Ridge vents and deck covers are disclosed that have a fibrous mesh mat and a moisture barrier. The mesh mat may be contoured to define a variety of structures and may have regions of relatively higher fiber density and regions of relatively lower fiber density. Solar cells may be exposed on the ridge vents to collect solar energy when the vents are exposed to sunlight.

Ridge vents and deck covers are disclosed that have a fibrous mesh mat and a moisture barrier. The mesh mat may be contoured to define a variety of structures and may have regions of relatively higher fiber density and regions of relatively lower fiber density. Solar cells may be exposed on the ridge vents to collect solar energy when the vents are exposed to sunlight.

A bracket for installing photovoltaic modules on a tile roof. The bracket can have a base portion adapted to sit on a flat roof surface below a tile. A pair of curved portions above the base portion can be supported by a pair of vertical portions. A riser portion can be connected to the pair of curved portion and rising in a direction perpendicular to a roof surface. A flange can be connected to and be perpendicular to the riser portion and parallel to the base.

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.

An object is to provide a technique capable of making the appearance of the entire roof on which a solar cell module is laid more beautiful. In a solar cell module that includes a front side transparent plate, a rear face sealing plate made of glass, and a solar cell sealed between the front side transparent plate and the rear face sealing plate, the area of the rear face sealing plate is made larger than the light receiving area of the solar cell and the area of the front side transparent plate. That is, the glass plate that seals the rear side of the solar cell expands to the outer side with respect to the front side transparent plate located on the front face of the solar cell module. A surplus region in which neither the solar cell nor the front side transparent plate is present is formed on the front side of the rear face sealing plate.

A solar light (heat) absorption material which has an excellent solar light (heat) absorbing ability and a simple structure, and may be used as a low-cost and high-performance heat absorption/accumulation material. Also, a solar light (heat) absorption/control building component including the solar light (heat) absorption material that allows for easy change of its solar light (heat) absorption/control ability. The material includes particles dispersed into a liquid medium having a specific heat ranging from 0.4 to 1.4 cal/g/ C. and a melting point of 5 C. or lower. The dispersed particles have L*value of 30 or less as determined by the CIE-Lab color system (light source D65).

In one embodiment, a solar tile includes a hollow body including a first half and a second half, the first half including a dark-colored side that is adapted to absorb solar energy and the second half including a light-colored side that is adapted to reflect solar energy, the first and second halves defining an open interior space through which heat exchange fluid can pass, and a central tube that enables the heat exchange fluid to enter or exit the interior space of the body, wherein the central tube also forms a central axis about which the tile can be rotated.

A layered insulation system comprising one or more layers. A variety of types of layers can be used in conjunction with one another to deliver a range of desired Low-E and/or Low-U insulation properties and/or venting choices. Some types of layers can be foam layers with foam that inhibits heat conjunction interspersed with microparticles and/or nanoparticles that reflect, scatter, abate, and/or negate infrared radiation (IR) wavelengths, including dampening Ideal Model Matrix vibrations to inhibit heat flux through an IR opaque system. Other layers can be Low-E layers, Low-U layers, primarily empty layers, and/or other types of layers.

A panel (105) is provided for utilizing solar energy, especially in the form of panels designed as roof tiles (101), wherein the heat is transferred from panel to fluid or vice versa. On this panel one or more solar cell panels (107) can be provided so that it is cooled effectively during operation, while heat energy simultaneously may be utilized. Panels, for example designed as roof tiles, individually or assembled, are mounted on roofing battens (110) suitable for the purpose, and connected to electrical connection points and bushings for fluid transport. The roofing battens (110) are mounted on furring ring strips (112) in the usual way. Some furring strips are used for connection of electrical conductors in the flooring battens (112) and any fluid circuits in the flooring battens (110). The construction facilitates installing and maintenance.