Abstract: A photovoltaic shingle integrates a photovoltaic assembly within a roofing shingle. The shingle includes a first encapsulating material layer disposed on a substrate followed by the photovoltaic cell assembly and a second encapsulating material layer disposed on the photovoltaic assembly. A transparent superstrate such as a resin with polymer film is formed on the second encapsulating material layer. In one advantageous form, the photovoltaic shingle has at least two channels formed completely through the shingle in a stacking direction of the respective layers but only partially through in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction thereby defining at least two tabs. In alternative forms, there may be additional channels such as but not limited to, two channels defining three tabs or five channels defining six tabs. The photovoltaic shingles may be arranged in an array to form a primary waterproof layer of a suitably pitched roof structure.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module with integral junction includes a photovoltaic assembly having at least one photovoltaic cell. A by-pass diode is located at the junction between a positive output cable and a negative output cable of the photovoltaic module. The diode selectively electrically joins the positive output cable with the negative output cable, thereby by-passing the photovoltaic cell assembly. Encapsulating material completely surrounds the photovoltaic assembly and the by-pass diode within a single integral unit. In one advantageous form, the encapsulating material is a polymer, such as ethylene vinyl acetate polymer.