NL2026083B1

NL2026083B1 - A mounting structure for solar panels on a sloping roof

Info

Publication number: NL2026083B1
Application number: NL2026083A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Hendrikus Johannes Van De Ven Dirk; Hubertus Van Der Meijden Wilhelmus; Johannes Gerardus Kavelaars Bart
Original assignee: Alius Beheer B V
Priority date: 2020-07-17
Filing date: 2020-07-17
Publication date: 2022-03-21
Also published as: WO2022015167A1; EP4183041A1

Abstract

A method and mounting structure for mounting a solar panel to a sloping roof. The structure comprises a plurality of anchoring elements for anchoring the mounting structure to the sloping roof, the anchoring elements each having an, in use, upwardly opening pivoting groove and a retainer, wherein, in use, the pivoting groove is positioned vertically lower than the retainer. The structure comprises a rail having a pivoting projection arranged to be lowered into the pivoting groove, and a grabbing hook arranged to engage the retainer, such that the rail is maintained in the anchoring elements in an upright position. The structure comprises clamping means arranged for clamping the rail to the anchoring elements.

Description

P127697NL00 Title: A mounting structure for solar panels on a sloping roof

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a mounting structure for solar panels on a sloping roof, a rail, and a method for mounting a mounting structure for mounting solar panels to a sloping roof.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Solar panels are generally mounted on sloping roofs using a mounting structure. The mounting structure normally includes a plurality of anchoring elements for anchoring the mounting structure to the roof. The anchoring elements can be brackets arranged for allowing roof tiles to be placed. The mounting structure normally also includes a plurality of rails. The rails can be mounted to the anchoring elements, e.g. using a bolted connection.

The use of bolted connections can have the disadvantage that it can be difficult to pre-position the rail onto the anchoring elements. The rail may fall or slide off the anchoring elements, especially on a sloping roof, before the user has had a chance to secure the rail to the anchoring elements.

It 1s also known to mount a rail to one or more base elements using a snap connection. NL1028379 shows an example of a rail connected to a base element using a snap connection. The snap connection can be arranged for fixation of the orientation of the rail relative to the base element in two dimensions. This connection allows sliding of the rail relative to the base element in an axial direction of the rail for enabling alignment of the rail relative to the roof.

A disadvantage of such snap connection can be that it can be cumbersome to snap the rail to a plurality of anchor elements on the roof.

Also, pre-positioning on the snap elements has the disadvantage that the rail

1s not in its normal operating position, making it difficult to assess whether or not the rail is properly positioned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object to provide a mounting structure for mounting a solar panel to a sloping roof, a rail, and a method for mounting a mounting structure for mounting solar panels to a sloping roof that obviates, or at least diminishes the disadvantages mentioned above. More in general, it is an object to provide an improved mounting structure for mounting a solar panel to a sloping roof, rail, and method for mounting a mounting structure for mounting solar panels to a sloping roof. Herein a sloping roof is defined as a roof extending in a plane deviating from horizontal by at least 15 degrees. Thereto, according to a first aspect is provided a mounting structure for mounting a solar panel to a sloping roof. The mounting structure comprises a plurality of anchoring elements for anchoring the mounting structure to the sloping roof. The anchoring elements can be mounted to the roof, e.g. to a beam, rafter, purlin, batten, plate, sheet or the like. The anchoring elements can be mounted along an ascending line on the roof. The anchoring elements each have an, in use, upwardly opening pivoting groove and a retainer. In use, the pivoting groove is positioned vertically lower than the retainer. Herein the phrase “in use” refers to the position the respective element will assume in the position when mounted to the sloping roof. The mounting structure includes one or more rails. The rail has a pivoting projection arranged to be lowered into the pivoting groove. The rail has a grabbing hook arranged to engage the retainer. The grabbing hook can engage the retainer when pivoting the rail about the pivoting projection in the pivoting groove, such that the rail is maintained in the anchoring elements in an upright position, i.e. in a position in suitable for mounting solar panels, or further rails, to the rail. When in the upright position with the grabbing hook engaging the retainer and the pivoting projection in the pivoting groove the rail can be slidable in a longitudinal direction of the rail. The mounting structure includes clamping means arranged for clamping the rail to the anchoring elements. Thus, the rail can simply be lowered with its pivoting projection into the pivoting groove and the grabbing hook engaging the retainer, or the rail can simply be lowered with its pivoting projection into the pivoting groove and pivoted such that the grabbing hook engages the retainer. The result is that the rail is positioned in upright position relative to the anchoring elements, so that alignment of the rail is simple. The rail can be slid in a longitudinal direction thereof until the clamping means have been actuated. When lowering and pivoting the grabbing hook can easily be positioned relative to the clamping means.

The mounting structure allows mounting to a large variety of roof types. Also, a modular design of the anchoring elements, or parts thereof, allows easy adaptation to many different roof types.

The rail can have constant cross section. The rail can e.g. be an extrusion, e.g. of aluminium. The pivoting projection can then form a longitudinal ridge of the rail. The grabbing hook can also form a longitudinal ridge of the rail.

Optionally, the pivoting groove has an upwardly and outwardly tapering section for receiving the pivoting projection. This allows that inserting the pivoting projection into the pivoting groove is simplified as the upwardly and outwardly tapering section automatically centers the pivoting projection in the pivoting groove.

Optionally, the retainer includes a ramp section and a groove section for receiving the grabbing hook. Hence, during pivoting the grabbing hook may be automatically be directed over the ramp section and into the groove section. Thus, having the grabbing hook arranged and the retainer engage is simplified.

Optionally, the pivoting projection is horizontally offset relative to a center of the rail. This allows for easy pivoting and can allow for optimizing the geometry in view of positioning of the rail relative to the anchoring elements.

Optionally, the grabbing hook is horizontally offset relative to a center of the rail. This way the grabbing hook can be positioned out of the way of attachments for the solar panel or further beams to be mounted to the rail.

Optionally, the pivoting projection and the grabbing hook are offset in the same direction.

Optionally, the clamping means are arranged for clamping the grabbing hook to the anchoring element. Hence, the rail can be fixed relative to the anchoring element effectively.

Optionally, the clamping means are arranged to be actuated from a top side. Thus, actuation of the clamping means, especially when on the sloping roof, is simplified.

Optionally, the anchoring element include a first section arranged to be mounted to the roof, and a second section including the pivoting groove and/or retainer arranged to be mounted to the first section. Optionally, the clamping means are mounted to the first and/or section by a fastener, such as a screw or bolt, that also mounts the second section to the first section. Thus, a single fastener can be used for the purpose of mounting the second section to the first section and for clamping.

According to a second aspect is provided a rail for mounting a solar panel to a plurality of anchoring elements mounted to a sloping roof. The rail includes a pivoting projection, and a grabbing hook.

Optionally, the pivoting projection is arranged to be lowered into a pivoting groove of the anchoring elements. The grabbing hook can be arranged to engage a retainer of the anchoring elements, e.g. when pivoting the rail about the pivoting projection in the pivoting groove, such that the rail

1s maintained in the anchoring elements 1n an upright position, while slidable in a longitudinal direction of the rail.

Optionally, the pivoting projection is, in use, at a lower position than the grabbing hook.

5 Optionally, the pivoting projection is horizontally offset relative to a center of the rail. Optionally, the grabbing hook is horizontally offset relative to a center of the rail. Optionally, the pivoting projection and the grabbing hook are offset in the same direction.

Optionally, the rail is arranged such that it will not maintain an upright position when placed on a flat surface. The pivoting projection can form a lowermost boundary of the rail. Thus, the pivoting projection can easily be inserted into the pivoting groove. The pivoting projection being the lowermost boundary of the rail can result in the rail not maintaining an upright position when placed on a flat surface. This, however, does not impede, and in fact may assist, proper positioning of the rail with respect to the anchoring element.

According to a third aspect is provided a rail for mounting a solar panel to a sloping roof, for instance as described above, having a first upright wall, a second upright wall, a bridge connecting a lower end of the first wall and a lower end of the second wall, and a third upright wall having an upper end connected to the bridge. It has been found that such geometry provides the rail that can easily be mounted to the anchoring elements. Also, the geometry has a beneficial effect on the rail resisting bending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the roof. Also, the geometry can have a beneficial effect on the rail allowing some bending in a direction parallel to the plane of the roof.

Optionally, the third wall extends in the same plane as the first wall. Thus the first and third walls together contribute to stiffness. The third wall can be a prolongation of the first wall.

Optionally, the rail has a fourth wall having an upper end connected to the bridge and a lower end connected to the third wall. The fourth wall may prevent deflection of the third wall.

Optionally, the bridge is substantially V-shaped. This allows vertical forces exerted onto the second wall to be directed to the third and/or fourth wall. Optionally, the upper end of the fourth wall is connected to a tip of the V-shaped bridge.

Optionally, the rail includes a grabbing hook connected to the first or second wall.

Optionally, the lower end of the third wall forms a pivoting projection.

Optionally, the first and/or second wall includes one or more mounting flanges. The mounting flanges can be inwardly projecting mounting flanges.

According to a fourth aspect is provided a mounting structure for mounting a solar panel to a sloping roof, comprising a plurality of anchoring elements for anchoring the mounting structure to the sloping roof, and one or more rails as described above.

Optionally, each anchoring element has an, in use, upwardly opening pivoting groove and a retainer. Optionally, in use, the pivoting groove 1s positioned vertically lower than the retainer.

According to a fifth aspect is provided an anchoring element for mounting a solar panel to a sloping roof, including an, in use, upwardly opening pivoting groove and a retainer.

Optionally, in use, the pivoting groove is positioned vertically lower than the retainer.

According to an sixth aspect is provided a method for constructing a mounting structure for mounting a solar panel to a sloping roof. The method includes the step of mounting a plurality of anchoring elements to the sloping roof, the anchoring elements each having an, in use, upwardly opening pivoting groove and a retainer, wherein, in use, the pivoting groove is positioned vertically lower than the retainer. The method includes the step of lowering a rail having a pivoting projection and a grabbing hook, with the pivoting projection into the pivoting groove. The method includes the step of having the grabbing hook engage the retainer for maintain the rail in an upright position. The method includes the step of actuating clamping means arranged for clamping the rail to the anchoring element.

Optionally, the method includes lowering the pivoting projection in an upwardly and outwardly tapering section of the pivoting groove.

Optionally, the method includes pivoting the rail about the pivoting projection such that the grabbing hook engages the retainer.

Optionally, the method includes during pivoting having the grabbing hook pass over a ramp section and into a groove section of the retainer.

Optionally, the method includes sliding the rail to a desired position in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Optionally, the method includes actuating the clamping means for clamping the grabbing hook to the anchoring element. The method can include actuating the clamping means from a top side.

Optionally, the method includes mounting a first section of the anchoring element to the roof, and mounting a second section of the anchoring element including the pivoting groove and/or retainer to the first section.

Optionally, the method includes mounting the clamping means to the first section using a fastener that also mounts the first section to the second section.

Optionally, the method includes actuating the clamping means for clamping the grabbing hook to the anchoring element using the fastener.

Optionally, the method includes sliding the rail in a longitudinal direction of the rail when maintained in the anchoring elements in an upright position, and when the clamping means are not clamping the rail to the anchoring elements. Thus, the rail can easily be aligned in a longitudinal direction thereof. It will be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described in view of the mounting structures apply equally to the rails, anchoring elements and methods, and vice versa. It will also be clear that any one or more of the above aspects, features and options can be combined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an example of a mounting structure on a roof; Figure 2A shows an example of a mounting structure; Figure 2B shows an example of a mounting structure; Figure 3A shows an example of a mounting structure; Figure 3B shows an example of a mounting structure; Figures 4A-41 show examples of a cross section of a rail; and Figure 5 shows an exemplary flow chart of a method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows an example of a mounting structure 1 for mounting a solar panel 2 to a sloping roof 4. The mounting structure 1 includes a plurality of anchoring elements 6. The anchoring elements 6 are arranged for anchoring the mounting structure 1 to the sloping roof 4. The anchoring elements can be mounted to the roof 4, e.g. to a beam, rafter, purlin, batten, plate, sheet or the like. In this example, the anchoring elements 6 are mounted along a plurality of ascending line 8 on the roof. Figures 2A and 2B show an example of an anchoring element 6 arranged to be mounted to a roof plate or batten. Figures 3A and 3B show an example of an anchoring element 6 arranged to be mounted to a beam or rafter. The anchoring element 6 has an, in mounted position, upwardly opening pivoting groove 10 and a retainer

12. In this example, the pivoting groove 10 is positioned vertically lower than the retainer 12. Here, the pivoting groove 10 has an upwardly and outwardly tapering section. The mounting structure 1 includes one or more rails 14. The rail 14 can have constant cross section. The rail 14 can e.g. be an extrusion, e.g. of aluminium. Figures 44-41 show cross sectional views of exemplary rails 14. In Figure 4A, the rail 14 has a first upright wall 20, a second upright wall 22, and a bridge 24 connecting the first wall 20 and the second wall 22. Here, the bridge 24 connects a lower end 26 of the first wall 20 and a lower end 28 of the second wall 22. In Figure 4A the rail 14 further includes a third upright wall 30 connected to the bridge 24. Here the third upright wall 30 has an upper end 32 connected to the bridge 24. In this example the third wall 30 extends in the same plane as the first wall 20. Thus the first and third walls 20, 32 together contribute to stiffness. Here third wall 32 is a prolongation of the first wall 20. The rail 14 further includes a grabbing hook

34. A lower end 36 of the third wall 30 in this example forms a pivoting projection 38. The pivoting projection 38 can form a longitudinal ridge of the rail 14. The grabbing hook 34 can also form a longitudinal ridge of the rail 14. Figure 4B shows a cross section of a rail 14 similar to that shown in Figure 4A. In the example of Figure 4B the bridge 24 connects to the second wall 22 at a point higher than the lower end 28 of the second wall 22. Figure 4C shows a cross section of a rail 14 similar to that shown in Figure 4A. In the example of Figure 4C the third wall 30 connects to a center 38 of the bridge 24. Here, the upper end 32 of the third wall 30 connects to the center 38 of the bridge 24. Figure 4D shows a cross section of a rail 14 similar to that shown in Figure 4A. In the example of Figure 4D the rail 14 includes a fourth wall 40 having an upper end 42 connected to the bridge 24 and a lower end 44 connected to the third wall 30. The fourth wall 40 may prevent deflection of the third wall 30. Here the upper end 42 of the fourth wall 40 connects to the bridge 24 near the lower end 28 of the second wall 22.

Figure 4E shows a cross section of a rail 14 similar to that shown in Figure 4D. In the example of Figure 4E the upper end 42 of the fourth wall 40 connects to the bridge 24 near the center 38.

Figure 4F shows a cross section of a rail 14 similar to that shown in Figure 4A. In the example of Figure 4F the bridge 24 is substantially V- shaped.

Figure 4G shows a cross section of a rail 14 similar to that shown in Figure 4C. In the example of Figure 4G the bridge 24 is substantially V- shaped.

Figure 4H shows a cross section of a rail 14 similar to that shown in Figure 4E. In the example of Figure 4H the bridge 24 is substantially V- shaped.

Figure 41 shows a cross section of a rail 14 similar to that shown in Figure 4F. In the example of Figure 41 the bridge 24 is substantially V- shaped. Here the upper end 32 of the third wall 30 is connected to the bridge 24 near the center 38, while a large portion of the third wall 30 extends in the same plane as the first wall 20.

In the examples of Figures 4A, 4B, 4D, 4F, 4H and 41 the pivoting projection 38 is horizontally offset relative to a center of the rail 14. This allows for easy pivoting and can allow for optimizing the geometry in view of positioning of the rail 14 relative to the anchoring elements 6. In the examples of Figures 4A-41, the grabbing hook 34 is horizontally offset relative to a center of the rail 14. This way the grabbing hook can be positioned out of the way of attachments for the solar panel or further beams to be mounted to the rail. In the examples of Figures 4A, 4B, 4D, 4F, 4H and 41, the pivoting projection 38 and the grabbing hook 34 are offset in the same direction, although it will be appreciated that also examples are conceivable in which the pivoting projection 38 and the grabbing hook 34 are offset in different directions.

It is noted that the rail 14, e.g. as depicted in Figures 4A-41 can include one or more mounting flanges 46. In the examples the first wall 20 and second wall 22 each includes two mounting flanges 46. It will be appreciated that any number or geometry of mounting flanges is possible.

Here, the mounting flanges 46 are inwardly projecting mounting flanges.

Returning to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the anchoring element 6 includes clamping means 48 arranged for clamping the rail 14 to the anchoring elements 6. In the examples the clamping means 48 are arranged for clamping the grabbing hook 34 to the anchoring element 6. Here, the clamping means 48 are arranged to be actuated from a top side.

Thus, actuation of the clamping means, especially when on the sloping roof, is simplified.

Actuation of the clamping means 48 can be effected by an actuator 50, such as a screw, bolt, or the like.

In Figures 1, 2 and 3 the anchoring element 6 include a first section 52 arranged to be mounted to the roof 4, and a second section 54 including the pivoting groove 10 and/or retainer 12. The second section 54 is arranged to be mounted to the first section 52. Here, the clamping means 48 are mounted to the second section 54 by a fastener 56, such as a screw or bolt, that also mounts the second section 52 to the first section 54. Thus, a single fastener 56 can be used for the purpose of mounting the first section 52 to the second section 54 and for clamping.

The mounting system 1 as described thus far can be used in a method 100 as shown in Figure 5. In a step 102 one or more anchoring elements 6 are attached to the sloping roof 4. In a step 104 the rail 14 is lowered in engagement with the anchoring elements 6. Thereto the pivoting projection 38 of the rail 14 is lowered into the pivoting groove 10. The rail 14 is pivoted about the pivoting projection 38 in the pivoting groove 10, such that in step 106 the grabbing hook 34 engages the retainer 12. Figures 2B and 3B show a situation in which the rail 14 is in an angled position ready to be pivoted towards an upright position. Figures 2A and 2B show a situation in which the rail 14 has been pivoted to the upright position in which the grabbing hook 34 engages the retainer 12. In the examples, the retainer 12 includes a ramp section 58 and a groove section 60 for receiving the grabbing hook 34. Hence, during pivoting the grabbing hook 34 may be automatically be directed over the ramp section 58 and into the groove section 60. Thus, having the grabbing hook 34 and the retainer 12 engage upon pivoting of the rail 14 is simplified. Now the rail 14 is maintained in the anchoring elements 6 in an upright position, i.e. in a position suitable for mounting solar panels 2, or further rails, to the rail 14. When in the upright position with the grabbing hook 34 engaging the retainer 12 and the pivoting projection 38 in the pivoting groove 10 the rail can in a step 108 be slid in a longitudinal direction of the rail 14, e.g. for aligning the rail 14 with a position on the roof 4 or with other rails 14. In a step 110 the clamping means 48 are actuated such that the rail 14 is clamped to the anchoring element 6. Optionally, in a step 112 further rails 62 are mounted to the rails 14. The further rails 62 can e.g. extend horizontally. In a step 114 solar panels 2 are mounted to the rails 14 and/or to the further rails 62. Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged.

In the examples the clamping means are shown as a part separate from the second section of the anchoring element. It is also possible that the clamping means are integral with the second section. The clamping means can e.g. be hingedly connected to the second section at point 64, e.g. by means of an elastic hinge.

It will be appreciated that the anchoring element, or parts thereof, such as the first section, second section and clamping means can be formed by extrusion, milling, bending, stamping, and/or additive manufacturing, or the like.

However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense.

For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

Claims

Conclusions

A mounting structure for mounting a solar panel to a pitched roof, comprising - a plurality of anchoring elements for anchoring the mounting structure to the pitched roof, the anchoring members each having - an upwardly opening tilt groove, in use, and - a retainer, wherein, in use, the tilt groove is positioned vertically lower than the retainer; - a rail having - a tilting projection adapted to be lowered into the tilting groove, and - a gripping hook adapted to engage the retainer such that the rail is held upright in the anchoring elements; and - clamping means adapted to clamp the rail against the anchoring elements.

The mounting structure of claim 1, wherein the tilt groove has an upwardly and outwardly tapered portion for receiving the tilting projection.

The mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the retainer comprises an inclined portion and a groove portion for receiving the gripping hook upon tilting.

The mounting structure of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the tilting projection is horizontally offset from a center of the rail.

The mounting structure of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the grab hook is horizontally offset from a center of the rail.

The mounting structure according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the tilting projection and the gripping hook are offset in the same direction.

The mounting structure according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the clamping means are adapted for clamping the gripping hook against the anchoring element.

The mounting structure according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the clamping means is arranged to be operated from a top.

The mounting structure of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the anchoring element comprises a first portion adapted to be mounted to the roof, and a second portion comprising the tilt groove and/or retainer adapted to be mounted to the first portion.

The mounting structure of claims 8 and 9, wherein the clamping means is mounted to the first portion by a fastener that also mounts the first portion to the second portion.

The mounting structure of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the rail is slidable in a longitudinal direction of the rail when held upright in the anchoring members, and when the clamping means does not clamp the rail against the anchoring members.

A rail for mounting a solar panel to a plurality of anchoring elements mounted on a pitched roof, comprising - a tilting projection, and - a grappling hook.

The rail according to claim 12, wherein - the tilting projection is adapted to be lowered into a tilting groove of the anchoring elements, and - the gripping hook is adapted to engage a retainer of the anchoring elements, such that the rail is upright in the anchoring elements. is held while being slidable in a longitudinal direction of the rail.

The rail of claim 12 or 13, wherein the tilt projection, in use, is at a lower position than the grip hook.

The rail of claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the tilt projection is horizontally offset from a center of the rail.

The rail of any one of claims 12-15, wherein the grab hook is horizontally offset from a center of the rail.

The rail of claims 15 and 16, wherein the tilting projection and the gripping hook are offset in the same direction.

The rail of any one of claims 12-17, wherein the rail is arranged so as not to remain upright when placed on a flat surface.

A rail for mounting a solar panel to a pitched roof, for instance according to any one of claims 12-18, comprising - a first upright wall, - a second upright wall, - a bridge connecting a bottom side of the first wall and a bottom side of the second wall, and - a third upright wall with a top connected to the bridge.

The rail of claim 19, wherein the third wall extends in the same plane as the first wall.

The rail of claim 19 or 20, comprising a fourth wall having a top joined to the bridge and a bottom joined to the third wall.

The rail of claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein the bridge is substantially V-shaped.

The rail of claims 21 and 22, wherein the top of the fourth wall is connected to a top of the V-shaped bridge.

The rail of any one of claims 19-23, comprising a grab hook attached to the first or second wall.

The rail of any one of claims 19-24, wherein the bottom of the third wall forms a tilt projection.

The rail of any one of claims 19-25, wherein the first and/or second wall comprises one or more mounting flanges.

A mounting structure for mounting a solar panel to a pitched roof, comprising - a plurality of anchoring elements for anchoring the mounting structure to the pitched roof, and - one or more rails according to any one of claims 12-26.

The mounting structure of claim 27, wherein each anchoring element comprises - an upwardly opening tilt groove, in use, and - a retainer.

The mounting structure of claim 28, wherein, in use, the tilt groove is positioned vertically lower than the retainer.

30. An anchoring element for mounting a solar panel to a pitched roof, comprising - an upwardly opening tilt groove, in use, and - a retainer.

The anchoring element of claim 30, wherein, in use, the tilt groove is positioned vertically lower than the retainer.

A method of constructing a mounting structure for mounting a solar panel to a pitched roof, comprising the steps of: mounting a plurality of anchor members to the pitched roof, the anchor members each being one, in use, facing upwards opening tilt groove and a retainer, wherein, in use, the tilt groove is positioned vertically lower than the retainer; - lowering a rail with a tilting projection and a gripping hook, with the tilting projection in the tilting groove;

- engage the grab hook with the retainer to hold the rail upright; and - actuating clamping means adapted to clamp the rail against the anchoring element.

The method of claim 32, comprising lowering the tilt projection into an upwardly and outwardly tapering portion of the tilt groove.

The method of claim 32 or 33, comprising tilting the rail about the tilting projection such that the gripping hook engages the retainer.

The method of claim 34, comprising passing the gripping hook during tilting over an inclined portion and into a groove portion of the retainer.

The method of any one of claims 32-35, comprising sliding the rail to a desired position in a longitudinal direction thereof.

The method according to any one of claims 32-36, comprising actuating the clamping means for clamping the gripping hook against the anchoring element.

The method of claim 37, comprising actuating the clamping means from a top.

The method according to any one of claims 32-38, comprising mounting a first portion of the anchoring means to the roof, and mounting a second portion of the anchoring means comprising the tilt groove and/or retainer to the first portion.

The method of claim 39, comprising mounting the clamping means to the first portion with a fastener that also mounts the first portion to the second portion.

The method of claim 40, comprising actuating the clamping means to clamp the gripping hook against the anchoring element with the fastener.

The method according to any one of claims 32-41, comprising sliding the rail in a longitudinal direction of the rail while being held upright in the anchoring elements, and when the clamping means does not clamp the rail against the anchoring elements.