Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
  • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
  • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
  • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
  • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
  • E04D3/00—Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets
  • E04D3/36—Connecting; Fastening
  • E04D3/3608—Connecting; Fastening for double roof covering or overroofing
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
  • F24S20/60—Solar heat collectors integrated in fixed constructions, e.g. in buildings
  • F24S20/67—Solar heat collectors integrated in fixed constructions, e.g. in buildings in the form of roof constructions
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/20—Peripheral frames for modules
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/30—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the supporting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors
  • F24S25/33—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the supporting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors forming substantially planar assemblies, e.g. of coplanar or stacked profiles
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/30—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the supporting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors
  • F24S25/33—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the supporting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors forming substantially planar assemblies, e.g. of coplanar or stacked profiles
  • F24S25/35—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the supporting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors forming substantially planar assemblies, e.g. of coplanar or stacked profiles by means of profiles with a cross-section defining separate supporting portions for adjacent modules
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/30—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the supporting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors
  • F24S25/33—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the supporting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors forming substantially planar assemblies, e.g. of coplanar or stacked profiles
  • F24S25/37—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the supporting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors forming substantially planar assemblies, e.g. of coplanar or stacked profiles forming coplanar grids comprising longitudinal and transversal profiles
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/50—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules comprising elongate non-rigid elements, e.g. straps, wires or ropes
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/63—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements
  • F24S25/632—Side connectors; Base connectors
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/63—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements
  • F24S25/634—Clamps; Clips
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
  • F24S2020/10—Solar modules layout; Modular arrangements
  • F24S2020/13—Overlaying arrangements similar to roof tiles
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S2025/01—Special support components; Methods of use
  • F24S2025/014—Methods for installing support elements
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
  • F24S2025/6002—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules by using hooks
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
  • F24S2025/6004—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules by clipping, e.g. by using snap connectors
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
  • F24S2030/10—Special components
  • F24S2030/16—Hinged elements; Pin connections
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02A30/00—Adapting or protecting infrastructure or their operation
  • Y02A30/60—Planning or developing urban green infrastructure
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
  • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
  • Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
  • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
  • Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
  • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
  • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
  • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

• This invention relates to a frame for mounting a panel, particularly a solar (photovoltaic) panel or the like, to a roof, and also to a method of fixing such a frame to a roof and mounting a panel thereon.
• bracket mounting method has been overcome by ising substantially rigid support structures onto which an array of solar panels is attached.
• the structure can provide the necessary alignment tolerances to meet aesthetic requirements.
• the size of such support structures requires the use of a crane or other heavy lifting machine to elevate them from the ground to above the roof.
• Each structure must be purpose designed for the particular array of panels. This negates the benefit associated with the modularity of solar panels. It can also lead to difficulties in removing a solar panel for the purpose of repair or replacement.
• the present invention seeks to alleviate the disadvantages of the prior art and provide a method and apparatus for accurate releasable mounting of an array of solar panels or the like onto pitched or flat roofs, without compromising the benefits of modularity and at a reasonable cost.
• a method of forming a framework for mounting panels, in particular photovoltaic panels or the like, on a roof comprising the steps of: fixing a first panel support element to a roof, said first panel S ⁇ port element having engagement means for linking in predetermined juxtaposition with adjacent like panel support elements, each panel support element including support means for releasably receiving and supporting a respective one of the panels; locating a second panel support element adjacent the first element and fixing the second element in a predetermined juxtaposition with the first element by the engagement means; and attaching one of the panels to each panel support element, the arrangement being such that the attached panels are disposed in predefined juxtaposition.
• the method of the present invention allows a substantially co-planar array of photovoltaic panels to be provided on a roof largely independently of the evenness of the roof.
• the underlying support structure despite being modular can, when assembled, provide a substantially rigid structure to support the substantially co-planar array of photovoltaic panels.
• the method when a framework is being applied to a tiled roof, the method further includes the steps of: removing a tile from the roof; attaching a depending fastener to a rafter, or other structural member of the roof; replacing the tile on the roof such that the ipper end of the fastener is covered but leaving the lower part of the fastener exposed; and attaching the panel support element to the lower part of the fastener.
• fasteners may also be attached to a structural member of the roof such as a rafter, purlin or the like through the sheet material.
• a structural member of the roof such as a rafter, purlin or the like through the sheet material.
• Each panel in a series may be electrically connected to its adjacent panels by lengths of cable which may be plugged directly into an inverter associated with the photovoltaic panel.
• the inverters may be mounted on the back of the specific panels or, alternatively, on respective panel support elements.
• the inverters are provided with an output connection and at least on input connection connected in parallel to facilitate parallel electrical connection of a series of inverters.
• the invention also provides a panel support element having engagement means being adapted for linking with an adjacent like panel support element, each frame element being adapted releasably to support a panel, the engagement means being configured for securing adjacent panel supports such that their respective solar panels are disposed in predefined juxtaposition.
• the panel support element comprises a first elongate member having a length 2L and two transversely oriented elongate members each having a length L symmetrically disposed midway between the centre and either end of the first elongate member.
• hinge means are provided at each end of the transverse elongate members which are configured to co-operate with a hinge bracket provided on the reverse side of the photovoltaic panel.
• the cross-section of the members of the panel support elements is substantially constant along the length of each of the members of the support element and is preferably an inverted top hat shape when the support elements are fabricated from folded sheet metal.
• each fastener for attaching the panel support element to the roof preferably includes an elongate metal strap, optionally provided with preformed holes to facilitate attachment to the roof and the S ipport element.
• An attachment clip is preferably also provided, which cooperates with the cross-section shape of the members of the panel support element, to clip onto the support element, preferably by engaging under the undercut portion, horizontal ridge or groove.
• the attachment clip is preferably provided with a plurality of holes to allow adjustable connection of the fastener strap by way of a screw or rivet.
• the holes in the attachment clip differ in pitch with respect to the fastener strap to allow a vernier style fine adjustment of the location of the support element.
• the attachment clip is preferably slidingly attached to the respective member of the support element to provide adjustment of the location of the support element in the direction of the respective member.
• the engagement means comprise bracket elements of a predetermined length defining mating means adapted to engage with corresponding mating means provided at a predetermined location at or adjacent each end of the members of the panel support element.
• the corresponding mating means may include a pair of detents provided adjacent each end of the first elongate member and the two transverse elongate members.
• Both the panel support elements and the photovoltaic panels have a length which is twice their width. This makes the design very flexible in providing an array of panels for roof faces of differing shapes. For example if an array of panels is to be fitted to a (triangular) gable end, the panels can be arranged in a landscape format (ie with the 2L side horizontally oriented) and with one panel disposed above two panels, those two panels above three panels, those three panels above four panels etc. Alternatively, the panels can be assembled to provide a substantially rectangular array with the panels in either a landscape or portrait format. After the frame work of panel support elements has been placed on a roof, it may be pre-wired leaving connectors located on each frame element for plugging into the photovoltaic panel subseq iently placed on that element.
• the system can be provided in modular kit form with all the parts necessary for assembling and fitting a photovoltaic panel to a roof, including: a fastener strap and attachment clip; a panel support element; three connector bracket elements; four hinge brackets arranged to be affixed to the rear side of a photovoltaic panel; and connector cable of sufficient length to reach an adjacent juxtaposed panel or junction box.
• the kit also includes photovoltaic panel and optionally an invertor arranged to convert a dc power output of the photovoltaic panel to ac power for connection to an ac power grid or a grid connected building distribution system.
• an invertor arranged to convert a dc power output of the photovoltaic panel to ac power for connection to an ac power grid or a grid connected building distribution system.
• the above can be provided in a single box. If the array is to have, say, six panels, six such boxes are req iired.
• a single separate box contains all of the components required to add a single panel to an array the kit component list being independent of the number of panels in the array.
• the present invention provides a single system and method which enables a framework of any required shape and size, to be accurately located on a flat or pitched, tiled or non-tiled, roof, which enables accurate and secure location of the photovoltaic panels.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a panel support element
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of a hinge bracket
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of an attachment clip
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of a connector bracket
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of a fastener strap
• Figure 6 shows a typical tiled roof with an array of panel support elements attached to the roof.
• Figure 7 is a cross-section on line Vll-Vll of Figure 6;
• Figure 8 shows wiring laid out over the panel support elements and a solar photovoltaic panel being lowered onto a panel support element:
• Figure 9 is cross-section through Figure 8.
• Figure 10 illustrates a roof after panels have been positioned on all the panel support elements provided on the roof.
• Figure 1 illustrates a panel support element of the present invention, generally indicated at 10.
• the panel support element 10 comprises a first elongate frame member 12 and two transverse frame members 14, 16 which are symmetrically disposed about the centre and central longitudinal axis of the elongate member 12
• the panel support element has a length (2L) which is approximately twice its width (L).
• the transverse frame members are spaced a distance L apart.
• the frame members 12, 14, 16 have an inverted top hat shape defining flanges 20 extending generally parallel to the plane of the panel support element. Near each end of each elongate frame element a pair of V shaped detents 24 is defined in the flanges 20, as illustrated. An upstanding hooked projection or hinge 26 is defined at each end of each transverse frame element.
• Figure 2 shows a hinge bracket 40 made from stainless steel.
• the bracket comprises a generally planar portion 41 along the sides of which extend two triangular wings 42, 44 in a plane generally perpendicular to the planar portion 41.
• brackets are fixed to the reverse side of a photovoltaic panel 120, towards the corners of two opposed edges of the panel (referred to herein as quarter points), as is best seen in Figure 8, with the portion 41 fixed by adhesive tape or the like to the reverse side of the panel 120.
• Figure 3 shows an attachment clip 60 which is generally U-shaped in section and has two pairs of slots 66 defined in its sides 68, which are shaped to snap-fasten over flanges 20 of the panel support element 10.
• the base 62 defines a series of holes 64, for connection of the support element to a mounting mechanism.
• Figure 4 illustrates a connector bracket 70 which is generally U shaped having a base 72 in which there are two spaced transverse slots 74. At each side of each end of the connector there is a triangular projection 78 which, as is explained in more detail below, slots into detents 24 in flange 20 of the panel support element 10.
• FIG. 5 illustrates a fastener strap 80 comprising elongate strip of planar metal provided with a series of holes 82 spaced along its central longitudinal axis.
• the holes 82 are provided, on the one hand, for attachment of the strap to a roof component such as a rafter, and on the other hand, for attachment of the strap to the attachment clip 60.
• the holes 82 in the strap 80 are spaced at a different pitch to that of the holes 64 in the attachment clip 60, such that a vernier adjustment is provided between the strap 80 and the clip 60.
• the clip 60 has nine equally spaced holes 64 and over the same total length the strap 80 has ten holes.
• Attachment of the strap 80 to the roof is by way of suitable screws, nails or rivets and attachment of the strap to the clip 60 is by way of nut and bolt, self tapping screw, rivet, or suitable similar fastener.
• FIG. 6 illustrates the use of the frame elements and other components of the present invention to install an array of solar panels on a roof.
• the roof includes a series of rafters supporting tiles 114.
• Figure 6 illustrates a method of fixing frame elements to a tiled roof 112.
• fastener straps 80 are fixed to the rafters, using screws, nails or the like, one end being fixed to rafter and the other end depending down the roof parallel to the rafter.
• the tiles 114a are replaced as shown in Figure 6, the lower ends of the fastener straps 80 are visible.
• two fastener straps are shown bent upwards, this is for illustrative pvirposes only, to show attachment brackets 60 more clearly.
• a first panel support element 10a is then positioned on the roof with a attachment clip 60 attached as shown in Figure 7 and the attachment clip is fixed to the fastener strap 80, by a pop rivet 126 which passes through one of the holes 82 in the fastener strap 80 and a suitably aligned hole 64 in the attachment clip 60.
• the panel support element 10a may move laterally along the roof relative to the strap 80 and attachment clip 60.
• a second panel support element 10b is juxtaposed a set distance from the first panel support element 10a which has already positioned on the roof the distance between the two panel support elements 10a, 10b being set by means of a connector bracket 70 which connects them.
• the projections 78 at the ends of the connector brackets snap into the detents 24 on the members of the panel support elements and hence hold the elements in a predetermined position relative to each other.
• Figure 7 shows a vertical cross-section through a panel support element 10, an attachment clip 60 and a fastener strap 80, showing the relationship between the panel support element 10, the fastener strap 80 and attachment clip 60, which hold the support element 10 to the roof, and the roof batten 127, to which the fastener strap 80 is fastened by a nail or screw 128, and the roof tiles 114, 114a.
• connector wires 116 are laid out on the array of panel support elements.
• the wires 116 pass under the connector brackets 70 as this part of the wire is not located below the photovoltaic panel which is to be supported by the panel support element and thus would otherwise be exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
• Both ends of the wire are terminated by connector elements 118 for plugging into an inverter 119 on the rear of a photovoltaic panel 120.
• the wiring extends from panel support element to panel support element and only a single pair of wires extend into the roof space.
• the panels in the array will generally be connected in parallel, but may also be connected in series, as for example in some dc installations.
• FIG 8 also illustrates a solar panel 120 in the process of being lowered onto it's respective support element 10.
• the rear side of the panel 120 is fitted with four hinge brackets 40 located at the quarter points of the panel and fixed to the panel by double sided tape (not shown).
• the hinge brackets 40 engage with the upstanding projections 26 of the panel support element.
• the upstanding projections 26 of the panel support element 10 and brackets 40 co-operate to act as hinges and allow the panel
• FIG. 9 shows a vertical cross-section through the panel 120 and support element 10 assembly, and illustrates the panel 120 engaged in place on the panel support element 10. The remaining panels 120 are fixed on the support elements 10 in a similar manner.
• Figure 10 illustrates a completed roof in which a small assembly of six panels have been installed.
• the support frame may be fixed with the fastener straps 80 as described above, or may be screwed directly to the roof.
• the top hat section of the members 12, 14, 16 of the panel support elements 10 provides strength to the structure and assists in preventing the panel support elements from flexing.
• the panels 120 are raised off the roof to allow free air flow to the back of the panels and avoid the obstruction of rain water flowing down the roof into the gutter.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Sustainable Development (AREA)
• Sustainable Energy (AREA)
• Thermal Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

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ID=3809810

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (4)

Families Citing this family (42)

Citations (6)

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• 1998
  • 1998-08-31 AU AUPP5586A patent/AUPP558698A0/en not_active Abandoned
• 1999
  • 1999-08-31 EP EP99945750A patent/EP1112423A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 1999-08-31 WO PCT/AU1999/000707 patent/WO2000012839A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 1999-08-31 JP JP2000567805A patent/JP2002523659A/ja active Pending

Patent Citations (6)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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