Roof-integratable photovolatic modules
First Claim
1. A modular photovoltaic panel comprising in combination:
- (a) a substrate comprising a composite of a first upper planar surface joined with a parallel lower surface secured in a substantially uniform spaced relationship relative to said upper surface by a plurality of spaced connecting members that define air flow passages between said upper and lower planar surfaces;
(b) a plurality of photovoltaic cells electrically interconnected and encapsulated in a transparent resinous polymer composition and secured on the surface of said upper panel;
(c) a first linear side edge portion having a substantially uniform cross section and a complementary second side edge portion on the opposite edge of said substrate, said first and second side edge portions having a thickness substantially equal to that of the composite of the joined upper and lower planar surfaces;
(d) said first side edge portion being provided with a mating edge devised to mate, in a substantially water impermeable seal, with the opposite complementary mating edge of a like contiguous module;
(e) means to secure on a roof at the side edge portions of said modules, and in a water impermeable seal, a pair of said substrates; and
(f) an electrical wiring connected to the plurality of the photovoltaic cells in said module and for receiving and transmitting electrical output from said cells.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A solar module design comprises a specially-designed substrate material with interconnected solar cells and topcoat laminated to the top surface by known polymer encapsulation methods. The substrate, which may be extruded in one piece or fabricated, comprises a twin-wall profile with ribs connecting the upper and lower surface. The twin-wall shape connected with ribs results in a substrate material which is very strong, stiff, and rugged, yet lightweight; and which allows the modules to be used as the roof'"'"'s finished surface, yet allows outside air to pass under the photovoltaic cells to help cool them. Also, the substrate incorporates means of interconnecting modules and fastening them to roof decking or framing members and simplified means of connecting the modules to an external electrical circuit. The features of the substrate and module design result in modules which can be very large in format, yet which are very light and rugged compared to current art. The module substrate can be produced inexpensively. Installation of the modules is rapid and simple. Installed systems using the module design feature a monolithic, smooth, unbroken surface, which helps to prevent the accumulation of debris, snow, ice, or dirt.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A modular photovoltaic panel comprising in combination:
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(a) a substrate comprising a composite of a first upper planar surface joined with a parallel lower surface secured in a substantially uniform spaced relationship relative to said upper surface by a plurality of spaced connecting members that define air flow passages between said upper and lower planar surfaces; (b) a plurality of photovoltaic cells electrically interconnected and encapsulated in a transparent resinous polymer composition and secured on the surface of said upper panel; (c) a first linear side edge portion having a substantially uniform cross section and a complementary second side edge portion on the opposite edge of said substrate, said first and second side edge portions having a thickness substantially equal to that of the composite of the joined upper and lower planar surfaces; (d) said first side edge portion being provided with a mating edge devised to mate, in a substantially water impermeable seal, with the opposite complementary mating edge of a like contiguous module; (e) means to secure on a roof at the side edge portions of said modules, and in a water impermeable seal, a pair of said substrates; and (f) an electrical wiring connected to the plurality of the photovoltaic cells in said module and for receiving and transmitting electrical output from said cells. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of making a modular photovoltaic panel comprising:
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(a) forming an integrated unitary composite of a first upper planar surface joined with a parallel lower surface secured in a substantially uniform spaced relationship relative to said upper surface by a plurality of spaced connecting members that define air flow passages between said upper and lower planar surfaces; (b) affixing a plurality of electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells on the surface of said upper panel; (c) encapsulating said cells in a transparent resinous composition; (d) providing a first linear side edge portion having a substantially uniform cross section one side of said substrate and forming a complementary second side edge portion on the opposite edge of said substrate, said first and second side edge portions having a thickness substantially equal to that of the substrate composite of the joined upper and lower planar surfaces; (e) providing on said first side edge portion a mating configuration devised to mate, with the opposite complementary mating edge of a like contiguous module; (f) providing the side edge portions with a panel securing means; and (g) providing on said module an electrical wiring connected to the plurality of the photovoltaic cells in said module and to means for receiving and transmitting electrical output from said cells. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification