Integrated photovoltaic roofing component and panel

Abstract

A combination roofing panel and solar module includes a flexible membrane sheet, such as a single-ply membrane sheet, and a plurality of elongated solar or photovoltaic modules arranged side-by-side, end-to-end, or adjacent each other. The modules are adhered to the flexible membrane, and the edges of the modules having electrical connectors or electrodes are arranged to face each other or be aligned with each other. The electrical connectors are connected by a solder connection to module electrodes through apertures in a bottom surface of the flexible membrane and are connected in series. The series electrical connectors are connected directly to direct current (DC) electric devices, to a combiner box, to another panel or to an inverter which provides coverts direct current (DC) to alternating current electricity for use in residential, commercial or industrial building structures. The ends and elongated edges of a roofing component or panel having the flexible membrane and modules can be sealed for protection.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 351,299 filed Jan. 23, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated fully herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to roofing components, panels and systems, and more particularly, to a photovoltaic roofing component and panel having solar or photovoltaic modules integrated with a flexible membrane to protect a building from environmental elements while also generating electricity.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0003]Various types of roofing materials have been utilized to provide building structures protection from the sun, rain, snow and other weather and environment elements. Examples of known roofing materials include clay tiles, cedar and composition shingles and metal panels, and BUR materials, (e.g., both hot and cold applied bituminous based adhesives, emulsions and felts), which can be applied to roofing substrates such as wood, concr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an improved integrated solar or photovoltaic roofing component and panel that can be attached to a roofing surface. The component includes a flexible membrane sheet and a plurality of elongated solar or photovoltaic modules that are attached to the membrane sheet. The modules are arranged side-by-side or end to end such that the electrical leads are located at adjacent ends of the modules. The electrical interconnections between individual solar cells of a solar module are completed before the modules are adhered to the membrane, reducing the number of electrical components and connections required for installation. The elongated solar modules have their edges encapsulated with a sealant, and the set of electrodes of the modules can be connected in a combination of series and parallel connections to complete the wiring of the panel. The wiring is hermetically sealed within the membrane, and the plug is handily available for connection to another photovoltaic roof panel or inverter."

Problems solved by technology

While such roofing materials may be satisfactory for the basic purpose of protecting a building structure from environmental elements, their use is essentially limited to these protective functions.

However, such systems typically require separate support structures that are bolted together to form an array of larger solar panels.

Further, the “add-on” solar panels are heavy and are more costly to manufacture, install and maintain.

Additionally, multiple penetrations of the roof membrane can compromise the water-tight homogeneity of the roof system, thereby requiring additional maintenance and cost.

These “add-on” solar panel systems may also be considered unsightly or an eyesore since they are attached to and extend from a roof.

These shortcomings provide a barrier to more building structures being outfitted with solar energy systems which, in turn, increase the dependence upon traditional and more limited and polluting energy resources.

Such wiring is typically performed by an electrician rather than a roofer, thereby increasing labor costs and complicating the installation.

Additional wire and connection components can also result in composite roofing panels requiring excessive field handling and weight, thereby making storage, transportation, and installation of panels more difficult and expensive.

Finally, increasing the number of wires and interconnections in a panel to be installed under field conditions increases the likelihood that the electrical connection in the panel will be broken, e.g., by variables associated with constructive field conditions or wire connections being exposed to inclement weather and / or other hazards (rodents, pigeons, etc.)

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