SE542735C2

SE542735C2 - Solar panel mounting system

Info

Publication number: SE542735C2
Application number: SE1851119A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Sten Forsman
Original assignee: Cc90 Composite Ab
Priority date: 2018-09-20
Filing date: 2018-09-20
Publication date: 2020-06-30
Also published as: WO2020058351A1; SE1851119A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1) for mounting solar panels on a roof. The mounting system (1) comprises a support rail (5) of an electrically insulating material and two end sides (121,122). Longitudinal channels (51) extends from one end side to the other end side of the support rail (5), and a plurality of support rail electric conductors (53) are disposed in the channels (51) for transferring power produced by the solar panel to an external load. The plurality of support rail electric conductors (53) comprises substantially elliptical holes (123) extending longitudinally inwards. The system further comprises a coupling device (124) made of an electrically insulating material and with two coupling device end sides (128,129). The coupling device end sides (128,129) each comprises a plurality of coupling device contact pins (131) each electrically connected to a respective input/output port (133,134). The input/output port is arranged at a side of the coupling device other than the end sides (128,129). The plurality of coupling device contact pins (131) are arranged to fit snugly in the holes (123) in the plurality of support rail electric conductors (53) when the support rail (5) and the coupling device (124) are put end side to end side (128,129).

Description

Solar panel mounting system Technical field The present invention relates to a system for mounting solar panels on a roof.

Background US 8,469,735 B2 describes an apparatus for coupling generated power to an output load. The apparatus comprises a mounting rail, adapted for electrically coupling a power element to the output load. The mounting rail comprises a frame defining a cavity; an insulative material disposed within at least a portion of the cavity; and a first at least two conductors, encapsulated within the insulative material, adapted for coupling power from the power element to the output load. An AC power distribution system for use in a photovoltaic system is described. The system comprises a photovoltaic (PV) array mounted on a roof of a building and comprising a plurality of mounting rails upon which the PV panels are mounted. Each mounting rail is terminated into a cable my means of an inverter for carrying the generated AC power to a point of common connection.

US 20170063301 describes an assembly for joining and electrically connecting two solar panel rail guides. The assembly comprises an elongated rail guide on which the solar panels are mounted. The solar panel rail guides comprise top rails and side rails for supporting the solar panels.

US.8938919 describe electrical connectors used during the assembly and mounting of a solar panel. The solar panel includes a plurality of modules. Each module includes a junction box. Each junction box is coupled to wiring segments which includes a connector mount. The modules are electrically connected to each other by means of the wiring segments. As is evident from figure 1, the wiring segments are basically cables connecting the modules. The wiring segments also connect the modules to a combiner junction box which provides a connection for high voltage wiring and a grounding path. Inter-module grounding is achieved via splices. Inter-string grounding is achieved via bare copper wire connected between grounding lugs. Inter-module grounding is used to ensure proper grounding between modules and the splice must be fully threaded into each panel until the splice is butted against the grounding nut interior to the frame. Splices connected along the short edges of the modules are mechanical only, and do not provide grounding. Splices can be used for grounding between modules for connections There is a need for a system for mounting solar panels that is more flexible and adaptable to the type of roof.

Summary It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved system for mounting solar panels on a roof.

This aim is achieved by a system as defined in claim 1.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a system for mounting solar panels on a roof is provided. The mounting system comprises a support rail comprising a body made of an electrically insulating material and comprising two support rail end sides. The body comprises a plurality of longitudinal channels extending longitudinally from one end side to the other end side of the support rail, and a plurality of support rail electric conductors disposed in the channels for transferring power produced by the solar panel to an external load. The plurality of support rail electric conductors comprises, at least at the end sides, substantially elliptical holes extending longitudinally inwards. The mounting system further comprises a coupling device comprising a coupling body made of an electrically insulating material. The coupling body comprises two coupling device end sides. The coupling device end sides each comprises a plurality of coupling device contact pins protruding from the coupling device end sides, and wherein the plurality of coupling device contact pins are each electrically connected to a respective input/output port. The input/output port being arranged at a side of the coupling device other than the end sides. The plurality of coupling device contact pins are arranged to fit snugly in the holes in the plurality of support rail electric conductors when the support rail and the coupling device are put end side to end side. With this solution, all cables for connecting a solar panel to a load are arranged in the system for mounting it. Upon mounting the system on a roof, the location of the input/output ports can be chosen to be located as close as possible to the wiring of the solar panel. The system can be arranged on any type of roof, some which may require connecting parts undisclosed in this disclosure.

The support rail comprises at least two electric conductors going through their entire length. The electric conductors in the support rail are for allowing power transfer lengthwise in the system.

The at least two input/output ports are for connecting to a solar panel for connecting the solar panel to a load to extract the produced electricity of the solar panel. The input/output ports are for example arranged on one of the longitudinal sides of the coupling device.

The coupling device contact pins are to be inserted in the holes of the support rail when a coupling device is to be connected to a support rail. A coupling device can be connected to a support rail at each end side. In other words, if, when mounting the system on a roof, it is decided that input/output ports are needed somewhere along the rail, it can be put anywhere with support rails on each side.

According to some aspects, an O-ring is arranged to encircle the coupling device contact pins so that a seal is formed when the plurality of coupling device contact pins are inserted in the holes of the support rail electric conductors. Another word for O-ring is packing, or toric joint.

The O-ring is a mechanical gasket in the shape of a torus. An O-ring can be a loop of elastomer with a round cross-section, designed to be compressed during assembly between two or more parts, creating a seal at the interface. The O-rings are for example arranged on each contact pin so that they seal the electrical connection between the support rail and the coupling device when they are connected via the contact pins and the holes.

According to some aspects, the support rail electric conductors comprise conducting pipes with an inner shape and diameter matching the outer shape and diameter of the coupling device contact pins. This is so that the conducting pins will fit as snugly as possible. In other words, it is so that the fit is precise between the conducting pipes and the coupling device contact pins.

According to some aspects, the system comprises a cover member comprising means for locking the support rail and the coupling device together when the support rail and the coupling device are put end side to end side. The support rail and the coupling device are then fixedly attached to each other by means of the covering member.

According to some aspects, the cover member is u-shaped, elongated and forms a cover over the slit, in the interface between the support rail and the coupling device, and the ends of the support rail and the coupling device when they are put end side to end side. The cover member thus provides protection for the electrical interface between the support rail and the coupling device because it provides a physical cover over the interface. The mechanisms for fastening the cover member over the interface between one end of the support rail and one end of the coupling device are described in the detailed description.

According to some aspects, the support rail and the coupling device both comprises at least one groove extending longitudinally along each lateral side. The cover member comprises at least two elongated rails facing inwards on each of the legs of the u-shape. The coupling device comprises a protruding lock part, being a protrusion in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in the groove. The elongated rails on each leg of the cover member are arranged at a distance from each other so that a gap is formed between the rails. The gap being designed to receive the protruding lock part when the cover member is arranged over the slit. In other words, the U-shaped cover member is a kind of cap which is placed over the ends of the support rail and the coupling device when they are connected. Protruding rails on the inside of the legs of the U-shape engage with corresponding grooves in the support rail and coupling device. The protruding lock part is for example a protruding ridge in the groove of the coupling device which can be engaged in a gap in the rail of the cover member. The protruding lock part prevents the cover member from moving in the longitudinal direction over the support rail or coupling device. It should be noted that the cover member is a bit flexible to allow for it to be put in place.

According to some aspects, the means for locking the support rail and the coupling device together when the support rail and the coupling device are put end side to end side comprises at least four engaging parts, two on the inside of each leg and adapted to engage with four corresponding indentations. Two of the corresponding indentations are arranged on opposing sides of the support rail and two are arranged on opposing sides of the coupling device, preventing the cover member from moving relative the support rail when engaged. The engaging parts are for example small protrusions or short pins protruding on the inside of the legs of the U-shaped cover member. There are, according to some aspects, one engaging part on the inside and close to each edge of each leg of the U-shape. The corresponding indentations are arranged on the sides of the support rail and the coupling device and are shaped to receive the engaging parts. When engaged in the corresponding indentations, the cover member is locked in place over the meeting ends of the support rail and the coupling device.

According to some aspects, the support rail and the coupling device each comprises a longitudinal bottom groove. The bottom groove having openings on both end sides of each of the support rail and coupling device. The system comprises a joint rail, which is designed fit snugly into the bottom groove of the support rail and the coupling device to mechanically connect the support rail and the coupling device when they are put end side to end side. The joint rail provides support for the system in that it prevents the system from being bent from the longitudinal direction. It also guides the ends of the support rail and the coupling device to a correct placement when putting them together.

According to some aspects, the system comprises an end piece comprising two end piece end sides, wherein one end side comprises a plurality of end piece contact pins protruding from the end piece end sides and the other end side comprises an electrically insulating material, the end piece being adapted to be arranged on a support rail end side and wherein the plurality of end piece contact pins are arranged to fit snugly in the holes in the plurality of support rail electric conductors when the support rail and the end piece are put end side to end side. The end piece is an end piece for the system. When there is no need for a longer rail, and end piece can be used to mechanically and electrically end the system.

According to some aspects, the system comprises a joint device, for splicing two support rails, comprising two joint device end sides. Each joint device end side comprising a plurality of joint device contact pins and each joint device contact pin being in conducting contact with a respective joint device contact pin on the opposite joint device end side. Each end side of the joint device is adapted to be put against a support rail end side. The plurality of joint device contact pins are arranged to fit snugly in the holes in the plurality of support rail electric conductors when the support rail and the joint device are put end side to end side. A joint device is to be used when there is a need to lengthen a support rail. The joint device is for electrically connecting the electric conductors of the two support rails. It is also for fastening a cover member over the interfaces in the splicing.

Brief description of the drawings The invention will now be explained more closely by the description of different embodiments of the invention and with reference to the appended figures.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a system comprising a support rail and a coupling device disconnected from each other and seen from a perspective view from above, Fig. 2 shows an example of the system of figure 1 and comprising a cover member seen in a perspective view from above.

Fig. 3a shows an example of the system of figure 2 and comprising a joint rail seen in a perspective view from above.

Fig. 3b shows the system of figure 3a, comprising the joint rail and the cover member seen in a perspective view from below.

Fig. 4 shows an example of the system of figure 3a and 3b with the support rail and the coupling device connected seen in a perspective view from above, Fig. 5a shows an example of a joint device with disconnected contact pins seen in a perspective view.

Fig. 5b shows the joint device of figure 5a with the contact pins connected in a perspective view.

Fig. 6 shows an example of the system connecting two support rails with the joint device seen in a perspective view from above.

Fig. 7 shows an example of the support rail with an end piece disconnected in a perspective view.

Fig. 8 shows the support rail and the end piece of figure 7 connected, Fig. 9a shows an example of an elevation part seen from above, Fig. 9b shows the elevation part seen in a section A-A.

Fig. 9b shows the elevation part seen in a section B-B.

Fig. 10 shows a tiled roof with solar panels attached to a solar panel fastener seen from above.

Detailed description Figure la shows a perspective view as seen from above of an example system 1 for mounting solar panels on a roof. The assembly 1 comprises a support rail 5. The support rail 5 comprises a body 29 made of a first material. The first material is preferably an electrical insulating material, for example plastic with low electrical conductivity. The body 29 comprises two support rail end sides 121,122 located at opposite lateral sides of the support rail. The support rail 5 has a longitudinal bottom groove 7. The longitudinal bottom groove 7 has a groove opening 9 arranged on a bottom side 11 of the support rail 5. The longitudinal bottom groove 7 is adapted to receive a roof fastener (not shown) adapted to mount the system 1 to a roof.

The body 29 has two longitudinal channels 51 extending along a longitudinally axis A1 along the length of the support rail 5 from one end side 121 to the other end side 122 of the support rail 5. The body further comprises a plurality of support rail electric conductors 53 disposed in the channels. The electrical conductors 53 are adapted to transfer power produced by the solar panel to an external load. The electric conductors 53 comprises substantially elliptical holes 123. The elliptical holes extend from the end sides 121,122 inwards along the longitudinal axis A1 so that at least a part of the electric conductors 53 is hollow. The term elliptical holes also include circular holes. The holes have a rounded shape so that an O-ring can be used to seal the connection from moisture. The substantially elliptical holes either goes all the way through the electric conductors or they are only at the ends. If they are not going through the whole length of the electric conductors, they are at least deep enough to fit the whole length of the contact pins 131 discussed below.

The system 1 shown in figure 1 further comprises a coupling device 124. The coupling device 124 comprises a coupling body 126 made of an electrically insulating material. The coupling body 126 comprises two coupling device end sides 128,129 located on opposite sides of the coupling device 124 relative a longitudinal axis A2. The end sides 128,129 each comprises a plurality of coupling device contact pins 131. The contact pins protrude outwards from the coupling device 124 along the longitudinal axis A2. The plurality of contact pins 131 are each electrically connected to a respective input/output port 133,134. The input/output ports are connected at a lateral side of the coupling body 126 perpendicular to the end sides 128,129 and extends from the coupling body 126 at a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2. The plurality of contact pins 131 are arranged to fit snugly in the holes 123 in the electric conductors 53 when the support rail 5 and the coupling device 124 are put end side 121,122 to end side 128,129. Meaning that the support rail 5 and the coupling device 124 can be electrically coupled to each other by inserting the contact pins of the coupling device into the holes of the support rail and thus abutting each other at respective end sides along the longitudinal axis Al and A2.

The input/output ports are electrical connectors for solar panels to be attached to the system. The input/output ports are for example MC4 connectors.

In one aspect, the coupling device 124 comprises at least one coupling device protruding lock part 136 adapted to facilitate connection with the support rail as is further described under the description of figure 2.

In one aspect, the electric conductors 53 are tubular and an O-ring 138 is arranged to encircle the contact pins 131 so that a seal is formed when the contact pins 131 are inserted in the holes 123 of the electric conductors 53.

In the illustrated example, the support rail electric conductors 53 comprise conducting pipes 140 with an inner shape and diameter matching the outer shape and diameter of the coupling device contact pins 131. The conducting pipes 140 are circular and arranged in the channel 51 and has the elliptical hole 123 extending from end to end of the pipe 140. According to some aspects, the support rail electric conductors 53 are circular pipes with an inner diameter for 6mm and an outer diameter of 7mm. The coupling device contact pins are thus also about 6mm in diameter to fit snugly in the holes.

In the illustrated example, each of the lateral sides of the support rail 5 are provided with a row of indentations 47. In this example, the indentations 47 are openings in the lateral sides of the support rail 5. The rows of indentations 47 extends along a major part of the length of the support rail 5. Preferably, the rows of indentations 47 extend along the entire length of the support rail 5. In one aspect, the rows of indentations 47 are arranged in parallel with a longitudinal axis A1 of the support rail 5.

In this example the coupling device 124 comprises two identical indentations 47 located in the lateral sides of the coupling device.

In this example, the support rail 5 comprises two longitudinal grooves 25 extending longitudinally along each lateral side. The coupling device 124 further comprises longitudinal grooves 142 extending longitudinally along each lateral side. In this example the coupling device 124 comprises three longitudinal grooves 142. Two longitudinal grooves are arranged on the lateral side comprising the input/output port 133,144 and one longitudinal groove 142 is arranged on the opposite lateral side. In this example, the protruding lock part 136 protrudes from the longitudinal grooves 142 perpendicular relative the longitudinal axis of the coupling body from each end side 128,129.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view, as seen from above of the system 1 for mounting solar panels on a roof comprising a cover member 78. The cover member 78 comprises means for locking the support rail 5 and the coupling device 124 together when the support rail 5 and the coupling device 124 are put end side 121,122 to end side 128,129. The cover member is, according to some aspects, made of an insulating material such as plastic.

In this example the cover member 78 is U-shaped and elongated, forming two legs 144 extending from a horizontal portion. The cover member forms a cover over the slit in the interface between the support rail and the coupling device and the ends of the support rail and coupling device when they are put end side 121,122 to end side 128,129. In this example the cover member 78 comprises two elongated rails 98 on each opposite side of the cover member 78 and facing inwards on each of the legs 144 of the U-shape. The rails 98 are adapted to engage with the two longitudinal grooves 25,142 of the support rail and the coupling device 124. The rails 98 are arranged at a distance from each other so that a gap 100 is formed between the rails. The gap is for receiving the protruding lock part 136 of the coupling device 124 when the cover member 78 is arranged over the slit in the interface between the support rail and the coupling device.

In this example, the cover member 78 further comprises four engaging parts 102. Two engaging parts are arranged on the inside of each of the legs 144 of the U-shape. The cover member 78 can be locked in place in three ways. The first way is to have the engaging parts 102 engage with two indentations 47 on opposing sides of the coupling device 124, and with two indentations 47 on opposing sides of the support rail 5, preventing the cover member 78 from moving relative the coupling device 124 and the support rail 5. A second option is that the coupling device protruding lock part 136 engages with the gap 100 when the cover member 78 is arranged over the slit. The third option is to use a combination of the twomentioned locking mechanisms. In this way, the support rail 5 and the coupling device 124 are mechanically connected to each other by means of the cover member 78. This prevents the contact pins 131 from sliding out of the electric conductors 53.

Figure 3a shows a perspective view, as seen from above, of the system 1 shown in figure 2 for mounting solar panels on a roof comprising a joint rail 76. Figure 3b shows a perspective view as seen from below of the system 1 shown in figure 2 comprising the joint rail 76. Figure 4 shows a perspective view as seen from above of the system 1 as shown in figure 3a and 3b and when the support rail and the coupling device 124 are connected. In this example, the support rail 5 and the coupling device 124 each comprises a longitudinal bottom groove 7 with openings on both end sides 121,122, 128,129 of the support rail 5 and the coupling device 124. The joint rail 76 is designed to fit snugly in the bottom grooves 7 of the support rail 5 and the coupling device 124 and thus mechanically connect the support rail 5 and the coupling device 124. This prevents the support rail 5 and the coupling device 124 from separating in a direction other than along the longitudinal axis A1,A2. The joint rail also provides mechanical strength to prevent the system from bending or turning. When the joint rail 76 is used along with the cover member 78 it provides strength in the assembly, preventing it from breaking.

In the examples of figures 3a, 3b and 4, the longitudinal bottom grooves 7 comprises U-shaped gouges 18. The joint rail 76 comprises an elongated horizontal plate 79 and two U-shaped parts 80 fixedly connected to opposing ends in a transversal direction of the horizontal plate 79 with U-shaped openings at least partly facing each other. The U-shaped parts 80 has one end attached to the horizontal plate 79 in an angle and one end attached to a longitudinal plate 82. In this example, the joint rail 79 comprises two plates connected to each U-shaped part 80. The plates 82 are arranged at a distance from each other so that a space 84 is formed between them. The U-shaped parts 80 are designed to fit in the U-shaped gouges 18 of the support rail 5 and the coupling device 124. The joint rail is, according to some aspects, made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic.

Figure 5a-b shows an example of a joint device 77 seen from a perspective view. The joint device 77 is used for splicing two support rails 5. The joint device 77 comprises two joint device end sides 85,87. Each joint device end side 85,87 comprises a plurality of joint device contact pins 89 protruding from the joint device 77. Each joint device contact pin 89 is in conducting contact with a respective joint device contact pin 89 on the opposite joint device end side protruding in the opposite direction. Each end 85,87 of the joint device 77 is adapted to be arranged against a support rail end side 121,122. The joint device contact pins 89 are adapted to fit snugly in the holes 123 of the support rail electric conductors 53 when the support rail 5 and the joint device 77 are put end side 121,122 to end side 128,129. According to some aspects, O-rings 138 are arranged on each of the joint device contact pins 89.

In this example, the joint device 77 comprises a connecting module 91 adapted to electrically and mechanically connect two contact pins 89. The contact pins 89 are adapted to be inserted in different ends on the connecting module 91 and extend outwards from the module 91 in opposite directions. The joint device 77 comprises an upper part 86 comprising two holes 88 for receiving a respective connecting module 91. The connecting modules 91 comprise protruding parts 93 adapted to engage with a hitch in the respective holes 88, thus mechanically connecting the connecting modules 91 to the holes 88. The hitches are for example pressed upwards when inserting the connecting modules 91 and when the protruding parts 93 has passed the hitches, they snap down to grip the protruding parts 93. Another alternative is that there is a recess in the respective holes that corresponds in shape to the protruding parts 93, so that the protruding parts are inserted in the recess when inserting the connecting modules 91 in the holes 88. The recesses would then go straight in for a length and then turn 90° for a length so that the connecting modules are first inserted and then twisted to mechanically fasten it. The connecting module is, for example, removable and insertable in the joint device so that the same joint device can be used for systems without electrical connections.

Figure 6 shows an example of the system comprising a cover member 78, two support rails 5, one joint rail 76 and one joint device 77. With reference to figure 5a-b, the joint device 77 further comprises a lower part 90. The lower part is fixedly attached to the upper part 86 and comprises grooves 92 designed to fit the U-shaped parts 80 of the joint rail 96. This prevents the joint device 77 from moving transversely relative the joint rail 76. The lower part 90 further comprises pins 94 located under the grooves 92 relative the upper part 86 and the pins 94 are adapted to engage in the space 84 preventing any movement from the joint device 77 relative the joint rail 76. The lower part 90 also comprises a protruding lock part 96 arranged to engage the gap 100 of the cover member.

The joint rail 76 is designed to be inserted in the longitudinal bottom grooves 7 of the two support rails 5. The joint device 77 is designed to be fitted on top of the joint rail 96 and locked from moving in a transversal direction on the joint rail 76 by the pins 94 engaging the space 84 between the plates 82. When the joint device end sides 85,87 are in connection with the support rail end sides 121,122, the cover member 78 can be fitted on top and bearing against the support rails 5 and the joint device 77. The protruding lock part 96 is adapted to fit in the gap 100 thus locking the joint device 77, joint rail 76 and cover member 78 together. The engaging parts 102 of the cover member 78 are adapted to engage with the indentations 47 of the support rails 5, thus mechanically and electrically connecting the support rails 5 together.

Figure 7 shows the support rail 5 in a perspective view with an end piece 146. The end piece comprises two end piece end sides 148,149. One end side 148 comprises a plurality of end piece contact pins 151. In this illustrated example, the number of contact pins 151 is two. The contact pins protrude a distance from the end side 148. and the other end side 149 comprises an electrically insulating material. The end piece 146 is adapted to be arranged on a support rail end side 121,122. The end piece contact pins 151 are arranged to fit snugly in the holes 123 in the support rail electric conductors when the support rail 5 and the end piece 146 are put end side 122 to end side 148.

In this example the end piece 146 comprises a cover part 153, adapted to bear against the support rail 5, and an inner part 155. The cover part 153 is designed in the same manner as an upper portion of the support rail 5. Thus, the cover part 153 comprises a horizontal plate 156, two angled plate 157 with one end connected to the horizontal plate 156. The cover part 153 further comprises two L-shaped part 158 with each having one end connected to one angled plate 157 and the other end facing inwards towards each other. This arrangement forms a space 160 in the cover part 153 adapted to receive the upper portion of the support rail 5. The contact pins 151 are arranged in the space 160 and connected to an end plate 162 arranged between the end sides 148,149. The inner part 155 is connected to the end plate 162 and has a shape corresponding to the shape of the longitudinal bottom groove 7, thus allowing it to be inserted in it. Alternatively, the end piece 146 can be designed to receive a part of the coupling device 124. In that example the end piece may comprise electrically insulating pipes adapted to receive the coupling device contact pins 131.

Figure 9a shows an elevation part 164 viewed from above. Figure 9b shows the elevation part in an intersection A-A. Figure 9c shows the elevation part 164 in an intersection B-B. The elevation part 164 is adapted to support a part of the system 1. The elevation part 164 comprises two gripping parts 166 adapted to engage with the longitudinal grooves 25,142 of a support rail 5 or a coupling device 124 supported by the roof. In other words, the elevation part can be put on a support rail 5 or a coupling device. The elevation part 164 further comprises an elevation part support portion 168 adapted to support the system by engaging with the underside of a second support rail 5 or coupling device 124 arranged further from the roof and connected to a solar panel fastener 19 seen in figure 10 for supporting the solar panel. The elevation part 168 is for use when it is desired to place a solar panel with a bigger distance from the roof than one rail height. In other words, the elevation part is for stacking support rails and/or coupling devices over each other. This is, for example, desirable when the system is mounted on a flat roof so that the rails can be attached directly on top of the roof. In such a case, there may be need for more air between the solar panel and the roof so that it does not become too hot under the solar panel. The elevation part can then be used to make the system higher.

In this example, the support portion 168 comprises support portion rails 170. The support portion rails 170 are shaped in a way that allows them to fit and be inserted in the longitudinal bottom groove 7 of a support rail 5 or a coupling device 124. The gripping parts 166 are arranged on a U-shaped body 172. The U-shaped body 172 has two elevation part lower portions 174 connected to the gripping parts 166 and an elevation part upper portion 176 connected to the support portion 168. The lower portions 174 further comprises two engaging parts 102 arranged on the two lower portions 174 and the engaging parts 102 is at least partly facing each other.

Figure 10 shows an example of a roof including roofing tiles 3 with prefabricated holes, and solar panels 104 mounted on the roof by means of the system 1.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims.

Reference list Support rail 5 Longitudinal bottom groove (support rail) 7 Groove opening (support rail) 9 Bottom side (support rail) 11 U-shaped gouges (support rail) 18 Solar panel fastener 19 Longitudinal grooves (support rail) 25,142 Body (support rail) 29 Indentation (support rail) 47 Longitudinal channels (body, support rail) 51 Electric conductors (body, support rail) 53 Joint rail 76 Joint device 77 Cover member 78 Elongated horizontal plate (Joint rail) 79 U-shaped parts (Joint rail) 80 Longitudinal plate (Joint rail) 82 Space (Joint rail) 84 End sides (joint device) 85,87 Upper part (joint device) 86 Holes (joint device) 88 Contact pins (joint device) 89 Lower part (joint device) 90 Connecting module (joint device) 91 Grooves (joint device) 92 protruding part (connecting module) 93 Pins (joint device) 94 Lock part (joint device) 96 Rails (cover member) 98 Gap (cover member) 100 engaging parts (cover member) (elevated part) 102 Solar panel 104 Support rail end sides 121,122 Elliptical hole 123 Coupling device 124 Coupling body 126 Coupling device end sides 128,129 Longitudinal axis of the coupling body A2 Coupling device contact pins 131 Input/output port 133,134 Protruding lock part 136 O-ring 138 Conducting pipes 140 Legs (cover member) 144 End piece 146 End side (end piece) 148,149 Contact pins (end piece) 151 Cover part (end piece) 153 Inner part (end piece) 155 Horizontal plate (end piece) 156 Angled plate (end piece) 157 L-shaped part (end piece) 158 Space (end piece) 160 End plate (end piece) 162 Elevation part 164 Gripping part 166 Elevated part support portion 168 Support portion rails 170 U-shaped body 172 elevated part lower portions 174 elevated part upper portion 176

Claims

1. A system (1) for mounting solar panels on a roof, characterized in that the mounting system (1) comprises: - a support rail (5) comprising a body (29) made of an electrically insulating material and comprising two support rail end sides (121,122), the body (29) comprises a plurality of longitudinal channels (51) extending longitudinally from one end side to the other end side of the support rail (5), and a plurality of support rail electric conductors (53) disposed in the channels (51) for transferring power produced by the solar panel to an external load, the plurality of support rail electric conductors (53) comprises, at least at the end sides (121,122), substantially elliptical holes (123) extending longitudinally inwards, - a coupling device (124) comprising a coupling body (126) made of an electrically insulating material, the coupling body (126) comprises two coupling device end sides (128,129), the coupling device end sides (128,129) each comprises a plurality of coupling device contact pins (131) protruding from the coupling device end sides, and wherein the plurality of coupling device contact pins (131) are each electrically connected to a respective input/output port (133,134), the input/output port being arranged at a side of the coupling device other than the end sides (128,129), wherein the plurality of coupling device contact pins (131) are arranged to fit snugly in the holes (123) in the plurality of support rail electric conductors (53) when the support rail (5) and the coupling device (124) are put end side to end side (128,129), and the system further comprises solar panel fasteners (19), for supporting the solar panels, connected to the support rail, and a roof fastener adapted to mount the rail to the roof.

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein an O-ring (138) is arranged to encircle the coupling device contact pins (131) so that a seal is formed when the plurality of coupling device contact pins are inserted in the holes (123) of the support rail electric conductors (53).

3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support rail electric conductors (53) comprise conducting pipes (140) with an inner shape and diameter matching the outer shape and diameter of the coupling device contact pins (131).

4. The system (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising: - a cover member (78) comprising means for locking the support rail (5) and the coupling device (124) together when the support rail (5) and the coupling device (124) are put end side (121,122) to end side (128,129).

5. The system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the cover member (78) is u-shaped, elongated and forms a cover over a slit, in the interface between the support rail (5) and the coupling device (124), and the ends of the support rail (5) and the coupling device (124) when they are put end side (121,122) to end side (128,129).

6. The system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the support rail (5) and the coupling device (124) both comprises at least one groove (25,142) extending longitudinally along each lateral side, and the cover member (78) comprises at least two elongated rails (98) facing inwards on each of the legs of the u-shape, wherein the coupling device (124) comprises a protruding lock part (136), being a protrusion in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in the groove (142), and wherein the elongated rails (98) on each leg of the cover member (78) are arranged at a distance from each other so that a gap (100) is formed between the rails (98), the gap (100) being designed to receive the protruding lock part (136) when the cover member (5) is arranged over the slit.

7. The system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the means for locking the support rail (5) and the coupling device (124) together when the support rail (5) and the coupling device (124) are put end side (121,122) to end side (128,129) comprises at least four engaging parts (102), two on the inside of each leg and adapted to engage with four corresponding indentations (47), wherein two of the corresponding indentations (47) are arranged on opposing sides of the support rail (5) and two are arranged on opposing sides of the coupling device (124), preventing the cover member (78) from moving relative the support rail (5) when engaged.

8. The system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the support rail (5) and the coupling device (124) each comprises a longitudinal bottom groove (7), the bottom groove (7) having openings on both end sides (121,122) (128,129) of each of the support rail (5) and coupling device (124), and wherein the system (1) comprises: - a joint rail (76), which is designed to fit snugly into the bottom groove (7) of the support rail (5) and the coupling device (124) to mechanically connect the support rail (5) and the coupling device (124) when they are put end side to end side (121,122) (128,129).

9. The system (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising: - an end piece (146) comprising two end piece end sides (148,149), wherein one end side (148) comprises a plurality of end piece contact pins (151) protruding from the end piece end sides (148) and the other end side (149) comprises an electrically insulating material, the end piece (146) being adapted to be arranged on a support rail end side (121,122) and wherein the plurality of end piece contact pins (151) are arranged to fit snugly in the holes (123) in the plurality of support rail electric conductors (53) when the support rail (5) and the end piece (146) are put end side (121,122) to end side (148).

10. The system (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising: - a joint device (77), for splicing two support rails (5), comprising two joint device end sides (85,87), each joint device end side (85,87) comprising a plurality of joint device contact pins (89) and each joint device contact pin (89) being in conducting contact with a respective joint device contact pin (89) on the opposite joint device end side (85,87), wherein each end side of the joint device is adapted to be put against a support rail end side (121,122) and wherein the plurality of joint device contact pins (89) are arranged to fit snugly in the holes (123) in the plurality of support rail electric conductors (53) when the support rail (5) and the joint device (77) are put end side (121,122) to end side (85,87).