83, and a load-handling device 84 with a crane attachment point 87. The gutters either already have sufficient strength to lift the assembled photovoltaic roof device 11 onto the support structure 30, or they are temporarily stiffened using an auxiliary profile 81 to enable the assembled photovoltaic roof device 11 to be lifted onto a support structure. The stiffening is preferably carried out after the photovoltaic roof device has been assembled, for example, by inserting auxiliary stiffening plates 81 onto the connecting profiles 18 on both sides from the outside and, if necessary, securing them with additional aids 83 or fastening or clamping them to the photovoltaic roof device.

[0129] Gutter design

[0130] In a practical embodiment, the gutters of photovoltaic roof devices 11 with gutters on both eaves sides are designed such that the gutters of adjacent photovoltaic roof devices can be installed interlockingly. This can be achieved, for example, by each of the gutters of a photovoltaic roof device having a fold 25 that (during installation) fits over the outer edge of the gutter on the opposite eave side or interlocks over this outer edge (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).

[0131] Fig. 16 represents an alternative to the folded solution shown in Figs. 4 and 5. Instead of two independent gutters, i.e. one gutter on each side, there is a wide gutter 101 on the first eaves side and a lateral bracket 103 on the other, second eaves side, which does not serve as a gutter, but rather complements the gutter of the first side or can engage with it when installed parallel to a second photovoltaic device. The lateral bracket 103 is designed here, for example, as a plate or L-profile, which completes the second wall of the gutter when the system is installed. A water-permeable element, in particular a perforated plate in the gutter 101 prevents snow sliding off the PV modules 13 from blocking the gutter 101. Such a water-permeable element can be located in the gutter (if necessary.The permeable element can be inserted into the channel (without special fixing between the channel and the water-permeable element) or can be fastened therein, so that it is fixed in the desired position. The permeable element is preferably curved in its cross-section, e.g., U-shaped or similar. This has the advantage that it can fulfill its intended function while lying in the channel with an upward curve (possibly even without requiring fixing). The permeable element expediently extends essentially over the length of the channel(s).

[0132] Heating tape in the gutter 101 to ensure water drainage or to prevent congestion / blockage of the water drainage due to snow or ice formation.

[0133] Furthermore, an element 105, for example a perforated sheet, can optionally be located in the gutter. This prevents snow sliding off the PV modules 13 from completely filling and blocking the gutter. The perforated sheet can conveniently be designed as a profile with a U-shaped cross-section, which—placed in the gutter between the bottom of the gutter and the perforated sheet placed on top of it—creates a protected drainage space within the gutter.

[0134] An inserted heating strip 107 ensures that the gutter is not blocked by ice formation.

[0135] As an alternative to combining a gutter 101 with a lateral bracket 103, it is also possible to couple a bracket element 103 to the mounting system on both sides and to use a separate gutter element.

[0136] Fig. 17 shows in particular an arrangement of parallel photovoltaic devices consisting of solar units 112, which complement each other to form a solar roof with a gutter 111 and are fixed to a support structure by means of securing elements 93, which can be lifted onto the support structure, for example, using adapted aids 81, 84, 85, 87. In this arrangement, the side mounting elements 114 can be designed such that they can absorb the weight of the solar roof device after it has been lifted and placed on a support structure. Alternatively, the gutter 111 can have a sufficient strength to absorb the weight of the solar roofs 11, or an additional element can be attached to / in the gutter or the solar roof 11 for this purpose. The photovoltaic roof devices can then be secured to the support structure 31 by means of fastening elements 93 in order to absorb tensile and compressive loads.In this case, appropriate adapted tools 81, 84, 85, 87 are used to lift the solar roofs.

[0137] To construct a roof according to Fig. 17, it is advisable to prepare a supporting structure with gutters 111 pre-attached to its crossbeams 31. Solar units 12', which are temporarily coupled via adapted aids 81, 84, 85, 87, can be placed on the supporting beams 31 provided with gutters 111, in such a way that the side mounting elements 114 of the solar units 112, 112' coupled via the aids are placed in the gutters 111. The eave-side edges of the solar units are thus positioned over the gutters, so that they drip into the gutters.

[0138] Additional protective equipment

[0139] With photovoltaic roof systems, there is a small but not negligible risk that a fire could start under the solar modules due to the type of use (e.g., as a carport or highway roof), or that the solar modules could spontaneously ignite due to a manufacturing or assembly error or other malfunction. In such cases, a fire could spread. A sprinkler system with a water supply line 43 and sprinkler nozzles 41 can expediently be installed beneath the solar modules, for example—as shown in Fig. 8—on the connecting profiles 18 across them along the ridge extension, preferably substantially beneath the ridge.

[0140] The risk of parts of the solar modules or the entire module falling downwards and causing personal injury or property damage can be reduced by a catch device 51. An effective catch device 51 can be made, for example, from steel mesh, as shown by way of example in Figs. 9 and 10, steel netting, corrugated iron, or the like.

[0141] The joints 61 and 63 between the solar modules, in particular the joints 61 in the middle between the solar modules of a solar unit and the joints 63 between the solar modules of neighboring solar units, as shown in Fig. 10, can be sealed or closed with sealing means, e.g., rubber or silicone seals or strips and profiles made of metal or other suitable materials, if necessary, e.g., to prevent rainwater from penetrating the joints. Prefabricated rain protection strips, rubber or silicone seals, or metal profiles can be inserted into the joints, e.g., during or after installation of the photovoltaic roof device.

[0142] As a further protective measure, the rear side of the solar modules 13 or the intermediate area 71 between the solar modules 13 and the collecting device 51 (Fig. 11) can be equipped with an insulating layer and / or soundproofing layer. Insulation can prevent the formation of dew and subsequent dripping if the temperature on the front side is low due to snow or ice deposits and dew would form on the rear side without insulation. Sound absorbers on the rear side of the solar modules 71 or in the intermediate area between the modules and the collecting device 51 are provided in particular for applications over roads, highways, or railways. In this case, it is expedient to also attach sound walls to the side of the support structure 30 parallel to the direction of travel. The collecting device is ideally designed in two parts so that maintenance of and access to the photovoltaic modules 13 from the underside of the photovoltaic roof 11 is still guaranteed.

[0143] The module cleaning can be carried out using a robot, for example a commercial robot Solarcleano Fl from the company Solarcleno.

[0144] A variant of a photovoltaic roof device

[0145] Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a photovoltaic roof comprising a plurality of photovoltaic roof devices 211 in an alternative embodiment. The photovoltaic roof devices 211 are mounted in a row, lined up next to one another, on a common support structure 230. Each photovoltaic roof device 211 includes a plurality of solar units, which are arranged in a row by means of the coupling elements, in particular so that they form a common ridge.

[0146] The support structure 230 supporting the photovoltaic roof devices 211 has two parallel beams 233, each of which rests on or is supported by two supports 235. The supports 235 are connected to one another, preferably in pairs via struts 236, for mutual fastening of the two beams. The struts each connect a support 235 of one beam 233 to the corresponding support of the other beam, with the bracing 236 expediently being designed, for example, to form wind bracing. Wind bracing is achieved, for example, via a wind bracing with diagonally crossed struts. The beams 233 of the support structure 230 can be designed, for example, as wooden beams, as shown here, or as a steel profile.

[0147] The photovoltaic roof devices 211, which lie on the support structure 230, have coupling elements 221 and 223, which are designed as supports, in particular as wooden beams or steel profiles. The coupling elements 221, 223 and thus the photovoltaic roof devices 211 are expediently placed and fastened substantially transversely on the supports 233 of the support structure 230. The coupling elements 221, 223 fastened transversely on the supports 233 of the support structure 230 have a stiffening and thus stabilizing effect with respect to the supports 233 and thus to the support structure 230 as a whole.

[0148] Figure 19 shows a more detailed view of the alternative photovoltaic roof assembly. To illustrate the structures and equipment supporting the solar modules, Figure 20 shows an illustration of the alternative photovoltaic roof assembly without solar modules and protective equipment.

[0149] The alternative photovoltaic roof device 211 consists of a plurality of solar units 212. Each solar unit 212 consists of two solar modules 213, which are fixed in a formation forming a ridge with eaves sides by means of a mounting system. The mounting system comprises two connecting profiles 218, and for each connecting profile, two lateral mounting elements 214, each with a holding device 216, a gripping device 215, and a mounting device 217, and a central mounting element 219 with a holding device 222 and a gripping device 220, which is designed in particular as a double gripping device.In the solar unit 212, on the one hand, one of the two lateral mounting elements 214 connects each of the two connecting profiles 218 to one of the two solar modules 213 with the connecting profile 218, and on the other hand, the middle mounting element 219, centrally between the two laterally arranged mounting elements 214, connects both solar modules 213 with the connecting profile 218.

[0150] The lateral mounting elements 214 can be welded or wedged to the respective connecting profile 218 at its ends via their mounting device 216. The central mounting element 219 can be releasably clamped via its mounting device 222. All mounting elements have gripping devices 215 and 220, which serve to grasp and clamp the solar modules. A first solar module 213 is clamped between the respective first lateral mounting element 214 of each of the two connecting profiles 218 and the respective central mounting element, and a second solar module is clamped between the respective second lateral mounting element 214 of each of the two connecting profiles 218 and the respective central mounting element.

[0151] The lateral mounting elements 214 expediently have mounting devices 217, via which a connection to one of the coupling elements 221, 223 can be established. The mounting devices 217 are designed, for example, as a plate extension of the mounting elements 214, wherein the plate extension can optionally be provided with holes. The mounting device 217 and the gripping device 215 are preferably arranged at two opposite ends of the mounting element 214, while the holding device 216 is arranged centrally between the two other devices 215 and 217. By means of screws or dowels, which are driven through the mounting devices or through the holes in the mounting devices, the respective solar unit 212 can be fixed to two parallel-aligned coupling elements 221, 223.

[0152] For the purpose of assembling the photovoltaic roof device 211, the solar units 212 are first assembled. These can then be placed on the coupling elements 221 and 223 and fastened or fixed to the coupling elements 221, 223 via the mounting devices 217 of the side mounting elements 214.

[0153] The coupling elements are advantageously designed to be strong enough so that these coupling elements 221, 223, with the solar units 212 mounted thereon, can be lifted directly by a crane without the need for additional stiffening aids. If the coupling elements 221, 223 are designed to be sufficiently load-bearing, the photovoltaic roof devices 211, possibly including gutters and / or protective grilles and / or other equipment, can be lifted directly onto the support structure 230 and secured there.

[0154] Gutters 225, 226 are preferably provided on the eaves side of the photovoltaic roof devices. The gutters expediently extend below the eaves-side solar module edge to collect rainwater. The gutters 225, 226 are expediently arranged on or above the coupling elements 221, 223, following their longitudinal extension. Gutters 225, which are provided between two parallel photovoltaic roof devices, can be designed so wide that one gutter 225 is simultaneously arranged on or above the two adjacent coupling elements of the two adjacent photovoltaic roof devices and / or extends below the solar module edge of both adjacent eave sides.

[0155] Protective devices 251, e.g., designed as grids or nets, can be provided beneath the solar modules. Preferably, suspensions are provided on the mounting elements, e.g., 227 on the center mounting elements 219, to secure the protective device beneath the solar modules, but preferably above the connecting profiles 218.

[0156] While specific embodiments have been described above, it is obvious that various combinations of the disclosed embodiments may be used, provided the embodiments are not mutually exclusive. While the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is obvious that changes, modifications, variations, and combinations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0157] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS:

[0158] 11 Photovoltaic roof device

[0159] 12 Solar unit consisting of two solar modules with mounting system 15, 18, 19

[0160] 13 solar module

[0161] 14 Side mounting element with gripping device and holding device

[0162] 15 gripping device

[0163] 16 Mounting device

[0164] 17 Locking screw for side clamp

[0165] 18 Connecting profile, especially designed as a tube

[0166] 19 Central mounting element with gripping device and holding device

[0167] 20 Gripping device, in particular designed as a double gripping device

[0168] 21 First coupling element or side element, in particular designed as a rain gutter

[0169] 22 Mounting device

[0170] 23 Second coupling element or side element, in particular designed as a rain gutter

[0171] 24 Shaft or connecting part between gripping device and holding device

[0172] 25 Fold on the first gutter

[0173] 26 Coupling point or receiving point or receiving structure

[0174] 30 Supporting structure

[0175] 31 Crossbeams, especially crossbeams

[0176] 33 Longitudinal beams, especially longitudinal support beams

[0177] 35 support

[0178] 37 rainwater collectors for the first and second gutter

[0179] 38 Stiffener between column and longitudinal support beam Stiffener between longitudinal and transverse support beam

[0180] Sprinkler nozzle head under the PV modules

[0181] Water supply line for sprinklers

[0182] Catching device, especially designed as a protective grille

[0183] Joint between solar modules

[0184] Joint between solar modules

[0185] Intermediate area for material for thermal insulation and / or sound absorption

[0186] Tools for lifting and, if necessary, stiffening the photovoltaic roof device, in particular lifting plates or bracing devices

[0187] Coupling point or receiving point or receiving structure, in particular e.g. designed as a through hole

[0188] Securing devices (especially removable fastening devices)

[0189] Load-carrying equipment, especially e.g. ropes, belts or chains for lifting by crane

[0190] Points of application for load handling equipment

[0191] Point of application on the load handling device for crane for lifting

[0192] Position for screw connections through the gutter for fastening the photovoltaic roof 11

[0193] Fastening means for fastening the photovoltaic roof device to a supporting structure alternative, separable central mounting element (for fixing solar module edges at a ridge position) with gripping device and holding device

[0194] Fasteners (e.g. a screw connection, especially a screw)

[0195] gripping device

[0196] Mounting device

[0197] Bracket for the mounting system, in particular for its connecting profile, which also serves as a gutter. Bracket plate on the opposite side for the mounting system, in particular for its connecting profile, which can be lifted into the gutter 101.

[0198] perforated sheet

[0199] Heating tape

[0200] Rain gutter, 112' solar unit consisting of two solar modules with mounting system

[0201] Side mounting element

[0202] Photovoltaic roof device

[0203] Solar unit consisting of two solar modules

[0204] Side mounting element with gripping device, holding device and mounting device

[0205] solar module

[0206] gripping device

[0207] Mounting device

[0208] Mounting device for fixing to the coupling element

[0209] Connecting profile, especially designed as a tube

[0210] Center mounting element with gripping device and holding device

[0211] gripping device

[0212] First coupling element or side element, in particular designed as a support beam

[0213] Mounting device

[0214] Second coupling element or side element, in particular designed as a support beam

[0215] Common gutter for two parallel photovoltaic roof systems

[0216] Rain gutter on the end side of a roof Suspension point, e.g. for a collecting device or a protective grille Supporting structure Beam, especially support beam Support Bracing Collecting device, especially designed as a protective grille

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Photovoltaic roof system comprising a plurality of solar units (12, 212) and at least one first coupling element (21, 81, 101, 221) and one second coupling element (23, 223),, - wherein each solar unit (12) includes at least one or more solar modules (13, 213), preferably two solar modules (13), at least two connecting profiles (18, 218) and several mounting elements (14, 19, 95, 214, 219), - wherein in the respective solar unit, the at least one or more solar modules (13, 213) of the solar unit are fastened to (or onto) the at least two connecting profiles (18, 218) of the solar unit by means of the mounting elements (14, 19, 95, 214, 219) in such a way that the one or more solar modules of the solar unit are supported by the connecting profiles of the solar unit by means of the mounting elements, and - wherein the plurality of solar units (12) are coupled to one another on the one hand by means of the first coupling element (21, 81, 101, 212) and on the other hand by means of the second coupling element (23, 223).

2. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second coupling element (23, 223) is aligned parallel to the first coupling element (21, 221).

3. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling elements (21, 23, 221, 223) are connected to one another in a spaced-apart arrangement via the connecting profiles (18, 218) or via the solar units (12, 212), e.g. are connected firmly or detachably.

4. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of solar units (12, 212) are arranged in a row, in particular arranged in a row along the coupling elements, and are coupled by the coupling elements (21, 23, 221, 223).

5. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the solar units (12, 212) coupled to one another by means of the two coupling elements (21, 23, 81) form a row of similarly aligned solar units (12, 212).

6. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the solar module units (12, 212) are preferably arranged in a row in a joint arrangement forming a ridge.

7. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting profiles are designed as rods or preferably as tubular rods, such as round rods or round tubular rods.

8. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling elements (21, 23, 221, 223) have a length dimension in their longitudinal extent which exceeds a side length of a solar unit (12, 212) by a multiple, so that the plurality of solar units are positioned in succession on the two coupling elements and in a row along the longitudinal extent of the coupling elements in the extent of that side length (preferably aligned in the same direction to one another).

9. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling elements (23, 81) for positioning and optionally fastening the solar units are designed with receiving structures (26, 82).

10. System according to the preceding claim 9, characterized in that the plurality of solar units (12) are positioned at predetermined positions by the receiving structures (26, 82).

11. System according to one of the preceding claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the receiving structures (26, 82) serve to receive and optionally fasten the connecting profiles (18), wherein expediently each coupling point (26, 82) can receive a connecting profile (18).

12. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling elements (21, 23, 221, 223) define the mutual position of the solar units (12, 212).

13. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the coupling elements (221, 223) are designed to be load-bearing or as supports, e.g. wooden beams or steel beams, and / or - that the coupling elements (21, 23, 81, 101, 103) are designed as a slat or gutter.

14. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the coupling elements (101, 103) or preferably both coupling elements (21, 23) are designed as gutters for draining rainwater, wherein, if both coupling elements 21, 23 are designed as gutters, the first of the gutters (21, 23) is preferably equipped on the outside with a fold (25) which can be interlaced with the second of the gutters of another identical system.

15. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the solar unit (12, 212) comprises at least two connecting profiles (18, 218) and, for each connecting profile (18, 218), one or more mounting elements (14, 19, 95, 214, 219), preferably three mounting elements (14, 19, 95, 214, 219) consisting of a central mounting element (19, 219) and two side mounting elements (14, 214), for fastening the one or more, preferably two, solar modules (13, 213).

16. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective solar unit (12, 212) includes at least two solar modules (13, 213), two central mounting elements (19, 95, 219) and four side mounting elements (21, 23, 221, 223), wherein the first of the central mounting elements (19, 95, 219) fastens or clamps each of the two solar modules (13, 213) at a first location and connects it to the first of the two connecting profiles (18, 218), the second of the central mounting elements (19, 95, 219) fastens or clamps each of the two solar modules (13, 213) at a second location and connects it to the second of the two connecting profiles (18, 218), a first and a second of the side mounting elements (14, 214) fastens or secures one of the at least two solar modules (13, 213) at a second location.clamps and connects to the first connecting profile (18, 218) and a third and a fourth of the side mounting elements (14, 214) each fasten or clamp one of the at least two solar modules (13, 213) at a third location and connects it to the second connecting profile (18, 218).

17. System according to one of claims 15 to 16, characterized in that the mounting elements (14, 19, 95, 214, 219) are provided with a gripping device (15, 20, 97, 215, 220) for fastening or clamping one or more solar modules (13, 213) and, on the other hand, with a holding device (16, 22, 98, 216, 222) for fastening to or connecting to the connecting profile (18, 218).

18. System according to one of claims 15 to 17 in conjunction with claim 18, characterized in that the central mounting element (19, 95, 219) has a shaft (24) which is longer than the side mounting elements (14, 214) between the gripping device (20, 97, 220) and the holding device (22, 98, 222), so that each solar unit (12, 212) forms a type of ridge above the connecting profile (18, 218) with sloping flanks towards the coupling elements (21, 23, 81, 221, 223).

19. System according to one of claims 15 to 18 in conjunction with claim 18 or according to claim 11, characterized in that the central mounting element (95) is designed to be separable in that the gripping device (97) is separable from the holding device (98) due to a detachable connection (96) between the gripping device (97) and the holding device (98).

20. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that holes or markings for holes are provided in the coupling elements (21, 23) at a plurality of locations (91) distributed over the length of the coupling elements (21, 23), which holes are suitable for establishing a connection to a support system (30) by means of a plurality of screws or corresponding connecting means, or - that a plurality of holders (93) are provided on mounting elements (14, 19) or connecting profiles (18) or on the coupling elements (21, 23) distributed along or over the length of the coupling elements (21, 23), which are suitable for establishing a connection to a support system (30) by means of a plurality of screws or corresponding connecting means.

21. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that sprinkler equipment (41, 43) is provided for fire prevention.

22. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a catching equipment (51, 251) is provided for catching falling solar modules or solar module parts.

23. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that thermal insulation and / or soundproofing equipment is provided, in particular in the intermediate region between solar modules and the containment equipment according to claim 22.

24. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that equipment for preventing the ingress of rainwater between the joints (61, 63) between the solar modules (13) is provided, for example in that the equipment for preventing the ingress of rainwater includes seals, in particular rubber seals, silicone seals and / or metal strips, which can be formed in the joints (61, 63) between the solar modules (13).

25. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that equipment or aids for lifting onto a supporting structure are provided, for example lifting plates (81), optionally with adapted load-bearing means (84), wherein securing means (83) for releasably fastening the lifting plates (81) to the coupling elements or channels (21, 23) or to the connecting profiles 18 can expediently be provided.

26. System according to claim 25, characterized in that the lifting equipment, in particular the lifting plates (81), are provided with coupling points (82) for receiving the ends of the connecting profiles (18), e.g. designed as through holes or notches, wherein a connecting profile (18) can expediently be received in each coupling point (82).

27. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling elements (81) are designed as removable aids (which can be used in particular to couple the solar units (12) for lifting, but can be removed as soon as the solar units are placed on a supporting structure 30).

28. Photovoltaic roof set for creating a photovoltaic roof system (11, 211), in particular according to one of claims 1-27, the set comprising components for constructing a plurality of solar units (12, 212), and components for mutually coupling the solar units (12, 212), - wherein the components for constructing each solar unit (12, 212) comprise at least the following, - at least one or more solar modules (13, 213), preferably two solar modules (13, 213), - at least two connecting profiles (18) and - a plurality of mounting elements (14, 19, 95, 214, 219), preferably at least four mounting elements (14, 214), more preferably at least six mounting elements (14, 19, 95, 214, 219) - wherein the mounting elements (14, 19, 95, 214, 219) are suitable for fastening the at least one or more solar modules (13, 213) to the at least two connecting profiles (18, 218) in such a way that the one or more solar modules are supported by the connecting profiles by means of the mounting elements, and - wherein the components for mutually coupling the solar units (12, 212) comprise at least the following, - at least one first coupling element (21, 221) and one second coupling element (23, 223) for coupling the plurality of solar units (12, 212) to one another.

29. Photovoltaic roof set according to the preceding claim 28, further comprising components of a lifting system for gripping and optionally stiffening the assembled photovoltaic roof system (11) for the purpose of lifting the photovoltaic roof system (11) and placing the photovoltaic roof system (11) on a support structure (30), wherein the components of the lifting system for gripping the photovoltaic roof system (11) preferably comprise the following: - aids, in particular lifting plates (81), for detachable connection to the connecting profiles (18) and thereby stiffening the photovoltaic roof system, wherein the aids or lifting plates are preferably equipped with attachment points for load-carrying devices for a crane and / or load-carrying devices are attached to the aids or lifting plates, - Securing means 83 for releasably securing the connection between the aids, e.g. lifting plates (81), and the connecting profiles (18).

0. Assembly method for constructing a photovoltaic roof system (11, 211), in particular a preferred photovoltaic roof system according to one of claims 1-27, using components for constructing a plurality of solar units (12, 212) and for mutually coupling the solar units (12, 212), e.g. according to one of claims 33 or 34, characterized in that - a plurality of solar units are created, whereby the creation of a solar unit includes the following steps, -- optionally attaching at least one central mounting element (19, 219) to a first and a second connecting profile (18, 218), e.g. by clipping or sliding on, -- Attaching at least one side mounting element (14, 214) to each of the two end regions of each of the at least two connecting profiles (18, 218), e.g. by clipping or sliding on, -- Attaching one or more solar modules (13, 213) to the mounting elements (14, 19, 214, 219) of the two connecting profiles, preferably such that each solar module (13, 213) is gripped by at least one side mounting element (14, 214) of the first connecting profile and the second connecting profile and by at least one central mounting element (19, 219) of the first connecting profile and the second connecting profile, wherein each central mounting element (19, 219) clamps two solar modules simultaneously, - Securing or fixing the side mounting elements (14, 214) on the connecting profiles (18, 218), e.g. by clamping, screwing or welding, and - the plurality of pre-assembled solar units (12, 212) are placed in a row on two coupling elements (21, 23, 221, 223) and optionally fastened thereon.

31. Assembly method according to the preceding claim 30, characterized in that the assembled photovoltaic roof system (11, 211) or several assembled photovoltaic roof systems (11, 211) are lifted onto the supports (31, 233) of a supporting structure (30, 230), optionally after the connecting profiles (18) are additionally coupled by an auxiliary means (81) which stiffens or reinforces the connection of the solar units.

32. Assembly method according to one of the preceding claims 30 or 31, characterized in that the assembled photovoltaic roof system (11) or several assembled photovoltaic roof systems (11) are lifted onto the supports (31) of a support structure (30) and that, as soon as the solar units (12) are placed on the support structure (30), the coupling elements (21, 23) are removed and, if necessary, the solar units (12) are fastened to the supports (31) of the support structure (30) by means of fastening means (93).

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