Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to roofing products, for example, shingles suitable for covering and protecting the roofs of houses, buildings, and other structures. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a roofing shingle including an upper edge, a lower edge, a first end, a second end, a headlap section, and an exposed section. A nail zone extends across the roofing shingle from the first end to the second end within the headlap section. The roofing shingle includes a top shingle layer including a top surface and a bottom surface. A reinforcement strip is secured to the bottom surface of the top shingle layer and overlaps with the nail zone. Further, a self-sealing material is disposed within the nail zone and is configured to form a seal around a mechanical fastener that punctures the roofing shingle in order to secure the roofing shingle to an underlying roof structure.

Abstract: A method of forming an asphalt mixture can include mixing a bio-source material and a bitumen source to form a bitumen mixture. The bitumen mixture can be mixed with a catalyst to form the asphalt mixture. Particles can be added to the asphalt mixture to form a roofing-grade asphalt mixture. In an embodiment, the bitumen source material can have a softening point of at least approximately 93° C. and a penetration distance no greater than approximately 25 dmm. In another embodiment, the roofing-grade asphalt mixture can have a softening point of at least approximately 104° C., a penetration distance no greater than approximately 12 dmm, a viscosity of at least approximately 3000 cps at a temperature of 204° C., or any combination thereof. The asphalt mixture can be applied to a base material to form a roofing product. The asphalt mixture can be applied as a pavement product.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

Abstract: Roofing granules having a color coating layer are covered with a clear, transparent or translucent outer coating composition including a functional material, such nanoparticles of anatase titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A solar thermoelectric power generation system includes roofing products such as shingles with solar heat reflective areas and roofing products with solar heat absorptive areas. Thermoelectric power generating elements are provided in thermal contact with the solar heat reflective areas and the solar heat absorptive areas.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates particularly to a laminated roofing shingle that comprises a nailing zone in which the roofing granules in that nailing zone have been overpressed into the underlying bituminous substrate creating a visually distinct overpressed nailing zone.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

Abstract: A method of forming an asphalt mixture includes mixing a polyol with a bio-source material to form a bio-asphalt. The method can further include mixing the bio-asphalt with a bitumen source different from the bio-asphalt to form an asphalt mixture. The bio-source material can include an oil, such as a vegetable oil, an animal fat, or any combination thereof. The bitumen source can include a petroleum-based asphalt. The method can further include adding a modifier, such as a fatty acid, a polycarboxylic acid, a polyacrylic acid, a polyacrylate comprising a copolymer, or any combination thereof. Moreover, a roofing grade asphalt mixture includes a bio-asphalt. The bio-asphalt includes an alkyd, wherein the alkyd is a reaction product of a polyol and a bio-source material. The roofing grade asphalt mixture further includes a bitumen source material and particles.

Abstract: A roofing shingle including a lower layer including a headlap and a plurality of tabs extending from the headlap, and an upper layer including one or more fingers, wherein the one or more fingers are disconnected from one another, and wherein each of the one or more fingers is disposed on one tab of the plurality of tabs, wherein a number of the plurality of tabs is different than a number of the one or more fingers. In an embodiment, the lower layer is a lowermost layer of the roofing shingle. In another embodiment, the roofing shingle further includes an alignment feature disposed in an exposure zone of the roofing shingle, wherein the alignment features is adapted to permit alignment of adjacent roofing shingles during installation on a roof.

Abstract: A method of forming an asphalt mixture includes mixing a polyol with a bio-source material to form a bio-asphalt. The method can further include mixing the bio-asphalt with a bitumen source different from the bio-asphalt to form an asphalt mixture. The bio-source material can include an oil, such as a vegetable oil, an animal fat, or any combination thereof. The bitumen source can include a petroleum-based asphalt. The method can further include adding a modifier, such as a fatty acid, a polycarboxylic acid, a polyacrylic acid, a polyacrylate comprising a copolymer, or any combination thereof. Moreover, a roofing grade asphalt mixture includes a bio-asphalt. The bio-asphalt includes an alkyd, wherein the alkyd is a reaction product of a polyol and a bio-source material. The roofing grade asphalt mixture further includes a bitumen source material and particles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to roofing elements and methods for making them. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a roofing element in the form of a roofing shingle that includes a body of a foamed cured cross-linked polymer, the body having a top surface and a bottom surface, the body extending substantially in a plane and having a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 35 mm; and a layer of weather-resistant roofing granules disposed on and adhered at the top surface of roofing element. The roofing element can be made by providing a body of wet foamed curable composition, and allowing the curable composition to cure to provide the body of foamed cured cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: A roofing shingle including a lower layer including a headlap and a plurality of tabs extending from the headlap, and an upper layer including one or more fingers, wherein the one or more fingers are disconnected from one another, and wherein each of the one or more fingers is disposed on one tab of the plurality of tabs, wherein a number of the plurality of tabs is different than a number of the one or more fingers. In an embodiment, the lower layer is a lowermost layer of the roofing shingle. In another embodiment, the roofing shingle further includes an alignment feature disposed in an exposure zone of the roofing shingle, wherein the alignment features is adapted to permit alignment of adjacent roofing shingles during installation on a roof.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

Abstract: Processes for making algaecidal roofing granules are disclosed. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method includes providing composite nanoparticles comprising algaecidal nanoparticles and a carrier material; coating granule cores with the coating material to form a coating layer having an exterior surface; and applying the composite nanoparticles to the exterior surface of the coating layer to provide the algaecidal nanoparticles at exterior surfaces of the algaecidal roofing granules. In another aspect of the disclosure, a method includes dispersing composite nanoparticles in a coating material, the composite nanoparticles including a carrier material and algaecidal nanoparticles, then coating the granule cores with the coating material to form a coating layer; and curing the coating layer, the cured coating layer providing algaecidal nanoparticles at exterior surfaces of the algaecidal roofing granules.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to roofing elements and methods for making them. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a roofing element in the form of a roofing shingle that includes a body of a foamed cured cross-linked polymer, the body having a top surface and a bottom surface, the body extending substantially in a plane and having a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 35 mm; and a layer of weather-resistant roofing granules disposed on and adhered at the top surface of roofing element. The roofing element can be made by providing a body of wet foamed curable composition, and allowing the curable composition to cure to provide the body of foamed cured cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure is a plaster board having a first edge and an opposed second edge, and a third edge and an opposed fourth edge. The plaster board includes a first layer of hardened plaster material including a first surface and an opposed second surface, and a second layer of hardened plaster material including a first surface and an opposed second surface. The second layer of hardened plaster material is stacked against the first layer such that their first surfaces face one another. The first layer and the second layer together define the first, second, third, and fourth edges of the plaster board. The plaster board also includes a viscoelastic polymer disposed between the first surfaces of the first and second layers of hardened plaster material. The viscoelastic polymer does not extend substantially to the first, second, third, and fourth edges of the plaster board.