This application relates to the ventilation of a solar roof. For example, a solar roof can include a solar roof tile and a spacer, batten or other ventilating components to space the solar roof tile from the roof deck, and provide ventilation to the solar roof tile, for reduced operating temperatures and improved efficiency in electricity generation.

At least one shingle is integrated with logic circuitry and various other components which enable high-level functionality and automated system diagnostics. Each shingle can automatically determine its absolute position on a rooftop and/or its position relative to other shingles in the smart shingle system. Each shingle can also detect various changes in its own power generation, efficiency, and/or operating conditions, as well as those of neighboring shingles. Each shingle can then leverage this information to conduct system diagnostics and possibly to generate and/or execute recommended solutions. In another embodiment, each shingle can be coupled to a centralized controller which can perform the same automapping and diagnostic functions. The controller can also monitor the power usage of the building to help optimize the power generation of the smart shingle system. In some embodiments, the smart shingle system can be outfitted with heating components and/or actuators to help automate the process of keeping the smart shingles clear of debris.

At least one shingle is integrated with logic circuitry and various other components which enable high-level functionality and automated system diagnostics. Each shingle can automatically determine its absolute position on a rooftop and/or its position relative to other shingles in the smart shingle system. Each shingle can also detect various changes in its own power generation, efficiency, and/or operating conditions, as well as those of neighboring shingles. Each shingle can then leverage this information to conduct system diagnostics and possibly to generate and/or execute recommended solutions. In another embodiment, each shingle can be coupled to a centralized controller which can perform the same automapping and diagnostic functions. The controller can also monitor the power usage of the building to help optimize the power generation of the smart shingle system. In some embodiments, the smart shingle system can be outfitted with heating components and/or actuators to help automate the process of keeping the smart shingles clear of debris.

A solar thermal control system includes a membrane configured to receive solar energy, wherein the membrane is configured to form a cavity between the membrane and an outer surface of a structure by coupling to the outer surface, and wherein the solar energy is configured to heat air within the cavity. The control system also includes a thermal collection unit configured to connect to the cavity and receive and direct air from the cavity, and a ducting system coupled to the thermal collection unit and configured to direct air from the thermal collection unit to at least one of the interior of the structure and a vent.

A solar thermal control system includes a membrane configured to receive solar energy, wherein the membrane is configured to form a cavity between the membrane and an outer surface of a structure by coupling to the outer surface, and wherein the solar energy is configured to heat air within the cavity. The control system also includes a thermal collection unit configured to connect to the cavity and receive and direct air from the cavity, and a ducting system coupled to the thermal collection unit and configured to direct air from the thermal collection unit to at least one of the interior of the structure and a vent.

The invention relates to a roof forming element for a roof, comprising a roof plate, a beam integral with the roof plate, such that the integral combination of the roof plate and the beam has an L-shaped cross-section, a cover, and coupling means for coupling the roof forming element to a further, neighbouring element. The roof forming element, at least in a mounted condition of a plurality of such elements, is configured such that the second longitudinal side of the element is arranged to be supported by the first longitudinal side of a further, neighbouring one of said elements, so that the beam of the further roof forming element also supports the roof plate of the roof forming element, and so that the respective roof plate elements of said roof forming element and further roof forming element are flush with respect to each other.

The invention relates to a roof forming element for a roof, comprising a roof plate, a beam integral with the roof plate, such that the integral combination of the roof plate and the beam has an L-shaped cross-section, a cover, and coupling means for coupling the roof forming element to a further, neighbouring element. The roof forming element, at least in a mounted condition of a plurality of such elements, is configured such that the second longitudinal side of the element is arranged to be supported by the first longitudinal side of a further, neighbouring one of said elements, so that the beam of the further roof forming element also supports the roof plate of the roof forming element, and so that the respective roof plate elements of said roof forming element and further roof forming element are flush with respect to each other.

The embodiments are apparatuses, systems and methods of water management and icicle prevention for solar carports, and are designed to catch drips between rows of, and water run-off from, the low side of inclined photovoltaic modules arranged to form the roof of the solar carport or canopy.

The embodiments are apparatuses, systems and methods of water management and icicle prevention for solar carports, and are designed to catch drips between rows of, and water run-off from, the low side of inclined photovoltaic modules arranged to form the roof of the solar carport or canopy.

A modular integrated thermal-electric roofing system is disclosed. The system may include a thermal collector system configured with a photovoltaic system. The thermal collector system may include a liquid flowing through thermal tubing that may be heated by the sun. A pump and thermal control system may extract thermal energy from the liquid. A series of photovoltaic tiles may be configured on top of the thermal tubing to collect solar energy and convert it into electricity, and to aid in the heating of the thermal tubing. On doing so, the thermal tubing may cool the photovoltaic tiles. The system may be modular for easy installation. The system may also be mounted onto a support structure and may be portable and/or transportable.