An example of conversion of solar energy into other forms of useful energy is taking heat from an area below a roof and using the heat to generate mechanical energy or electrical power. An air duct opening is placed in a hottest area under the roof. An air fan is placed in the air duct to draw the heated air from the area below the roof. A heat exchanger coil is placed inside the air duct. A return air duct is routed back to the area below the roof. The heat exchanger coil is coupled to a turbine through a closed loop line. A heat transfer medium pump, a first valve and a second valve are retained in the closed loop line. The first valve, second valve and pump are used regulate heat transfer medium into and out of the turbine. An electrical generator may be connected to the turbine.

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 an inner sheet, an outer sheet, photovoltaic cells, and a bracket. When installed the bracket may be covered by up-roof tiles, giving the overall roof a uniform appearance.

A roof system includes a roof deck and a plurality of roof rafters supporting the roof deck. A thermal break is located between the deck and a first rafter of the plurality of rafters. The thermal break includes a break inner member contacting a first rafter exterior surface of the first rafter and a break outer member contacting a deck inner surface of the roof deck. The break inner member and the break outer member bound a thermal air break therebetween.

An improved roofing system including a batten assembly comprising support battens and clips. The clips are made of metal wire having one portion shaped to retain roof outer coverings and a further portion shaped to secure the clip to the batten by spring torsion force of part of the clip acting against the batten.

A mount including a base portion having a first side and a second side. A plurality of holes are distributed along a lengthwise direction of the base portion and from the first side of the base portion to the second side. A connecting portion extends from the base portion in a direction transverse to a direction of extension of the base portion. A mounting portion extends from the connecting portion. The mounting portion extends in a direction transverse to the direction of extension of the connecting portion such that a portion of the mounting portion is disposed vertically above the base portion. The mounting portion has at least one hole.

A mount including a base portion having a first side and a second side. A plurality of holes are distributed along a lengthwise direction of the base portion and from the first side of the base portion to the second side. A connecting portion extends from the base portion in a direction transverse to a direction of extension of the base portion. A mounting portion extends from the connecting portion. The mounting portion extends in a direction transverse to the direction of extension of the connecting portion such that a portion of the mounting portion is disposed vertically above the base portion. The mounting portion has at least one hole.

A building module. The building module has a rigid inner construction panel defining a planar surface thereon; one or more rigid brackets each affixed by one or more mechanical fasteners to the planar surface of the construction panel; a rigid, closed-cell, spray foam or an adhesive matrix contiguous to and substantially covering the planar surface of the construction panel and contacting and embedding at least a major portion of the one or more brackets. Each of the one or more brackets bears a planar surface facing substantially away from the planar surface of the construction panel. The surface area of the planar surface of each of the one or more brackets is substantially smaller than the surface area of the planar surface of the construction panel to which it is affixed. There are also other embodiments of building modules. There are also other embodiments of brackets useful in building modules. There are also other embodiments for making building modules.

A tensioned panel extended insulation system includes a support structure, a panel support structure and a pair of insulation panels. A telescoping tube extended insulation system includes a support structure and a ceiling sheet material. A rafter clip may be attached to a rafter for attachment of an end of the support structure. A cable arched telescoping tube extended insulation system includes an arched support structure, an adjustable spacer, a cable and the ceiling sheet material. A bar joist extended insulation system includes a support structure, an insulation support structure and an ceiling sheet material. A bar joist extended insulation system may be arched. A system for installing ceiling sheet material in buildings preferably includes either two roller supports or two sheave supports, a middle section, a first end section and a second end section. A rotary strut could also be used to replace an existing strut.

A tensioned panel extended insulation system includes a support structure, a panel support structure and a pair of insulation panels. A telescoping tube extended insulation system includes a support structure and a ceiling sheet material. A rafter clip may be attached to a rafter for attachment of an end of the support structure. A cable arched telescoping tube extended insulation system includes an arched support structure, an adjustable spacer, a cable and the ceiling sheet material. A bar joist extended insulation system includes a support structure, an insulation support structure and an ceiling sheet material. A bar joist extended insulation system may be arched. A system for installing ceiling sheet material in buildings preferably includes either two roller supports or two sheave supports, a middle section, a first end section and a second end section. A rotary strut could also be used to replace an existing strut.

A batten support (5) is provided for supporting a batten (2a, 2b) in a roof structure. The batten support (5) has a base portion (51) shaped to lie on or against a roof support member (1). The base portion (51) is configured to be secured to the roof support member (1) by a fastener (3) passing through the base portion (51) into the roof support member (1). The batten support (5) also has a ledge portion (52) projecting at an angle relative to the base portion (51), to lie against a lateral surface of the batten (2a, 2b), thereby supporting the batten (2a, 2b). A method of forming the roof structure is also provided, the roof structure when formed comprising the batten (2a, 2b), the roof support member (1) and the batten support (5). The method comprises: arranging the base portion (51) of the batten support (5) on, or against, a surface of the roof support member (1); arranging a surface of the batten (2a, 2b) on, or against, a ledge portion (52) of the batten support (5), the ledge portion (52) projecting at an angle to the base portion (51); and passing the fastener (3) through at least one of the base portion (51) and the ledge portion (52) into the roof support member (1).