Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic systems and roofing products for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing element including: a roofing substrate; one or more photovoltaic elements disposed on the roofing substrate; a first electrical terminus and a second electrical terminus, the one or more photovoltaic elements being connected in series between the first electrical terminus and the second electrical terminus; a third electrical terminus and a fourth electrical terminus; and a return electrical path connecting the third electrical terminus to the fourth electrical terminus.