Solar Roof Tile
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.
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The present invention relates to a photovoltaic or solar module in the form of a tile that can be mounted on a roof or other structure. The present invention relates to a method for mounting such solar modules on a roof or other structure. The present invention also relates to a solar module roofing system and a method for installing such system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONin recent years, considerable advances have been made in using photovoltaic cells or the like to directly convert solar energy into useful electrical energy. Typically, a plurality of photovoltaic cells are encased between a transparent cover sheet (e.g. glass, plastic, etc.) and a transparent or opaque backsheet, to form flat, rectangular-shaped modules (sometimes also called “laminates”) of a manageable size (e.g. 2½′×5′). These photovoltaic or solar modules are usually equipped with a frame around the perimeter of the module constructed of, for example, aluminum to provide strength, and also to provide a convenient means with which to attach the module to a roof or other structure. Such modules are then mounted on an existing roof or other structure in a manner so that they are exposed to the sun. For example, framed solar modules are bolted or clamped onto separate support structures, e.g. “racks”, which, in turn, are securely bolted or screwed directly into the roof. Although such arrangement provides for the desired conversion of sunlight into electricity to be used for a home or for some other purpose, such installations are essentially, an add-on to an existing building or other structure. Since solar electricity is increasing in use, there is a need to have the solar module become part of the building or other structure and preferably where the solar module functions in a manner in addition to producing solar electricity. For example, such building integrated solar modules can function as a facade or window for the structure, or can be or form part of the actual roof of a building, such as a home.
One building integrated solar module that has been developed is a solar module in the form of a roof tile. In one such solar module roof tile, a solar module is sealed into a frame, such as a frame made of aluminum, and the left and right sides of the generally square or rectangular-shaped frame are constructed so that they have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the edges of a roof tile, such as a terra cotta or concrete roof tile. Thus, when the roof is constructed, one or a number of such solar module roof tiles are placed on the roof along with the ordinary roof tiles and the solar module roof tiles fit in the roof structure in the same manner as the roof tile and function as a roof tile, but have the ability to generate electricity from exposure to the sun. Such solar roof tiles are attractive because they are integrated into the roof structure rather than being an add-on, and they generate electricity while also functioning as a roofing material. Because they are part of the roof rather than being an add on, such solar roof tiles are aesthetically appealing.
However, it would be desirable to be able to install solar module roof tiles in a manner that is easy for the installer and yet form a durable, rain, wind and other weather resistant layer on the roof. The present invention provides for such a solar module roof tile and a method for its installation.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis invention is a frame suitable for framing a solar module where the frame comprises an upper frame member, a lower frame member, and right-side frame member, a left-side frame member, and at least one projecting member attached to or an integral part of at least one of the side frame members, and where the projecting member projects in a direction toward or substantially toward the lower frame member. This invention is also a solar roof tile wherein a solar module is incorporated into such frame. This invention is also 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 lower frame member; and a batten comprising a recess for engaging the projecting member of the frame.
While the invention will be described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it will be understood that this invention is not limited thereto. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Referring now to the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and where the same elements are numbered the same in the drawings,
Roof 10 has mounted thereon a plurality of ordinary concrete tiles 15 (only one numbered for clarity), where one such concrete tile 15a, drawn in partial form, is adjacent to solar module roof tile 5. This illustrates how the solar module roof tile of this invention engages an adjacent concrete roof tile, is integrated into the roof structure, and forms part of the roof. It is to be understood that when all the solar roof tiles are installed, the roof 10 would normally contain a plurality of solar roof tiles and, optionally, a plurality of ordinary roof tiles to form the complete roof. Solar module tile roof batten 20 in accordance with this invention and standard roof battens 25 are positioned on and affixed to roof 10. The concrete roof tiles 15 have a groove or channel 16 that engages roof batten 25. The roof battens 25 assist with lining up the roof tiles on the roof and assist with retaining the roof tiles on the pitched roof.
The solar module roof tiles of this invention are easily installed on a pitched roof. The installation is simplified because of the projecting member and the solar module roof batten. In the preferred installation method, one or more solar module roof battens are affixed to the roof in a desired pattern corresponding to the eventual placement of the solar roof tiles on the roof. As discussed above, a space or gap can be provided between adjacent battens during their installation on a roof to allow for the passage of water. The solar module roof tile is placed on the roof in the desired location either adjacent to another solar module roof tile or a standard roof tile so that the side member of the solar module roof tile overlaps and engages with the side member of the adjacent solar module roof tile or the side of a standard roof tile. When the solar module roof tile is placed on the roof the projecting members located on the side members of the solar module roof tile are engaged with the solar module roof batten so that the batten prevents the solar module roof tile from sliding down the roof. The solar module roof tile can thereafter be permanently affixed to the roof as described above by using bolts, screws or other fastening means. Thus, the solar module roof tiles of this invention can be conveniently attached to a roof without having to otherwise hold the solar module roof tile by hand or by some other means. This greatly aids the installation of the solar roof tiles. This installation can be repeated to install the desired number of solar module roof tiles in rows or in an array on a roof. Solar modules generally have two electrical output leads 140 and 145 that exit the solar module through an electrical junction box located on the back of the solar module (junction box not shown in the figures). Before permanently affixing the solar module to the roof, such electrical leads are preferably positioned so that they exit opening 120 in upper frame member 40. The electrical lead from one solar roof tile can then be connected with the appropriate electrical lead form an adjacent solar module roof tile in the desired manner. Prior to mounting the solar module roof tiles of this invention on a roof, the roof is preferably covered with an asphalt-based felt and then with a layer of fireproof material such as Versashield® or other suitable fireproofing material.
As set forth above, the frame of this invention can be made of a metal such as aluminum. However, other suitable metals can be used to construct the frame. If made of aluminum or other metal that can be extruded, the upper, lower and side members of the frame can be extruded in the desired shape, and the projecting member can be formed by removing portions of the frame member to provide for such projecting member. However, it is not necessary for the frame of this invention to be constructed of separate members. It can, for example, be one piece such as a single unit manufactured with the upper, lower and side members attached. Such a frame can be made by an injection molding procedure using a suitable polymeric or resin material.
Claims
1. A frame suitable for a solar module comprising:
- an upper frame member,
- a lower frame member,
- a right-side frame member,
- a left-side frame member, and
- at least one projecting member attached to or an integral part of at least one of the side frame members, and projecting in a direction toward or substantially toward the lower frame member;
- each of the frame members having at least an outer side, an inner side, an upper portion running along at least part of the length of the member, and a lower portion running along at least part of the length of the member.
2. The frame of claim 1 wherein each of the frame members are initially separate pieces and are joined to form the frame.
3. The frame of claim 1 wherein the outer side of each of the side frame members has a portion shaped to engage, in an interlocking manner, an edge of a roof tile.
4. The frame of claim 3 wherein the portion shaped to engage the edge of a roof tile is U shaped.
5. The frame of claim 1 wherein a projecting member is in the shape of a tab.
6. The frame of claim 1 wherein a projecting member is located on the lower portion of at least one of the side frame members and is positioned parallel to the direction of the side frame member.
7. The frame of claim 1 further comprising a means for affixing one frame to another frame.
8. The frame of claim 7 wherein the means for affixing one frame to another frame is located on the upper frame member.
9. The frame of claim 7 wherein the means for affixing one frame to another frame is a threaded bolt affixed to the frame.
10. The frame of claim 8 wherein the upper frame member has a right end adjacent the right frame member and a left end adjacent the left frame member and the means for affixing one frame to another frame is positioned at or near the left end of the upper frame member.
11. The frame of claim 1 wherein the side frame members have upper ends and lower ends and the projecting member is positioned on the side frame member closer to the lower end than to the upper end.
12. The frame of claim 1 wherein the side frame members have upper ends and lower ends and an opening in the lower portion of the side frame member positioned closer to the upper end than to the lower end of the side frame member.
13. A frame system comprising:
- at least one frame suitable for a solar module, wherein the frame comprises an upper frame member;
- a lower frame member,
- a right-side frame member,
- a left-side frame member,
- at least one projecting member attached to or an integral part of at least one of the side frame members, and projecting in a direction toward or substantially toward the lower frame member; and
- a batten comprising a recess for engaging the projecting member of the frame.
14. The frame system of claim 13 wherein the batten is J shaped.
15. The frame system of claim 13 wherein the batten is shorter in length than the lower member of the frame.
16. The frame system of claim 13 wherein the batten is shorter in length than the lower member of the frame.
17. A method for installing a framed solar module on a pitched roof comprising:
- (a) attaching a batten to the roof at a desired location on the roof, where the batten comprises a recess having an open portion, and where the batten is attached to the roof so that the open portion of the recess faces an upper portion of the pitched roof, and
- (b) positioning a solar module framed with the frame of claim 1 on the roof so that at least one projecting member of the frame engages the recess of the batten.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the positioning comprises moving the framed solar module in a downward direction to engage the projecting member with the batten.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the frame is positioned next to and in contact with an adjacent roof tile.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein after step (b) the frame is affixed to the roof.
21. The method of claim 17 wherein at least two battens are attached to the roof and the battens are affixed to the roof with a gap between the battens to provide for the passage of water.
22. A solar module roof tile comprising a solar module framed within the frame of claim 1.
23. A frame suitable for a solar module comprising:
- an upper frame member,
- a lower frame member,
- a right-side frame member,
- a left-side frame member,
- each of the frame members having at least an outer side, an inner side, an upper portion running along at least part of the length of the member, and a lower portion running along at least part of the length of the member; and
- a means for affixing a frame to another frame.
24. The frame of claim 23 wherein the means for affixing one frame to another frame is located on the upper frame member.
25. The frame of claim 23 wherein the means for affixing one frame to another frame is a threaded bolt affixed to the frame.
26. The frame of claim 23 wherein the upper frame member has a right end adjacent to right frame member and a left end adjacent the left frame member and the means for affixing one frame to another frame is positioned at or near the left end of the upper frame member.
27. The frame of claim 7 further comprising a ground wire attached to the means for affixing.
28. The method of claim 17 where in the frame further comprises a means for affixing a frame to an adjacent frame and each frame is affixed to an adjacent frame in a row of frames.
29. The method of claim 28 further comprising attaching at least one ground wire to at least one frame, wherein the ground wire is attached to the means for affixing the frames.
30. The frame system of claim 13 when a solar module is framed within the frame.
31. A solar module roof tile comprising a solar module framed within the frame of claim 23.
Type: Application
Filed: May 4, 2007
Publication Date: Feb 14, 2008
Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc. (Warrenville, IL)
Inventors: Neil V. Placer (Frederick, MD), Dinesh S. Amin (Clarksburg, MD), George J. Kelly (Mt. Airy, MD), Donald B. Warfield (Woodbine, MD), Paul L. Garvison (Frederick, MD)
Application Number: 11/744,281
International Classification: E04D 13/18 (20060101);