Abstract: A solar tile and method for manufacturing solar tiles as a roofing surface with improved aesthetics that reduce the visual differences between solar and non-solar portions of tile. Roof tiles include an active area of thin-film photovoltaic material and an inactive area of thin-film photovoltaic material.

Abstract: A solar tile and method for manufacturing solar tiles as a roofing surface with improved aesthetics that reduce the visual differences between solar and non-solar portions of tile. Roof tiles include an active area of thin-film photovoltaic material and an inactive area of thin-film photovoltaic material.

Abstract: A solar tile having an obscured photovoltaic layer is described. The solar tile includes a back-sheet layer. The solar tile includes a bottom encapsulant layer adjacent to the back-sheet layer. One or more photovoltaic cells is provided adjacent to the bottom encapsulant layer. The solar tile includes a louver layer having porous louvers. A top encapsulant layer is provided adjacent to the one or more photovoltaic cells. The top encapsulant layer has a plurality of louvers constructed therein to block side view of the one or more photovoltaic cells. The solar tile further includes a top layer adjacent to the top encapsulant layer.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. Micro louvered structures can be incorporated into photovoltaic (PV) stacks, such that light entering a PV stack that is reflected off of embedded solar cells is not directed out at angles at which a typical observer would normally view the PV stack or roof on which a solar array is installed. Further, portions of the micro louvered structures can be coated with reflective, refractive, dielectric, and/or colored films such that underlying solar cells within the PV stack are obscured from the sightlines of a typical observer.