Integrated Solar Panel Frames for Tiled Roof Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for integrating solar panels into tiled roofs face challenges, particularly in retrofitting existing buildings and adapting to different roofing tile profiles, especially in colder and more humid climates, where moisture barriers complicate inner surface installations.
Innovation Solution
A standardized solar panel frame with adjustable support elements that fit various roofing tile profiles, featuring a rectangular frame with interlocking profiles and support pads made of flexible materials to ensure water tightness and adaptability, allowing for easy installation and compatibility with multiple tile profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are integrated into roofing tiles with fixed base plates, then the solar panels can be mounted on the roof, but the base plates must be redesigned for each different roofing tile profile
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is divided into a standardized main body and separate adjustable profile adaptation elements (overlapping portions) that can be configured for different tile profiles without redesigning the entire base plate structure
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized base plate design serves multiple roofing tile profiles through configurable overlapping portions, allowing one base plate design to function with various tile types rather than requiring profile-specific designs
2Ease of operation
If solar panels are installed on the inner surface of the roof, then the installation can be simplified, but moisture barriers prevent wire connection in colder and humid climates
Solution Approach 1:
Wire connections are established at the outer surface of the roof during panel installation, before moisture barriers would interfere with subsequent connection work. This preliminary wiring action eliminates the moisture barrier problem while maintaining installation simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If roofing tiles are replaced with solar panel tiles in existing buildings, then the roof can generate electricity, but the moisture barrier already in place makes wire connection almost impossible
Solution Approach 1:
Wire connections are made at the outer surface during the tile replacement process itself, before the moisture barrier becomes an obstacle. This preliminary connection approach enables retrofitting of existing buildings with solar panels while maintaining electrical connection feasibility
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
Enables straightforward retrofitting of solar panels onto existing tiled roofs without redesigning the solar panel structure, ensuring water tightness and accommodating thermal expansion, thus facilitating widespread adoption across different roofing profiles and climates.
Implementation Method 1
solar panels in the shape of roofing tiles have been proposed as a solution
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an integrated solar panel (1) for tiled roofs. The integrated solar panel (1) comprises a solar panel cell (12), which is arranged into a frame (2) formed by four profiles: a top and bottom profile (6), a left side profile (3) and a right side profile (4). To the longer part of the support plate of the left side (3) and right side (4) profile of the frame (2) are attached support pads (5) with a profile identical to the roofing tile connection profile. The integrated solar panel (1) is easily mountable to the roofing battens of tiled roofs.