NO349076B1

NO349076B1 - Solar cell wall panel

Info

Publication number: NO349076B1
Application number: NO20231108A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Dag Brandal; Lars Erik Vinje; Haakon Fivelstad; Filip Solheim
Original assignee: A/S Spilka Ind
Priority date: 2023-10-16
Filing date: 2023-10-17
Publication date: 2025-09-15
Also published as: NO20231108A1

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a wall panel system comprising mounting means and a wall panel comprising solar cells. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the wall panel and a method for mounting and dismounting the wall panel from a wall surface.

Background

The construction of large buildings, complexes, and residential high-rises, has become increasingly popular, necessitating the development of advanced architectural solutions. In parallel, there has been a growing awareness of the need to harness renewable energy sources to reduce the environmental impact of urban development. Solar energy, being abundant and sustainable, has emerged as a primary candidate for integrating into the built environment.

Solar panels have traditionally been installed on rooftops or ground-mounted structures, but integrating them directly into the facade of a building offers numerous advantages, such as maximizing energy capture and reducing the architectural footprint. This integration is, however, riddled with challenges. The installation and maintenance of solar panels on building facades can be complex, time-consuming, and costly. Additionally, conventional mounting systems can mar the aesthetics of the building and hinder the flexibility to reconfigure panels.

Solar cells mounted on facade walls offer a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for several reasons. First and foremost, they harness the abundant and renewable energy from the sun, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This clean energy source helps combat climate change and air pollution, contributing to a healthier environment. Additionally, integrating solar cells into building design can enhance energy efficiency and reduce overall energy consumption. When installed vertically on facade walls, they make efficient use of space while offering an aesthetically pleasing and functional solution. In essence, solar cells on facade walls are a win-win, providing a green energy source and a visually appealing addition to urban landscapes, all while contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

Furthermore, the existing technologies facade panels often fail to provide secure and stable connections that facilitate easy installation and removal of the facade panels, especially when large and heavy solar panels are involved. This challenge necessitates a creative and innovative solution that reconciles the requirements of energy generation, architectural appeal, and practical installation and maintenance.

The present invention addresses the above-mentioned challenges by providing a novel facade wall panel system that combines the structural integrity of facade panels with the power-generating capabilities of solar cells. The system features wall panels that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also easy to mount and dismount from the building's structure, thanks to a specially designed locking mechanism.

The invention not only facilitates secure mounting but also conceals wall panel mounting brackets, significantly enhancing the system's aesthetic appeal. The innovative design not only ensures structural integrity but also offers a sleek and unobtrusive appearance, making it ideal for modern architectural applications. This invention represents a significant advancement in the field of architectural systems, combining both functionality and visual elegance.

JPH094172A relates to a mounting structure for wall construction elements, aiming to simplify installation onto a building frame without the use of nails. It introduces a system comprising a spline joint, a T-shaped rail, and packing material for installation, with provisions for enhancing installation strength using a fixing member inserted into the rail's gap.

WO2023050772A1 relates to a crystalline silicon Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) building component and its manufacturing method. The component comprises outer and inner plate glasses, transparent PVB layers, and a crystalline silicon power generation unit. It meets building code standards and offers enhanced performance with high power generation, diverse colour options, increased reliability, and efficiency. The manufacturing method ensures quick and effective production of these components, allowing for wider installation and improved aesthetic integration into various architectural styles.

Summary of the invention

The invention relates to a wall panel system for large buildings comprising a wall panel and means for mounting the wall panel to a wall surface, wherein the means for mounting comprise a wall panel mounting device including a first upper wall panel restraining portion and a first lower wall panel restraining portion, and wherein the wall panel includes a first upper wall panel recess adapted to engage the first upper wall panel restraining portion and a second lower wall panel recess adapted to engage the first lower wall panel restraining portion.

The invention relates to said wall panel system wherein the wall panel mounting device is affixed to a wall mounting rail fixed to the wall surface.

The invention relates to said wall panel system wherein the wall panel mounting device is secured to the wall panel by a bracket and a screw.

The invention relates to said wall panel system comprising a front glass layer, a rear ceramic layer, and at least one solar cell disposed between the front glass layer and the rear ceramic layer, wherein the front glass layer and the rear ceramic layer have corresponding upper and lower edges, and the at least one solar cell is positioned adjacent to the lower edge of the front glass layer.

The invention relates to a method for mounting a said wall panel to a wall surface comprising the steps of: engaging the second recess of the wall panel with a wall panel restraining portion; placing the wall panel in parallel with the wall surface; lowering the wall panel upon a wall panel restraining portion so that the first recess of the wall panel engages the wall panel restraining portion.

The invention relates to said method further comprising the steps of: lifting the wall panel so that the first recess is disengaged with the wall panel restraining portion; tilting the wall panel away from the wall surface; lowering the wall panel so that the second recess is disengaged with the wall panel restraining portion.

List of figures

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a building façade including wall panels according to the invention;

Fig. 1B shows a wall panel of Fig.1A slightly removed from the wall;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a wall panel of the invention positioned in front of a wall surface;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a wall panel system according to the invention;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a wall panel system according to the invention wherein a wall panel is being mounted or dismounted;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a wall panel system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a wall panel mounting device according to the invention;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a wall panel mounting rail according to the invention; Fig. 8 is a transparent perspective view of a sealing profile according to the invention;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a wall panel mounting device with one wall panel restraining portion and a rail locking portion;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a wall panel mounting device with two wall panel restraining portions according embodiments of the invention, adapted to be used at an outer corner of a surface.

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a building façade including wall panels 300 according to the invention. The building façade is typically covered in wall panels adjacent to each other. In Fig.1A the main wall panel 300 includes solar cells 600.

Adjacent wall panels 309 may be positioned above, below, left or right of a wall panel 300.

The invention relates is a wall panel system comprising a wall panel 300 and means for mounting (not shown) the wall panel 300 to a wall surface (not shown).

The wall panel system allows for the wall panel 300 to be spaced apart from an adjacent wall panel 309 allowing the wall panel 300 to expand and retract e.g. as a result of thermal expansion/retraction.

Fig. 1A also shows how the wall panel system achieves an aesthetically pleasing arrangement of wall panels with minimal spacing between them. Notably, there are no mounting components such as brackets or clips protruding beyond the wall panels, which would otherwise detract from the façade's aesthetics. The system of the invention cleverly conceals the wall panel mounting devices (not shown), preserving the visual harmony of the design.

Fig. 1B shows a wall panel 300 of Fig.1A slightly removed from the façade. Fig.1B illustrates how the wall panel system of the invention allows for a wall panel 300 to be removed/dislodged/dismounted from a wall. Fig.1B also illustrates that the wall panel 300 may be mounted to the wall.

The invention furnishes a wall panel system that streamlines and facilitates the process of mounting and dismounting wall panels, e.g. for maintenance purposes.

It's important to emphasize that the wall panels in this innovation are affixed to the building wall using mounting mechanisms positioned typically around the edges or periphery of the plates. As a result, these wall plates can be easily installed and removed, which sets this approach apart from conventional methods where wall panels are permanently affixed by drilling into the wall. Furthermore, this invention accommodates the expansion of the wall panels, offering added flexibility.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a wall panel 300 of the invention positioned in front of a wall surface 307. The wall panel surface 304, as depicted, serves solely for illustrative purposes to indicate the orientation of the wall panel surfaces concerning the wall surface 307.

The wall panel 300 typically exhibits a rectangular or square shape and comprises a front surface 301, a rear surface 302 (not shown), a lower end surface 303, and an upper end surface 304. Furthermore, the wall panel 300 features a bottom recess 310, positioned at the lower end 303, and a top recess 312, situated at the upper end 304. These recesses, as a typical configuration, extend longitudinally across the entire width of the wall panel 300. However, they may also extend partially, forming discrete grooves or slots. The recesses may also be called guides, grooves or gaps.

The wall panel 300 is not limited to a single shape; it can take on various forms, including octagonal or hexagonal. Generally, these wall panels are designed to fit together seamlessly, much like puzzle pieces, enabling them to effectively envelop the entire building wall with these plates. It's worth emphasizing that while only a wall panel 300 is discussed, the entire building facade can be covered by a series of similar wall panels arranged side by side, both above and below each other.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a wall panel system according to the invention.

In Fig.3, the illustration presents a wall panel 300 and a lower adjacent wall panel 308, both securely affixed to a building wall (not shown).

Within the wall panel system, various means are employed for connecting these wall panels, such as the one showcased in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, a wall panel mounting rail 200 (as seen in Fig. 7) is fixed to the building wall. The wall panel mounting rail 200 incorporates a slot (not visible in this figure) designed for the insertion of a wall panel mounting device 100 (refer to Fig.6).

The wall panel mounting device 100 is equipped with two wall panel restraining portions, denoted as 120a and 120b, which serve to securely anchor the wall panels 300 and 308 to the building wall, thus preventing any risk of them dislodging. The first upper wall panel restraining portion, 120a, is configured to accommodate the bottom recess 310 of the wall panel 300, causing it to extend within the wall panel 300. Simultaneously, the first lower wall panel restraining portion, 120b, is designed to receive the top recess 312 of the wall panel 308, causing it to extend within the wall panel 308. This feature stands as a critical aspect of the invention, as it enables the wall panels 300 to be firmly affixed to the building wall without the restraining portions protruding outside the wall panel 300, thus concealing the mounting devices from exterior view.

While Fig. 3's mounting device 100 features two restraining portions, it's worth noting that an alternative version of the mounting device 100 with just one restraining portion is also a viable option. Additionally, the cross-sectional profile of the mounting device 100 doesn't necessarily require symmetry.

Fig. 3 also shows a special type of wall panel 300 having three layers. The wall panel system of the invention is not limited only to solar cell wall panels, but also regular wall panels e.g. with only one single layer.

The wall panel 300 of Fig.3 has a layered structure comprising a rear layer 320 also called a back sheet, a middle layer 322 comprising solar cells 600, and a front layer 324.

The rear layer 320 may be of a material such as Tedlar (Polyvinyl Fluoride, PVF), TPT (Tedlar/PET/Tedlar), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), PPE (Polyester-Polyethylene), Fluoropolymer: (FEP, ETFE, or PTFE), Aluminum, Glass, Composite Materials or Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO).

The choice of the back sheet material depends on factors such as the intended application, environmental conditions, cost considerations, and desired performance characteristics.

The rear layer 320 may have multiple layers to achieve the desired balance of properties, with a weather-resistant outer layer and an electrically insulating inner layer.

Preferably the rear layer 320 is made of a ceramic material to protect the solar cells from environmental factors and provide electrical insulation. Ceramic materials also allow the solar cells 600 to expand.

An important feature of this invention is to facilitate the lateral expansion of wall panels 300 and 308, thereby preventing them from coming into direct contact, which could otherwise lead to damage due to the tension generated during such collisions.

While Fig. 3 displays the wall panel 300 with a layered structure, it's important to note that the wall panel 300 can be a simple non-layered structure having a top recess and a bottom recess.

The invention also includes a method for manufacturing a layered wall panel 300 as shown in Fig. 3, and encompasses a series of steps that collectively ensure the construction and functionality of the panel.

First, the process begins with the placement of the front glass layer 324 on a surface, with its front surface oriented downward. This front glass layer 324 serves as the protective outer face of the panel, guarding the interior components.

Following this, a first laminating film is applied to the rear surface of the front glass layer 324, firmly attaching it to the glass and contributing to the structural integrity of the panel.

Solar cells 600 are then meticulously positioned onto the laminating film, as they are the pivotal components responsible for energy conversion, capturing and harnessing solar power.

To ensure efficient electrical connectivity, the sides of the solar cells 600 are interconnected, often through the application of soldering. This step guarantees that the electrical current can flow seamlessly within the wall panel 300.

A second laminating film is then applied over the solar cells 600, providing additional protection and structural support.

The ceramic layer 320, is placed onto the second laminating film.

The culmination of this manufacturing process involves the lamination of the entire layered structure within a laminator. This step results in a fully laminated structure, where all the components are securely bonded together.

Furthermore, there are optional steps in the process, such as trimming the edges of the laminated structure, ensuring a precise and uniform appearance, and optionally connecting the laminated structure to a controller box to manage and regulate the panel's functions effectively. These steps collectively contribute to the manufacturing of a reliable and functional wall panel.

One significant feature of this innovation lies in the formation of a layered structure, which cleverly extends the front glass layer 324 and the rear layer 320 beyond the middle layer 322. As a result, a recess 310, 312 is naturally created. This design presents a smart solution by achieving a dual benefit: providing a middle layer equipped with solar cells 600 and creating a gap for the restraining portions of the mounting device. This approach effectively addresses two objectives with a single solution, thus providing a synergy effect.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a wall panel system according to the invention wherein a wall panel 300 is being mounted or dismounted.

In Fig. 4, it is illustrated how the wall panel 300 can be either connected or disconnected from the restraining portion of the mounting device (120a). In this figure, the wall panel 300 is shown in a tilted position, moving away from the wall panel mounting device 100. This position may occur during the demounting or mounting process.

The invention includes a method for mounting and dismounting a wall panel 300 in a manner that ensures secure attachment and unobtrusive aesthetics.

To mount a wall panel 300, the top recess 312 of the wall panel 300 is engaged with a downward pointing wall panel restraining portion (not shown). The wall panel restraining portion (not shown) is thereby entered into the top recess of the wall panel (not shown). The wall panel 300 is thereafter placed in parallel with the building wall and gently lowered onto another upward facing wall panel restraining portion 120a so that the bottom recess 310 of the wall panel securely engages a the restraining portion 120a. The upward facing wall panel restraining portion 120a is thereby entered into the bottom recess 310.

If a mounting device, as shown in Figs.3, 4, 9, or 10, is employed, the elastic and flexible features of the mounting device or clip facilitate the installation of each wall panel 300. When inserting the wall panel, it can temporarily bend the restraining portions, and once it is in position, the elastic restraining portion exerts pressure against the wall panel 300. It's worth emphasizing that all embodiments accommodate the expansion and contraction of the wall panel 300, which can occur due to temperature variations associated with the solar cells on the panel or even for wall panels without solar cells.

To dismount a wall panel, the above method is reversed. The wall panel 300 is lifted so that the bottom recess is disengages the upward facing restraining portion 120a, followed by tilting the wall panel 300away from the wall surface (not shown), and finally, lowering the wall panel 300 to disengage the top recess (not shown).

These methods offer a simple and practical solution for installation and maintenance while maintaining the visual integrity of building facades.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a wall panel system according to an embodiment of the invention. In this illustration, an alternative wall panel mounting device 400 is introduced, featuring a combination of a screw and a bracket. This particular embodiment eliminates the requirement for a wall mounting rail, as the wall panel mounting device 400 can securely affix the wall panel directly into the building wall using a screw.

While Fig.5 displays the wall panel without a layered structure, it's important to note that the wall panel 300 can comprise a layered configuration, incorporating solar cells, similar to the setup depicted in Fig.3.

It's worth underscoring that the configuration depicted in Fig. 5 permits the expansion of the wall panels. In this setup, the upper plate 300 is rests upon the mounting device 400, while the lower plate 308 maintains a gap between the plate and the mounting device 400 with room to expand alongside the building wall 304.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a wall panel mounting device 100 according to the invention. Fig. 5 illustrates a wall panel mounting device 100 with two wall panel restraining portions 120a, 120b. The U-shaped slit fastening portion 110 is adapted to at least partially be inserted into a slit. At least one of the two ending portions of the U-shaped slit fastening portion 110 may be connected to a respective wall panel restraining portion 120a, 120b. The wall panel restraining portion 120a, 120b being adapted to extend on the outside of the slit when the wall panel mounting device 100 is in the installed state, with the slit fastening portion 110 having been inserted into the slit.

A U-shaped slit fastening portion 110 may comprise three portions, two extending portions arranged in parallel or at an angle to each other. Each extending portion comprises an outer portion and the extending portions are arranged such that there is an empty space between the two ending portions. The third portion of a U-shaped slit fastening portion 110 is a connecting portion which connects two inner portions of the extending portions together. In doing so, the connecting portion may be suitably curved or bent and/or elastic. The two outer portions are each adapted to be attached to a wall panel restraining portion or a slit locking portion and/or protrude out of the slit when the slit fastening portion 110 has been inserted into the slit. Using e.g. a sheet-metal for the U-shaped slit fastening portion 110 will result in a slit fastening portion 110 wherein the two extending portions are compressible and elastic (especially at the outer portions).

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the slit fastening portion 110 comprises a head portion 112 and a throat portion 111. In the installed state the head portion 112 is inside the slit while the throat portion 111 engages the edge of the slit, leaving the wall panel restraining portions 120a, 120b, comprising wall panel contacting surfaces 125a, 125b and clasping elements, outside of the slit. A throat portion 111 engaging a slit means that the wall panel mounting device 100 cannot be easily removed from the slit, as the head portion 112 obstructs the wall panel mounting device 100 from being pulled out of the installed state.

Fig. 7 illustrates a wall panel mounting rail 200 provided with a plurality of slits 210. Each slit 210 of the wall panel mounting rail 200 comprises two slit portions 211, 212, one slit portion being a wider slit portion and one slit portion being a narrower slit portion. The wall panel mounting rail 200 is adapted to receive a slit fastening portion of a wall panel mounting device in the wider slit portion, allow a throat portion of the slit fastening portion to be slid into the narrower slit portion and allow the wall panel mounting device to hang from the narrower slit portion. The wall panel mounting rail 200 in Fig. 7 is especially suited for horizontal installation against a surface, with the wider slit portion positioned above the narrower slit portion, allowing the wall panel mounting device to naturally hang from the narrower slit portion due to gravity. The wall panel mounting rail 200 provides an empty space between the slit 210 opening and the surface on which it is installed.

Fig. 7 also depicts an alternative mounting rail design below the primary mounting rail drawing.

Figure 8 presents a transparent, perspective view of a sealing profile as part of the invention. The innovation incorporates mechanisms for sealing the spaces between wall panels to prevent water ingress. This challenge is effectively addressed through the introduction of a sealing profile 500 comprising a first upper protrusion 502 designed to engage with the bottom recess (not shown) of an upper wall panel and a second lower protrusion 504 for securing the top recess 312 of a lower wall panel 308. Upon installation, the sealing profile 500 ensures a comprehensive seal between adjacent wall panels, and it can be applied both vertically and horizontally. Typically, this sealing profile 500 is attached to the wall plate prior to connecting it to the wall.

Furthermore, the sealing profile 500 can extend across the entire width or height of the wall panel or only a portion thereof.

Notably, the sealing profile 500 may incorporate a cutout-portion 506 allowing it to run in front of a mounting device such as a shown in Fig. 5 or 6, effectively concealing the device. This feature enables a thorough seal between adjacent wall panels, addressing both the sealing and aesthetic requirements, particularly when it's desired to eliminate all gaps between wall panels.

The sealing profile can be crafted from a variety of materials, including but not limited to the following options: stainless steel, aluminium, copper, brass, galvanized steel, plastics like PVC and polypropylene, fiberglass, bronze, and titanium.

In Fig. 9 there is depicted a wall panel mounting device 100 comprising one wall panel retaining portion 120 with a wall panel contacting surface 125. The wall panel mounting device 100 further comprises an auxiliary slit locking portion 121. The wall panel mounting device 100 is adapted to reliantly retain or mount a wall panel against a mounting rail provided with a slit. To ensure proper insertion of the slit fastening portion 110 in the insertion direction 101 the wall panel mounting device may comprise an auxiliary slit locking portion 121 which ensures that the wall panel mounting device 100 cannot be inserted entirely through a slit. The wall panel retaining portion 120 may itself ensure that wall panel mounting device 100 cannot be inserted entirely through a slit. The exemplary wall panel mounting device 100 in Fig. 9 is preferably used for edge wall panels, i.e. wall panels without a neighbouring wall panel on at least one side. As a compliment to wall panel mounting devices 100 comprising two wall panel restraining portions adapted to restrain neighbouring wall panels, the wall panel restraining portions and the wall panels cooperating to aid proper insertion of the slit fastening portion 110 of the wall panel mounting device 100, a wall panel restraining portion may be replaced with an auxiliary slit locking portion 121 adapted to ensure proper installation.

Fig. 10 illustrates a wall panel mounting device 100 with two wall panel restraining portions 120a, 120b. Each wall panel restraining portion 120a, 120b comprises its own clasping element. The wall panel contacting surfaces 125a, 125b are arranged in different directions. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig.10 the faces of the wall panel contacting surfaces 125a, 125b are oriented with a difference of 90°. This makes the wall panel mounting device 100 suitable for use at an outer corner of a surface as it restrains wall panels oriented at a 90° angle from each other. With further reference to Fig.8 there is illustrated a corresponding wall panel mounting rail 200 adapted to be installed at an outer corner of two surfaces meeting at a 90° angle. The insertion direction 101 of the wall panel mounting device 100 adapted to retain wall panels meeting at an outer corner lies a plane parallel to one of the surfaces meeting at an outer corner. Also depicted in Fig.10 is a bending element 114 or elastic element of the slit fastening portion 110. Well inside a slit, the bending element 114 may be bent outwards so as to lock the slit fastening portion 110 inside a slit. Alternatively, the element 114 may be an elastic element which may be extending outside of the slit fastening portion 110. The elastic element may be compressed against the slit fastening portion 110 such that the slit fastening portion 110 may be inserted into a slit. After passing through a slit, the elastic element of the slit fastening portion 110 may spring back to its original position, extending outside of the slit fastening portion 110, to securely lock the slit fastening portion 110 of a wall panel mounting device 100 to a slit. The elastic element may be in the shape of a flap projecting outwards at an angle from the slit fastening portion 110. The elastic element may be adapted to be compressed by the slit during insertion of the slit fastening portion 110 into the slit and to spring back into its extended state once the slit fastening portion 110 has been inserted into the slit.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. A wall panel system comprising:

a wall panel mounting device (100, 400) comprising:

at least one wall panel restraining portion (120, 120a, 120b, 420a, 420b); a wall panel (300) comprising:

a front surface (301) and a rear surface (302);

an upper end (304) and a lower end (303);

a rear layer (320);

a middle layer (322) comprising solar cells (600);

a front glass layer (324) for protecting the solar cells and allowing solar radiation to pass through;

wherein the front glass layer (324) and the rear layer (320) extends beyond the middle layer (322) thereby forming at least one of a bottom recess (310) situated on the lower end (303) and a top recess (312) situated on the upper end (304);

wherein the wall panel mounting device (100, 400) is adapted to connect the wall panel (300) to a wall surface (307);

wherein each recess (310, 312) is adapted to receive at least one of the wall panel restraining portions (120, 120a, 120b, 420a, 420b);

wherein the front glass layer (324) and the rear layer (320) extend beyond the middle layer (322) thereby naturally creating the recesses (310, 312) and providing a dual benefit of a middle layer equipped with solar cells (600) while at the same time creating a gap for the restraining portions of the wall panel mounting device (100, 300);

wherein said at least one wall panel restraining portion (120, 120a, 120b) is adapted to restrict movement of the wall panel (300) in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface (307);

wherein said at least one wall panel restraining portion (120a, 120b, 420a, 420b) is adapted to separate the wall panel (300) from an adjacent wall panel (308); and wherein the rear layer (320) is a ceramic layer.

2. A wall panel system according to claim 1,

wherein said wall panel mounting device (100) comprises a slit fastening portion (110) adapted to be fastened to a slit (210), and at least one wall panel restraining portion (120, 120a, 120b) adapted to restrict movement of the wall panel (300); wherein a wall panel mounting rail (200) is installed abutting a surface, said wall panel mounting rail (200) comprising a slit (210) adapted to receive said slit fastening portion (110) of said wall panel mounting device (100);

wherein said at least one wall panel restraining portion (120, 120a, 120b) is elastic or flexible in a direction aligned in vertical and parallel to said wall surface (307).

3. A wall panel system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a sealing profile (500) for preventing water from entering a gap between two adjacent wall panels (300);

the sealing profile (500) comprising:

a first fastening portion (502) for entering and provide sealing to the bottom recess (310) of a first wall panel (300);

a second fastening portion (504) for entering and provide sealing to a top recess (312) of a second lower adjacent wall panel (308).

4. A wall panel system according to the preceding claim, wherein:

the sealing profile (500) comprises a cutout-portion for the wall panel mounting device (100, 400); and wherein the sealing profile (500) covers the front side of the wall panel mounting device (100, 400).

5. A wall panel (300) according to any of the preceding claims.

6. A method for mounting the wall panel (300) to the wall panel system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 4 to a wall surface (307) comprising the steps of:

engaging the top recess (312) of the wall panel (300) with a wall panel restraining portion (120b, 420b);

placing the wall panel (300) in parallel with the wall surface (307);

lowering the wall panel (300) upon a wall panel restraining portion (120a, 420a) so that the bottom recess (310) of the wall panel (300) engages the wall panel restraining portion (120a, 420a).

7. A method for dismounting a wall panel (300) from the wall panel system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 4 from a wall surface (307) comprising the steps of:

lifting the wall panel (300) so that the bottom recess (310) is disengaged with the wall panel restraining portion (120a, 420a);

tilting the wall panel (300) away from the wall surface (307); and

lowering the wall panel (300) so that the top recess (312) is disengaged with the wall panel restraining portion (120b, 420b).