Fastening element for fastening a solar panel to a solar panel support structure

Abstract

The invention provides a fastening element (1) for fastening a solar panel to a solar panel support structure. The fastening element (1) comprises a lever (20) configured to engage with the solar panel and an engagement element (30) configured to engage with the solar panel support structure. The lever (20) and the engagement element (30) are pivotally connected forming a snap-and-swing clamp.

Description

Fastening element for fastening a solar panel to a solar panel support structureTechnical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening element for fastening a solar panel to a solar panel support structure. The invention further relates to a solar panel support structure , a solar panel system, a kit of parts and a method for fastening solar panels on a solar panel support structure.Background Art

[0002] With a drive towards transitioning to environmentally sustainable methods of power generation, solar panel systems on the roofs of buildings have become increasingly common. Furthermore, modern solar panel systems may have extended arrays of solar panels that can amount to tens of solar panels, hundreds of solar panels, or even more. Consequently, there has been a need for solar panel support and fastening arrangements. The solar panels in a solar panel system are typically fastened and supported at a predetermined inclined angle to the sun. Solar panels are used both on substantially flat as well as sloping roofs, both putting different requirements on the fastening arrangement.

[0003] DE202010008691 U1 describes a mounting system for mounting photovoltaic systems on in particular flat roofs with a base on which photovoltaic modules can be fastened with clamping means using screws. Usage of screws has several disadvantages. It is time consuming to insert and tighten the screws. Sufficient screws need to be brought to the installation site and carried around by the solar panel installers. Also, care needs to be taken that all screws are well enough fastened. EP4414627A1 discloses a panel clamp for fastening a solar panel to a mounting rail in a solar panel installation. The panel clamp comprises a solar panel engaging element, a rail engaging element, and a fastening tool. The fastening tool is operably engaged to both the solar panel engaging element and the rail engaging element and arranged to provide generate a relative movement between the elements to clamp the solar panel. The fastening tool uses a lever mechanism to generate the relative movement.

[0004] It is a goal of the invention to provide an improved fastening element for solar panels that is cheaper and / or easier to be installed compared to existing arrangements and / or systems. Alternatively, it is a goal of the present invention to provide a fastening element for solar panels and / or a solar panel system that otherwise is an improvement over existing systems.Summary of Invention

[0005] Therefore, according to a first aspect, there is provided a fastening element (1) for fastening a solar panel to a solar panel support structure, the fastening element (1) comprising a lever (20) configured to engage with the solar panel and an engagement element (30) configured to engage with the solar panel support structure, wherein the lever (20) and the engagement element (30) are pivotally connected to form a clamp. Preferably, the lever and the engagement element are pivotally connected forming a snap-and-swing clamp. The term snap-and-swingclamp is known to a skilled person, and may alternatively be referred to as a spring clamp, a push clamp or a snap clamp.

[0006] Using a snap-and-swing clamp provides for an easy and fool proof fastening element, which doesn’t require the use of tools, like a screwdriver, or additional loose parts, like screws. It is advantageous that the fastening action can be performed by a single person, without the assistance of colleagues, or the use of additional tools as it speeds up the installation process. Moreover, it reduces the amount of equipment that the person installing the solar panel system needs to carry onto the roof. In addition, the fastening is intuitive such that no training or specialized personnel is required for the installation.

[0007] A snap-and-swing clamp can be fastened by pushing the lever from a free position, through a dead-point, towards a clamping position. This causes the parts of solar panel and the solar panel support structure on which the fastener is applied are clamped together between the lever (top jaw element) and the engagement element. During this movement, the solar panel support structure may deform slightly. The lever is pushed through the dead-point securing the lever in the clamping position.

[0008] A solar panel, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) panel, is a device comprising multiple interconnected photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electrical energy. The solar panel typically includes a substrate or backing material, a series of photovoltaic cells made from semiconductor materials (such as silicon), electrical interconnections between the cells, and a protective encapsulation. The panel is often framed. The frame may be made with a durable material, such as aluminium, to provide structural support and facilitate mounting. The solar panel has a front side which is facing the sun light when the solar panel is in an installed position. The fastening element is configured and dimensioned to clamp a solar panel.

[0009] The solar panel support structure may be formed in many different ways. The solar panel support structure is designed for the installation of solar panels on a roof. The solar panel support structure may comprise a series of interconnected components that provide mechanical stability and secure attachment to the roof surface. Such a solar panel support structure may include mounting rails, being bars made from materials such as aluminium or steel, which serve as the primary support for the solar panels. These mounting rails may be attached to the roof using brackets or other fastening mechanisms or may be positioned on the roof with suitable feet. The solar panel support structure may comprise transverse rails, being provided perpendicular and on top of the mounting rails.

[0010] Alternatively, the solar panel support structure may be formed by separate support elements that each are configured to support one or more solar panels. There may be high and low support elements. The support elements may be positioned at specific positions on a roof, providing more flexibility in terms of selecting the position and angle of the solar panels.

[0011] Irrespective of the exact design of the solar support structure, each solar support structure comprises one or more solar panel support elements which are configured to receive and support a solar panel, in particular the frame of a solar panel. The fastening element providedhere is configured to secure the solar panel to such a solar panel support element.

[0012] According to an embodiment the lever (20) comprises a first lever end and a second lever end, wherein the lever (20) is pivotally connected to the engagement element (30) at the first lever end and wherein the second lever end comprises a top jaw element (21), the top jaw element (21) being configured to apply a clamping force on the solar panel.

[0013] The lever may be an elongated element that extends from a first to a second lever end along a central body axis. The central body axis extends through the lever in a direction that provides the lever with its functionality to be used as a lever. The first lever end and second lever end are at opposite ends of the lever.

[0014] The top jaw element is the part of the lever that engages with the solar panel by being clamped against the solar panel, in particular the frame of the solar panel. The top jaw element is configured to be clamped against the front side of the solar panel. The top jaw element comprises a clamping surface which is configured to face the front side the solar panel when installed. The top jaw element is configured to apply a clamping force on the solar panel in a direction perpendicular to the main plane of the solar panel. The top jaw element extends over part of the front side of the solar panel when fastened. The top jaw element may also be referred to as a clamp element.

[0015] According to an embodiment the top jaw element (21) comprises one or more protrusions (23) configured to penetrate a frame of the solar panel.

[0016] The protrusions are configured to establish an electrical connection between the fastening element and the solar panel. The electrical connection may be established by the protrusions penetrating the outer layer of the frame of the solar panel. This prevents the buildup of voltage differences between the solar panel and the fastening element, which could result in dangerous situations.

[0017] The protrusions may be provided on a clamping surface (21) of the top jaw element. The clamping surface is the part of the top jaw element that is in contact with the solar panel when positioned in the fastening element, in particular with the front side of the solar panel, and through which the clamping force is exerted.

[0018] The lever may be made of stainless steel.

[0019] According to an embodiment the engagement element (30) comprises a pre-connection member (31) configured to connect the fastening element to the solar panel support structure.

[0020] This embodiment has the advantage that the fastening element can be pre-connected to the solar panel support structure using the pre-connection member. The fastening element can thus be in position before the solar panel is positioned on the solar panel support structure, further facilitating the process of installing solar panels. Once the solar panel is in position, the installer can close the pre-connected pre-connection member using one hand.

[0021] According to an embodiment the pre-connection member (31) is configured to be connected to the solar panel support structure by means of a snap-fit connection.

[0022] A snap-fit connection is a connection formed between a first snap-fit feature with aprotruding element and a second snap-fit feature with a corresponding recess, configured to securely interlock the first snap-fit feature in the second snap-fit feature through the application of force. This enables easy assembly and disassembly without additional hardware. The fastening element, i.e. the pre-connection member, comprises the first snap-fit feature. The first snap-fit feature may be a flexible protruding feature, such as a hook or a tab. The first snap-fit feature may be made of plastic. The solar panel support structure, in particular the solar panel support element, comprises the second snap-fit feature. The second snap-fit feature is a rigid recess or groove designed to receive the first snap-fit feature. The first snap-fit feature is designed to deform slightly during insertion and then return to its original shape, locking into the second snap-fit feature and creating a secure connection.

[0023] The first snap-fit feature is typically made from a flexible material, such as plastic, and includes a protruding feature. This feature may be a hook, tab, or similar structure designed to engage with the snap-fit feature component.

[0024] The fastening element may comprise two or more first snap-fit features, preferably with first snap-fit features being angled in different, preferably opposite, directions to provide a strong and secure connection.

[0025] The snap-fit connection can be disengaged by applying a suitable force, allowing the first snap-fit feature to deform and release from the second snap-fit feature.

[0026] According to an embodiment the pre-connection member (31) comprises one or more protruding snap-fit features (311).

[0027] The one or more protruding snap-fit features may be flexible features. The one or more protruding snap-fit features are configured to be securely fitted in corresponding snap-fit features provided on the solar panel support structure, in particular the solar panel support element.

[0028] The pre-connection member may be completely made from a flexible material, such as plastic.

[0029] According to an embodiment the engagement element (30) comprises an engagement member (32) configured to transmit a clamping force to the solar panel support structure.

[0030] The engagement element is capable of transmitting a clamping force to facilitate the snap-and-swing clamp. The engagement element is preferably a rigid element, for instance made of stainless steel.

[0031] According to an embodiment the engagement member (32) comprises an engagement feature (321) configured to engage a reception feature of the solar panel support structure.

[0032] The engagement member advantageously is a protruding engagement element that can be engaged or inserted in a corresponding recess provided in the solar panel support structure. The protruding engagement element and the corresponding recess being configured to allow rotation of the protruding engagement element over an appropriate angle to facilitate the snap-and-swing clamp to function. The protruding engagement element may be formed such that it is self-guiding when being entered into the corresponding recess. There is no need to lock the protruding engagement element into the corresponding recess as it is helped in place by meansof the clamping force.

[0033] According to an embodiment the engagement member (32) is made of wire steel.

[0034] Wire steel has the advantage that it is relatively light, easy to manufacture and is strong. It also allows for an easy connection to the lever, allowing rotational movement of the engagement element with respect to the lever, as will be explained in more detail below. Wire steel also allows for easy creation of the protruding engagement element by providing the wire steel with a protruding U-shape, where the base of the U-shape is to be inserted into the corresponding recess of the solar panel support structure and the legs of the U-shape being diverging in a direction away from the base to be self-guiding.

[0035] The pre-connection member may be connected to the engagement element.

[0036] According to an embodiment the pre-connection member (31) is moveably and / or rotatably connected to the engagement member (32).

[0037] The pre-connection member is moveably and / or rotatably connected to the engagement element, allowing for a limited range of relative movement between the two. This provides for a degree of play, which facilitates the installation process and allows the engagement member to move when the snap-and-swing clamp is fastened or released. This also provides for rotational play between the pre-connection member and the engagement element, which facilitates connecting the pre-connection member to the solar panel support structure and wiggle the engagement member into the right position, i.e. the engagement feature into the reception feature of the solar panel support structure. This rotational movement further allows to fasten or release the fastening element using the snap-and-swing clamp.

[0038] According to an embodiment the fastening element is configured to be fastened without the use of any additional tools.

[0039] Typically, the solar panel may be clicked or snapped onto the transverse element 4200 by a simple toggle or clicking movement.

[0040] According to an embodiment the fastening element (1) comprises a spring spacer (40), which is configured to exert a force on lever (20) and the engagement element (30) towards a predefined relative rotational position between the lever (20) and the engagement element (30).

[0041] The spring spacer is with a first end connected to the lever and with a second end connected to the engagement element. The spring spacer may be connected to the lever and the engagement element using a snap-fit connection. The spring spacer may comprise spring spacer snap-fit features one the first and second end of the spring spacer. The spring spacer snap-fit features may be flexible, protruding features. The lever and the engagement element may comprise corresponding snap-fit features, embodied as a recess or opening, configured to securely interlock the respective spacer snap-fit features through the application of force.

[0042] The spring spacer pushes the lever towards a predefined relative position, i.e. a reception position, with respect to the engagement element. This has the advantage that the fastening element is biased towards a position in which it is able to receive a solar panel and can readily be closed by an installer. In the absence of such a spacer, the fastening element may takea closed position, in which the lever is too close to the engagement element, and the snap-and-swing clamp is closed prior to the solar panel being put in position or the lever is in a position hindering easy placement of the solar panel. This is cumbersome for the installer as it requires opening the fastening element first, before putting the solar panel in position. In the absence of such a spacer, the fastening element may also assume a wide open position, in which the lever is rotated far away from the engagement element, making it difficult for the installer to close the fastening element.

[0043] The spring spacer is configured to position the lever in a reception position with respect to the engagement element, in which the solar panel can be put in position and the lever is in a position that allows an installer to easily close the fastener. The predefined or relative position is a rotational position with respect to the pivot connection between the lever and the engagement element.

[0044] According to an embodiment the lever (20) and the engagement element (30) can be pivotally connected to each other at two or more discrete positions to facilitate the fastening of solar panels of different thickness.

[0045] The lever and the engagement element are pivotally connected about a pivot axis. According to this embodiment, the lever and the engagement element can be pivotally connected at discrete positions with respect to top jaw element to set a distance between the top jaw element and the pivot axis and thereby set a distance between the top jaw element and the engagement feature to adapt the fastening element to the thickness of the solar panel to be fastened.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the lever (20) and the engagement element (30) can be pivotally connected at three discrete positions to facilitate the fastening of solar panels having a thickness of 25mm, 30mm and 35 mm.

[0047] According to an embodiment the lever comprises first receptors and second receptors configured to pivotally receive part of the engagement member (32), wherein the first receptors are at a first distance from the top jaw element (21) of the lever (20) and the second receptors are at a second distance from the top jaw element (21) of the lever (20). The first and second distance are different from each other.

[0048] It will be understood that that more than two sets of receptors may be present to facilitate fastening solar panels of various thicknesses. In particular, there may be three sets of receptors.

[0049] According to an embodiment the lever comprises two or more lever snap-fit features (25) positioned at different distances from the top jaw element (21) of the lever (20), which two or more lever snap-fit features are configured to connect to the spring spacer (40).

[0050] The two or more lever snap-fit features to connect to the spring spacer may be configured to connect to corresponding spring spacer snap-fit features. The spring spacer snap-fit features may be protruding snap-fit features, the lever snap-fit features may be receiving snap-fit features. Alternatively, the spring spacer snap-fit features may be receiving snap-fit features, thelever snap-fit features may be protruding snap-fit features.

[0051] The lever snap-fit features are provided at different positions with respect to the top jaw element to accommodate for the position of the two or more discrete positions at which the lever and the engagement element are pivotally connected. This allows to choose the position of the spring spacer depending on the height of the solar panel for which the fastening element is to be used.

[0052] According to a further aspect there is provided a solar panel support structure for supporting at least one solar panel, the solar panel support structure comprising a fastening element according to any of the embodiments above.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the solar panel support structure comprises at least one solar panel support element, wherein the at least one solar panel support element comprises at least one opening for receiving an engagement element (30). The opening is configured to receive an engagement element 30, in particular a protruding engagement element 321 of the engagement element in a manner that allows rotation of the engagement element 30 to facilitate snap-and-swing clamping.

[0054] According to an embodiment the solar panel support element comprises at least one opening for receiving a protruding snap-fit feature (311) of a fastening element (1). This allows to pre-connect the fastening element to the solar panel support structure prior to positioning the solar panel.

[0055] According to a further aspect there is provided a solar panel system comprising a solar panel support structure, a fastening element according to any one of the above embodiments and at least one solar panel being fastened to the solar panel support structure by the fastening element.

[0056] According to a further aspect there is provided a kit of parts comprising- a solar panel support structure,- one or more fastening elements according to any one of the embodiments above.

[0057] According to a further aspect there is provided a method of fastening solar panels on a solar panel support structure, the method comprising- providing a solar panel support structure,- providing one or more fastening elements according to any one of the embodiments above,- providing one or more solar panels,- fastening the one or more solar panels to the solar panel support structure using the one or more fastening elements.

[0058] According to an embodiment providing one or more fastening elements comprises connecting the lever (20) and the engagement element (30) of respective fastening elements (1) at a position selected from two or more discrete positions to match the thickness of the solar panel to be fastened.

[0059] According to an embodiment the method comprises connecting the spring spacer (40)with one end to the engagement element (30) and connecting the spring spacer (40) with another end to the lever (20) at a selected lever snap-fit feature (25) selected from two or more lever snap-fit features (25) positioned at different distances from the top jaw element (21).

[0060] According to an embodiment the fastening the at least one solar panel comprises- first connecting one or more fastening elements to the solar panel support structure, - positioning one or more solar panel on the solar panel support structure,- closing the one or more fastening elements to clamp the one or more solar panels to the solar panel support structure.

[0061] The fastening elements may be connected to the solar panel support structure using the pre-connection member.Brief Description of Drawings

[0062] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts.

[0063] Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fastening element,

[0064] Figure 2 schematically shows a different perspective view of a first embodiment of a fastening element,

[0065] Figures 3A and 3B schematically depict two different side views of the fastening element according to an embodiment,

[0066] Figure 3C schematically depicts a side view of a fastening element fastening a solar panel to a solar panel support structure,

[0067] Figure 4A shows a side view according to an embodiment of a fastening element,

[0068] Figure 4B shows a perspective view according to an embodiment of a fastening element.

[0069] The depicted figures are schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and do not serve as restriction of the scope or the protection laid down by the claims. The figures are intended to provide an illustration only, and are not necessarily to scale.Detailed Description of Drawings

[0070] The following is a description of certain embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the figures.

[0071] Figures 1 , 2 and 3a-b show a fastening element 1 according to an embodiment. The fastening element 1 comprises a lever 20 and an engagement element 30. The lever 20 is pivotally connected to the engagement element 30, allowing the lever 20 and the engagement element 30 to rotate with respect to each other about a rotational axis R. As will be explained in more detail further below, the lever 20 and the engagement element 30 form a snap and swing clamp.

[0072] The lever 20 comprises a lever main element 24. The lever 20 comprises a top jaw element 21 formed as a plate attached to the top of the lever main body 24 at an angle offer instance approximately 90 degrees. Preferably the angle is less than 90 degrees, preferably in the range of 88 - 75 degrees forming a sharp angle with the lever main element 24, such that the top jaw element 21 points downwards towards the pivotal connection between the lever 20 and the engagement element 30 and thus towards the solar panel to be fastened, thereby increasing the clamping force that can be exerted.

[0073] The lever 20 further comprises a lever bottom element 26 that is formed as a plate and is attached to the bottom of the lever main element 24 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The lever main element 24, the top jaw element 21 and the lever bottom element 26 together forming a U-shape, with the lever main element 24 forming the base of the U-shape and the top jaw element 21 and the lever bottom element 26 forming the two legs of the U-shape, although the top jaw element 21 and the lever bottom element 26 may have unequal lengths.

[0074] The lever further comprises a connection element 27 attached to the lever bottom element 26 away from the connection between the lever bottom element 26 to the lever main element 24. The connection element 27 may be attached to the lever bottom element 26 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees in a downward direction, i.e. away from and parallel to the lever main element 24. The connection element 27 is configured to be pivotally connected to the engagement element 30. As shown, the connection element 27 comprises two connection flanges 28 which are orientated substantially perpendicular with respect to the rotational axis R and facing each other. The connection flanges 28 comprise a plurality of receptors 29, three in this case, to receive a dedicated part of the engagement element 30. In fact, the connection flanges 28 comprise a plurality of sets of receptors 29, each set comprising a receptor 29 in a first connection flange 28 and a receptor 29 in a second connection flange 28, the receptors facing each other.

[0075] As shown in Fig.’s 1 , 2 and 3b, different sets of receptors 29 are at different distances from the top jaw element 21. This allows to adjust the thickness of the solar panel to be clamped.

[0076] Fig.’s 1 and 2 show top jaw element 21 comprising a clamping surface 22, comprising protrusions 23. The clamping surface 22 is facing downwards, i.e. the clamping surface 22 is facing in the direction of the pivotal connection between the lever 20 and the engagement element 30. The protrusions are configured to penetrate a frame of the solar panel.

[0077] Fig.’s 1 and 2 further show engagement element 30 in more detail. The engagement element 30 comprises an engagement member 32 configured to transmit a clamping force to the solar panel support structure. The engagement member 32 and the lever 20 are rigid elements, preferably made of steel, that can withstand and transmit forces to provide the clamping function. The engagement member 32 as shown is made of wire steel.

[0078] The engagement member 32 comprises an engagement feature 321 configured to engage a reception feature of the solar panel support structure. The engagement feature 321 is formed as a protruding engagement element that is shaped to be engaged or inserted in a corresponding recess provided in the solar panel support structure. The engagement member 32is with a first end pivotally connected to the lever 20 and the engagement feature 321 is provided on a second end, remote from the first end.

[0079] The engagement member 32 is formed as a U-shaped member, comprising two engagement member legs 322 connected by an engagement member base 323. The engagement member base 323 comprises the engagement feature 321. The distal ends of the engagement member legs 322 are bended inwardly, forming insertion parts, to facilitate connection by insertion into a set of receptors 29. The engagement member 32 is sufficiently flexible to allow bending the U-shape outwardly to allow insertion, but is also sufficiently strong to provide a reliable connection between the engagement member 32 and the lever 20 once inserted into the receptors 29.

[0080] Fig.’s 1 and 2 further show a pre-connection member 31. The pre-connection member 31 is attached to the engagement member 32 and facilitates pre-connecting the fastening element 1 to a solar panel support structure. The pre-connection member 31 is made of a flexible material, such as plastic, that allows to connect the pre-connection member 31 to the solar panel support structure by means of a snap-fit connection. The pre-connection member 31 comprises protruding snap-fit features 311 to facilitate this.

[0081] The pre-connection member 31 comprises a plate 312, having an abutment surface configured to abut a solar panel support structure. The snap-fit features 311 are provided on the abutment surface. Further provided is a connection block 313 connected to or integrally formed with the plate 312 at the side opposite the abutment surface. The connection block 313 comprises connection block engagement features allowing connecting the pre-connection member 31 to the engagement member 32, preferably by means of a snap-fit connection. The connection block engagement features are provided as flexible hollow features configured to receive parts of the engagement member base 323. The connection block engagement features may allow for a pivotal connection between the pre-connection member 31 and the engagement member 32.

[0082] The fastening element 1 further comprises a spring spacer 40. The spring spacer 40 is positioned in between the lever 20 and the engagement element 30 at a mid-position. The spring spacer 40 is provided to position the lever 20 and the engagement element 30 at a preferred predefined relative rotational position (with respect to the rotational axis R) to positioning and fastening the solar panel. The spring spacer 40 is made of a flexible material which allows to change the relative position of the lever 20 and the engagement element 30 with a small force, but which is strong enough to assume the preferred rotational position if no external forces are applied.

[0083] The lever 20 and the engagement element 30 can be pivotally connected to each other at two or more discrete positions to facilitate the fastening of solar panels of different thickness. This is provided for by the different sets of receptors 29 described above. Depending on the receptor 29 selected, the spring spacer 40 can be connected to the lever 20 at an appropriate position. The lever comprises two or more lever snap-fit features 25 positioned at different distances from the top jaw element 21 of the lever 20 configured to connect to the spring spacer40 as most clearly shown in Fig. 3a.

[0084] The functioning of the fastening element 1 will now be described.

[0085] First a solar panel support structure of any suitable kind is provided. The solar panel support structure comprises solar panel support elements to support the solar panel. The solar panel support element comprises at least one opening for receiving an engagement element 30 and at least one opening for receiving a protruding snap-fit feature 311 of a fastening element 1. Furthermore, one or more solar panels are provided. Finally, a plurality of fastening elements 1 are provided. The fastening elements are first connected to the solar panel support structure, in particular to the solar panel support element. This is done connecting one or more fastening elements to the solar panel support structure using the protruding snap-fit features 311 of the preconnection member 31 , i.e. by inserting the protruding snap-fit features 311 into the corresponding openings. Next one or more one or more solar panel are placed on the solar panel support structure in contact with the solar panel support elements that are provided with the preconnected fastening elements 1. Then the fastening elements 1 are closed using the snap-and-swing mechanism.

[0086] The fastening element 1 is fastened by pushing the lever 20 towards the solar panel such that the clamping surface 22 abuts a top part of the solar panel and the engagement element 30 rotates about that point where the engagement member 32 abuts the solar panel support element. This is where the protruding engagement element 321 engages the solar panel support element. As a result of this movement, the clamp surface 22 is pulled downwards towards the solar panel to be clamped. Because of the dimensioning of the fastening element 1 with respect to the solar panel, the lever 20 is pushed through a dead-point, after which it snaps into a clamping position. During this movement, the solar panel support element may deform slightly. The largest clamping force and deformation is exerted in the dead-point. After the lever 20 has passed the dead-point, the solar panel support element (partially) moves back to its original form. This strengthens the clamping force and prevents the fastening element 1 from releasing spontaneously or under the influence of external forces, such as wind.

[0087] Fig. 3c schematically depicts a side view of a fastening element 1 , (part of) a solar panel 50 and (part of) a solar panel support structure 60. The solar panel support structure 60 comprises mounting rails 61 on which support brackets 62 are provided. The support bracket 62 provides for orientating the solar panel 50 at an angle. On the support brackets, a transverse element is provided, which is configured to receive and support the solar panel and may thus be referred to as the solar panel support element 63. A more detailed description of this particular embodiment of the solar panel support element is provided below with reference to Fig.’s 4a and 4b in relation to an alternative embodiment. The fastener element 1 is shown in the clamping position. The lever 20 has been pushed towards the solar panel 50 through the dead-point while causing the clamp surface 22 and the engagement member 32 to clamp the solar panel 50 and the solar panel support element 63.

[0088] Fig.’s 4a and 4b show a side view and isometric view of a different embodiment of thefastening element 1. The fastening element 1 comprises a lever 20 and an engagement element 30, similar to the embodiments described above.

[0089] Shown is a part of a solar panel support structure, here depicted by a transverse element 4200. The transverse element 4200 is the part of the solar panel support structure that is configured to be in contact with and support the solar panel and may be referred to as solar panel support element.

[0090] The transverse element 4200 is configured to extend along a bottom edge, top edge or side edge of a solar panel (not shown).

[0091] The transverse element 4200 has a first major surface 4231 , a second major surface 4232, a first connective portion 4233, a first abutment surface 4235, and a sloping flange 4238. Advantageously, due to the provision of a sloping flange 4238 that extends in a direction away from the solar panel, an edge is provided which can be used to lock a fastening element Iwithout the use of any tools. The transverse element 4200 comprises an opening 4710 configured to receive a protruding engagement element 321.

[0092] The fastening element 1 has a top jaw element 21 and an engagement element 30 configured to be engaged to the opening 4710 in the transverse element 4200. The top jaw element 21 extends over the transverse element 4200 and solar panel (not shown) when fastened. The top jaw element 21 comprises a clamping surface 22.

[0093] The engagement element 30 abuts the bottom of the transverse element at an abutting point 4211. The abutting point 4211 is defined by the engagement of the protruding engagement element 321 and the opening 4710.

[0094] It will be understood that the functioning of the fastening element 1 shown in Fig.’s 4a and 4b is similar to the functioning of the fastening element 1 described above with reference to Fig.’s 1 - 3.

Claims

Claims1. A fastening element (1) for fastening a solar panel to a solar panel support structure, the fastening element (1) comprising a lever (20) configured to engage with the solar panel and an engagement element (30) configured to engage with the solar panel support structure, wherein the lever (20) and the engagement element (30) are pivotally connected to form a clamp.

2. Fastening element (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the lever (20) and the engagement element (30) are pivotally connected forming a snap-and-swing clamp.

3. Fastening element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (20) comprises a first lever end and a second lever end, wherein the lever (20) is pivotally connected to the engagement element (30) at the first lever end and wherein the second lever end comprises a top jaw element (21), the top jaw element (21) being configured to apply a clamping force on the solar panel.

4. Fastening element (1) according to claim 3, wherein the top jaw element (21) comprises one or more protrusions (23) configured to penetrate a frame of the solar panel.

5. Fastening element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement element (30) comprises a pre-connection member (31) configured to connect the fastening element to the solar panel support structure.

6. Fastening element (1) according to claim 5, wherein the pre-connection member (31) is configured to be connected to the solar panel support structure by means of a snap-fit connection.

7. Fastening element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 5 -6, wherein the pre-connection member (31) comprises one or more protruding snap-fit features (311).

8. Fastening element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement element (30) comprises an engagement member (32) configured to transmit a clamping force to the solar panel support structure.

9. Fastening element (1) according to claim 8, wherein the engagement member (32) comprises an engagement feature (321) configured to engage a reception feature of the solar panel support structure.

10. Fastening element (1) according to any one of the claims 8 - 9, wherein the engagement member (32) is made of wire steel.

11. Fastening element (1) according to any one of the claims 8 - 10 when dependent on any one of the claims 5 - 7, wherein the pre-connection member (31) is moveably and / or rotatably connected to the engagement member (32).

12. Fastening element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element is configured to be fastened without the use of any additional tools.

13. Fastening element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (1) comprises a spring spacer (40), which is configured to exert a force on lever (20) and the engagement element (30) towards a predefined relative rotational position between the lever (20) and the engagement element (30).

14. Fastening element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (20) and the engagement element (30) can be pivotally connected to each other at two or more discrete positions to facilitate the fastening of solar panels of different thickness.

15. Fastening element (1) according to any one of the claims 8 - 10, wherein the lever comprises first receptors and second receptors configured to pivotally receive part of the engagement member (32), wherein the first receptors are at a first distance from the top jaw element (21) of the lever (20) and the second receptors are at a second distance from the top jaw element (21) of the lever (20).

16. Fastening element (1) according to any one of the claims 13 - 15, wherein the lever comprises two or more lever snap-fit features (25) positioned at different distances from the top jaw element (21) of the lever (20), which two or more lever snap-fit features are configured to connect to the spring spacer (40).

17. A solar panel support structure for supporting at least one solar panel, the solar panel support structure comprising at least one solar panel support element, wherein the at least one solar panel support element comprises at least one opening for receiving an engagement element (30).

18. A solar panel support structure according to claim 17, wherein the solar panel support element comprises at least one opening for receiving a protruding snap-fit feature (311 ) of a fastening element (1).- 15 -19. A solar panel support structure according to any one of the claims 17 - 18, wherein the solar panel support structure comprises a fastening element according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. A solar panel system comprising a solar panel support structure, a fastening element according to any one of the claims 1 - 16 and at least one solar panel being fastened to the solar panel support structure by the fastening element.

21. A kit of parts comprisinga solar panel support structure, andone or more fastening elements according to any one of claims 1-16.

22. Method of fastening solar panels on a solar panel support structure, the method comprisingproviding a solar panel support structure,providing one or more fastening elements (1) according to any one of the claims 1 - 16, providing one or more solar panels,fastening the one or more solar panels to the solar panel support structure using the one or more fastening elements (1).

23. Method according to claim 22, wherein providing one or more fastening elements comprises connecting the lever (20) and the engagement element (30) of respective fastening elements (1) at a position selected from two or more discrete positions to match the thickness of the solar panel to be fastened.

24. Method according to any one of the claims 22 - 23, further comprising connecting the spring spacer (40) with one end to the engagement element (30) and connecting the spring spacer (40) with another end to the lever (20) at a selected lever snap-fit feature (25) selected from two or more lever snap-fit features (25) positioned at different distances from the top jaw element (21).

25. Method according to any one of the claims 22 - 24, wherein fastening the at least one solar panel comprisesfirst connecting one or more fastening elements (1) to the solar panel support structure, positioning one or more solar panel on the solar panel support structure,closing the one or more fastening elements (1) to clamp the one or more solar panels to the solar panel support structure.

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