Holder for a solar roof tile on a tiled roof

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a holder (1) for a solar roof tile (2) on a tilted roof (3) comprising a base (4) comprising a lower support (5) supported in the mounted position on a lower batten (6) of the tilted roof (3) and an oblong beam (7) extending in a longitudinal direction x. The oblong beam comprises a lower end (8) interconnected in the mounted position to the base (4); an upper end (9) comprising an upper support (10) which in a mounted position is supported by an upper batten (11) of the tilted roof (3); a bearing surface (12) for supporting in the mounted position at least one solar roof tile (2) with respect to the upper batten (11) and the lower batten (6); and at least one stiffening fin (13) protruding from the oblong beam (7) in a normal direction z generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x for increasing the resistance of the oblong beam (7) against bending.

Description

[0001] P28969PC00

[0002] 1 / 26

[0003] Holder for a solar roof tile on a tiled roof

[0004] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a holder for a solar roof tile according to the preamble of patent claims and a method for using said holder in the assembly of a tiled roof.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] The installation of solar roof tiles on pitched roofs has become increasingly popular due to their dual functionality as both a roof covering and a generator of electricity. However, the holding means for securing these solar tiles to the roof structure, as known from prior art, have certain limitations that affect their performance and longevity.

[0008] For instance, EP2784241A1 , published in the name of Swisspearl Group AG, relates to a roof covering, which is composed of lower and upper side lateral joint profiles that are mounted and fastened one above other in flow direction on an underground. A water basin is arranged horizontally parallel to the underground for collecting water and / or a seal provided between overlapping portions of lower plate and upper plate is arranged horizontally to the underground. A lower side of lower and upper plates is held together by using panel fastener. The lower and upper plates are overlapped so that falling edges of plates are overlapped with joint profiles. P28969PC00

[0009] 2 / 26

[0010] Similarly, US2018351501A1 , filed by Tesla Inc. discloses an apparatus for assembling roofing structures that incorporates photovoltaic modules as shingles. A sidelap is used to both establish consistent spacing between the solar shingles and prevent water passing between adjacent shingles from collecting beneath the solar shingles by guiding the water passing through the solar shingles and redirecting the water down-roof.

[0011] These known holding means, while functional, fail to provide the necessary durability and resistance to bending, leading to compromised performance in the long term, especially in harsh environmental conditions.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0013] A first aspect of the disclosure is directed to a holder for a solar roof tile on a tilted roof. In a preferred variation the holder comprises a base comprising a lower support supported in the mounted position on a lower batten of the tilted roof and an oblong beam extending in a longitudinal direction. The special oblong beam - due to its stiffened construction - improves the holder’s performance e.g. allowing for greater lengths of the oblong beam and as a result of the solar roof tile mounted thereon.

[0014] The oblong bean typically comprises a lower end interconnected in the mounted position to the base and an upper end comprising an upper support which in a mounted position is supported by an upper batten of the tilted roof. The oblong bean comprises a bearing surface for supporting in the mounted position at least one solar roof tile with respect to the upper batten and the lower batten. P28969PC00

[0015] 3 / 26

[0016] Preferably at least one stiffening fin protrudes from the oblong beam in a normal direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction for increasing the resistance of the oblong beam against bending.

[0017] The holder for a solar roof tile on a tilted roof offers several advantages over traditional designs. The inclusion of at least one stiffening fin, protruding perpendicular to the oblong beam, significantly enhances the beam's resistance to bending, ensuring greater stability and structural integrity under the weight of the solar roof tile and external forces such as wind or snow. The specially designed oblong beam allows for greater lengths, enabling it to support larger or multiple solar roof tiles, increasing the holder's versatility for a wider range of installations.

[0018] To achieve a good resistance with respect to bending the stiffening fin is integrally formed with the oblong beam or attached thereto in a fixed manner (e.g. by means of welding). In the mounted position, bending forces induced by the wight of the at least one solar roof tile and / or by wind etc. are transferred via the bearing surface into the at least one stiffening fin and therefrom into the upper and the lower support (and therefrom into the battens). Depending on the length of the oblong beam in longitudinal direction, the at least one stiffening fin has a certain height in normal direction (from the respective lateral edge, or the bearing surface respectively). In some variations the height of the stiffening fin relative to its length in longitudinal direction is greater than 0.5%, preferably greater than 0.8%, more preferable greater than 1 .2%, or even greater than 2%. The at least one stiffening fin has preferably a uniform height along its length, or alternatively a varying height wherein the height to length ration is determined taking the greatest height of the stiffening fin. P28969PC00

[0019] 4 / 26

[0020] If appropriate the at least one stiffening fin has the essentially same or greater thickness (in lateral direction in a cross-sectional view) as the oblong beam.

[0021] Depending on the field of application, the base and the oblong beam can be integrally formed. Alternatively, the base and the oblong beam can be formed as separate but interconnectable parts. A multipart design of the holder, where the base and the oblong beam are separate interconnectable parts, offers several additional advantages. This modularity facilitates on-site assembly, allowing installers to interconnect the base and beam as needed, offering greater flexibility during installation. This can be particularly advantageous when adjustments are required based on roof-specific dimensions or conditions. Moreover, replacement and maintenance become easier with a multipart design. In case of damage or wear, individual components, such as the base or beam, can be replaced without the need to remove the entire holder, saving time and reducing costs for maintenance or repairs. Additionally, manufacturing of the parts can be streamlined, as separate components allow for specialized production processes, potentially reducing material costs and simplifying quality control.

[0022] The base and the oblong beam are preferably interconnectable at an interlocking interface. In some embodiments the interlocking interface is engaged by sliding the oblong beam towards the base in the longitudinal direction. If appropriate the interlocking interface, once engaged, restricts the movement of the oblong beam relative to the base in at least one, preferably two, directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (i.e. in the normal and in the lateral direction). P28969PC00

[0023] 5 / 26

[0024] For easy assembly, the oblong beam preferably comprises a first interface part configured to interconnect with a second interface part of the base in a form -fit manner to transfer load. In a preferred variation the interlocking interface comprises the first and the second interface part. The first interface part can be formed as a recess and the second interface part can be formed as a protrusion or vice-versa. In some variations the first and the second interface part each comprise a lateral surface pair arranged facing in the lateral direction and a normal surface pair facing in the normal direction. In the mounted position, the normal surfaces of the first and the second interface part are engaged and the lateral surfaces of the first and the second interface part are engaged such that the relative displacement of the oblong beam and the base is restricted in the lateral and in the normal direction. Alternatively, or in addition, the first interface part and the second interface part are insertable into one another in a linear and / or pivotable manner.

[0025] Preferably the interlocking interface comprises a stop restricting a displacement of the oblong beam relative to the base in the longitudinal direction. If appropriate the stop is formed as a projection of the base and / or of the oblong beam having a stop surface facing in the longitudinal direction. In the mounted position the oblong beam rests with a corresponding surface against the stop surface. This allows to interconnect the oblong beam and the base in a sliding or pivoting motion until the stop surfaces establish contact restricting further relative displacement.

[0026] Depending on the field of application, a middle support can be arranged between the upper support and the lower support supporting the holder in a mounted P28969PC00

[0027] 6 / 26 position on a middle batten arranged between the upper batten and the lower batten. In some variations, the at least one stiffening fin acts as the middle support, however a separate element can be foreseen as the middle support as well. For example, a variation of the base can be attached to middle batten to provide the middle support.

[0028] In the normal direction the upper support is typically spaced apart from the bearing surface by a first distance and the lower support is typically spaced apart from the bearing area by a second distance. The middle support is preferably spaced apart from the bearing area by a third distance being essentially equal to the average between the first distance and the second distance. This allows to mount the holder on three essentially identical battens arranged equidistant and in the same orientation on the tilted roof. In some variations, the height of the stiffening fin can essentially be the second distance, in particular in the region next to the lower support.

[0029] In some variations the at least one stiffening fin extends along the longitudinal direction of the oblong beam, wherein an upper end of the at least one stiffening fin is spaced a certain longitudinal distance apart from the upper support and a lower end of the at least one stiffening fin is spaced another (similar or different) longitudinal distance apart from the lower end of the oblong beam.

[0030] Good results can be achieved, when the oblong beam comprises a bearing section extending in a cross-sectional view between a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge Preferably two stiffening fins protrude from the bearing section and extend parallel along the first lateral edge, respectively the second lateral edge, P28969PC00

[0031] 7 / 26 for increasing during operation the resistance of the bearing section against bending.

[0032] The holder may comprise at least one securing element for securing the solar roof tile in the mounted position in the longitudinal direction. This securing element is preferably formed as a hook. However other types of securing elements are possible, like eyelets and / or bolts and / or clamps and / or glue etc. Depending on the design, the securing element can be attached to the oblong beam and / or to the base. In some variations the surface of the hooks may at least partially be covered with an elastic material in order to protect the solar roof tile. Additionally, the solar roof tile may be secured by an overhang section of an upwardly arranged holder.

[0033] Preferably the at least one stiffening fin comprising a fastening opening to attach a cable to the holder. Having a fastening opening arranged at the stiffening fin allows easy access thereto during installation since the stiffening fin is laterally accessible when the holder is mounted.

[0034] In a variation the oblong beam has a lateral extension which merges into an end section forming a lateral cover plate of the roof and / or a transition to roof tiles. This variation can be used at a lateral edge of the tilted roof. The cover plate preferably has a height in normal direction to laterally cover the holder and the battens onto which the holder is mounted. P28969PC00

[0035] 8 / 26

[0036] Preferably the cover plates of two in the longitudinal direction arranged holders are configured to overlap with each other. This allows an arrangement resistant to ingress of atmospheric water.

[0037] Good results can be achieved, when the cover plate is tilted relative to the longitudinal direction by an angle, in particular an angle in the range of 0° to 20°, preferably between 4° and 8°, more preferably around 6°. The angle is between a plane spanned by the cover plate and a plane spanned by the general extension of the bearing surface. In other words, the cover plate is rotated around the longitudinal direction by an angle such that the lower end of the cover plate is pivoted away.

[0038] For a rigid construction, the base is preferably made from bend sheet metal and the oblong beam is made from extruded metal, in particular extruded aluminum, or bend sheet metal. In case the oblong beam is made from extruded metal, the profile is cut to length and at the upper and at the lower end the at least one stiffening fin is removed (e.g. by milling) a certain longitudinal distance.

[0039] For a good weatherproofing, a sealing element is preferably arranged on the bearing surface and comprises at least one elastic sealing lib and a drain channel adjacently extending in longitudinal direction to provide in a mounted position a drainage for atmospheric water. Depending on the design the sealing element can be interconnected to the oblong beam and / or a solar roof tile as a separate part. Preferably the sealing element is at least partially made from an elastic material. The possible materials for the rest comprise foam and rubber materials, in P28969PC00

[0040] 9 / 26 particular EPDM. In some variations the rest can be formed as a rubber mat. This mat may be glued to the oblong beam.

[0041] A material saving construction can be achieved, when a drain channel is incorporated in the sealing element and / or the oblong beam. Preferably a multiplicity of drain channels is incorporated into the sealing element, thereby providing a labyrinth sealing with the thereupon resting solar roof tile.

[0042] Depending on the field of application the upper and / or the lower support may comprise at least one connection means to fasten the upper and / or the lower support to the respective upper and / or the respective lower batten. The connection means may at least one out of the following: screws, bolts, nails, pins, glue, slings, etc. The holder can be fastened to various types of battens, like bend metal battens, however preferred are conventional wooden battens.

[0043] For easy installation, the base preferably comprises in a top-down view an access opening providing in the mounted position access to an upper end of an oblong beam attached to same batten of the tilted roof. This allows to access the upper end of an oblong beam along the normal direction through the access opening (e.g. with a screwdriver). Once an oblong beam is interconnected to said base, the oblong beam covers the access opening, such that ingress of atmospheric water is avoided.

[0044] In a variation, the at least one stiffening fin comprises a cutout for accommodating a further batten arranged on the tilted roof. The cutout preferably has a depth that allows the additional batten to extend below the holder. The additional batten may P28969PC00

[0045] 10 / 26 be a supporting batten which supports the holder. The additional batten may also be a non-supporting batten not supporting the holder. The cutout is located at the stiffening fin at a certain location and extension along the longitudinal direction such as to allow the additional batten to extend below the holder. The additional batten may also extend across the holder. Preferably, the additional batten is of substantially same height as the upper batten and the lower batten. The cutout allows for one or more additional battens to extend below and across the holder with only minimally compromising stability.

[0046] In case of two stiffening fins, for example at opposite sides of the holder, both stiffening fins preferably have a respective cutout such that the additional batten can extend across the holder.

[0047] The cutout may be as such that the additional batten extending below the holder is a supporting batten, thus has at least a contacting area to the body of the stiffening fin with the cutout and may provide further support of the holder. This has the advantage of an additional point of support of the holder.

[0048] The cutout may alternatively be of greater extension in the normal direction such that the holder and the batten do not contact each other but provide some clearance to a therefore non-supporting batten. This has the advantage of providing play in the size of the additional batten and / or the batten can more easily be removed without needing to disassemble the holder.

[0049] Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method of assembling a roof cladding of a tilted roof using a holder as described herein. The method P28969PC00

[0050] 11 / 26 comprises the steps of fastening a first base on a lower batten of the tilted roof; fastening at least one other base on an upper batten of the tilted roof in a longitudinal direction aligned with the first base; and interconnecting a lower end of an oblong beam to the first base at the lower batten and fasting an upper end of the oblong beam to the upper batten. In particular, fasting an upper end of the oblong beam to the upper batten, comprises accessing the upper end of the oblong bean via the access opening of the other base. This allows an assembly direction of the oblong beams can be chosen once the bases are attached to the battens, either roof down or towards the top of the roof.

[0051] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed.

[0052] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The herein described disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the disclosure described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing: P28969PC00

[0054] 12 / 26

[0055] Fig. 1 a tiled roof in a perspective view having solar roof tiles mounted to battens by a first variation and by a second variation of a holder according to the disclosure;

[0056] Fig. 2 a perspective view of two variations of a holder according to the disclosure mounted on the battens of a tilted roof;

[0057] Fig. 3 in an exploded view a holder according to the disclosure;

[0058] Fig. 4 a detailed view of the holder of Fig. 3 indicated therein by box A;

[0059] Fig. 5 a top-down view of the holder of Fig. 3;

[0060] Fig. 6 a lateral view of the holder of Fig. 3;

[0061] Fig. 7 a section view of the holder of Fig. 5 indicated by section line AA;

[0062] Fig. 8 a tiled roof in a perspective view having solar roof tiles mounted to battens by the second variation of a holder according to the disclosure; and

[0063] Fig. 9 a perspective view of the second variation of the holder;

[0064] Fig. 10 a perspective view of a third variation of the holder with cutouts as well as battens;

[0065] Fig. 11 a lateral view of the third variation of the holder with coutouts as well as battens; P28969PC00

[0066] 13 / 26

[0067] Fig. 12 a perspective view of the third variation of the holder; and

[0068] Fig. 13 a detailed view I of the third variation of the holder of Fig. 12.

[0069] DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0070] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

[0071] Figure 1 shows a tiled roof 3 in a perspective view having solar roof tiles 2 mounted to battens 6, 11 by a first variation of a holder 1 according to the disclosure. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the first and a second variation of a holder 1 according to the disclosure mounted on the battens 6, 11 of a tilted roof 3. In Figure 3 an exploded view the first variation of the holder 1 is shown and a detailed view of the holder of Figure 3 indicated therein by box A is shown in Figure 4. Figure 5 shows a top-down view of the first variation of the holder 1 of Figure 3 and Figure 6 a lateral view. Figure 7 shows a section view of the holder 1 of Figure 5 indicated by section line AA.

[0072] The tiled roof 3 as shown in Figure 1 (only partially shown) comprises four horizontal rows (in lateral direction y) of solar roof tiles 2 mounted to battens 6, 11 , P28969PC00

[0073] 14 / 26

[0074] 15 by holders 1 . The holders 1 allow to mount the rows of solar roof tiles 2 in an overlapping manner, such that ingress of water in between the horizontal rows is minimized. In addition, the holders 1 arranged between two neighboring solar roof tiles 2 of a horizontal row support at least one solar roof tile 2 and provide drainage of water therebetween.

[0075] The shown variations of the holder 1 are of a multipart design in that they are separable into a base 4 and an oblong beam 7. The base 4 comprises a lower support 5 supported in the mounted position on a lower batten 6 of the tilted roof 3. The terms lower batten and upper batten are relative to each holder 1 and characterize merely the position of the respective battens in longitudinal direction x for said holder. The oblong beam 7 extends typically in the longitudinal direction x and comprises a lower end 8 and an upper end 9. The lower end 8 is interconnected in the mounted position to the base 4 and the upper end 9 comprises an upper support 10 which is supported by an upper batten 11 .

[0076] To support at least one solar roof tile 2 each oblong beam comprises a bearing surface 12. In the mounted position the bearing surface 12 transfers the load of at least one solar roof tile 2 via the upper support 10 to the upper batten 11 and via the lower support 10 of the base 4 to the lower batten 6. This is best visible in Figure 2.

[0077] In particular when the holder is spanning in longitudinal direction x three battens 6, 11 , 15, a middle support 14 can be arranged between the upper support 10 and the lower support 5. This middle support 14 allows an intermediate support P28969PC00

[0078] 15 / 26 of the solar roof tile 2 on a middle batten 15 arranged between the upper batten 11 and the lower batten 6.

[0079] To allow for an overlapping arrangement of the horizontal rows of solar roof tiles

[0080] 2, the bearing surface 12 is in the mounted position at an angle with respect to the battens 6, 11 , 15. This is achieved in that in a normal direction z perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x and normal to the general extension of the tilted roof

[0081] 3, the upper support 10 is spaced apart from the bearing surface 12 by a first distance 16 and the lower support 5 is spaced apart from the bearing surface 12 by a second distance 17. By having a second distance 17 greater than the first distance 16, the lower support 5 raises in the mounted position the lower end of solar roof tile 2, such that the solar roof tile 2 arranged below can be overlapped.

[0082] As shown in Figure 2, in case a middle support 14 is present it is spaced apart from the bearing surface 12 in the normal direction z by a third distance 18 being essentially equal to the average between the first distance 16 and the second distance 17.

[0083] In Figure 3 can be seen, that the oblong beam 7 comprises at least one stiffening fin 13. The stiffening fin 13 protrudes from the oblong beam 7 in the normal direction z and extends along the longitudinal direction x of the oblong beam 7 to increase its stiffness. For a material saving construction, an upper end 9 of the at least one stiffening fin 13 is spaced a certain longitudinal distance 19 apart from the upper support 10. This is best visible in Figure 6. Similarly, a lower end 8 of the at least one stiffening fin 13 is spaced a certain longitudinal distance 19 apart from the lower end 8 of the oblong beam 7. P28969PC00

[0084] 16 / 26

[0085] In Figures 5 and 7 the structure of the oblong beam 7 is best visible. The beam 7 comprises a bearing section 20 extending in a cross-sectional view (Figure 7) between a first lateral edge 21 and a second lateral edge 22. The bearing section 20 being essentially planar is prone to bend in the normal direction z under load. To minimize this, two stiffening fins 13 protrude from the bearing section 20 and extend parallel along the first lateral edge 21 , respectively the second lateral edge 22, for increasing during operation the resistance of the bearing section 20 against bending.

[0086] In the mounted position a sealing element 32 is arranged between the bearing surface 12 and the at least one solar roof tile 2 resting thereon. The sealing element 32 comprises an elastic sealing lib 33 providing a constant sealing along the longitudinal between the sealing element 32 and the solar roof tile 2. Next to the sealing lib 33, two drain channels 34 are arranged to drain atmospheric water and guide said water downwards. The sealing element 32 further comprises a spacer 38 protruding in normal direction z and extending in longitudinal direction x to space two neighboring solar roof tiles 2 apart from each other when being supported by the holder 1 .

[0087] The base 4 comprises at least one hook-shaped securing element 36 arranged at a lower end of the base 4. In the mounted position, the securing element 36 secures a lower edge of the solar roof tile 2 against sliding downwards along the longitudinal direction x. In the first variation of the holder 1 , per base two securing elements 36 are present, while in the second variation of the holder 1 typically one or two securing elements 36 are present. P28969PC00

[0088] 17 / 26

[0089] In Figure 8 a tiled roof 3 in a perspective view having solar roof tiles 2 mounted to battens by the second variation of a holder 1 according to the disclosure is shown and Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the second variation of the holder 1 . The second variation includes the features of the first variation as described above and further includes a lateral extension which merges into an end section 29 forming a lateral cover plate 30 of the roof 3 at the upper two rows and a transition to roof tiles at the lower two rows of solar roof tiles 2. The cover plates 30 are configured such that two in the longitudinal direction x above each other arranged holders 1 overlap each other with their cover plates 30. To achieve this, the cover plates 30 are tilted relative to the longitudinal direction x by an angle 31.

[0090] The first and the second variation of the holder 1 each comprises an interlocking interface 24 as best visible in Figure 4. The shown variation of the interlocking interface 24 is engaged by sliding the oblong beam 7 towards the base 4 in the longitudinal direction x until a stop 37 at the base establishes contact with the oblong beam 7 and restricts further sliding. In particular the oblong beam 7 comprises a first interface part 25 configured to interconnect with a second interface part 26 of the base 4 in a form-fit manner to transfer loads. The first interface part 25 is a recess 27 and the second interface part 26 is a protrusion 28.

[0091] Further visible in Figure 4 is an access opening 35 arranged at the base 4, such that in the mounted position access to an upper end 9 of an oblong beam 7 attached to same batten 6, 11 of the tilted roof 3 is possible. To secure the upper support 10 of the oblong beam 7 to the upper batten 11 and the lower support 5 of the base 4 to the lower batten 6 connections means 39 are foreseen. In the P28969PC00

[0092] 18 / 26 shown variations, the connection means 39 comprise through bores to receive screws or the like for fixing the supports 5, 10 to the respective battens 6, 11.

[0093] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a third variation of the holder 1 arranged on an upper batten 11 , a lower batten 6, and two middle battens 41 , 42. Figure 11 shows a lateral view of the third variation of the holder 1 and the battens 6, 41 , 42. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the third variation of the holder 1 in an isolated manner without the battens such that the details become better apparent. Figure 13 shows a detailed view B of the third variation of the holder 1 of Figure 12.

[0094] The explanations made hereinabove with respect to the previous variations in principle also apply to the third variation of the holder 1 . For details not explained here, reference is made to the other Figures and the thereto related description. As in the other Figures, the upper batten 11 and the lower batten 6 support the holder 1 by the upper support 10 and the lower support 5. Instead of one middle batten 15 (schematically indicated by dotted lines) essentially arranged in the middle between equally spaced apart (distance d2) from the upper batten 11 and the lower batter 6, two middle battens 41 , 42 (upper middle batten 41 and lower middle batten 42) are present equally spaced apart with respect to each other and the upper batten 11 and the lower batten 6. All battens 6, 11 , 41 , 42 lay in the same plane xy. For accommodating the upper middle batten 41 in a mounted position as shown, the holder 1 comprises a cutout 40 that is best visible in the detailed view according to Figure 13. The cutout 40 in the present variation is extending in the at least one stiffening fin 13 in an upward direction (z-direction). The cutout 40 may act as a further middle support for the upper middle batten 41 . P28969PC00

[0095] 19 / 26

[0096] Its depth - extension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the oblong beam 7 - is preferably chosen such that it supports in the mounted position the oblong beam 7, respectively the holder 1 , with respect to the upper middle batten 41 . As can be seen the upper middle batten 41 is arranged in a ratio of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 (d1 = 1 / 3) between the lower batten 6 and the upper batten 11 closer to the upper batten 11 . The lateral extension of the cutout 40 is chosen such that it extends above the with of the cross-section of the upper middle batten it is foreseen to receive.

[0097] Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0098] P28969PC00

[0099] 20 / 26

[0100] LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

[0101] 1 Holder 23 Fastening opening

[0102] 2 Solar roof tile 24 Interlocking interface

[0103] 3 Tilted roof 25 First interface part

[0104] 4 Base 26 Second interface part

[0105] 5 Lower support (base) 27 Recess

[0106] 6 Lower batten 28 Protrusion

[0107] 7 Oblong beam 29 End section

[0108] 8 Lower end (oblong beam) 30 Cover plate

[0109] 9 Upper end (oblong beam) 31 Angle

[0110] 10 Upper support (oblong beam) 32 Sealing element

[0111] 11 Upper batten 33 Sealing lib

[0112] 12 Bearing surface 34 Drain channel

[0113] 13 Stiffening fin 35 Access opening

[0114] 14 Middle support 36 Securing element (hook)

[0115] 15 Middle batten 37 Stop

[0116] 16 First distance (upper support) 38 Spacer

[0117] 17 Second distance (lower sup39 Connection means port) 40 Cutout (middle support)

[0118] 18 Third distance (middle support) 41 Upper middle batten

[0119] 19 Longitudinal distance (first, sec42 Lower middle batten ond) x Longitudinal direction

[0120] 20 Bearing section y Lateral direction

[0121] 21 First lateral edge z Normal direction

[0122] 22 Second lateral edge

Claims

P28969PC0021 / 26PATENT CLAIMS1 . Holder (1 ) for a solar roof tile (2) on a tilted roof (3) comprising: a. a base (4) comprising a lower support (5) supported in the mounted position on a lower batten (6) of the tilted roof (3); and b. an oblong beam (7) extending in a longitudinal direction (x) with i. a lower end (8) interconnected in the mounted position to the base (4); ii. an upper end (9) comprising an upper support (10) which in a mounted position is supported by an upper batten (11 ) of the tilted roof (3); iii. a bearing surface (12) for supporting in the mounted position at least one solar roof tile (2) with respect to the upper batten (11 ) and the lower batten (6); and iv. at least one stiffening fin (13) protruding from the oblong beam (7) in a normal direction (z) generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (x) for increasing the resistance of the oblong beam (7) against bending.

2. The holder (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein a middle support (14) is arranged between the upper support (10) and the lower support (5) supporting the holder (1 ) in a mounted position on a middle batten (15) arrangedP28969PC0022 / 26 between the upper batten (11 ) and the lower batten (6), in particular the at least one stiffening fin (13) acts as the middle support (14).

3. The holder (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein in the normal direction (z) a. the upper support (10) is spaced apart from the bearing surface (12) by a first distance (16), b. the lower support (5) is spaced apart from the bearing surface (12) by a second distance (17), and c. the middle support (14) is spaced apart from the bearing surface (12) by a third distance (18) being essentially equal to the average between the first distance (16) and the second distance (17).

4. The holder (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stiffening fin (13) extends along the longitudinal direction (x) of the oblong beam (7), wherein an upper end (9) of the at least one stiffening fin (13) is spaced a certain longitudinal distance (19) apart from the upper support (10) and a lower end (8) of the at least one stiffening fin (13) is spaced a certain longitudinal distance (19) apart from the lower end (8) of the oblong beam (7).

5. The holder (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the oblong beam (7) comprises a bearing section (20) extending in a cross-sectional view between a first lateral edge (21 ) and a second lateral edge (22), wherein two stiffening fins (13) protrude from the bearing section (20)P28969PC0023 / 26 and extend parallel along the first lateral edge (21 ), respectively the second lateral edge (22), for increasing during operation the resistance of the bearing section (20) against bending.

6. The holder (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stiffening fin (13) comprising a fastening opening (23) to attach a cable to the holder (1 ).

7. The holder (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base (4) and the oblong beam (7) are interconnectable at an interlocking interface (24), in particular by sliding the oblong beam (7) towards the base (4) in the longitudinal direction (x).

8. The holder (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the oblong beam (7) comprises a first interface part (25) configured to interconnect with a second interface part (26) of the base (4) in a form-fit manner to transfer load, in particular wherein a. the first interface part (25) is a recess (27) and the second interface part (26) is a protrusion (28) or vice-versa; and / or b. the first interface (25) and the second interface (26) are insertable into one another in a linear and / or pivotable manner.

9. The holder (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the oblong beam (7) has a lateral extension which merges into an end sectionP28969PC0024 / 26(29) forming a lateral cover plate (30) of the roof and / or a transition to roof tiles.

10. The holder (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the cover plates (30) of two in the longitudinal direction (x) arranged holder (1 ) overlap with each other.

11. The holder (1 ) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the cover plate (30) is tilted relative to the longitudinal direction (x) by an angle (31 ), in particular an angle (31 ) in the range of 0° to 20°.

12. The holder (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein base (4) is made from bend sheet metal and the oblong beam (7) is made from ex- truded aluminum or bend sheet metal.

13. The holder (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a sealing element (32) is arranged on the bearing surface (12) and comprises at least one elastic sealing lib (33) and a drain channel (34) adjacently extending in longitudinal direction (x) to provide in a mounted position a drainage for atmospheric water.

14. The holder (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base (4) comprises in a top-down view an access opening (35) providing in the mounted position access to an upper end (9) of an oblong beam (7) attached to same batten (6, 11 ) of the tilted roof (3).P28969PC0025 / 2615. The holder (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stiffening fin (13) comprises a cutout (40) for accommodating a batten (41 , 42) arranged on the tilted roof (3).

16. Method of assembling a roof cladding of a tilted roof using a holder (1 ) ac- cording to any of claims 1 to 5, the method comprising the steps of: a. fastening a first base (4) on a lower batten (6) of the tilted roof (3) b. fastening at least one other base (4) on an upper batten (11 ) of the tilted roof (3) in a longitudinal direction (x) aligned with the first base (4); and c. interconnecting a lower end (8) of an oblong beam (7) to the first base (4) at the lower batten (6) and fasting an upper end (9) of the oblong beam (7) to the upper batten (11 ).

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