Solar shingle assembly and methods for manufacturing same

Abstract

A solar shingle assembly for installing on a roof is described. The assembly includes shingles; photovoltaic cells allocated to the shingles; a bendable section coupling at least a pair of shingles and containing an electrical conductor, the bendable section allowing shingles to partially overlap while allowing electrical continuity therebetween; and a base sheet having an affixing region for securing the assembly to the roof. A method for manufacturing a solar shingle assembly for a roof includes assembling a laminate, including providing a backing sheet, affixing photovoltaic cells thereto alternating spacing rows, and applying a transparent layer to form the laminate. Slits are cut in the laminate to form parallel, interconnected strips, each strip containing a row photovoltaic cells and a spacing row between each slit.

Description

SOLAR SHINGLE ASSEMBLY AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SAMECROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 571 ,355, entitled “Solar Shingle Assembly and Methods for Manufacturing Same,” filed March 28, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology relates generally to solar shingle assemblies and methods for fabricating solar shingle assemblies.BACKGROUND

[0003] With increasing interest in renewable energy, many homeowners desire to install solar panels and solar energy harvesting systems. Solar energy systems can be installed on housing or building roofs in order to take advantage of the relatively unused sun exposure area.

[0004] Roof solar panels and solar roofing solutions (e.g. “shingles” formed from photovoltaic material) often have bulky connectors to create electrical continuity throughout the installation. Conventionally, such panels or shingles have two connectors each, a positive connector and negative connector. During installation, each panel or shingle must be connected to the next one, which can become burdensome, increasing time and cost for installation. In addition, these connectors may be prone to failure over time. Diagnosing a faulty connector is also not easy if the connectors are hidden behind covers.

[0005] Roof solar panels / roofing solutions may be made larger to decrease overall time and cost to covering a roof with solar energy harvesting systems, in part by decreasing the time spent connecting together smaller individual panels. In order to install larger panels, there is generally required, however, additional structure and support to be built onto the roof to support the weight of these panels. The additional structure is not generally desirable to be added onto a roof, and generally offsets any time savings of connecting together smaller components.

[0006] There remains a desire to develop solar power systems for roof installation.SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present technology, there are provided solar shingle assemblies and corresponding fabrication methods for providing a roofing and solar energy harvesting solution. The present technology significantly decreases the number of connectors required for installing a solar energy harvesting arrangement on a roof. The described arrangements further facilitate installation, as some aspects of standard roof shingle installation are preserved. Some non-limiting embodiments also provide architecturally desirable aesthetics while remaining an efficient arrangement for energy collection.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present technology, there is provided a solar shingle assembly for installing on a roof, the assembly comprising a plurality of shingles; photovoltaic cells allocated to the plurality of shingles; a bendable section coupling at least a pair of the plurality of shingles and containing an electrical conductor, the bendable section allowing at least a subset of the plurality of shingles to at least partially overlap while allowing electrical continuity between the pair; and a base sheet that rests on the roof, said base sheet having an affixing region for securing the assembly to the roof.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bendable section is foldable.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bendable section is a section of the base sheet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the bendable section is formed from the base sheet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the bendable section is substantially flat.

[0014] In some embodiments, the bendable section lacks a click-on connector.

[0015] In some embodiments, the affixing region is adapted for receiving a nail therethrough to secure the assembly to the roof.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of shingles are architectural shingles.

[0017] In some embodiments, the bendable section permits the assembly to fold onto itself for ease of transport.

[0018] In some embodiments, the solar shingle assembly further comprises flaps that can be opened to expose at least some of the affixing region for nailing and then closed thereafter.

[0019] In some embodiments, the bendable section includes at least one strap that can be disposed at least partially under a shingle without being noticeable.

[0020] In some embodiments, the at least one strap lacks a click-on connector.

[0021] In some embodiments, the solar shingle assembly further comprises a first back sheet and a first front sheet sandwiching a first row of photovoltaic cells; a second back sheet and a second front sheet sandwiching a second row of photovoltaic cells, wherein the at least one strap contains conductors for conducting electricity between the first row and the second row, said conductors being unspliced where neither between the first back sheet and the first front sheet nor between the second back sheet and the second front sheet.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one strap is less than 5 millimeters thick.

[0023] In some embodiments, one end of the at least one strap lies between the first back sheet and the first front sheet, and an opposite end lies between the second back sheet and the second front sheet.

[0024] In some embodiments, the solar shingle assembly further comprises a conducting wire attached to the at least one strap; and an electrical terminal at at least one photovoltaic cell, wherein the conducting wire is electrically attached to the electrical terminal by solder.

[0025] In some embodiments, the rows of photovoltaic cells lie on the base sheet.

[0026] In some embodiments, the solar shingle assembly further comprises a front sheet below which lie the rows of photovoltaic cells, the bendable section being fashioned from a sheet that includes the front sheet.

[0027] In some embodiments, the at least one pair of shingles are attached to each other with adhesive.

[0028] In some embodiments, the solar shingle assembly further comprises a back sheet and a front sheet for sandwiching the photovoltaic cells to form a laminate, the solar shingle assembly further comprising slits in the laminate that form strips, wherein each strip contains a row of photovoltaic cells and a spacing row, each strip capable of overlapping with an adjacentstrip such that the photovoltaic cells remain exposed to permit, in operation, the photovoltaic cells to receive sunlight after the shingle assembly is installed on a roof.

[0029] In some embodiments, the back of at least one of the strips is secured to the spacing row of an adjacent strip with adhesive.

[0030] In some embodiments, at least some of the spacing rows are designed to receive nails when the solar shingle assembly is installed on the roof.

[0031] In some embodiments, the solar shingle assembly further comprises a pair of electrical connectors to connect the solar shingle assembly to a junction box or another shingle assembly.

[0032] In some embodiments, the solar shingle assembly further comprises a front sheet, the photovoltaic cells sandwiched therebetween, the base sheet and the front sheet forming a laminate; slits in the laminate that form strips containing photovoltaic cells, wherein the slits allow the strips to have freedom of movement to at least partially overlap, such that the strips remain at least partially overlapped after installation of the assembly on a roof.

[0033] In some embodiments, a subset of the strips are capable of stacking for ease of transport.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a solar architectural shingle, comprising a laminate including a base sheet, a front sheet and photovoltaic cells sandwiched therebetween; and at least one slit in the laminate to create a pair of strips that can move relative to each other while remaining connected via at least one of the base sheet and the front sheet, wherein the pair can stack one on top of the other.

[0035] In some embodiments, the shingle further comprises adhesive to affix the pair one on top of the other to form one compound row having photovoltaic cells that alternate in height.

[0036] In some embodiments, the compound row has a top row of photovoltaic cells and a bottom row of photovoltaic cells such that the top row has a rectangular wave shape.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a solar shingle assembly for a roof comprising a laminate including a base sheet, a front sheet and photovoltaic cells sandwiched therebetween; and a living hinge fashioned from portions of at leastone of the base sheet and the front sheet, said hinge containing a conductor for carrying electricity from or to the photovoltaic cells, wherein the laminate includes cuts to form the hinge to provide freedom of movement for the laminate to at least partially overlap itself.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a method for manufacturing a solar shingle assembly for a roof comprising: a) assembling a laminate, including: providing a backing sheet, affixing a plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells to the backing sheet, each row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells being spaced from other ones of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells, the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells and a plurality of spacing rows alternating on the backing sheet, and sandwiching the photovoltaic cells between the backing sheet and a transparent layer to form the laminate; b) cutting slits in the laminate to form N parallel, interconnected strips, where N is an integer greater than one, each interconnected strip containing one of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells and one of the plurality of spacing rows between each corresponding pair of adjacent slits; and c) for M strips, affixing the back of each of the M strips to a spacing row of the plurality of spacing rows of an adjacent strip before the assembly is laid on the roof thereby creating M pairs of partially overlapping strips, where M is a non-negative integer less than N.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method further comprises attaching a pair of electrical connectors to allow electrical communication with PV rows of photovoltaic cells, the pair of electrical connectors serving to connect the solar shingle assembly to another electrical device; and creating, from at least one of the backing sheet and the transparent layer, a flap at one end of the solar shingle assembly to cover at least one of the pair of electrical connectors.

[0040] In some embodiments, the electrical device is one of another shingle assembly and a junction box.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method further comprises attaching a fastener to the flap.

[0042] In some embodiments, the step of attaching a fastener includes at least one of attaching a hook and loop fastener, attaching a snap and attaching an adhesive.

[0043] In some embodiments, the step of creating a flap includes creating a hingeable flap by scoring three parallel lines on the laminate, each of the scored lines acting as a hinge.

[0044] In some embodiments, the step of affixing includes affixing the back of one strip to a spacing row of an adjacent strip with an adhesive.

[0045] In some embodiments, M=N-1.

[0046] In some embodiments, M=0, and each of the N spacing rows is adapted for receiving nails to thereby attach the shingle assembly to the roof.

[0047] In some embodiments, N-M spacing rows are adapted for receiving nails to thereby attach the shingle assembly to the roof.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a method for manufacturing a solar pleated shingle comprising: a) assembling a laminate, including providing a backing sheet, affixing a plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells to the backing sheet, each row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells being spaced from other ones of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells, the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells and a plurality of spacing rows alternating on the backing sheet, photovoltaic cells within a given row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells being electrically connected to each other with a plurality of intracellular connectors, the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells being electrically connected to each other with a plurality of intercellular connectors, and sandwiching the photovoltaic cells and the plurality of intracellular connectors between the backing sheet and a transparent layer to form the laminate; b) cutting slits in at least the backing sheet to form strips, such that each strip contains one row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells and one row of the plurality of spacing rows being disposed between pairs of adjacent slits; and c) attaching a back of one strip to one of the plurality of spacing rows of an adjacent strip to thereby cause the strips to partially overlap.

[0049] Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above- mentioned objects and / or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that may have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and / or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

[0050] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0052] Figure 1 is a top plan view of a solar shingle assembly according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present technology, shown in an extended configuration;

[0053] Figure 2 is a top plan view of the solar shingle assembly of Figure 1 , shown in a folded configuration;

[0054] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the solar shingle assembly of Figure 1 , shown in the folded configuration;

[0055] Figure 3A is a top plan view of a solar shingle assembly according to another nonlimiting embodiment of the present technology, shown in an extended configuration and separate from a corresponding electrical strap;

[0056] Figure 3B is a top plan view of the solar shingle assembly of Figure 3A, shown in the extended configuration with the corresponding electrical strap installed thereon;

[0057] Figure 3C is a top plan view of the solar shingle assembly of Figure 3A, shown in a folded configuration with the corresponding electrical strap installed thereon;

[0058] Figure 3D is a top plan view of another non-limiting embodiment of a solar shingle assembly according to the present technology, shown in an extended configuration;

[0059] Figure 3E is a top plan view of the solar shingle assembly of Figure 3D, shown in a folded configuration;

[0060] Figure 3F is a top plan view of another non-limiting embodiment of a solar shingle assembly according to the present technology, shown in an extended configuration;

[0061] Figure 3G is a top plan view of the solar shingle assembly of Figure 3F, shown in a folded configuration;

[0062] Figure 4 is a perspective view of another non-limiting embodiment of a solar shingle assembly according to the present technology, shown in a partially folded configuration;

[0063] Figure 5 is a perspective view of another non-limiting embodiment of a solar shingle assembly according to the present technology, shown in a partially folded configuration;

[0064] Figure 5A is a top plan view of the solar shingle assembly of Figure 5, shown in a folded configuration;

[0065] Figure 5B is a top, partial view of two solar shingle assemblies of Figure 5, illustrated in mating arrangement;

[0066] Figure 6 is a perspective view of yet another non-limiting embodiment of a solar shingle assembly according to the present technology, shown in an extended configuration;

[0067] Figure 6A is a top plan view of a portion of the solar shingle assembly of Figure 6, shown in a folded configuration;

[0068] Figure 7 is a perspective view of yet another non-limiting embodiment of a solar shingle assembly according to the present technology, shown in a partially folded configuration;

[0069] Figure 8 is a perspective view of yet another non-limiting embodiment of a solar shingle assembly according to the present technology, shown in an extended configuration;

[0070] Figure 9A is a partial, cross-sectional view of the solar shingle assembly of Figure 8, shown in an extended configuration;

[0071] 9B is a partial, cross-sectional view of the solar shingle assembly of Figure 8, shown in a folded configuration;

[0072] Figure 10 is a perspective view of yet another non-limiting embodiment of a solar shingle assembly according to the present technology, shown in an extended configuration;

[0073] Figure 10A is a perspective view of yet another non-limiting embodiment of a solar shingle assembly according to the present technology, shown in a folded configuration;

[0074] Figure 10B is a top plan view of yet another non-limiting embodiment of a solar shingle assembly according to the present technology, shown in a folded configuration;

[0075] Figure 11 is a flowchart depicting a method for fabricating a solar shingle assembly according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present technology;

[0076] Figure 12 is a flowchart depicting a method for fabricating a solar shingle assembly according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present technology; and

[0077] Figures 13A to 13D illustrate some fabrication steps for constructing another nonlimiting embodiment of a solar shingle assembly according to the present technology.

[0078] Unless otherwise indicated, it should be noted that the Figures may not be drawn to scale.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] For a better understanding of various features of the present technology, reference is made to the following description and the accompanying figures. A person skilled in the art would understand that modifications to the implementations described below are possible and may be necessary for specific applications.

[0080] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a solar shingle assembly 100 is illustrated according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present technology. The assembly 100 is configured and arranged for installing on a roof. As will be described in more detail below, the assembly 100 provides a portion of the roofing material (in the form of shingles or shingle material), as well as solar (photovoltaic) cell material and electrical connections associated therewith.

[0081] The assembly 100 includes a base sheet 110. The base sheet 110 is formed from a substantially flat material, which in one embodiment is bendable. Depending on the embodiment, the base sheet 110 could be formed from, but is not limited to, nylon, Kevlar ™, polycarbonate, silicone, polyethylene, styrene, polyester, Kydex™, acrylic, polyolefin, jute, beeswax-sealed hemp, burlap, fiberglass, rubber, linoleum, paper, and epoxy resin (such as FR- 4). Broadly, the base sheet 110 is formed to serve as a substrate material to be applied or fastened to a roof (for instance a plywood roof deck or covering) in order to provide at least a portion of the roof underlayment / roof deck protection in some installations. One or more additional sealing layers or underlayment could be used in some installations.

[0082] As is illustrated in Figure 1 , the base sheet 110 is substantially flat when in an extended configuration. As is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the base sheet 110 is configured and arranged to be selectively foldable into a roofing or folded configuration, as will be described in more detail below. In at least some embodiments, it is also contemplated that the base sheet 110is configured to fold onto itself into a transport configuration (not shown) for transport of the assembly 100. It is also contemplated that use of a flexible base sheet 110 could permit rolling of the assembly 100 for transport thereof.

[0083] The assembly 100 includes a plurality of shingles 120 disposed on the base sheet 110. The shingles 120 provide roofing and / or solar panel material to aid in protecting the base sheet 110 and the roof deck therebelow. Preferably, the shingles provide an aesthetic that at least partially resembles a standard roof shingle.

[0084] The shingles 120 could be formed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to fiberglass, asphalt, granules, sealant, glass, ethylene vinyl acetate, tar, transparent wood, and epoxy resin binder. It is also contemplated that the shingles 120 could additionally or alternatively be formed from plastic backsheet, commonly used as a backing for solar cells or photovoltaic cell assemblies.

[0085] The assembly 100 further includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells 130 for converting solar energy into electricity. The cells 130 are provided to one or more of the shingles 120. In at least some embodiments, one or more shingles 120 could be formed of material surrounding the photovoltaic cells 130, with the photovoltaic cells 130 being disposed directly on the base sheet 110, or a back sheet lying above the base sheet. Shingle material can also protect the photovoltaic cells, typically arranged in one or more rows, that are allocated to a shingle. The photovoltaic cells may be disposed beneath, within or on the shingles.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, there is one photovoltaic cell 130 disposed on each shingle 120. It is contemplated that the particular ratio of cells 130 to shingle 120 could vary. For example, one or more shingles 120 could have multiple photovoltaic cells 130 disposed thereon. It is also contemplated that some shingles 120 may not have any photovoltaic cells 130 disposed thereon.

[0087] An electrical conductor 140 is disposed on a region of the base sheet, resulting in a bendable section that couples a pair of shingles. The bendable section gives at least a subset of the plurality of shingles the freedom of movement to at least partially overlap, as further explained below, while allowing electrical continuity between the pair. By the present embodiment, the conductors 140, or electrodes 140, are formed by conductive material printed on the base sheet 110. Alternatively, the conductor can be embedded into the base sheet 110. The conductors140 are electrically connected to the photovoltaic cells 130, such that power harvested by the cells 130 can be delivered to an end user (person or component).

[0088] The assembly 100 includes a pair of click-on MC4 connectors 145 (shown schematically) near a perimeter of assembly 100 that can act as a quick connect. In the illustrated embodiment, the connectors 145 are disposed at the top left and top right of the base sheet 110. The connectors 145 permit the assembly 100 to connect to adjacent assemblies 100 and / or junction boxes (not shown). For example, the top left MC4 connector can be used to electrically connect the assembly to an adjacent assembly to the left thereof when installed. The other MC4 connector at the top right can be connected to a junction box, which in turn is connected to electrical hardware inside the house via a wire that passes through the roof deck. By the present arrangement, except for the pair of click-on MC4 connectors near the top of the assembly, the base sheet 110 advantageously lacks other click-on connectors. It is also contemplated that different connector types could be used, depending on the embodiment.

[0089] As is noted above, the base sheet 110 is bendable and configured to allow at least a subset of the shingles 120 to at least partially overlap while allowing electrical continuity between shingles 120. In one embodiment, fold lines 112 can be pre-defined in the base sheet 110, by scoring for example, but this is not necessary. Because some shingle and photovoltaic material may be difficult to fold, the base sheet 110 may be devoid of shingle or photovoltaic material in the areas to be folded. The bendable sections, which in the embodiment shown include portions of the base sheet 110 and the electrodes 140, which may be printed thereon, are folded into the folded configuration along the fold lines 112 to form partially overlapping shingle areas. While two sets of folding lines 112 are provided to form three shingle 120 and cell 130 portions in the illustrated embodiment, it is noted that this is merely an example and any number of fold lines 112 and shingle 120 and cell 130 portions could be formed in different embodiments.

[0090] Rather than layering and connecting many shingle and photovoltaic components, one base sheet 110 can host many shingle and cell portions (containing at least one shingle area 120 and at least one photovoltaic cell 130) which are partially folded over each other to form “shingle-like” structures. Electrically connecting rows of photovoltaic cells 130 is thus reduced compared to installation of many separate shingles, as the electrodes 140 remain connected after folding and installation. Once installed, the assembly 100 is connected to an adjacent assembly 100 or a junction box via the connectors 145.

[0091] As is illustrated in Figure 1 , the base sheet 110 has further defined thereon one or more affixing regions 116 adapted for securing the assembly 100 to the roof. The affixing region 116 includes a surface adapted for receiving a fastener therethrough to secure the assembly 100 to the roof. For example, during installation of the assembly 100, nails could be hammered through the affixing regions 116. Specifically, for the illustrated embodiment, nails would be driven through the bottom most affixing region 116 to secure a bottom of the assembly 100 to the roof. The shingle 120 and cell 130 portion immediately above that portion 116 would then be folded over the nailed portion 116. The affixing region 116 immediately above the folded down shingle 120 and cell 130 would then be nailed down, and so on. In one embodiment, the affixing region 116 includes a self-sealing material that seals around nails to improve the impermeability of the shingle assembly.

[0092] Depending on the embodiment, for different materials or sizes of assemblies 100 for instance, some portion of the shingles 120 could be attached together with adhesive. For instance, three adjacent shingles 120 could be folded together and connected with adhesive, whereas fasteners can be used to secure the assembly 100 to the roof between sets of three shingle sub-constructions. It is also contemplated that the shingle 120 and cell 130 portions could be adhered over a fastened affixing portion 116, in order to secure each shingle 120 and cell 130 portion.

[0093] In the non-limiting embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the base sheet 110, with the horizontal fold lines 112, is configured to cover generally vertical strips of a roof on which it is installed. To cover the width of the roof, subsequent assemblies 100 are installed to the left and / or right of a given assembly 100.

[0094] It will be appreciated that a given pair of shingles that overlap, wholly or partially, need not be electrically connected to each other. For example, in an assembly of four shingles numbered 1 to 4 for reference, overlapping pairs of shingles may be shingles 1 and 2, 2 and 3, and 3 and 4, whereas shingle 1 may be electrically connected to shingle 3, and shingle 2 may be electrically connected to shingle 4.

[0095] It will further be appreciated that the bendable section, which may in addition be foldable, may be formed from a section of the base sheet suitably modified, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. For example, the bendable section may be manufactured monolithically from the basesheet, adding electrical conductors where appropriate for making electrical connections between pairs of shingles.

[0096] Another monolithic technique for allowing the shingles to overlap that can be used instead of, or in addition to, introducing folds in the base sheet involves introducing cuts or slits therein as described in more detail below. The cuts yield bendable sections that act as an electrical strap or ribbon connector that permit shingles to overlap and remain electrically connected.

[0097] In other embodiments, the construction may not be monolithic, such as in some non-limiting embodiments illustrated in Figures 3A-C. A shingle assembly 101 , similar to the assembly 100 shown in Figure 1 , is illustrated in Figure 3A. Elements in Figures 1-3 that have analogs in Figures 3A-C are identified with the same numbers except that in the former the numbers are unprimed, whereas in the latter they are primed. A pair of electrodes 145’ is made accessible at the end of each row of photovoltaic cells. A separate electrical strap 119 contains corresponding electrodes 123 that electrically connect with the electrodes 145’. Conducting wires 121 along the strap allow electricity to flow from one row of photovoltaic cells to an adjacent row. It will be appreciated that after the electrical strap is connected to the shingle assembly, current can run in series through the various photovoltaic components in the shingle assembly 101. Figure 3B shows the assembly 100’ after the strap has been connected thereto. Figure 3C shows the assembly101 as it would appear installed with folds in the base sheet 110’ and in the electrical strap 119. In some embodiments the base sheet can be folded before a shorter unfolded electrical strap is connected to the shingle assembly.

[0098] It will be appreciated that although the non-monolithic construction just described results in a product that resembles the assembly in Figure 1 , other assemblies described herein could be used to attach an electrical strap thereto. That is, in the non-monolithic construction, the electrical strap is manufactured separately and is not formed monolithically from the same base sheet used in the shingle assembly; rather, the electrical strap is connected to the assembly in a separate step in which electrodes of the photovoltaic cells are joined to electrodes in the electrical strap.

[0099] The bendable section 114 can be located at various positions. In Figures 1-3, the bendable section 114 is a vertical band 114 that contains electrodes, the band folding over itself when in the folded configuration. Embodiments containing slits are also contemplated, such asFigure 8 described below, where the bendable section 560 refers to a strap or ribbon-like section near the edge of the assembly. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, also described below, the bendable section is represented by element 645 and is a strap-like section near the middle of the assembly.[000100] Figures 3D to 3G illustrate additional embodiments of solar shingle assemblies having slits to form bendable sections. Figures 3D and 3E illustrate a solar shingle assembly 103 having an L-shaped slit. Figures 3F and 3G illustrate a solar shingle assembly 105 having a II- shaped slit. Elements of the assemblies 103, 105 that are similar to those of the assembly 100 retain the same reference numeral and will generally not be described again.[000101] An L-shaped slit 111 is shown in Figures 3D and 3E, and a U-shaped slit 115 is shown in Figures 3F and 3G. The L-shaped slit 111 , formed from a horizontal slit and a vertical slit joining at approximately a right angle, is used to produce a pair of overlapping shingles 120. The U-shaped slit 115, formed from a horizontal slit and two vertical slits at either end joining the vertical slit each at approximately right angles, is also used to produce a pair of overlapping shingles 120. By overlapping and staggering the pair of shingles in Figure 3D, the result is the shingle assembly 103 shown in Figure 3E. Likewise, by overlapping and staggering the pair of shingles in Figure 3F, the result is the shingle assembly 105 shown in Figure 3G. In Figure 3E, there is one bendable section 113 that is flat and foldable, whereas in Figure 3G, there are two bendable sections 117 that are flat and foldable. In the assembly 105, either one or both of the bendable sections 117 could have conductors. It will be appreciated that the assembly of Figure 3E and the assembly of Figure 3G are non-limiting examples and each have only two shingles to simplify the presentation herein. Other shingle assemblies will have more slits and more shingles. The slits are cut in at least the base layer with any appropriate cutting instrument, including scissors, a blade and a laser. The vertical portion of the slit defines part of the perimeter of the bendable section that can be folded diagonally to create shingles that overlap and stagger. When more than two shingle assemblies are present, the staggering can alternately occur to the right and left to produce an edge that is similar to the left edge shown in Figure 5B, which is described below. Alternatively, by folding diagonally always in one direction, a sawtooth edge that has a positive slope can be created. Or, by diagonally folding the bendable section consistently in the opposite direction, an edge with a negative slope can be produced.[000102] Wiring of the photovoltaic cells can occur in many ways. The positive and negative electrodes of the shingle assembly, used to connect to other assemblies or junction boxes, canbe disposed in various locations. For example, if these electrodes are placed near the corners of the assembly, then sixteen permutations are possible: positive electrode at the top left corner and negative electrode at the top right corner, etc. Also, the wires connecting the photovoltaic cells in a shingle assembly can run vertically (up one column and down the next column) or horizontally (to the right in one row and to the left in the next row). A “home run” wiring arrangement, known to those of ordinary skill in the art, can also be used to have the terminal positive and negative connectors close to each other.[000103] As is illustrated in Figure 4, it is contemplated that the base sheet 110 could be prepared such that an assembly 100’ could extend horizontally across a roof in some embodiments. The base sheet 110 of the assembly 100’ includes generally vertical fold lines 112’ (as installed) to permit shingle 120 and cell 130 portions to fold over their corresponding affixing portions 116. To cover the roof, subsequent assemblies 100’ would then be installed above the given assembly 100’, similar to the layering effect taken in standard asphalt shingles, for example. Alternatively, in such a horizontal arrangement, the adjacent ends of a pair of shingles can abut instead of overlap. In such case, the bendable section between shingles is tucked under the shingles when installing. In yet another variation, the bendable section can be sufficiently narrow (from left to right), two millimeters for example, to act as a hinge for stacking the shingles when transporting and to obviate the need to tuck any bendable section under shingles. For example, a narrow amount of flexible material can be squeezed between the adjacent ends of a pair of shingles, perhaps leaving a small gap therebetween.[000104] Another embodiment of a solar shingle assembly 200 according to the present technology is illustrated in Figures 5, 5A and 5B, which is similar to the assembly shown in Figures 1-3, but with a staggered edge and an architectural shingle. Elements of the assembly 200 that are similar to those of the assembly 100 retain the same reference numeral and will generally not be described again.[000105] The assembly 200 is specifically an architectural-style solar shingle assembly 200 having architectural shingles 220. Also referred to as dimensional shingles in the art, architectural- type shingles provide a multidimensional aesthetic to increase visual interest for the roof. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the shingles 220 have variable thicknesses to permit a more visually interesting layering effect when installed on a roof. The varied distribution of the shingle material 120 and the cells 130 on different shingles 220 further increases the visual interest of the assembly 200. With reference to Figure 5A, it will be noted that the left side of Figures 5, 5A hasan edge that alternately offsets. As shown in Figure 5B, such an offset edge of one shingle assembly 200 mates with a neighbouring shingle assembly 200 to prevent seams from forming, which seams could allow water to pass through to the underlayment or roof deck, which is best prevented to improve impermeability.[000106] Yet another embodiment of a solar shingle assembly 300 according to the present technology is illustrated in Figure 6. Elements of the assembly 300 that are similar to those of the assembly 100 retain the same reference numeral and will generally not be described again.[000107] The assembly 300 is a different embodiment of an architectural-style solar shingle assembly 300 having architectural shingles 320. In addition to staggering shingle material 120 placement and photovoltaic cell 130 placement, additional portions of the base sheet 110 are cut away to permit additional layering as the base sheet 110 is folded into the installed or folded configuration. It is convenient to number the shingles in Figure 6 starting from 1 for the bottommost shingle. To create a shingle assembly 300 having architectural shingles, shingles 1 and 2 are stacked one on top of the other to produce a first (compound) architectural shingle, shingles 3 and 4 are stacked one on top of the other to create a second architectural shingle and finally shingles 5 and 6 (shingle 6 is not shown) are also stacked one on top of the other to create a third architectural shingle. Next, the resultant third architectural shingle is made to overlap with the second architectural shingle, which is made to overlap with the first architectural shingle creating a shingle assembly having three architectural shingles. It will be appreciated that an assembly can be constructed in like manner having less of more than three architectural shingles.[000108] As will be described in more detail below with another non-limiting embodiment, the assembly 300 includes living hinges 350 to permit folding of the shingles 320. It is contemplated that the base sheet 110 could be configured for folding. Thus, the bendable sections forming living hinges 350 in this embodiment permit the stacking of strips to form architectural shingles, and also the overlapping of architectural shingles to improve water impermeability.[000109] In some embodiments, the shingles 320 could include adhesive to affix a pair of shingles one on top of the other to form one compound row having photovoltaic cells that alternate in height. As is illustrated in Figure 6, such an embodiment could include a top row of photovoltaic cells 130 and a bottom row of photovoltaic cells 130.[000110] With reference to Figure 6A, first, two shingles 320 are stacked on top of each other to create an architectural shingle in which the photovoltaic cells lie on two parallel, slightly spaced apart planes. (The separation between these nominal planes is at least the thickness of the base sheet.) Second, a resultant pair of architectural shingles 320 are then made to partially overlap with other pairs of shingles 320 to prevent water from passing through what would otherwise be a small spacing at the seam line. The resulting assembly, as it would appear after installation, appears in Figure 6A. It will be appreciated that the order of these two steps can be reversed.[000111] Yet another embodiment of a solar shingle assembly 400 according to the present technology is illustrated in Figure 7. Elements of the assembly 400 that are similar to those of the assembly 100 retain the same reference numeral and will generally not be described again.[000112] The assembly 400 includes a flap 410 connected to the base sheet 110. The flap 410 is selectively liftable and closable to selectively expose at least some of the affixing portion 116 for fastening.[000113] In the illustrated embodiment, the flap 410 has shingle material 120 and a photovoltaic cell 130 disposed thereon. By selectively covering the top affixing portion 116, a top part of the assembly 400 is secured to the roof while the same area is still contributing to the energy harvesting and aesthetics of the overall assembly 400.[000114] Depending on the embodiment, it is contemplated that additional flaps 410 could be connected to the base sheet 110. The top shingle shown in Figure 7 acts as a flap by having a fold at the top of the assembly. Another way to create a flap from the top shingle is to use adhesive located on the back of the top portion of the shingle to affix the shingle to a back sheet — in this case, no fold is necessary. Because only the top portion contains adhesive, the bottom portion is free to bend upwards to expose the base sheet therebeneath. After driving nails through the base sheet the flap, which is to say the bottom portion of the top shingle, can be closed to cover the nails. The bottom portion can be affixed to the base layer with any appropriate fastener, such as Velcro, or adhesive that can be activated with heat, etc. Other similar flaps can be constructed from other shingles in the assembly, not just the top one. One (or more) horizontal folds near the centre of the shingle assembly can serve as a hinge to fold over the two halves of the assembly for ease of transport.[000115] Yet another embodiment of a solar shingle assembly 500 according to the present technology is illustrated in Figures 8, 9A, and 9B. Elements of the assembly 500 that are similar to those of the assembly 100 retain the same reference numeral and will generally not be described again.[000116] The solar shingle assembly 500 includes and is formed at least in part from a laminate 510. The laminate 510 includes a back sheet 520 and a front sheet 540. The back sheet 520, also referred to as a backsheet or a backing sheet 520, may coincide with the base sheet, or in other embodiments, may be an additional sheet that lies above the base sheet. The back sheet 520 may additionally or alternatively be formed from a standard solar panel backsheet material, such as polymer materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyester, or fluoropolymer.[000117] As is illustrated in cross-section in Figures 9A and 9B, the front sheet 540 is a transparent layer 540 applied above the back sheet 520. The particular material or combination of materials forming the front sheet 540 could vary. The front sheet 540 materials could include but are not limited to low iron tempered glass with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant, and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thermoplastic polymer. The front sheet 540 could be attached to the assembly by a variety of methods, depending on various factors including the material chosen for the front sheet 540.[000118] The laminate 510 further includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells 130 sandwiched between the back sheet 520 and the front sheet 540. By sandwiching the photovoltaic cells 130 between two connected layers 520, 540, the cells 130 are protected from the elements and during transport and installation.[000119] Returning to Figures 8 to 9B, the assembly 500 includes at least one living hinge 560 formed from the back sheet 520 and / or the front sheet 540. One or more cuts, slits, or incisions are introduced into the laminate 510 to form the living hinges 560, as well as to provide freedom of movement for the laminate 510 to overlap itself for layering as described above. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the front sheet may not extend to the right and left edges of the back sheet. In such case, part of the L-slit may be a slit in the laminate, whereas another part may be a slit in a region that excludes the front sheet. Similarly, a U-shaped slit may be formed from two types of slits: one horizontal slit is made by cutting the laminate, the rest of the U-shaped slit may be made by cutting a region of the back sheet with no front sheet thereabove, on the left and right sides near the edges.[000120] In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 560 is formed from both the back sheet 520 and the front sheet 540, such that the hinges 560 are formed from the laminate 510. In other embodiments, the living hinges 560 could exclude the front sheet. The assembly 500 includes four hinges 560 forming five shingle portions 550 or strips 550. It is contemplated that the assembly 500 could include more or fewer hinges 560 and shingle portions 550. By introducing slits into the laminate, the strips 550 have freedom of movement to overlap. The strips 550 can thus at least partially overlap in installation of the assembly 500 on a roof, a portion of which is illustrated in Figure 9B. In some embodiments, the strips 550 could include adhesive to affix a pair 525 of shingles one on top of the other to form one compound row having photovoltaic cells that alternate in height. In at least some embodiments, the strips 550 are further configured to be capable of stacking for ease of transport.[000121] A spacing row 513 is the area above the row of photovoltaic cells in the shingle. The spacing row 513 serves at least two functions. First, nails can be driven therethrough to secure the shingle assembly to the roof. Second, the spacing row in a shingle can accept part of the shingle above when overlapping of the shingles is affected during installation (see Figure 9B). Adhesive can be applied on the spacing row 513 (either at the factory or during installation) so that after overlapping, the two shingles are affixed to each other. As is illustrated in Figures 9A, 9B in the present embodiment an adhesive 590 has been applied to the surface at the bottom of the base sheet 520 of the top shingle, which surface rests on the spacing row 513 of the lower shingle. For additional adhesion, adhesive can also be applied on the top surface of the spacing row.[000122] Each strip 550 is thus capable of overlapping with an adjacent strip 550 such that the photovoltaic cells 130 remain exposed to permit, in operation, the photovoltaic cells 130 to receive sunlight in operation of the assembly 500 as installed on a roof.[000123] The living hinges 560 contain a conductor 570, or electrode 570, for electrically connecting to the photovoltaic cells 130. Similarly to the assembly 100, the shingles 550 are electrically connected together by a flexible electrical conductor 570, such that quick connects or additional wiring is not required to electrically connect between shingles 550.[000124] The assembly 500, as illustrated, also includes shingle material 120 to visually simulate roofing material. Shingle material 120 could be disposed between the back sheet 520 and the front sheet 540. It is also contemplated that shingle material 120 could be applied to atop surface of the laminate 510. It is further contemplated that the assembly 500 could omit shingle material. For example, coloring or texturing the back sheet 520 could be used to visually simulate shingle material.[000125] In the illustrated embodiment, a back side of one or more of the strips 550 is configured to be secured to the spacing row of an adjacent strip 550 with adhesive.[000126] In at least some embodiments, some or all of the spacing rows 513 are designed to receive fasteners, such as nails or screws, when the assembly 500 is installed on the roof.[000127] Yet another embodiment of a solar shingle assembly 600 according to the present technology is illustrated in Figure 10. Elements of the assembly 600 that are similar to those of the assembly 100 retain the same reference numeral and will generally not be described again.[000128] The assembly 600 includes a base sheet 610 from which one or more bendable sections, which are here shown as straps 645, are formed. The bendable sections connect together shingles 620, each shingle 620 having shingle material 120 and at least one photovoltaic cell 130. The straps 645 are arranged to be disposed at least partially under a shingle 620 when the assembly 600 is in the folded configuration.[000129] In the illustrated embodiment, one strap 645 is connected between each shingle 620. It is contemplated that two or more straps 645 could be connected between each shingle 620. The positioning of the straps 645 could also vary in different embodiments, for example connecting top and bottom lateral corners of adjacent shingles 620.[000130] In the some embodiments, the straps are less than 5 millimeters thick, and may be less than 3 millimeters thick. It is contemplated that the specific size of straps could depend on different factors, including number and placement of the straps.[000131] As is illustrated schematically, the straps 645 lack a click-on connector, such as MC4 connectors that are widely used for solar panel connections. Rather than using such connectors for electrically connecting the shingles 620 together, the strap 645 includes a conductor wire 140 for that purpose. The conductor wire 140 is then electrically attached to an electrical terminal of the photovoltaic cell 130 by solder, for example. The conductor can be disposed on, within or under the strap 645.[000132] In some embodiments of the present technology, the assembly 600 could be formed from a first shingle having a first back sheet and a first front sheet sandwiching a first row of photovoltaic cells; and a second shingle having a second back sheet and a second front sheet sandwiching a second row of photovoltaic cells. A strap electrically connects the first and second shingles. In one embodiment, the strap could be formed from the back sheet, but not the front sheet, such that any wire splicing between the electrical conductors exiting the strap and the row of photovoltaic cells could be done exclusively between the front sheet and the back sheet, which is to say no splicing would occur in regions that are not between the back and front sheets. Alternatively, an initially separate strap could have one end sandwiched between the first front sheet and back sheet, and the other end sandwiched between the second front sheet and back sheet.[000133] The principles of the present technology can be applied to manufacture a shingle assembly 650 with a flap 660 used to cover a click-on connector 651 (shown schematically), such as an MC4 connector or a thinner analog of the MC4. Such an assembly is shown in Figure 10A. The illustrated assembly has three shingles 120 and a flap 660 created by making a U-shaped slit, following by overlapping of the bendable sections 652, which are flat and foldable. A portion of the base sheet on the right is folded to create a flap, which flap can be used to cover an MC4 connector and associated wiring. More than one connector, perhaps belonging to an adjacent assembly also having its own flap, can be covered with the flap. By overlapping a series of flaps belonging to different shingle assemblies, a vertical channel can be created in which the connectors that electrically couple the assemblies together can be protected.[000134] As is illustrated in Figure 10B, the principles of the present technology can also be used to produce a single photovoltaic, architectural shingle 680. In a laminate 685, a U-shaped slit similar to that shown in Figure 5B can be introduced. Next, cutouts 688 can be removed from the top strip 682 that correspond with the areas where no photovoltaic cells appear in the bottom slit 684. In this manner, when the top strip 682 is stacked on top of the bottom strip 684, and the strips glued together, the photovoltaic cells 130 (schematically illustrated) in both strips 682, 684 remain exposed. The stacking produces an attractive architectural shingle arrangement where shingle material together with the photovoltaic cells are disposed on different planes that are displaced from each other by at least the thickness of the base layer.[000135] The number of conducting bendable sections can vary in various embodiments. For example, in Figure 10, two ribbon-like conducting bendable sections 645 are shown. In adifferent embodiment, the shingle assembly can have one bendable section separating a top panel of shingles from a bottom panel of shingles. For example, the top panel can have two shingles that are affixed together — for instance with adhesive--during the manufacturing stage. Likewise, the bottom panel can also have two shingles that are affixed together during the manufacturing stage. For ease of shipping and transporting, the top panel can be stacked on top of the bottom panel by folding the top panel onto the bottom panel by allowing the bendable section to act like a hinge. Once the panels are unfolded and laid open on the roof, the top pair can then be nailed to the roof, and the bottom pair can be nailed to the roof. Advantageously, it will be appreciated that instead of having to drive nails into each shingle, only two shingles need be nailed to the roof in this embodiment. Thus, nails can be driven into the first (or top) shingle, and the third shingle. Because the second shingle is affixed to the first, and the fourth to the third, all shingles are consequently secured to the roof. In other instance, the top and bottom panels can have more than two shingles each. It is also possible to alternate between affixing two shingles with adhesive at the factory and providing a bendable section between two shingles. Thus, shingles 1 and 2 can be connected with adhesive, shingles 2 and 3 by a bendable section, shingles 3 and 4 by adhesive, etc. The adhesive can be applied at the factory during the manufacturing stage.[000136] With reference to Figure 11 , there is illustrated a method 700 of fabricating a solar shingle assembly for a roof, such as the assembly 500 described above.[000137] The method 700 begins, at step 710, with assembling a laminate, such as the laminate 510. At substep 712 of forming the laminate, the method 700 includes providing a backing sheet, also referred to as a backsheet.[000138] The method 700 continues, at substep 714, with affixing rows of photovoltaic cells 130 to the backing sheet. In order to permit the stacking and / or overlapping described for the assemblies above, each row of photovoltaic cells is spaced from other rows of photovoltaic cells. The rows of photovoltaic cells thus alternate with spacing rows on the backing sheet.[000139] The method 700 continues, at substep 716, with sandwiching the photovoltaic cells between the backing sheet and a transparent layer, also referred to as a front sheet, to form the laminate.[000140] Having formed the laminate, the method 700 then continues, at step 720, with cutting slits in the laminate to form N parallel, interconnected strips, N being an integer greaterthan one. Each of the interconnected N strips contains one row of photovoltaic cells and one spacing row between each corresponding pair of adjacent slits.[000141] The method 700 continues, at step 730, with affixing a back side of M strips to a spacing row of an adjacent strip before the shingle assembly is laid on the roof, M being a nonnegative integer less than N. There are then created M pairs of partially overlapping strips.[000142] In some embodiments, the step of affixing includes affixing the back of one strip to a spacing row of an adjacent strip with an adhesive.[000143] In some embodiments, the method 700 further includes attaching a pair of electrical connectors to allow electrical communication with different rows of photovoltaic cells. The pair of electrical connectors serves to connect the solar shingle assembly to another electrical device, including an adjacent assembly or junction box, during installation.[000144] In some embodiments, the method 700 could also include creating a flap at one end of the solar shingle assembly to cover at least one of the pair of electrical connectors. In some cases, the flap could be created from the back sheet.[000145] In some embodiments, the step of creating a flap includes creating a hingeable flap by scoring three parallel lines on the laminate, each of the scored lines acting as a hinge.[000146] In some such embodiments, the method 700 could include attaching a fastener to the flap. The fastener could be included for assemblies where it would be preferred to close the flap, either selectively or to secure closed following installation. In some cases, the step of attaching a fastener includes at least one of attaching a hook and loop fastener, attaching a snap fastener, and attaching an adhesive.[000147] In some embodiments, N-M spacing rows are adapted for receiving fasteners therethrough to thereby attach the shingle assembly to the roof. That is, the total number of spacing rows is equal to the number of rows adapted for fastening to the roof (e.g., by nailing) and the number of rows to be affixed to adjacent rows or shingles by adhesive before the assembly is laid on the roof (e.g., during the manufacturing stage): (N-M) +M = N[000148] The affixing of the back side of one shingle to the spacing row of the adjacent shingle can be performed prior to shipping or immediately prior to installation on the roof.[000149] In some embodiments, where M=0, each of the N spacing rows could be adapted for receiving fasteners, e.g. nails, to thereby attach the shingle assembly to the roof.[000150] It should be appreciated that the N-M spacing rows that receive nails may also have some adhesive thereon. In such case, after a spacing row of one strip is nailed, the back side of an adjacent strip is made to overlap and press against the adhesive on the spacing row to bond the two strips together. If desired, the back side of the adjacent strip may also have adhesive to form a better bond.[000151] Figure 12 illustrates another method 800 of fabricating a solar shingle assembly. The method 800 is specifically for manufacturing a solar pleated shingle, similar to the assembly 100 described above.[000152] The method 800 begins, at step 810, with assembling a laminate. Forming the laminate includes, at substep 812, providing a backing sheet.[000153] At substep 814, the method 800 continues with affixing a plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells to the backing sheet.[000154] Each row of photovoltaic cells is spaced from other rows of photovoltaic cells, such that rows of photovoltaic cells and a plurality of spacing rows alternate with spacing rows on the backing sheet. The photovoltaic cells within a given row are electrically connected to each other with a plurality of intracellular connectors. The different rows of photovoltaic cells are in turn electrically connected to each other with a plurality of intercellular connectors.[000155] In some embodiments, the method 800 could include connecting the photovoltaic cells to each other with the intracellular connectors. The method 800 could additionally or alternatively include connecting the rows of photovoltaic cells together with the intercellular connectors.[000156] Assembling the laminate continues, at substep 816, with sandwiching the photovoltaic cells, the intracellular connectors, and the intercellular connectors between the backing sheet and a transparent layer, also referred to a front sheet to form the laminate. In other embodiments, the transparent layer does not extend to the edge of the backing sheet, so that the intercellular connectors are not completely sandwiched between the transparent layer and the backing sheet.[000157] The method 800 then continues, at step 820, with cutting or forming slits in at least the backing sheet of the laminate to form strips. Each strip is formed to contain one row of photovoltaic cells and one row spacing row being disposed between a pair of adjacent slits forming the strip.[000158] The method 800 then continues, at step 830, with attaching a back of one strip to a spacing row of an adjacent strip to thereby cause the strips to partially overlap. The method 800 could include only attaching one strip to an adjacent strip. It is also contemplated that the method 800 could continue with connecting all strips to their corresponding adjacent strip.[000159] Various sizes of the shingle assembly are contemplated. For example, the assembly can be 12 inches in height and 36 inches in width, roughly the size of a standard shingle. In another example, an assembly could be 96 inches in height and 36 inches in width. For ease of transport, the shingles of the assembly can stack one on top of the other using the bendable sections as a hinge, as described above.[000160] Figures 13A-D show an embodiment of two shingle assemblies 900 having vertical fold lines being fabricated according to the principles of the present technology. Three connected panels 901 of laminate are separated by two vertical fold lines (not shown in the connected state). The base layer is transparent. Photovoltaic cells are placed in the first and third panels 901. In some embodiments, it is also possible to place cells upside down on the middle panel so that when the strips of this panel are flipped over, the cells are right side up. Alternating strips 905 are cut into the middle panel 901 as shown in Figures 13A,B. The strips 905 of the middle panel 901 are folded over to make two shingle assemblies 900, as shown in Figure 13C. Next, slits are cut near the left edge of the first panel 901 , and then slits are cut near the right edge of the third panel 901 , thereby creating conducting ribbon-like bendable sections, as described above and as illustrated in Figure 13D. These bendable sections allow the strips 905 to overlap to form a first shingle assembly 900 from the first panel 90 and portions of the middle panel 901 , and a second shingle assembly 900 from the third panel 901 and the remaining portions of the middle panel 901. Advantageously, no material is wasted by cutting the strips 905 in the middle panel 901.[000161] Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A solar shingle assembly for installing on a roof, the assembly comprising: a plurality of shingles; photovoltaic cells allocated to the plurality of shingles; a bendable section coupling at least a pair of the plurality of shingles and containing an electrical conductor, the bendable section allowing at least a subset of the plurality of shingles to at least partially overlap while allowing electrical continuity between the pair; and a base sheet that rests on the roof, said base sheet having an affixing region for securing the assembly to the roof.

2. The solar shingle of claim 1 , wherein the bendable section is foldable.

3. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bendable section is a section of the base sheet.

4. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bendable section is formed from the base sheet.

5. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bendable section is substantially flat.

6. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bendable section lacks a click-on connector.

7. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the affixing region is adapted for receiving a nail therethrough to secure the assembly to the roof.

8. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of shingles are architectural shingles.

9. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bendable section permits the assembly to fold onto itself for ease of transport.

10. The solar shingle assembly of claim 7, further comprising flaps that can be opened to expose at least some of the affixing region for nailing and then closed thereafter.

11. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bendable section includes at least one strap that can be disposed at least partially under a shingle without being noticeable.

12. The solar shingle assembly of claim 11 , wherein the at least one strap lacks a click-on connector.

13. The solar shingle assembly of claim 11 , further comprising: a first back sheet and a first front sheet sandwiching a first row of photovoltaic cells; a second back sheet and a second front sheet sandwiching a second row of photovoltaic cells, wherein the at least one strap contains conductors for conducting electricity between the first row and the second row, said conductors being unspliced where neither between the first back sheet and the first front sheet nor between the second back sheet and the second front sheet.

14. The solar shingle assembly of claim 11 , wherein the at least one strap is less than 5 millimeters thick.

15. The solar shingle assembly of claim 11 , wherein one end of the at least one strap lies between the first back sheet and the first front sheet, and an opposite end lies between the second back sheet and the second front sheet.

16. The solar shingle assembly of claim 11 , further comprising: a conducting wire attached to the at least one strap; and an electrical terminal at at least one photovoltaic cell, wherein the conducting wire is electrically attached to the electrical terminal by solder.

17. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the rows of photovoltaic cells lie on the base sheet.

18. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a front sheet below which lie the rows of photovoltaic cells, the bendable section being fashioned from a sheet that includes the front sheet.

19. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least one pair of shingles are attached to each other with adhesive.

20. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a back sheet and a front sheet for sandwiching the photovoltaic cells to form a laminate, the solar shingle assembly further comprising slits in the laminate that form strips, wherein each strip contains a row of photovoltaic cells and a spacing row, each strip capable of overlapping with an adjacent strip such that the photovoltaic cells remain exposed to permit, in operation, the photovoltaic cells to receive sunlight after the shingle assembly is installed on a roof.

21. The solar shingle assembly of claim 20, wherein the back of at least one of the strips is secured to the spacing row of an adjacent strip with adhesive.

22. The solar shingle assembly of claim 20, wherein at least some of the spacing rows are designed to receive nails when the solar shingle assembly is installed on the roof.

23. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a pair of electrical connectors to connect the solar shingle assembly to a junction box or another shingle assembly.

24. The solar shingle assembly of claim 1 , further comprising: a front sheet, the photovoltaic cells sandwiched therebetween, the base sheet and the front sheet forming a laminate; slits in the laminate that form strips containing photovoltaic cells, wherein the slits allow the strips to have freedom of movement to at least partially overlap, such that the strips remain at least partially overlapped after installation of the assembly on a roof.

25. The solar shingle assembly of claim 24, wherein a subset of the strips are capable of stacking for ease of transport.

26. A solar architectural shingle, comprising: a laminate including a base sheet, a front sheet and photovoltaic cells sandwiched therebetween; and at least one slit in the laminate to create a pair of strips that can move relative to each other while remaining connected via at least one of the base sheet and the front sheet, wherein the pair can stack one on top of the other.

27. The shingle of claim 26, further comprising adhesive to affix the pair one on top of the other to form one compound row having photovoltaic cells that alternate in height.

28. The shingle of claim 27, wherein the compound row has a top row of photovoltaic cells and a bottom row of photovoltaic cells such that the top row has a rectangular wave shape.

29. A solar shingle assembly for a roof comprising: a laminate including a base sheet, a front sheet and photovoltaic cells sandwiched therebetween; and a living hinge fashioned from portions of at least one of the base sheet and the front sheet, said hinge containing a conductor for carrying electricity from or to the photovoltaic cells, wherein the laminate includes cuts to form the hinge to provide freedom of movement for the laminate to at least partially overlap itself.

30. A method for manufacturing a solar shingle assembly for a roof comprising: a) assembling a laminate, including: providing a backing sheet, affixing a plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells to the backing sheet, each row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells being spaced from other ones of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells, the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells and a plurality of spacing rows alternating on the backing sheet, and sandwiching the photovoltaic cells between the backing sheet and a transparent layer to form the laminate; b) cutting slits in the laminate to form N parallel, interconnected strips, where N is an integer greater than one, each interconnected strip containing one of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells and one of the plurality of spacing rows between each corresponding pair of adjacent slits; andc) for M strips, affixing the back of each of the M strips to a spacing row of the plurality of spacing rows of an adjacent strip before the assembly is laid on the roof thereby creating M pairs of partially overlapping strips, where M is a non-negative integer less than N.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising: attaching a pair of electrical connectors to allow electrical communication with PV rows of photovoltaic cells, the pair of electrical connectors serving to connect the solar shingle assembly to another electrical device; and creating, from at least one of the backing sheet and the transparent layer, a flap at one end of the solar shingle assembly to cover at least one of the pair of electrical connectors.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the electrical device is one of another shingle assembly and a junction box.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising attaching a fastener to the flap.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the step of attaching a fastener includes at least one of attaching a hook and loop fastener, attaching a snap and attaching an adhesive.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the step of creating a flap includes creating a hingeable flap by scoring three parallel lines on the laminate, each of the scored lines acting as a hinge.

36. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of affixing includes affixing the back of one strip to a spacing row of an adjacent strip with an adhesive.

37. The method of claim 30, where M=N-1.

38. The method of claim 30, where M=0, and each of the N spacing rows is adapted for receiving nails to thereby attach the shingle assembly to the roof.

39. The method of claim 30, wherein N-M spacing rows are adapted for receiving nails to thereby attach the shingle assembly to the roof.

40. A method for manufacturing a solar pleated shingle comprising: a) assembling a laminate, including providing a backing sheet, affixing a plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells to the backing sheet, each row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells being spaced from other ones of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells, the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells and a plurality of spacing rows alternating on the backing sheet, photovoltaic cells within a given row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells being electrically connected to each other with a plurality of intracellular connectors, the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells being electrically connected to each other with a plurality of intercellular connectors, and sandwiching the photovoltaic cells and the plurality of intracellular connectors between the backing sheet and a transparent layer to form the laminate; b) cutting slits in at least the backing sheet to form strips, such that each strip contains one row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic cells and one row of the plurality of spacing rows being disposed between pairs of adjacent slits; and c) attaching a back of one strip to one of the plurality of spacing rows of an adjacent strip to thereby cause the strips to partially overlap.

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