Abstract: A photovoltaic building assembly (2) includes a building support surface, typically a roof (4) or a wall (6), on which a PV module support assembly (12) is mounted. The support assembly includes a base (18) secured to the support surface, and an upper portion (14, 16; 14a, 31, 33). A PV module (10) is mounted to and is supported by the body (14, 14a) of the upper portion. A foam insulation layer (22) is sprayed onto the support surface to embed the base and lower ends of the legs therein. A weather-resistant layer (24) is applied to the outer surface of the insulation layer to prevent moisture from reaching the building surface. The base can be secured to the building support surface by an adhesive (32) or by mechanical fasteners (34) as well as by simply embedding the base within the insulation layer. The assembly provides for electricity generation, building thermal insulation and building waterproofing in a lightweight construction assembly.

Abstract: A vented cavity radiant barrier assembly (2) includes a barrier (12), typically a PV module, having inner and outer surfaces (18, 22). A support assembly (14) is secured to the barrier and extends inwardly from the inner surface of the barrier to a building surface (14) creating a vented cavity (24) between the building surface and the barrier inner surface. A low emissivity element (20) is mounted at or between the building surface and the barrier inner surface. At least part of the cavity exit (30) is higher than the cavity entrance (28) to promote cooling air flow through the cavity.

Abstract: A photovoltaic roofing assembly comprises a roofing membrane (102), a plurality of photovoltaic modules (104, 106, 108) disposed as a layer on top of the roofing membrane (102), and a plurality of pre-formed spacers, pedestals or supports (112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122) which are respectively disposed below the plurality of photovoltaic modules (104, 106, 108) and integral therewith, or fixed thereto. Spacers (112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122) are disposed on top of roofing membrane (102). Membrane (102) is supported on conventional roof framing, and attached thereto by conventional methods. In an alternative embodiment, the roofing assembly may have insulation block (322) below the spacers (314, 314', 315, 315'). The geometry of the preformed spacers (112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 314, 314', 315, 315') is such that wind tunnel testing has shown its maximum effectiveness in reducing net forces of wind uplift on the overall assembly.

Abstract: A photovoltaic roofing assembly comprises a roofing membrane (102), a plurality of photovoltaic modules (104, 106, 108, 110) disposed as a layer on top of the roofing membrane (102), and a plurality of pre-formed spacers, pedestals or supports (112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122) which are respectively disposed below the plurality of photovoltaic modules (104, 106, 108, 110) and integral therewith, or fixed thereto. Spacers (112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122) are disposed on top of roofing membrane (102). Membrane (102) is supported on conventional roof framing, and attached thereto by conventional methods. In an alternative embodiment, the roofing assembly may have a tapered profile for orienting modules (204, 206, 208, 210) in a direction of increased sun exposure. Other embodiments include the use of phase change material for temperature regulation, and incorporating an insulation block into the assembly as a means of spacing and of building thermal control.

Abstract: A solar cell roofing assembly (10) consists of a roofing membrane (12), a plurality of insulation blocks (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) disposed as a layer on top of the roofing membrane (12), and a plurality of photovoltaic modules (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) disposed as a layer on top of the insulation blocks. In a second embodiment, the photovoltaic modules (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) are bonded to the top surface of the insulation blocks (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) to form a shop-assembled, 2-layer integral solar roofing module. The photovoltaic modules serve the purpose of electric generator, and in addition, the multiple purposes of ballast, UV blocker, and weather protector for the insulation block and roofing membrane below. The insulation blocks (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) have interlocking side surfaces. The photovoltaic modules (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) are electrically connected edge to edge.