Solar panel mounting assembly for a solar panel installation

Abstract

A solar panel mounting assembly (2) for mounting solar panels (8) is provided. The assembly (2) comprises a plurality of low supports (4) and a plurality of high supports (5) that are formed as separate elements such that a placement position of a low support (4) of the plurality of low supports (4) and a placement position of a high support (5) of the plurality of high supports (5) is adjustable along a longitudinal direction, thereby allowing the support of solar panels (8) of different sizes. The assembly (2) further comprises a plurality of solar panel retainers (6a,b,c) fastened to the low and high supports (4,5), wherein a fastening position of each lower solar panel retainer (6a,b,c) on a respective lower support (4) is adjustable along the longitudinal direction and / or a fastening position of each upper solar panel retainer (6a,b,c) on a respective high support (5) is adjustable along the longitudinal direction..

Description

Solar panel mounting assembly for a solar panel installationTechnical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a solar panel mounting assembly, a kit comprising a plurality of supports for use in the solar panel mounting assembly and a solar panel installation comprising the supports or solar panel mounting assembly.Background Art

[0002] Solar panels are used extensively on both flat and sloping surfaces and in particular on the roofs of buildings. Through the increasing demand for sustainability, on industrial sites and extensive fields or other surfaces, solar installations are installed with sometimes hundreds to tens of thousands of solar panels per installation. The solar panels are typically supported at an inclined position on the roof or another substantially flat surface by a solar panel mounting assembly to optimize the amount of power they generate.

[0003] An example of a solar panel mounting assembly is for instance known from patent document EP2530405A1 . The assembly comprises a plurality of elongated profiles arranged on a substantially flat surface in parallel to each other and spaced at a predetermined distance from each other. A plurality of supports are fastened to the elongated profiles and provided with panel clamps. The panel clamps may be connected to the supports to clamp solar panels in a landscape position along either their short edge or their long edge. Advantageously, the assembly is modular and the supports and panel clamps can be arranged in different configurations to hold solar panels in different orientations and / or hold solar panels of different types and sizes. Other examples are provided by US2024 / 079990A1 and US9831817B2.

[0004] Disadvantageously, however, the supports comprise a significant volume, making them both expensive in terms of material expenses as well as transportation costs. In addition, the supports need to be carried on top of the roof for installation, which may take time and effort due to their large size and weight.

[0005] It is a goal of the invention to provide an improved solar panel mounting assembly and / or support system for use in solar panel mounting assembly that is cheaper and / or easier to be produced, transported, and / or installed than existing systems. Alternatively, it is goal of the present invention to provide a solar panel mounting assembly and / or support system for use in a solar panel mounting assembly that otherwise improves over existing systems.Summary of Invention

[0006] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a solar panel mounting assembly for mounting solar panels of different sizes at an inclined position, the assembly comprising a plurality of low supports and a plurality of high supports for supporting one or more solar panels at an inclined position, wherein the low supports and high supports are formed as separate elements such that a placement position of a low support of the plurality of low supports and a placement position of a high support of the plurality of high supports isadjustable with respect to each other along a longitudinal direction, the assembly further comprising a plurality of lower solar panel retainers on the plurality of low supports; and a plurality of upper solar panel retainers on to the plurality of high supports, wherein a fastening position of each lower solar panel retainer on a respective lower support is adjustable along the longitudinal direction and / or wherein a fastening position of each upper solar panel retainer on a respective high support is adjustable along the longitudinal direction.

[0007] In this context, the inclined position of a solar panel refers to any position wherein the light receiving surface of a solar panel makes a non-zero angle with respect to the horizon. For the sake of explanation of the invention, it is considered that solar panels have a rectangular shape with a length larger or equal to their width. Each solar panel has two long opposing edges defined in their length direction, and two short opposing edges defined in their width direction. Typically, the solar panels are mounted in a landscape configuration, such that the long edges extend at a single substantially vertical level along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, whereas the short edges extend from a high support to a low support in the inclined plane and along the longitudinal axis. Nevertheless, it will be understood that solar panels are not necessarily rectangular, and / or that occasionally also a portrait configuration may be used. The interpretation of rectangular solar panels that are mounted in a landscape configuration should therefore only be considered as illustrative and not limiting for the invention.

[0008] Advantageously, the solar panel mounting system according to the invention comprises a separate upper support and lower support. Consequently, no large integrally formed support is required that has a size of at least the maximum width of a solar panel that it can support. The separate supports may be made using considerably less material, which saves in the material expenses with respect to support systems such as the one disclosed in EP2530405A1 wherein a single support is used for supporting both the upper edge and lower edge of a solar panel.

[0009] In addition, due to the adjustability of the placement position of the supports and the adjustability of the fastening position of the lower and / or upper solar panel retainers, the solar panel mounting assembly is suitable for mounting solar panels of many different sizes. In particular, due to the adjustability of both the placement position and the fastening position, the low supports and high supports may remain relatively compact in size while simultaneously allowing for the adjustability of solar panels having a width varying over a relatively wide range.

[0010] In an embodiment, the solar panel mounting assembly further comprises a plurality of elongate profiles extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the plurality of low supports and the plurality of high supports are configured to be engaged to the elongate profiles, and wherein a distance between an engagement position of a low support of the plurality of low supports and an engagement position of a high support of the plurality of high supports is adjustable along the longitudinal direction.

[0011] In this context, the engagement position of a support to the elongate profile is considered to directly define the placement position of the respective support to the elongate profile, since the support after engagement is fixed to the elongate profile at a single position.

[0012] Advantageously, the distance between a low support and high support is adjustable by engaging the supports at a different distance from each other. Securing the supports to a profile provides control over their alignment whilst allowing them to be made considerably more compact than combined high-and-low supports. The compactness eases production and transport and reduces material expenses. Alternatively, the high support and low support may be formed as separate elements that are directly engaged to a roof or otherwise substantially flat surface at an adjustable distance from each other. Here the term “substantially flat surface” is used to indicate any surface with an inclination that is less than the preferred support position of the solar panels, e.g., less than 5 degrees or less than 3 degrees.

[0013] Further advantageous is that the elongate profiles can be used as a mounting rail for other components of the solar panel mounting assembly and / or solar panel installation. For instance, side plates for preventing the side-entry of wind, plates for preventing the propagation of fire, back plates in a south orientation of the solar panel installation, cable holders, and / or ballast holders may be connected to the elongate profiles.

[0014] In an embodiment, the low supports and high supports comprise engagement features and the elongate profiles comprise complementary engagement features for fastening the supports to the elongate profiles. Preferably, the pair of engagement features and complementary engagement features are integrally formed with the respective elements and allow for a quick assembly and fastening without the need to use tools or other elements. Alternatively, the engagement features may comprise features such as a screw hole for fastening the supports to the elongate profiles using a screw, nut, or other fastening means.

[0015] In an embodiment, the engagement features are provided at a plurality of different positions on the elongate profiles to be able to configure the position where a low support and high support are fastened. In this way, the distance between a low support and high support can be configured. The skilled person will understand that the spacing of the complementary engagement features on the elongate profile can be made in consideration of the available range for longitudinal adjustability of a upper solar panel retainer on the high support and / or lower solar panel retainer on the low support. Preferably, the spacing is not more than a maximum range of adjustability in the longitudinal direction such that a continuous adjustment of the position the lower solar panel retainer relative to the upper solar panel retainer is possible.

[0016] In an embodiment, at least three complementary engagement features are provided on each elongate profile, wherein the at least three complementary engagement features are each spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction over a distance of at least 3 cm, or at least 5 cm or at least 10 cm. In an embodiment, the spacing of the at least three complementary engagement features may be equidistant over the full length of the elongate profile, which provides optimal flexibility during the installation as the elongate profiles may be cut to size on the installation side. It will be understood, however, that this is not required and that also non- equidistantly spaced complementary engagement features may be provided in embodiments.

[0017] In an embodiment, the length of the elongate profile is at least 2m, more preferably at least 4m. Typically, the elongate profile has a size of approximately 6m and is connected to asecond elongate profile extending along the same direction using a connector piece. Advantageously, the elongate profile or the plurality of connected elongate profiles can extend over the width of more than one solar panel. This allows larger solar panel installation systems to be installed quickly. Alternatively, a separate elongate profile may be provided for each solar panel. The elongate profile then has a length sufficient to span the distance between the high support and the low support.

[0018] In an embodiment, the solar panel mounting assembly further comprises a plurality of feet for supporting the elongate profiles above a surface or roof. The feet space the elongate profiles from the surface or roof and can thereby compensate for unevenness in the surface of the roof or other substantially flat surface. Typically, the feet are configured to have the support profiles extend in a substantially vertical plane.

[0019] In an embodiment, the solar panel mounting assembly is at least suitable for fixing solar panels having a width between 70 cm and 140 cm in a landscape orientation. Solar panels having a width within this relatively large range can be supported using the solar panel mounting assembly of the invention due to the adjustability of both the fastening position of the solar panel retainers and the engagement position and / or placement position of the supports. Advantageously, the same supports and solar panel mounting assembly components may be used in a large number of different solar panel installations. This increases the flexibility of their use and allows for distribution and manufacture in larger numbers. Typically, the length of a solar panel is between 150 cm and 300 cm.

[0020] In an embodiment, each of the low supports and / or high supports is formed from a single sheet of material. Here the term “sheet” is used to indicate the shape of the product wherein the thickness is generally significantly smaller, e.g., at least 50 or at least 100 times as small as the length and width of the sheet. For example, in an embodiment, the thickness is a few millimeters whereas the sheet has a width between 8 cm and 20 cm, and a length between 0.5 and 1 m and is used to form a high support. For a low support, a sheet having a width between 8 cm and 20 cm, a length between 0.3 m and 0.5 m and a thickness of a few millimetres may be used. Forming the supports from a single sheet of material makes them easy to manufacture. The supports may be serially produced, wherein cut-outs, notches, and bends are introduced to the sheet in a step-by-step fashion. This results in an easy production line setup and rapid production. Preferably, the supports are produced from a single type of material and therefore, can be easily recycled lowering negative environmental impact.

[0021] In an embodiment, the low supports and high supports are made of a metal or metal alloy, preferably steel. Steel has the required strength and stiffness to support the solar panels even when made of a thin layer of material.

[0022] In an embodiment, the at least two high supports and / or the at least two low supports are nestable. Here the term “nestable” refers to the possibility to at least partially slide the supports into each other to form a compact stack. Supports that are nestable require significantly less space during storage or transport. In embodiments, a low support may also be nestable in ahigh support. However, typically a plurality of low supports will be nested with each other, and separately, a plurality of high supports will be nested with each other.

[0023] In an embodiment, each high support comprises a first body part forming a supporting surface for a solar panel and a second body part providing the connection between the first body part and the substantially flat surface or elongate profile, wherein an angle between the first body part and the second body part is between 90 and 180 degrees. The high supports may be stacked by arranging an upper surface of a first body part of a first support to abut a lower surface of a first body part of a second support. Due to the angle larger than 90 degrees, the respective second body parts also abut and a compact stack may be formed.

[0024] In an embodiment, each low support comprises a first body part forming a supporting surface for a solar panel and a second body part providing the connection between the first body part and the substantially flat surface or elongate profile, wherein an angle between the first body part and the second body part is between 90 and 180 degrees. The low supports may be stacked by arranging an upper surface of a first body part of a first support to abut a lower surface of a first body part of a second support. Due to the angle larger than 90 degrees, the respective second body parts also abut and a compact stack may be formed.

[0025] In an embodiment, the solar panel mounting assembly is configured to support the solar panels at an angle between 5 and 35 degrees with respect to the horizon, preferably at an angle between 5 and 15 degrees, more preferably at an angle between 8 and 12 degrees. Typically, the solar panels in a solar panel installation are configured to make an angle between 5 and 35 degrees with respect to the horizon, as this optimizes the energy yield in most European countries. It will be understood by the skilled person that the optimal angle is dependent on the geographical position and specifically the latitude of the location where the solar panel installation is installed. The solar panel mounting assembly is structurally not limited to any angle and the height of the supports may be adjusted for supporting the solar panels at any angle. In embodiments, the solar panel mounting assembly may be designed to support a solar panel at a certain pre-defined angle dependent on the location of the solar panel installation system.

[0026] The lower solar panel retainers and upper solar panel retainers may have a variety of different shapes. Moreover, they may formed as separate elements are integrally with the respective support. In an embodiment, a lower solar panel retainer or upper solar panel retainer retains an element by preventing its movement in a direction along the plane of the inclined surface. For example, the solar panel retainer may be a stop edge or hook on the support for preventing the solar panel from sliding downwards along the inclined plane. Alternatively, the solar panel retainer may be a separate element that can be fastened at one or more different positions on the support. In an embodiment, the lower solar panel retainer or upper solar panel retainer is formed integrally with the respective support. It will be understood that in embodiments, one of the lower solar panel retainer and the upper solar panel retainer may be formed integrally with the support, while the other one of the lower solar panel retainer and upper solar panel retainer is formed as a separate element.

[0027] Alternatively, or in addition, the retainer may prevent movement of a solar panel in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inclined plane of the solar panel by clamping the solar panel to a low support or high support and / or by providing a retainer that is configured to at least partially cover a top surface of the solar panel.

[0028] In an embodiment, the lower solar panel retainer and / or upper solar panel retainer are formed as a clamp. The clamp may be formed as a separate element or formed integrally with the respective support. The clamp may actively clamp the top surface of a solar panel around the lower edge and / or the upper edge and thereby prevent that the solar panel is lifted from the solar panel mounting assembly by uplift forces. Further advantageous to the use of one or more clamps is that a solar panel retainer with a relatively small contact surface may be used.

[0029] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of lower solar panel retainers comprises a fastening feature and each low support comprises a complementary fastening feature for fastening the lower solar panel retainers. The term “fastening feature” is used to indicate any feature that may be used for the fastening of the solar panel retainers to a respective support. For example, one or more recessed portions, grooves, or slots that are provided in a supporting surface of the supports. Alternatively, protruding portions such as folded edges of a sheet-like material may be used. In addition, in embodiments, the fastening features may also result from a specific shape of the low or high support, wherein a retainer may for instance be clamped around the edges of a supporting surface of the low support or high support. Preferably, the fastening features allow for adjustability over a continuous range.

[0030] In an embodiment, the fastening features provide an adjustability of the solar panel retainer position over a range of at least 5 cm, preferably at least 8 cm. Preferably, such adjustability is obtained on both the low support and the high support as this results in a larger adjustability range. In embodiments, however, only the panel retainer on one of the low support and high support may have such adjustability. The adjustability over a large range to compensate for variations in the size of the solar panels is covered by the adjustability of the distance between a high support and a low support.

[0031] In an embodiment, the fastening position of each lower solar panel retainer on a respective lower support and / or each upper solar panel retainer on a respective high support is further adjustable along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Advantageously, the precise position of a low or high support along the transverse axis is not important as the fastening positions on the support can compensate for the misalignment due to the adjustability of the fastening position. Such variability is particularly advantageous when solar panels are supported along their short edges in a landscape orientation. An upper solar panel retainer or lower solar panel retainer may then be used to simultaneously clamp the short edges of two adjacent panels.

[0032] In addition, the high and low support elements according to the invention can be used in many different arrangements. The person installing the solar panel mounting assembly can always use the same components. This is beneficial as it simplifies the logistics in transporting thesolar panel mounting assembly to the installation site, makes the installation process itself faster as components do not need to be sorted, and it allows for a mass production of the supports.

[0033] In an embodiment, the first engagement features provide an adjustability of the panel clamp in the transverse direction over a range of at least 3 cm, or at least 5cm. This is typically sufficient to cover misalignments of the support elements.

[0034] In an embodiment, the low support and / or high support has one or more grooves in the supporting surface of a respective support, the grooves extending in both the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction. Advantageously, a solar panel retainer can be engaged at any position along the one or more grooves, which allows for a continuous adjustability in the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction dependent on the configuration of the groove. The grooves may for instance be formed by separate cuts in a sheet of material and / or may partially overlap or intersect, such as a “T”-shaped groove, or a groove in the shape of a cross. Here the term “extending” in the longitudinal or transverse direction does not mean that the engagement feature is arranged in parallel to either of the directions. Instead, the groove may be oriented in any other direction, or for instance be an arc-shaped groove and simultaneously extend in both the longitudinal and transverse direction.

[0035] In an embodiment, the high support and / or the low support are substantially mirror symmetric in the longitudinal direction. Here the term “substantially” symmetric refers to symmetry with respect to the features relevant for supporting the solar panels. Additional features on the supports, such as cable clamps or ballast holders may be provided non-symmetrically on a support.

[0036] In a further embodiment the high support and / or the low support are substantially mirror symmetric in the transverse direction. This is particularly advantageous for solar systems in a so- called east-west orientation as the high support or low support can simultaneously support solar panels in different rows of an array.

[0037] In an embodiment, the high support and / or the low support are configured to simultaneously support up to four solar panels. This is particularly advantageous in east-west systems, yet it will be understood that the supports may also be used in solar panel installation systems with a south orientation.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the invention, and in accordance with the effects and advantages of the invention as described herein above, there is provided a plurality of supports for use in a solar panel mounting assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the supports are nested to form one or more compact stacks. Typically, a separate stack of high supports and a separate stack of low supports is used. In an embodiment, the supports are all low supports, or all high supports. Nevertheless, in an embodiment, a stack may also be formed by nesting a low support in a high support.

[0039] According to yet another aspect of the invention, and in accordance with the effects and advantages of the invention as described herein above, there is provided a solar panel installation comprising a solar panel mounting assembly according to the invention.

[0040] In an embodiment, the solar panels are fastened in a landscape orientation, wherein the solar panels are supported along at least a long edge of the solar panels. This is the typical configuration which has been shown to be most efficient in practice.

[0041] In a further embodiment, each solar panel is supported by exactly two low supports and exactly two high supports. The support of the solar panels may be adjacent to a short edge of the solar panel, yet may also be provided along intermediate positions of the solar panel. Alternatively, three or more supports of each type may be provided. Nevertheless, this requires more supports per panel and thus increases the costs of the solar panel installation. Supporting solar panels having a length of at least 2m requires supporting the panels at a position away from their short edges. For example, supports may be provided at positions corresponding to approximately % and % of the length of a solar panel to better support the solar panels.

[0042] In embodiments, the solar panels are fastened in an east-west orientation or a south orientation. It will be understood by the skilled person when to use which system. Importantly, the high supports and / or low supports according to the invention can be designed dependent on the intended use in a east-west or south system.

[0043] According to yet another aspect of the invention and in accordance with the effects and advantages of the invention as described herein above, there is provided a kit comprising a plurality of low supports, a plurality of high supports, a plurality of lower solar panel retainers, and a plurality of upper solar panel retainers for use in an assembly as described above.

[0044] In embodiments, the kit may further comprise a plurality of elongate profiles, a cable clamp; a side plate; a back plate; a plate for slowing down the propagation of fire; and / or a ballast holder.Brief Description of Drawings

[0045] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts. In the drawings, like numerals designate like elements. Multiple instances of an element may each include separate letters appended to the reference number. For example, two instances of a particular element “20” may be labeled as “20a” and “20b”. The reference number may be used without an appended letter (e.g. “20”) to generally refer to an unspecified instance or to all instances of that element, while the reference number will include an appended letter (e.g. “20a”) to refer to a specific instance of the element.

[0046] Figure 1 A schematically shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a solar panel installation mounted using a solar panel mounting assembly.

[0047] Figures 1 B and 1 C show a detail of a low support of the solar panel mounting assembly in the solar panel installation in Fig. 1 A.

[0048] Figures 1 D and 1 E show a detail of a high support of the solar panel mounting assembly in the solar panel installation in Fig. 1 A.

[0049] Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a solar panel installation mounted using a solar panel mounting assembly.

[0050] Figures 3A and 3B show different arrangements of a solar panel mounting assembly dependent on the size of the solar panel that is mounted.

[0051] Figure 4A schematically shows a partial perspective view of yet another embodiment of a solar panel installation mounted using a solar panel mounting assembly according to the invention.

[0052] Figure 4B shows a detail of a high support and upper solar panel retainer in the solar panel installation in Fig. 4A.

[0053] Figure 4C shows a detail of a low support and lower solar panel retainer in the solar panel installation in Fig. 4A.

[0054] Figure 5 presents a side view of a stack of high supports according to a further embodiment.

[0055] Figures 6A and 6B present a side view and perspective view of a stack of high supports according to yet another embodiment.

[0056] Figures 7 A and 7B present a side view and perspective view of a stack of low supports according to yet another embodiment.

[0057] The figures are meant for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve as restriction of the scope or the protection as laid down by the claims.Description of Embodiments

[0058] The following is a description of certain embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the figures.

[0059] Figure 1 A schematically shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a solar panel installation system 1 comprising a solar panel mounting assembly 2 according to the invention and a plurality of solar panels 8. The solar panels 8 are mounted in a landscape-orientation in an east-west configuration.

[0060] Each solar panel 8 comprises a rectangular frame member 81 and a light receiving surface 82. The rectangular frame member 81 has two opposing short edges 83-1 , 83-2 having a length of approximately 1.13 m each, and two opposing long edges 84-1 , 84-2 having a length of approximately 2.45 m each. Two solar panels have been removed from the solar panel installation system 1 to better show elements of the support panel mounting assembly 2 below.

[0061] The solar panel mounting assembly 2 comprises a plurality of elongated profiles 3 extending in a longitudinal direction X, a plurality of low supports 4, a plurality of high supports 5, a plurality of lower solar panel retainers 6a, 6b, 6c, a plurality of upper solar panel retainers 16a, 16b, 16c, and a plurality of feet 7. A transverse axis Y extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and is also indicated. A vertical axis perpendicular to the X-Y-plane is indicated with “Z”.

[0062] The feet 7 can be placed on a roof or another substantially flat surface and are configured to carry the elongated profiles 3. The feet 7 are arranged in such a way that the elongated profiles 3 are spaced from each other along the transverse direction Y at a predetermined distance of approximately half a panel length from each other. In the depictedembodiment, the elongated profiles 3 are thus spaced over a distance of approximately 1 ,23m from each other.

[0063] The low supports 4 and high supports 5 are connected to the elongated profiles 3 and arranged to support the solar panels 8 at a position near the short edges 83 of the solar panel 8, and at a middle line or midpoint of the long edge 84 of the solar panel 8. The engagement position of the low supports 4 and the high supports 5 to the elongate profile 3 is adjustable, such that the solar panel mounting assembly 2 can be used to support solar panels of different sizes, in particular solar panels having a different width.

[0064] Three lower solar panel retainers 6a, 6b, 6c are provided as panel clamps for retaining the solar panel 8 at or near their lower edge. Two of the lower solar panel retainers 6a, 6c are arranged to engage the solar panel 8 along their short edges 83-1 , 83-2, and one lower solar panel retainer 6b engages the solar panel around its lower long edge 84-2. The panel clamps are all identical to each other.

[0065] Three upper solar panel retainers 16a, 16b, 16c are provided as panel clamps for retaining the solar panel 8 at or near their upper edge 84-1 . Two of the lower solar panel retainers 16a, 16c are arranged to engage the solar panel 8 along their short edges 83-1 , 83-2, and one upper solar panel retainer 6b engages the solar panel around its upper long edge 84-1 . The panel clamps are all identical to each other.

[0066] Advantageously, the solar panel mounting assembly 2 supports the solar panels not only near the short edges 83, but also at a midpoint of each long edge 84 of a solar panel 8. For solar panels 8 having a certain length, e.g., solar panels 8 having a length of at least 2 m, such additional support is needed since the solar panels 8 are not sufficiently stiff to only be supported at their short edges 83. It will be understood, however, that as long as the panel is supported somewhere along the long edges 84 to ensure that the maximum distance between adjacent low supports 4 or adjacent high supports 5 is less than approximately 2 m, this is sufficient.Preferably, the maximum distance between adjacent low supports 4 or adjacent high supports 5 is less than 1 ,5m, and more preferably, the lower panel retainer 6 and upper panel retainer 16 are arranged approximately at the midpoint of a long edge 84.

[0067] Advantageous to the solar panel mounting assembly 2 is that all low supports 4 are of the same type, independently of whether they are used for supporting a solar panel 8 at its short edge 83, or at a midpoint or another position along its long edge 84. Similarly, all high supports 5 are of the same type, independent of their use for supporting a solar panel 8 at its short edge 83, or at a midpoint or other position along its long edge 84. This is beneficial as it simplifies the installation process and fewer different components need to be produced and / or kept in stock. A skilled person that is installing the solar panel installation system 1 cannot confuse different types of low supports 4 with each other and / or different types of high supports 5 with each other.

[0068] Figures 1 B and 1 C show details of low supports 4a and 4b as indicated in Fig. 1 A. Figure 1 B shows a detail of a low support 4a where a lower solar panel retainer 6a is applied to fasten a solar panel 8 along its short edge 83. Figure 1C shows a detail of an identical low support 4b where another lower solar panel retainer 6b is applied to fasten a solar panel 8 along its longlower edge 84-2. The lower solar panel retainers 6a, 6b are identically shaped panel clamps, yet mounted to the respective low supports 4a, 4b at a different position and with a different orientation.

[0069] The depicted solar panel retainers 6a, 6b, are so-called end-clamps which are configured to clamp a single solar panel 8 only. Typically a different type of solar panel retainer may be provided between abutting short edges 83 of two adjacent solar panels. Such solar panel retainers are referred to as intermediate clamps, which are configured to clamp solar panels on both sides of the clamp. The engagement features allow for the engagement of both end clamps and intermediate clamps.

[0070] Each low support 4a, 4b is engaged with an elongated profile 3a, 3b. The elongate profile 3 is an extruded profile made of aluminum and having a length of approximately 6m. A plurality of engagement features 31 are provided along its top surface for connecting the feet 7, low supports 4, and high supports 5 thereto (see Fig. 1 A). The engagement features 31 are spaced along the longitudinal direction over a distance of approximately five centimeters from each other to provide an adjustability in the distance between a low support 4 and high support 5 over the same amount.

[0071] The low support 4 is made of a sheet of steel and formed into its shape using punching and bending. The low support has 4 has a first flat body part 41 , a second flat body part 42 that is integrally formed with the first flat body part 41 and bent at an angle of approximately 120 degrees with respect to the first flat body part 42. The low support further comprises a front flange 43, a back flange 44, a right rim 45, a left rim 46, one or more screw holes 47, a pair of engagement features 48-1 , 48-2, a pair of longitudinal grooves 61 -1 , 61 -2, a pair of transverse grooves 62-1 , 62-2, and recesses 71 , 72. The right and left rims 45, 46 are bent with respect to the first and second flat body parts 41 , 42. This prevents sharp edges that could damage a lower surface of a solar panel 8, and furthermore provides a connective portion for other elements of the solar panel mounting assembly 2, such as wind plates or other side plates (not shown). Such plates may be arranged to abut the right or left rim 45,46, and fixed thereto using screw, bolts, or other fasteners. One or more screw holes 47 or other attachment features may be provided on each of the right rim 45 or left rim 46 to facilitate an easy connection to such plates and / or other additional elements.

[0072] The front flange 43 and back flange 44 are configured to be arranged on a top surface of the elongated profile 3 and comprise the engagement features 48-1 , 48-2 that are configured to provide an easy connection with the complementary engagement features 31 of the elongated profiles. In the depicted embodiment, the complementary engagement features 31 are slots, and the engagement features 48 on the low support 4 comprise protruding hooks that are configured to hook into the slots. Due to the flexibility and resilience of the material and shape of the low support 4, a connection may be made without the use of any tools or equipment. Typically, the low support 4 may be clicked or snapped onto the elongated profile 3 making a rectilinear movement, or other straightforward movement. It is advantageous that this action can be performed by a single person, without the assistance of colleagues, or the use of additional toolsas it speeds up the installation process. Moreover, it reduces the amount of equipment that the person installing the solar panel installation needs to carry onto the roof. In addition, the assembly of the solar panel mounting assembly 2 is intuitive such that no training or specialized personnel is required for the installation.

[0073] The first flat body part 41 is configured to be substantially aligned with the light receiving surface 82 of a solar panel 8 and / or to abut a lower surface of the solar panel 8. In use, a top surface of the first flat body part 41 forms a supporting surface for a solar panel. The first flat body part 41 comprises the pair of longitudinal grooves 61-1 , 61-2, and the pair of transverse grooves 62-1 , 62-2. The grooves 61 , 62 are arranged to provide a flexible fastening position for the lower solar panel retainers 6. In Fig. 1 B, a lower solar panel retainer 6a is fastened to the low support 4a through its engagement in the transverse grooves 62. In Fig. 1C, an identical lower solar panel retainer 6b is fastened to the low support 4b through its engagement in the longitudinal grooves 61 .

[0074] The lower solar panel retainers 6 may be fastened in a groove 61 , 62 at any fastening position along the respective groove. The transverse grooves 62 provide the flexibility to compensate for an imprecise alignment in the spacing of adjacent elongated profiles 3 with respect to each other. The length of the transverse grooves 62 is approximately 5 cm. The longitudinal grooves 61 provide for the flexibility to use solar panels with different widths. The length of the longitudinal groove 61 is approximately 8 cm, thereby allowing for an adjustability in the fastening position of the fastening element over approximately 5 cm. Recesses 71 , 72 are provided between the pairs of longitudinal grooves 61 and transverse grooves to provide space for a bolt or screw extending from a lower surface of the panel clamp 6.

[0075] Figures 1 D and 1 E show details of high supports 5a and 5b as indicated in Fig. 1 A. Figure 1 D shows a detail of a high support 5a where a first upper solar panel retainer 16a is arranged to fasten a solar panel 8 along one of its short edges 83. Figure 1 E shows a detail of an identical high support 5b where a second upper solar panel retainer 16b is arranged to fasten a solar panel 8 along its long edge 84. The upper solar panel retainers 16a, 16b are identical, yet mounted to the respective high supports 5a, 5b at a different position and in a different orientation. The upper solar panel retainers 16 are end clamps, and as previously explained may also be intermediate clamps dependent on their position in the solar panel installation system 1 .

[0076] The high support 5 is made of a sheet of steel and formed into its shape using punching and bending. The high support 5 has first and second flat central body parts 51-1 , 51-2, first and second flat outer body parts 52-1 , 52-2, a front flange 53, a back flange 54, a right rim 55, a left rim 56, a pair of engagement features 58-1 , 58-2, a cable clamp 59, and a tie wrap holder 60. The first and second flat central body parts 51-1 , 51-2 are separated from each other along a central line C of the support 5. The support 5 is symmetric. In the depicted embodiment, a rotational symmetry is provided. Nevertheless, in other embodiments the support 5 may alternatively or in addition be mirror-symmetric in the central line C.

[0077] The flat central body parts 51 are substantially rectangular and connected to the respective first and second flat outer body parts 52 at an angle of approximately 120 degrees. In use, a top surface of a central body part 51 forms a supporting surface for a solar panel.

[0078] The first and second flat central body parts 51 b each comprise a pair of longitudinal grooves 63b-1 , 63b-2 and transverse grooves 64b-1 , 64b-2 (see Fig. 1 E). These grooves 63b, 64b function as fastening features for fastening upper solar panel retainers 16 to the high support 5. The solar panel retainers 16 may be engaged in a groove 63b-1 , 63b-2, 64b-1 , 64b-2, at any position along the respective grooves. Thereby flexibility is provided to compensate for imprecise alignments in the distance of elongated profiles 3 with respect to each other and / or for different sizes of solar panels 8.

[0079] The longitudinal grooves 63b-1 , 63b-2 have a length of approximately 5 cm, thereby allowing for an adjustability of an upper solar panel retainer 16 over a range of approximately 5 cm as well. Consequently, the relative fastening position of an upper solar panel retainer 16 on a high support 5 relative to a lower solar panel retainer 6 on a low support 4 can be varied over a range of approximately 13 cm. This is more than sufficient considering that the engagement position of a high support or low support to the elongate profile is adjustable with steps of 5 cm.

[0080] The pairs of transverse grooves 64b-1 , 64b-2 have a length of approximately 5 cm, which is sufficient to compensate for misalignments and / or an imprecise spacing of the elongated profiles 3. Recesses 73b, 74b are provided between the pairs of grooves to provide space for a bolt or screw extending from a lower surface of the panel clamp 6.

[0081] Advantageous to the symmetry of the high support 5, is that it makes the high support 5 suitable for the arrangement of solar panels in a symmetric fashion in an “east-west” setup. Here the term “east-west” setup is used to refer to a system whereby in alternation, the sloping surface of a first solar panel faces the east and a second solar panel with a sloping surface faces west. The skilled person will understand that the panels must be installed approximately in the east and west wind direction, but that depending on the positioning of the essentially flat surface, the precise position of the panels may deviate. To achieve an east-west setup, the low supports are alternately rotated over 180 degrees. The high supports 5 do not need to be rotated due to their symmetry. Each high support 5 can support up to four solar panels as depicted in Fig. 1 A, i.e., up to two solar panels in two different inclined planes. It will be understood by the skilled person that also the low supports could be designed in a way to simultaneously support four solar panels. The distance between adjacent rows of solar panels is then automatically determined and the person installing the system cannot make any errors in this.

[0082] The high support 5 further comprises a plurality of auxiliary elements for organizing cables to and from the solar panels 8. On the outer body parts 52, some cable clamps 59 and tiewrap holders 60 are provided. In embodiments, also only cable clamps 59, or only tie-wrap holders 60, or no auxiliary elements 59,60 at all may be provided. Alternatively, such auxiliary elements may also be provided on the low supports and / or directly fastened to the elongate profiles 3 using separate holders. In the depicted embodiment, the auxiliary elements 59, 60 for organizing cables are formed through the punching and bending of a portion in the sheet material.

[0083] An important aspect of the solar panel mounting assembly 2 is that the design makes the system flexible for application over a wide range of differently sized solar panels, and for different configurations of the installation. The embodiment depicted in Fig. 1 shows a system wherein the solar panels are clamped using solar panel retainers on their short and long edges. Figure 2 shows an alternative configuration of the solar panel mounting assembly 102 according to an alternative embodiment. Features of the support system 102 that have already been described above with reference to the first embodiment above may also be present in the systems shown in Fig. 2 and will not all be discussed here again. For the discussion with reference to Fig. 2, like features are designated with similar reference numerals preceded by 100 to distinguish the embodiments.

[0084] Importantly, the elongated profiles 103, low supports 104, high supports 105, lower solar panel retainers 106, upper solar panel retainers 116, feet 107, and solar panels 108 are all identical to the first embodiment. The difference between the assemblies 2, 102 according to the embodiments results from the different assembly of the individual elements.

[0085] According to the second embodiment in Fig. 2, the low supports 104 and high supports 105 are arranged to support the solar panels 8 at a position of approximately % and % of the total length I of a solar panel 8. All supports 104,105 are therefore configured to support the solar panels 108 along their long edges 184-1 ; 184-2 . This corresponds to the situation as depicted in Fig. 1 C for the low support 4 and Fig. 1 E for the high support 5.

[0086] Fig. 3A-3B illustrate a side view of two variations to the first embodiment of the solar panel installation with solar panel retainers on both the short edges and the long edges. Features of the solar panel installation that have already been described above with reference to the first embodiment above may also be present in the systems shown in Fig. 3A and 3B and will not all be discussed here again. For the discussion with reference to Fig. 3A and 3B, like features are designated with similar reference numerals preceded by 200 and 300 to distinguish the embodiments.

[0087] The solar panel mounting assemblies 202, 302 in both embodiments comprises the same elements, only the distance between the low supports 204, 304 and high supports 205, 305 along the longitudinal direction X is different. The complementary engagement features 231 , 331 on a longitudinal profile 203, 303 are spaced from each other over a distance of approximately 5 cm along the longitudinal direction X.

[0088] In the assemblies 202, 203 in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, solar panels 208, 308 are mounted in an east-west setup. As such, the low supports 204, 304 are alternatingly rotated over 180 degrees to alternatingly mount panels in an east orientation, and in a west orientation.

[0089] In Fig. 3A, the front flange 243a of a first low support 204a is spaced from the front flange 243c of a second low support 204c in the same orientation along the longitudinal direction over a distance of 2.3m. As such, the total length required in the longitudinal direction for mounting two solar panels, i.e., one east panel and one west panel, is approximately 2.3 m.

[0090] The flat body parts 241a, 241 b of the low supports 204a, 204b and the flat central body parts 251-1 , 251-2 of the high support 205 are arranged to support the solar panels 208 frombelow at an angle (p of approximately 11 degrees with respect to the substantially flat surface or roof. In the depicted configuration, any panel with a width between approximately 0.93 m and 1 .05 m may be mounted in this configuration. The adjustability of the position of the solar panel retainers 6, 16 in the pairs of longitudinal grooves enable this.

[0091] Particular advantageous to the solar panel mounting assembly 2, 102, 202, 302 is that the components may also be arranged to support solar panels of different width. In the system in Fig. 3B, the distance between the high support 305 and low support 304 is adjusted. The front flange 343a of a first low support 304a is spaced from the front flange 343c of a second low support 304c along the longitudinal direction wherein the elongated profile 303 extends. The respective front flanges 343 are spaced from each other over a distance of 2.7m. As such, the total length required in the longitudinal direction for mounting two solar panel is approximately 2.7 m. In the depicted embodiments, the longitudinal profiles 203, 303 are integrally formed and have a length of approximately 2.3 m and 2.7 m, respectively. Nevertheless, it will be understood that the profiles 203, 303 may also have a different length and are not necessarily integrally formed. In embodiments, connector pieces may be provided to interconnect a plurality of longitudinal profiles.

[0092] The flat body parts 341a, 341 b of the low supports 304a, 304b and the flat central body parts 351-1 , 351-2 of the high support 305 are arranged to support the solar panels 8 from below at an angle (p of approximately 9 degrees with respect to the substantially flat surface or roof.

[0093] The supports 304,305 are shaped for the supporting surface to make an angle of approximately 10 degrees with the elongate profile. Hence the solar panels 208, 308, which are supported at an angle of 11 degrees, respectively 9 degrees, are not arranged precisely in parallel to the supporting surfaces of the low supports and high supports, but only substantially parallel to them. Nevertheless, due to the very small deviations of maximum +3 degrees or -3 degrees, this yields no negative effects. A panel clamp that is fastened in one of the longitudinal or transversal grooves can still provide a sufficiently strong clamp on the solar panel. Advantageously, due to the very small deviations only, the clamp is considered to be substantially perpendicular. Herein a substantially perpendicular clamp means that a force is exerted by the clamp substantially perpendicular to the frame or surface of the solar panel.

[0094] In the configuration in Fig. 3B, solar panels can be supported with a width between approximately 1.13 m and 1.25. The adjustability of the solar panel retainers in the longitudinal grooves 161 , 163 enables this.

[0095] Figure 4A shows a solar panel installation 401 and solar panel mounting assembly 402 according to an alternative embodiment. Figures 4B and 4C show details of a high support 405 and low support 404. The depicted orientation is a so-called south setup, wherein the inclined plane of all solar panels 408 faces in the same direction. Features of the solar panel mounting assembly 402 that have already been described above with reference to one of the other embodiments above may also be present in the system shown in Fig. 4A-4C and will not all be discussed here again. For the discussion with reference to Fig. 4A-4C, like features are designated with similar reference numerals preceded by 400 to distinguish the embodiments.

[0096] The solar panel mounting assembly 402 is configured for holding solar panels 408 along their long edges 484. The solar panel mounting assembly 402 has a plurality of elongate profiles 403, low supports 404, high supports 405, lower solar panel retainers 406, upper solar panel retainers 416, and feet 407. The fastening position of each lower solar panel retainer 406 on a respective lower support 404 is adjustable along the longitudinal direction X but no adjustability is provided along the transverse direction Y. The fastening position of each upper solar panel retainer 416 on a respective high support 405 is fixed in both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0097] The elongate profiles 403 are provided with engagement features 431 complementary to engagement features on the supports 404,405. The engagement features 431 are equidistantly spaced along the longitudinal direction X at approximately 5 cm from each other. The fastening position of each lower solar panel retainer 406 on a respective lower support 404 is adjustable along the longitudinal direction X over a range of 5 cm and with steps of approximately 0.5 cm each. Consequently, solar panels 408 of any size and within a continuous range may be fastened.

[0098] The lower solar panel retainer 406 is shaped as a transverse support beam that extends in the transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. In the depicted embodiment, the lower solar panel retainer 406a at the end of the row supports the lower edge 484-2 of only one solar panel 408, whereas a lower solar panel retainer 406b arranged at an intermediate position simultaneously supports two solar panels. Dependent on its length and the configuration, however, a single solar panel retainer 406 may be arranged to support any number of solar panels. For instance one, two, three, four, or five solar panels. Advantageously, the support beams in the configuration of Fig. 4A interconnect adjacent low supports 404 to prevent sliding of the system in a transverse direction. Alternatively, or in addition, additional elongated profiles 403 may be provided at the two lateral outer ends of the solar panel installation, such that at both ends a panel clamp along a short edge 483 of a solar panel 8 may be provided. Such a clamp may be for instance a clamp as discussed with reference to the embodiment in Fig. 1A-1 E. Placement of a clamp at the end of a row also prevents displacements of the solar panels 408 along the transverse direction Y.

[0099] Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C respectively show details of a high support 405 and upper solar panel retainer 416, and a low support 404 and lower solar panel retainer 406 in the solar panel installation in Fig. 4A.

[0100] The high support 405 is made of a sheet of steel and formed into its shape using punching and bending. The high support 405 is symmetric and has first and second flat central body parts 451-1 , 451-2, first and second flat outer body parts 452-1 , 452-2, a right rim 455, and a left rim 456. The first and second flat central body parts 451 each comprise a pair of a fastening feature 463 for fastening an upper solar panel retainer 416 to the high support 405. The fastening features 463 are formed as bent cut-out portions of the flat central body parts that allow the upper panel retainers 416 to be snapped in.

[0101] The flat central body parts 451 are substantially rectangular and connected to the respective first and second flat outer body parts 452 at an angle of approximately 120 degreesthrough a transition area 449. Consequently, the high support 405 is nestable with other high supports 405 of the same type.

[0102] The upper solar panel retainer 416 comprises a supporting body 476 and a clamping body (not shown) which may be connected to the supporting body 476 at a preferred position along the transverse axis to clamp a solar panel 408 to the supporting body 476. The supporting body 476 extends along the upper edge 484-1 over a distance of at least 35 cm to thereby provide sufficient support over the long edge 484 of the solar panel 408. Advantageously, the clamping bodies can be of a relatively simple design. In addition, as no adjustability of the fastening position in the transverse direction Y is provided directly on the support 405 itself, this allows the high support to be relatively light and made of little material.

[0103] Fig. 4B shows that the high support 405 is symmetric, even though a south configuration is used. Advantageously, due to the symmetric design and provision of fastening features 463 on both supporting surfaces of the high support 405, the high support could also be used in an east west configuration. Advantageously, fewer different components need to be produced and / or kept in stock which reduces the costs.

[0104] Fig. 4C depicts a detail of the low support 404. The low support 404 is made of a sheet of steel and formed into its shape using punching and bending. The low support has 404 has a first flat body part 441 and a second flat body part 442 that is integrally formed with the first flat body part 441 and bent at an angle of approximately 120 degrees with respect to the first flat body part 442. The low support 404 further comprises a plurality of openings 461 for fastening the lower solar panel retainers 406 at different fastening positions along the longitudinal direction X and a pair of engagement features 448 for engaging the support 404 to the elongate profile 403. The openings 461 are shaped complementary to fastening features on the lower solar panel retainers and are spaced from each other over a distance of approximately 0.5 cm. The lower solar panel retainer 406 is formed similar as the upper solar panel retainer 416 and comprises a supporting body 466 and a clamping body 467 connectable to the supporting body 466. An angle between the first flat body part 441 and second flat body part 442 is again 120 degrees.

[0105] An important advantage of the design of the supports according to the invention is that in embodiments, the supports are nestable. Figure 5 shows a stack 550 of high supports 505 according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Features of the high supports 505 that have already been described above with reference to any of the other embodiments may also be present in the high support 505 shown in Fig. 5 and will not all be discussed here again. For the discussion with reference to Fig. 5, like features are designated with similar reference numerals preceded by 500 to distinguish the embodiments.

[0106] The high support 505 comprises a first body part 551 forming a supporting surface for a solar panel and a second body part 552 configured to provide the connection between the first body part 551 and the substantially flat surface or elongate profile. The angle a between the first body part 551 and the second body part 552 is approximately 120 degrees. Advantageously, this is between 90 and 180 degrees which allows a plurality of high supports 505 of the same type to be packed in a nested way and brought to the installation site. The front flanges 553 and backflanges 554 face downwards and are configured to engage the side of an elongate profile. The flanges 553, 554 further act as a spacer when stacking the supports 505. The distance between supports 505 in the stack 550 is typically approximately 5 cm, and in embodiments at least less than 10 cm or less than 8 cm. In particular, since relatively little space on a transportation vehicle is required, less vehicles and / or smaller vehicles would be needed to bring all the necessary material to the installation site.

[0107] Fig. 6A and 6B show an embodiment of a stack 650 of high supports 605. Fig. 6A shows a side view of the stack 650 and Fig. 6B shows a perspective view of the same. Features of the high supports 605 that have already been described above with reference to any of the other embodiments may also be present in the high support 605 shown in Fig. 6A and 6B and will not all be discussed here again. For the discussion with reference to Fig. 6A and 6B, like features are designated with similar reference numerals preceded by 600 to distinguish the embodiments.

[0108] The stack 650 has ten high supports 605 of the same type nested and stacked)together. In the depicted stack 650, the ten high supports 605 have a combined maximum stack height equal to approximately two times the height of a single high support 605. Hence, the stack 650 provides the advantage of compact packing which allows at least ten high supports 605 to be placed in the space required fortwo high supports 605 if the latter were not to be nested. An approximate stacking ratio of 10:2 (or 5:1) is obtained. Here the stacking ratio is defined as the number of supports 605 that in a stacked and nested configuration fit the maximum height of a single support 605. Preferably, the stacking ratio is at least 2:1 , more preferably at least 3:1 or at least 5:1. It will be understood that the higher the ratio is, the more compact the stack 650 is.

[0109] A high stacking ratio facilitates the ease of movement / transportation of the high supports 605 and (also) the solar panel mounting assembly 602. Particularly, this is advantageous in the scenario of the user assembling the solar panel mounting assembly 602 on a roof or substantially flat surface which may be difficult to access. Here, the compact e high support stack 650 is easy to carry onto a roof, thus also improving the ease of assembly.

[0110] Fig. 7 shows a detail of an embodiment of a stack 750 of the low supports 704. Fig. 7A shows a side view of the stack 750 and Fig. 7B shows a perspective view of the same. Features of the low supports 704 that have already been described above with reference to any of the other embodiments may also be present in the low support 704 shown in Fig. 7 and will not all be discussed here again. For the discussion with reference to Fig. 7, like features are designated with similar reference numerals preceded by 700 to distinguish the embodiments.

[0111] In the depicted embodiment, the stack 750 has ten low supports 704 of the same type nested and stacked together. The first flat body part 741 and second flat body part 742 make an angle with each other of approximately 90 degrees, thereby allowing for the formation of a nested stack 750. Analogous to the stack 650 of the high supports 605, the stack 750 accommodates ten low supports 705. However, due to the smaller height of a low support, the advantage obtained through nesting is smaller. The combined height of ten low supports 705 in the stack 750 approximately equals three times the maximum height of a single low support 705. Hence an approximate stacking ratio of 10:3 is provided. As mentioned above, the compact and nestedconfiguration of the high support stack 650 and the low support stack 750 are easy to carry onto a roof, thus, improving the ease of assembly.

Claims

Claims1 . A solar panel mounting assembly (2) for mounting solar panels (8) of different sizes at an inclined position, the assembly (2) comprising a plurality of low supports (4) and a plurality of high supports (5) for supporting one or more solar panels (8) at an inclined position, wherein the low supports (4) and high supports (5) are formed as separate elements such that a placement position of a low support of the plurality of low supports (4) and a placement position of a high support of the plurality of high supports (5) is adjustable along a longitudinal direction, the assembly further comprising a plurality of lower solar panel retainers (6a, 6b, 6c) on the plurality of low supports (4); and a plurality of upper solar panel retainers (16a, 16b, 16c) on to the plurality of high supports (5); wherein a fastening position of each lower solar panel retainer (6a, 6b, 6c) on a respective lower support (4) is adjustable along the longitudinal direction and / or wherein a fastening position of each upper solar panel retainer (16a, 16b, 16c) on a respective high support (5) is adjustable along the longitudinal direction, wherein the fastening positions of each lower solar panel retainer (6a, 6b, 6c) on a respective lower support (4) and / or each upper solar panel retainer (16a, 16b, 16c) on a respective high support (5) is further adjustable along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

2. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of elongate profiles (3) extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the plurality of low supports (4) and the plurality of high supports (5) are configured to be engaged to the elongate profiles, and wherein a distance between an engagement position of a low support of the plurality of low supports (4) and an engagement position of a high support of the plurality of high supports (5) is adjustable along the longitudinal direction.

3. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to claim 2 wherein the low supports (4) and high supports (5) comprise engagement features and wherein the elongate profiles (3) comprise complementary engagement features for fastening the supports to the elongate profiles (3).

4. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the solar panel mounting assembly further comprises a plurality of feet for supporting the elongate profiles (3) above a surface or roof.

5. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two high supports (5) and / or the at least two low supports (4) are nestable.

6. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each high support (5) comprises a first body part forming a supporting surface for a solar panel (8) and a second body part providing the connection between the first body part and the substantially flat surface or elongate profile (3), wherein an angle between the first body part and the second body part is between 90 and 180 degrees.

7. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each low support (4) comprises a first body part forming a supporting surface for a solar panel (8) and a second body part providing the connection between the first body part and the substantially flat surface or elongate profile (3), wherein an angle between the first body part and the second body part is between 90 and 180 degrees.

8. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the solar panel mounting assembly is at least suitable for fixing solar panels having a width between 70 cm and 140 cm in a landscape orientation.

9. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to any of the preceding claims where each of the low supports (4) and / or high supports (5) is formed from a single sheet of material.

10. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the low supports (4) and high supports (5) are made of a metal or metal alloy, preferably steel.11 . The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to any of the preceding claims configured to support the solar panels (8) at an angle between 5 and 35 degrees with respect to the horizon, preferably at an angle between 5 and 15 degrees.

12. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lower solar panel retainer (6a, 6b, 6c) and / or upper solar panel retainer (16a, 16b, 16c) are formed as a clamp.

13. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of lower solar panel retainers (6a, 6b, 6c) comprises a fastening feature and each low support comprises a complementary fastening feature for fastening the lower solar panel retainers (6a, 6b, 6c).

14. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to claim 13, wherein the fastening features provide an adjustability of the solar panel retainer position over a range of at least 5 cm, preferably at least 8 cm.

15. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the high support (5) and / or the low support (4) are configured to simultaneously support up to four solar panels (8).

16. The solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lower solar panel retainer (6a, 6b, 6c) or upper solar panel retainer (16a, 16b, 16c) is formed integrally with the low support or high support, respectively.

17. A plurality of supports for use in a solar panel mounting assembly (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the supports (4, 5) are nested to form a compact stack.

18. The plurality of supports according to claim 18, wherein the supports are all low supports (4), or all high supports (5).

19. A solar panel installation comprising a solar panel mounting assembly according to any of claim 1-16.

20. The solar panel installation according to claim 19, wherein the solar panels (8) are fastened in a landscape orientation, wherein the solar panels (8) are supported along at least a long edge of the solar panels (8).21 . The solar panel installation according to claim 19 or 20 wherein each solar panel (8) is supported by exactly two low supports (4) and exactly two high supports (5).

22. The solar panel installation according to any of claim 19-21 , wherein the solar panels (8) are fastened in an east-west orientation.

23. The solar panel installation according to any of claim 19-21 , wherein the solar panels (8) are fastened in a south orientation.

24. A kit comprising a plurality of low supports (4), a plurality of high supports (5), a plurality of lower solar panel retainers (6a, 6b, 6c), and a plurality of upper solar panel retainers (16a, 16b, 16c) for use in a system according to any of claims 1-16.

25. The kit according to claim 24, further comprising a plurality of elongate profiles (3).

26. The kit according to claim 24 or 25, further comprising one or more of the following: a cable clamp;a side plate; a back plate; a plate for slowing down the propagation of fire; and / or a ballast holder.

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