Abstract: A solar tile assembly (1A) comprises a removable rectangular outer panel (1) that comprises ten photovoltaic cells (3) disposed on the outermost surface thereof, and a substantially rectangular inner support structure (2). Thc photovoltaic cells (3) cover the lower portion of the outer panel (1). Any suitable photovoltaic means may be used for the solar tile assembly. The outer panel (1) is secured to the inner support structure (2) using two fasteners (5a, 5b) disposed at the front end of the solar tile assembly (1A). The fasteners (5a, 5b) may typically be quarter or half turn captive fasteners. These types of fasteners have the added advantage of being retained by the outer panel (1) during assembly/disassembly processes. The inner support structure (2) comprises a framework at one end of which there is formed a lower stepped interlockable section (4). In use the interlockable section (4) is disposed under a portion of an adjacent tile assembly, as is well known in the art of roof tile design.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 14, 2000
Date of Patent:
February 15, 2005
Assignee:
Powertile Ltd
Inventors:
Peter E. R. Mucci, Abubakr S. Bahaj, Patrick A. B. James, James R. Ballard