US20080302031A1 - Integrated solar roofing tile connection system - Google Patents
Integrated solar roofing tile connection system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080302031A1 US20080302031A1 US12/134,049 US13404908A US2008302031A1 US 20080302031 A1 US20080302031 A1 US 20080302031A1 US 13404908 A US13404908 A US 13404908A US 2008302031 A1 US2008302031 A1 US 2008302031A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- photovoltaic
- tile
- batten
- connection system
- roofing tile
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Images
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
- H02S40/30—Electrical components
- H02S40/34—Electrical components comprising specially adapted electrical connection means to be structurally associated with the PV module, e.g. junction boxes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
- H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
- H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
- H02S20/25—Roof tile elements
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
- H01R12/72—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures
- H01R12/721—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures cooperating directly with the edge of the rigid printed circuits
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/10—Sockets for co-operation with pins or blades
- H01R13/11—Resilient sockets
- H01R13/112—Resilient sockets forked sockets having two legs
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Abstract
An integrated solar roofing tile connection system for installing on a roof surface for converting solar energy into electrical energy includes a plurality of battens that each have a length and are mounted to the roof surface. The plurality of battens are generally parallel to and spaced from one another. A plurality of electrically connected female connectors mounted to each batten and spaced along the length of each batten. A plurality of photovoltaic roofing tiles are mounted to each batten. Each photovoltaic roofing tile has a tile base that has a first side surface, a second side surface and a top edge and a photovoltaic circuit. The photovoltaic circuit includes a plurality of electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells and first and second terminal ends. Each photovoltaic roofing tile includes a male connector that extends from the tile base. Each male connector at least partially exposes the first and second terminal ends. Each male connector is removably mountable to and in electrical engagement with a corresponding female connector.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/942,151 filed Jun. 5, 2007 entitled “Solar Roofing Connector System”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/942,112 filed Jun. 5, 2007 entitled “Solar Roofing Tile Connection System” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/942,124 filed Jun. 5, 2007 entitled “Solar Roofing Tile”.
- The present invention relates to a solar roofing tile connection system, specifically a solar roofing tile connection system that includes solar roofing tiles, custom battens and female connectors that facilitate an electrical connection between adjacent solar roofing tiles in an integrated solar roofing system.
- Photovoltaic cells formed of single crystal and/or thin film sub-modules convert solar energy into electrical energy. Various systems have been introduced to adapt photovoltaic cells for installation on to commercial and residential roofs. Conventionally, photovoltaic modules were provided as separate devices on top of an existing roof. However, roofing products have recently been developed that integrate the photovoltaic cells directly into individual roofing tiles or shingles which are assembled to form an integrated solar roofing system. The integrated solar roofing system is installed like a typical pitched roof. Any area of the roof that is undesirable for solar energy generation is covered with visually consistent inactive tiles, removing the obstacle of seamlessly blending photovoltaic cells with an existing roofing product. Together they create a functionally and visually integrated roofing membrane.
- The flow of electricity travels from one photovoltaic roofing tile to another and is used or transmitted to a grid. Alternatively, the electricity may be stored. The photovoltaic roofing tiles must be easy to install and easily removable to allow for repairs and replacement. The electrical interconnection from one photovoltaic roofing tile to the next, or from one photovoltaic module to another photovoltaic module, has been typically formed either through direct interconnection of photovoltaic module or roofing tiles or through wiring which electrically connects the photovoltaic roofing tiles or modules. Such a configuration however, often requires special installation steps, instructions, and special training to prepare and establish the electrical connections. Therefore, a different installation method is required for the photovoltaic roofing tiles than that used for installing the inactive or conventional tiles. In some instances an electrician is required, further increasing expense and installation time. Additionally, removal and replacement of a defective photovoltaic roofing tile without damaging or disturbing adjacent tiles is often difficult.
- There it is desirable to provide a solar roofing connection system that allows for simplified installation such that installation and replacement of the photovoltaic roofing tiles is similar to that of non-photovoltaic or conventional roofing tiles. Ultimately, there is a need to provide a solar roofing connection system that requires minimal installation deviation from that of a typical roof installation.
- Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to an integrated solar roofing tile connection system for installing on a roof surface and converting solar energy into electrical energy. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system includes a plurality of battens that each have a length and are mounted to the roof surface. The plurality of battens are generally parallel to and spaced from one another. A plurality of electrically connected female connectors mounted to each batten and spaced along the length of each batten. A plurality of photovoltaic roofing tiles are mounted to each batten. Each photovoltaic roofing tile has a tile base that has a first side surface, a second side surface and a top edge and a photovoltaic circuit. The photovoltaic circuit includes a plurality of electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells and first and second terminal ends. Each photovoltaic roofing tile further includes a male connector that extends from the tile base. Each male connector at least partially exposes the first and second terminal ends. Each male connector is removably mountable to and in electrical engagement with a corresponding female connector.
- In another aspect, the invention is directed to an integrated solar roofing tile connection system for installing on a roof surface and converting solar energy into electrical energy. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system includes a plurality of battens that each have a length and a top edge and are mounted to the roof surface. The plurality of battens are generally parallel to and spaced from one another. A plurality of electrically connected female connectors are pivotably mounted to the top edge of each batten and are spaced along the length of each batten. A plurality of photovoltaic roofing tiles are mounted to each batten. Each photovoltaic roofing tile has a tile base that has a first side surface, a second side surface, a top edge and a lateral edge. Each photovoltaic roofing tile includes a photovoltaic laminate that includes a plurality of electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic laminate is fixedly mounted to the first side surface of the tile base and is spaced a second tile overlap distance from the top edge. The laminate substantially covers the remainder of the first side of the tile base. The laminate includes a contact tab that extends outwardly from the top edge of the tile base. A photovoltaic circuit electrically connects the photovoltaic cells and has first and second terminal ends that extend along the contact tab. The first and second terminal ends are at least partially exposed on a surface of the contact tab facing toward the second side surface of the tile base. Each photovoltaic roofing tile includes a rigid contact support that is mounted partially over the contact tab and is generally parallel to the photovoltaic laminate. Each photovoltaic roofing tile includes a flange that is mounted around a periphery of the contact tab and the contact support proximate the top edge of the tile base forming a male connector. Each male connector is removably mounted to and in electrical engagement with the corresponding female connector. A central photovoltaic roofing tile overlaps a laterally adjacent photovoltaic roofing tile by an amount equal to a first predetermined tile overlap distance and two photovoltaic roofing tiles adjacent the top edge of the central photovoltaic roofing tile each overlap the central photovoltaic roofing tile an amount equal to the second tile overlap distance.
- The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an installed integrated solar roofing system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention partially cut away to show the underlying battens and female connectors; -
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a photovoltaic roofing tile of the integrated solar roofing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a photovoltaic laminate of the photovoltaic roofing tile shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mold for manufacturing the photovoltaic roofing tile shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a non-photovoltaic roofing tile of the integrated solar roofing system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the non-photovoltaic roofing tile shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the female connectors and battens shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the assembled female connectors and battens shown inFIG. 1 with the photovoltaic and non-photovoltaic tiles removed; -
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of female connectors and solar roofing battens shown inFIG. 1 during installation using a batten sheet; -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged top perspective view of a female connector extending from a batten shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the female connector and batten shown inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is a rear cross-sectional perspective view of the female connector and batten shown inFIG. 10 taken along line 12-12 inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional perspective view of the female connector shown inFIG. 10 taken along line 13-13 inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 14 is a side elevational partial cross section view of a photovoltaic roofing tile, batten and female connector shown inFIG. 1 just prior to installation of the photovoltaic roofing tile; and -
FIG. 15 is a side elevational partial cross section view of the photovoltaic tile, batten and female connector shown inFIG. 14 after installation of the photovoltaic tile. - Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of an integrated solar roofing connection system in accordance with the present invention, and designated parts thereof. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , the integrated solar roofing system, generally designated 10, is used to generate electricity from solar energy on a roof orroof surface 20 of a residential or acommercial building 22. The integratedsolar roofing system 10 is comprised of active orphotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 and inactive ornon-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14. InFIG. 1 , thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 are shown having a phantom interior outline designating aphotovoltaic layer 42. However, thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 preferably have the same or a similar appearance to thenon-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14 and the variation in appearance in the drawings is for demonstrative purposes only. Thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 have the same or a similar appearance and configuration to thenon-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14 but thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 include at least one photovoltaic cell 16 (FIG. 3 ) for generating electricity. Thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 are grouped in an area on theroof 20 that is a desired area for generating electricity. The area could be small, involving only a fewphotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 or theentire roof 20 depending on cost, location of theroof 20 relative to the sun and obstacles such as trees or a neighboring building blocking the sun. For example, most users in North America may choose to place thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 only on the south facing side of aroof 20 because of the extended exposure from the south due to the earth's tilt relative to the sun. Thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 and thenon-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14 preferably have an oscillating or curved shape to resemble conventional ceramic roof tiles. However, thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 and thenon-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14 may be formed in any shape such as a flat slate-like tile for example. - Referring to
FIGS. 2-4 , eachphotovoltaic roofing tile 12 is preferably comprised of atile base 18 which is constructed of building code approved material. Thetile base 18 has a sun orfirst side 18 a, a roof orsecond side 18 b, an upper ortop edge 18 c, a lower orbottom edge 18 d, a firstlateral side 18 e and a secondlateral side 18 f. Thetile base 18 is preferably constructed of an inserted molded polypropylene material, as discussed further below but thetile base 18 may be constructed of any suitable roofing material such as authentic slate, authentic ceramic tile, authentic cement tile, metal roofing, asphalt roofing, Elastocast (BASF), Bayflex (Bayer Material Science), Zytrel and/or Hytrel (Dupont). Thetile base 18 may also be metallic, mineral, organic, polymeric, or a nondisclosed composite material. - The
tile base 18 preferably includes at least one and preferably a pair of recessed space apart nail targets 24 located toward thetop edge 18 c of thetile base 18. Eachnail target 24 preferably has aflat base 24 a to provide a large surface in direct contact with a batten 26 (FIG. 1 ) and helps to prevent thephotovoltaic roofing tile 18 from lifting from theroof surface 20 in heavy winds. Thenail target 24 preferably also includes a raisednail hole 24 b. Thenail hole 24 b is raised to help prevent any water that may have entered the recessednail target 24 from entering thenail hole 24. Thetile base 18 further preferably includes at least one and preferably a pair of spaced apart, spring biased batten latches 28 proximate thetop edge 18 c and preferably spaced alternately between the nail targets 24 for temporarily and releasably engaging with abatten 26 during installation to hold thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 in place until thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 is more permanently secured to the batten 26 as described in further detail below. The batten latches 28 preferably each have a general Z-shape (in side view, seeFIG. 14 ) with a longerproximal end 28 a that is attached to the tile base 18 (seeFIGS. 14 and 15 ). The batten latches 28 are each preferably upwardly angled at least at thedistal end 28 b of each battenlatch 28. Thedistal end 28 b at least partially extends away from thetile base 18 further than the lowest point of thetile base 18. The batten latches 28 are each spring biased such that thedistal end 28 b is capable of being urged upwardly and into a battenlatch recess 28 c (SeeFIG. 2 ) within thetile base 18 such that the battenlatch 28 does not extend past thetile base 18. The battenlatch 28 is preferably molded of the same or similar material as thetile base 18 and has a relatively thinproximal end 28 a such that the battenlatch 28 may be broken free from thetile base 18 as described further below. Though it is preferred that the batten latches 28 are molded of the same or similar material as thetile base 18, the batten latches 28 may be molded of a different material such as metal and either insert molded or otherwise later installed or assembled to thetile base 18. The batten latches 28 and the recessed nail targets 24 are preferably configured such that when thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 are stacked on top of one another during shipping and storage, the downwardly projecting portions of the recessed nail targets 24 and the batten latches 28 are received within the recessed nail targets 24 and the batten latches 28 respectively of thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 directly below such that thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 are nestable and form a compact stack. The compactness of the stackedphotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 allows for morephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 to be shipped and/or stored on a palette (not shown) and occupy a space similar in size to what a stack of conventional roof tiles (not shown) would occupy. - A
first ridge 30 preferably extends away from thefirst side 18 a of thetile base 18 proximate thetop edge 18 c. Asecond ridge 32 preferably extends away from thesecond side 18 b of thetile base 18 proximate thebottom edge 18 d. The first andsecond ridges photovoltaic roofing tiles 12 are installed to prevent wind driven rain or moisture from extending beyond and eventually underneath the overlappingphotovoltaic roofing tiles 12. Thetile base 18 also preferably includes an upwardly facinggrove 34 on thefirst side 18 a of thetile base 18 proximate the firstlateral side 18 e and a correspondingly shaped downwardly facinggroove 36 on thesecond side 18 b proximate the secondlateral side 18 f. The upwardly facinggrooves 34 mate with the downwardly facinggrooves 36 during installation such that the downwardly facinggrooves 36 overlap the upwardly facinggrooves 34 allowing an overlap of the secondlateral side 18 f a first overlap distance D1 to overlap the firstlateral side 18 e of an adjacentphotovoltaic roofing tile 12 as thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 are installed from left to right along theroof surface 20. The orientation of the upwardly facinggrooves 34 may be switched with the downwardly facinggrooves 36 such that the firstlateral side 18 e of thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 overlaps the secondlateral side 18 f of an adjacentphotovoltaic roofing tile 12. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 , 3 and 4, eachphotovoltaic roofing tile 12 includes a thin generally flexiblephotovoltaic laminate 38 fixedly mounted to thefirst side 18 a of thetile base 18. The laminate 38 is comprised of several encapsulated layers sandwiching the thin film photovoltaic cell(s) 16 and connectedcircuitry 40. Thecircuitry 40 is preferably comprised of a tin/silver copper or simply copper bus (not shown) with various solder/flux combinations. Thecircuitry 40 includes first and second terminal ends 40 a, 40 b that extend from the laminate 38 along acontact tab 56. Thephotovoltaic cells 16 and circuitry form aphotovoltaic layer 42. Thephotovoltaic layer 42 is sandwiched between a first laminate sheet 44 and asecond laminate sheet 46. The first andsecond laminate sheets 44, 46 are preferably constructed from but not limited to ETFE fluorinated polymer Tefzel, Aklar, silicone oxide or any other water vapor barrier layers such as glass. The first laminate sheet 44 allows light into thephotovoltaic cells 16 while providing a protective cover for thephotovoltaic layer 42. The first laminate sheet 44 is preferably textured or otherwise treated to avoid an overly shiny or reflective surface and to better conceal the appearance of thephotovoltaic layer 42. The first andsecond laminate sheets 44, 46 are preferably laminated to opposing sides of thephotovoltaic layer 42 by first and second EVA laminateadhesive layers photovoltaic laminate 38 is preferably an appliqué layer or backsheet 52 constructed of a polypropylene material or any suitable material such as EPE (ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA)/polyester/EVA). Theback sheet 52 may be mounted to the second laminate sheet 44 by a thirdadhesive layer 54. Theback sheet 52 prevents the hot material injected during molding of thetile base 18 from damaging thephotovoltaic laminate 38. The first laminate sheet 44 and the firstadhesive layer 48 preferably include a first laminate tab 44 a and a firstadhesive tab 48 a respectively which each extend over the entire length of thecontact tab 56. The second and thirdadhesive layers second laminate sheet 46 and theback sheet 52 have a secondadhesive tab 50 a, a thirdadhesive tab 54 a, a second laminate tab 46 a and aback sheet tab 52 a respectively that preferably extend only partially along thecontact tab 56 until thecontact tab 56 reaches thetop edge 18 c of thetile base 18 such that a distal end of the first and second terminal ends 40 a, 40 b is exposed toward thesecond side 18 b of thetile base 18 or toward theroof surface 20. However, the first and second terminal ends 40 a, 40 b may be left uncovered in any direction on thecontact tab 56 or in any manner such as cutting slots or holes to leave at least a portion of the first and second terminal ends 40 a, 40 b following the lamination process without the need for further manufacturing steps and is sufficient to allow for an electrical connection with thephotovoltaic layer 42 as described further below. - The laminate 38 is preferably manufactured via a vacuum lamination process where a specific cycle of heat, vacuum, and pressure is applied to produce a flexible but durable laminate that provides outdoor and mechanical and environmental protection to the photovoltaic cell(s) 16. The
photovoltaic laminate 38 is formed by assembling thephotovoltaic layer 42 between the first andsecond laminate sheets 44, 46, with or without the first and secondadhesive layers back sheet 52 is then attached to thesecond laminate layer 46, preferably using the thirdadhesive layer 54. While a preferred series of layers for thephotovoltaic laminate 38 has been described above, other arrangements of layers and other materials for the individual layers could be used to achieve the same result of securingphotovoltaic cells 16 to thetile base 18. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , once thephotovoltaic laminate 38 has been assembled, thephotovoltaic laminate 38 is inserted into amold 58. The laminate 38 is preferably preheated to a predetermined temperature to prevent thephotovoltaic laminate 38 from being subjected to two different heats, one on each side of thephotovoltaic laminate 38, that could cause thephotovoltaic laminate 38 to warp during cooling. Preheating the laminate 38 allows the laminate 38 andtile bale 18 to cool and shrink generally at a similar rate and amount. Once in place in themold 58, thephotovoltaic laminate 38 is preferably held toward afirst side 58 a of themold 58 by avacuum 58 c or other means. Because thephotovoltaic laminate 38 is flexible, thephotovoltaic laminate 38 conforms to theshape 58 d of the mold 58 (the generally shape 58 d of themold 58 is shown in phantom). Arigid contact support 62 is preferably inserted over thecontact tab 56 during the molding process as well forming amale connector 64 such that thecontact support 62 is positioned between thecontact tab 56 and thefirst side 58 a of themold 58 during molding. However, thecontact support 62 may be integrally formed with thetile base 18. When cooled, thecontact support 62 adds stiffness to thecontact tab 56 extending from thetop edge 18 c of thetile base 18. A molten polymeric material is then injected into themold 58 through aninjection port 60 on asecond side 58 b of themold 58 to form thetile base 18 underneath thelaminate 38. Theback sheet 52 protects thephotovoltaic layer 42 and thesecond laminate sheet 46 from being damaged proximate theinjection port 60 where the injected material for thetile base 18 is at its highest temperature. An outwardly extending flange 66 (FIG. 2 ), is preferably molded around a portion thecontact support 62 and thecontact tab 56 proximate thetop edge 18 c forming a rigidmale connector 64. Theflange 66 preferably includes an elastomeric o-ring 66 a that is assembled onto theflange 66 after the molding process (SeeFIG. 13 ). Though it is preferred that theflange 66 be integrally molded with thetile base 18, theflange 66 may be separately assembled or may be part of thecontact support 62. Thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 is preferably molded in a generally vertical orientation to enable gravity to assist in maintaining the proper positioning of thephotovoltaic laminate 38 and thecontact support 62 during the molding process. Though it is preferred that thephotovoltaic laminate 38 be fixed to thetile base 18 using the insert molding process described above, thephotovoltaic laminate 38 may be mounted to thetile base 18 in any suitable manner such as using an adhesive or fasteners. Once thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 has sufficiently cooled, thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 is removed from themold 58. Once removed from the mold, it is preferred that the first and second terminal ends 40 a, 40 b are exposed on a bottom surface of themale connector 64 as a result of the molding process to form a rigid, integral male electrical plug orconnector 64 right out of themold 58 without the need for further steps or attachments. The first and second terminal ends 40 a, 40 b may be exposed through the laminate 38 in any direction on themale connector 64 so long as there is no need to perform additional steps once thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 is removed from themold 58 such as removing material from themale connector 64 or attaching additional components. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , though thephotovoltaic laminate 38 is generally thin, it is preferred that thephotovoltaic laminate 38 be generally flush with the remainder of thefirst side 18 a of thetile base 18. Thephotovoltaic laminate 38, except for thecontact tab 56, is preferably spaced from thetop edge 18 c by a second tile overlap distance D2. During installation, a subsequent upper row of photovoltaic roofing tiles the previous lower row ofphotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 by the overlap distance D2 preferably such that only thephotovoltaic laminate 38 is exposed and any portion of thefirst side surface 18 a not covered by thephotovoltaic laminate 38 is covered by an adjacent overlyingphotovoltaic roofing tile 12 or adjacentnon-photovoltaic roofing tile 14. Spacing thephotovoltaic laminate 38 from thetop edge 18 c allows for the nail targets 24 and battenlatches 28 to extend through thebase tile 18 without damaging or otherwise impacting thephotovoltaic laminate 38. Thephotovoltaic laminate 38 preferably extends from the firstlateral side 18 e to the secondlateral side 18 f of the tile base with thephotovoltaic layer 42 being spaced from the firstlateral side 18 e by the first overlap distance D1. However, thephotovoltaic laminate 38 need not necessarily extend from the firstlateral side 18 e to the secondlateral side 18 f and may be cover any suitable amount of thefirst side surface 18 a such as being spaced from the firstlateral side 18 e by the first overlap distance D1 to prevent being contacted by an adjacentphotovoltaic roofing tile 12. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thenon-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14 are configured and manufactured in a similar manner as thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 except that thenon-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14 do not include themale connector 64 and thephotovoltaic laminate 38 is replaced with acover 68. The components of thenon-photovoltaic roofing tile 14 that are similar tophotovoltaic roofing tile 12 have been labeled with similar numbering as thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 with the addition of a trailing prime symbol. Thecover 68 is comprised of anupper layer 70, a fourthadhesive layer 72 and aback sheet 52′. Theupper layer 70 is preferably a glossy layer of weatherproof paint such as the type used on automobiles. However, any suitable material may be used so long as theupper layer 70 has a similar appearance as thephotovoltaic laminate 38 to help create a visuallyconsistent roof 20 where it is not readily discernable whichroofing tiles photovoltaic roofing tiles 12 and whichroofing tiles non-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14. Thecover 68 is preferably molded to thetile base 18′ in a similar manner as described above for thelaminate 38 of thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12. - Referring to
FIGS. 7-9 ,photovoltaic roofing tiles 12 are electrically connected to each other through a plurality of correspondingfemale connectors 74 and battens 26. Thebattens 26 are preferably custom made and replace the use of conventional battens (not shown). However, thebattens 26 may alternatively be comprised of a cover (not shown) that extends over the conventional battens. Thebattens 26 are preferably molded of a polymeric material and are mounted to a battensheet 76. The battensheet 76 is preferably a flexible sheeting material similar to conventional roofing underlayments 78 (FIG. 9 ). The battensheet 76 preferably includes nail markings (not shown) to indicate where thebattens 26 and orphotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 are to be installed. The battensheet 76 may be used in place of theconventional underlayment 78 or the battensheet 76 may be installed in addition to and on top of the conventional underlayment 78 (seeFIG. 9 ). The battensheet 76, battens 26 andfemale connectors 74 are preferably used only under thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 while only conventional battens are used under thenon-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14. However, the battensheet 76 and battens 26 may extend under or be used under thenon-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14 as well. - The batten
sheet 76 is preferably installed with thebattens 26 andfemale connectors 74 already attached prior to installation. Pre-installation of thebattens 26 and thefemale connectors 74 facilitates simplified installation of the integratedsolar roofing system 10 and allows for automated and precise assembly in a factory setting. However, thebattens 26 andfemale connectors 74 may be assembled on theroof surface 20 as well. Thefemale connectors 74 are preferably pre-installed on the respective batten 26 and thebattens 26 are attached to theroof surface 20 or battensheet 76 at the appropriate locations by the manufacturer or distributor. However, thefemale connectors 74 may be attached to thebattens 26 during roof installation, with the spacing being measured or dictated by the location of the correspondingmale connector 64. If the battensheet 76 is installed first withoutpre-connected battens 26, the battensheet 76 is installed in the same manner that theconventional underlayment 78 is installed except that the battensheet 76 preferably includes nail markings for positioning of thebattens 26. Once the battensheet 76 is installed in an area where thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 are to be installed, thebattens 26 are nailed or otherwise secured into place and thefemale connectors 74 are positioned on thebattens 26 where it is projected that amale connector 64 will extend from the top of thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12. Themale connector 64 allows for mechanical and electrical connection of thephotovoltaic cells 16 and thefemale connectors 74 such that adjacentphotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 may be electrically connected to combine the resulting electrical energy. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , eachfemale connector 74 is preferably pivotably attached to the respective batten 26. Thebattens 26 each include a C-shapedpivot extension 80 extending from the upper edge of thebatten 26. Anail extension 82 preferably extends from the lower edge of thebatten 26 in the opposite direction from thepivot extension 80. Thenail extension 82 preferably has a smaller thickness than the remainder of thebatten 26 and is preferably used for receiving nails (not shown) or other fasteners for securing the batten 26 to theroof surface 20. Thenail extensions 82 may include nail markings (not shown) to indicate where a nail or fastener should be inserted. Thefemale connectors 74 preferably each include a pair of generallycylindrical pivot arms 84. Thepivot arms 84 extend laterally from the remainder of thefemale connector 74 and are pivotably disposed within thepivot extension 80. Thepivot arms 84 are preferably snap fit into thepivot extension 80 such that thefemale connector 74 may be easily installed and removed from thebatten 26. If thefemale connectors 74 and battens 26 are pre-installed or temporarily secured to the battensheet 76, the battensheet 76 may be directly rolled, vertically upwardly rather than from left to right, onto theroof structure 20 with thebattens 26 andfemale connectors 74 already in the appropriate positions (seeFIG. 9 ). The pivotal connection of thefemale connector 74 to the batten 26 not only allows for a slight tilt of thefemale connector 74 during installation as described further below but the pivotal connection of thefemale connectors 74 with respect to thebattens 26 also allows for thefemale connectors 74 to be at least partially folded on top of thebatten 26 such that the battensheet 76 may be rolled up with thebattens 26 andfemale connectors 74 already in place. Once the battensheet 76 is unrolled, thefemale connectors 74 pivot to lay against the battensheet 76 due to gravity or are manually flipped down onto the battensheet 76 by the installer prior to installation of thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12. - Referring to
FIGS. 10-13 , eachfemale connector 74 includes a pair of first andsecond contacts male connector 64 such that the first and second terminal ends 40 a, 40 b are in direct and positive electrical contact with the first andsecond contacts second contacts second contacts contact support 62. A firstelectrical wire 94 is connected to thefirst contact 90 and a secondelectrical wire 96 is connected to thesecond contact 92. The first and secondelectrical wires cover - Referring to
FIGS. 11 and 13 , the first and secondelectrical wires battens 26. Awire groove 98 extending into and along thepivot extension 80 is preferably provided for example for receiving and retaining the first and secondelectrical wires female connector 74 to the nextfemale connector 74 along thebatten 26. Though it is preferred that the first andsecond wires pivot extension 80, the first and second electrical wires may be at least partially contained within thebatten 26, within the battensheet 76 or not restrained at all. The first and secondelectrical wires batten 26 and the contact between thepivot arms 84 or the like between thefemale connector 74 and the batten 26 could also establish an electrical connection with internal electrical wiring or electrically conductive elements (not shown). The firstelectrical wire 94 extends in one lateral direction along the batten 26 and the secondelectrical wire 96 extends in the opposite lateral direction along the batten 26 such that there is an electrical input and an electrical output to thefemale connector 74. The first and secondelectrical wires photovoltaic roofing tile 12, off of theroof surface 20, or to any other electrical component. - A
bypass diode 100 preferably extends between the first andsecond contacts second contacts circuitry 40 in thephotovoltaic layer 42 may be electrically bypassed allowing electricity to run from the firstelectrical wire 94 to the secondelectrical wire 96 without interruption in the event that thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 fails or the connection between thefemale connector 74 and themale connector 64 is interrupted. Afirst crimp sleeve 102 preferably secures the firstelectrical wire 94 to thefirst contact 90 and asecond crimp sleeve 104 preferably secures the secondelectrical wire 96 to thesecond contact 92. The first and second crimpsleeves bypass diode 100 in connection with the first and secondelectrical wires - The
female connector 74 is preferably comprised of aback cover 74 a and receivingwindow 74 b. The receivingwindow 74 b is at least partially open toward the batten 26 for receiving themale connector 64 from aphotovoltaic roofing tile 12, preferably allowing the only access to the first andsecond contacts window 74 b preferably includes sealingribs 106 extending toward the center of the receivingwindow 74 b and slanted back toward theback cover 74 a (FIG. 13 ). Theback cover 74 a and the receivingwindow 74 b are preferably held together withscrews 74 c extending through theback cover 74 a (FIG. 11 ) and into screw supports 74 d in the receivingwindow 74 b (FIG. 12 ). Theback cover 74 a and receivingwindow 74 b are preferably sealed together with anelastomeric gasket 108. Though the two piecefemale connector 74 is preferred for assembly purposes, thefemale connector 74 may be comprised of one or more sections and is not limited to having aseparate back cover 74 a and receivingwindow 74 b. - Referring to
FIG. 13 , the o-ring 66 a on theflange 66 extends slightly further than the width and length of the opening of the receivingwindow 74 b. When themale connector 64 is inserted into thefemale connector 74, the o-ring 66 a is compressed and theflange 66 preferably engages theribs 106 to seal themale connector 64 to thefemale connector 74 and prevent over insertion of themale connector 64. Theflange 66 may also snap fit or be otherwise temporarily retained within the receivingwindow 74 b. When theflange 66 is inserted into the receivingwindow 74 b, the exposed first and second terminal ends 40 a, 40 b contact lower arms 90 a, 92 a of the first andsecond contacts FIG. 13 ). Thecontact tab 56 and thecontact support 62 spread apart the first andsecond contacts second contacts window 74 b may include a pierceable covering (not shown) or alternatively theribs 106 may be held in compressive contact to seal thefemale connector 74 during assembly to further prevent a human finger (not shown) from touching the first andsecond contacts male connector 64. - The
female connectors 74 along a batten 26 are electrically connected by the first and secondelectrical wires battens 26 may be configured either in parallel or series. For example, when thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 are arranged in series, the first and secondelectrical wires female connector 74 to the next adjacentfemale connector 74 along one row from left to right such that theelectrical wires FIGS. 11 and 12 ). In the next row, the ends of the first and secondelectrical wires second wires female connector 74. Such a configuration allows for a series connection with the samephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 used throughout and prevents the installer from confusingphotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 that have reversed positive and negative terminal ends 40 a, 40 b. Alternatively, eachphotovoltaic roofing tile 12, or more likely, each row ofphotovoltaic roofing tiles 12, may be connected in parallel. The first and secondelectrical wires roof surface 20. Regardless of the preferred configuration, the electrical schematic may be determined and assembled in a factory setting, allowing the installer to simply install thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 similarly to thenon-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14 without worrying about the electrical schematic and arrangement of thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 other than to connect themale connector 64 of each of thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 to the correspondingfemale connector 74. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 , 14 and 15, thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 and thenon-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14 are preferably installed in a conventional overlapping fashion. For example, a first row oftiles 110 is installed from left to right overlapping the previous photovoltaic ornon-photovoltaic tile FIG. 2 ) and then similarly installing a second row oftiles 112 from left to right that overlap the first row oftiles 110 by the second overlap distance D2 (FIG. 2 ). Thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 and thenon-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14 are preferably installed in a similar manner to one another in that thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 and thenon-photovoltaic roofing tiles 14 are slid upwardly on a plane spaced from and generally parallel to theroof surface 20 such that each photovoltaic andnon-photovoltaic roofing tile 14 is slid across the batten 26 (seeFIGS. 14 and 15 ). Thephotovoltaic roofing tiles 12 preferably differ in installation in only that themale connector 64 must be aligned with the correspondingfemale connector 74. The horizontal receivingport 74 b of thefemale connector 74 allows themale connector 64 to be inserted within thefemale connector 74 without vertical displacement (perpendicular to the roof surface 20) of thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12. As thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 is slid across the batten 26 adistal end 28 b of the batten latch 28 contacts the front top edge of thebatten 26 and deflects the battenlatch 28 upwardly into the battenrecess 28 c such that the battenlatch 28 is deflected out of the way and does not prohibit or limit thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 from being slid across thebatten 26. Once thedistal end 28 b of the batten latch 28 passes the upper edge of thebatten 26, the battenlatch 28 returns to its initial position under its own bias such that thedistal end 28 b engages or latches on to the upper rear edge of thebatten 26. The battenlatch 28 engages with thebatten 26 such that thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 is temporarily held in place and prevents thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 from sliding off of thebatten 26 during installation. Simultaneously with the engagement of the battenlatch 28 with thebatten 26, themale connector 64 slides into thefemale connector 74 such that an electrical connection is established. Because the mechanical connection to thefemale connector 74 may not be sufficient to hold thephotovoltaic tile 12 in place, the battenlatch 28 ensures that thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 remains in place until a nail 114 (FIG. 15 ) or other fastener more is driven through the recessed nail targets 24 to more permanently secure thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 to the batten 26 and/orroof surface 20. - The horizontal installation of the
photovoltaic roofing tile 12 also allows for easier removal and replacement of a defectivephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 without disturbingadjacent tiles photovoltaic roofing tile 12, thenail 114 is removed and the battenlatch 28 is either disengaged by the use of a tool (not shown) or may be broken off to allow thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 to be removed in a generally planar fashion as similar to insertion. A replacementphotovoltaic roofing tile 12 is then installed similarly to the initial installation such that thephotovoltaic roofing tile 12 is slid in a plane generally parallel to theroof surface 20 and themale connector 64 is inserted into thefemale connector 74. - Installation of the
photovoltaic tiles 12 concludes by dropping two leads, positive and negative (not shown), that extend from the battensheet 76 or the upward most solar roofing batten 26 connected to the electrical wires with “quick-connect” terminals (not shown) into the roof ridge line or through a hole drilled through theroof surface 20. The leads allow an electrician to connect one battensheet 76 to another battensheet 76. - It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
- Further, to the extent that the assembly methods do not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particular order of the steps in the steps set forth in the preferred methods should not be construed as limitation on the claims. The claims directed to the method of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (18)
1. An integrated solar roofing tile connection system for installing on a roof surface and converting solar energy into electrical energy, the integrated solar roofing tile connection system comprising:
a plurality of battens each having a length and being mounted to the roof surface, the plurality of battens being generally parallel to and spaced from one another;
a plurality of electrically connected female connectors mounted to each batten and spaced along the length of each batten; and
a plurality of photovoltaic roofing tiles mounted to each batten, each photovoltaic roofing tile having a tile base having a first side surface, a second side surface and a top edge and a photovoltaic circuit, the photovoltaic circuit including a plurality of electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells and first and second terminal ends, each photovoltaic roofing tile further including a male connector extending from the tile base, each male connector at least partially exposing the first and second terminal ends, each male connector being removably mountable to and in electrical engagement with a corresponding female connector.
2. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 1 , wherein the photovoltaic cells and photovoltaic circuit are contained within a laminate that is mounted to each tile base.
3. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 2 , wherein the laminate is spaced a first predetermined tile overlap distance from the top edge of the base and substantially covers the remainder of the first side surface of the tile base.
4. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 1 , wherein each male connector has an outwardly extending flange that extends around an outer periphery of the male connector proximate the top edge of the tile base.
5. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 4 , wherein the flange includes a sealing elastomeric o-ring.
6. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 1 , wherein the male connector extends from the top edge of the tile base.
7. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 1 wherein each batten includes a pivot extension extending from a top edge of the batten, each female connector being pivotably mounted to a respective pivot extension.
8. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 1 wherein each female connector is electrically connected through wiring, the wiring at least partially mounted to each batten and extending between each of the female connectors.
9. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 1 , wherein each female connector is mounted to the respective batten.
10. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 1 , wherein each female connector includes first and second contacts electrically coupling with the first and second terminal ends respectively.
11. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 1 , wherein each photovoltaic roofing tile partially overlaps three adjacent photovoltaic roofing tiles.
12. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 1 , wherein each female connector includes a bypass diode electrically connected between the first and second terminal ends.
13. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 1 , wherein the male connectors are rigid.
14. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second terminal ends are exposed on a bottom surface of the male connector facing toward the second side surface of the tile base.
15. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 1 , wherein each tile base includes at least one batten latch flexibly extending from the second side surface, each batten latch releasably engaging a top edge of the corresponding batten at least partially securing the roofing tile to the respective batten.
16. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of non-photovoltaic roofing tiles mounted to the battens.
17. An integrated solar roofing tile connection system for installing on a roof surface and converting solar energy into electrical energy, the integrated solar roofing tile connection system comprising:
a plurality of battens each having a length and a top edge and being mounted to the roof surface, the plurality of battens being generally parallel to one another; and
a plurality of electrically connected female connectors pivotably mounted to the top edge of each batten and spaced along the length of each batten;
a plurality of photovoltaic roofing tiles mounted to each batten, each photovoltaic roofing tile having:
a tile base having a first side surface, a second side surface, a top edge and a lateral edge,
a photovoltaic laminate including a plurality of electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells, the photovoltaic laminate being fixedly mounted to the first side surface of the tile base and being spaced a second tile overlap distance from the top edge, the photovoltaic laminate substantially covering the remainder of the first side of the tile base, the photovoltaic laminate including a contact tab extending outwardly from the top edge of the tile base, a photovoltaic circuit electrically connecting the photovoltaic cells and having first and second terminal ends extending along the contact tab, the first and second terminal ends being at least partially exposed on a surface of the contact tab facing toward the second side surface of the tile base,
a rigid contact support mounted partially over the contact tab and being generally parallel to the photovoltaic laminate,
a flange mounted around the contact tab and the contact support proximate the top edge of the tile base forming a male connector,
wherein each male connector is removably mounted to and in electrical engagement with the corresponding female connector, and
wherein a central photovoltaic roofing tile overlaps a laterally adjacent photovoltaic roofing tile by an amount equal to a first predetermined tile overlap distance and two photovoltaic roofing tiles adjacent the top edge of the central photovoltaic roofing tile each overlap the central photovoltaic roofing tile an amount equal to the second tile overlap distance.
18. The integrated solar roofing tile connection system of claim 17 further comprising a plurality of non-photovoltaic roofing tiles generally covering the remainder of the roof surface.
Priority Applications (1)
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US12/134,049 US20080302031A1 (en) | 2007-06-05 | 2008-06-05 | Integrated solar roofing tile connection system |
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US94211207P | 2007-06-05 | 2007-06-05 | |
US12/134,049 US20080302031A1 (en) | 2007-06-05 | 2008-06-05 | Integrated solar roofing tile connection system |
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US20080302031A1 true US20080302031A1 (en) | 2008-12-11 |
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US12/134,049 Abandoned US20080302031A1 (en) | 2007-06-05 | 2008-06-05 | Integrated solar roofing tile connection system |
US12/134,040 Abandoned US20080302408A1 (en) | 2007-06-05 | 2008-06-05 | Method of manufacturing an integrated solar roofing tile |
US12/134,055 Abandoned US20080302409A1 (en) | 2007-06-05 | 2008-06-05 | Solar roofing tile having an electrically exposed connector |
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US12/134,040 Abandoned US20080302408A1 (en) | 2007-06-05 | 2008-06-05 | Method of manufacturing an integrated solar roofing tile |
US12/134,055 Abandoned US20080302409A1 (en) | 2007-06-05 | 2008-06-05 | Solar roofing tile having an electrically exposed connector |
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FR2964681A1 (en) * | 2010-09-15 | 2012-03-16 | Jean Marc Besnier | Photovoltaic elements integrated roof, has combined section assembly comprising conductive sections that are inserted in insulating section fixed on rafters and include openings for connection of connecting wires on conductive sections |
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