Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a solar array on the roof of a residence or the like which uses a pan in the installation of the solar modules that make up the array. The pan may also be used as part of the packaging of the solar modules. The pan is comprised of a length of material having a trough-like cross-section. For packaging, shipping inserts are fitted into the trough of each pan. Opposite edges of a solar module are fitted into respective slots in the inserts of two facing pans and a protector is fitted over each end thereof to form a package for shipping. Once on site, the packages are disassembled, the pans are mounted on the roof, and the modules are connected to the pans to form the array.

Abstract: A system and method for installing a solar module on a roof using a mounting structure which can be adjusted after it has been fixed to the roof. The mounting structure is comprised of a plate having a slot into which an adjustable bracket is slidably positioned. The mounting structures are spaced from each other and the plates are fixed to the roof by toggle bolts or the like. A framed module is placed across the structures and one or both of the adjustable brackets are adjusted to align holes in the frame of the module with threaded chambers in the brackets. Next, threaded fasteners are passed through the holes and into the chambers to thereby secure the solar module to the roof.

Abstract: A framed solar module and a method for installing. The frame comprises contoured sides that can conform with the tiers of tiles on an inclined roof. The framed solar module can be installed with brackets which do not require roof-penetrating fasteners. Each front bracket has a clip portion and a face portion. The front brackets are manipulated between two adjacent overlapping tiers of tiles until the clip portion of each bracket engages the rear of a tile. A first module is then attached to the front bracket, e.g. the module is positioned so that the faces of the front brackets will lie inside the front edge of the frame. A fastener, such as a bolt or other threaded faster, is passed through an opening in the front of the frame and is threaded into an opening in the face of the front bracket to secure the module to the bracket. Additional modules to form an array are installed in the same manner by using additional, properly spaced sets of front brackets.

Abstract: An integrated solar cell roofing system comprised of strips of solar cell groups. Each strip is comprised of a length of a substrate of a flexible, waterproof material. A first layer of bonding material is laid on the substrate onto which a group of pre-wired photovoltaic (PV) cells are positioned. A second layer of bonding material is applied and an individual rigid sheet of glass is laid on the second layer over each group of PV cells. Heat and vacuum is then applied to melt the bonding materials thereby bonding the group of PV cells and the glass sheet onto the substrate to form spaced solar cell groups thereon. The strip can then be folded into a fan-fold configuration for handling.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module with a first sheet of a transparent material, an optional second sheet, and at least one photovoltaic cell positioned between the first sheet and the optional second sheet. The transparent material has a camouflaged pattern which can camouflage a photovoltaic module or photovoltaic array on a roofing application. The camouflaged pattern may also include a substantially textured pattern. Also disclosed is a method for making a photovoltaic module comprising sealing at least one photovoltaic cell between a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein the first sheet comprises a camouflaged pattern.

Abstract: A frame system suitable for mounting a solar module on a roof, the frame system comprising at least one frame comprising an upper frame member, a lower frame member a right-side frame member, a left-side frame member, at least one projecting member that is attached to or is an integral part of at least one of the side frame members, and projecting in a direction toward or substantially toward the fewer frame member; and a batten comprising a recess for engaging the projecting member of the frame. The frame optionally comprises a means for affixing the frame to another frame.