Building Integrated Photovoltaic Tile Roof System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of solar technology in residential settings is limited by aesthetic concerns and the mismatch between the lifespan of solar systems and existing roofs, particularly composition shingle roofs, leading to increased costs and visual dissonance.
Innovation Solution
The development of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems that integrate solar cells into existing tile roofs, providing a visually appealing and modular solution that blends with the roof surface, allowing for installation as a new roof or on an existing one, with adjustable solar cell density for energy production and aesthetic uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar modules are installed on an existing tile or composition shingle roof, then solar energy generation is achieved, but visual dissonance and aesthetic concerns arise due to the separate and distinct appearance of the solar array from the existing roof
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solar array with the existing roof structure by integrating photovoltaic modules directly into the roofing system. The solar modules are configured to follow the contours and planes of the existing roof, creating a unified structure that eliminates visual dissonance while maintaining solar energy generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The roofing system serves multiple functions: it provides traditional roof protection while simultaneously generating solar energy. The integrated design allows the same structure to fulfill both aesthetic roofing requirements and functional solar energy production, making the system universally applicable to existing roofs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a solar system is installed on an existing roof, then solar energy production is achieved, but the mismatch between the lifespan of the solar system and the remaining lifespan of the roof leads to increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the lifespan mismatch by planning for roof replacement at the same time as solar system installation. The integrated design allows the solar modules to be pre-configured and attached in a way that facilitates seamless transition when the roof is replaced, avoiding the need to remove and reinstall expensive solar equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
When the roof reaches the end of its lifespan, the solar modules can be recovered and transferred to the new roof structure. This approach prevents waste of the solar investment and eliminates the need to pay for new solar installation when the roof is replaced, significantly reducing long-term costs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a solar array covers only a portion of the roof, then solar energy generation is achieved, but the solar array stands out as separate and distinct from the existing roof, visible from street level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional flat-mounted solar panels to three-dimensional integrated modules that follow the roof's contours and planes. By incorporating the solar modules into the roof's dimensional structure rather than placing them on top, the system achieves visual uniformity while maintaining energy generation on the portions of the roof where modules are installed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The BIPV system reduces visual contrast with traditional roofing materials, extends the lifespan of solar installations, and lowers installation costs by integrating solar energy collection into the roofing structure, offering a more appealing and efficient solar energy harvesting solution.
Implementation Method 1
building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems that integrate solar cells into existing tile roofs
Data Source
AI summary
Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer, with minimal visible difference between photovoltaic and non-photovoltaic areas of the BIPV system. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as roofing tiles that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the roofing tiles. BIPV systems can also include mimic or dummy tiles that appear similar to tiles with photovoltaic elements, but do not collect solar energy. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV tile roof systems can be generally uniform to an observer at ground level, where the blending and distribution of photovoltaic and non-photovoltaic elements generate a consistent and elegant appearance that camouflages any differences between photovoltaic tile or non-photovoltaic tiles.