Photovoltaic system having improved support structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a novel approach by means of which a support structure (1) for supporting bifacial PV modules (2) can be obtained. This structure is optimised with respect to production costs and also with respect to mechanical stability. For this purpose, respective cross-sectional tapers (24) are formed on holding portions (7) of respective posts (4) of the support structure (1) to which PV modules (2) or horizontally extending bars (5) supporting the PV modules (2) are attached, in order to thus be able to targetedly set the mechanical area moment of inertia of the post (4) locally and at the same time be able to save on material.

Description

[0001] PC 25 0509 C 30 . September 2025

[0002] Photovoltaic system with improved support structure

[0003] The invention relates to a support structure capable of supporting bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules and possessing the features according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as an associated PV system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a specific use of longitudinal profiles that can be used as respective holding sections for respective posts of such a support structure, and to a method for manufacturing posts that can be used in a support structure as mentioned above.

[0004] Photovoltaic systems with vertically mounted, bifacial PV modules offer numerous technical advantages and are particularly attractive because they can be installed on agricultural land. Depending on the location, these systems can be subjected to enormous wind loads during severe weather events, which act on the large modules. These forces must be transferred into the ground via the posts. A fundamental risk here is that the post profiles used may have weak points, potentially causing the posts to buckle under very high wind loads.

[0005] When designing the supporting structure of such PV systems, not only the mechanical strength of the posts is a key consideration, but also aspects such as material usage, buckling tendency, profile shape, location of the shear center, load application, possibility of cable routing, etc. must be taken into account.

[0006] Against this background, the invention is based on the

[0007] The task is to provide a support structure for PV systems with PC 25 0509 C 2 / 62 30. September 2025 bifacial PV modules that exhibits excellent resistance to high wind loads despite minimal material usage. At the same time, the support structure should be cost-effective to manufacture using standard mass production methods.

[0008] To solve this problem, the features of claim 1 are provided according to the invention for a supporting structure. In particular, it is thus proposed that a cross-section of the respective holding section of the respective post (i.e., in particular a cross-section of at least one longitudinal profile forming the holding section) tapers upwards in a longitudinal direction of the respective post (with respect to the final mounting position of the post in the supporting structure) such that a cross-sectional taper is formed over at least 20% (preferably over at least 30%, particularly preferably over at least 40%) of a total length of the holding section (or of the at least one longitudinal profile forming the holding section).The respective local extent of the cross-sectional narrowing can be determined by comparison with a maximum cross-section of the retaining section, whereby the retaining section offers the greatest local mechanical strength in the area of ​​its maximum cross-section. If the retaining section is designed with multiple parts, for example from two nested longitudinal profiles, then the total cross-section provided by both parts / profiles must be considered.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, a tapering of the cross-section of the respective holding section of the posts according to the invention can also be designed such that a total mechanical area moment of inertia of the holding section (for example, a summed area moment of inertia of all the components forming the holding section) is achieved. PC 25 0509 C 3 / 62 30 September 2025

[0010] Longitudinal profiles in a specific cross-sectional plane) increase downwards in the longitudinal direction of the post by at least 20%, preferably by at least 30%. The area moment of inertia, often also referred to as the second moment of area, is understood here as the geometric quantity derived from the overall cross-section, which is used in strength of materials to calculate deformations and mechanical stresses under bending or torsional loading of a post. With the aid of the area moment of inertia, it is particularly possible to calculate those loads whose exceedance would lead to buckling of the support section / post. The respective local mechanical area moment of inertia can be determined from the respective local cross-section of the support section. The cross-section of interest here (more precisely, the relevant cross-sectional area) comprises all parts of the support section.of the respective longitudinal profile(s) that contribute to the mechanical area moment of inertia. The cross-sectional plane to be considered with regard to the buckling strength of the posts at different z-heights runs perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (z-direction) of the post. If the support section is designed with multiple parts, for example from two nested longitudinal profiles, then the total area moment of inertia provided by both parts / profiles in combination must be considered with regard to the strength of the post.

[0011] The advantage of such a tapered design is the resulting material savings, while simultaneously ensuring sufficient mechanical strength at the relevant points, namely in the lower section of the respective support segment, so that the respective post can reliably withstand the wind loads occurring at the specific location. The term "location" here can refer to a geographical location, as wind loads can vary regionally; however, it can also refer to a location within the PV system / supporting structure, because wind loads also vary on a small scale.In other words, the design of the tapered sections on the posts according to the invention allows the mechanical strength of each post to be tailored to specific needs, because the taper profile and thus the local area moment of inertia can be selected differently depending on the post's location within the PV system / supporting structure, even if the same raw materials are used in the post's manufacture. If the post has to withstand very high forces at its location, the taper can be less pronounced. Conversely, if the wind loads are lower, the taper can be more pronounced, thus saving material and costs.

[0012] To enable significant material savings in the manufacture of the respective retaining section, the invention may, in particular, provide that the cross-sectional tapering is designed over at least 40%, preferably over at least 50% or even over at least 60%, of the total length of the retaining section or the longitudinal profile forming the retaining section. The longitudinal profile or the retaining section thus has the largest cross-section at its lower end and tapers upwards along its longitudinal direction, preferably continuously over said length or, for example, in a stepped manner (especially in the case of a two-part design of the retaining section using two longitudinal profiles).

[0013] The holding section of the post is formed here by those parts.

[0014] Sections of the post were viewed, which hold the PV modules.

[0015] (typically mediated via retaining elements and / or bars) PC 25 0509 C 5 / 62 30 September 2025. For example, bars can be attached to the retaining sections of the posts, each connecting two adjacent posts. In this case, the PV modules can be mounted, in particular suspended, on the bars, especially by means of module holders / retaining elements, with the retaining sections then supporting the bars together with the PV modules.

[0016] However, support structures with posts designed according to the invention are also possible without horizontally extending crossbeams: The PV modules can thus be mounted directly on the support sections of the posts, particularly via suitable retaining elements. In this case, the PV modules are therefore arranged between the posts and connect them to each other.

[0017] The stopping section can be multi-part, for example made up of two, three or more parts, as will be explained in more detail later.

[0018] The posts of the supporting structure are also preferably designed in multiple parts. They can (but do not necessarily have to) be subdivided, in particular, into a respective lower fastening section connected (or connectable) to the ground and the respective (upper) holding section connected directly or indirectly to the fastening section. In this case, the respective holding section of the post can extend exclusively above ground level, while only the fastening section, but not the holding section, is anchored in the ground. The fastening sections of the posts can, as is already common practice, be designed as, preferably C- or I-shaped, driven profiles and / or driven into the ground. That is, the fastening sections can be formed by means of longitudinal profiles. The holding and fastening sections can be connected in the area of ​​a planar connection PC 25 0509 C 6 / 62 30 September 2025

[0019] (Overlap area) can be screwed together, for example, to create a stable post. According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening section does not support any rails or PV modules, but only the retaining section (on which the rails and / or PV modules are mounted).

[0020] One possible, though less preferred, embodiment involves the post's support section (which holds the rails and / or PV modules) being partially formed by a lower mounting section of the post that is anchored in the ground. In such a two-part post design, at least one rail or at least one PV module is held by or mounted to the ground-anchored mounting section of the post. A further rail or PV module can be held by an upper longitudinal profile that forms part of the post's support section.

[0021] A supporting structure according to the invention can also include posts that are not divided into a fastening section connected to the ground (e.g., in the form of a driven post) and a second, separate section arranged above ground (e.g., a profile arranged above ground). For example, cross-sectional reductions according to the invention can also be formed if the entire post is at least partially formed by a profile fastened in the ground, which in turn is reinforced by an additional profile in the holding section and / or in the fastening section of the post, or which has a changing cross-section and thereby forms a cross-sectional reduction according to the invention in the holding section of this one-piece post. PC 25 0509 C 7 / 62 30 September 2025

[0022] Even in such a case, if a longitudinal profile of the holding section, which forms an upper part of the holding section, overlaps with the fastening section, a cross-sectional reduction of the holding section (i.e., the section of the post that carries the PV modules or the bars) according to the invention can be achieved.

[0023] However, preferred designs are those in which the holding section is formed exclusively from at least one longitudinal profile or from at least two longitudinal profiles, each of which is / are not anchored in the ground.

[0024] Regarding the connection between the fastening and retaining sections, a back-to-back fit of the two sections can be achieved particularly easily if both the retaining and fastening sections are designed using a C-profile. In this case, the respective openings of the two C-profiles, which lie back-to-back, thus point in opposite directions.

[0025] A comparably good solution can also be achieved by a flat, back-to-back contact. For example, two C-profiles of different widths can be slid lengthwise into one another, so that the back of the smaller (inner) C-profile rests flat against the front of the larger (outer) C-profile. If, in this case, the inner C-profile has a smaller width in the y-direction perpendicular to the xz module plane, a beneficial / desired rotation of the two profiles relative to each other by a few degrees in the yz plane can still be achieved (similar to back-to-back contact), in addition to the already possible longitudinal adjustability along the length of the post. This allows for an additional degree of freedom in adjustment, typically used in PC 25 0509 C 8 / 62 30. September 2025

[0026] To compensate for misalignments of the fastening sections, which are anchored in the ground, that occur during installation in the terrain.

[0027] In general, cross-sectional narrowing can be understood here as any suitable change to the cross-section that leads to material savings but also to a change in the local area moment of inertia. Cross-sectional narrowing can also be achieved by shortening a cross-sectional length (in the plane of the cross-section) without changing the envelope within which the cross-section of the longitudinal profile used lies, as will become clearer with reference to the figures.

[0028] A tapering of the respective post or its upper support section according to the invention can be designed in particular such that the post / the upper support section tapers conically towards the top. The area moment of inertia can, for example, decrease continuously or stepwise towards the top (i.e., with increasing distance to the ground / with increasing height above the ground).

[0029] The posts of a support structure according to the invention can be arranged in mutually spaced rows, so that between two rows of posts there is a clear space / maintenance area which can be used, for example, for agricultural purposes. This represents a significant advantage of bifacial over monofacial photovoltaics.

[0030] Individual bars can therefore be mounted on the respective holding section of the respective post, in particular on holding surfaces provided by the respective post.

[0031] Each pair of adjacent posts and two rails, which PC 25 0509 C 9 / 62 30 . September 2025 connect these two posts, can define an essentially rectangular mounting field in which at least one of the PV modules is arranged.

[0032] Furthermore, the supporting structure can be designed to form one, two, or even three vertically stacked mounting bays, each containing at least one PV module. In other words, the supporting structure can thus form two or even three vertically stacked rows of mounting bays, each capable of accommodating individual PV modules. This results in vertically stacked rows of PV modules within the PV system.

[0033] The longitudinal profiles used for the support sections can be manufactured using roll forming processes. For example, a tube laser can be used to cut and divide such profiles in such a way that the desired tapers in the cross-section can be formed.

[0034] Further possible embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and are explained in detail below:

[0035] One way to construct a post according to the invention with a cross-sectional taper is to design the holding section of the post in one piece using a single longitudinal profile and to achieve the cross-sectional taper by means of an axial variation of a cross-section of the longitudinal profile in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal profile. For example, the cross-section, in particular a cross-sectional area or cross-sectional length of the longitudinal profile, can decrease stepwise or continuously upwards in the longitudinal direction of the holding section.

[0036] An alternative embodiment (in which axially varying cross-sections of the respective longitudinal profile can also be used, as just explained, PC 25 0509 C 10 / 62 30 September 2025) provides that the retaining sections of the posts (which can be arranged, in particular, above or overlapping with a separate fastening section of the post) are each designed in at least two parts by means of at least two longitudinal profiles, in particular by means of a first (in particular inner) longitudinal profile and by means of a second (in particular outer) longitudinal profile, which partially or completely overlap. If, in addition, a separate fastening section of the post is designed, the post therefore already comprises at least three parts: the fastening section and the at least two-part retaining section attached to it, in particular with inner and outer longitudinal profiles.In the overlapping area, the profiles thus reinforce each other. This also applies when the profiles of the holding section are back-to-back, i.e., not actually inserted into one another.

[0037] To maximize the available area for the PV modules, it is preferred if at least two longitudinal profiles of the support section are nested within each other. Preferably, all longitudinal profiles of the support section (at least alternately, i.e., two profiles at a time) are nested / slid into each other. Furthermore, it is preferred if at least two nested longitudinal profiles of the support section exhibit cross-sectional profiles that, with respect to a respective cross-sectional plane, follow each other along at least 30%, preferably along at least 50%, of a total cross-sectional length, such that the longitudinal profiles are in contact with each other over a surface in an axial overlap section (in the areas of the cross-section where the cross-sectional profiles follow each other). This ensures good surface-wide distribution / transmission of forces from one to the other profile. PC 25 0509 C 11 / 62 30 September 2025

[0038] By interlocking the profiles, at least partial overlaps between them can be achieved. Such interlocking also reduces the width of the posts in the direction of the module plane, which is advantageous for a high fill factor. In this case, the retaining section, which consists of at least two parts, can thus comprise an inner longitudinal profile and an outer longitudinal profile that are interlocked and overlap at least partially (i.e., in particular, completely). Preferably, the inner longitudinal profile is supported on the outer longitudinal profile by at least two transversely oriented inner surfaces of the outer longitudinal profile. The inner longitudinal profile can reinforce the outer one, and vice versa. The longitudinal profile intended to provide reinforcement in the lower area of ​​the retaining section can therefore be either placed on the outside of the other longitudinal profile or inserted into it from the inside.

[0039] With complete overlap and equal length (in longitudinal direction) of two profiles of the holding section, a cross-sectional narrowing according to the invention can be formed by having at least one (or both) of these two profiles of equal or approximately equal length have a cross-section that decreases upwards in the axial direction.

[0040] However, even if each of the longitudinal profiles used for the holding section exhibits a constant cross-sectional profile in the axial direction, cross-sectional reductions according to the invention can be formed, as the following embodiment examples show, because the longitudinal profiles can only be designed to overlap section by section and / or to have different lengths:

[0041] In one configuration, one of at least two

[0042] Longitudinal profiles of the stopping section, in particular the aforementioned PC 25 0509 C 12 / 62 30. September 2025 inner or outer longitudinal profile, an uppermost

[0043] The longitudinal profile can be the highest-positioned beam (top beam) or a PV module (in particular, the topmost PV module) (which beam / module is then held exclusively by the topmost longitudinal profile). In this case, another longitudinal profile of the support section (in particular, an outer or an inner one) can be a lower longitudinal profile, which supports the lowest-positioned beam (bottom beam) or PV module (bottommost PV module) (this module / beam can be supported by both longitudinal profiles).

[0044] If the retaining section is realized, for example, by means of three or four longitudinal profiles, in particular those that are nested inside one another and preferably (alternately or completely) connected to each other (in particular screwed together), then at least one intermediate longitudinal profile can be arranged between the said inner longitudinal profile and the outer longitudinal profile; this at least one intermediate longitudinal profile can establish the respective connection to the other longitudinal profiles of the retaining section. In this case, the inner longitudinal profile does not have to be in direct contact with the outer longitudinal profile, as is possible and practical in a two-part design. However, designs of the retaining section with three longitudinal profiles, including an inner and an outer longitudinal profile, are also possible, in which the inner longitudinal profile is in direct contact with the outer longitudinal profile.In this case, the third longitudinal profile can, for example, only be in contact with the inner or only with the outer longitudinal profile (especially back to back).

[0045] One possible three-part design of the stop section provides for an outer longitudinal profile to lie flat against a middle longitudinal profile, which in turn lies flat against the inner (or innermost) longitudinal profile. This is based on PC 25 0509 C 13 / 62, dated September 30, 2025.

[0046] Even with a constant cross-section of the respective longitudinal profile, a stepwise reduction of the overall cross-section of the holding section and thus a cross-sectional narrowing according to the invention, in particular in two stages, can be formed.

[0047] It is particularly advantageous for high mechanical stability of the holding section if the inner longitudinal profile lies flat against an inner surface of a middle longitudinal profile or the outer longitudinal profile (in the overlap area) with an end face.

[0048] In general, the at least two longitudinal profiles of the support section (in particular each) can lie flat against each other in the area of ​​an (each) overlap. Here, a back-to-back contact as well as a back-to-back contact can be configured between the profiles.

[0049] Preferred designs include those in which the longitudinal profiles of the support section are positioned so that they can be moved (alternately) relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the post (z-direction) (at least before the profiles are screwed together). This allows for easy adjustment of the post's height as well as its axial cross-sectional profile.

[0050] Furthermore, for high stability of the structure, it is preferable if a positive locking mechanism is formed between at least two longitudinal profiles of the holding section (in particular between the inner and outer longitudinal profiles in a two-part design), which prevents relative movement of the two longitudinal profiles against each other in a y-direction normal to the module plane. An additional PC 25 0509 C 14 / 62 30 is particularly preferred between these two longitudinal profiles. September 2025

[0051] A positive locking mechanism is formed, which also prevents a relative movement of the two longitudinal profiles against each other in an x-direction in the xz-module plane and perpendicular to the z-longitudinal direction of the post.

[0052] For high strength of the post, it is further advantageous if at least two (preferably all) of the longitudinal profiles of the holding section are attached to a lower separate fastening section of the respective post, which establishes the connection to the ground.

[0053] With a view to cost-effective manufacturing of the posts, it is further advantageous if at least two, preferably all, longitudinal profiles of the support section are each designed with a semi-open cross-section, in particular with a C-shaped cross-section. This allows for manufacturing by means of forming, preferably by roll forming, without the need to join the sheets thus formed by welding, as is the case with closed circumferential (for example, rectangular) cross-sections of longitudinal profiles.

[0054] According to a particularly cost-effective design, all longitudinal profiles of the support section each have a constant cross-section (so that each profile individually does not exhibit any cross-sectional narrowing). From the point where the overlap between two of the longitudinal profiles of the support section ends, the overall cross-section of the support section narrows abruptly, thereby achieving the cross-sectional narrowing or change in the area moment of inertia desired by the invention.

[0055] In particular, an upper longitudinal profile or a middle one

[0056] The longitudinal profile of the stopping section can also include an additional

[0057] Cross-sectional narrowing due to a variable cross-section PC 25 0509 C 15 / 62 30. September 2025, so that the cross-section of the retaining section narrows further there (cf. e.g. Fig. 24). In such designs, a lower longitudinal profile can still be formed with a cross-section that is constant in the longitudinal direction.

[0058] In the case of multi-part designs of the support section as described above (with potentially different lengths of the longitudinal profiles), an upper part of the support section can therefore be formed exclusively by the uppermost longitudinal profile of the post. In this case, the uppermost longitudinal profile (which can be an inner or an outer longitudinal profile) projects upwards over a lower longitudinal profile of the support section. The lower part of the support section, however, can be formed, at least partially, by both of these profiles, i.e., by both the uppermost longitudinal profile and the lower longitudinal profile, namely in the area where both longitudinal profiles overlap.This overlap area can therefore either extend over the entire lower part of the support section (in which case the lower longitudinal profile completely overlaps the upper longitudinal profile) or, for example, be designed only in a middle part of the support section (in the latter case, the lowest part of the support section is formed exclusively by the lower longitudinal profile). In all these cases, the lower (usually shorter) longitudinal profile is used in the lower part of the support section, particularly in a middle part, to reinforce the uppermost longitudinal profile, which (typically, but not necessarily, can be longer than the lower longitudinal profile), in order to locally increase the area moment of inertia and thus the mechanical strength of the post.

[0059] With this inventive approach for a multi-part

[0060] Even when using longitudinal profiles with PC 25 0509 C 16 / 62 30. September 2025, a sufficiently high mechanical strength, in particular a sufficiently high area moment of inertia, can be achieved in the critical lower region of the support section, while simultaneously saving material compared to using profiles with greater wall thickness. The post can thus withstand high wind loads, and buckling of the posts can be prevented. As will be shown later, the degree of cross-sectional tapering from post to post can also be varied, which allows for further optimization of the supporting structure, especially the material usage.

[0061] By different configurations, particularly different lengths, of two longitudinal profiles, a cross-sectional narrowing as required, or the desired increase in the mechanical area moment of inertia of the holding section, can be achieved even if the longitudinal profiles themselves do not exhibit a cross-sectional narrowing or a changing cross-section. This can be achieved particularly easily with the configuration described above, in which the upper part of the holding section is formed by only one of the two profiles. However, even when two longitudinal profiles are used to form the holding section, at least one of these longitudinal profiles, preferably the uppermost longitudinal profile, can itself form a narrowing according to the invention (e.g., because the cross-section of this longitudinal profile decreases towards the top).

[0062] For example, if two C-profiles are used for the support section and are inserted into one another, it is advantageous if they are positioned back-to-back. This allows the lower C-profile to rest back-to-back against a lower mounting section of the post, which may also be designed as a C-profile. PC 25 0509 C 17 / 62 30. September 2025

[0063] Furthermore, two-part support sections are preferred in which the upper longitudinal profile extends over the entire length of the lower longitudinal profile, thus structurally reinforcing it along its entire length. This is particularly advantageous when both longitudinal profiles of the two-part support section are designed as (semi-)open profiles. In this case, the lower longitudinal profile can be bridged at specific points by reinforcements (bridges) to achieve a localized, closed force transmission, similar to that of a closed profile. The same applies to the post mounting sections, which can be selectively reinforced by such bridges in a similar manner.

[0064] Even with such a two-part design of the respective holding section, a cross-sectional narrowing according to the invention can be achieved in the area of ​​the post's holding section. This is because, in the lower part of the holding section, the lower longitudinal profile reinforces the local cross-section, while in the upper part of the holding section, the respective cross-section is defined only by the uppermost longitudinal profile. It is particularly advantageous if the uppermost longitudinal profile has a smaller cross-section than the lower longitudinal profile and / or if the length of the uppermost longitudinal profile is greater than the length of the lower longitudinal profile, so that the uppermost longitudinal profile projects upwards beyond the lower longitudinal profile, or if the uppermost longitudinal profile forms an internal longitudinal profile.In particular, it may be provided that a respective top rail or two respective top rails (arranged one above the other) holding a top row of PV modules, or a respective top PV module (connected via a connecting element) is / are mounted exclusively on the top longitudinal profile. PC 25 0509 C 18 / 62 30. September 2025.

[0065] A particularly efficient design provides that both longitudinal profiles of the retaining section are designed as C-profiles and are inserted into one another. Preferably, the uppermost longitudinal profile is arranged inside the lower longitudinal profile (the C-profiles are thus pushed into one another, with the C-profile of the uppermost longitudinal profile then being smaller than the C-profile of the lower longitudinal profile).

[0066] The lower longitudinal profile of the support section can preferably provide a larger area moment of inertia than the upper (or topmost) longitudinal profile. This ensures that the total area moment of inertia provided by the two-part support section increases downwards along the longitudinal direction of the post, as desired.

[0067] Furthermore, preferably both longitudinal profiles of a two-part retaining section can be designed, at least partially and / or completely, with a semi-open cross-section.

[0068] As will be explained in more detail with reference to the manufacturing process according to the invention, a tapering of a longitudinal profile of the holding section can be achieved by a subdivision cut. In other words, an original longitudinal profile can be divided by means of the subdivision cut in such a way that the desired tapering according to the invention is formed in the longitudinal profile obtained therefrom. The respective longitudinal profiles that form the respective holding section can thus be produced by separating a respective original longitudinal profile (e.g., with a closed circumferential profile cross-section) into two longitudinal profiles (which can then have a partially / sectionally semi-open profile cross-section) by means of at least one subdivision cut, which will be explained in more detail in connection with the inventive PC 25 0509 C 19 / 62 30 September 2025.

[0069] The manufacturing process will be explained.

[0070] An alternative approach involves producing the respective longitudinal profile with the taper according to the invention from a raw material by forming. However, even with this approach, the raw material can be processed using a subdivision parting cut to achieve the desired taper.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the respective x-width and / or y-width of the respective holding section (i.e., in particular, a longitudinal profile of the holding section – this can be the aforementioned lower longitudinal profile, the uppermost longitudinal profile, or a single longitudinal profile forming the entire holding section) can be reduced by at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, of the total length of the holding section compared to the respective maximum x-width / maximum y-width of the holding section (or the respective longitudinal profile). To achieve significant material savings, the reduction can be at least 10%, at least 20%, or even at least 30%.

[0072] In a further embodiment, the x-width of each side surface of a longitudinal profile of the respective holding section decreases upwards in the longitudinal direction, preferably continuously. The side surfaces can be oriented approximately in the module plane formed by the PV modules. In particular, it can be provided that through-holes are formed in each end surface of the respective holding section adjacent to the side surfaces, and that a corresponding locking bar is inserted more or less deeply into each through-hole. In such embodiments, it is further preferred that the y-width of the end surface is of the same size at at least two such through-holes (within a holding section).

[0073] In a support structure according to the invention, it can also be provided that the y-width of the holding section in the area of ​​an uppermost beam or an uppermost PV module is selected to be at least 10%, or even at least 20%, smaller than in the area of ​​a lowermost beam / lowestmost PV module. The same applies to the respective x-width of the respective holding section, whereby embodiments are also possible in which both the x-width and the y-width in the area of ​​the uppermost beam are selected to be smaller by the aforementioned proportions than in the area of ​​the lowermost beam. Such embodiments are particularly possible if the holding section is constructed in multiple parts from at least two longitudinal profiles, for example with a lower longitudinal profile and an uppermost longitudinal profile, which is then designed to be correspondingly narrower in the x- and / or y-width than the lower longitudinal profile.

[0074] The longitudinal profiles, each forming a holding section of a respective post, can in particular provide (planar) holding surfaces for holding the crossbeams of the supporting structure. Such holding surfaces can, for example, be designed as flanges of the respective longitudinal profile, preferably (but not necessarily) over the entire length of the longitudinal profile, or as tabs at through-holes, whereby combinations of such designs are also possible. If several longitudinal profiles are used to form a holding section, the respective (left or right) tab can each be designed as a pair of tabs, with each pair of longitudinal profiles of the holding section contributing one tab of the pair. A screw connection with the crossbeam can then be guided through both tabs of the pair, whereby the two longitudinal profiles of the PC 25 0509 C 21 / 62 30. September 2025

[0075] The retaining section is mechanically connected to each other at the point of the pair of tabs, which increases stability.

[0076] When using mounting surfaces, it is preferred if these are offset inwards towards the module plane with respect to a direction perpendicular to a module plane of the PV modules (in which the active surfaces of the PV modules are arranged). This makes it possible, in particular, to ensure that the beams are at least 20% narrower than the posts in the aforementioned y-direction, in which the mounting surfaces are offset inwards (with respect to the outer edges of the posts relevant for shading). Configurations of the support structure in which the beams are (significantly, e.g., at least 20% or even at least 30%) narrower than the posts (in the y-direction) are advantageous for minimizing the shading of the PV modules by the beams. Furthermore, for reduced shading of the PV modules, it is generally preferable if both the PV modules and the beams are positioned centrally to the posts.A respective bolt can thus be attached to such mounting surfaces over a flat area, for example by lying flat against the surface and / or by screwing the bolt to the mounting surface.

[0077] The uppermost of the described through-holes can be designed to be open at the top, so that bolts can be inserted into these uppermost through-holes from above.

[0078] If the lower section of the retaining element has a closed cross-section, corresponding (i.e., aligned) through-holes can be provided in the respective front and rear end faces of the post so that the bolt can be inserted deeply into the post, possibly across its entire width (PC 25 0509 C 22 / 62 30 September 2025). This is generally preferable because it compensates for any misalignment of the posts. With a semi-open cross-section of the longitudinal profiles, it may suffice to provide the through-holes on only one side.

[0079] When retaining surfaces are formed as tabs, the shape of the tab can be determined by the shape of the through-hole, especially if the tab was obtained in one piece from the longitudinal profile of the post by cutting and bending (i.e., the tab is not welded on, which would be a possible alternative design, but is more expensive).

[0080] Alternatively or additionally to using mounting surfaces, it is also possible to attach the rails to the posts using separate adapter elements. In this case, through-holes can still be created, but this is not mandatory. Shear forces from the rails can also be efficiently transferred to the posts via such adapter elements.

[0081] A further embodiment provides that the respective holding sections or the respective longitudinal profiles forming the respective holding section are formed in a lower part by means of a closed circumferential lower profile cross-section and in an upper part by means of a half-open upper profile cross-section. When using two longitudinal profiles for the holding section, for example, a half-open C-profile (as the uppermost profile) can be used with another longitudinal profile with a closed cross-section (as the lower profile) to form a holding section according to the invention with a taper. The half-open upper profile cross-section can be formed, in particular, by splitting a longitudinal profile PC 25 0509 C 23 / 62 30.September 2025 may have been formed with an originally closed profile cross-section or as a result of a subdivision separation cut through a raw material from which the longitudinal profile was produced by forming.

[0082] It can also be provided that the cross-sectional length of an upper profile cross-section (in particular the one described above), which determines the local area moment of inertia of the post, decreases upwards in the longitudinal direction, preferably continuously, in an upper part of the respective support section or longitudinal profile. This upper part of the support section, in which the cross-sectional length decreases, can preferably constitute at least 30% or even at least 40% of the total length of the support section.

[0083] Particularly high material savings can also be achieved by designing at least 70%, and especially at least 85%, or even the entire length of the respective support section or longitudinal profile as semi-open in cross-section. To provide such semi-open support sections, for example, a box-shaped original longitudinal profile can be separated into two semi-open C-profiles, which are then complementary to each other, using a cutting process. The cutting line can then run obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal profile. "Complementary" here can be understood in particular as meaning that the cutting line defines both the first support section obtained from the longitudinal profile and the second support section that is complementary to it.

[0084] In such configurations, it is preferred if at least one further section of the respective post has a closed cross-section. This further section could, for example, be a PC 25 0509 C 24 / 62 30 anchored in the ground. September 2025

[0085] The fastening section of the post can be, or alternatively, another longitudinal profile that also forms the holding section.

[0086] If the lower portion of the retaining section is designed as a closed profile, for example, as a rectangular / box profile with a closed cross-section, then more material or a greater length of the original longitudinal profile must be used in the manufacturing process for each length of the retaining section to be achieved. This is because this lower closed part of the retaining section can only be used in one of the two retaining sections produced by cutting the original longitudinal profile, but not in both. However, the concept according to the invention of an upwardly tapered (e.g., conically conical towards the tip) retaining section of a post of a supporting structure of a PV system cannot only be realized by the described division of a (closed) longitudinal profile into two complementary retaining sections by means of a separation cut.It would also be conceivable to manufacture the product in which the respective retaining sections are obtained by bending / folding previously cut flat sheets. In this process, the sheets can each be cut from a larger sheet using a cutting process and have a complementary shape. The respective subdivision cuts are made in such a way that, after forming the sheets, the resulting longitudinal profiles have cross-sectional profiles that exhibit a longitudinal taper according to the invention.

[0087] The concept according to the invention is also described by the solution as defined in claim 11. According to this claim, to solve the problem mentioned at the outset, in a supporting structure as described at the outset, it is provided that the respective mechanical load-bearing capacities of the holding sections between individual posts differ at least partially (PC 25 0509 C 25 / 62 30 September 2025) because the respective extent of a respective cross-sectional reduction (which, as previously explained, can be designed according to the invention) of the respective holding section between individual posts varies.

[0088] Such a variation in mechanical load-bearing capacity between individual posts can result, in particular, from a different axial profile of the respective area moment of inertia of the support section: For example, a stepped cross-sectional tapering at different z-heights can be designed on the support sections of the posts. The higher the point at which the cross-section tapers, the higher the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the post, especially with regard to bending forces generated by wind loads on the PV modules. In this way, a mechanical weak point of the upper support section can also be individually shifted upwards, thus enabling an adjustment of the load-bearing capacity at individual posts.

[0089] Furthermore, it is possible to individually adjust the height or axial direction of the effective cross-section on each post by forming the post's support section from at least two axially overlapping profiles. In this case, the respective axial overlap length of these longitudinal profiles forming the support section can be varied from post to post. This also allows for the simple design of posts with different mechanical load-bearing capacities, using identical profile cross-sections for the individual longitudinal profiles.

[0090] Therefore, all corresponding longitudinal profiles that form the respective support section or the same part of a support section of a post of the supporting structure can have an identical cross-sectional shape (within manufacturing tolerances) PC 25 0509 C 26 / 62 30 September 2025. This is particularly the case if all of these longitudinal profiles were manufactured from a common raw material, especially a specific longitudinal profile with a cross-section that is constant in the longitudinal direction. However, even with such a design, the extent or...The axial height of the cross-sectional tapering from post to post can be varied, for example by inserting two longitudinal profiles into each other at different depths or by making the described subdivision cuts with different directions and / or at different z-heights (which is particularly suitable when the holding section is made from only a single longitudinal profile).

[0091] This innovative approach allows for the creation of a supporting structure using a consistent raw material. The posts within this structure can exhibit the desired mechanical load-bearing capacity at each specific location within the structure. Furthermore, this approach allows for the use of identical material thicknesses and / or raw materials for the individual longitudinal profiles, while still enabling significant differences in the mechanical properties of the post support sections. This allows for material savings at specific points within the supporting structure, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.With this inventive approach, the mechanical properties of each post within the same supporting structure can be tailored so that each post offers the mechanical strength required at its local location within the supporting structure due to the prevailing wind load.

[0092] Such a variation of the respective cross-sectional narrowing, PC 25 0509 C 27 / 62 30 September 2025, in particular a variation of its axial course along the longitudinal direction of the respective post, can be achieved, in particular, by adapting the cross-sectional shape of the respective longitudinal profile in the axial direction or, for example, by constructing the support section in two parts from two profiles while simultaneously varying the axial overlap length of these two profiles. In the first variant, in particular, the course of the respective section line, which defines the aforementioned subdivision cut, can be adapted to vary the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the posts within the system. An advantage of this is that the posts can still be manufactured from the same longitudinal profiles, so that the number of different longitudinal profiles remains limited.

[0093] In addition, the material or wall thickness of the respective longitudinal profile can also be varied in order to utilize an additional degree of freedom for the targeted adjustment of the mechanical load-bearing capacity.

[0094] In this way, different support structures can be produced from the same basic materials on industrially manufactured, especially cold-rolled, longitudinal profiles. These structures are designed for PV systems at different geographical locations around the globe with varying wind loads. A series of support structures can thus be obtained, all of which are identically constructed and use the same or very similar longitudinal profiles, but differ significantly in their respective mechanical load-bearing capacity. This is achieved through the economical use of material by applying the targeted tapering of the posts according to the invention. The extent of the taper determines the material savings and simultaneously allows for adjustments depending on the geographical and / or local location and the prevailing wind load (PC 25 0509 C 28 / 62 30).September 2025 to specifically adapt the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the respective post (or the entire supporting structure).

[0095] With such a variation of the cross-sectional narrowing between different support sections / posts according to the invention, a consistently uniform cross-section can be designed in a lower part of the support section. For example, a specific cross-section Q1 at the lower end of the respective support section can always remain the same. This approach can facilitate the connection of the support section to the respective anchoring section connected to the ground, because no variation then occurs in this area.

[0096] With these approaches, the same raw material can be used in the production of the posts, and the desired adjustment of the mechanical properties can be achieved by varying one production step, for example, the position of the subdivision cut. Thus, simple production can be maintained while simultaneously achieving a wide range of mechanical properties in the posts.

[0097] To solve the aforementioned problem, the invention further proposes a PV system, as described in claim 12, which is based on a support structure according to the invention. The PV modules can be mounted on the beams and / or posts of the support structure, e.g., via separate retaining elements or suitable module holders.

[0098] The invention can also be implemented with a kit that can comprise numerous longitudinal profiles as described above. To solve the problem, it is therefore also proposed that one or more longitudinal profiles, in particular as described above in PC 25 0509 C 29 / 62 30 September 2025, be designed and used to form a retaining section with cross-sectional tapering as part of a post of a supporting structure as described above, as described in claim 13. As explained, at least one of the longitudinal profiles of which the retaining section consists can have a cross-sectional tapering designed according to the invention by axial variation of the cross-section (of this longitudinal profile), and / or at least two of the longitudinal profiles of the retaining section can be inserted into one another in such a way that a cross-sectional tapering according to the invention is formed on the retaining section.

[0099] This kit may also be designed so that the longitudinal profiles are obtained by separating an original longitudinal profile of identical and / or constant and / or closed cross-section, in particular by means of a manufacturing process according to the invention. Furthermore, the longitudinal profiles may differ in their respective area moment of inertia. Preferably, all longitudinal profiles may have an identical wall thickness; however, this is not mandatory. The term "identical wall thickness" is to be understood here in a technical sense, meaning that the wall thicknesses of the longitudinal profiles may lie within typical manufacturing variations for a nominal wall thickness specified for the original longitudinal profile.

[0100] The longitudinal profiles of the kit designed in this way can therefore be used as respective holding sections at different points in the supporting structure in order to ensure the locally required mechanical stability of the respective post.

[0101] The following describes the method according to the invention for

[0102] Production of posts for a supporting structure for a PV system - PC 25 0509 C 30 / 62, September 30, 2025

[0103] The system will be explained in detail below. The supporting structure can be designed as previously described or according to one of the claims relating to a supporting structure. According to a first variant A), the method is characterized by the fact that an original longitudinal profile (preferably of uniform / constant and / or closed cross-section) is divided into two complementary parts by means of a cutting process, such that each of the two parts forms a holding section for a respective post. As explained, the respective holding section serves to hold the beams of the supporting structure; that is, the beams are later mounted on the respective holding section.In this process, the course of a subdivision cutting section used in the separation process defines a respective cross-sectional reduction of the respective holding section, and the respective cross-sectional reduction extends over at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, of the total length of the respective part or holding section.

[0104] This concept of specifying the taper using a subdivision cut can also be applied according to a process variant B) such that a sheet is separated into at least two sheet metal parts by means of a cutting process, and that two retaining sections of a respective post are obtained from the at least two sheet metal parts by forming, in such a way that the respective retaining section tapers in cross-section towards one end. In this second variant B) as well, the subdivision cut used in the cutting process determines the respective cross-sectional taper of the respective retaining section, and here too it is provided that the cross-sectional taper extends over at least 30% or even at least 40% of the total length of the respective retaining section, so that a relevant PC 25 0509 C 31 / 62 30 . September 2025

[0105] Material savings are achieved.

[0106] In the first variant, the original longitudinal profile can thus be divided into the two support sections by means of at least one subdivision cut. The respective post can then be assembled from the support section and an additional fastening section (for example, in the form of a driving profile designed for driving into the ground).

[0107] Separation methods for cutting the original longitudinal profile can include, for example: laser cutting; plasma cutting; water jet cutting; shearing; punching of perforations with subsequent cutting of webs connecting the perforations; or other methods that allow for cost-effective and mass-producible manufacturing.

[0108] The forming of the sheet metal parts according to alternative B) can be done, for example, by bending and / or folding.

[0109] It is understood that approach A) (especially the last feature) should not be interpreted so restrictively as to require that the original longitudinal profile be divided into the two sections strictly by means of only a single separation cut. Rather, it is possible, for example, to make several such separation cuts to divide the original longitudinal profile into the two complementary sections. Waste pieces may also be produced in this process, so that the complementarity need not be strict. However, it is crucial that the two sections are obtained from one and the same original longitudinal profile (or, in variant B, from the same sheet) by separating it. If, for example, a separation cut is made at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the original longitudinal profile, then PC 25 0509 C 32 / 62 30.By September 2025, two support sections of a post can be obtained, each tapering (in opposite directions) towards one end and thus each exhibiting a cross-section that varies in the axial direction.

[0110] In the second method variant B) (separation into at least two sheet metal parts), the width of the post can also taper upwards, for example, in the direction of the module plane (x-direction) and / or perpendicular to it (y-direction). However, approach B), which involves forming sheet metal parts to create complex profiles for use as individual support sections of a post, is significantly more complex to manufacture and requires specialized machinery that typically offers less flexibility than, for example, the use of a tube laser, which allows for the creation of numerous geometries of separation lines. Therefore, approach A) is preferred. Both approaches, however, are based on the common inventive idea of ​​obtaining complementary components from a single raw material (longitudinal profile / sheet metal) through separation, each of which can be used as a support section of a post.

[0111] In the first described method variant A), where a (e.g., box-shaped) longitudinal profile is divided into two complementary support sections, it is preferred that the y-width of the support section, perpendicular to the module plane, in particular the width of its end face (facing the beam), is constant along the entire length of the support section. However, the x-width of the support section (running along the longitudinal direction of the beam) can decrease vertically upwards (i.e., along the longitudinal direction of the post). This decrease in width / tapering preferably occurs continuously; however, configurations in which the decrease is implemented in stages are also possible. PC 25 0509 C 33 / 62 30 September 2025

[0112] Particularly preferred are designs in which the dividing line obtained by the subdivision cut runs in a straight line and thus the x-width of the holding section decreases linearly upwards along the longitudinal axis of the post.

[0113] This approach makes it possible, particularly starting from a box-shaped longitudinal profile and using the described separation method, to obtain a kit of (preferably equally long) holding sections for posts of a PV system, which differ in their respective area moment of inertia and can therefore be used at different points in the supporting structure in order to ensure the required strength of the post at each precise point, which follows the concept of claim 11.

[0114] In the previously described separation of an original longitudinal profile into two complementary support sections according to approach A), it can also be advantageous if the two support sections are designed symmetrically to each other. This allows these two support sections to be inserted in the same orientation into posts of the supporting structure and develop the same mechanical properties there.

[0115] Longitudinal profiles with a constant cross-section can be produced particularly cost-effectively using roll forming, which is why this manufacturing method is preferred for the aforementioned original longitudinal profiles. Subsequently, the longitudinal profiles with a constant cross-section obtained in this way can also be very efficiently separated into the two complementary holding sections using a tube laser.

[0116] An alternative to the roll forming process is to produce a closed profile shape by means of cold rolling and subsequent welding, whereby in particular a PC 25 0509 C 34 / 62 30 . September 2025

[0117] A box-shaped longitudinal profile can be obtained. A punching process can also be integrated into the rolling process, allowing perforations to be introduced into the surfaces of the longitudinal profile as subsequent through-holes for the crossbars. The perforations can remain connected to each other via thin webs, which can then be cut using a separating process. In this way, two at least partially semi-open and complementary longitudinal profiles can be obtained from an originally closed longitudinal profile, which can then serve as the respective support section of a post (or at least as part of one).

[0118] The major advantage of the invention lies in the fact that, depending on the course of the taper and / or the course of the aforementioned dividing line between the two complementary support sections, the area moment of inertia of each support section can be tailored along its longitudinal direction. In particular, starting from an identical initial longitudinal profile, support sections of equal length but differing mechanical stability can be obtained by adjusting the position of the dividing line, preferably without having to adjust the wall thickness of the longitudinal profile. Therefore, all wall thicknesses of the support sections used in a support structure according to the invention can be identical, and yet the support sections can differ significantly in the material used and thus in their mechanical load-bearing capacity.

[0119] The complementarity of the two complementary holding sections can also be implemented only section by section, for example, if a lower, closed-section section of the holding section is of a different length, which can also result in holding sections with different stiffnesses or a different distribution of the area moment of inertia in the z-longitudinal direction of the post. In general, however, numerous embodiments of holding sections according to the invention for a post are conceivable, in which lower or upper sections can be designed with a closed or semi-open cross-section.

[0120] In all configurations, it is advantageous if the lower portion of each retaining section provides a flat contact surface (end face) with which the retaining section can lie flat against a corresponding fastening surface of the lower fastening section of the post (e.g., designed as a driving profile). Such a configuration has the technical advantage that the retaining section can not only be moved axially along the z-direction relative to the fastening section anchored in the ground, but that the upper retaining section can also be rotated about an x-axis (= longitudinal axis of the rails) relative to the fastening section (which may be driven into the ground at an angle). In this case, the contact surface of the retaining section with the fastening surface can form a pivot bearing.

[0121] For these reasons, it is particularly advantageous if the closed longitudinal profile, from which the two complementary retaining sections are obtained by cutting, has both a flat front surface and a parallel, also flat, rear surface. In this case, both the front and the rear can serve as the respective flat contact surfaces of the respective retaining section after cutting. Preferably, the outer contact surface of the respective retaining section rests against an outer surface of an associated fastening section (especially back-to-back). In other embodiments, however, the flat outer contact surface of the retaining section can rest against an inner surface. PC 25 0509 C 36 / 62 30 September 2025

[0122] The surface of the fastening section should be in contact with the surface (e.g., back-to-stomach contact). The latter would be the case, for example, if two C-profiles are inserted into each other to serve as a fastening or holding section.

[0123] In method variant A), it can therefore be additionally provided that the original longitudinal profile (which is subdivided) is designed as a box-shaped longitudinal profile with a flat end face and a flat back surface opposite this end face. In this case, after separating this original longitudinal profile into the two complementary parts (using the subdivision cut), each of these parts can offer a flat end face in which through-holes can then be formed. Alternatively, separate retaining elements can also be attached to these end faces. Since the box-shaped longitudinal profile is divided into two retaining sections, the front end face of one retaining section serves as the end face of the retaining section, and the back surface of the (original) longitudinal profile serves as the end face of the retaining section of the other retaining section.

[0124] The two complementary parts, obtained based on the respective separation method employed, can each be used to form a respective holding section of a post and, for this purpose, can be connected directly or indirectly to a respective further / separate lower fastening section to form a respective post, resulting in two posts. A screw connection is particularly suitable as a joining method, whereby the screw connection of the holding and fastening sections can also be mediated via intermediate parts (in which case the sections are only indirectly connected). PC 25 0509 C 37 / 62 30 September 2025

[0125] In variant B), the respective retaining section can be manufactured from at least one of the at least two sheet metal parts using a joining method such as screws, rivets, or welding, particularly with the use of an intermediate element. Such joining methods make it possible for the resulting retaining section to have a closed cross-section, at least partially, preferably in a lower area, in order to locally increase its strength.

[0126] The invention will now be described in more detail using exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these embodiments. It shows:

[0127] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a support structure according to the invention, the posts of which are driven into the ground.

[0128] Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the supporting structure of Fig. 1.

[0129] Fig. 3 shows an even greater magnification of the detail-

[0130] Detail of Fig. 2, showing the different formation of cross-sectional constrictions on the respective posts,

[0131] Fig. 4 shows a side view in the y-direction of a

[0132] Holding section of a post designed according to the invention,

[0133] Fig. 5 shows a rear view in the x-direction of the holding section of Fig. 4.

[0134] Fig. 6 shows an oblique view of the holding section 7 of Figs. 4 and 5, PC 25 0509 C 38 / 62, September 30, 2025

[0135] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view in the xy-plane of a further holding section 7, whose longitudinal profile 9 at this z-height is formed by means of a closed circumferential profile cross-section 12,

[0136] Fig. 8 a detailed view of the front

[0137] End face in the area of ​​a through-hole of a retaining section designed according to the invention,

[0138] Fig. 9 a rear view of the back

[0139] Front surface of the holding section of Fig. 8,

[0140] Figs. 10 to 12 show several cross-sectional views Q1, Q2 and Q3, as marked in Fig. 9 at the respective z-height.

[0141] Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a

[0142] Holding section 7, which rests back-to-back on a fastening section 6 designed by means of a C-shaped longitudinal profile,

[0143] Fig. 14 shows an alternative possibility, in which the

[0144] Holding section 7 lies back-to-stomach against an inner side of the fastening section,

[0145] Fig. 15 shows a side view of another PV system according to the invention,

[0146] Figs. 16 and 17 are perspective views from oblique front and oblique rear of the PV system of Fig. 15, PC 25 0509 C 39 / 62 30 . September 2025

[0147] Fig. 18 shows a back-to-back lying position of a

[0148] Holding section on a fastening section (analogous to Fig. 13) ,

[0149] Fig. 19 a back-to-belly position of a

[0150] Holding section on a fastening section (analogous to Fig. 14) ,

[0151] Fig. 20 a perspective view of a

[0152] Overlap area between a holding section designed according to the invention and a fastening section connected thereto (analogous to Fig. 19) ,

[0153] Fig. 21 a sheet of metal from which numerous

[0154] Sheet metal parts are cut out in order to obtain post retaining sections according to the invention by forming them,

[0155] Fig. 22 shows an alternative approach to producing retaining sections designed according to the invention by dividing an original longitudinal profile into two complementary parts by means of a subdivision cut.

[0156] Fig. 23 shows a detailed view of a support structure according to the invention, the posts of which have holding sections composed of two longitudinal profiles, as illustrated in Fig. 24.

[0157] Fig. 24 shows the two-part retaining section of the posts of the supporting structure from Fig. 23 and, in comparison, PC 25 0509 C 40 / 62 30. September 2025

[0158] Fig. 25 shows the one-piece retaining section of the posts of the supporting structure from Fig. 3.

[0159] Figs. 26 and 27 show the different extent of the

[0160] Cross-sectional narrowing at the individual support sections of the posts, as already illustrated in Fig. 3 ,

[0161] Fig. 28 shows a detailed view of the

[0162] Through-hole of a post according to the invention with a two-part retaining section, which is made up of two nested longitudinal profiles,

[0163] Figs. 29-31 a perspective view, a

[0164] Side view and top view of a support structure according to the invention without crossbars, wherein the PV modules are mounted directly on the posts,

[0165] Fig. 32 and Fig. 33 show an example of a post according to the invention with a two-part retaining section, wherein an inner profile is used to reinforce an outer profile.

[0166] Figs. 34 and 35 show an analogous example of a post according to the invention with a two-part retaining section, wherein the outer slip-on profile is used to reinforce an inner longer longitudinal profile.

[0167] Fig. 36 shows a schematic representation not to scale.

[0168] Illustration of an upper section of a post according to the invention of a supporting structure, the y-width of which varies in the axial direction in PC 25 0509 C 41 / 62 30 September 2025 in order to

[0169] to form a cross-sectional narrowing, and the

[0170] Fig. 37-39 shows a realistic example of a holding section of a post according to the invention with variable y-width and variable x-width.

[0171] Figure 1 shows a supporting structure 1 comprising numerous posts 4 arranged in a long row, each anchored in the ground 34. Each post 4 has a fastening section 6 in the form of a C-shaped driven profile 8, which is driven deep into the ground 34.

[0172] In the detailed views of Figure 2 and Figure 3, it can be seen that the respective holding section 7 of the respective post 4, arranged above the fastening section 6, has a length L2 (see Fig. 1), to which the horizontally extending bars 5 (which connect two adjacent posts 4) are attached, and is designed by means of a respective longitudinal profile 9.

[0173] Even in the side view of Figure 3, it can be seen from the dashed lines that the cross-section of the longitudinal profile 9, which forms the respective support section 7b, 7c, decreases upwards in the longitudinal direction 10 of the respective post 4, thus forming a respective cross-sectional narrowing 24. In other words, the mechanical area moment of inertia of the respective support section 7 increases downwards in the longitudinal direction 10. The respective post 4 therefore has a higher mechanical load-bearing capacity in its lower region than at its upper end.

[0174] Figures 4 to 6 clearly show that the PC 25 0509 C 42 / 62 located there was on September 30, 2025.

[0175] Holding section 7 of the respective post 4 at the

[0176] The supporting structure of Figures 1 to 3 is designed in one piece using a single longitudinal profile 9. The reduction in cross-section 24 is achieved by varying a cross-section 25 of the longitudinal profile 9 in its longitudinal direction 10. This can be clearly seen, for example, in the different cross-sectional views of Figures 10 to 12, where the respective z-height of the respective cross-section Q1 / Q2 / Q3 is illustrated in Figure 9.

[0177] Figures 4-6 also show that the aforementioned cross-sectional reduction 24 extends over more than 50% of the total length of the retaining section 7. Furthermore, 70% of the length L2 of the retaining section 7 has a semi-open cross-section, while the lower part 27 is formed by a closed circumferential profile cross-section 12. Such semi-open designs offer advantages with regard to the simpler manufacturing of the longitudinal profiles 9.

[0178] Figure 7 shows that the tabs 16, which are formed at the respective through-holes 17, provide retaining surfaces 15 to which the bars 5 can be attached. The retaining surfaces 15 are offset inwards towards the xz-module plane 20 illustrated in Figure 2 (in which the active surfaces of the PV modules 2 are located) with respect to a direction perpendicular to this module plane 20. This allows the bars 5 to be significantly narrower in the aforementioned y-direction than the posts 4 are wide in the y-direction.

[0179] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6, the illustrated x-width 22 (which runs in the longitudinal direction of the bars 5) decreases (due to the cross-sectional narrowing 24) over more than 30% of the total length L2 of the retaining section 7 from bottom to top, with the reduction PC 25 0509 C 43 / 62 30 September 2025 being more than 80% in the example shown.

[0180] The retaining section 7 thus tapers upwards conically with respect to the aforementioned x-width 22. In contrast, the y-width 28 is kept constant in the example shown in Figure 6. However, an inventive cross-sectional reduction 24 could alternatively or additionally be achieved by varying this y-width 28 of the retaining section 7, as schematically illustrated in Figure 36. The example shown in Figures 37-39, on the other hand, shows a retaining section 7 of a post 4 constructed in one piece according to the invention from a single profile 9, wherein both the x-width 22 and the y-width 28 decrease upwards in the z-direction, thus forming a cross-sectional reduction 14. In this variant, the holding section 7 thus runs conically in the z-direction along two axes (x / y) that are orthogonal to each other, so that the area moment of inertia decreases continuously in the z-direction.

[0181] Alternatively, a cross-sectional reduction 24 according to the invention can also be achieved without varying the cross-section of the respective profile 9 if the holding section 7 is composed of at least two longitudinal profiles 9a, 9b, which may also differ in their cross-sectional shape (but do not necessarily have to).

[0182] Based on the different widths 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d in Figure 6, it can also be clearly seen that the x-width 22 of both side surfaces 19a and 19b of the longitudinal profile 9 of the holding section 7 decreases continuously upwards in the longitudinal direction 10.

[0183] As shown in Figure 12 with reference to Figure 9, in the area of ​​height zl the cross-section Ql there is formed by means of a closed circumferential lower profile cross-section 12, so that the holding section 7 in this area PC 25 0509 C 44 / 62 30 . September 2025 has a high mechanical load-bearing capacity.

[0184] The subdivision section 21, already indicated in Figures 6 and 9, divides the closed, box-shaped original longitudinal profile 9, resulting in semi-open cross-sections Q2 and Q3 in the upper areas at heights z2 and z3, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. Due to the oblique orientation of the subdivision cross-section 21 relative to the longitudinal direction 10 of the post 4 (see Figure 6), the degree of cross-sectional tapering 24 increases upwards, which is also evident from the decreasing cross-sectional length 14 (compare cross-section Q3 with cross-section Q2). In this way, considerable material can be saved in the upper section of the support section 7.

[0185] Figures 10 to 12 clearly show that each cross-section Q lies within the same envelope 30 (illustrated by the dashed line). With regard to the supporting structure 1 of Figures 1 to 3, this applies to all posts 4, because they are all made from the same raw material, namely the same box-shaped longitudinal profile 9; that is, their cross-sectional shape is identical. The box-shaped cross-sectional shape represents only one example of numerous possible cross-sectional shapes. However, the respective axial distribution of the area moment of inertia of each longitudinal profile 9 differs at least partially between individual posts 4. This is because the respective extent of the respective cross-sectional tapering 24 varies noticeably between individual posts 4 (compare the dashed lines in Figure 3).In the example shown in Figure 3, the respective z-height, from which the respective cross-sectional tapering 24 begins upwards, differs (see the dashed horizontal lines). It would also be possible, however, to remove more or less material PC 25 0509 C 45 / 62 30 . September 2025 from the respective support section 7 at the same height in order to specifically adjust a desired cross-sectional tapering 24 and thus the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the respective post 4 and / or to save material, or, for example, to select a different axial overlap length 11 between the longitudinal profiles 9 of a two-part support section 7 (see Figure 24) from post 4 to post 4.

[0186] The concept of defining the respective taper 24 of the longitudinal profile 9 by means of a subdivision dividing cut 21 is illustrated in detail in Figure 22: There, the subdivision dividing cut 21 runs strictly in the y-direction and thus perpendicular to the xz plane. By subdividing the original box-shaped longitudinal profile 9, which has a flat front and a flat rear end face 18, by means of the subdivision dividing cut 21, two complementary parts 23a and 23b can be obtained, as illustrated in the lower part of Figure 22, each of which can be used as a retaining section 7 of a post 4 according to the invention. The through-holes 17 formed in the end faces 18 and the tabs 16 obtained by bending at these points, which have already been illustrated in Figure 6, can, as illustrated in Figure 22, already be formed on both end faces 18 of the original longitudinal profile 9.The respective z-position of the respective tab 16 / through-hole 17 can be individually selected, so that these positions can also differ on the two parts 23a and 23b. The axial variation of the cross-section of the profile 9 resulting from the subdivision parting cut 21 can also be clearly seen in the side views of Figures 18 and 19.

[0187] As illustrated in Figure 24, which shows a holding section 7 with

[0188] Uberstülp-Profil il 9a shows which is applied to the outside.

[0189] The retaining section 7 according to the invention, which is slid onto the outer side of the inner profile 9a, need not necessarily be designed as a single piece by means of a single longitudinal profile 9, as in the example of Figure 25 (where a single-piece retaining section 7 is shown that is inserted into a lower C-shaped fastening section 6). Rather, the retaining sections 7 of the posts 4 can also be designed (at least) in two parts by means of a lower longitudinal profile 9a and an uppermost longitudinal profile 9b (cf. Fig. 24). Such designs have the particular advantage that cross-sectional reductions 24 of the retaining section 7 according to the invention can be obtained without axial variation of the respective cross-section of the respective longitudinal profile 9.

[0190] As can be seen in Figure 24, the two longitudinal profiles 9a and 9b are inserted into one another and overlap over the entire length L3 (= axial overlap length 11) of the lower longitudinal profile 9a. However, embodiments within the scope of the invention are also possible in which the profiles 9a, 9b overlap only in a central section, particularly if only the lower profile 9a is to be mounted on and / or inserted into the fastening section 6.

[0191] In the overlap area 11 shown in Figure 24, the lower longitudinal profile 9a ("overlap profile") thus reinforces the upper longitudinal profile 9b (inner profile), which extends over the entire length L2 of the retaining section 7. Accordingly, the upper part 26 of the retaining section 7 is formed only by the uppermost / inner longitudinal profile 9b, while the lower part 27 is formed by both the uppermost longitudinal profile 9b and the lower / outer longitudinal profile 9a. The lowermost through-hole 17 extends through both profiles 9a and 9b, so that the lowermost bolt 5 can be inserted into this through-hole 17 at any insertion depth in the x-direction. PC 25 0509 C 47 / 62 30 September 2025

[0192] With the two-part retaining section 7 shown in Figure 24, with a total length L2, a supporting structure 1 can be obtained as illustrated in Figure 23: There, the lower longitudinal profile 9a with length L3 (together with the upper longitudinal profile 9b with length L2 already inserted therein) is inserted into a lowermost longitudinal profile 9c in the overlap area 11 (of length L3) shown in Figure 23, which forms the fastening section 6 of the post 4 (with total length LI). The lower longitudinal profile 9a rests with its end face 18 f against an inner surface of the lowermost longitudinal profile 9c (which forms the fastening section 6). The lower longitudinal profile 9a forms an outer longitudinal profile and the uppermost longitudinal profile 9b an inner longitudinal profile. In this case, the outer profile 9a reinforces the inner profile 9b in the lower area 27 of the holding section 7, so that an increased area moment of inertia comes into play there and a first cross-sectional narrowing 24a is formed.Furthermore, the cross-section and thus the area moment of inertia of the uppermost longitudinal profile 9b decreases from the height z2, because the length of the side wall in the x-direction and thus the effective cross-sectional area decreases continuously upwards from this point, so that an additional second cross-sectional narrowing 24b is realized there.

[0193] Figure 23 further shows that a support structure 1 according to the invention can also be designed to support three superimposed rows of bifacial PV modules 2. The PV modules 2 can, for example, be attached to the bars 5 by means of special retaining elements 35, as illustrated. In other words, the respective retaining section 7 in the example of Figure 23 offers a total of four superimposed through-holes 17, into each of which a corresponding bar 5 is inserted. The aforementioned through-holes 17 are located in the respective front end face 18 of the retaining section 7 PC 25 0509 C 48 / 62 30. formed in September 2025, which borders the side surfaces 19a and 19b (see, for example, Fig. 6 or Fig. 16).

[0194] In the two-part retaining section 7 of Figure 24, the x-width 22 of the uppermost longitudinal profile 9b decreases continuously upwards in the z-direction from height z2, while the x-width 28b remains constant over the entire length of the uppermost longitudinal profile 9b. However, in the area of ​​the lowest through-hole 17 of the retaining section 7, the y-width 28a and the x-width 22 of the cross-section of the retaining section 7 are each increased compared to the respective widths of the upper longitudinal profile 9b by the insertion of the second lower longitudinal profile 9a. This gives the retaining section 7 additional mechanical stability in its lower part 27. A technically equivalent embodiment can be considered in which there is no outer longitudinal profile (such as the longitudinal profile 9a in the case of Figure 24).24), but an inner longitudinal profile is used to reinforce the uppermost longitudinal profile 9b shown in Figure 24: In this case, the shorter lower longitudinal profile 9a would thus be arranged inside the cross-section of the uppermost longitudinal profile 9a, thereby also achieving an effective increase in the area moment of inertia. Furthermore, it is also technically effective and possible within the scope of the invention that two or more profiles 9, which form the retaining section 7, are not each pushed into one another, but only abut each other, for example by mounting the profiles 9a, 9b back-to-back (similar to what is illustrated in Figure 13). In this case, too, an effective local increase in the area moment of inertia can be achieved.

[0195] In addition to the manufacturing approach shown in Figure 22, in which the course of the subdivision cross-section 21 used when separating the longitudinal profile 9 determines the respective cross-sectional reduction 24 of the two resulting PC 25 0509 C 49 / 62 30. September 2025

[0196] Since the retaining sections 7a and 7b are defined, such a cross-sectional reduction 24 can also be formed by forming according to the invention. Figure 21 illustrates a sheet 31 which is separated into several sheet metal parts 32 by means of a separation process (for example, punching or laser cutting, depending on the quantity to be produced). The dashed line illustrates the course of the respective subdivision separation cut 21. Each of the sheet metal parts 32 thus obtained can be formed after singulation along the bending lines 33 illustrated by dotted lines, so that corresponding retaining sections 7 can be obtained. Compare this to the illustrated bending lines 33 in Figure 6. Here, too, the course of the subdivision separation cut 21 defines the respective cross-sectional reduction 24. In the example of Figure 6, this extends over at least 40% of the total length of the retaining section 7.The back surface 29 illustrated in Figure 5 coincides with the lower front surface 18 of the original longitudinal profile 9 in Figure 22, which is illustrated in the upper half of Figure 22.

[0197] Figure 28 shows a detailed view of a through-hole 17 formed on a retaining section 7 of a post 4 according to the invention: It can be seen that both longitudinal profiles 9, the inner, longer longitudinal profile 9b and the outer, shorter longitudinal profile 9a, which is fitted onto the inner profile 9b, each have a corresponding opening which together form the through-hole 17. Furthermore, it can be seen that both profiles 9a, 9b each provide a tab 16 of a pair of tabs or a respective retaining surface 15 for holding the bolts 5. Since both longitudinal profiles 9a, 9b are designed to be semi-open on the back (as in the example of figure 32), both the left bar 5a and the right bar 5b can be inserted into the through-hole 17 and attached to the vertical PC 25 0509 C 50 / 62 30 by means of screws 36c.The two profiles 9a, 9b of the retaining section 7 are fastened to the elongated holes 37c (which allow adjustment of the z-height of the bars 5) aligned with the September 2025 design (see also Fig. 32). The bars 5a, 5b have horizontally aligned elongated holes 37b, which allows adjustment in the x-direction when screwing them to the profiles 9a, 9b.

[0198] Figures 29-31 show a section of a possible embodiment of a support structure 1 according to the invention, which dispenses with crossbars 5 and instead attaches the PV modules 2 directly to the posts 4 by means of retaining elements 35. Only the upper retaining sections 7 are shown in each figure; these can be designed with cross-sectional reductions 24 according to the invention, for example by inserting two profiles 9a, 9b into one another, as indicated at the right edge of Figure 29. In this embodiment, the uppermost profiles 9b of the posts 4 are also designed with a semi-open cross-section. Here, the opening of the post profile 9 (see Fig. 31) is oriented in the x-direction, as in the example of Fig. 32 (i.e., the post orientation is the same in both examples). However, embodiments are also possible in which the post opening is oriented, for example, in the y-direction.

[0199] Figures 32-35 show two examples of a post 4 according to the invention (similar to that in Fig. 28), which is composed of a total of three longitudinal profiles 9a, 9b, 9c. The lowest profile 9c has an I-shaped cross-section and can be driven into the ground 34 as a driving profile 8 to serve as a fastening section 6. In both examples, the retaining section 7 is formed by the two nested profiles 9a, 9b. Four through-holes 17a-17d are formed, which extend through both profiles 9a, 9b. Each of the two profiles 9a, 9b provides a pair of tabs 16, which are described as PC 25 0509 C 51 / 62 30 September 2025

[0200] Holding surfaces 15 serve to secure the bars 5 (by means of dashed lines).

[0201] (lines indicated in Fig. 32) to be able to screw to the holding section 7 (by means of screw connection 36c) .

[0202] In the example shown in Figs. 32-33, the longer (outer) profile 9b is arranged on the outside, while the shorter (inner) profile 9a is arranged inside the cross-section of profile 9b (see Fig. 32). In the example shown in Figs. 34-35, however, the uppermost profile 9b is the inner profile, so that a step to the outer profile 9a can also be seen on the outside in the side view of Fig. 35 (upper limit of the overlap area 11a).

[0203] In both embodiments of Figures 32-35, the two profiles 9a, 9b are designed with a semi-open cross-section that is constant in the axial direction. Furthermore, the uppermost part of the retaining section 7 is formed exclusively by profile 9b, while the lower part is formed by both profiles 9a, 9b. The cross-section of the inner profile follows that of the outer profile (in this example, over the entire cross-sectional length of the respective cross-sectional profile). Since the profile shapes follow each other, the two profiles 9a, 9b are axially displaceable relative to each other in the z-direction, and a positive fit is formed that prevents significant relative movements in the xy-plane between the two profiles 9a, 9b. Both profiles 9a, 9b are connected to each other via the screw connection 36b. In addition, both are connected to the fastening section 6 in the overlap area 11b via the screw connection 36a to profile 9c.

[0204] In the area of ​​the overlap 11a between the two profiles 9a, 9b, in the case of Fig. 34, the inner profile 9a lies "back-to-belly" with its end face 18, which runs in the yz-plane, against the corresponding inner surface of the outer profile 9b; in the case of Fig. 32, it is the other way around. PC 25 0509 C 52 / 62 30 . September 2025

[0205] In summary, a new approach is presented for obtaining a support structure 1 for bifacial PV modules 2 that is optimized with regard to both manufacturing costs and mechanical stability. For this purpose, it is proposed to form cross-sectional reductions 24 at the holding sections 7 of the respective posts 4 of the support structure 1, to which PV modules 2 or horizontally extending beams 5 supporting the PV modules 2 are attached (by varying the axial cross-sectional profile of a longitudinal profile and / or by using several longitudinal profiles 9 for the holding section 7), in order to be able to locally adjust the mechanical area moment of inertia of the post 4 and simultaneously achieve material savings (compare Figure 3 or Figure 23).

[0206] PC 25 0509 C 53 / 62 September 30, 2025

[0207] Reference symbol list

[0208] 1 Supporting structure

[0209] 2 bifacial PV modules (can convert sunlight from both sides into electrical current)

[0210] 3 PV systems

[0211] 4 posts

[0212] 5 bars

[0213] 6 Mounting section

[0214] 7 Stop section

[0215] 8 Ram profile

[0216] 9 Longitudinal profile (e.g. designed as a metallic extruded profile)

[0217] 10 Longitudinal direction (of 4)

[0218] 11 axial overlap area (where 6 and 7 overlap)

[0219] 12 lower (longitudinal) profile cross-section

[0220] 13 upper (longitudinal) profile cross-section

[0221] 14 Cross-sectional length (of 13, measured in the cross-sectional plane)

[0222] 15 Holding surface (for holding 5)

[0223] 16 tab

[0224] 17 Through-hole (for inserting / passing through 5)

[0225] 18 (front or rear) end face (of 4 / 7 / 9)

[0226] 19 side surface (of 4 / 7 / 9; borders 18)

[0227] 20 module levels

[0228] 21 Subdivision separation cut

[0229] 22 x width (of 19, e.g. measured in the longitudinal direction of the bars)

[0230] 23 complementary parts (of an original longitudinal profile)

[0231] 24 Cross-sectional reduction

[0232] 25 Cross section

[0233] 26 upper part (of 7)

[0234] 27 lower part (of 7)

[0235] 28 y-width

[0236] 29 Back surface PC 25 0509 C 54 / 62 30 September 2025

[0237] 30 Enveloping

[0238] 31 sheet metal

[0239] 32 sheet metal parts

[0240] 33 Bending line (along which 32 are bent to 7) 34 Soil

[0241] 35 retaining element

[0242] 36 screw connection

[0243] 37 slot

Claims

PC 25 0509 C 55 / 62 September 30, 2025 Claims 1. Supporting structure (1) , designed to support bifacial photovoltaic modules (2) , - wherein the supporting structure (1) comprises several posts (4) which are attached or anchored to or in the ground (34), - wherein the posts (4) each provide holding sections (7) which are intended for holding the photovoltaic modules (2), and - wherein the respective holding section (7) of the respective post (4) is connected by means of at least one longitudinal profile (9, 9a, 9b) is designed, characterized by, - that a cross-section (25) of the respective holding section (7), in particular a cross-section (25) of at least one longitudinal profile (9a) of the holding section (7), tapers upwards in a longitudinal direction (10) of the respective post (4) in such a way, - that a cross-sectional reduction (24) is formed over at least 20% of the total length L2 of the holding section (7) and / or - that the total mechanical area moment of inertia of the holding section (7) increases downwards in the longitudinal direction (10) by at least 20%, preferably by at least 30%.

2. Supporting structure (1) according to claim 1, - wherein the holding sections (7) of the posts (4) are each designed in one piece by means of a single longitudinal profile (9) and wherein the cross-sectional tapering (24) by means of an axial variation of a cross-section (25) this longitudinal profile (9) in its longitudinal direction (10) is achieved. PC 25 0509 C 56 / 62 September 30, 2025 3. Supporting structure (1) according to claim 1, - wherein the holding sections (7) of the posts (4) are each designed in at least two parts by means of at least two longitudinal profiles (9a, 9b) which partially or completely overlap and / or - in particular wherein an upper part (26) of the holding section (7) is formed exclusively by an uppermost longitudinal profile (9b) and a lower part (27) of the holding section (7) is formed at least partially by the uppermost longitudinal profile (9b) and by a lower longitudinal profile (9a) or - wherein the at least two longitudinal profiles (9a, 9b) of the holding section (7) , in particular the inner and the outer longitudinal profile (9a, 9b) , extend over an entire length L2 of the holding section (7) and thus completely overlap.

4. Supporting structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the retaining sections (7) comprise at least two longitudinal profiles (9a, 9b) which are inserted into one another and therefore overlap at least partially, such that the respective retaining section (7) comprises an inner longitudinal profile (9b) and an outer longitudinal profile (9a), and / or - wherein at least two longitudinal profiles (9a, 9b) of the respective stop section (7) - lie flat against each other and / or - are attached to a lower fastening section (6) of the respective post (4) which establishes the connection to the ground (34).

5. Supporting structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein a tapering (24) of a longitudinal profile (9, 9b) PC 25 0509 C 57 / 62 30 September 2025 of the stopping section (7) by a subdivision separation cut (21) by - an original longitudinal profile (9) or by - a raw material from which the longitudinal profile (9) was produced by forming.

6. Supporting structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a respective x-width (22) and / or a respective y-width (28) of the respective holding section (7) is reduced over at least 30% of the total length L2 of the holding section (7) compared to a respective maximum x-width / y-width of the holding section (7) , - preferably where the reduction is at least 10% .

7. Supporting structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a respective x-width (22) of side surfaces (19a, 19b) of a longitudinal profile (9, 9b) of the respective holding section (7) decreases upwards in the longitudinal direction (10), preferably continuously, - in particular wherein in a respective end face (18) adjacent to the side faces (19a, 19b) of the respective holding section (7) respective through-holes (17) are formed in the respective longitudinal profile (9b, 9c) and wherein a corresponding bolt (5) is inserted more or less deeply into the respective through-hole (17), - preferably wherein a y-width (28) of the end face (18) is the same at at least two through-holes (17), and / or - wherein an x-width and / or a y-width (28) of the holding section (7) in the area of ​​a topmost bar (4) or in the area of ​​a first, in particular topmost, PV- PC 25 0509 C 58 / 62 September 30, 2025 Module (2) is chosen to be at least 10% smaller than in the area of ​​a lowest bar (4) or in the area of ​​a second, in particular lowest, PV module (2) , - in particular wherein the holding section (7) is constructed in multiple parts from at least two longitudinal profiles (9b, 9c).

8. Supporting structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective holding sections (7) / the respective longitudinal profiles (9b) are formed in a lower part (27) by means of a closed circumferential lower profile cross-section (12) and in an upper part (26) by means of a half-open upper profile cross-section (13), - in particular where the semi-open upper profile cross-section (13) as a result - of a separation of a longitudinal profile (9) with an originally closed profile cross-section or - a subdivision separation cut (21) through a raw material from which the longitudinal profile (9b) was produced by forming.

9. Supporting structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-sectional length (14) of an upper profile cross-section (13) determining the local area moment of inertia of the post (4) decreases upwards in the longitudinal direction (10), preferably continuously, in an upper part (26) of the respective holding section (7) / of the respective longitudinal profile (9b).

10. Supporting structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 70%, in particular at least 85%, or even an entire length of the respective holding section (7) is designed to be semi-open in cross-section, - preferably during at least one further section PC 25 0509 C 59 / 62 30 September 2025 of the respective post (4) , in particular a / the respective lower fastening section (6, 9a) , is designed to be closed in cross-section.

11. Supporting structure according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the respective mechanical load-bearing capacity of the holding sections (7) of the posts (4) , - in particular an axial course of an area moment of inertia of the respective holding section (7) differs at least partially between individual posts (4), because the extent of a respective cross-sectional reduction (24) of the respective holding section (7) varies between individual posts (4), - especially since the respective axial overlap lengths (11) of the longitudinal profiles (9a, 9b) forming the holding section (7) differ from post (4) to post (4).

12. Photovoltaic system (3) , comprising - a supporting structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims as well as - a large number of bifacial PV modules (2) arranged upright on the supporting structure (1), - especially where - the PV modules (2) are mounted on horizontally extending bars (5) which each connect two of the posts (4) of the supporting structure (1) or wherein - the PV modules (2) are arranged between the posts (4) and mounted on the posts (4), in particular wherein the supporting structure (1) does not have any bars (5) connecting the posts. PC 25 0509 C 60 / 62 September 30, 2025 13. Use of single or multiple longitudinal profiles (9a, 9b) to form a holding section (7) of a post (4) of a supporting structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, - wherein a cross-sectional reduction (24) according to the invention is provided on the holding section (7). - by axial variation of the cross-section of at least one of the longitudinal profiles (9a, 9b) and / or - by inserting at least two of the longitudinal profiles (9a, 9b) into each other, - preferably such that a cross-section (25) of the holding section (7) thus formed tapers upwards in a longitudinal direction (10) of the holding section (7) such that the cross-sectional taper (24) is formed over at least 20% of a total length L2 of the holding section (7).

14. Method for manufacturing posts (4) of a supporting structure (1) according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, - that an original longitudinal profile (9), preferably of uniform / constant and / or closed cross-section, is divided into two complementary parts (23a, 23b) by means of a separation process, such that each of the two parts (23a, 23b) forms a holding section (7a, 7b) of a respective post (4), - wherein a course of a subdivision cutting cut (21) used in the separation process defines a respective cross-sectional reduction (24) of the respective holding section (7a, 7b), which extends over at least 30% of a total length of the respective part (23a, 23b) extends PC 25 0509 C 61 / 62 September 30, 2025 OR - that a sheet (31) is separated into at least two sheet parts (32) by means of a separation process and that two retaining sections (7a, 7b) of a respective post (4) are obtained from the at least two sheet parts (32) by forming along bending lines (33), wherein the respective retaining section (7a, 7b) tapers in cross-section towards a respective end and - wherein a course of a subdivision cutting section (21) used in the separation process defines a respective cross-sectional reduction (24) of the respective holding section (7a, 7b), preferably extending over at least 40% of the total length of the respective holding section (7a, 7b).

15. Method according to the preceding claim, - wherein the respective holding section (7a, 7b) is produced from at least one of the at least two sheet metal parts (32) by means of a joining method such as screws, rivets or welding, in particular using an intermediate element and / or - wherein the original longitudinal profile (9) is designed as a box-shaped longitudinal profile (9) with a flat front surface (18) and a flat rear back surface (29) opposite the front surface (18), - in particular so that after the original longitudinal profile (9) is separated into the two complementary parts (23a, 23b) each of these parts offers a flat end surface (18 / 29) in which through-holes (17) can be formed or separate retaining elements can be attached over a flat surface.

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