Roof tile, method for producing roof tile and machine for producing roof tile

Abstract

A roof tile (100) wherein the roof tile comprises a base element (110) and further comprises a transparent top element (120) wherein the roof tile (100) comprises a set of solar panel elements (130) wherein the solar panel elements are comprised between the top element (120) and the base element (110), below or inside the top element wherein the roof tile (100) comprises a contoured section, the invention relates to a roof tile (100) comprising a base element (110) comprising a contoured section comprising solar panel elements (130), where the contoured section allows solar rays to be received within the roof tile (100) at different angles, where the base element (110) comprises concrete or clay. The present disclosure also relates to a roof comprising a plurality of roof tiles, a method for producing roof tiles, and a machine for producing roof tiles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a roof tile according to claim 1. The present disclosure also relates to a roof comprising a plurality of roof tiles according to claim 10, a method for producing roof tiles according to claim 11 and a machine for producing roof tiles according to claim 15. Background Art

[0002] There has been a lot of interest in harnessing the sun's energy to produce electricity by placing solar panels on the roofs of buildings. These solar panels are usually installed as large installations onto existing roofs.

[0003] In recent years, different methods of providing solar panels for each individual roof tile have been proposed. This provides a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the roof compared to a large solar panel installation. It also provides flexibility, as these roof tiles can be effectively arranged on roofs with angles and corners, where a large solar panel installation would not be suitable. In some instances, the solar panels are attached to the roof tiles. In other instances, thin film solar cells are integrally formed within the roof tiles.

[0004] Document US10454409B2 discloses an example of a solar roof tile. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is desirable to provide a roof tile that protects a building from weather conditions and simultaneously acts as a solar panel. There is also a need for a roof tile with an integrally formed solar panel that can provide similar strength to conventional roof tiles and can be efficiently installed on a building. There is also a need for a roof tile that can collect solar energy over long periods of time throughout the day.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a roof tile wherein some of the problems of the prior art are alleviated or at least mitigated.

[0007] The present disclosure proposes a roof tile, wherein the roof tile comprises a base element and further comprises a transparent top element. The roof tile comprises a set of solar panel elements, wherein the solar panel elements are comprised between the top element and the base element, are located below the top element or are inside the top element. The roof tile comprises a contoured shape section, which comprises the solar panel elements. The contoured shape section allows direct and indirect solar rays to be received within the roof tile at different angles. The base element comprises concrete or clay.

[0008] An advantage of the above roof tile is that it will provide a complete roof tile that is both able to protect the building from weather conditions (particularly rain) and to generate electricity. Thus, there is no need to add additional protection or a separate solar panel arrangement to an already complete roof. The roof tile will also provide a way to collect solar energy over long periods of time during the day. The contour shape is clearly advantageous when the sun is not at a perfect angle to the roof to which the roof tile is applied. The contour shape is still clearly advantageous because more solar panel elements can be arranged per unit of area of ​​the contour shape compared to a flat section. Roof tiles are also cost-effective compared to conventional solar panels because damaged roof tiles can be easily replaced and because the roof tiles include the solar panel elements, both roof tiles and separate solar panels are not required.

[0009] A set of solar panel elements may comprise silicon, and / or the top element may comprise glass or resin, preferably the top element may comprise tempered glass, and / or the base element may comprise extruded concrete or extruded clay.

[0010] An advantage of providing a silicon based solar panel element is that very high efficiencies are achieved per area unit of the solar panel element. Silicon solar panels are also reliable and will provide good efficiencies over the long term, which is necessary when looking at long term use of the solar panel element.

[0011] The advantage is that the material is both transparent and has good mechanical properties. The roof will be maintainable, for example snow can be removed without risk of damaging the surface. In addition, even if the top surface ages or becomes damaged, the glass material will still maintain good transparency.

[0012] An advantage of providing a roof tile with a base element of concrete is that the roof tile is very strong and has a high mechanical strength. This will provide a roof that has good performance over time. By using clay as material, an advantage is that the roof tile is low in weight compared to concrete.

[0013] The roof tile may comprise at least one interlocking section.The interlocking section may comprise concrete or clay, preferably extruded concrete or extruded clay.

[0014] The advantage is that the interlocking section between the top element and the base element is mainly provided by the base element. The base element is made of a strong material and the interlocking section will have high reliability and will have good performance in terms of failures. By providing an extruded base element, a uniform and dimensionally stable base element is provided.

[0015] The roof tile may comprise at least one intermediate element between the top element and the base element.

[0016] This has the advantage that the at least one intermediate element provides support and / or protection for the solar panel element.

[0017] A group of solar panel elements may comprise at least two solar panel elements, preferably a group of solar panel elements may comprise 10 to 100, preferably 40 to 60, or even more preferably 44 to 56 solar panel elements.

[0018] The advantage of such a roof tile is that by providing two or more solar elements, the ability to collect direct and indirect solar rays is improved. It will also provide an efficient way of achieving a profile roof tile capable of collecting direct and indirect solar rays from different directions.

[0019] The roof tile may comprise a plurality of rows of solar panel elements arranged along an x-direction of the roof tile, wherein the solar panel elements in each row may be electrically connected in parallel, and wherein a plurality of rows of solar panel elements may be electrically connected in series.

[0020] An advantage of electrically connecting the solar panel elements in each row of solar panel elements in parallel is that if one solar panel element does not function properly or even fails, the roof tiles will still be able to generate electricity. Thus, by electrically connecting the solar panel elements in each row of solar panel elements in parallel and by electrically connecting multiple rows of solar panel elements in series, the maximum possible output power of the roof tiles will be obtained.

[0021] Alternatively, the roof tile may comprise a plurality of columns of solar panel elements arranged along the y-direction of the roof tile, wherein the solar panel elements in each column may be electrically connected in series, and wherein a plurality of columns of solar panel elements may be electrically connected in parallel.

[0022] This provides an alternative way of electrically connecting the solar panel elements. By connecting the solar panel elements in each column in series, and connecting multiple columns of solar panel elements in parallel, the maximum possible output power per roof tile will not be achieved. However, this way of connecting the solar panel elements is efficient and produces sufficient output power.

[0023] A junction box for outputting power from the solar panel element may be positioned at one end of the roof tile so that no hole needs to be opened in the base element of the roof tile for wiring to the solar panel element. Preferably, the junction box may include a bypass diode connected to overcome the negative effects of shading, damage or other failure of the roof tile.

[0024] This location of the junction box is very advantageous because the roof tiles will be better protected against moisture and the entire roof will be better protected against changing weather conditions over time. In particular, this will be very advantageous when snow is compressed into ice during the winter.

[0025] The base element and the top element when attached together may provide the necessary strength for use as a roof tile, but the base element and the top element alone may not have the strength to be used as a roof tile.

[0026] Advantageously, the assembly of a weaker base element and a weaker top element will provide the necessary mechanical properties for the assembly to be used as a roof tile. The base element may be lighter than a similar conventional roof tile. The assembly may even be lighter than a similar roof tile having, for example, a heavier base element which itself provides the necessary mechanical properties.

[0027] Each individual solar panel element may be flat.

[0028] An advantage of including flat solar panel elements is that they are easy to manufacture and achieve a high yield per unit surface area.

[0029] Also proposed is a roof comprising a roof tile as presented above.

[0030] The present disclosure also proposes a method for producing a roof tile. The method comprises the following steps: providing a base element, the base element comprising concrete or clay; providing a top element, wherein the top element is arranged to be assembled with the base element. The method also comprises providing a solar panel element between the top element and the base element and below the top element, or providing a solar panel element included inside the top element. The method also comprises attaching the top element to the base element, wherein both the base element and the top element are arranged so that the roof tile provides a contoured shape section.

[0031] The advantage of the method is that the roof tiles are produced efficiently and a high quality product with a low scrap rate is achieved.

[0032] The step of attaching the top element to the base element may include attaching the top element to the base element by using glue, rivets, screws, bolts, and / or by inserting the top element into a recess formed in the base element or vice versa.

[0033] The advantage is that a simple and maintenance-friendly roof tile is achieved.

[0034] When the base element comprises concrete, the method may further comprise the step of hardening the concrete base element with the top element and solar panel attached, thereby providing a complete roof tile with built-in solar panel.

[0035] It is particularly advantageous to harden the base element to the top element. A very fast method of producing roof tiles and roof tiles with good mechanical functionality is achieved. Furthermore, this will provide the possibility of avoiding additional fastening elements, thereby simplifying the design of the roof tile.

[0036] The step of providing the base element may comprise providing the base element by extruding or moulding the base element.

[0037] As mentioned for roof tiles, extruded base elements are an advantageous method of producing roof tiles with good mechanical properties.

[0038] The present disclosure also proposes a machine for producing roof tiles.

[0039] The machine will be able to produce roof tiles using the presented method and thereby provide roof tiles with high quality and good productivity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 A perspective view of a roof tile is schematically shown.

[0041] Figure 2 An example of a cross-sectional view of a section of a roof tile is schematically shown.

[0042] Figure 3 A side view of a roof tile is schematically shown.

[0043] Figure 4 The reception of direct and indirect sunlight into the roof tiles at different angles is schematically shown.

[0044] Figure 5a and Figure 5b An example of a roof tile comprising electrically connected solar panel elements is schematically shown.

[0045] Figure 6 A roof comprising a plurality of interlocking roof tiles is schematically shown.

[0046] Figure 7 A plurality of electrically connected roof tiles is schematically shown.

[0047] Figure 8 A method for producing roof tiles is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The present disclosure relates to a roof tile. The roof tile comprises a base element and a transparent top element. The roof tile also comprises a set of solar panel elements.

[0049] The roof tiles have the same function as conventional roof tiles in protecting buildings from weather conditions such as rain, hail, snow and wind, while being able to convert solar energy shining on the roof tiles into electricity. In addition, the roof tiles can be arranged to provide the same aesthetic appearance in shape and color as conventional roof tiles. It also provides flexibility because the roof tiles can be effectively arranged on roofs including angles, corners, windows and chimneys, where large solar panel installations are not suitable.

[0050] The roof tile may comprise a profile shaped section and a flat section, the profile shaped section may be in the form of an arc segment. Alternatively, the roof tile may comprise only a profile portion. The roof tile may comprise a plurality of profile shaped sections, and thereby a plurality of arc segments. The radii of the arc segments in the plurality of arc segments of the roof tile may be the same or different. The profile shape of the roof tile may be irregular, it may not need to be an arc segment itself, it may be any irregular shape, such as an ellipse or arc segments with different radii one after another, etc. Other profile shapes are also possible, such as a plurality of alternating profile shaped sections or alternating a plurality of profile shaped sections and a flat section.

[0051] Typically, a roof tile is an element that can be carried by one person and positioned on a roof. Thus, it should have means for attaching it to the roof, and it should not be too heavy or too large to be positioned on the roof. It should not be understood that the entire roof, half of the roof, or a quarter of the roof can be covered with only one roof tile. Typically, 5 to 15 roof tiles are included per square meter of the roof. In one example, the size of the roof tile is 420 mm × 330 mm. Preferably, the roof tile is no larger than 400 mm × 500 mm. The pattern of the roof tile should generally be understood to cover the roof. It should also be understood that the roof tile is the outermost part of the roof of the building.

[0052] For the present disclosure, roof tiles are defined as having a vertical direction referred to as the y-direction and a horizontal direction referred to as the x-direction. The vertical direction refers to a direction that includes both low points and high points when the roof tiles are installed on the roof. The vertical direction should not be misunderstood as meaning that the roof tiles stand upright on one side and face upward at 90 degrees in use. The x-direction refers essentially to the horizontal direction of the installed roof tiles. This will not include high points and low points on a line drawn parallel along that direction.

[0053] For the present disclosure, a roof is defined as having a substantially vertical direction referred to as the y-direction and a horizontal direction referred to as the x-direction. Thus, as disclosed in the accompanying drawings, the y-direction is the same as the line following the shortest path from the lowest side of the roof to the highest side (i.e., the ridge).

[0054] Solar panels or photovoltaic modules are used to convert solar energy into electricity. Multiple solar panels can be mounted on the roof of a building, or they can form a solar power station on the ground. The electricity can be used to run electrical equipment in the building where the solar panels are located, or it can be provided to the public grid.

[0055] Figure 1 A perspective view of a roof tile according to the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0056] The roof tile 100 comprises a base element 110 and a transparent top element 120. The roof tile also comprises a set of solar panel elements 130.

[0057] The roof tile 100 further comprises contour shape segments 140a-140e. The roof tile 100 may comprise more than one contour shape segment, such as two, three, four, five or six contour shape segments. A contour shape segment means that the shape segment has a curvature. A contour segment is typically a segment of a roof tile that will not be aligned with a transverse direction on a roof where the tile is to be used. This means that if the roof tile is positioned on a flat surface, the entire segment will protrude from the flat surface at an angle.

[0058] The base element 110 is arranged to provide support for the solar panel element 130 and / or the transparent top element 120. The base element 110 generally comprises contoured sections 140a-140e similar to the roof tile 100. The base element 110 may (but need not) have the same strength as conventional roof tiles. Typically, the base element 110 itself does not have the necessary strength to be used as a roof tile.

[0059] The thickness of the base element 110 may be uniform across the base element, alternatively the thickness may vary in the x-direction or the y-direction of the roof tile.

[0060] The base element 110 comprises concrete or clay. Preferably, the base element 110 comprises extruded concrete or extruded clay. Concrete refers to a mixture containing sand, cement and water. Typically, the sand of the concrete has a particle size of up to 4 mm. Thus, the thickness of the base element 110 at its thinnest part may preferably be not thinner than 5 to 6 mm. Clay refers to a fine-grained natural soil material containing minerals.

[0061] Extruded concrete or extruded clay means that the concrete or clay is pushed through a mold, jig or nozzle of a desired cross-section, thereby converting the concrete or clay into a desired shape, such as the desired shape of the base element. Alternatively, the base element 110 can be provided by molding. The molding can be performed at elevated temperature and / or pressure.

[0062] The base element 110 may also be provided with one or more holes for connecting the solar panel elements together by wires. However, holes for connecting the solar panel elements 130 by wires are usually not needed in the base element of the roof tile.

[0063] The base element 110 is arranged to be assembled with the top element 120. Preferably, the transparent top element 120 and the base element 110 have similar contour shapes. Similar contour shapes mean that the transparent top element 120 and the base element 110 have shapes that make them arranged to be assembled with each other. Thus, the transparent top element 120 and the base element 110 generally include contour shape sections 140a-140e similar to the roof tile 100.

[0064] The base element 110 may also be colored, such as with an oxide, and / or provided with a coating to provide a desired aesthetic appearance.

[0065] The transparent top element 120 is arranged to protect the solar panel element 130 from weather conditions and to prevent wear and tear caused by people walking on the roof, etc. The top element 120 is transparent to allow direct and indirect sunlight to be received through the solar panel element. Transparent means that it allows at least 50%, preferably at least 80% of the sunlight to pass through.

[0066] The transparent top element 120 may be arranged to cover at least the solar panel element 130. In addition, the transparent top element 120 may (but not necessarily) be arranged to cover the entire base element 110. In one example, the transparent top element covers the entire base element 110 except for at least one interlocking section 150 of the base element 110.

[0067] The top element 120 may comprise glass or a resin, such as plastic. If the transparent top element comprises glass, the glass preferably comprises tempered glass. Tempered glass means that the glass has been heat-treated or chemically treated so that its strength is increased compared to non-tempered glass. An example of a suitable plastic material is a durable and long-lasting plastic material, such as an acrylic material.

[0068] The transparent top element 120 is arranged to be assembled with the base element 110. Preferably, the base element 110 and the top element 120 have similar contour shapes.

[0069] The thickness of the transparent top element 120 may be uniform, alternatively, the thickness of the top element may vary in the x-direction or y-direction of the roof tile. In one example, the thickness of the top element 120 at the thinnest portion of the top element may be about 1 mm to 4 mm.

[0070] The roof tiles also include a set of solar panel elements 130. The solar panel elements represent photovoltaic elements that are capable of converting light from sunlight into electricity. These solar panel elements are included between the top element 120 and the base element 110, below the top element 120 or inside the top element. "Between" means that the solar panel elements are positioned between the top element 120 and the base element 110. "Below" means that the solar panel elements are attached to the part of the transparent top element that is arranged to be attached to the base element. "Inside" means that the solar panel elements are integrally formed inside the transparent top element, for example by molding or lamination. These solar panel elements can (but do not have to) be arranged in a recess of the base element 110 and / or in a recess of the top element 120.

[0071] In yet another example, the roof tile includes at least one intermediate element 170a, 170b. The intermediate element may be sandwiched between the top element 120 and the base element 110. The intermediate elements 170a, 170b may be arranged on and / or below the top of the solar panel element 130. The intermediate elements 170a, 170b may cover the entire surface of the base element and / or the top element. Alternatively, the intermediate element may cover a portion of the base element 110 and / or a portion of the top element 120. In one example, the solar panel element is laminated between two intermediate elements 170a, 170b. Alternatively, the solar panel element is laminated between the top element 120 and at least one intermediate element 170a, 170b. If the intermediate element is arranged on the top of the solar panel element, the intermediate element is transparent. If the intermediate element is arranged below the solar panel element, it may be transparent, but it may also have any other color, such as black or white. The solar panel elements 130 may (but need not) be attached to the top element 120 and / or the base element 110 and / or the intermediate layer by adhesive means such as glue. The solar panel elements may have any suitable length and width, in one example, the width of each solar panel element is about 20 mm.

[0072] Figure 2 An example of a cross-sectional view of a roof tile is shown.

[0073] The solar panel elements 130 may (but need not) be evenly arranged within the roof tile. The number of solar panel elements may be selected according to the size and design of the roof tile, such as the size and number of profile shape sections. Typically, the roof tile comprises about 10 to 100, or 40 to 60 as an example, or preferably 44 to 56 solar panel elements 130. These solar panel elements may be arranged so that they do not cover the entire base element of the roof tile 100. For example, no solar cell element 130 may be arranged at at least one interlocking section 150 where two roof tiles may interlock with each other. Figure 5aand Figure 5b An example of an arrangement of solar panel elements is shown.

[0074] In one example, the solar panel elements include silicon. Alternatively, the solar panel elements may include nitride or thin film solar cells, such as copper indium gallium selenide solar cells (CIGS) or dye-sensitized solar cells. In another example, the solar panel elements may include organic-based molecules or polymers. Each individual solar panel element 130 may be flat.

[0075] The roof tile 100 further comprises at least one interlocking section 150. The interlocking section 150 is arranged to interlock adjacent roof tiles 100 together during laying / installation of the roof. The interlocking section 150 may be provided along all or a portion of at least one end of the roof tile 100. The interlocking section 150 may be arranged such that it may interlock the roof tile of the present disclosure with a conventional roof tile that does not include a solar panel element. The interlocking section 150 may comprise the same material as the base element 110 and / or the top element 120. In one example, the interlocking section 150 may comprise concrete or clay, preferably extruded concrete or extruded clay.

[0076] The roof tile also includes a junction box 160 for outputting the power from the solar panel element, which is positioned at one end of the roof tile. In one example, the junction box can be arranged in a recess (not shown) of the roof tile. The recess can be arranged in the base element, the top element, or both the base element and the top element of the roof tile. Each roof tile can include a junction box. Alternatively, a row or column of roof tiles in the interlocking roof tiles on the roof can include a common junction box (not shown) for outputting the power from the solar panel element. The junction box of each roof tile is connected to the junction box of an adjacent roof tile along the x-direction and / or y-direction of the roof. The output power from the junction box of each roof tile can thus be directed into the building.

[0077] The base element 110 and the top element 120 can be attached to each other by using glue, rivets, screws, bolts, and / or by inserting the top element into a recess formed in the base element or vice versa. In one example, the glue can be a so-called grout, including concrete. In another alternative scheme that will be discussed in more detail below, when the base element 110 includes concrete, the concrete base element, the top element 120 and the solar panel element 130 can be attached to each other by hardening, thereby providing a complete roof tile with a built-in solar panel. The latter alternative scheme can be used in combination with a scheme in which the base element 110 and the top element 120 are attached together by, for example, glue (such as grout).

[0078] The base and top elements attached together provide the necessary strength for use as roof tiles, but the base and top elements do not usually have the strength to be used as roof tiles by themselves. The necessary strength for use as roof tiles means that the roof tiles should be strong enough to walk on them, for example, when inspecting the roof and shoveling snow. Roof tiles should also be able to withstand severe weather conditions, such as rain, hail, wind and heavy snow.

[0079] Figure 3 A side view of a roof tile according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0080] Figure 4 The reception of sun rays into the roof tiles at different angles is schematically shown.

[0081] like Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown in FIG. 1 , the solar panel elements arranged along the x-direction of the roof tile form a row 132 of solar panel elements 130 , and the solar panel elements arranged along the y-direction of the roof tile form a column 133 of solar panel elements.

[0082] The roof tile comprises profile shape segments 140a-140e. Each profile shape segment 140a-140e may comprise at least one column 133 of solar panel elements 130. Each column 133 may comprise at least one solar panel element 130. Preferably, each column 133 comprises about four solar panel elements 130. The profile shape segments 140a-140e of the roof tile 100 may comprise the same or a different number of solar panel elements 130 compared to the profile shape segments of adjacent roof tiles. Preferably, the solar panel elements 130 are arranged such that there is at least one column of solar panel elements in each profile shape segment 140a-140e. The solar panel elements 130 within one column 133 may (but not necessarily) be evenly spaced along the y-direction of the profile shape segment of the roof tile 100. The solar panel elements 130 may be arranged one above the other and / or side by side along the x-direction and the y-direction of the roof tile.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the solar panel elements 130 arranged in the profile segments 140a-140e are arranged at different angles within the roof tiles so that they can receive direct sunlight and indirect sunlight within the roof tiles at different angles. Direct sunlight refers to sunlight from the sun that is not reflected before striking the roof tiles. Indirect sunlight refers to sunlight that is reflected before striking the roof tiles, for example, from adjacent roof tiles or the surrounding environment.

[0084] Figure 5a and Figure 5bAn example of a roof tile comprising electrically connected solar panel elements is schematically shown.

[0085] In one example, if Figure 5a As shown in FIG. 1 , the roof tile comprises a plurality of rows 132 of solar panel elements 130 arranged along the x-direction of the roof tile 100, wherein the solar panel elements in each row are electrically connected in parallel, and wherein multiple rows of solar panel elements are electrically connected in series. The solar panel elements 130 within one row 132 may (but need not) be evenly spaced along the x-direction of the profile shape section of the roof tile 100.

[0086] like Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown in , the series connection may preferably be along the y-direction of the roof tiles. This will prevent a defective element from affecting the output power level of a group of solar panel elements that are in the same plane and at the same angle to the sun at any moment.

[0087] As mentioned above about Figure 4 As discussed, the solar panel elements 130 may be generally arranged such that there is at least one column 133 of solar panel elements 130 in each profile shape segment. As mentioned above, the profile shape segments allow for different angles of direct and indirect sunlight to be received within the roof tile. Thus, this means that one column 133 of solar panel elements may provide different output powers relative to adjacent columns 133 of solar panel elements. Since the lowest current produced by the solar panel elements 130 when connected in series limits the total output current, as Figure 5a As shown in , it is advantageous to connect these individual solar panel elements 130 in parallel and connect multiple rows 132 of solar panel elements 130 in series. In one example, this way of connecting the solar panel elements provides an output power of about 2V and 5A to 15A per roof tile, preferably about 10A. The output power depends on the reception of direct and indirect light from the sun's rays, the material type of the solar panel elements 130, and the size and number of the solar panel elements 130.

[0088] In another example, if Figure 5b As shown in , the roof tile comprises a plurality of columns 133 of solar panel elements 130 arranged along the y-direction of the roof tile, wherein the solar panel elements in each column are connected in series, and wherein a plurality of columns 133 are connected in parallel. Figure 5a The electrical connections shown in the figure, the series connection can preferably be along the y-direction of the roof tiles. This is a perfectly functional alternative, however, compared to Figure 5a In the example shown in , the output power usually becomes lower.

[0089] Groups of roof tiles or all roof tiles of a roof are preferably connected in series into a line that is connected to an inverter or equivalent device. Separate lines that connect groups of roof tiles to an inverter or equivalent device can be used to separate parts of a roof with different solar environments (such as inclination or compass direction), or to divide more roof tiles into more manageable groups based on system-level voltage and system-level current. Preferably, individual roof tiles utilize bypass diodes to overcome the negative effects caused by shading, damage or other failures of individual roof tiles. Alternatively, adjacent roof tiles are connected in series along the horizontal direction of the roof to form rows, wherein multiple rows of roof tiles are electrically connected in parallel or directly as lines to an inverter or equivalent device. In another alternative, adjacent roof tiles are connected in parallel along the horizontal direction of the roof to form rows, wherein multiple rows of roof tiles are electrically connected in series or directly as wires to an inverter or equivalent device.

[0090] Figure 6 A building having a roof comprising a plurality of interlocking roof tiles is schematically shown.

[0091] Each roof tile 100 may interlock with adjacent roof tiles to provide a roof 10 on the building 1 .

[0092] Figure 7 A plurality of electrically connected roof tiles is schematically shown.

[0093] In one example, the roof tiles according to the present disclosure can be combined with conventional roof tiles to form a roof. The combination with conventional roof tiles is particularly suitable for certain areas of the roof where the size or shape of the roof tiles needs to be cut to fit the shape and size of the roof of the building, such as near chimneys and / or near the edge of the roof. In another example, a portion of the roof includes the roof tiles according to the present disclosure, while other portions of the roof include conventional roof tiles and / or accessories, such as chimneys or windows.

[0094] Figure 8 A method of producing roof tiles is schematically shown.

[0095] The method 200 includes a step 210 of providing a base element comprising concrete or clay.

[0096] The method also includes providing a top element 220. The top element is arranged to be assembled with the base element. The top element can be provided by molding into a desired profile. The method also includes providing a solar panel between the top element and the base element and below the top element, or providing a step 230 of a solar panel inside the top element. The method also includes the step of attaching the top element to the base element 240, wherein both the base element and the top element are arranged so that the roof tile provides a profile shape section. The top element can be attached to the base element in the following manner: attaching using glue, rivets, screws, bolts, and / or, by inserting the top element into a recess formed in the base element to form an attachment or vice versa. In the latter example, the recess can be formed when providing the step of the base element and / or the step of providing the top element.

[0097] In one example, wherein the base element comprises concrete, the method may further comprise a step 250 of hardening the concrete base element with the top element and the solar panel attached, thereby providing a complete roof tile with a built-in solar panel. Hardening may be performed in a humid environment at a temperature of about 20° C. to 60° C. For roof tiles comprising a base element of clay, the base element must be fired at a temperature of about 800° C. to 900° C., and thus the step of hardening the base element with the top element and the solar panel attached is not possible. Firing must be performed in the step of providing the base element 210, i.e. before the step of attaching the base element to the top element together 240, in order not to harm or damage the glass, the solar panel element or the wiring of the solar panel element.

[0098] The invention also relates to a machine for producing roof tiles according to the above method.

[0099] The machine typically provides an extruder die, a nozzle or tool and a compartment for pressurizing the material to be extruded. The machine is also capable of joining an extruded base element with a top element comprising a solar panel element. It should be understood that the machine can have two separate production positions, one for extruding the base element and one for assembling the base element with the top element. Additional working positions can also be used, such as a working position where a junction box is attached to a roof tile.

Claims

1. A roof tile (100), wherein: The roof tile comprises a base element (110) and further comprises a transparent top element (120), The roof tile (100) includes a set of solar panel elements (130), The solar panel element (130) is included between the top element (120) and the base element (110), and is located below the top element or inside the top element. wherein the roof tile (100) comprises contoured sections (140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e), the contoured sections comprising the solar panel element (130), wherein the contoured sections allow direct and indirect sunlight to be received within the roof tile (100) at different angles, It is characterized in that The base element (110) comprises concrete or clay.

2. The roof tile (100) according to claim 1, wherein: One set of said solar panel elements (130) comprises silicon, and / or wherein said top element (120) comprises glass or resin, preferably said top element comprises tempered glass, and / or wherein said base element (110) comprises extruded concrete or extruded clay.

3. The roof tile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one intermediate element (170a, 170b) located between the top element (120) and the base element (110).

4. The roof tile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one interlocking section (150), wherein: The interlocking sections comprise concrete or clay, preferably extruded concrete or extruded clay.

5. The roof tile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A group of said solar panel elements (130) comprises at least two solar panel elements, preferably, a group of said solar panel elements comprises 10 to 100 solar panel elements, preferably 40 to 60 solar panel elements, or even more preferably 44 to 56 solar panel elements.

6. The roof tile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The roof tile comprises a plurality of rows (132) of the solar panel elements (130) arranged along an x-direction of the roof tile, wherein the solar panel elements in each of the rows are electrically connected in parallel, and wherein the plurality of rows of the solar panel elements are electrically connected in series, or wherein the roof tile comprises a plurality of columns (133) of the solar panel elements (130) arranged along a y-direction of the roof tile, wherein the solar panel elements in each of the columns are electrically connected in series, and wherein the plurality of columns of the solar panel elements are electrically connected in parallel.

7. The roof tile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A junction box (160) for outputting electricity from the solar panel element (130) is positioned at one end of the roof tile so that no hole needs to be opened in the base element of the roof tile for wiring to the solar panel element. Preferably, the junction box (160) includes a bypass diode connected to overcome the negative effects of shading, damage or other failure of the roof tile.

8. The roof tile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The base element (110) and the top element (120) when attached together provide the necessary strength for use as a roof tile, but the base element and the top element alone do not have the strength to be used as a roof tile.

9. The roof tile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Each individual solar panel element (130) is flat.

10. A roof (10) comprising a plurality of interlocking roof tiles (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method (200) for producing roof tiles, comprising the steps of: providing a base element (210) comprising concrete or clay, providing a top element (220), wherein the top element is arranged to be assembled with the base element, providing a solar panel element (230) between the top element and the base element and below the top element, or providing the solar panel element included inside the top element, and The top element is attached to the base element (240), wherein both the base element and the top element are arranged such that the roof tile provides a profiled shape section.

12. The method (200) for producing a roof tile according to claim 11, wherein: The step of attaching the top element to the base element comprises attaching the top element to the base element by using glue, rivets, screws, bolts and / or by inserting the top element into a recess formed in the base element or vice versa.

13. The method (200) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The base element comprises concrete, the method further comprising the step of hardening (250) the concrete base element with the top element and the solar panel attached, thereby providing a complete roof tile with a built-in solar panel.

14. The method (200) for producing a roof tile according to claim 11, wherein: The step of providing a base element (210) comprises providing the base element by extruding or molding the base element.

15. A machine for producing roof tiles according to the method of any one of claims 11 to 14.

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