DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING SOLAR MODULES, KIT, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING, AND SOLAR MODULE ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

Provided is a device for supporting solar modules, including a base rail having a first receiving opening , a support, the support having a first connecting element which is arranged in the first receiving opening, and a securing rail which is arranged on the base rail so as to at least partially encompass the base rail and is movable along the base rail. The securing rail at least partially closes the first receiving opening in a second position so that a movement of the first connecting element out of the first receiving opening is prevented. The securing rail unblocks the first receiving opening in the first position in such a way that a movement of the first connecting element out of the first receiving opening is made possible. Furthermore, a kit, a method for manufacturing a device, and a solar module arrangement are provided.

Claims

1. A device for supporting solar modules, comprising a base rail comprising a first receiving opening; a support arranged on the base rail for holding one end of a solar module, the support comprising a first connecting element which is arranged in the first receiving opening; and a securing rail which is arranged on the base rail so as to at least partially encompass the base rail and is movable along the base rail between a first position and a second position, wherein the securing rail at least partially closes the first receiving opening in the second position in such a way that a movement of the first connecting element out of the first receiving opening is prevented; and the securing rail unblocks the first receiving opening in the first position in such a way that a movement of the first connecting element out of the first receiving opening is made possible.

2. The device according to claim 1, comprising a securing element which is configured to secure the securing rail in the second position such that a movement of the securing rail from the second position to the first position is prevented.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the securing element is movable without tools between a securing position, in which a movement of the securing rail from the second position to the first position is prevented, and an unblocking position in which a movement of the securing rail from the second position to the first position is possible.

4. The device according to at claim 1, wherein the securing rail is formed with a connecting rail which is configured to connect the base rail to a further base rail of a further device.

5. The device according to at least claim 1, wherein the first receiving opening is open at least to an upper side of the base rail and the securing rail in the second position at least partially covers the first receiving opening on the upper side of the base rail.

6. The device according to claim1, wherein the base rail has a second receiving opening; the support is configured to be arranged with the first connecting element in the first receiving opening or in the second receiving opening; and the securing rail closes the second receiving opening in the second position in such a way that a movement of the first connecting element out of the second receiving opening is prevented; or is movable along the base rail to a third position in which the securing rail at least partially closes at least the second receiving opening in such a way that a movement of the first connecting element out of the second receiving opening is prevented.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the support is arranged in a first holding position in which the support is configured to hold a solar module at a first angle relative to the base rail when the first connecting element is arranged in the first receiving opening; and the support is arranged in a second holding position in which the support is configured to hold a solar module at a second angle relative to the base rail, the second angle being different from the first angle, when the first connecting element is arranged in the second receiving opening.

8. The device according claim 1, wherein the support is an upper support for holding an upper end of a solar module.

9. The device according to claim 8, comprising a lower support arranged on the base rail for holding a lower end of a solar module.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the base rail is configured to receive and route a cable of a solar module.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the base rail is configured for arranging one side of a ballast holding device thereon in such a way that the ballast holding device rests at least in sections on the base rail and the support is configured to be arranged at least in sections in at least one opening of the ballast holding device when it rests at least in sections on the base rail , the support being shaped in such a way that it substantially prevents an upward movement of the ballast holding device in this case.

12. A kit for a device according to claim 1, comprising a base rail comprising a first receiving opening and a support for holding one end of a solar module, comprising a first connecting element; and a securing rail, wherein the support is configured to be arranged on the base rail for manufacturing a device for supporting solar modules and the first connecting element is configured, in this case to be arranged in the first receiving opening; and the securing rail is configured to be arranged on the base rail so as to at least partially encompass the base rail and to be moved along the base rail between a first position and a second position, wherein the securing rail at least partially closes the first receiving opening in the second position in such a way that a movement of the first connecting element out of the first receiving opening is prevented; and the securing rail unblocks the first receiving opening in the first position in such a way that a movement of the first connecting element out of the first receiving opening is made possible.

13. A method for manufacturing a device for supporting solar modules, comprising: providing a base rail comprising a first receiving opening; arranging a support for holding one end of a solar module, the support comprising a first connecting element, on the base rail, wherein the first connecting element is arranged in the first receiving opening; arranging a securing rail on the base rail and at least partially encompassing it in a first position in which the securing rail unblocks the first receiving opening in such a way that a movement of the first connecting element out of the first receiving opening is made possible; and moving the securing rail along the base rail from the first position to a second position in which the securing rail at least partially closes the first receiving opening in such a way that a movement of the first connecting element out of the first receiving opening is prevented.

14. A solar module arrangement, according to claim 1, comprising wherein the device is a first device and a second device; and a solar module, wherein the first device and the second device are arranged and oriented with respect to one another in such a way that the base rail of the first device and the base rail of the second device extend substantially parallel and the support of the first device is arranged directly opposite the support of the second device; the solar module is arranged with a first side on the first device, wherein one end of the solar module is held in the region of the first side by the support of the first device, and is arranged with a second side opposite the first side on the second device, wherein the end of the solar module is held in the region of the second side by the support of the second device; and the securing rail of the first device and the securing rail of the second device are respectively arranged in the second position such that the first receiving opening of the base rails of the first and the second device are each at least partially closed and a movement of the respective first connecting element of the first and the second device out of the respective first receiving opening is prevented.

15. The solar module arrangement according to claim 14, comprising wherein the device further comprises a third device and a fourth device; and a further solar module, wherein the third device is arranged and oriented behind the first device in such a way that a longitudinal axis of the base rail of the first device and a longitudinal axis of the base rail of the third device are substantially superimposed; the fourth device is arranged and oriented behind the second device in such a way that a longitudinal axis of the base rail of the second device and a longitudinal axis of the base rail of the fourth device are substantially superimposed; the third device and the fourth device are arranged and oriented with respect to one another in such a way that the support of the third device is arranged directly opposite the support of the fourth device; the further solar module is arranged with a first side on the third device, wherein one end of the further solar module is held in the region of the first side by the support of the third device, and is arranged with a second side opposite the first side on the fourth device, wherein the end of the further solar module is held in the region of the second side by the support of the fourth device; the securing rail of the first device is arranged in the second position at least partially encompassing the base rail of the first device with a first end of the securing rail of the first device and is arranged on and at least partially encompassing the base rail of the third device with a second end of the securing rail of the first device opposite the first end; and the securing rail of the second device is arranged in the second position at least partially encompassing the base rail of the second device with a first end of the securing rail of the second device and is arranged on and at least partially encompassing the base rail of the fourth device with a second end of the securing rail of the second device opposite the first end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0058] Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with references to the following Figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a device for supporting solar modules in an unsecured configuration;

[0060] FIG. 2 shows another device for supporting solar modules in a secured configuration;

[0061] FIG. 3 shows yet another device for supporting solar modules in a transport configuration;

[0062] FIG. 4A shows a device for supporting solar modules having a low upper support;

[0063] FIG. 4B shows another device for supporting solar modules having a high upper support;

[0064] FIG. 5 shows a solar module arrangement in a one-sided 10-degree configuration;

[0065] FIG. 6 shows another solar module arrangement in a one-sided 15-degree configuration;

[0066] FIG. 7 shows yet another solar module arrangement in a two-sided 10-degree configuration;

[0067] FIG. 8A shows a detailed view of a solar module arrangement;

[0068] FIG. 8B shows a detailed view of a further solar module arrangement;

[0069] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement for a device for supporting a solar module with the base rail;

[0070] FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of a portion of the arrangement from FIG. 9 with a support component or holding component;

[0071] FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement for a device for supporting a solar module having a lateral wind deflector;

[0072] FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of a portion of the arrangement from FIG. 11;

[0073] FIG. 13 shows an enlarged schematic representation of the portion of the arrangement from FIG. 12;

[0074] FIG. 14 shows an enlarged schematic representation of the portion of the arrangement from FIG. 13 having a support component or holding component; and

[0075] FIG. 15 shows an enlarged schematic representation of the portion of the arrangement from FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] FIG. 1 shows a device for supporting solar modules. The device is formed with a base rail 1. An upper support 2, which is used to hold an upper end of a solar module on one side of the solar module, is arranged on the base rail 1.

[0077] The upper support 2 is height-adjustable. For this purpose, the support is formed with two support elements 3a, 3b. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, each of the support elements 3a, 3b is formed with two cast metal parts 4, which are connected to one another by cylindrical pins 5. In the embodiment shown, the four cast metal parts 4 are structurally identical.

[0078] The support elements 3a, 3b are connected to one another by means of a cylindrical pin 5 at two hinge points 6a, 6b situated on a hinge axis A, allowing a rotation about the hinge axis A. As a result, the support elements 3a, 3b may be pivoted relative to one another. At a respective lower end of the support elements 3a, 3b, the cylindrical pins 5 are each formed with two connecting elements 7a, 7b, which protrude laterally from the support elements 3a, 3b.

[0079] The connecting elements 7a, 7b may be arranged in receiving openings 8a, 8b, 8c of the base rail 1. In this case, a first receiving opening 8a and a second receiving opening 8b of the base rail, which form one elongated hole shape each in opposite side walls 9a, 9b of the base rail 1, are each formed as a gap that penetrates the base rail 1 over the entire width thereof and is open to an upper side of the base rail. The connecting elements 7a of a first support element 3a may be inserted from above into the first receiving opening 8a or into the second receiving opening 8b. The respective position of the lower end of the first support element 3a along the course of the base rail 3 is thereby defined. In the device according to FIG. 1, the first connecting elements 7a are arranged in the first receiving opening 8a.

[0080] A further receiving opening 8c of the base rail 1 is formed as a gap having a circular cross section, which gap penetrates the entire width of the base rail 1 and forms circular bores in the opposite side walls 9a, 9b of the base rail 1. The connecting elements 7b of a second support element 3b are rotatably arranged in the further receiving opening 8c. In the embodiment shown, the connecting elements 7b of the second support element 3b are formed as pin ends arranged in, and protruding from, the relevant cylindrical pin 5, which engage into the further receiving opening 8c and which fix the lower end of the second support element 3b in a stationary manner along the direction of extension of the base rail 1.

[0081] FIG. 2 shows a device for supporting solar modules, in which, compared to the configuration in FIG. 1, the connecting elements 7a of the first support element 3a are arranged in the second receiving opening 8b of the base rail 1. As a result, the first support element 3a and the second support element 3b are pivoted with respect to the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and a distance between the lower ends of the first support element 3a and the second support element 3b, which is determined by the spacing between the first connecting elements 7a and the second connecting elements 7b, is increased. The height of each triangle above the base rail 1, which is formed by the first connecting elements 7a, the second connecting elements 7b, and the hinge points 6a, 6b, is thus reduced. This results in a lower overall height of the upper support of the configuration of FIG. 2 compared to the upper support of the configuration shown in FIG. 1. In addition, a support point for a solar module shifts relative to the base rail 1. As a result, for a solar module the upper end of which is held on the respective upper support 2 and the lower end of which is at the height of the respective base rail 1, a different angle with respect to the horizontal is achieved between the configurations of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0082] When comparing the representations in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is apparent that, depending on the arrangement of the first connecting elements 7a in the first 8a or second 8b receiving opening, the cylindrical pins 5 arranged along the course of the base rail 1 in front of and behind the hinge points 6a, 6b come into contact with different openings of the cast metal parts 4 of the first 3a and second 3b support element. In this case, the relevant pins 5 are secured in the corresponding openings for additional stabilization of the upper support 2.

[0083] The upper support 2 has a holding device 10 which, for holding a respective solar module, has two support surfaces 11a, 11b on which one or a plurality of solar modules may be placed and fixed. The support surfaces 11a, 11b are arranged at an angle to a central section of the holding device 10 in order to support a solar module at an angle to the horizontal. Stops are formed on each of the support surfaces 11a, 11b, against which solar modules to be arranged on the holding device 10 may be placed laterally in order to orient them, in particular with respect to a frame structure of the solar modules. It is therefore apparent that in the embodiment shown, the holding device 10 is configured to hold four solar modules, namely two solar modules each arranged laterally next to one another on each of the bearing surfaces 11a, 11b.

[0084] As may be seen in the comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2, the first receiving opening 8a and the second receiving opening 8b have different depths from the top of the base rail 1. As a result, the first connecting elements 7a and the second connecting elements 7b are arranged at the same height when the first connecting elements 7a are arranged in the second receiving opening 8b, as shown in FIG. 2. If the first connecting elements 7a are arranged in the first receiving opening 8a, the first connecting elements 7a are situated higher than the second connecting elements 7b. As a result, the holding device in the configuration according to FIG. 1 is angled with respect to a horizontal orientation of the middle section, which is set in the configuration according to FIG. 2. A different angle with respect to the horizontal of the support surface 11a in the different configurations is thereby achieved. In the exemplary configuration of FIG. 1, an angle of the support surface 11a with respect to the horizontal, and thus the angle with respect to the horizontal at which a solar module is arranged flat on the support surface 11a, is 15 degrees. According to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2, the angle of the support surface 11a with respect to the horizontal, and thus the bearing angle of a solar module, is 10 degrees.

[0085] The cylindrical pin 5 arranged on the hinge axis A and the cylindrical pins 5 arranged along the course of the base rail 1 in front of and behind the hinge points 6a, 6b are arranged in openings of the holding device 10 configured for this purpose. As a result, by securing the cylindrical pins 5 arranged in front of and behind the hinge points 6a, 6b along the course of the base rail 1 in the corresponding openings of the cast metal parts 4 in the various positions of the support elements 3a, 3b, a securing of the position and orientation of the holding device 10 may additionally be achieved.

[0086] In the configuration shown, the second connecting elements 7b are pre-mounted in a fixed position in the further receiving opening 8c in the delivery state of the device. In order to prepare the device for supporting a solar module, the first connecting elements 7a are arranged in the first 8a or the second 8b receiving opening. In the embodiment shown, securing the cylindrical pins 5 arranged in front of and behind the hinge points 6a, 6b takes place in the corresponding openings of the cast metal parts 4 only after the first connecting elements 7a have been arranged in the first 8a or the second 8b receiving opening, since it is necessary during the arrangement of the first connecting elements 7a in the first 8a or the second 8b receiving opening for the support elements 3a, 3b to be movable relative to one another.

[0087] A securing rail 12 is shown in FIG. 1 behind the base rail 1 along the course of the base rail 1. The securing rail 12 is formed with a connecting rail, which is configured to connect a plurality of arrangements one behind the other. The securing rail 12 is formed with a profile which is adapted to the outer shape of the base rail 1 in such a way that the securing rail 12 encompasses the base rail 1 from below, partially covering the side walls 9a, 9b of the base rail 1. For this purpose, the securing rail 12 is pushed onto the base rail 1. This is shown in FIG. 2.

[0088] The securing rail 12, when it is pushed onto the base rail 1, partially covers and closes the first 8a and second 8b receiving openings. In this case, a first position (not shown) of the securing rail 12 is defined, in which the securing rail is partially pushed onto the base rail 1, does not yet cover, and does not yet close the first 8a and second 8b receiving openings. In a second position of the securing rail 12 shown in FIG. 2, the latter is pushed so far onto the base rail 1 that it partially covers and closes the first 8a and the second 8b receiving opening. As a result, the first connecting elements 7a are prevented from moving out of the receiving opening 8a, 8b in which they are arranged (i.e., from the second receiving opening 8b in the embodiment of FIG. 2). As a result, a securing of the upper support, in particular the first support element 3a, in a desired position is achieved.

[0089] On the inside of the securing rail 12, respective projections are formed so that the securing rail 12 may encompass and secure the connecting elements 7a both in the higher arrangement in the first receiving opening 8a and in the lower arrangement in the second receiving opening 8b.

[0090] The securing rail 12 may be locked in the second position. For example, latching elements may be provided between the base rail 1 and the securing rail 12, on which the securing rail 12 is secured in the second position in a latching manner. For example, the first 7a and/or the second 7b connecting elements may be formed with resilient or resiliently movable pin elements, which engage for securing purposes in corresponding gaps on the inside of the securing rail 12. Alternatively, the securing rail 12 may be secured to the base rail 1 in the second position, for example by means of pins to be inserted, by screwing, gluing, or welding.

[0091] FIG. 3 shows an arrangement for a holding system for solar modules in a transport configuration. In this case, the first connecting elements 7a are moved completely backward, as a result of which the first support element 3a is arranged relative to the second support element 3b in such a way that the upper support 2 is completely collapsed. In this case, the support elements 3a, 3b are arranged substantially within the base rail 1. The support elements 3a, 3b and the holding device 10 still in fact protrude upward beyond the profile of the base rail. Nevertheless, a significantly more compact structure is achieved, as a result of which a transport of the arrangement in the transport configuration may be facilitated. The connecting rail forming the securing rail 12 is arranged almost completely above the base rail 1 in the transport configuration. In this case, the first connecting elements 7a are arranged outside, namely behind, the base rail 1 and are encompassed by a section of the securing rail 12 protruding beyond the base rail 1. As a result, the connecting elements 7a and thus the upper support 2 are secured in the transport configuration. In addition, lower supports 13 are arranged on the base rail 1, each of which is configured to hold a lower end of a solar module.

[0092] FIGS. 4A and 4B show devices for supporting solar modules, in which a securing rail 12 is used for securing upper supports that are not height-adjustable. According to the representation in FIG. 4A, an upper support 2a with a first height is arranged on a base rail 1. For this purpose, the base rail 1 has two receiving openings 8d, 8e. The upper support 2a is formed with a support structure 3c, which, at the lower end thereof, has connecting elements 7c, 7d at its front and rear along the direction of extension of the base rail 1, which are arranged in the receiving openings 8d, 8e. For this purpose, receiving openings 8d, 8e of the base rail 1 are open at the top. A securing rail 12 may be pushed onto the base rail 1 so that it partially covers and closes the receiving openings 8d, 8e and thus secures the connecting elements 7c, 7d and consequently the upper support 2a—analogous to the statements relating to the embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2. In comparison to FIG. 4A, in the embodiment according to FIG. 4B, an upper support 2b which is higher than the upper support 2a according to the embodiment of FIG. 4A is arranged on the base rail 1.

[0093] Each upper support 2a, 2b may thus be secured to the base rail 1 with the securing rail 12 when mounting the respective device according to FIGS. 4A and 4B, by moving the securing rail 12 into the second position. In addition, an exchange of upper supports is enabled by moving the securing rail 12 into the first position, removing the upper support arranged on the base rail 1, arranging the desired upper support on the base rail 1 and moving the securing rail 12 into the second position.

[0094] FIG. 5 shows a solar module arrangement. The solar module arrangement comprises two devices 100a, 100b, each of which comprises a base rail 1a, 1b, an upper support 2a, 2b, a lower support 13a, 13b, and a connecting rail serving as a securing rail 12a, 12b for connecting the base rails 1a, 1b to additional base rails for expanding the holding system.

[0095] The base rails 1a, 1b of the devices 100a, 100b are oriented in parallel and the upper supports 2a, 2b and the lower supports 13a, 13b are respectively arranged at the same height to one another along the base rails 1a, 1b. A solar module 101, which for better clarity is shown only as a frame in FIG. 5, rests at an upper end on opposite sides on, and is held by, the bearing or support surfaces 11a of the upper supports 2a, 2b. At a lower end, the solar module 101 respectively rests with the opposite sides on, and is held by, the lower supports 13a, 13b. The solar module 101 is therefore held at four support points by means of the solar module arrangement, such that the support may be understood to be punctiform, in contrast to a linear support on the frame of the solar module 101. A four-point holder of the solar module 101 is thus provided with the holding system shown in FIG. 5.

[0096] The upper supports 2a, 2b of the devices 100a, 100b are each arranged with the first connecting elements 7a in the second receiving openings 8b, so that the upper supports 2a, 2b have the same height above the base rail 1 and the support surfaces 11a are at an angle with respect to the horizontal of 10 degrees. The solar module 101 is thus oriented in the holding system at an angle of 10 degrees with respect to the horizontal.

[0097] FIG. 6 shows a solar module arrangement in a different configuration. In the solar module arrangement, the upper supports 2a, 2b are each arranged with the first connecting elements 7a in the first receiving openings 8a, so that the upper supports 2a, 2b have the same height above the base rail 1 and the support surfaces 11a are at an angle with respect to the horizontal of 15 degrees. The solar module 101 is thus oriented in the holding system according to FIG. 6 at an angle of 15 degrees with respect to the horizontal.

[0098] In alternative configurations, the devices 100a, 100b, in particular the upper supports 2a, 2b, may be designed in such a way that other angles of the solar module 101 may be set. For this purpose, receiving openings and pins 5 as well as bores in which the latter are received may be designed and arranged in such a way that with a corresponding arrangement of the first support elements 3a of the upper supports 2a, 2b, the desired angles of the solar module 101 are set.

[0099] A lateral arrangement of a plurality of solar modules 101, each of which is provided in an arrangement according to FIG. 5 or 6, may be provided. In this case, it may be provided that two solar modules 101 arranged next to one another are held next to one another on the same support surface 11a, so that two solar modules are held on the same upper support 2a, 2b.

[0100] FIG. 7 shows a further solar module arrangement in which two solar modules 101a, 101b are arranged one behind the other. In this case, the first solar module 101a rests at an upper end on opposite sides on, and is held by, the support surfaces 11a of the upper supports 2a, 2b. At the lower end thereof, the first solar module 101a respectively rests with the opposite sides on, and is held by, the lower supports 13a, 13b of the devices 100a, 100b. The second solar module 101b lies at an upper end on opposite sides on, and is held by, the support surfaces 11b of the upper supports 2a, 2b. At the lower end thereof, the second solar module 101b respectively rests with the opposite sides on, and is held by, further lower devices, which are otherwise not shown. An arrangement of a plurality of pairs of solar modules 101a, 101b according to FIG. 7 may be provided next to one another. In this case, it may be provided that two solar modules 101a, 101b arranged next to one another are held next to one another on the same support surface 11a, 11b, so that four solar modules are held on the same upper support 2a, 2b.

[0101] In the solar module arrangement according to FIG. 7, the upper supports 2a, 2b are each arranged with the first connecting elements 7a in the second receiving openings 8b, so that the upper supports 2a, 2b have the same height above the base rail 1, and the support surfaces 11a, 11b each have an angle to the horizontal of 10 degrees, the support surfaces 11a, 11b being arranged so as to descend in opposite directions. The solar modules 101a, 101b in the solar module arrangement according to FIG. 7 are thus each oriented opposite one another at an angle of 10 degrees with respect to the horizontal and lowered in opposite directions.

[0102] The solar module arrangements shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are configured for mounting solar modules on flat roofs, the disclosed holding systems also being usable for other applications, for example a free-standing mounting of solar modules. In the case of a flat roof mounting, it is not possible in many applications to connect the holding system to the roof. For this reason, and to increase safety in embodiments in which a connection to the flat roof is possible, the holding systems of the solar module arrangements according to the embodiments of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 have ballast troughs 102, which may be filled with ballast in order to increase the weight of the holding system and thus to prevent movement of the holding system, for example due to the action of wind. The ballast troughs rest on opposite sides in edge areas on the base rails 1a, 1b. As can be seen in particular in the detailed views of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the ballast troughs 102 have openings 103 in the edge regions. The openings 103 are arranged and shaped in such a way that the support elements 3a, 3b in the various arrangements of the connecting elements 7a, 7b in the receiving openings 8a, 8b, 8c are received in the openings 103. This is shown in FIG. 8A for a configuration of the arrangement 100b for a 10-degree orientation of the solar module 101. FIG. 8B shows a corresponding configuration for a 15-degree orientation of the solar module 101.

[0103] The shape of the support elements 3a, 3b, in particular, the upward widening thereof and the oblique orientation of the struts of the cast metal parts 4, limit the upward movement of the ballast trough 102. A (complete) lifting of the ballast trough 102 from the base rails 1a, 1b is thus prevented. In this way, the ballast trough 102 is secured to the holding system.

[0104] The solar module arrangements shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 also each have a rear wind deflector 104. The rear wind deflector 104 is formed with a shaped metal sheet and prevents wind from flowing from behind under the respective solar module 101 and moving it upward. As shown by way of example in the detailed representations of FIGS. 8A and 8B for different configurations of the upper support 2b, a deflector holder 105 is arranged on the holding device 10 of the upper support 2b. The deflector holder 105 has a support surface 106 which is convexly rounded. The rear wind deflector 104 has a contact surface 107, which is shaped in a concavely rounded manner, adapted to the shape of the support surface 106. The respective shape of the support surface 106 and the contact surface 107 in this case is selected in such a way that the rear wind deflector 104 is merely shifted on the support surface 106 between a high configuration of the upper support 2b and a low configuration of the upper support 2b. This may be seen, in particular, in the comparison of FIGS. 8A and 8B. Due to the shaping of the contact surface 107, the same rear wind deflector 104 is therefore suitable in connection with the deflector holder 105 for use in holding systems or in solar module arrangements with different angular configurations of solar elements, for example, both for a holding system in a 10-degree configuration, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5, as well as for a holding system in a 15-degree configuration, as shown by way of example in FIG. 6.

[0105] The upper end of the rear wind deflector 104 is fixed in the desired position on the deflector holder 105 by means of appropriate fastening means or fasteners. For example, the rear wind deflector 104 arranged on the support surface 106 may be screwed to the deflector holder 105 or fixed by means of clamping elements. A lower end of the rear wind deflector 104 may be held by means of a lower support 13. In FIG. 8A, it is shown by way of example that the lower end of the wind deflector 104 is held by a lower support 13 of a further arrangement which is otherwise not shown, and which is arranged behind the arrangement 100b. Alternatively, the lower end of the wind deflector 104 may rest on another element. In FIG. 8B, it is shown by way of example that the rear end of the wind deflector 104 rests on the connecting rail of the arrangement 100b, which serves as a securing rail 12b.

[0106] In addition, or as an alternative to a rear wind deflector 104, lateral wind deflectors 108 may be provided in order to prevent wind from flowing from the side under the respective solar module 101 and moving the solar module upward. Such a lateral wind deflector 108 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in the form of a metal sheet on the respective arrangement 100a in. According to the embodiment of FIG. 7, two lateral wind deflectors 108a, 108b are provided on the arrangement 100a, which together shield the entire side of the holding system from the wind. For better clarity, no lateral wind deflectors 108 are shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 on the respective arrangement 100b. Corresponding lateral wind deflectors 108 may, however, also be provided for the arrangements 100b according to the embodiments of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

[0107] Alternatively, or in addition, a cable routing may be provided on or in the support elements 3a, 3b.

[0108] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement for a device for supporting a solar module with the base rail 1, on which the support element 3a is arranged as part of the upper support. A further embodiment of the lower support 13 having a support component 120 pivotably mounted on the base rail 1 is arranged on the base rail 1. The section of the base rail 1 having the support or holding component 120 is shown enlarged in FIG. 10. The support component 120 provides a support surface or bearing surface 121 for placing the solar module (not shown), a spacer pin 123 being arranged on bearing surfaces 121, 122 formed next to one another, with which spacer pin 123 a stop is formed for the solar modules to be arranged on both sides. The holding component 120 is mounted on the base rail 1 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 124, which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the base rail 1. In the position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, retaining claws 125 grasp the base rail 1 on opposite sides and at a distance from the base rail 1, so that the shear rail 12 (not shown) may be pushed into the spacing area between the base rail 1 and the holding claw 125. If the holding component 120 is pivoted about the pivot axis 124, the holding claws 125 may be released from the engagement shown in FIG. 10 (by pivoting upwards). The pivotable mounting of the holding component 120 thus enables a continuous adjustment to different angles of inclination of the solar module.

[0109] According to the representation in FIG. 10, drainage grooves 127 are formed in the bottom area 126 in the longitudinal direction of the base rail 1, which serve to drain water, in particular rainwater (cf. also the detailed representation in FIG. 14). If cables are inserted into the base rail 1, this prevents the cables from lying in the water. The water thus draining from the base rail 1 via the drainage grooves 127 may then reach the securing rail 12 below and be discharged there to the outside to recesses 128 which are formed on the securing rail 12. Drainage channels are formed by means of the recesses 128 and of the base of the securing rail arranged above them.

[0110] FIGS. 11 to 15 show an embodiment in which the lateral wind deflector 108 is provided. According to FIGS. 14 and 15, a section 130 of the lateral wind deflector 108 is received in a recess 131 on the securing rail 12 and is thus secured in the mounting position thereof.

[0111] The solar module 101a is secured to the holding component 120 by means of a clamping element 132, a screw connection being used as a mechanical securing means in the embodiment shown. The clamping element 132 may be adjusted by means of assigned latching profiles 133, via which solar modules of different heights or thicknesses are clamped.

[0112] Although the present invention has been disclosed in the form of preferred embodiments and variations thereon, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0113] For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an” throughout this application does not exclude a plurality, and “comprising” does not exclude other steps or elements.