RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Australian provisional application no. 2019903174 filed 30 August 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a system and method of mounting panels. In particular, the system and method relate to mounting resiliently deflectable solar panels on a surface of a recreational vehicle such as a caravan, camping trailer or boat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Recreational vehicles, such as caravans and camper trailers, are a common and popular form of portable accommodation used by many to enjoy outdoor activities in an independent and comfortable manner. Similarly small or medium marine vehicles can be used as recreational and portable accommodation, including houseboats, barges, yachts and the like, and to allow pleasure travel between destinations in water bodies such as lakes, rivers or seas. To maintain the portable accommodation in the independent and comfortable manner, it is convenient and sometimes necessary to generate power on that vehicle for powering appliances, lighting, air-conditioning and other comforts.

[0004] Solar panels are in widespread use for residential purposes however conventional glass solar panels are heavy and cumbersome. As the weight of a conventional glass solar panel system may significantly increases the towing energy required to tow or use a recreational vehicle, especially that in off-road or mountainous regions, this has discouraged vehicle users tfom installation of these systems.

[0005] Advances in solar panel technology has decreased the weight of the solar panels mostly by use of alternative materials to replace the conventional glass. These light-weight panels are therefore more desirable for use for the recreational application mentioned above. [0006] The light-weight panels have inherently low stiffness and thicknesses which require different mounting methods to those previously used for conventional glass panels, and typically lack any rigid frame. The common and default method of mounting the solar panel systems typically involves bonding the panel directly to or securing the panel at the corners of the body surface, for example, a caravan roof, to provide support and hold the panel rigidly. The panels, mounted by such methods, are vulnerable to various stresses such as thermal effects, plastic deformation, movement, vibration and over-heating, and consequently is subject to high rates of premature electrical failure and distortion. Furthermore, the stressed panels generally operate at lower rates of efficiency due to damage and typically higher operating temperatures.

[0007] In addition, removal of the panels bonded to the body surface is difficult and costly to remove which can result in damage to the panel and/or body surface.

[0008] As operation of the panels which are directly bonded to or in contact with the body surface can generate significant amounts of heat, this can damage coatings or materials used on the body surface of the vehicle or the underlying structure, such as composite sandwich panels. Use of an intermediate heat sink or hollow cored panel can alleviate the damage but also adds to the cost, weight and bulk of the system.

[0009] Another disadvantage of bonding panels directly to the body surface is the high rate of heat transfer to the body surface which results in the heating of the space underneath, such as the cabin of a houseboat or caravan.

[0010] Examples of the invention seek to solve or at least ameliorate one or more disadvantages of previous panel mounting systems. It is desirable to provide a system and method of mounting panels which provides a way of stably or securely mounting resiliently deflectable panels and/or which prevents or reduces damage to the panels or recreational vehicle surface.

[001 1] The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the above prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for mounting resiliently deflectable panels on a surface, the system having holding structure for holding edges of at least one panel and support structure attachable to the surface, the holding structure being mountably engageable to the support structure such that, when the at least one panel is mounted, the system is configured to exert force lateral to a plane of the un-deflected panel thereby mounting the panel in a flexed state having upwardly projection of a central portion of the panel(s).

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the engagement of the holding structure to the respective support structure by mounting the panel edges exerts the afore -mentioned force at an angle relative to the surface such that the central portion projects upwardly.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the holding structure includes a pair of holding members for holding opposing edges of each of the at least one panel, and the support structure includes corresponding support members spaced substantially apart by a width of the panel, wherein, when the at least one panel is so held, the holding members are configured to mateably engage to respective adjacent support members for mounting one of the at least one panel therebetween.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the holding members are elongated holding members configured to hold the opposed panel edges substantially along the entire length of the respective panel edge.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the system is for mounting two or more panels in side-by-side configuration, including at least one further support member spaced apart from an adjacent one of the support members by the panel width, wherein each support member has a pair of engaging portions which extend on opposite sides thereof, each engaging portion capable of engaging a respective holding member of panels to be mounted on the inwardly directed engaging members of each pair of adjacent support members such that the further panel is mountable between the further support member and adjacent support member. [0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the engagement of the holding members to the engaging portion is in the form of a lipped flange portion being engageable into a correspondingly shaped channel via an open end of the channel, and when so engaged, the flange portion extends from a longitudinal opening of the channel.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the flange portion extends from the longitudinal channel opening at an obtuse angle rearwardly of the panel relative to the mounted panel edge for exerting force lateral to a plane of the un-deflected panel.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the holding member has a portion in the form of the channel and the support member has a portion in the form of the lipped flange portion or vice versa.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the channel has a c-shaped cross-section and the end of lipped flange portion has a correspondingly shaped cross-section for engaging an inner wall of the channel.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the or each support member has a base configured to contact the surface and further attach thereto.

[0022] Preferably, the base having a pair of spaced apart leg members, each leg member having a recess arranged to face the surface when the base is so attached and further being configured for receiving adhesion materials therein for facilitating attachment thereto. More preferably, the adhesion materials include adhesive tape material or adhesives.

[0023] According to a more preferred embodiment, the system includes securing members provided at the opposing ends of the engaged holding and support structure for preventing disengagement of the panels therefrom. In an embodiment, the support structure includes reinforcing structure intermediate the surface and the central portion of the panel to exert the afore -mentioned force to project the central portion upwardly.

[0024] Alternatively, the or each securing member is configured to receive an attachable fastener for retaining and/or protecting electrical connectors which conduct power from the panel(s). In an embodiment, the support structure can include reinforcing structure intermediate the surface and the central portion of the panel to exert the afore -mentioned force to project the central portion upwardly. [0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the holding structure is configured to hold the or each panel in a flexed state prior to engagement to the support structure.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the system includes the or each panel so mounted by the assembly being resiliently deflectable solar panels and wherein the panels includes at least one sheet or coating material, the at least one sheet or coating material being for one or more of the following: cooling, insulating, reduction of conductive or radiative heat transfer, increase of structural integrity or resistance to deflection, increase of structural integrity or resistance to deflection at high temperatures, or for introducing deflection of the or each panel prior to mounting.

[0027] Preferably, the system includes a heat shield or membrane intermediate the or each panel and the surface for prevention or reduction of heat transfer to the surface.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of mounting resilient deflectable panels on a surface, including the steps of: fitting two opposing edges of at least one panel with holding members; attaching support structure to the surface, the support structure comprising support members, each support member in a spaced-apart arrangement substantially a width of the panel to be mounted being engageable to a corresponding holding member for mounting the at least one panel in a flexed state for upwardly projection of a central portion of the panel by exerting force lateral to a plane of the un-deflected panel.

[0029] The method can include the step of attaching the or each un-deflected panel by one edge before flexing the panel and attaching the panel at its opposite edge.

[0030] The method alternatively includes the step of fixing the or each panel in the flexed state by use of curved holding members or by including a sheet material to the rear of the or each panel prior to engagement of the panels to the support structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031 ] The present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0032] Figs. 1 and 2 are top and side views of a resiliently deflectable panel when undeflected;

[0033] Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of holding members for the panel of Figs 1 and 2;

[0034] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of part of the holding members of Fig. 3;

[0035] Fig. 5 is the panel of Fig. 3 with the holding members on opposing edges of the panel;

[0036] Fig. 6 is a front perspective of a pair of support members on a surface;

[0037] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of Fig. 6 of one of the support members in the process of being attached to the surface;

[0038] Figs. 8 and 9 are perspective views of the panel of Fig. 5 in a deflected state ready for engagement to the support members of Fig. 6;

[0039] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a system of mounting a resiliently deflectable panel according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figs. 11 and 12 are front perspective views of a system of mounting three resiliently deflectable panels according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Fig. 13 is a rear perspective view of the system of Figs. 11 and 2 with securing elements;

[0042] Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of the system of Fig. 13;

[0043] Fig. 15 is a front perspective view of the system of Figs. 11 to 14;

[0044] Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of the system of Fig. 15; and

[0045] Fig. 17 is a view of Fig. 16 showing a fastener for retaining wiring and/or connectors separated from the system for ease of viewing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0046] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

[0047] Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, there is shown a resiliently deflectable panel 2 for mounting in a system 4, 5 according to preferred embodiments of the present invention which will be discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs and with reference to Figs 9 to 15. The system 4, 5 is described below as being for use for mounting the resiliently deflectable panels 2 on a surface of a vehicle used for recreational activities, such as an upper surface or roof of a camper trailer, caravan, houseboat or the like. However it will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention could be used on a variety of surfaces, such as surfaces of other structures such as buildings or on the ground or on the surface of non-recreational vehicles. The panel described in this disclosure are solar panels however the embodiments may be equally directed to other types of panels, i.e. hot water panels, which have similar resiliently deflectable characteristics.

[0048] In an unmounted state the panel 2 is un-deflected and lies substantially flat as illustrated in Figs 1 to 4. When the panel 2 is subject to forces applied laterally to a plane of the un-deflected panel, for example at the opposing edges of the panel or at a central portion of the panel, the panel 2 may be flexed or deflected in either the width and/or length direction depending on the type of solar panel and its materials. Each panel 2 has a junction box and a pair of cables 8 and connectors 10 for electrical connection to other panels, an energy storage system or for powering a recreational vehicle.

[0049] The system 4 is configured to exert force lateral to the plane of the un-deflected panel 2 for mounting at least one panel in a flexed state 14, for example the forces are exerted downwardly at the opposing edges of the panel 14 or upwardly at a central portion of the panel 14. The system 4 has holding structure for holding at least one panel 2, 14 which is engageable to support structure attachable to the recreational vehicle surface. In one embodiment illustrated in Figs. 8 to 10, the system 4 is configured to mount a single panel 14 in a flexed state while in another preferred embodiment illustrated in Figs. 9 to 16, the system 5 is configured to mount three such flexed panels 14 in side-by-side configuration. [0050] Mounting the panels in a flexed state has a number of significant advantages. First, the panels are mounted more rigidly thereby reducing movement of the panels when carried by the recreational vehicle and thus preventing damage. Moreover, the solar cells are positively located. The panels are also advantageously mounted only at the panel sides which allows freedom to expand and contract due to temperatures changes of the panel or the surface on which it is mounted. The panels are also mounted with an air space intermediate the panel and the surface which allows air flow by convention or forced convection and reduces heat transfer to the surface by conduction or solar radiation. Therefore as the panels are cooler, they operate at higher efficiencies, have increased lifespans and are at reduced risk of damage from overheating, risk of electrical failure and distortion. Mounting the panels in an arrangement also advantageously provides self-cleaning properties.

[0051] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figs. 9 to 15, the holding structure includes a pair of elongate holding members 16, each portion 16 being configured for holding opposing edges of each panel 2, 14. The holding structure includes a retaining portion 18 at an opposite side to each holding member 16 which is configured to mateably engage at an obtuse angle to an engaging portion 20 of the support structure, when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the holding structure, such that a plane parallel to the panel edges is inclined at an angle relative to the surface 12.

[0052] As illustrated particularly in Fig. 7, each support member has a pair of engaging portions 20 which extends on opposite sides for allowing support of two adjacent panel edges More particularly, the engaging portions 18 are inwardly and upwardly directed at an angle to the vertical for supporting the mounted panel 14 therebetween.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figs. 3 to 9, the holding structure holds the entire length of opposing panel edges which advantageously spreads the deflection forces required along the entire length of those edges. As illustrated more particular in Fig. 4, each holding member 16 is in the form of a pair of spaced-apart elongate flanges bridged by a rear wall which is arranged to receive the respective panel edge portion fittingly therein. The rear flange extends further than the front flange so as to provide additional support to the edges of the flexed panel 14.

[0054] As the panels 14 are held only at two opposing edges, the panels 14 are free to expand and contract with changes of temperatures which reduces or prevents damage to the panels. It will be appreciated that the holding structure can take a variety of forms. In an alternative embodiment, the holding structure can hold the panel structure at at least two or three points along each opposed edge, for example by clamps or clips, which is the minimum contact points by which the opposing panel edges can be held and effectively deflect the panel.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the panel 14 can be held in the flexed state by use of curved holding members prior to being mounted onto the recreational vehicle surface. The curved holding members can then be engaged onto similarly curved support structure for mounting the panels 14.

[0056] As illustrated in the embodiment of Figs. 9 to 15, the retaining portion 18 is in the form of a cylindrically shaped channel or groove having a c-shaped cross-section which can slidably and mateably receive the engaging portion 20 in the form of a correspondingly lipped flange portion which extends from the support structure so that the inner surface of the channel contacts the surface of the flange portion to provide a secure engagement. In a most preferred arrangement, the lip of the flange is in the form of a channel which is sized to fit within the channel of the retaining portion 18. The engagement is configured such that the flexed panel 14 held by the support structure is locatable end-to-end to the support structure, as illustrated in Fig 9 such that the lipped flange portion 20 can be slidably received into the channel 18 via a channel open end, and when so received the panel 14 is stably and securely held in the flexed state.

[0057] However, in a more preferred embodiment, the engagement of the retaining portion

18 and engaging portion 20 is configured to be a looser and/or more flexible engagement including a snap-fit type engagement. In particular, the sides of channel or groove of the retaining portion 18 is configured to be resiliently separable so as to be manipulate under force and then return to its initial shape in the absence of said force so as to be able to receive the engaging portion therein along its edge. As such when the engaging portion 20 is aligned edge- to-edge parallel to and adjacent to the retaining portion 18, an end of an edge of the engaging portion 20 can be inserted into a respective end of the channel of the retaining portion 18 and the sides of the channel are able to separate to allow the engaging portion 20 entry under force and then close about the engaging portion 20 in the absence of force. Then the remainder of the engaging portion 20 can be similarly and easily manipulated by direct force into the retaining portion 18 such as by force applied by a thumb or finger. Adhesive can be directed into the channel before insertion, and preferably along its entire length so as to fix the engagement.

[0058] The applicant expects that in this embodiment that the engagement of the first edge of the panel 2 to the mounting system can be as easily or more easily effected when the panel 2 is in an un-flexed state though it is envisaged that the panel can be initially engaged in either state. To mount the second edge of un-flexed panel 2 a support, for example a block of wood or other material having a cross-section of about 100 mm x 50mm, is placed under the central portion of the panel 2 and force can be applied downwardly on the unengaged un-flexed panel edge to flex it into a position such that the second edge is then aligned edge-to-edge and parallel to the corresponding retaining portion 18. Thus in this preferred embodiment, the need for holding structure is obviated and the required panel flexing can be effected by a simple support in the form of a block. The engaging portion 20 of the second edge of the flexed panel 14 can be then snap-fit into the retaining portion 18 in the same way as the first panel edge simply by inserting one end of the engaging portion 20 into the retaining portion 18 and running a finger down the flexed panel edge to forcibly direct it into the remaining retaining portion 18 until the panel edge is fully engaged therein.

[0059] The angular mounting of the held panel edges when so received is provided by the angled offset of the channel/groove longitudinal opening with respect to the holding member 16, which firmly engages with the inwardly and upwardly directed lipped flange portions of the support members as illustrated in Fig. 4. Therefore when the panels 14 are mounted, the plane parallel to the panel edge portions inclines downwardly at an angle relative to the surface 12 and the central portion of the panel 14 projects upwardly. In particular, the channel/groove opening, when viewed along the longitudinal axis, is at an obtuse angle, about 135°, to the flanges of the holding member, while the lipped flange portions incline upwardly at an angle of about 45° from the vertical however it will be appreciated that the angles can be varied so as to increase or decrease the curvature of the panel 14 as desired.

[0060] While the Figs illustrates a channel/groove and lipped flange portion engagement having a c-shaped cross-section it will be appreciated that the mating engagements could be in a variety of shapes or types, i.e. having a variety of cross-section types such as dovetail, anchor, arrow or x-shaped. Also it can be understood that the engagement may instead comprise the support structure which has a retaining portion in the form of a cylindrical channel or groove which is engageable to an engaging portion having a correspondingly shaped lipped flange portion of the holding structure in a reverse of the illustrated embodiments.

[0061] Alternatively, the cylindrical channel and lipped flange engagement can be replaced by support members having holding portions (not shown) which can receive and hold the edge of the deflected panel 14 directly. In a preferred embodiment, these holding portions are in the form of flanges spaced-apart by the thickness of the panel 2, 14 or a groove configured to hold a panel edge similar to that illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0062] If a more permanent engagement is required, adhesive can be inserted within the channel or groove or on the lipped flange portion before engagement.

[0063] To ensure that the engagement is secure, a securing member 28 can be attachable to the opposed ends of the engaged support member and holding member to prevent the panels from disengagement. As illustrated in Figs. 13 to 16, the securing member 28 can be in the form of a cap having a hole or holes 29 which can receive a self-tapping screw 30 and which is insertable into a hole 32 formed within the channel ends of the engaging portions 20. Alternatively additional holes can be provided elsewhere such as in the base of the support member. This securing and engagement arrangement allows that the panels 14 can be easily and securely mounted or installed then just as easily dis-mounted for replacement, repair, upgrade or maintenance. The securing members 28 can also include a pair of anchor portions to which the cables and/or connectors of the panels can be attached. In an example, the cables and/or connectors can be attached by fasteners such as cable ties, clamps or short pieces of line material to the anchor portions. The anchor portions 34 can be in the form of short passageways or holes which can provide a tie-off point. In a more preferred embodiment illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17, the fastener 34 for attaching the cable and/or connectors can be fixably and mateably connected over the securing member 28 with the connectors 10 therebetween for protection from the elements and damage by uncontrolled movement. As shown, the fastener 34 is in the form of a semi-cylindrical portion which is arranged to fit over the connectors 10 and the fastener 34 and securing member 28 are configured with a snap-lock connection. In particular, the fastener 34 has three barbed protrusions 36 which mateably engage into respective holes 38 of the securing member 28 and where the barbed portions prevent the fastener 34 from disengagement thereafter. Alternatively the engagement can be in the form of a releasable engagement so that the mounting system can be easily dis-assembled if required for maintenance or replacement. [0064] The base of the support member can take a variety of forms however in the preferred embodiment illustrated most particularly in Figs. 6 and 7, the base includes a pair of foot members 22, the ends of which are adapted to attach to the surface. The leg members 22 may also include a recess 24 arranged to face the surface 12 and to receive adhesion materials 26 such as adhesive or adhesive tape which facilitates attachment of the support structure to the surface 12. In a particular embodiment, the dimensions of the recess 24 are arranged to conform to the standard width and depth of available adhesive tape material so as to conveniently retain the tape material therein.

[0065] Alternatively, the recess 24 can be arranged to receive a thickness of adhesive 26 which is at least the recommended thickness of adhesive for maximum adhesive power and which conveniently retains the adhesive within and prevent unsightly spillage of the adhesive at the edges. Although fastening materials are described above, it can be understood that the leg members 22 may be provided with holes arranged to receive fasteners for example bolts, screws or nails to attach the support structure to the surface 12.

[0066] However in an preferred embodiment, the system 4,5 may comprise support structure or include additional support structure to exert upward force on the rear of the mounted panel 14 such that a central portion thereof projects upwardly and above the panel edges. For example a central support (not shown) may be provided intermediate the rear central portion of the panel 14 and the surface 12, in the form of an upright rod or column. The central support can include an eyelet or rings at an upper end thereof to withstand localised forces between the central support and rear panel surface.

[0067] The panels 14 can include at least one sheet material (not shown) on a rear side of the panel opposite the solar cells. Preferably, the at least one sheet material substantially covers the rear side of the panel 14 and may be applied during manufacture of the panel 14. The sheet material can include a layer of material which is configured to reinforce the panel thereby increasing its structure integrity and/or resistance to deflection. In particular, the sheet material may be configured to improve integrity and/or resistance to deflection at high temperatures. The sheet material may include reinforcing materials such as fibre-glass, metals including steel or aluminium, however it can be appreciated that many other materials may be used. The sheet material may also be adapted for cooling the panel to improve the durability and/or operational efficiency, for example the solar conversion rates, by the use of cooling methods and systems employing circulating liquids or gases, Peltier cells or the like. [0068] In another more preferred embodiment, the at least one sheet material, such as a backing layer, may be used to fix the panel 14 in a flexed state before mounting in the system 4, 5. Bending the panel 12 into a flexed state before fixing a backing layer and prior to mounting in the system described above may be beneficial to minimise the stress to the solar cells and connections thereby further facilitating improvement of panel reliability, operational efficiency and extending the life of the panel.

[0069] In another embodiment, the sheet material can include materials to reduce heat transfer, such as via conduction or radiation, from the panel to the recreation vehicle surface. These materials can be coatings or layers which have low emissivity or high light reflectance values (LRVs) as would be known by a person skilled in the art. Alternatively, the materials can include insulating materials.

[0070] To aid in cooling the panels 14, the components of the system can be selectively configured for promoting air flow between the panel 14 and surface 12. For example, shorter panels may be selected preferentially over larger ones or the support structure can be configured to raise the panels further relative to the surface to increase the space therebetween. Furthermore, the engagement of the holding structure and support structure can be configured to increase the curvature to encourage the flow of air. Alternatively or additionally, the panels can have apertures (not shown) for promoting cross air-flow which can be made by drilling or other methods or otherwise incorporated into the panel during manufacture.

[0071] The system 4, 5 can also include membrane material or a heat shield (not shown) intermediate the rear side of the mounted panel 14 and the surface 12 for preventing or reducing heat transfer from the panel 14 to the surface 12. The membrane material or heat shield can be applied to the surface 12 or on the rear side of the panel 14 or anywhere therebetween.

[0072] The holding structure and support structure are preferably made of extruded materials, such as metal however it will be appreciated that other materials such as polymer materials could also be used.

[0073] In an example use of the system above to mount three resiliently deflectable panels as illustrated in Fig. 12, first four support members are attached to the surface in parallel spaced-apart configuration where adjacent support members are separated substantially by a width of the panels similar to that illustrated in Figs 11 and 12. Only four support members are required as each support member can support one panel on one side and a further panel on another side.

[0074] The support members are attached by adhesion materials applied to the recesses in the bottom surface of the feet members shown more particular in Fig. 7. The adhesion materials can be adhesives or commercially available tape material which is provided with adhesives on both sides. While the adhesion materials are curing the two opposing edges of each panel can be fitted with holding members which retain each panel edge as illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5. Alternatively, the panels can be fitted with holding members at an earlier stage for convenience.

[0075] Then by use of a jig apparatus or by measurement, the holding members can be aligned end-to-end to the respective support members and slidably engaged together to mount the panel in the flexed stage. It would be necessary during the engaging process to flex the panel at an amount it would be flexed during mounting so as to effect easy slidable engagement. Of course, alternatively, the panel may already be in a flexed state by use of a backing layer or curved holding members. Alternatively and preferably, as described above, the engagement of the panels can be in the form of a snap-fit type arrangement and as such the un-deflected panel can be first retained at one edge before being flexed over a support such as a block and then the panel is simply retained at the opposite edge obviating the need for backing layers, curved holding members or other equipment.

[0076] The engaged holding structure and support structure can then be securely fixed together by application of securing members attached to the ends. In particular, screw and hole arrangements can be used, and in particular the screws can be self-threading. To avoid damage to the cables and/or connectors, these can be attached by fasteners such as cable ties to the anchor portions or by using the fastener 34 as described above

[0077] To un-mount the three panels, the reverse of the above described process can be followed and in this both installation, assembly and dis-assembly can be effected quickly and easily which can facilitate easy servicing, maintenance, upgrade or replacement. The system also avoids damage to both the panels and the recreational vehicle surface to which the panels by mounting them in a flexed state which promotes more stable mounting, self-cleaning properties, and higher operational efficiency by cooling the panels and avoiding heat transfer to the surface below. [0078] Through-out the specification and claims the word “comprise” and its derivatives is intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the context requires otherwise.

[0079] Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the system uppermost.

[0080] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.