GB2463263A

GB2463263A - Support apparatus for supporting a plurality of solar energy collection devices

Info

Publication number: GB2463263A
Application number: GB0816200A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lachlan Samuel Bateman; Andrew Gerrard Gilhooly; Matthew James Burgess; Daniel Gower Davies; Guy Roderick Atherton
Original assignee: Solar Century Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Solar Century Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2008-09-05
Filing date: 2008-09-05
Publication date: 2010-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-05
Also published as: GB2463263B; GB0816200D0

Abstract

Apparatus for supporting a plurality of solar energy collection devices 901 on a roof comprising a plurality of rails 901, a plurality of elongate wind deflector elements 910, and a plurality of securing devices. In the support matrix, the rails are spaced apart and extend substantially in a first direction, the elongate wind deflector elements are spaced apart and extend substantially in a second direction, across the rails, and elongate wind deflector elements are connected to rails by securing devices located at intersections. The securing device may comprise a base element wherein the base element is preferably located within a slot in the rail. Brackets 905, 906 may be used to connect solar energy collection devices to the support matrix. An apparatus for collecting solar energy and a method of supporting solar energy collection devices on a roof are also claimed.

Description

Support Apparatus For Supporting a Plurality of Solar Energy Collection Devices

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for supporting a plurality of solar energy collection devices on a roof, apparatus for collecting solar energy and a method of supporting a plurality of solar energy collection devices on a roof.

2. Description of the Related Art

Mounting systems for supporting solar energy collection devices are known. Typically, a mounting system is arranged to support the solar energy collection devices at a particular inclination and orientation relative to a support surface. In many applications, the support surface is a roof of a building. The mounting system should not then result in an excessive amount of force and loading being applied to the roof whilst at the same time ensuring that the supported solar energy collection devices are not disturbed by the application of wind or other forces. It is also preferable for the mounting system to be convenient to use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for supporting a plurality of solar energy collection devices on a roof, comprising: a plurality of rails, a plurality of elongate wind deflector elements, and a plurality of securing devices; and said apparatus is configurable to provide a support matrix in which: said plurality of rails are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other such that each rail extends substantially in a first direction, said plurality of elongate wind deflector elements are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other such that each elongate wind deflector element extends substantially in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to said first direction, and each elongate wind deflector element is connected across a plurality of rails by a plurality of securing devices, each securing device located at an intersection of a rail and an elongate wind deflector element.

The apparatus for supporting a plurality of solar energy collection devices on a roof, wherein said plurality of securing devices is configured to allow said support matrix to be adjusted.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for collecting solar energy, comprising: a support matrix in which: a plurality of rails are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other such that each rail extends substantially in a first direction, a plurality of elongate wind deflector elements are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other such that each elongate wind deflector element extends substantially in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to said first direction, and each elongate wind deflector element is connected across a plurality of rails by a plurality of securing devices, each securing device located at an intersection of a rail and an elongate wind deflector element; and a plurality of substantially rectangular solar energy collection devices, each solar energy collection device having a first edge connected to a first rail and to a second rail, and a second edge connected to an elongate wind deflector element.

The apparatus for collecting solar energy, wherein said plurality of securing devices is configured to allow said support matrix to be adjusted.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of supporting a plurality solar energy collection devices onto a roof of a building, comprising the steps of: arranging a plurality of rails on a roof in a spaced apart and substantially parallel arrangement such that each rail extends substantially in a first direction, arranging a plurality of elongate wind deflector elements across a plurality of arranged rails in a spaced apart and substantially parallel arrangement such that each elongate wind deflector element extends substantially in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to said first direction, and connecting each elongate wind deflector element to a plurality of arranged rails with a plurality of securing devices, each securing device located at an intersection of a rail and an elongate wind deflector element.

The method of supporting a plurality solar energy collection devices onto a roof of a building, wherein said plurality of securing devices is configured to allow said support matrix to be adjusted, and said method further comprises the step of: adjusting said support matrix.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWiNGS Figure 1 shows apparatus for supporting a plurality of solar energy collection devices on a roof; Figure 2 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 in further detail; Figure 3 shows a rail; Figure 4 shows an elongate wind deflector element; Figure 5 shows a securing device; Figure 6 shows a securing device located within a rail; Figure 7 shows an elongate wind deflector element connected across a plurality of rails; Figure 8 shows a bracket for use in securing a solar energy collection device to a support matrix; Figure 9 illustrates use of a bracket to secure a solar energy collection device to a rail of a support matrix; Figure 10 shows use of a bracket to connect a solar energy collection device to an elongate wind deflector element of a support matrix; Figure 11 shows a roof tray element; Figure 12 shows ballast located to act upon a rail of a support matrix; Figure 13 shows a feature of an elongate wind deflector element; Figure 14 shows apparatus 101 arranged to provide a support matrix; Figure 15 shows a side view of a solar energy collection device supported by a support matrix; and Figure 16 shows apparatus arranged to provide a support matrix for a plurality of solar energy collection devices.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE

INVENTION

Figure 1 Figure 1 shows apparatus 101 for supporting a plurality of solar energy collection devices on a roof. The apparatus is configurable to provide a support matrix by which solar energy collection devices may be supported.

In this illustrated scenario, a plurality of solar energy collection devices, such as solar energy collection device 102, is supported on the roof 103 of a building 104. In this example, each solar energy collection device is a photovoltaic device. However, in alternative applications, the solar energy collection devices may be configured to provide power from solar-thermal technology. Building 104 may be a warehouse. Thus, the building may have a relatively large roof surface area. For example, a support matrix may span across a roof surface area in the order of tens of thousands of square metres, such as may be found on a distribution warehouse.

Apparatus 101 is suitable for supporting a plurality of solar energy collection devices that are arranged to allow locally generated power to be supplied to an external source, such as a national grid. Some feed-in tariffs allow a user to obtain payment for power supplied to the external source at a rate that is higher than the user must pay for receiving power from that external source.

Apparatus 101 comprises a plurality of rails, a plurality of elongate wind deflector elements, and a plurality of securing devices. As will be described in further detail, the apparatus is configurable to provide a support matrix for supporting solar energy collection devices.

Figure 2 Apparatus 101 is shown in further detail in Figure 2, configured to provide a support matrix. The shown support matrix comprises a plurality of rails, such as rail 201, a plurality of elongate wind deflector elements, such as wind deflector element 202, and a plurality of securing devices (not shown in this Figure). In the support matrix, the plurality of rails are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other such that each rail extends substantially in a first direction 203. In the support matrix, the plurality of elongate wind deflector elements are also spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other such that each elongate wind deflector element extends substantially in a second direction 204 that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction 203. Each elongate wind deflector element is connected across a plurality of rails by a plurality of securing devices, each securing device located at an intersection, of a rail and an elongate wind deflector element, such as intersection 205.

Preferably, the plurality of securing devices is configured to allow the support matrix to be adjusted.

Apparatus 101 is configured to provide an interconnected array that provides resistance to wind uplift. A large grid work is thus defined, which as a whole is difficult to lift off a roof. In turn, this allows support apparatus 101 to be rested on the roof as opposed to being fixed to the roof. In this way, support apparatus 101 provides a means of supporting an array of solar energy collection devices that does not require the roof to be penetrated with fixings.

However, in some installations, the use of roof fixings to secure the support matrix to a roof may be desirable. For example, the use of roof fixings may be prudent for installations within geographic areas that experience significant seismic activity. In such instances, the rails of the support matrix may be fixed to the roof. Roof fixings may be used as an alternative to roof ballast.

In a preferred arrangement, the first direction 203 is in a north-south direction and the second direction 204 is in an east-west direction. However, the exact orientation of the rails and the elongate wind deflector element may vary between arrangements.

Figure 3 A rail is shown in further detail in Figure 3. In this example, rail 201 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section with a pair of inwardly extending flanges 301. The elongate rail 301 defines a rail slot 302 that extends in the direction of the length of the rail.

Figure 4 Figure 4 shows an elongate wind deflector element in further detail.

Wind deflector element 202 comprises a substantially planar portion 401 and a first flange 402. In this example, elongate wind deflector element 202 also comprises a second flange 403 that extends substantially parallel to the first flange 402.

Figure 5 Figure 5 shows a securing device. Securing device 501 comprises a base element 502. As will be described in further detail, the base element is configured to be located within a rail slot of a rail. In this example, securing device 501 comprises a lower locating portion 503 and an upper locating portion 504. Base element 502 defines an aperture 505, for allowing a mechanical fixing element, such as a bolt, to engage therewith.

Figure 6 In Figure 6, a securing device is shown located within a rail. According to the shown arrangement, the first locating portion (not shown in this Figure) of securing device 501 is located within rail slot 302 of rail 201. The second locating portion 504 of securing device 501 extends over the pair of inwardly extending flanges 301 of rail 201. In this example, securing device 501 further comprises a mechanical fixing element 601 that is configured to engage with the base element (not shown in this Figure) of securing device 501. According to a specific arrangement of the securing device, the base element defines a threaded bore and the mechanical fixing element is a bolt having a thread and a head 602.

A base element may be inserted into a rail slot from an end of the rail, as indicated by arrow 603, or from above the rail slot, as indicated by arrow 604, whereafter the base element may be rotated in an appropriate direction, as indicated by arrow 605, into a secured condition.

Figure 7 Figure 7 shows an elongate wind deflector element connected across a plurality of rails. In this example, wind deflector element 202 is connected to rail 201 and a similar rail 701. Thus, in a support matrix, rails are connected by elongate wind deflector elements. As shown, the elongate wind deflector element 202 is connected to a rail 201 by an arrangement in which the base element of a securing device is received within the rail slot of the rail and a mechanical fixing element of the securing device extends upon the first flange 402 of the wind deflector element 202 and is engaged with the secured base element (not shown in this Figure). Individual wind deflector elements may be connected together. Thus, for example, wind deflector elements may be connected in order to span large arrays.

As indicated by arrow 702, the elongate wind deflector element is configured, when in use, to direct incident wind up along and over the elongate wind deflector element such that the incident wind is deflected over a supported solar energy collection device. This feature assists the support matrix to resist wind uplift.

Elongate wind deflector element 202 extends upwardly from the rails 201, 701, in this example, substantially perpendicularly to the rails. However in alternative arrangements an elongate wind deflector element may extend at a different angle to the rails it crosses.

Figure 8 Figure 8 shows a bracket for use in securing a solar energy collection device to a support matrix. Bracket 801 comprises a receiving portion 802, configured to receive an edge of a solar energy collection device, and a securing portion 803 for securing to the support matrix. According to the shown embodiment of bracket, the receiving portion comprises a first arm 804, for positioning along a first face of a solar energy collection device, and a second arm 805, for positioning along the other face of the solar energy collection device.

The receiving portion 802 of bracket 801 is configured to receive an edge of a solar energy collection device such that the bracket and the solar energy collection device are effectively joined together. The bracket is configured to provide a mechanical fit that does not require the use of any type of additional fastening.

In accordance with this illustrated embodiment, the first arm 804 has a first inwardly extending hook 806 and, similarly, the second arm 805 has a second inwardly extending hook 807. The first and second inwardly extending hook 806, 807 are, in this example, located at the free end of the first and second arms 804, 805 respectively. Each hook may be profiled individually.

The profiles of the hooks may vary between examples to accommodate variations in the shapes of solar energy collection device edges. The dimensions of solar energy collection devices are known to vary. For example, solar energy collection devices are known that present a surface area of approximately Im by 1.5m, 0.8m by 1.6m or 1.3m by Im and that have a depth of approximately 46mm or 35mm. The edges presented by solar energy collection devices may also vary. Use of hooks in maintaining the bracket around an edge of a solar energy collection device is described with reference to Figure 10.

Apertures to allow mechanical fixing elements to extend through a component of the apparatus may be predefined in the component to increase the speed and convenience of installation. In this illustrated embodiment of a bracket, an aperture 808 is defined in the securing portion 803. In an example, bracket 801 is manufactured by a procedure comprising an extrusion process.

Figure 9 Figure 9 illustrates use of a bracket to secure a solar energy collection device to a rail of a support matrix. As shown in this Figure, solar energy collection device 901 is connected to a first rail 902 and to a second rail 903, both rails 902, 903 being of the same type as rail 201 described previously. A first edge 904 of solar energy collection device 901 is connected to both rails 902, 903. A first bracket 905 of the same type of bracket 801 described previously connects solar energy collection device 901 to the first rail 902.

Similarly, a second bracket 906, also of the same type of bracket 801, is used to connect solar energy collection device 901 to the second rail 903. In this way, a plurality of brackets is used to connect an edge of a solar energy collection device to a first rail and a second rail, thus connecting the solar energy collection device to a support matrix at two discrete sites along a first edge. It is to be appreciated, however, that the precise location at which a bracket is secured around an edge of a solar energy collection device may vary between applications. Thus, the brackets allow for a degree of flexibility regarding the exact alignment of the first side edge 907 of solar energy collection device 901 relative to first rail 902 and similarly as to the exact relative alignment of second side edge 908 of solar energy collection device 901 relative to a second rail 903. Second side edge 909, opposite first side edge 904, is also connected to the support matrix. As will be described with further detail below, second side edge 909 of solar energy collection device 901 is connected to elongate wind deflector element 910.

Figure 10 S Figure 10 shows use of a bracket to connect a solar energy collection device to an elongate wind deflector element of a support matrix. Second side edge 909 of solar energy collection device 901 is connected to wind deflector element 910 by means of a third bracket 1001 that is the same type as bracket 801 described previously. Second side edge 909 of solar energy collection device 901 is also connected to the elongate wind deflector element 910 by a fourth bracket (not shown) that is also the same type as bracket 801 described previously. In this way, each solar energy collection device is connected to the support matrix at four discrete sites.

As described previously, the brackets are each configured to receive an edge of a solar energy collection device such that the bracket and solar energy collection device are effectively joined together. The bracket is configured to provide a mechanical fit that does not require the use of any type of additional fastening.

The mechanical fit may provide one or more of: a mechanical interlock, an interference fit, a positive mechanical fit. A mechanical fit may be configured to provide a fastening that is achieved by means of abutment of portions of the bracket and portions of the solar energy collection device when a force is applied to separate the two parts from the engaged condition. A mechanical fit may be configured to provide a fastening that is achieved by means of friction when a force is applied to separate the two parts from the engaged condition.

Referring to the embodiment of bracket illustrated in Figure 8, the receiving portion of the bracket is configured to snap fit' onto an edge of a solar energy collection device, such that the inwardly extending hooks of the first and second arms extend over the received edge. The hooks may be profiled such that a first hook is located about the edge to be received and then the other hook subsequently manoeuvred into position to attain the mechanical fit between bracket and solar energy collection device. In effect, the receiving portion of the bracket acts as a clamp.

The securing portion of each bracket may be secured to a support matrix by any suitable fixing, such as a mechanical fixing element in the form of a bolt 1002. Generally, apertures to allow mechanical fixing elements to extend through a component of the apparatus may be predefined in the component to increase the speed and convenience of installation.

With the securing portion of a bracket fixed relative to a support matrix, the degree of lateral adjustment of a solar energy collection device secured to the support matrix by bracket may be allowed by the construction of the solar energy collection device. Thus, for example, a solar energy collection device may present a securing zone, the fixing being positionable at any of a number of available location with the securing zone. By providing a bracket that is usable to secure two edges of a solar energy collection device to two different components of a support matrix, the installation of an array of solar energy collection devices upon a roof is simplified. This serves to reduce the time taken to perform the installation process. In addition, as will be described in further detail below, the support apparatus is adjustable to allow for variations in solar energy collection devices to be accommodated during the installation process.

Figure 11 Figure 11 shows a roof tray element. Support apparatus for supporting the plurality of solar energy collection devices on a roof may further comprise a plurality of roof tray elements, such as roof tray element 1101. Roof tray element is configured to be located upon a roof, and in an example, presents a rubber surface, or other type of soft surface, in order to protect the roof upon which it is laid. A roof tray element may comprise galvanised steel.

In this example, the tray element 1101 comprises a ballast receiving portion 1102 and a rail receiving portion 1103. Support apparatus for supporting a plurality of solar energy collection devices may also comprise ballast, such as ballast 1104. Ballast may take a variety of forms, differing in shape and weight. Ballast 1104 is in the form of a paving slab.

Figure 12 Figure 12 shows ballast located to act upon a rail of a support matrix. In a shown arrangement, roof tray element 1101 is located relative to a rail 1201, of the same type as rail 201 described previously, such that rail receiving portion 1103 of roof tray element 1101 is effectively wrapped around rail 1201.

Ballast 1104 is then located upon the ballast receiving portion 1102 of the roof tray element 1101. However, as also shown in Figure 12, ballast may be arranged to apply a loading directly on at least one rail. Thus, for example, ballast 1202 is located on top of rail 1203, which is of the same type as rail 201 described previously. Ballast 1202 is profiled to define a rail receiving portion 1204. However, it is to be appreciated that for example ballast 1104 may be placed directly onto rail 1203, and that ballast may be arranged to extend across at least two rails, for example both rail 1201 and 1203. The requirement for ballast may depend upon the environment in which the support matrix is installed, and may vary throughout a support matrix. For example, more ballast may be required at a perimeter of the support matrix than in more central regions. Ballast may provide a stabilising load to the support matrix, which is otherwise maintained in position on a roof by gravity.

Figure 13 As shown in Figure 13, an elongate wind deflector element may define at least one aperture within the planar portion. Thus, for example, wind deflector element 910 may define at least on aperture, such as aperture 1301.

The rails and elongate wind deflector elements of the support matrix described herein provide a support structure along which cabling may run and to which cabling may be secured. Thus, as shown, cable 1302, which is operatively connected to solar energy collection device 901, may pass through aperture 1301. The provision of apertures within the elongate wind deflector elements contribute to the adjustability of the support matrix, by allowing for variations in the positioning of cabling relative to an elongate wind deflector element.

The wind deflector elements and rails may be used to support and contain cable runs. This feature is advantageous in overcoming the requirement for the installation to be provided with additional means for cable containment.

Figure 14 Figure 14 shows apparatus 101 arranged to provide a support matrix.

The distance 1401 between adjacent rails, such as rails 1402 and 1403, may be selected and adjusted as required. Similarly, distance 1404 between adjacent elongate wind deflector elements, such as wind deflector elements 1405 and 1406 may also be selected and adjusted as required. This advantageously allows the support matrix to be adjusted as required in order to accommodate variations in physical components within the installation.

Figure 15 Figure 15 shows a side view of a solar energy collection device supported by a support matrix. The adjustability of the support matrix allows solar energy collection devices of different dimensions to be supported.

Hence, the type, number and orientation of solar energy collection devices within an array supported by a support matrix may vary.

Solar energy collection device 901 is supported relative to the plane in which the support matrix extends, and therefore rail 902, at a tilt angle 1501. In an application, the solar energy collection device is oriented at a tilt angle of approximately 100. However, the tilt angle may vary between solar energy collection devices. It is to be appreciated that an optimum tilt angle exists. The tilt angle may be chosen to allow a desired degree of incident light or to reduce an amount of self-shading, for example. However, in an application, the tilt angle may be chosen to maximise the number of solar energy collection devices that may be supported by the support matrix upon a roof.

For example, consider an installation configured for a user to utilise a feed-in-tariff. A first number of solar energy collection devices may be supported at the optimum tilt angle within a particular roof area, in order to achieve an optimum level of exposure of the solar energy collection devices to solar radiation. Alternatively, a greater number of solar energy collection devices may be supported within the same roof area, in order to achieve an optimum amount of solar energy collection devices supported within that roof area. The approach chosen for the array of solar energy collection devices may be dependent upon the environment surrounding the installation or on the cost of the solar energy collection devices, for example.

It is to be appreciated that the height 1502 of a wind deflector element, such as wind deflector element 910, may also vary between applications. Solar energy collection device 901 has a width 1503. A solar energy collection device having a width greater than width 1503 would require a wind deflector element having a height greater than height 1502 in order to be supported at the same tilt angle 1501. It is possible for the support matrix to accommodate solar energy collection devices having different widths. This is easily achieved by varying distance 1504 between the lower connecting arrangement 1505, connecting solar energy collection device 901 to a plurality of rails, and the upper connecting arrangement 1506, connecting the solar energy collection device 901 to an elongate wind deflector element.

Figure 16 Figure 16 shows apparatus 101 arranged to provide a support matrix for a plurality of solar energy collection devices. Within the array of solar energy collection devices 1601, each solar energy collection device is connected to the support matrix at four discrete sites. The support matrix altows the distance between one discrete site and the other three discrete sites of the four to be adjusted. Adjustment may be made at the time of an initial installation, during initial installation, and after the initial installation. It is possible to disconnect solar energy collection devices from a support matrix and thereafter adjust the support matrix.

The flexibility of the support matrix apparatus may be utilised to test different solar energy collection modules. If during an installation an installer is required to change from one type of solar energy collection device to another, the flexibility of the support matrix allows this to be accommodated. Thus, the support apparatus is not rendered in light of variations in solar energy collection apparatus to be supported.

Apparatus 101 provides a support for solar energy collection devices that is flexible, simple to install, and functions to reduce both the time taken to complete an installation and also the costs involved with completing an installation.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for supporting a plurality of solar energy collection devices on a roof, comprising: a plurality of rails, a plurality of elongate wind deflector elements, and a plurality of securing devices; and said apparatus is configurable to provide a support matrix in which: said plurality of rails are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other such that each rail extends substantially in a first direction, said plurality of elongate wind deflector elements are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other such that each elongate wind deflector element extends substantially in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to said first direction, and each elongate wind deflector element is connected across a plurality of rails by a plurality of securing devices, each securing device located at an intersection of a rail and an elongate wind deflector element.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of securing devices is configured to allow said support matrix to be adjusted.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each said securing device comprises a base element, each said rail defines a rail slot, and said base element is configured to be located within said rail slot.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each said securing device further comprises a mechanical fixing element that is configured to engage with said base element.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each said e'ongate wind deflector element comprises a first flange, and each said elongate wind deflector element is connected to a rail by an arrangement in which, the base element of a securing device is received within the rail slot of said rail, and the mechanical fixing element of said securing device extends upon the first flange and is engaged with the received base element.
6. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a plurality of brackets, each bracket having: a receiving portion configured to receive an edge of a solar energy collection device by a mechanical fit, and a securing portion for securing to said support matrix.
7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein each said wind deflector element has a second flange that extends substantially parallel to said first flange.
8. Apparatus according to any of claims I to 7, wherein each said wind deflector element defines a plurality of apertures.
9. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a plurality of roof tray elements.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each said roof tray element has a side that presents a soft surface.
11. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, further comprising ballast or roof fixings for securing the support matrix to the roof.
12. Apparatus for collecting solar energy, comprising: a support matrix in which: a plurality of rails are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other such that each rail extends substantially in a first direction, a plurality of elongate wind deflector elements are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other such that each elongate wind deflector element extends substantially in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to said first direction, and each elongate wind deflector element is connected across a plurality of rails by a plurality of securing devices, each securing device located at an intersection of a rail and an elongate wind deflector element; and a plurality of substantially rectangular solar energy collection devices, each solar energy collection device having a first edge connected to a first rail and to a second rail, and a second edge connected to an elongate wind deflector element.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said plurality of securing devices is configured to allow said support matrix to be adjusted.
14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein each said solar energy collection device is oriented at a tilt angle of approximately 10 degrees to the plane in which said support matrix extends.
15. Apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a plurality of brackets, each bracket having: a receiving portion configured to receive an edge of a solar energy collection device by a mechanical fit, and a securing portion for securing to said support matrix.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a first edge of a solar energy collection device is connected to a first rail by a first bracket and to a second rail by a second bracket, and a second edge of said solar energy collection device is connected to an elongate wind deflector element by a third bracket and by a fourth bracket, whereby the solar energy collection device is connected to said support matrix at four discrete sites.
17. Apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 16, wherein said first direction is in the north-south direction and said second direction is in the east-west direction.
18. Apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 17, wherein each said solar energy collection device is a photovoltaic device.
19. A method of supporting a plurality solar energy collection devices onto a roof of a building, comprising the steps of: arranging a plurality of rails on a roof in a spaced apart and substantially parallel arrangement such that each rail extends substantially in a first direction, arranging a plurality of elongate wind deflector elements across a plurality of arranged rails in a spaced apart and substantially parallel arrangement such that each elongate wind deflector element extends substantially in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to said first direction, and connecting each elongate wind deflector element to a plurality of arranged rails with a plurality of securing devices, each securing device located at an intersection of a rail and an elongate wind deflector element.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein said plurality of securing devices is configured to allow said support matrix to be adjusted, and said method further comprises the step of: adjusting said support matrix.
21. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20, further comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of solar energy collection devices, connecting a first edge of each solar energy collection device to a first rail and a second rail, and connecting a second edge of each solar energy collection device to an elongate wind deflector element.
22. A method according to any of claims 19 to 21, further comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of brackets, each bracket having: a receiving portion configured to receive an edge of a solar energy collection device by a mechanical fit, and a securing portion for securing to said support matrix, connecting a first edge of a solar energy collection device to a first rail with a first bracket and a second rail with a second bracket, and connecting a second edge of the solar energy collection device to an elongate wind deflector element with a third bracket and with a fourth bracket, whereby the solar energy collection device is connected to said support matrix at four discrete sites.
23. A method according to any of claims 19 to 22, further comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of roof trays, and locating said roof trays on said roof.
24. A method according to any of claims 19 to 23, further comprising the steps of: receiving ballast or roof fixings, and arranging said ballast or roof fixings to said support matrix to said roof.
25. A method according to any of claims 19 to 24, wherein said first direction is in a north-south direction and said second direction is in an east-west direction.
26. A method according to any of claims 19 to 25, wherein each said solar energy collection device is a photovoltaic device.
27. Apparatus for supporting a plurality of solar energy collection devices on a roof, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.
28. Apparatus for collecting solar energy, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.
29. A method of supporting a plurality solar energy collection devices onto a roof of a building, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.