Photovoltaic roofing elements and photovoltaic roofing systems

摘要

The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

主权项

1. A photovoltaic roofing element comprising:
a frame structure having an upward-facing surface and a downward-facing surface, the frame structure having an attachment zone and an exposure zone, with the exposure zone disposed toward the bottom end of the frame structure, and the attachment zone disposed toward the top end of the frame structure, the frame structure further having one or more raised sidewalls that at least partially define the area in which the one more photovoltaic elements are held; and one or more photovoltaic elements held in the exposure zone of the frame structure, each photovoltaic element having a downward-facing surface, wherein the area in which the one or more photovoltaic elements are held has an upward-facing base surface, and wherein the frame structure further includes one or more raised structures protruding from the base surface, and wherein the one or more photovoltaic elements rest on the one or more raised structures, such that a gap remains between the downward-facing surface of the photovoltaic element and the upward-facing base surface of the frame structure, and wherein a first material adheres the photovoltaic element to the upward-facing base surface of the frame structure; and wherein a second, different material seals the photovoltaic element to one or more of the one or more raised sidewalls of the frame structure.