GB2509510A

GB2509510A - A solar energy capture roofing tile

Info

Publication number: GB2509510A
Application number: GB1300107.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Ball
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-01-04
Filing date: 2013-01-04
Publication date: 2014-07-09
Also published as: GB201300107D0

Abstract

A roofing tile for the collection of solar energy comprises adjacent insulation and solar energy capture regions 18, 22. In use the solar tiles are laid such that the solar energy capture region 22 of one tile lies above the insulation region 18 of a neighbouring tile such as an upper tile in a pitched roof. Optionally the solar energy capture device 20 is a photovoltaic device or a water heating device. The tile includes connection means 24 on opposite edges to connect the tiles when side by side in the completed roof and allow the solar energy captured to be collected.

Description

A

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices in modular form for gathering solar energy, in particular for modular roofing devices such as tiles that have a solar energy collection capability.

Background

Solar energy capture devices suitable for use on roofs, in particular on pitched roofs, are known. Preferably a solar energy capture roof comprises a solar energy capture surface, for example comprising a photovoltaic (PV) device, or a water heating energy capture means, overlying an insulation layer to prevent loss of captured solar energy. Solar energy capture roofing may comprise separate solar panels built on top of conventional roofing or may be formed from a number of solar energy capture components, for example in the form of panels or tiles laid side by side or lying over one another in the manner of conventional tiling. Solar energy capture components in the prior art either do not have insulation layers, so need an insulation layer to be applied separately, or comprise a solar energy capture device such as a PV device overlying an insulation layer forming part of the component. This is inefficient as the resulting component is thicker than conventional tiles, and so need different roofing techniques, and is more costly to manufacture and to use. A solar energy capture apparatus comprising solar energy capture tiles having both solar energy capture and insulation capabilities, and suitable for use in a manner approaching a conventional rooting method, will have commercial and practical advantage.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: EP2336448 provides a tile adapted to collect solar energy wherein the tile has a carrier body i.e. insulation body, comprising two insulation layers and two intermediate layers, where one of the insulation layers is connected with a shell plate.

The remaining layers are connected with the former insulation layer. The former insulation layer is prefabricated with the shell plate. Solar elements are arranged on a side of the shell plate, where the side is turned towards the carrier body. Guiding pins with corresponding counter pieces are provided at a lower side of the former insulation layer. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for manufacturing a roofing tile (2) a roofing bond comprising roofing tiles.

This device comprises a PV element positioned above an insulation region. The tile is thicker than a standard tile and so is incompatible with standard roofing methods. It comprises a complex set of layered components that will be difficult and expensive to assemble. -FR2948709 discloses a solar energy capture device wherein the device has an insulating layer formed on undulated plates. A support unit comprises a washer and a clamping nut, and is fixed with a fixation unit. Photovoltaic panels rest on the support unit and cover the insulating layer. The support unit includes framework elements that are fixed to the fixation unit, 1ff-shaped sections rest on the elements and support the panels. The framework elements are assembled on an end of a locking hook that locks the plates on purlins. An air space is formed between the insulating layer and each photovoltaic panel. The plates comprise asbestos and are fragile.

Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a roof comprising undulated plates (2) a method for covering an existing roof formed of undulated plates or having in section non-planar patterns.

This device provides a PV solar energy roof but is not ins the form of tiles that may be applied using substantially conventional procedures.

US7299591 B2 provides an external building surface formed by at least one of a roof and a wall, the external building surface comprising a plurality of battens spaced apart to define a plurality of transverse courses, a plurality of tiles supported by the battens in the courses defined thereby to provide an outer layer of said external building surface, which tiles are transparent to solar radiation, a plurality of strips arranged one for each course to form an inner layer substantially coextensive with the outer layer, which strips are absorbent to solar radiation, and a duct for a fluid heat transfer medium of a solar heating system extending lengthwise of the strips so that in use the fluid medium is heated when the strips absorb solar radiation incident through the tiles, wherein in each course there is a space wherein air is held over and along the strip in that course.

This device comprises a solar energy capture roof formed from transparent tiles, and having water pipes and an absorbent layer behind the pipes under the tiles. This system needs to be assembled in situ and is similar to an improved conventional water solar energy capture roof.

CN2192012U discloses a solar energy water heating tile for rain prevention, heat insulation and hot water generation. The solar energy water heating tile is composed of a transparent panel, a disc-shaped outer shell, a heat collection element and a butted connection element. The transparent panel and the disc-shaped outer shell form a tile-shaped body whose edge is sealed. The heat collection element is arranged in the tile-shaped body. Heal collection medium water is arranged in the inner cavity of the heat collection element. An inserting element and a groove which are mutually butted are arranged on the two corresponding edges of the transparent panel. The inner cavity of the heat collection element is respectively communicated -with the two interfaces of the disc-shaped outer shell through the water inlet channel and a water outlet channel of the tile-shaped body. Thereby, the thermal efficiency is enhanced.

In this device individual tiles are laid so as to connect to provide a continuous water space leading downwards through the tiled roof, which relies on precise positioning of the tiles in installation, and any damage will result in a leak of the water circuit.

The device does not comprise insulation.

US5316592 discloses a solar cell roofing assembly consists of a roofing membrane, a plurality of insulation blocks disposed as a layer on top of the roofing membrane, and a plurality of photovoltaic modules disposed as a layer on top of the insulation blocks. In a second embodiment, the photovoltaic modules are bonded to the top surface of the insulation blocks to form a shop-assembled, 2-layer integral solar roofing module, The photovoltaic modules serve the purpose of electric generator, and in addition, the multiple purposes of ballast, UV blocker, and weather protector for the insulation block and roofing membrane below. The insulation blocks have interlocking side surfaces. The photovoltaic modules are electrically connected edge to edge. Rainwater flows over the top of the photovoltaic modules and between the joints separating the insulation blocks, and thereby passes through to the surface of the roofing membrane below. The insulation blocks can be tapered, with one side edge extending higher than the opposite side edge, so that the photovoltaic modules can be oriented toward a plane which is relatively normal to the incident solar radiation.

This device relies on an underyling waterproof membrane and is not in the form of tiles suitable for a tiled roof construction. It suffers from the disadvantages of poor rainwater handling, in which rainwater enters between tiles, likely to be particularly poor in snow or freezing weather.

EP85189 discloses a roof heat collector or absorber for a tiled roof, particularly for heat pump installations or the like, that extends over the area of several roof tiles and can be mounted on the roof of a building according to the pitch of the roof, having on its outer side (relative to the roof) an upper covering that transmits light and/or heat radiation and is shaped to correspond to the external appearance of an assembly of several roof tiles, having on its inner side (relative to the roof) a lower covering, opaque to light, that is seated to the upper covering at the edges, the edge regions being constructed to correspond to the transition regions from one roof tile to the adjacent tiles in the arrangement, in conformity with the contour, having a flow region a heat-transfer medium between the coverings, and having an inlet and an outlet connection for the heat-transfer medium, characterized in that only theupper covering has the appearance that corresponds optically to the assembly of roof tiles, the lower covering is flat and has heat insulation applied to it, and that cross-pieces for mounting are arranged on the underside of the lower covering or of its heat insulation so that the roof heat collector or absorber corresponding to the size of the grid can be put in position on the roof lathes in place of the roof tiles.

This is tile unit covering several tile depths, with a common liquid space passing through the tile unit for water heater solar energy capture. The device does not include insulation.

EP4481 1 discloses a roofing acting as solar collector consists of individual roofing elements, which are provided with hollow channels. The channels have an inlet opening directed towards the upper boundary plane and an outlet opening directed towards the bottom boundary plane, so that the overlapping roofing elements form a continuous channel system. The roofing elements are in addition assembled from two material halves, which have different thermal properties. The bottom half serves as insulation, while the top half has good thermal conductivity. From the outside the roofing elements cannot be distinguished from conventional roof til!s. Given appropriate arrangement of the channels, moreover, crosswise stratification of the tiles is possible. A collector composed of elements of this kind has optimum efficiency without aesthetic disadvantages having to be accepted.

This device also provides tiles having channels through them for solar heated water.

Insulation underneath. The device relies on precise orientation to prevent leakage and if one tile is dislodged then the solar energy heating circuit will leak.

US4428361 provides a solar heating roof shingle roof structure which combines the functions of a roof and a fluid conducting solar heating panel. Each shingle is a hollow body of the general size and configuration of a conventional shingle, and is provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. Shingles are assembled in a normal overlapping array to cover a roof structure, with interconnections between the inlets and outlets of successive shingles to provide a fluid path through the complete array.

An inlet manifold is contained in a cap used at the peak of the roof and an outlet manifold is connected to the lowest row of shingles.

Again this device has a liquid path through the tiles, with consequent problems if a tile is damaged or fitted poorly. The device does not comprise insulation.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for capturing solar energy comprising a solar tile for a roof, the solar tile comprising: A housing having a top face, a bottom face, an area and a depth and having the footprint of two or more standard tiles An insulating region occupying a first part of the area of the housing A solar energy capture device occupying a second part of the area of the housing adjoining the insulating region and oriented towards the top face Connection means to connect the solar energy capture device so as to allow the solar energy to be collected from the solar tile. -

I

Preferably the connection means is adapted to connect the solar energy capture device forming part of a first solar tile to a solar energy capture device forming part of a second solar tile lying adjacent to the first Herein by solar tile' or simply tile' is meant an apparatus for capturing solar energy as described herein. By standard tile is meant a roofing tile as known in the prior art, The solar energy capture device is oriented towards the top face in the sense that the area of the device active to capture solar energy is so oriented.

Preferably the solar tile has the footprint of two standard tiles as arranged one above the other on a pitched roof.

Preferably the solar tile has an upper and lower orientation corresponding to its configurallon on a pitched roof in use, the insulation region lying towards the upper edge of the housing and the solar energy capture device towards the lower edge.

Preferably the solar tile comprises a first connection means on a first edge of the tile and a second connection means on a second, opposing edge of the tile.

In use, in preferred embodiments the solar tiles are usable in a similar manner to existing roof tiling. A batten is first put in place on the roof and a first solar tile is fixed in place. A second solar tile is then slid sideways up against the side of the first. The connection means then interconnect the solar energy capture devices of the two solar tiles. A third solar tile may then joined to the second in a similar manner. In this way a line of solar tiles may be interconnected side-by-side to form a continuous connected solar energy capture array along the width of the roof. A second row above the first may then be added in a similar way, with the solar energy device region of the second row raid so as to overlie the insulation region of the first.

In this way when the solar tiles are arranged on a roof in the manner of standard tiles, the solar energy capture device lies on top of the insulation region of the adjoining tile, so being insulated from the roof structure. This means that the roofing component of the present invention provides a roof having good insulation properties, while the solar tiles themselves are thinner and lighter than solar energy collecting roofing devices of the prior art, and use materials more effectively, while being easy to install, and usable in similar manner to standard roof tiling.

In a preferred embodiment the solar energy capture device comprises a photovoltaic (PV') device and the connection means comprise electrical connection means.

In an alternative embodiment the solar energy capture device comprises a water heating solar energy device and the connection means comprise water conduit connection means. Preferably the water heating solar energy device comprises a chamber, a fluid inlet pathway leading from a first water conduit connecting means to the chamber, and fluid outlet pathway leading from the chamber to a second water conduit connecting means.

Preferably the solar tile further comprises a translucent outer cover for the solar energy capture device. Translucent herein includes the meaning transparent. The outer cover is preferably mounted on or bonded to the housing and may form part of the housing.

Preferably the solar tile further comprises ventilation means operable to provide an air ventilation pathway from the underside of a layer of adjoining solar tiles to the outside. In a preferred embodiment the ventilation means comprises an air pathway extending from the upper edge of the solar tile within the housing to a point partway between the upper and lower edges of the housing in fluid communication with an opening to the top face of the tile.

According to a further aspect the invention provides a solar energy roof system comprising one or more solar tiles as described herein and a connection component operable to interconnect with the connection means and to provide an output useable to collect the solar energy.

Preferably the connection component is in the form of a blank solar tile having an area, a depth and an edge, comprising a connection means on the edge operable to interconnect with the connection means on a solar tile when the solar tile is placed butted up against the blank solar tile, the connection means having a solar energy pathway to a second connection means mounted on the blank solar tile. In preferred embodiments the blank solar tile has the same footprint and configuration as a solar tile. In alternative embodiments the blank solar tiles has a different footprint for example to fill a space between the solar tile and a feature on the roof such as a wall, chimney breast or a skylight. Preferably the blank solar tile is adapted to be cut to width.

In a preferred embodiment the connection is an electrical connection and the second connection means is an electrical connection means.

In an alternative embodiment the connection is a fluid connection and the second connection means is a fluid connection means.

In this way in use a row of solar tiles of the invention may be terminated with a blank solar tile that acts to interface the connections between the solar tiles to a solar energy interface system adapted to harvest the solar energy.

According to a further aspect the invention provides a solar energy collection system comprising one or more solar tiles, and a solar energy interface system connected to receive energy from the solar tiles.

Preferably the solar energy collection system comprises one or more blank solar tiles as described herein, connected to one or more solar tiles and to the solar energy interface system.

In a preferred embodiment the solar energy collection system is adapted to collect electrical energy and the solar energy interface system comprises means to connect PV energy to an electrical cabling system within a building.

In an alternative embodiment the solar energy collection system is adapted to collect heat energy in the form of solar heated fluid. Preferably the solar energy interface system comprises means to connect the solar heated fluid to a piping system within the building. In an alternative embodiment the solar energy interface system comprises a heat exchanger operable to deliver heat energy from the solar heated fluid to a fluid to be piped within the building. a

According to a further aspect the invention provides a roof adapted to capture solar energy comprising one or more solar tiles as described herein. Preferably the roof is a pitched roof.

According to a further aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts to assemble a solar energy capture roof comprising one or more solar tiles as described herein and a solar energy interface system as described herein.

Preferably the kit of parts further comprises one or more blank solar tiles as described herein, usable to connect to one or more solar tiles and to the solar energy interface system, According to a further aspect the invention provides a method for capture of solar energy from a roof of a building comprising the steps of: Fitting one or more solar tiles as described herein to the roof Connecting the connection means so as to convey energy from each solar tile Providing a solar energy interface system as described herein in connection with the solar tiles in order to receive energy from the solar tiles.

Preferably the method comprises the further step of providing one or more blank solar tiles as described herein in connection with one or more solar tiles and the solar energy interface system.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a view of the upper edge of an embodiment of a solar tile according to the invention Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 Figure 4 shows a view of lower edge of the embodiment shown in figure 1 Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 Figure 6 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 Figure 7 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in figure 1

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 7, an embodiment of a solar tile 10 according to the invention comprises a housing 12 having the external footprint of two standard tiles, and having a top face 12 and a bottom face 14, an insulating region occupying a first part of the area of the housing; solar energy capture device 20 occupying a second part 22 of the area of the housing adjoining the insulating region and oriented towards the top face, and connection means 24 to connect the solar energy capture device so as to allow the solar energy to be collected from the solar tile. The embodiment has an upper and lower orientation in use, corresponding to its configuration on a pitched roof in use, the insulation region lying towards the upper edge 32 of the housing and the solar energy capture device towards the lower edge 36 as shown in the figures.

In this embodiment the connection means 24 is provided on the side 26 of the solar tile and is adapted to connect the solar energy capture device forming part of a first tile to a solar energy capture device forming part of a second solar tile lying adjacent to the first. The area of the device 28 active to capture solar energy is oriented towards the top face 12 of the tile.

The embodiment comprises a ventilation means operable to provide an air ventilation pathway from the underside of a layer of adjoining solar tiles to the outside, comprising an air pathway extending from an opening 30 at the upper edge 32 of the solar tile within the housing to a point partway between the upper edge 32 and the lower edge 36 of the housing in fluid communication with an opening 34 to the top lace of the tile. This embodiment further comprises a vent insert 38 usable to close or to partially close the ventilation pathway and moveable or removable using handle 68. In use, the vent insert 38 may be left in place during fitting to close the ventilation pathway if this is not required.

Referring to figure 3, the housing 12 is formed from an top casing 40 and a bottom casing 42 that fit together and house an insulation panel 44 within the insulating region 18 and a solar energy capture device 20 adjacent to the insulation panel 44.

The air ventilation pathway is provided within a ventilation channel 46 formed within the top casing 42 and in this embodiment formed in part by the top surface of the insulation panel 44. The ventilation channel opens to the opening 34 and is closed by a ventilation mesh 48. The solar energy capture device 20 is protected by a transparent or translucent screen 50. The casing is held together by screws or other fixings 52 and the tile comprises fixing holes 54 extending through the depth of the tile to allow the tile to be fixed to a roof batten by means of fixings 56 that when in place through the tile project below it as shown (60).

Referring to figure 2, the lower casing preferably comprises one or more apertures 58 to allow for optimum performance of the insulation panel.

In this embodiment the solar tile comprises a first connection means 24 on a first edge 26 of the tile and a second connection means (not shown) on a second, opposing edge of the tile.

The solar tile of the invention is not limited to a specific size or shape but in this embodiment it preferably has the footprint of two standard tiles as arranged one above the other on a pitched roof. Preferably the housing is approximately 610 mm along its longer dimension, approximately 210 mm across its width and between 30 and 50 mm, preferably between 35 and 40 mm deep.

This embodiment is shown without reference to the type of solar energy capture device 20. This may be a photovoltaic (PV) device, and the connection means 24 are electrical connection means. Alternatively the solar energy capture device may be a water heating solar energy device and the connection may comprise water conduit connection means. The water heating solar energy device comprises a chamber, a fluid inlet pathway leading from a first water conduit connecting means 24 to the chamber, and fluid outlet pathway leading from the chamber to a second water conduit connecting means (not shown) on the opposite edge.

The insulation panel may be formed for example from 25mm thick insulation board, for example Triso-super 10 insulation. The housing top and bottom casings are preferably plastic mouldings, for example in polypropylene. The PV solar energy capture device is preferably 25mm thick to match the insulation thickness but may be thinner with a spacing component behind it. Preferably ribs 62 are provided in the housing to locate the PV device. The ventilation insert 38 is preferably formed from moulded polypropylene. The connection means 24 are preferably a female connection on one side of the solar tile and a male connection on the opposite side.

Alternatively female connection may be provided on both sides and a male to male adaptor may be used to connect neighbouring tiles.

In a preferred embodiment the invention is a roofing product designed along the lines of a traditional roof slate that is laid and fixed in the same overlapping fashion. In preferred embodiments the product is all black in colour and approximately 610 mm x 310 mm, which is a size also traditionally used for its ease of handling though according to the embodiment the tile could be made in a range of sizes. The overlapped or hidden top portion of the tile is a plastic carcase housing a 25 mm insulation board. Below this is a 110 mm overlap, a housed void that precedes an open base with sides and a lipped bottom edge. This area houses a solar panel size approximately 370 mm x 285 mm x 25 mm with a rounded leading or bottom edge.

The solar panel is inserted into the housing where two stainless steel sprung clips hold it in place. In addition there are two holes located in the housing where two grub screws can be used to secure the solar panel for added security, accessible only from inside the roof space.

Holes 18 mm in diameter are located one either side at the midpoint of the tiles to allow the solar panels plugs/connectors to protrude and link with their adjacent tiles.

The solar tile is a three in one product: (1) the solar tile provides a modern cement-free watertight root covering that is sleek-looking and robust. Its application is suitable for re-roofs and new builds alike on both residential and commercial properties; (2) the hidden / overlapped top portion of the solar tile creates a fully insulated roof covering, so conserving the energy that the solar tile has helped to provide; (3) the exposed lower area ol the solar tile houses the solar panel, designed so that, in use, almost all the exposed roof surface is energy producing.

Any competent roofer can fit the solar tile of the invention. The tile is light easy to handle compared with solar energy capture roofing of the prior art, while the connection of one solar tile to another is a simple procedure and undertaken as each tile is aligned and fitted.

In use, in fitting, it is essential that the first solar tile is angled correctly to ensure that all subsequent tiles sit property. The solar tiles are laid on 25 mm x 50 mm roof battens spaced by an 84 mm template. Where the solar tile sits high, wedges for example plastic or rubber wedges 25 mm wide, should be inserted between the roof batten and the solar tile to prevent stressing. Each tile should be secured with two screws where the tile has been predrilled (screw length is to be determined on fitting). Where the solar tiles meet a party well, chimney stack, root window, valley, or hip the join should be draped with lead or a lead substitute and cover the surface of the solar tile by at least 150 mm. Ridges and valleys where required should be dry systems as provided as standard components by roof supply manufacturers. In preferred embodiments the solar energy capture device, for example a PV solar panel, may be released from the solar tile, for example for replacement. In preferred embodiments the PV panel is releasable using two releasing toots inserted at the same time, the tool comprising a thin length of metal about 2 mm thick, dog legged, with a handle.

Blank solar tiles are preferably provided for use where the roof covering meets a roof feature such as a party wall, a roof light, a chimney breast, a hip or.a valley in the roof. Blanks are in effect solar tiles with a dummy solar panel so that it can be cut to size to fit around or against the said roof features.

Solar tile cover strips are preferably provided, being a strip of housed plastic that fits on the side of a blank solar tile after it has been cut. The solar tire cover strip is flush on the bottom and has a raised outer edge of 10 mm to act as a soaker. The cover top overlapping edge of the cover strip should be glued or sealed when fitted.

It is an advantage of the solar tile of the invention, and of the embodiment described above, that the robust design and lack of moving pads makes the device virtually maintenance-free. All the vital parts, the solar panel wiring, clips and fixings are housed or covered and well protected from the elements. The solar panels themselves are small and accessible, minimising repair and replacement costs.

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for capturing solar energy comprising a solar tile for a roof, the solar tile comprising A housing having a top face, a bottom face, an area and a depth and having the footprint of two or more standard tiles An insulating region occupying a first part of the area of the housing A solar energy capture device occupying a second part of the area of the housing adjoining the insulating region and oriented towards the top face Connection means to connect the solar energy capture device so as to allow the solar energy to be collected from the solar tile.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the solar tile has the footprint in one or more dimension of two standard tiles as arranged one above the other on a pitched roof.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the solar tile has an upper and lower orientation corresponding to its configuration on a pitched roof in use, the insulation region lying towards the upper edge of the housing and the solar energy capture device towards the lower edge.
4. An apparatus as claimed in any claim above wherein the connection means is adapted to connect the solar energy capture device forming part of a first solar tile to a solar energy capture device forming part of a second solar tile lying adjacent to the first.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the solar tile comprises a first connection means on a first edge of the tile and a second connection means on a second, opposing edge of the tile.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any claim above wherein the solar energy capture device comprises a photovoltaic (PV') device and the connection means comprise electrical connection means.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the solar energy capture device comprises a water heating solar energy device and the connection means comprise water conduit connection means.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the water heating solar energy device comprises a chamber, a fluid inlet pathway leading from a first water conduit connecting means to the chamber, and fluid outlet pathway leading from the chamber to a second water conduit connecting means.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any claim above wherein the solar tile further comprises an air ventilation pathway within the solar tile.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the air ventilation pathway extends from the upper edge of the solar tile within the housing to an opening to the top face of the tile.
11. An apparatus as claimed in any claim above further comprising a connection component operable to interconnect with the conneátion means and to provide an output useable to collect the solar energy.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the connection component is in the form of a blank solar tile having a similar dimension between its top and bottom edges to a solar tile, comprising a connection means on an edge operable to interconnect with the connection means on a solar tile when the solar tile is placed bulled up against the blank solar tile, the connection means having a solar energy pathway to a second connection means mounted on the blank solar tile.
13.An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the blank solar tile is adapted to be cut to width.
14. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the connection is an electrical connection and the second connection means is an electrical connection means.
15. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the connection is a fluid connection and the second connection means is a fluid connection means.
16. An apparatus as claimed in any claim above further comprising a solar energy interface system connected to receive energy from the solar tiles.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein the solar energy collection system is adapted to collect electrical energy and the solar energy interface system comprises means to connect PV energy to an electrical cabling system within a building.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claims 16 wherein the solar energy collection system is adapted to collect heat energy in the form of solar heated fluid and means to connect the solar heated fluid to a piping system within the building.
19. A roar adapted to capture solar energy comprising one or more solar tiles as described herein.
20. An apparatus comprising a kit of parts to assemble a solar energy capture roof comprising one or more solar tiles as claimed in any claim herein and a solar energy interface system.
21. An apparatus as claimed in claims 20 further comprising one or more blank solar tiles usable to connect to one or more solar tiles to a solar energy interface system.
22. A method for capture of solar energy from a roof of a building comprising the steps of: Fitting one or more solar tiles as described herein to the roof Connecting the connection means so as to convey energy from each solar tile Providing a solar energy interface system as described herein in connection with the solar tiles in order to receive energy from the solar tiles.
23. A method as claimed in claim 22 comprising the further step of providing one or more blank solar tiles as described herein in connection with one or more solar tiles and the solar energy interface system.