Modular Roof Solar Panel Frame for Low-Profile Roof Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof solar panels are costly, complex to install, and often compromise aesthetic and functional aspects of conventional roofs, while also struggling with temperature regulation due to insulation that hinders optimal photovoltaic cell performance.
Innovation Solution
A modular roof solar panel system with a rigid photovoltaic panel, aluminum frame, and retainer trim, designed for easy installation on conventional sloping roofs, using sealing adhesives and fasteners for secure integration with existing roof structures, and featuring a low profile to enhance water shedding and wind resistance, while allowing for improved temperature regulation through air exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solar panels are integrated into conventional roof structures, then installation complexity and cost are reduced, but temperature regulation becomes difficult due to insulation from roof sheathing
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel system is divided into separate functional components: a lightweight frame structure, photovoltaic cells mounted on the frame, and a retainer trim system. This segmentation allows the PV cells to be isolated from the insulating roof sheathing, enabling better thermal management while maintaining easy installation through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A retainer trim component acts as an intermediary between the solar panel assembly and the roof structure. This trim provides a thermal break that prevents direct contact between the PV cells and the insulating roof sheathing, allowing heat dissipation while still securing the panel to the roof trusses.
2Reliability
If specialized structural roof panels are used, then solar integration is secure and functional, but cost and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame and retainer trim components serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for the photovoltaic cells, create a thermal break from the roof sheathing, enable secure attachment to conventional roof trusses, and allow for proper water shedding integration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized structural solar roof panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer trim system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing, where the trim automatically positions itself to provide both mechanical attachment and thermal isolation. The design allows installers to achieve proper integration without requiring specialized training or complex configuration procedures.
3Ease of operation
If solar panels are placed over existing roof components, then installation is simple, but profile height increases and aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer trim is designed with a flexible profile that can adapt to the roof surface contours while maintaining a low height. The trim dynamically adjusts to provide secure attachment without creating a rigid, high-profile structure that would compromise aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer trim functions as a thin, flexible sealing element that lies flush against the roof surface. This thin-film approach maintains a low profile that preserves the aesthetic appearance of the roof while still providing the necessary mechanical attachment and thermal isolation functions.
4Ease of manufacture
If modular roof solar panels are used, then installation cost is reduced, but weight remains high and temperature control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using heavy materials throughout the entire solar panel structure, the invention applies lightweight materials selectively: the frame uses sufficient material only where structural support is needed, the PV cells are mounted on a lightweight substrate, and the retainer trim uses minimal material to provide thermal isolation and mechanical attachment. This localized material optimization reduces overall weight while maintaining installation cost-effectiveness.
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 solution enables quick, cost-effective, and secure integration of solar panels on conventional roofs, maintaining optimal temperature for photovoltaic cells, improving aesthetic appeal, and reducing installation complexity and weight, while providing superior water shedding and wind resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a rigid photovoltaic panel
Implementation Method 2
The photovoltaic panel is sealed to the inside support using a sealing adhesive, more particularly a urethane sealer
Implementation Method 3
The retainer trim is mounted on top of the frame and overlapping the photovoltaic panel so as to secure the photovoltaic panel on the inside support
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an improved roof solar panel, embodying a photovoltaic panel mounted on a frame for easy installation onto a conventional sloped roof and integration with conventional roof coverings. Such panel includes a roof covering mounting surface on an outside support of the frame, a photovoltaic panel mounting surface on an inside support of the frame, and when installed on the roof, a retainer trim for securing the roof covering and photovoltaic panel mounted on said supports while mounting to the frame. The frame also serves to provide means for securing the panel onto roof trusses. Integration with the conventional roof covering provides, inter alia, an attractive low profile with improved water shedding, wind resistance, and thermal regulation properties. The invention also relates to a kit comprising, inter alia, said roof solar panel, and to a method of installing said roof solar panel.