AU2011201649B2 - Photo Voltaic Module Mounting System and Parts Thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A solar module connection bracket including an elongate body portion with a first hooked end and a second end joined to a riser portion, the riser portion joined to a locating portion and the locating portion including first and second planar portions extending substantially at right angles to one another so that in use the first planar portion rests on an upper surface portion of a batten and the second planar portion abuts against a side longitudinal edge of the batten. 00co cT cc~ o 0- T-00. o 0 co 0 (U 0 ON- .0 ccu C) N--

Description

ri'VViV I I Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Photo Voltaic Module Mounting System and Parts Thereof Applicant: Stratco (Australia) Pty Limited The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 Photo Voltaic Module Mounting System and Parts Thereof Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photo voltaic module mounting system and to various parts of such a system. Background of the Invention Solar power generation is becoming increasingly popular because of its environmental advantages. Photo voltaic panels are now commonly seen on many buildings throughout the community. Many home owners are choosing to mount photo voltaic panels ("solar panels) on the roof of their existing home, carport or garage and to feed DC electricity into an inverter and back into the 250V community grid. Any electricity fed back into the community grid by the home owner typically results in a credit on their electricity account. Some people are now choosing to incorporate solar panels into the roofing structure when they build a new home or when renovating the roof of an old home. The solar panels in such situations typically adopt the form of a module or tile that actually replaces a section or sections of standard roofing material. The modules overlap one another (i.e. like conventional roofing tiles) and may form the entire roof or may be integrated with roofing tiles or other roofing material. Solar modules come in a variety of different sizes. Typically the size of the modules for home use is restricted by the ability of the installer to carry and properly position a module whilst on a roofing structure. If the modules get too large, they become too heavy to work with and have a greater risk of bowing and thus being damaged. The modules may include an external frame to support the glass element but frameless solar modules (known as solar laminates) are becoming increasingly popular. Typically roof integrated solar modules are mounted on the roof so that they overlap with one another in a manner similar to conventional roof tiles. Each 3 row of module is overlapped by an adjacent row and the upper edge of the top most row is finished with a capping or other arrangement. The underside of each module in an area adjacent to each side edge is supported on a respective drain channel. The drain channels are typically mounted at right angles to the roofing battens. A sealing strip is provided in a groove formed in the drain channel to ensure a proper seal between the underside of each module and the adjacent drain channel. This ensures that water flows into the drain channel and then into the guttering system of the home and prevents water from flowing back into the roof space particularly in windy conditions. Installation of the sealing strip is normally performed by the installer on the roof after the drain channels have been secured to the battens. Installers must take particular care to ensure that there is a proper seal between the underside of the modules and the respective channels. The modules are fitted to the battens using connection brackets. Typically, the connection brackets are attached along the length of each of the roofing battens and then the modules are fitted into the brackets so that each module is held along a lower edge by at least two brackets. Each connection bracket includes a hooked end that receives and locates the lower edge of the associated module. Care must be taken when securing the connection brackets to the roofing battens to ensure subsequent proper positioning of the modules. If the connection brackets are not positioned properly on the battens then the solar panels will not overlap sufficiently and/or will be out of alignment with one another so that the final appearance of the completed structure is poor and not water tight. Properly positioning the connection brackets on the battens is therefore a very important and time consuming part of the installation process. The present invention seeks to provide a photo voltaic module mounting system and various components thereof that address at least one of the above mentioned difficulties.

4 The discussion of the background to the invention herein is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of this application. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a solar module connection bracket including an elongate body portion with a first hooked end and a second end joined to a riser portion, the riser portion joined to a locating portion and the locating portion including first and second planar portions extending substantially at right angles to one another so that in use the first planar portion rests on an upper surface portion of a batten and the second planar portion abuts against a side longitudinal edge of the batten. According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the first planar portion is sized to enable at least one connector to pass therethrough and to provide a connection between the connection bracket and the batten. Preferably two fasteners, for example threaded screws, are used to secure the connection bracket to the batten. The batten includes a longitudinal side edge extending in a plane perpendicular to the upper surface portion. The batten may adopt the form of a traditional timber batten (typically of rectangular cross section) or may adopt the form of a metal profiled batten. When the second planar portion of the connection bracket abuts against the side edge of the batten and the connection bracket is thereafter rigidly secured to the batten, the elongate body portion of the connection bracket extends substantially perpendicular to the length of the batten. A solar module can then be located on a pair of connection brackets by positioning its lower edge in the first hooked end of each connection bracket. The lower edge of the solar module retained by the pair of connection brackets extends substantially parallel 5 to the longitudinal edge of the batten to which the connection brackets are connected. The installer can more readily position the connection brackets on the batten because he can correctly orientate them simply by abutting the second planar portion firmly against the longitudinal edge of the batten. Each batten having previously been set at the required spacing. There is no need to measure the spacing between that connection bracket and the connection bracket located on the adjacent row immediately above. There is also a reduced risk that the connection bracket will be twisted out of position when it is secured to the batten because of the abutting relationship between the second planar portion of the connection bracket and the side edge of the batten. According to one advantageous form of the first aspect of the invention, the connection bracket is a two part bracket. In accordance with an embodiment of this first aspect, the two part bracket includes a bottom mount and a top mount. The bottom mount includes a generally C-shaped channel that forms a locating portion for locating the bottom mount on the batten. The C-shaped channel includes a first planar portion arranged in use to rest on the planar upper surface of the batten, a second planar portion arranged in use to abut against a lower side longitudinal edge of the batten and a third planar portion arranged in use to abut against an upper side longitudinal edge of the batten. It will of course be appreciated that the locating portion may alternatively be formed as an L-shaped channel including a first planar portion arranged in use to rest on the planar upper surface of the batten and a second planar portion arranged in use to abut against the lower side longitudinal edge of the batten. The bottom mount includes the riser portion which has a first part that extends upwardly away from the first planar portion and a second part that is arranged to enable connection with the top mount. To this end the second part is formed as a C-shaped channel that is arranged to receive, in a sliding fashion, a part of the top mount.

6 The top mount includes the elongate body portion with the first hooked end and the second end arranged for connection to the riser portion of the bottom mount. The second end of the top mount includes an elongate planar portion that is arranged to be received in a sliding fashion within the C-shaped channel 5 of the second part of the riser portion of the bottom mount. Fasteners are used to rigidly connect the second end of the top mount to the riser portion of the bottom mount. An advantageous feature of a connection bracket made in two parts is that a 10 spacing is formed between the first planar portion of the bottom mount and the underside of elongate body portion of the top mount. This spacing is sized to receive in use the upper edge of a module located in the next adjacent lower row. In this way, the upper edge of that module can then be supported on the bottom mount of the above located connection bracket thereby ensuring the 15 upper edge of that lower module is firmly supported. Accordingly, the module is less prone to bending, bowing or twisting which may occur if the module is not properly supported along its upper edge. There is also disclosed herein a support bracket for supporting a solar module. 20 The support bracket is arranged to be positioned on a gutter channel and sandwiched between the gutter channel and the underside of the solar module. The support bracket is elongate and has a first end, a second end, a base portion, a riser portion and an upper portion. The riser portion tapers between 25 the first and second ends so that the upper portion at the first end is located at a lower height above the base portion than the second end. A cut out portion is formed in the riser and upper portions at the second end. The upper portion extends at right angles to the riser portion and extends in a 30 direction towards the side edge of the module which it is to support. Accordingly, the support bracket may be formed as either a left hand support bracket or a right hand support bracket. Each left hand support bracket is 7 arranged for location underneath a left hand side of a solar module and each right hand support bracket is arranged for location underneath a right hand side of the solar module. Adjacent support brackets along the length of a gutter channel are abutted so that the second end of an upper support bracket abuts against the first end of a lower support bracket. In this manner, the cut out portion of the upper support bracket and the lower height first end of the lower support bracket establish a spacing that is arranged to receive the upper edge of a lower positioned solar module. This enables the lower edge of an upper positioned solar module to overlap the upper edge of the lower positioned module whilst still ensuring the underside of each module remains in contact with the upper portion of the support bracket on which it is positioned and the correct angular fall on each solar module. A seal member may be located along at least a part of the upper portion of each support bracket to facilitate better sealing between the upper portion and the underside of the solar module located thereon. The present invention also provides a method of installing photo voltaic modules as part of a roofing structure using solar module connection brackets according to the first aspect of the invention and support brackets according to the second aspect of the present invention. Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connection bracket according to an embodiment of the invention positioned on a wooden batten. Figure 2 is an end view showing the connection between the connection bracket and the wooden batten of Figure 1.

8 Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are respective perspective, cross-sectional and side views of a left hand support bracket for use in a panel mounting system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are respective perspective, cross-sectional and side views of a right hand support bracket for use in a panel mounting system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a roofing structure incorporating connection brackets as shown in Figure 1 and support brackets as shown in Figures 3A and 4A. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a connection bracket according to an embodiment of the invention positioned on a metal batten. Figure 7 is an end view showing the connection between the connection bracket and metal batten of Figure 6. Figure 8 is an end view of a gutter channel. Figure 9 is a perspective of a connection bracket according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 is a top view of the connection bracket shown in Figure 9. Figures 11 is an end view of the connection bracket shown in Figure 9. Figure 12 is a front view of the connection bracket shown in Figure 9. Figures 13A and 13B are views showing connection brackets of the type shown in Figure 9 connected to metal battens of a roofing structure. Figure 13A shows only the bottom mount of each connection bracket attached to the battens.

9 Figure 14 is an end view showing solar modules connected to a roofing structure using connection brackets of the type shown in Figure 9. Figure 15 better illustrates the gutter channel shown in Figures 13A, 13B and 14 with support brackets mounted thereto. The gutter channel and support brackets are modified compared to those illustrated in Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 46, 4C, 5 and Figure 8. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Figure 1 illustrates a solar module connection bracket 10 according to an embodiment of the invention positioned on a traditional wooden batten 100. The solar module connection bracket 10 is arranged to support a solar module 200. In Figure 1 the connection bracket 10 is shown correctly positioned on the batten 100. It should be understood that at least two fasteners (e.g. screw, nail or other such fasteners) are typically used to secure the connection bracket 10 to the batten 100. This will be explained in more detail subsequently. The connection bracket 10 includes an elongate body portion 12 with a first hooked end 14 and a second end joined to a riser portion 16. The riser portion 16 is joined to a locating portion 18. The locating portion 18 includes a first planar portion 18a and a second planar portion 18b extending at right angles to one another. In use the first planar portion 18a rests on the planar upper surface 100a of the batten 100 and the second planar portion 18b abuts against a side longitudinal edge 100b of the batten 100. By abutting the second planar portion 18b against the longitudinal edge 100b of the batten 100 and assuming that the rows of battens 100 are spaced at the required spacing and parallel to each other, the ridge and the gutter line, the connection bracket 10 is then automatically properly positioned relative to the batten 100 located above and below it. There is no requirement for the installer to measure or guess where the first planar portion 18a must be positioned relative to the longitudinal edges 100b of the 10 batten 100. Additionally, the elongate body portion 12 of the bracket 10 extends substantially perpendicular to the length of the batten 100 by virtue of the abutting relationship between the second planar portion 18b of the connection bracket 10 and the batten 100. A frameless solar module 200 can then be located on a pair of such connection brackets 10 by positioning its lower edge 200a in the first hooked end 14 of each bracket 10. By securing the brackets 10 in this fashion, the lower longitudinal edge 200a of the solar module 200 retained by the pair of brackets 10 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal edge of the batten 100 to which the brackets 10 are connected. As will become apparent from subsequent discussion, this proper positioning of the battens 100 along with the connection bracket 10 ensures that when solar modules 200 are later attached they will be properly positioned with the correct overlap. Additionally, the solar modules 200 will each be positioned square to one another ensuring a water tight connection and enhancing the appearance of the overall installation. Screw fasteners (not illustrated) are screwed through the first planar portion 18a of the connection bracket 10 and into the batten 100 to properly secure the connection bracket 10 to the batten 100. Typically, two such fasteners are used and the tips of the screw fasteners are screwed through the first planar portion 18a along the screw groove 18c. The hooked end 14 of the connection bracket 10 is arranged so that a portion of a longitudinal edge 200a of the solar module can be received within the "hook". The "hook" may be lined or covered with protective material (e.g. plastic, rubber) to prevent damage to the solar module and/or to facilitate grip onto the solar module to prevent movement thereof. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the "hook" may adopt many different shapes and configurations. Figure 5 illustrates part of a roofing structure and includes three battens 100 (upper, middle and lower) running horizontally and parallel to one another. In 11 the context of this Figure terms such as "upward, "upwardly", "upper positioned" "downward", "lower" and "lower positioned" will be used to describe the relative positioning of different structural elements. It should be understood that "upwardly" and like terms refer to a position locating higher on the slope of the roofing structure and that "downwardly", "lower positioned" and like terms refer to a position locating lower on the slope of the roofing structure. As shown in Figure 5, four gutter channels 300 are spaced along the length of the three battens 100 and are positioned parallel with one another. As illustrated, the gutter channels 300 extend at right angles to the battens 100. The gutter channels 300 are typically metal channels that are arranged to receive rain water and direct that water to a guttering channel (not illustrated). Figure 8 illustrates the cross section of the roofing channels 300. Connection brackets 10 are secured to the middle and lower battens 100. Two connection brackets 10 are secured to each batten 100 for every solar module 200. Hence, for the six solar modules 200 that are to be attached to the roofing installation shown in Figure 5 (only four modules 200 illustrated), six connection brackets 10 are attached to each of the middle and lower battens 10. Although there are no connection brackets 10 shown attached to the upper batten 100, in a situation where the upper batten is the last batten to which solar modules can be attached before the ridge, connection brackets will be used to connect "fill in" capping, flashing or "simulated solar" glass modules for non-standard spacings between the last run of solar modules and the ridge of the house. As illustrated in Figure 5, before the solar modules 200 are located in the respective connection brackets 10, support brackets 400 must be attached to the gutter channels 300. Figures 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate a left hand support bracket 400 and Figures 4A, 4B and 4C illustrates a right hand support bracket. The left and right hand support brackets 400 are mirror images of one another and as their names suggest are used respectively to support the left and right 12 sides of the solar module 200 when they are positioned in their respective connection brackets 10. Each support bracket 400 is elongate and has a first end 402, a second end 404, a base portion 406, a riser portion 408 and an upper portion 410. The riser portion 408 tapers between the first end 402 and the second end 404 so that the upper portion 410 at the first end 402 is located at a lower height above the base portion 406 than the second end 404. A cut out portion 412 is formed in the riser and upper portions 408, 410 at the second end 404. As illustrated in Figure 5, adjacent support brackets 400 along a gutter channel 300 are abutted so that the second end 404 of an upper positioned support bracket 400 abuts against the first end 402 of a lower positioned support bracket 400. In this manner, the cut out portion 412 of the upper positioned support bracket 400 together with the lower height first end 402 of the lower positioned support bracket 400 establish a spacing 500. The spacing 500 enables the lower edge 200a of an upper positioned solar module 200 to overlap the upper edge 200b of the lower positioned module 200 whilst still ensuring the underside of each module 200 remains in contact with the upper portion 410 of the support bracket 400 on which it is positioned. In other words, the lower edge 200a of an upper positioned module 200 can overlap the upper edge 200b of a lower positioned module 200 whilst still ensuring the underside of each module 200 remains in contact with the upper portion 410 of each of the left and right hand support brackets 400 on which it is positioned. In this regard it will be appreciated that the body portion 12 of each of the connection brackets 10 is actually sandwiched between the top surface of the lower positioned module 200 and the underside of the upper positioned module 200. Without the spacing 500 it would not be possible to overlap adjacent modules 200 whilst still maintaining the required slope thereon. A seal member 450 may be located along at least a part of the upper portion 410 of each support bracket 400 to facilitate better sealing between the upper portion 410 and the underside of the solar module 200 located thereon. The 13 seal member 450 also acts to prevent water and other contaminates from entering the space below the solar module 200 as well as providing a soft contact face between the metal support brackets 400 and the glass solar modules 200. As can be seen from Figure 5, the side edge 200c of each solar module 200 is located over the gutter channel 300 so that any water flowing over the side edge 200c falls into the gutter channel 300 and is directed to the building's guttering. The steps to install a solar module system according to an embodiment of the invention as part of a roofing structure are set out below. The steps recited are those for including two rows of solar modules (as illustrated in Figure 5) into the roofing structure. It will be appreciated that additional rows may be including by varying the number of battens and modules. The steps are: 1. Install gutter channels 300 at right angles to the upper, middle and lower battens 100. The battens 100 having previously been set at the required spacing and parallel to each other, the ridge and the gutter line. 2. Secure right and left hand support brackets 400 to the gutter channels 300. Each of the support brackets 400 being orientated so that the first end 402 is positioned upwardly. 3. Attach connection brackets 10 to all of the battens 100. At least two connection brackets 10 to be provided between adjacent gutter channels 300 per solar module 200. Abut the second planar portion 18b of each connection bracket 10 firmly against the longitudinal side edge 100b of the batten 100 and secure the connection bracket 10 to the batten 100 using fasteners. 4. Locate the lower edge 200a of the lower most positioned module 200 within the hooked ends 14 of the brackets 10 on the lower batten 100 and then rest the underside of the module 200 on the upper portion 410 of each of the associated left and right hand support brackets 400. The upper edge 200b of the solar module 200 being located below the body 14 portion 12 of the connection brackets 10 positioned on the middle batten 100. 5. Locate the lower edge 200a of the upper most positioned module 200 within the hooked ends 14 of the brackets 10 on the middle batten 100 and then rest the underside of the module 200 on the upper portion 410 of each of the associated left and right hand support brackets 400. 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all of the solar modules 200 are in place. 7. Attach capping, flashing, "simulated solar" glass modules or other coverings (not illustrated) using a row of connection brackets 10 on the upper most positioned batten to overlap the upper edges 200b of the upper most positioned solar modules 200. It will be appreciated that the side edges of the installation as shown in Figure 5 will need to be blended with the abutting roofing structure to ensure the integrity of the roofing structure. This may involve overlapping roofing tiles with the edges of the abutting gutter channels 300 or providing some sort of capping or covering to ensure that rain water from the abutting roofing structure is directed into the gutter channel 300. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate an alternative form of the connection bracket 800 for use with a metal batten 700. As illustrated in these Figures, the batten 700 has a uniform cross-sectional profile along its length and includes a first channel 702 and a second channel 704. The batten 700 includes an upper surface portion 700a and side longitudinal edge 700b. The connection bracket 800 includes an elongate body portion 812 with a first hooked end 814 and a second end joined to a riser portion 816. The riser portion 816 is joined to a locating portion 818. The locating portion 818 includes a first planar portion 818a and a second planar portion 818b extending at right angles to one another. The first planar portion has a bulbous rounded end 818c and the second planar portion 818b has a foot 818d. The foot 818d extends substantially at right angles to the second planar portion 818b.

15 In use the first planar portion 818a of the connection bracket 800 rests on the upper surface portion 700a of the batten 700 and the bulbous rounded end 818c is engaged within the first channel 702. The second planar portion 818b abuts against the side longitudinal edge 700b of the batten 700 and the foot 818d is engaged within the second channel 704. At least one, but typically two, fasteners are used to secure the connection bracket 800 to the batten 700. The fasteners would be screwed through the first planar portion 818a along the groove 820 formed in the first planar portion 818a. Figures 9 to 15 illustrate another alternative form of connection bracket 900. The connection bracket 900 is arranged for use with a metal batten 1000. However, it will be appreciated that the connection bracket 900 may also be used on a wooden batten 100. Connection bracket 900 is a two part bracket that includes a bottom mount 910 and a top mount 950. The bottom mount 910 includes a C-shaped channel 912 which forms a locating portion for locating the bottom mount 910 on the batten 1000. The C-shaped channel 912 includes a first planar portion 912a arranged in use to rest on the planar upper surface 1000a of the batten 1000, a second planar portion 912b arranged in use to abut against a lower side longitudinal edge 1000b of the batten 1000 and a third planar portion 912c arranged in use to abut against an upper side longitudinal edge 1 000c of the batten 1000. The bottom mount 910 also includes a riser portion 914 which includes a first part 914a that extends upwardly away from the first planar portion 912a and a second part 914b that is arranged to enable connection with the top mount 950. To this end the second part 914b is formed as a C-shaped channel that is arranged to receive, in a sliding fashion as described below, a part of the top mount 950. The top mount 950 includes an elongate body portion 952 with a first hooked end 954 and a second end 956 arranged for connection to the riser portion 914 of the bottom mount 910. The second end 956 includes an elongate planar 16 portion 958 that is arranged to be received in a sliding fashion with the C shaped channel of the second part 914b of the riser portion 914. As shown in Figure 9, two fasteners are used to rigidly connect the second end 956 of the top mount 950 to the riser portion 914 of the bottom mount 910. As best illustrated in Figures 13A and 13B, two screws are screwed into the screw groove 960 formed in the first planar portion 912a to connect the bottom mount 910 to the batten 1000. Two further screws are screwed into the screw groove 962 formed in the second planar portion 912b of the bottom mount 910. Further screws may also be screwed into the screw groove 963 formed in the third planar portion 912c of the bottom mount 910 if desired. Once the bottom mount 910 is properly secured to the batten 1000 the top mount 950 can be connected to the bottom mount 910. This is simply done by sliding the planar portion 958 of the top mount 950 into the C-shaped channel of the riser portion 914. The top mount 950 is then secured to the bottom mount 910 using screws or other appropriate fasteners. As best shown in Figure 11, when the top mount 950 is connected to the bottom mount 910 a spacing S is formed between the underside 952a of the elongate planar portion 952 of the top mount 950 and the upper side of the first planar portion 912a of the bottom mount 910. Once all of the necessary connection brackets 900 have been properly connected to the battens 1000 the modules 200 can be fitted. Figure 14 illustrates an end view of a roofing structure and the connection of three modules M to the roofing structure using connection brackets 900. It is important to note that the modules M are fitted in this instance beginning with the top most row. This eliminates the need to later walk on the modules 200 which may cause damage thereto. A module M in the first row of modules is fitted by fitting the upper edge 200b of the module 200 in the spacing S between the top mount 950 and the bottom mount 910 of one of the connection 17 brackets 900U in the upper most row of connection brackets. The lower edge 200a of the module M is then located in the hooked end 814 of the adjacent lower connection bracket 900L. Each module should rest within at least two brackets 900 to ensure proper support. Once the upper most row of modules M has been fitted, the next lower row of modules M' can be installed. This is done by carefully pushing the upper edge 200b of the module M' being installed in the spacing S between the top mount 950 and the bottom mount 910 of one of the connection brackets 900L that is holding one of the modules M in the first row. The lower edge 200a of module M' is then located in the hooked end 814 of the connection bracket 900S to provide support. This process is repeated until all of the modules 200 of the second row are properly supported with the associated connection brackets 900. Figure 14 best illustrates the location of the upper edge 200b of a module M within the spacing S between the top mount 950 and the bottom mount 910 of the upper connection bracket 900U. Figure 14 also illustrates the lower edge 200a of module M in the hooked end 814 of the lower connection bracket 900L. Figure 15 better illustrates one of the gutter channels 300 shown in Figures 13A and 13B and also the support brackets 400 shown in the same Figures. It will be appreciated that the gutter channel 300 shown in Figure 15 is of a different shape to the gutter channel 300 shown in Figure 5. Similarly, the support bracket shown in Figures 13A, 13B, 14 and 15 are different to those shown in Figure 5. It will be appreciated from the above installation sequence that an important advantage of connection brackets 900 is that they are configured to support the lower edge 200a of the module 200 located in the hooked end 814 whilst still allowing the upper edge 200b of the module 200 in an adjacent row to rest on the upper planar surface of the bottom mount plate 910. Hence the upper edge 200b is then supported by contact with the bottom mount plate 910. In 18 comparison, the upper edge 200b of each of the installed modules 200 shown in Figure 5 are not supported. The embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention are envisaged.

Claims (28)

1. A solar module connection bracket including an elongate body portion with a first hooked end and a second end joined to a riser portion, the riser 5 portion joined to a locating portion and the locating portion including first and second planar portions extending substantially at right angles to one another so that in use the first planar portion rests on an upper surface portion of a batten and the second planar portion abuts against a side longitudinal edge of the batten. 10

2. A solar module connection bracket according to claim 1 wherein the first planar portion is sized to enable at least one fastener to pass therethrough and to provide a connection between the connection bracket and the batten. 15

3. A solar module connection bracket according to claim 2 wherein the first planar portion is sized to enable two fasteners to pass therethrough and to provide the connection between the connection bracket and the batten.

4. A solar module connection bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 3 20 further including a third planar portion arranged so that in use the third planar portion abuts against another side longitudinal edge of the batten.

5. A solar module connection bracket according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the connection bracket is secured to the batten and the elongate 25 body portion of the connection bracket extends substantially perpendicular to the length of the batten.

6. A solar module connection bracket according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first planar portion has a free end that is bulbous. 30

7. A solar module connection bracket according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second planar portion has a free end forming a foot that extends substantially at right angles to the second planar portion. 20

8. A solar module connection bracket according to claim 1 wherein the elongate body portion with first hooked end and second end are formed on a top mount and the riser portion and locating portion are formed on a bottom 5 mount.

9. A solar module connection bracket according to claim 8 wherein the top mount and bottom mount are arranged to be connected together.

10 10. A solar module connection bracket according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein a spacing is provided between an underside of the elongate body portion and the upper face of the first planar portion of the locating portion of the bottom mount. 15

11. A solar module connection bracket according to claim 10 wherein in use the spacing is arranged to receive an upper edge portion of a solar module.

12. A solar module connection bracket according to any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein a portion of the top mount is arranged for sliding engagement with a 20 portion of the bottom mount.

13. A solar module connection bracket according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the hooked end is arranged to receive a lower edge portion of a solar module. 25

14. A method of installing photo voltaic modules as part of a roofing structure, said method including installing at least two rows of modules to at least an upper, middle and a lower batten of the roofing structure, said method including: 30 a) Installing gutter channels at right angles to the upper, middle and lower battens; b) Securing right and left hand support brackets to the gutter channels, each of the support brackets orientated so that the first 21 end of each bracket is positioned upwardly with respect to the slope of the roofing structure; c) Attaching solar module connection brackets according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to the lower and middle battens, at least two 5 connection brackets being provided on each lower and middle batten between adjacent gutter channels; d) Locating the lower edge of a module which is to be positioned in the lowermost row of modules within the hooked ends of said at least two connection brackets on the lower batten and resting the 10 underside of the panel on the upper portion of each of the associated left and right hand support brackets, the upper edge of the solar panel being located below the body portion of the connection brackets positioned above thereof and on the middle batten; and 15 e) Locating the lower edge of a module to be positioned in the uppermost row of modules within the hooked ends of the brackets on the middle batten and resting the underside of the module on the upper portion of each of the associated left and right hand support brackets. 20

15. A method according to claim 14 including repeating steps d) and e) until all of the modules of the two rows are in place.

16. A method according to claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the gutter channels 25 are spaced apart a distance such the left and right side edges of the modules overlap the adjacent gutter channels.

17. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 16 including the step of attaching a capping, flashing, "simulated solar" module or other covering to 30 overlap the upper edges of the upper most positioned solar panels.

18. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 17 further including the step of positioning each connection bracket to the associated batten so as to 22 firmly abut the second planar portion of each connection bracket against the longitudinal side edge of the batten and securing the connection bracket to the batten using at least one fastener. 5

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein two threaded fasteners are used to secure each connection bracket to its associated batten.

20. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 19 wherein the upper, middle and lower battens are metal battens. 10

21. A method of installing photo voltaic modules as part of a roofing structure, said method including installing at least one row of modules to at least an upper and a lower batten of the roofing structure, said method including: a) Installing gutter channels at right angles to the upper and lower 15 battens; b) Securing right and left hand support brackets to the gutter channels; c) Attaching solar module connection brackets according to any one of claims 8 to 13 to the lower and upper battens; 20 d) Locating the upper edge of a module which is to be positioned in the uppermost row of modules within the spacing between the top mount and bottom mount of one of the connection brackets mounted on the upper batten; and e) Locating the lower edge of that module within the hooked end of 25 an adjacent one of the connection brackets mounted on the middle batten.

22. A method according to claim 21 wherein the underside of the module is located on an upper portion of each of the associated left and right hand 30 support brackets.

23. A roofing structure incorporating photo voltaic modules installed according to a method according to any one of claims 14 to 22. 23

24. A metal batten arranged for locating a solar module connection bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the metal batten including a first channel, a second channel and an upper surface portion located between the 5 first and second channels, and wherein in use the first channel receives a free end of the first planar portion.

25. A metal batten according to claim 24 wherein in use the second channel receives a free end of the second planar portion. 10

26. A solar module connection bracket substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A method of installing a photo voltaic panel mounting system 15 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

28. A roofing structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 20