This disclosure describes methods and apparatus for assembly a roofing structure that incorporates photovoltaic modules as shingles of the roofing structure. A sidelap is used to both establish consistent spacing between the solar shingles and prevent water passing between adjacent shingles from collecting beneath the solar shingles by guiding the water passing through the solar shingles and redirecting the water down-roof. In some embodiments, the sidelaps can have additional functionality. For example, a sidelap can include tabs configured to interact with lateral securing features positioned on downward-facing surfaces of the solar roofing modules to help keep the lateral sides of the photovoltaic modules from pulling away from the roofing structure during severe weather conditions. The sidelap could also include means for attaching a wire clip to one end of the sidelap.

An apparatus is contemplated for creating a structure which simultaneously serves as both a building element and a photovoltaic power source. Components of the invention interface with modules which comprise photovoltaic solar panels. When used collectively, these modules are contemplated as comprising a replacement for a roof or other building component. When the present invention is used, a roof or other building component can be created without the need for a separate underlayment, and without the need for tiles or another outer waterproofing layer. This setup results in power generation, cost savings, and environmental advantages Additionally, embodiments of the invention comprise fixed stop elements which ensure correct placement of modules on a frame assembly. The invention could also include other elements, including water gutters, grab steps which facilitate access, and specially positioned border covers to protect and aesthetically cover wired regions of solar modules.

A solar cell module includes a solar cell section and a step forming plate. The solar cell section includes a front side transparent plate, a back surface member, and a solar cell sealed therebetween. The step forming plate is disposed on a front side of the front side transparent plate, overlapping partly with the front side transparent plate and forming a step between the solar cell section and the step forming plate.

A roofing, cladding or siding product which is light weight, easy to install, durable, and resistant to environmental wear includes a module that can be used to form a weatherproof covering over top of a building surface. The module can also form a weatherproof covering, and be used as part of a thermal energy recovery or removal system. The module can also form part of a thermal energy recovery system that includes an array of solar cells to generate electrical energy.

An ambient heat collection panel (2) comprising an outer surface (4), an inner surface (6) opposite the outer surface (4), substantially parallel internal ducts (12,14) between the outer and inner surfaces and for defining flow and return paths for a heat transfer fluid and a photo-voltaic module (18) attached to the outer surface (4).

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic tiles. Each photovoltaic module may comprise a photovoltaic laminate, a support arm and a mounting bracket. When installed an assembly of the photovoltaic laminate and support arm are rotatably attached to the mounting bracket allowing access under the array of photovoltaic modules.

Photovoltaic solar panels are a know means of generate electricity from ultra-violet and solar power. Known problems associated with photovoltaic solar panels include poor efficiency and a short apparatus lifespan; alongside an inability to be easily integrated into architectural surroundings. Disclosed herein is a photovoltaic solar panel, designed to be attached to the front face of a roof tile, which generates electricity with an improved efficiency, has increased longevity and can be incorporated into a variety of architectural surroundings.

A method of manufacture of a photovoltaic solar roof tile assembly can include forming a laminated structure by laminating one or more sheets that include at least one photovoltaic solar cell, and attaching a junction box to the laminated structure to form a photovoltaic solar panel. The junction box can include a first DC connector and a second DC connector. Attaching the junction box to the laminated structure can include sealing the first DC connector to the laminated structure. The method of manufacture can include forming a roof tile with a hole that extends from a front side of the roof tile to a rear side of the roof tile, and locating the junction box in the hole by inserting the first DC connector from a front side of the roof tile and attaching the second DC connector from the rear side.

A roofing, cladding or siding product which is light weight, easy to install, durable and resistant to environmental wear. The module comprises an underlapping region and an exposed region, wherein the underlapping region is adapted to be at least partially covered by the exposed region of an adjacent module when installed on a building surface. The module also includes a textured surface area on an upper surface of the underlapping region and/or an underside of the exposed region. In use, the textured surface (e.g. made up from a densely packed group of cones, pyramids or cylinders) presents an increased surface area for improved contact with an adhesive. The adhesive, e.g. in strip form, may by located on an aligning part of an adjacent module with the textured surface area.

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams, in both lateral and longitudinal directions, to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV systems can be particularly aesthetically pleasing and generally seamless to an observer.