WO2015101529A1 - Mounting arrangement for roofing structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A mounting system for mounting energy modules (30) to the exterior of a roofing panel (20), the roofing panel for assembly in an array of roofing panels to form a roof structure. The roofing panel (20) has a weather proof sheet (22) having inner and outer faces and a sheet profile that comprises a raised ridge (18) having sides (35,36) and a crown (37). A mounting trim (1) having a base portion (2), a leg (3) depending from the base portion and adapted to run down one side of the ridge (18), and an upstanding portion (4) adapted to support energy modules (30) on opposing sides thereof is provided. The mounting trim with other trims (40,50) is used to frame and mount an energy panel (30) to the roof.

Description

Title

Mounting Arrangement for Roofing Structure

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting arrangement for mounting additional structures such as modules, for example energy modules on a roof. Of particular interest is mounting arrangement that can be used to mount additional structures on a roofing panel, and for example a roofing panel of the type that can be assembled in an array to form a roofing structure.

Background to the Invention

[0002] It is increasingly desirable to mount additional structures, such as one or more modules, for example one or more energy modules on a roof.

[0003] In the past energy modules such as solar or photovoltaic ("PV") panels have been affixed to roofs. In one arrangement a support structure is first affixed to the roof, the panels are then supported by the support structure and secured to the support structure using one or more retention brackets. Typically this involves a grid of rails or bars that are attached to the roof and then holding brackets which attach to a rail or bar. Systems for roof mounting are described in DE Utility Models 20 2010 005 612U; DE 20 2010 007 234; DE 20 2010 012 937 and French patent publication FR 2, 404 180.

[0004] Such arrangements are time consuming and costly to erect and add substantially to the cost of adding energy panels. Furthermore as they are erected on the roof this allows for errors in fitting for example in placement of the rails or bars.

[0005] On the other hand arrangements where an energy panel is integrated into a roofing structure are also known.

[0006] Of particular interest are mounting arrangements for roofs constructed from roofing panels. Furthermore there is a desire to mount additional structures onto roofing, for example roofing panels which are insulative and thus have a low thermal conductivity value. Also it is desirable to provide upon roofs other structures such as energy modules.

[0007] The issue then arises as to how to provide a mounting arrangement that allows ease of fitting of the additional structures to a roof, and in particular an arrangement that allows fitting of the additional structures after the roof has been built. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a mounting system for mounting energy modules to the exterior of a roofing panel,

the roofing panel for assembly in an array of roofing panels to form a roof structure, the roofing panel comprising a weather proof sheet having inner and outer faces and a sheet profile that comprises a raised ridge having sides and a crown;

the system comprising a mounting trim having a base portion, (optionally the base portion is adapted to sit on the crown of the raised ridge,) a leg depending from the base portion and adapted to run down one side of the ridge, and an upstanding portion adapted to support energy modules on opposing sides thereof. The mounting trim will typically be formed as a single piece.

[0009] This is a very simple arrangement which allows the energy module(s) to be mounted directly to the sheet and there is no requirement for a mounting structure intermediate the panel and whatever is being mounted upon it. For example the support bars mentioned above can be eliminated.

[0010] The mounting trim may be fixed directly to a ridge of the panel. For example the leg portion of the mounting trim may be attached directly to a ridge of the panel.

Typically one or more fasteners suitable to hold the mounting trim in place, such as screws, are utilised, for example by having them run through the leg portion and into the panel, such as into a side of the ridge.

[0011] The abutment of the leg portion against a side of the ridge sets the relative position (including orientation) of the mounting trim and the panel. Optionally together with the base portion it gives a relative mounting position for the mounting trim relative to the roof panel and in particular relative to a ridge.

[0012] Optionally a pad is provided between the trim and the panel, for example between the leg portion and the panel. It will typically be attached to the trim. The pad may provide a cushioning barrier between the trim and the panel, or it may provide a seal at a position where the trim is fixed to the panel, or it may act as both a cushioning barrier and a seal.

[0013] The pad may be attached to the face of the leg portion that, in use, abuts a panel.

[0014] The pad may be continuous along the length of the trim, or discreet pads may be provided at spaced apart positions along the trim. Where pre-defined fixing positions are present then a pad may extend between those positions, or discreet pads may be used at each fixing position. [0015] The mounting trim may form part of a surround frame for supporting a module. Typically at least two mounting trims will be utilised for every module fitted, on opposing sides thereof. In one arrangement two mounting trims are utilised one on each of the opposite sides of a module.

[0016] The mounting system may comprise interengaging trims for example a male mounting trim and a female mounting trim. The interengaging trims (male and female mounting trims) couple to form a support structure for the module(s). However it is required that only one of the male or female trims has a base portion, (optionally adapted to sit on the crown of the raised ridge,) a leg depending from the base portion and adapted to run down one side of the ridge, and an upstanding portion adapted to support energy modules on opposing sides thereof.

[0017] The mounting trims desirably couple to form a weather proof barrier between (in a gap between) adjacent modules.

[0018] It will be appreciated that any mounting trim may be a profiled trim that runs substantially the entire length of the frame. For example the male or female parts may run substantially the entire length of the frame.

[0019] This means that only one mounting trim need be mounted to the roof. The other can be utilised simply for coupling to the mounting trim that is mounted to the roof.

[0020] This in turn leads to simplicity and efficiency in fitting such modules to the roof.

[0021] Where a plurality of energy modules are to be fitted, a first energy module may be fitted by having a first side of an energy module coupled to a first mounting trim and having the first mounting trim attached to a roofing panel, having a second (opposite) side of an energy module attached to a second mounting trim and having the second mounting trim attached to a roofing panel.

[0022] In such an arrangement the second mounting trim will also act to support a further module. A second mounting trim is desirably also formed as a single piece. For example a third mounting trim associated with a second module may couple with the second trim. A third mounting trim is desirably also formed as a single piece.

[0023] It is desirable that where a plurality of modules are to be fitted, that male and female mounting trims are utilised and that mating of the male and female trims interconnects the modules in a manner in which an array can be built up.

[0024] For the purposes of clarity and ease of description embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to male and female parts. The skilled person will appreciate however that the coupling of male and female parts can be reversed, so for example an upstanding portion adapted to support energy modules can comprise a male part that couples to a female part, or a female part that couples to a male part. So while the present invention may describe the coupling of male and female parts of respective trims it will be appreciated that a male part of one trim is interchangeable for the female part of another and vice versa.

[0025] Once a first energy module is mounted (by a first mounting trim) it will be appreciated that each (subsequent) mounting trim utilised is capable of coupling with a mounting trim of a second (subsequent) energy panel. That means that any mounting trim that is attached to a roofing panel is capable of being utilised to mount one side of respective modules onto a roof. Any given mounting trim that is attached to a roofing panel can thus receive and hold an energy module on opposing sides thereof. It may do so by coupling to a second trim that attaches to another module.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment, two mounting trims that couple together are utilised. One trim has the base portion, (optionally adapted to sit on the crown of the raised ridge,) a leg depending from the base portion and adapted to run down one side of the ridge, and an upstanding portion adapted to support energy modules on opposing sides thereof. A second trim is for coupling engagement with the first. The first trim may form part, of a frame for the module. The second trim may form part (, for example an opposite side to the first) of a frame for the module. Desirably each module has a first trim on one side and a second trim on the opposite side. Only one of those trims is mounted to a roofing panel. The other trim takes its support from the one mounted to the roofing panel.

[0027] The first trim may be attached as part of frame to a first module on one side thereof, and is provided with a coupling part.

[0028] The second trim that is for coupling engagement with the first may be attached as part of a frame to a second module. The first and second modules are then coupleable by coupling of the first and second trims. In this way coupling of the first and second trims allows for building up of an array of modules.

[0029] This means that for every additional energy module (after the first) to be mounted, there is already in place a mounting trim capable of supporting one side of an additional module. So every additional energy module to be attached only requires a mounting trim on one side thereof. For a fitter this means that only one side of any additional module needs to be fixed to the roof substantially reducing installation time.

[0030] Furthermore as the mounting trim is mounted directly to the roof there is no requirement to first install any support grid or frame to act as a fixing support intermediate the module and the roof (or intermediate the mounting trim and the roof).

[0031] In this way an array of energy modules may be fixed to a roofing structure very efficiently. [0032] It will be noted that a given energy module may be mounted to the roof by being fixed by respective mounting trims which are mounted on the same or different roofing panels. It is not required that a given module is only mounted to one roofing panel. A module may span across one or more junctions between adjacent panels, for example a junction where adjacent panels overlap.

[0033] A mounting trim may be fixed to a roofing panel by one or more fasteners extending through the leg and into the panel. Desirably the fastener is of a self-fixing type.

[0034] The predefined fixing positions mentioned above may be positions at which a fastener extends through the trim. For example one or more apertures may be provided in the trim, for example in a leg thereof. It is desirable that a pad, or a plurality of discreet pads, are provided so that when a fastener is in place, the fastener extends through the pad. In this way there can be cushioning between the trim and the panel or sealing between the trim and the panel or both.

[0035] In particular there may then be cushioning and/or sealing about the fastener itself also. This is particularly advantageous where one or more fasteners are of a self- fixing type, as such fasteners may be driven into the roofing panel thus puncturing the roofing panel and thus potentially compromising the weather-proof nature of the roofing panel. In such a case it is desirable that one or more pads provide a (weatherproof) seal for the puncture(s) made by the fastener(s).

[0036] It will be appreciated that the mounting trim that is mounted to a roofing panel requires only one leg that is affixed to only one side of a ridge. Having two legs for fixing to opposing sides of a ridge is undesirable as on a side in which a module is present the module would restrict access to the second leg.

[0037] Desirably, in one arrangement of the present invention, the roof, for example a roof comprising at least one panel, comprises at least two raised ridges having sides and a crown, and the system comprises: two mounting trims

each having a base portion, (optionally each adapted to sit on the crown of the raised ridge,) a leg depending from the base portion and adapted to run down one side of a respective ridge, and an upstanding portion adapted to support energy modules on opposing sides thereof; and

the mounting trims arranged on the respective ridges to receive and hold an energy module therebetween when, upon assembly, the mounting trims are fixed to the panel(s). The (respective) ridges for each mount may be on different panels for example adjacent panels. [0038] The energy module may be of a type adapted to capture solar energy, for example it may be a photovoltaic panel. It may be one or more photovoltaic and/or thermal modules. For example it may be a photovoltaic panel or it may be a solar thermal tube module.

[0039] In the mounting system of the invention the energy module can be held by mounting trims in an arrangement where there is a gap between it and the sheet (of the roofing panel). This can allow for air circulation and cooling which is important where the energy module generates heat. Overheating can thus be prevented.

[0040] It will be appreciated that the mounting trim(s) and the energy panels are mounted on the external side of the roof and in particular external to the sheet.

[0041] It is desirable that the roofing structure comprises a panel that is easy to assemble for example in a side-by-side array to form a roof, to which a further structure such as an energy module, for example an energy panel may be attached with ease.

[0042] Within the present invention the roof structure may be formed by at least one panel which is a manufactured composite insulating panel comprising:- an external weather-proof sheet having an outer face and an inner face;

an internal sheet having an outer face and an inner face;

an insulating body between the inner face of the external sheet and the inner face of the internal sheet,

the external sheet having a portion that extends beyond the internal sheet and the insulating body to define an overlap part for overlapping with part of an adjacent panel, on assembly. Such panels are easy to assemble into an array forming a roofing structure.

[0043] The invention also relates to a method of attaching an energy module to at least one roof panel comprising the steps of

providing a mounting system of the present invention;

providing a first energy module;

supporting a first side of an energy module utilising a first mounting trim and having the first mounting trim attached to a panel,

supporting a second side of an energy module utilising a second mounting trim and having the second mounting trim attached to a panel.

[0044] This is a simple, yet easy to use panel, which works well with the mounting system of the present invention.

[0045] It will be appreciated that it is possible to attach a mounting trim to the module first and then attach the mounting trim to the panel. [0046] It is desirable that two mounting trims that couple together are utilised as part of a frame surrounding an energy module. As mentioned above in such an arrangement one trim has the base portion, (optionally adapted to sit on the crown of the raised ridge,) a leg depending from the base portion and adapted to run down one side of the ridge, and an upstanding portion adapted to support energy modules on opposing sides thereof; and the second trim is for coupling engagement with the first.

[0047] It will be appreciated that it is desirable that any roofing panel is formed with at least two ridges that are regularly spaced apart. Where there are adjacent panels it is desirable that the adjacent panels join to form a roof where at least two ridges are regularly spaced apart (so the panels join in a way that makes the ridge spacing substantially continuous from one panel to the next).

[0048] The module, the mounting trim(s), and the ridges on one or more panels are typically adapted so that there are pairs of ridges to which respective mounting trims can be attached and the energy module is supported by those mounting trims.

[0049] Desirably there are a plurality of respective pairs of ridges to which respective mounting trims can be attached and the energy module is supported by those mounting trims.

[0050] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising an energy module to which a mounting system of the invention is attached.

[0051] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a roof to which at least one energy module is mounted using the mounting system of the present invention

[0052] The invention extends to a mounting trim; or roof structure; or assembly comprising a panel, a mounting trim and an energy module; as described herein and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053] Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0054] Figure 1 is an end view of a first mounting trim forming part of a support system of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 is an end view of a second mounting trim forming part of a support system of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 3 is an end view of a trim, forming with the trims of Figures 1 and 2, a frame for an energy module;

[0057] Figure 4 is a side view of an energy module to which each of the trims for Figures 1 to 3 are attached as a peripheral frame about the energy module; [0058] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the energy module of Figure 4;

[0059] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a first mounting trim of the type shown in Figure 1 mounted to a roofing structure comprising adjacent roofing panels and in position for mounting an energy panel thereto;

[0060] Figure 7 is an end view of an energy module of Figures 4 and 5 in the process of being mounted to the first mounting trim of Figure 6;

[0061] Figure 8 is an enlarged partial view of the ends of respective energy panels being aligned for mating together;

[0062] Figure 9 is an enlarged partial view of the ends of respective energy panels having been mated together;

[0063] Figure 10 is a side view of a second energy module of the type shown Figures 4 and 5 in the process of being coupled with the energy module of Figure 9;

[0064] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an array of (nine) energy modules (in a 3 x 3 array) having been mounted to four roofing panels using mounting trims of the present invention; and

[0065] Figure 12 is an enlarged partial view of the array of Figure 1 1.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0066] The mounting system of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12.

[0067] The mounting system of the present invention comprises a mounting trim in the form of a single piece frame member 1 . The trim 1 is for mounting an energy panel 30 to the exterior of one or more roofing panels 20. As best seen in Figures 7 to 12 the roofing panels 20 are in an array forming a roof structure.

[0068] The roofing panels 20 each have an external weather proof sheet 22 that can be formed of any suitable material. For example it may be a metal sheet such as an aluminium sheet. This external sheet 22 forms the exterior face of a roof structure. The sheet 22 has an outer face 23 and an inner face 24 (see Figure 6).

[0069] The panel 20 has an internal sheet 25 that can be formed of any suitable material. For example it may be a metal sheet such as an aluminium sheet. This internal sheet 25 forms the interior face of a roof structure. The sheet 25 has an outer face 26 and an inner face 27 (see Figure 6).

[0070] A body of insulating material 15 is provided between the sheets 22 and 25 so that the panel 20 takes the form of a composite insulating panel. [0071] The external sheet 22 has a portion 10 (see Figure 6) that is in the form of a raised ridge that is for overlapping with an adjacent panel when assembled in use. The portion 10 extends beyond the internal sheet 25.

[0072] The sheet 22 has a generally corrugated profile and comprises a number of ridges 18 that alternate with grooves 19. Some lower ridges 18a are also present (See Figure 6). It will be appreciated that overlap portion 10 of one panel 20 will overlap over a ridge 18 of an adjacent panel for weather proof mating of adjacent panels. The panels can then be fixed together by any suitable means.

[0073] Each ridge 18 has opposing sides 35 and 36 and a crown portion 37. Each ridge 18 is has a general triangular cross-sectional shape with a flat top formed by opposing sides 35 and 36 together with the crown portion 35.

[0074] The mounting trim 1 has a base portion or seat 2 which is adapted to sit on the crown portion 35. A leg 3 depends from the base portion 2. The leg 3 is adapted to run along a side 35 or 36 of a ridge 18 (best seen in Figure 7). The trim 1 further has an upstanding portion 4. The upstanding portion 4 has an upright member 5 with two projecting arms 6 and 7 which together form a female opening 8. On the upper end thereof is a T-piece 9 which provides a finishing surface (in the gap) between adjacent panels 30. A mouth 9a defined therein can receive and hold an energy panel.

[0075] Optionally a pad 55 is provided between the trim 1 and the panel 20, for example between the leg portion 3 and the panel. (A pad 55 is shown in dashed outline in each of Figures 1 , 4 to 9, and 12. The pad 55 is bonded to an inside face of the leg. The pad is a thin one which does not interfere to any substantial extent with the formation of a good fixing connection between the panel and the trim.) The pad 55 may provide a cushioning barrier between the trim 1 and the panel 20, or it may provide a seal at a position where the trim 1 is fixed to the panel 20, or it may act as both a cushioning barrier and a seal. Suitable materials for forming a pad include natural and synthetic elastomer and/or rubber materials and combinations thereof. For example the synthetic rubber may be selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene, polystyrene-butadiene, neoprene and EPDM materials and combinations thereof. Combinations include all possible combinations, including combinations of natural materials, combinations of synthetic materials and combinations that include natural and synthetic materials.

[0076] As is desirable in all embodiments the pad 55 is attached to the (inside) face of the leg portion 3 that, in use, abuts a panel 20.

[0077] The pad 55 may be continuous along the length of the trim 1 , or discreet pads 55 may be provided at spaced part positions along the trim. Where pre-defined fixing positions are present then a pad may extend between those positions, or discreet pads may be used at each fixing position.

[0078] A t-shaped groove 12 in arm 7 is for holding and retaining a suitable gasket for example a brush gasket/seal or weather proof seal. Such a gasket may allow the components to slide over each other yet provide sufficient cushioning to avoid rattling of the components against each other.

[0079] Apertures 13 (best seen in Figure 5) are provided in leg 3. Suitable fasteners such as (self-fixing) screws 14 (best seen in Figure 9) can be inserted through the leg 3 and driven through sheet 22 to attach the trim 1 to one side 36 of a ridge 18.

[0080] As in all embodiments the apertures 13 define fixing positions (as mentioned above) i.e. positions at which a fastener extends through the trim. It is desirable that a pad such as pad 55, or a plurality of discreet pads 55, are provided (across one or more fixing positions) so that when a fastener, such as fastener 14, is in place, that the fastener extends through the pad. In this way there can be cushioning between the trim 1 and the panel 20 or sealing between the trim 1 and the panel 20 or both.

[0081] In particular there is then cushioning and/or sealing about the fastener 14 itself also. This is particularly advantageous where one or more fasteners are of a self-fixing type, such as fastener 14 as such fasteners are driven into the roofing panel 20 thus puncturing (at least the outer sheet of) the roofing panel and thus potentially compromising the weather-proof nature of the roofing panel. In such a case it is desirable that the one or more pads provide a (weatherproof) seal for the puncture(s) made by the fastener(s). The pad will thus typically extend across the aperture(s) in the trim. The fastener is inserted into the aperture and pushed through the pad.

[0082] A second trim 40 is provided as shown in Figure 2. The trim 40 has an upright member 41 , and an upper mating part 42. The mating part 42 has a projecting male member 43. A t-shaped groove 44 in male member 43 is for holding and retaining a suitable gasket for example a brush gasket/seal or weather proof seal. Such a gasket may allow the components to slide over each other yet provide sufficient cushioning to avoid rattling of the components against each other. On the upper end thereof is a T- piece 45 which provides a finishing surface (in the gap) between adjacent panels 30. A mouth 45a defined therein can receive and hold an energy panel.

[0083] The first trim of Figure 1 and the second trim of Figure 2 are adapted to mate together or couple by insertion of the male member 43 into the female opening 8. The male and female parts are shaped and adapted so as to interengage and desirably matingly seal in a weather-tight manner. [0084] As mentioned above, and as will be appreciated by the skilled person the first trim could have a male part and the second trim the female part.

[0085] A third (side) trim 50 is shown in Figure 3, and it, together with the trims 1 and 40, form a (peripheral frame) about a PV panel 30, for example as seen in Figure 5. The trim 50 is utilised on the opposing sides or edges 34.

[0086] The side trim 50 is formed by a generally U-shaped member 51. Fastener locating brackets 52 are provided on the trim 50 for fixing the side trim 50 to the other trims 1 ,40 so as to form a generally rectangular frame about a PV panel 30. A top U- shaped portion 53 has defined therein a mouth 53a. When the respective trims 1 , 40 and 50 are assembled together in a peripheral frame arrangement, the respective mouths 9a; 45a and 53a; together form a rectangular recess in which an energy panel can be held.

[0087] In the embodiment the further structure to be attached to the roof is an energy panel, of the type that captures solar energy and in the form of a photovoltaic panel 30 as shown in perspective view in Figure 5. It can be seen that the PV panel 30 comprises an array of PV cells 31.

[0088] The PV panel 30 is a substantially flat and a substantially rigid panel.

[0089] If the underside of the PV panel 30 has a downwardly projecting enclosure or housing for example in the form of a junction box, the junction box typically would obstruct the fitting of the PV panel 30 to the panel 20.

[0090] However, as mentioned above the trim 1 will hold the PV panel 30 aloft and so there is no interference between the junction box and the panel 20 when fitting the PV panel 30.

[0091] The method of assembly of modules into an array mounted directly to a roofing structure can be seen from the sequence shown in Figures 6 to 10.

[0092] Firstly (as shown in Figures 4 and 5 initially) a female trim 1 and a male trim 40 are affixed to respective opposite sides 33 and 32 of a PV panel 30. Respective edge trims 50 are affixed also to the sides 34 so that together there are four trims each forming one side of a generally rectangular support frame about the PV panel 30.

[0093] It will be appreciated that modules may be supplied with the support system of the invention pre-attached, so that no assembly is required on-site.

[0094] To start the process in a case where there is no PV panel 30 already in place it is necessary to affix a mounting system of the invention to a panel 20 as shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this case a first female trim 1 has been attached to one side (side 36) of a ridge 18 (best seen in Figure 6). This first fixing then provides a start to, staring point for, an array that is easily assembled. As mentioned above the abutment of the leg portion 3 against a side of the ridge sets the relative position (including orientation) of the female mounting trim 1 and the panel 20.

[0095] Then, as shown in Figure 7 and as better seen in the enlarged views of

Figures 8 and 9, a PV panel 30, of the type shown in Figures 4 and 5 is orientated so that the male trim 40 mates with the female trim 1 . In particular, and as seen from

Figure 7, the male member 43 of the trim 40 is inserted into the female opening 8.

[0096] As shown in Figure 7, and as is desirable for all arrangements, the mating can first occur at an angle and allow movement in the direction in the Arrow A as a fitter is likely to mate the panels together from a raised position as shown in Figure 7 and then lower the PV panel 30 to the position shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0097] Once lowered the female trim 1 mounted to the PV panel 30 is used to secure the second side 33 of the panel 30 to a side 36 of a second ridge 18 as best seen in Figure 10.

[0098] The process can then be repeated as many times as desired to build up an array of PV panels 30 on the roof.

[0099] Figure 10 shows a second PV panel 30 being coupled to the panel already installed. In this case the female trim 1 on the first PV panel 30 receives a male trim 40 from the second PV panel 30. It can thus be clearly seen that the mounting trim 1 , and in particular an upstanding portion thereof is adapted to support energy modules on opposing sides thereof.

[00100] The process can be repeated as desired and Figure 11 shows an array of 3x3 PV panels 30 mounted across four roofing panels 20. The array is formed by three independent rows. As seen from the enlarged partial perspective view of Figure 12 independent rows can be built up on a roof in close proximity to each other.

[00101] Use of the mounting system of the present invention means that the PV panel 30 or indeed any other additional structure to be attached to a roof only needs to be secured on one side during fitting.

[00102] While it is possible to add a second opposing leg (on an opposite side of a ridge to leg 3) that might run along an opposing side of a ridge 18, it is not necessary to do so, and in any event it may prove difficult to secure such a leg which will be on an inside side of the ridge relative to the PV panel 30 and thus access to it will be obstructed by PV panel 30.

[00103] It is appreciated that the PV panel 30 is held entirely to the outside of sheet 22. This means that the integrity of sheet 22 is maintained and this is

advantageous as it retains its weather-proof properties. [00104] Furthermore, in the arrangement, there is a gap between the PV panel 30, and the roofing panel 20, and so there is maintained the possibility of ambient air cooling of the PV panel 30.

[00105] As shown the roofing panels 20 are laid in an overlapping array and fixed to a suitable roof structure. Then the additional structures such as energy panels are mounted on the roofing panels as described above.

[00106] It will be noted that in the embodiments shown the PV panels 30 are mounted on their opposing sides 32,33 to respective adjacent panels 20.

[00107] This is a very simple arrangement which allows the energy module(s) to be mounted directly to the sheet and there is no requirement for a mounting structure intermediate the panel and whatever is being mounted upon it. A fitter can very quickly build up an array of energy panels on the roof.

[00108] The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[00109] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims

Claims

1 . A mounting system for mounting energy modules to the exterior of a roofing panel,

the roofing panel for assembly in an array of roofing panels to form a roof structure, the roofing panel comprising a weather proof sheet having inner and outer faces and a sheet profile that comprises a raised ridge having sides and a crown;

the system comprising a mounting trim having a base portion, a leg depending from the base portion and adapted to run down one side of the ridge, and an upstanding portion adapted to support energy modules on opposing sides thereof.

2. A mounting system according to claim 1 wherein the mounting trim forms part of a surround frame for supporting a module.

3. A mounting system according to any preceding claim wherein the mounting system comprises a male mounting trim and a female mounting trim that couples with the male mounting trim but only one of the male or female trims has a base portion adapted to sit on the crown of the raised ridge, a leg depending from the base portion and adapted to run down one side of the ridge, and an upstanding portion adapted to support energy modules on opposing sides thereof.

4. A mounting system according to any preceding claim wherein the mounting trim is fixed to the roofing panel by one or more fasteners extending through the leg and into the panel.

5. A mounting system according to any preceding claim wherein the mounting trim from part of a surrounding frame for the module.

6. A mounting system according to any preceding claim which comprises

interengaging trims.

7. A mounting system according to Claim 6 wherein the mounting trims form a weather-proof barrier between adjacent modules.

8. A mounting system according to any preceding claim wherein the energy

module is adapted to capture solar energy.

9. A mounting system according to any preceding claim wherein the energy

module is a photovoltaic panel.

10. A mounting system according to any preceding claim wherein the energy module is to be held in an arrangement where there is a gap between it and the sheet.

1 1 . A mounting system according to any preceding claim wherein the roofing panel is a manufactured composite insulating panel comprising:- an external weather-proof sheet having an outer face and an inner face;

an internal sheet having an outer face and an inner face;

an insulating body between the inner face of the external sheet and the inner face of the internal sheet,

the external sheet having a portion that extends beyond the internal sheet and the insulating body to define an overlap part for overlapping with part of an adjacent panel, on assembly.

12. A mounting system according to any preceding claim wherein a pad is provided between the trim and the panel, for example between the leg portion and the panel; wherein the pad provides a cushioning barrier between the trim and the panel, or it provides a seal at a position where the trim is fixed to the panel, or it acts as both a cushioning barrier and a seal; optionally wherein the pad is attached to a face of the leg portion that, in use, abuts a panel or optionally wherein pre-defined fixing positions are present on the trim and the pad extends between those positions, or discreet pads are used at each fixing position.

13. A method of attaching an energy module to at least one roof panel comprising the steps of

providing a mounting system according to any receding claim;

providing a first energy module;

supporting a first side of an energy module inserted utilising a first mounting trim and having the first mounting trim attached to a panel, supporting a second side of an energy module utilising a second mounting trim and having the second mounting trim attached to a panel.

14. An assembly comprising a roof to which at least one energy module is mounted using the mounting system of any of claims 1 to 12.

15. An assembly comprising an energy module to which a mounting system of any one of claims 1 to 12 is attached.