Patent Description:
Solar power will be an important energy source in the future.

Today about <NUM>% of the world power production comes from renewable energy sources. In the future, worldwide energy demand is expected to grow substantially, and this energy will mainly be covered by renewable energy, like solar and wind power.

The predictions, together with the decrease of fossil fuel as an energy source, have stimulated a rapid growth in the development of renewable energy.

Wind farms, hydroelectric power plants, thermal power stations, and solar power plants all traditionally need a certain area of land, which is costly and can negatively affect the environment The development of solar plants that are installed at the water surface, in lakes, ponds, reservoirs or other suitable sea or water surface is beneficial in that it reduces the need for land area. It is also beneficial in that the water provides a cooling of the solar plant. This results in an increased efficiency of the solar cells and thus an overall increased efficiency of the plant.

<CIT> discloses a modular assembly for a floating solar power plant. The module comprises a molded construction which makes up the floating element. Each molded construction is filled with air to achieve the required buoyancy and the module is adapted to receive one single solar panel. Several modules may then be connected together to form an interconnected plant. The molded construction module has a design that is disadvantageous when exposed to wave movements from the water. A large portion of the plant according to the WO-publication will rest against the water surface. When the construction is moved by a wave, this movement will be transmitted to the whole connected plant and the plant will be subjected to excessive movement. There is also a need for a large volume to transport the modules to the site before installation.

<CIT> relates to a floating frame for mounting at least one solar collector. The frame comprises two spaced apart floating elements and multiple bows extending between two spaced apart floats. Each bows are in the ends bent around the floating elements. The publication is designed for areas that are protected from wind and waves as the frame has a fragile structure that would not withstand large waves etc. The publication further fails to disclose an easy assembly of the individual modules and several modules put together. <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> shows technical background to the invention.

The non-patent literature document "<NPL>, discloses a floating solar power plant support module comprising a structural system supporting PV panels, said structural system being fixed on two elongate buoyancy elements.

Document <CIT> discloses a floating solar power plant support module that comprises two elongate buoyancy elements, said two elongate buoyancy elements being parallelly arranged. Two beam elements are connected to the elongate buoyancy elements, said two beam elements being perpendicularly arranged with respect to the buoyancy elements. Elongate rib elements are attached to the beam elements. A first bracket and a second bracket are fixed on the beam elements and applied over the buoyancy elements.

The present invention has the following advantages over the prior art:.

Further and other advantages will be apparent in the following description of the invention.

The invention relates to a floating solar power plant support module comprising at least two elongate buoyancy elements, said the at least two buoyancy elements being substantially parallelly arranged, at least two beam elements connected to the elongate buoyancy elements, said the at least two beam elements being substantially perpendicularly arranged with respect to the elongate buoyancy elements, said the at least two beam elements having each a lifted or vertex portion arising from an angled portion of the beam situated between two adjacent buoyancy elements in order to reduce movement caused by waves when installed at the water surface.

The at least two beam elements being respectively formed as a U-shaped beam element with flanges, said respective beam elements having at least two second recesses adapted to respectively receive at least a portion of the buoyancy element, and at least two first recesses, said first and second recesses are formed in the surface of the flanges,
the solar support module further comprises at least two elongate rib elements arranged respectively in the first recesses of the at least two beam elements, said the at least two rib elements being substantially perpendicularly arranged with respect to the at least two beam elements. The first recesses and the second recesses are arranged in opposite flanges of the U-shaped beam elements.

Preferably, each point of the flanges extending in a direction parallelly arranged to a plane extending through the centre of the buoyancy elements.

Preferably, respectively the at least two elongate buoyancy elements, the at least two beam elements and at least two elongate rib elements, respectively being arranged spaced apart.

Preferably, said angled portion comprising a first beam portion and a second beam portion, said first and second beam portion having each an angled distance from a horizontal plane extending through the center of the buoyancy elements.

Preferably, the angled distance of said first and second beam portion being equal or the angled distance of the first beam portion being different from the angled distance of the second beam portion.

Preferably, the angled distance is between <NUM>-<NUM>°.

Preferably, the support module having a plurality of rib elements distributed separately in the first recesses throughout the length of the respective beam elements.

Preferably, the second recesses in the beam element being semi-circular to mate with a circular buoyance element.

Preferably, the support module further comprises a bracket for securing the buoyancy element to the beam element.

Preferably, the solar support module further comprises a spacer and fastening mechanism for securing a solar panel to the solar support module.

Preferably, each beam element comprises end stoppers arranged at non-elevated portions of the beam element in order to facilitate the positioning of the panel.

The invention further relates to a floating solar power plant comprising a plurality of interconnected floating solar power plant support modules.

One of the at least two buoyancy elements of two adjacent support modules is a common buoyancy element connected to the beam elements from the adjacently arranged solar power plant support modules.

Preferably the floating solar plant further comprises a walkway separating two adjacent solar support modules.

The invention further relates to a method for assembling a floating solar power plant and/or the modules of the solar power plant at a remote location where the floating solar power plant is to be installed or used, comprising the following steps;.

Preferably, the method comprises a fastening of the buoyancy element through a bracket, such as a bow shaped element.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of connecting the solar support modules through a common buoyancy element into the floating solar power plant.

The invention describes also to a method for assembling of the floating solar power plant support module. The method comprises the following steps of connecting the at least two beams and the at least two elongate buoyancy elements perpendicularly together to form a frame.

Preferably, the method further comprising the step of extending at least two ribs perpendicularly between the beams defining the outer edges of the frame at the surface of the beams facing away from the buoyancy elements.

The term "floating solar power plant support module" or "floating solar support module" in short, is to be interpreted an assembly of a number of beam elements, a number of buoyancy elements and a number of rib elements into a rectangular or square frame as illustrated in the <FIG>, <FIG>. This solar support module is adapted to receive a number of solar panels mounted at the top surface of the solar support module as illustrated in <FIG>.

The term "solar power plant" or "solar plant" in short, is to be interpreted as an assembly of a number of floating solar support modules into a complete structure for the actual pond, lake, reservoir etc..

The term "solar panel" is to be interpreted as the elements that absorbs sunlight as a source of energy to generate direct current electricity. The solar panels are most commonly photovoltaic solar panels. This type of panel is however not limiting for the invention.

The term "panel array" is to be interpreted as a row of solar panels extending subsequently from one outer beam element to the other outer beam element.

The term "middle" in relation to the beam element, buoyancy element, end stopper etc do not refer to an actual middle position of the solar support module. The terms rather refer to a position within the frame where the beam element is not elevated. This may be in center points of the structure or is may be offset of the center. This is defined by the number of elevations of the beam elements and the number of buoyancy elements attached to the beam elements.

<FIG> and <FIG> shows an overview of a first embodiment of a solar support module <NUM> with solar panels <NUM> attached.

<FIG> and <FIG> shows as an example four panel arrays, each containing six solar panels.

<FIG> and <FIG> shows the same solar support modules as in <FIG> and <FIG> without the solar panels <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the solar support module <NUM> in perspective view and <FIG> shows the solar support module viewed from above.

The solar support module <NUM> has three main components; buoyancy elements <NUM>, beam elements <NUM> and rib elements <NUM>. The beam elements <NUM> are connecting the buoyancy elements <NUM> and the rib elements <NUM>, together. The components will be further described in the following and in connection with the figures.

The solar support modules <NUM> are designed to receive a plurality of solar panels <NUM> that are to be mounted on the upper surface of the solar support module <NUM>.

The solar support module <NUM> has at least two beam elements <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG> there are arranged three beam elements 2a, 2b, 2c. For simplicity, the beam elements are referred to as <NUM> in the figures illustrating only one beam element, since the beam elements are equal in shape. There are arranged two end beam elements 2a, 2c defining outer edges of the solar support module <NUM> at each side of the module <NUM>. In addition, there is arranged a middle beam element 2b approximately in the middle between the end beam elements 2a, 2c. The beam elements 2a, 2b, 2c are arranged in parallel or substantially parallel to each other. They are also spaced apart as indicated in the figures.

Other arrangements of the beam elements <NUM> may be possible, for instance only two beam elements 2a, 2c defining the outer edges of the solar support module <NUM>. More than three beam elements 2a, 2b, 2c are also possible embodiments of the invention. The space between the beam elements 2a, 2b, 2c may also vary in different designs of the solar support module <NUM>.

Each beam element <NUM> having an elevated shape between the buoyancy elements <NUM> to reduce weight, facilitate the movement of the waves beneath the solar support module <NUM> and reduce the overall movement of the solar support module when installed at the water surface.

<FIG> further indicates that the each of the beam elements 2a, 2b, 2c is a U beam. The U-beam is arranged sideways such that flanges <NUM> of the U-beam extends in the horizontally direction, ie in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the beam element <NUM>. This will be further disclosed.

The solar support module <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> further comprises at least two buoyancy elements <NUM>. In the <FIG> and <FIG>, there are disclosed three buoyancy elements 4a, 4b, 4c. There are arranged two end buoyancy elements 4a, 4c defining outer edges of the solar support module <NUM> at each side of the module <NUM>. In addition, there is arranged a middle buoyancy element 4b in the middle between the end buoyancy elements 4a, 4c.

For simplicity, the buoyancy elements are referred to as <NUM> in the figures illustrating only one buoyancy element, since the buoyancy elements are equal in shape.

The buoyancy elements 4a, 4b, 4c are arranged in parallel or substantially parallel to each other. They are also spaced apart as indicated in the figures. The buoyancy elements 4a, 4b, 4c are perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly arranged with respect to the beam elements 2a, 2b, 2c. The assembly of beam elements 2a, 2b, 2c and buoyancy elements 4a, thus forms a rectangular or a square frame of the solar support module <NUM> as shown in the figures.

Other arrangements of the buoyancy elements <NUM> may be possible, for instance only two buoyancy elements 4a, 4c defining the outer edges of the solar support module <NUM>. More than three buoyancy element 4a, 4b, 4c are also possible embodiments of the invention. The space between the buoyancy element 4a, 4b, 4c may also vary in different designs of the solar support module <NUM>.

The solar support module <NUM> further comprises a plurality of rib elements <NUM>. The rib elements <NUM> are designed as elongated, rigid elements. The rib elements are arranged to form a girder at the top surface of the solar support module <NUM> to provide a further stiffening or rigidity of the solar support module <NUM>. The rib elements <NUM> are extending between the outer beam elements 4a, 4c at the surface facing away from the buoyancy element 4a, 4b, 4c. This is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The rib elements <NUM> are arranged perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinally direction of the beam elements 2a, 2b, 2c. The rib elements <NUM> are further arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel with the buoyancy members 4a, 4b, 4c in the longitudinal direction of the rib elements <NUM> and buoyancy members <NUM>. The rib elements <NUM> are in the figure placed according to the panel configuration with minimum two rib elements <NUM> per panel array P (<FIG>). In other words, at least two rib elements <NUM> are supporting each solar panel <NUM>. Other arrangement of the rib elements <NUM> are also possible embodiments of the invention.

The rib elements <NUM> are arranged between the beam elements 2a, 2b, 2c and solar panels <NUM> when the solar panels <NUM> are mounted on the solar support module <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The rib elements <NUM> are further arranged in a first recesses <NUM> of the beam element <NUM>. This will be further described.

The <FIG> and <FIG> further shows a walkway <NUM> extending in the middle of the solar support module <NUM>. The walkway <NUM> is further illustrated extending between the end beam elements 2a, 2c.

It is to be noted that the <FIG> and <FIG> are illustrating a single solar support module <NUM>. A number of equal solar support modules <NUM> may be connected at all ends of the solar support module <NUM> to build a solar plant for a particular lake or seaside etc. This is shown in <FIG>.

The beam elements 2a, 2b, 2c of the solar support module <NUM> are illustrated in further detail by the <FIG> and <FIG>.

The individual features of the solar support module <NUM> will be described further in relation to the <FIG>.

As indicated in <FIG> the each beam element <NUM> is preferably made as one elongated piece.

Each of the beam elements <NUM>, rib elements <NUM> and the buoyancy elements <NUM> have a rigid structure. The assembly of the different elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> together in the grid structure provides an improved rigid structure that also provides an improved stability on the water surface.

At the surface of the beam element <NUM> facing the water surface there are arranged semi-circled second recesses 25a, 25b, 25c (<FIG>). The second recesss 25a, 25b, 25c are adapted to receive the buoyancy elements 4a, 4b, 4c, respectively. The second recesses 25a, 25b, 25c do not need to have a semicircle shape. However, it is preferable that the second recesses 25a, 25b, 25c have a congruent shape as the buoyancy element <NUM> , to facilitate the connection with the buoyancy element <NUM>.

It is further preferably that the respective second recess <NUM> have a shape so that the recesses mates with less than half of a cross-sectional surface of the buoyancy element <NUM>. For a buoyancy element <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, this means the second recess <NUM> is formed as a less than half circle, ie the circle is less than <NUM> degree. This provides an easy and rigid connection between buoyance element <NUM> and the beam element <NUM>.

The number of second recesses 25a, 25b, 25c in each beam element <NUM> corresponds with the number of buoyancy elements <NUM> required in the solar support module <NUM>. The <FIG> and <FIG> shows the second recess 25a, 25b, 25c (also named <NUM>) in one single beam element <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention, in greater detail.

The beam element 2a, 2b, 2c is further made with at least one lifted or elevated portion <NUM>, as shown in the <FIG> and in greater detail in <FIG>. The lifted portion <NUM> is defined as the highest point on a vertex <NUM> in one single beam element 2a, 2b, 2c. The vertex <NUM> thus divides the beam element <NUM> in at least two portions; a first beam portion <NUM> and a second beam portion <NUM>. The first beam portion <NUM>, the second beam portion <NUM> and the vertex <NUM> constitute an angled portion <NUM>. The beam element <NUM> as shown in the embodiment of the figure have two angled portions <NUM>. However, only one, or more than one angled portion <NUM> may be possible embodiments of the invention. The respective angled portions <NUM> is preferably equal so that the lifted portions <NUM> are equal throughout a single beam element <NUM>. The angled portions <NUM> may also be different throughout the single beam element <NUM>.

Both the first beam portion <NUM> and the second beam portion <NUM> have an angle distance α<NUM>, α<NUM> to a horizontal plane A extending through the center B of the buoyancy elements 4a, 4b, 4c. The angled distance α<NUM>, α<NUM> may be between <NUM>-<NUM>°. A more preferred angled α<NUM>, α<NUM> distance may be between <NUM>-<NUM>°. The indicated range is however not limiting for the invention, other angle distances α<NUM>, α<NUM> may also be possible. The angled distances α<NUM>, α<NUM> is preferably equal for both the first and second beam portion <NUM>, <NUM>. The angled distance α<NUM> and the angled distance α<NUM> may however also be different for the first and second beam portions <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

The beam elements <NUM> that are to be used in the same solar support module <NUM> must however have corresponding angled portions <NUM> so that they follow the substantially the same curvature throughout the longitudinal direction of the beam element <NUM>.

The beam element(s) <NUM> may be produced with a specific angled distance optimized for the sun radiation/receiving of energy.

A further advantage of different angles is that the floating solar modules may to adapt to different wave characteristics.

The first beam portion <NUM> and the second beam portion <NUM> is extending in opposite directions upwardly between two adjacent buoyancy elements 4a and 4b or 4b and 4c. In the embodiment disclosed in the figures, this results in that there are two equal lifted portions <NUM> defined respectively by a pair of first and second beam portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The respective beam element <NUM> further comprises a plurality of first recesses <NUM> disposed on the surface of the beam element <NUM> facing away from the second recess(es) <NUM>. The first recesses <NUM> are adapted to respectively receive the rib elements <NUM> and are thus having a matching shape as the rib elements <NUM>, ie a U-formed shape.

The first recesses <NUM> may be equally disposed in the longitudinally direction for the beam element <NUM>. The first recesses <NUM> may also be arranged with different spaces between the first recesses <NUM> in a single beam element <NUM>.

There must however be two first recesses <NUM> arranged in each of the first and second beam portions <NUM>, <NUM> as indicated in the <FIG>. The first recesses <NUM> of the beam elements <NUM> in one solar support module <NUM> are also arranged so that the rib elements <NUM> received in the first recesses <NUM> are parallel. The first recesses <NUM> are thus arranged so that the rib elements <NUM> arranged in the first recesses <NUM> of the beam elements <NUM> forms a grid where beam elements <NUM> extending in a first longitudinal direction and the rib elements <NUM> extending in a second longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The pair of first recesses <NUM> arranged in a beam portion <NUM>, <NUM> must also be arranged at different elevation as indicated in the <FIG>. since the first recesses <NUM> in each beam portions <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in different elevation, the pair of rib elements <NUM> arranged in a beam portion <NUM>, <NUM> also are also arranged at different elevation. This provides a stronger structure as the grid structure is formed by different planes. This further provides an improved torsional stiffness for the solar support module.

There are disclosed <NUM> first recesses <NUM> in each beam element <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment of the figures. This is only for exemplary purpose. More than <NUM> or less than <NUM> first recesses <NUM> and rib elements <NUM> are also possible embodiments of the invention.

The first recesses <NUM> may be formed so that one of the edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the first recess <NUM> is higher than the other edge <NUM>. This is clear from <FIG>. In the figures, and especially <FIG>, it is indicated that the edge <NUM> facing the free end of the beam element <NUM>' and the elevated portion <NUM> of the beam element <NUM> are higher that the edges <NUM> facing the middle of the beam portions <NUM>, <NUM>. This provides a support for the panel on the higher edge <NUM>. It further provides some air and prevents unintentional contact areas between the solar panel <NUM> and the surface of the beam <NUM> in the middle portion of the beam portion <NUM>, <NUM>.

It is the rib elements <NUM> that mainly supports the panels <NUM> when arranged on the solar support module <NUM>.

The material of the beam element <NUM> is preferably materials with high strength/weight ratio. This may be a composite material, such as Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP). Other material maybe Aluminium. The GRP material has the advantage that it is not degraded by water. The material is also lightweight in comparison with the strength of the material and may also be tailored to the specific need.

The beam element <NUM> further comprises end stoppers <NUM>, <NUM>. The end stoppers <NUM>, <NUM> may be seen in all of the <FIG> but are illustrated in detail in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In <FIG> a first end stopper <NUM> is arranged. The first end stopper <NUM> is arranged near the free end of the beam element <NUM>' as shown in <FIG>. The first end stopper <NUM> may be designed as an end wall. Each of the panels <NUM> to be mounted in the first panel array P is adapted to bear against the first end stopper <NUM>. This provides a simplified method for arranging the panels <NUM> in the solar support module <NUM>. A similar end stopper <NUM> is arranged at the opposite free end of the beam element <NUM>' for aligning the panel array P at this end.

<FIG> shows a similar end stopper, referred to as a second end stopper <NUM>, arranged in the middle portion of the beam element <NUM>. The second end stopper <NUM> is arranged beneath the walkway <NUM> and is arranged to support and align the solar panel array P arranged at both sides of the middle portion of the beam element <NUM>. The positioning of the second end stopper <NUM> corresponds with the part or parts or the beam elements <NUM> that is not elevated and where an additional buoyancy member or members 4b is attached.

In general, the end stoppers <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged at non elevated portions of the respective beam element <NUM>.

The first and second end stopper <NUM>, <NUM> thus provides a directional measurement for the solar panel arrays P arranged near the end stoppers <NUM>, <NUM> at both sides of the first and second beam portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses the beam element <NUM>, perspective view. The figure shows clearly the U-shape of the beam <NUM>. The beam element has a flange <NUM> extending from a main part of the beam element <NUM> along the entire circumference of the beam element <NUM>. The beam element will thus have flanges <NUM> extending perpendicularly from the main part of the beam element <NUM>. This provides an improved stability for the beam element <NUM>.

The <FIG> also indicates holes <NUM> adapted to correspond with holes in a bracket <NUM> to secure the buoyancy element <NUM> in the second recess <NUM>.

The design of the beam element <NUM> further provides an improved stability in all connections between the beam element <NUM> and other elements. Other elements may for instance be the buoyance element <NUM> and the rib element <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the U- shape in detail. The beam element <NUM> has a main part <NUM> and flanges <NUM> extending on the top part and bottom part of the beam element <NUM>. The flanges <NUM> is extending horizontally to make use of the flanges for stability purposes and increase the contact surface between the beam element <NUM> and the connecting elements; rib elements <NUM> and buoyancy elements <NUM>. As indicated in the figure, there is some space between the flanges <NUM>. The main part <NUM> thus also have some defined length which also increases the stability and robustness of the structure.

<FIG> is illustrating the buoyancy element <NUM> isolated. The buoyancy element <NUM> is disclosed as a cylinder shaped, elongate element. However other shapes are possible embodiments of the invention.

The buoyancy element <NUM> is intended to maintain the floating ability of the solar support module <NUM>. The total number of buoyancy elements <NUM> must thus have enough capacity to keep the solar support module <NUM> with several solar panels <NUM>, floating.

The buoyancy element <NUM> is further made of a material that provides a rigid part of the solar support module <NUM>. Preferable materials may be Polyethylene or other thermoplastic materials.

The arrangement of the buoyancy elements <NUM> in the solar support module <NUM> further provides an improved movement on the water surface with respect to waves etc. There is a space between the buoyancy elements <NUM> or between the modules <NUM> such that the waves may move without any/less hindrance.

The buoyancy elements <NUM> thus provides both buoyancy and rigidity at the same time.

<FIG> shows the buoyancy element <NUM> viewed from the behind.

The buoyancy element <NUM> further has a shape so that it may easily fit into the shape of the second recess(s) <NUM> in the beam element <NUM>. The shape shown in <FIG> is circular. The buoyancy element <NUM> fitted in the second recess <NUM> provides a further stability for the connection. The second recess <NUM> facilitates that the buoyancy element <NUM> are prevented from moving in relation to the beam element, when connected to the beam element <NUM>.

<FIG> is illustrating a bracket <NUM> for securing the buoyancy element <NUM> to the beam element <NUM>. The buoyancy element <NUM> is resting in the bracket <NUM> and further attached on both ends at each side of the semi-circled second recess <NUM> in the beam element <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> have a flange portion <NUM> at each side of the bow shape part <NUM> for connecting to the beam element <NUM> and facilitate the attachment between the beam element <NUM> and the bracket <NUM>.

There are further indicated through holes <NUM> in the flange portion <NUM> for receiving fastening devices, such as bolts etc. There is arranged a bracket <NUM> to each semi-circled second recess <NUM> of the beam elements <NUM>.

As an illustrating example, there are indicated three brackets <NUM> to each beam elements 2a, 2b, 2c. These are fastening each beam elements to each buoyancy element <NUM>. This provides a total of nine brackets <NUM> attaching three buoyancy elements 4a, 4b, 4c to the three beam elements 2a, 2b, 2c. The flange portion <NUM> may be attached to the beam element <NUM> through bolt and lock nut (not shown) in a per se known way.

The buoyancy element <NUM> may however be attached to the beam element(s) <NUM> in other ways than through the bracket(s) <NUM>. Other options are also possible embodiments of the invention.

<FIG> are illustrating the rib element(s) <NUM> and the connection to the beam element(s) <NUM> in detail.

The rib element <NUM> are arranged in the first recesses <NUM> as described above. The rib elements may be secured to the beam element <NUM> by a fastening mechanism, such as a bolt <NUM>. The fastening mechanism <NUM> is per se known. The fastening mechanism <NUM> is shown in detail in <FIG>, while the <FIG> shows through holes <NUM> in the beam element <NUM> to receive the fastening mechanism <NUM>. Both <FIG> and <FIG> shows the flange <NUM> of the beam element <NUM>. As indicated in <FIG> the U-shaped beam with flange provides a fastening of the rib element <NUM> to the beam element <NUM> through two fastening mechanism <NUM>. This provides rigid connection and increased stability for the solar support module <NUM>. <FIG> further illustrated the flange <NUM> size of the U-shaped beam element <NUM>.

The rib element <NUM> further comprises a solar panel lock <NUM>. There is arranged a solar panel lock <NUM> at the end of each rib element <NUM>. The solar panel lock <NUM> is arranged at the surface adapted to receive the solar panel <NUM>. The solar panel lock <NUM> is adapted to attach the solar panel <NUM> to the rib element <NUM> and thus also attach the solar panel <NUM> to the solar support module <NUM>. This may be performed in a number of different ways, but in the illustrated embodiment the solar panel lock <NUM> is designed as a slidable lock that is adapted to be moved towards an edge of the solar panel <NUM> to secure the panel <NUM> to the rib element <NUM>. The solar panel lock <NUM> further has a vertical surface 7a with a horizontally arranged end hook 7b. The vertically surface 7a and the end hook 7b is shaped to match the height of the solar panel <NUM> to fasten the panel <NUM> to the solar support module <NUM>. This is illustrated in detail in <FIG> and <FIG>.

There are arranged one solar panel lock <NUM> at the free end of each rib element <NUM>. This results in that a solar panel <NUM> is attached to the solar support module <NUM> by two solar panel locks <NUM> arranged at two differently arranged rib elements <NUM>.

The material of the rib elements <NUM> may preferable be a high strength/weight ratio material, such as GRP, aluminum. Other corrosion resistant materials may however also be possible materials.

<FIG> is illustrating a spacer <NUM>. There are arranged a number of spacers <NUM> between the solar panels <NUM>. The spacers <NUM> are fixed onto the respective rib elements <NUM>. This is also illustrated in <FIG>. The <FIG> is also indicating the spacer <NUM> at the top of the solar panels <NUM> in further detail.

When mounting a solar panel <NUM> onto the solar support module <NUM> at one of the ends along the outer beam elements 2a, 2c, the panel <NUM> is thus held in place by two solar panel lock <NUM> at one side of the panel <NUM> and two spacers <NUM> at the opposite side of the panel <NUM>. When mounting a solar panel <NUM> in the middle of the solar support module <NUM>, the solar panels <NUM> are held in place by spacers <NUM> at both sides of the solar panel <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> is known per se.

The solar panel <NUM> may also be arranged with a differently designed spacer, all of these being embodiments of the invention.

The mounting of the individual solar support module <NUM> will be described further in the following:
The respective elements, such as the buoyancy elements <NUM>, beam elements <NUM>, rib elements <NUM>, that is required for an assembled solar support module <NUM> are transported to the location or site in separate pieces. The solar panels <NUM> are also transported individually to the site. The site may for instance be the shore next to the lake, pond, reservoir etc. where solar plant is intended to be used. A typical weight of the single elements to be assembled are <NUM> or less so that each part may easily be lifted and assembled manually.

The buoyancy elements <NUM> are arranged in the predefined second recesses <NUM> in the beam elements <NUM> and attached to each beam element <NUM> through the bracket <NUM> or other fastening arrangements.

The rib elements <NUM> are further arranged in the first recesses <NUM> at the top of the beam elements <NUM>. The assembled arrangement is now forming one floating solar support module <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. A plurality of solar panels may be arranged on top of the solar support module <NUM> through the solar panel and stopper <NUM> as describe above.

Several solar support modules <NUM> may be assembled together forming the solar plant, as shown in <FIG>). There may also be arranged walkways between two adjacent support modules <NUM> as illustrated in the figure. This will ease the access to the solar power plant.

The floating solar support module <NUM> is arranged so that the contact through the entire bottom part of the entire solar support module <NUM> is avoided. In commonly known solar support plant, entire square or rectangular part of the module is in contact with the water surface to provide a rigid structure. However, it is known to give a certain excessive movement when there are movement in the water surface.

In the solar support module according to the invention there are therefore rib elements <NUM> that are attached to the solar panels <NUM> the solar support module <NUM> in a way such that the rib elements <NUM> along with solar panels <NUM> act as a rigid or strutting element to further increase the rigidity of the structure. The beam elements <NUM> further allow water to move freely underneath the solar panels to reduce excess movement.

<FIG> illustrates several floating solar power plant support modules <NUM> assembled into a solar power plant <NUM>. The figure shows two solar support modules <NUM> interconnected through a common buoyancy element <NUM>'.

<FIG> shows in detail the connection between two adjacent floating solar power plant support modules <NUM>. As illustrated in the figure, the end buoyance element of solar support module becomes a common buoyancy element <NUM>' for the beam elements <NUM> of both solar support modules <NUM>. The beam elements are connected to the common buoyancy element <NUM>' in the same way as described above with arranging the buoyancy element <NUM>' in the second depression and securing the parts together.

Claim 1:
A floating solar power plant support module that comprises at least two elongate buoyancy elements (4a, 4b, 4c), said at least two elongate buoyancy elements (4a, 4b, 4c) being substantially parallelly arranged, at least two beam elements (2a, 2b, 2c) connected to the elongate buoyancy elements (4a, 4b, 4c), said at least two beam elements (2a, 2b, 2c) being substantially perpendicularly arranged with respect to the elongate buoyancy elements (4a, 4b, 4c), said at least two beam elements (2a, 2b, 2c) having each a vertex portion (<NUM>) arising from an angled portion (<NUM>) of the respective beam element (2a, 2b, 2c) situated between two adjacent buoyancy elements (4a, 4b ,4c), wherein the at least two beam elements (2a, 2b, 2c) are respectively formed as a U-shaped beam element (<NUM>, <NUM>) with flanges (<NUM>), said respective beam elements (2a, 2b, 2c) having at least two second recesses (<NUM>) adapted to respectively receive at least a portion of the buoyancy element (4a, 4b, 4c), and at least two first recesses (<NUM>), said first and second recesses (<NUM>, <NUM>) being formed in the surface of the flanges (<NUM>), the solar support module further comprises at least two elongate rib elements (<NUM>) arranged respectively in the first recesses (<NUM>) of the at least two beam elements (2a, 2b, 2c), said the at least two rib elements (<NUM>) being substantially perpendicularly arranged with respect to the at least two beam elements (2a, 2b, 2c), wherein the first recesses (<NUM>) and the second recesses (<NUM>) are arranged in opposite flanges (<NUM>) of the U-shaped beam elements.