US20050141153A1 - Solar tile assembly - Google Patents
Solar tile assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050141153A1 US20050141153A1 US11/028,987 US2898705A US2005141153A1 US 20050141153 A1 US20050141153 A1 US 20050141153A1 US 2898705 A US2898705 A US 2898705A US 2005141153 A1 US2005141153 A1 US 2005141153A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- outer panel
- support structure
- inner support
- electrical
- solar tile
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
- H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
- H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
- H02S20/25—Roof tile elements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
- H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
- H01L31/042—PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
- H01L31/048—Encapsulation of modules
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a solar tile assembly and is concerned particularly with a two part solar roofing tile and a method for providing electrical connection between the respective parts of the two part solar roofing tile.
- photovoltaic modules that may be placed onto the exterior of a building or replace the existing roof tiles. Examples of such photovoltaic modules are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,495, U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,408 and EP 0710806.
- the photovoltaic modules systems normally comprise a plurality of solar panels that are electrically connected to form a circuit. The solar panels may require routine maintenance that necessitates the removal of one or more of the solar panels.
- a solar tile assembly comprising a removable outer panel that comprises photovoltaic means and a first electrical connector, and an inner support structure that comprises a second electrical connector, the arrangement being such that in use an electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is achieved by bringing together the outer panel and the inner support structure.
- the electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is preferably broken by the removal of the outer panel from the inner support structure.
- the outer panel is slidably attached to the inner support structure by attachment means comprising a channel section formed to receive an attachment element.
- the outer panel comprises the attachment element and the inner support structure is formed with the channel for receiving and retaining the attachment element of the outer panel.
- the outer panel conveniently comprises a pair of attachment elements and the inner support structure is formed with a pair of channels for receiving and retaining the attachment elements of the outer panel.
- the electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is preferably broken by sliding the outer panel in a direction that is substantially parallel to plane of outermost surface of the outer panel.
- the outer panel is removed from the inner support structure by first sliding the outer panel in a direction that is substantially parallel to plane of outermost surface of the outer panel and then lifting the outer panel in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the slide direction.
- the inner support structure can be attached to the outer surface of a structure such as a building. If necessary a damaged outer panel can be easily removed from the solar tile assembly whilst still leaving the inner support structure fixed to the building. A new outer panel can then replace the damaged outer panel. Also, the outer panel and the inner support structure can be easily inspected by removing the outer panel.
- the inner support structure preferably comprises an electrical junction box comprising the second electrical connector.
- the electrical junction box of the inner support structure preferably comprises an electrical input terminal and an electrical output terminal, the arrangement being such that the electrical input terminal and the electrical output terminal provide electrical communication between corresponding solar tile assemblies.
- the photovoltaic means of the respective solar assemblies generate electrical energy and there may be an electrical network provided between the plurality of solar title assemblies.
- the outer panel comprises an electrical junction box formed with the first electrical connector, the arrangement being such that in the assembled state of the solar tile assembly the first connector and the second connector provide electrical communication between the two electrical junction boxes.
- the solar tile assemblies may be conveniently fixed to roof battens of a conventional roof structure and may replace the roofing tiles.
- the support structure comprises means for providing electrical connections between adjacent solar tile assemblies.
- the means for providing electrical connections between adjacent solar tile assemblies preferably comprises an electrical connector on opposite sides of the support structure.
- a removable solar tile comprising photovoltaic means and an electrical connector, the arrangement being such that in use an electrical connection between the electrical connector of the removable solar tile and a second electrical connector of an inner support structure is achieved by the bringing together of the outer panel and the inner support structure.
- an inner support structure for a removable tile comprising photovoltaic means, the inner support structure comprising an electrical connector, the arrangement being such that in use an electrical connection between the electrical connector of the inner support structure and an electrical connector of the removable tile is achieved by the bringing together of the removable tile and the inner support structure.
- a method for providing an electrical connection for a solar tile assembly comprising a removable outer panel that comprises photovoltaic means and a first electrical connector, and an inner support structure that comprises a second electrical connector, the method comprises sliding the outer panel towards the inner support structure in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the outer panel until the first electrical connector contacts the second electrical connector.
- the electrical connection between the respective parts of the solar tile assembly is broken by sliding the outer panel in the opposite direction.
- the invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a solar tile assembly in a closed assembled condition
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the solar tile assembly shown in FIG. 1 and shows the assembly in a partially open condition;
- FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the solar tile assembly shown in FIG. 1 and shows the outer panel separated from the inner support frame;
- FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the solar tile assembly shown in FIG. 1 and shows the outer panel removed from the inner support frame;
- FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the solar tile assembly shown in FIG. 1 and shows more detail of a variable gauge clip, more detail of the outer panel structure and three partial cut-away sections of the outer panel.
- a solar tile assembly 1 A comprises a removable rectangular outer panel 1 that comprises ten photovoltaic cells 3 disposed on the outermost surface thereof, and a substantially rectangular inner support structure 2 .
- the photovoltaic cells 3 cover the lower portion of the outer panel 1 . Any suitable photovoltaic means may be used for the solar tile assembly.
- the outer panel 1 is secured to the inner support structure 2 using two fasteners 5 a , 5 b disposed at the front end of the solar tile assembly 1 A.
- the fasteners 5 a , 5 b may typically be quarter or half turn captive fasteners. These types of fasteners have the added advantage of being retained by the outer panel 1 during assembly/disassembly processes.
- the inner support structure 2 comprises a framework at one of which there is formed a lower stepped interlockable section 4 .
- the interlockable section 4 is disposed under a portion of an adjacent tile assembly, as is well known in the art of roof tile design.
- the inner support structure 2 is formed with three sets of holes 6 . These holes 6 allow fixing nails or screws to be used to attach the inner structure 2 to roof tiling battens located underneath the inner structure 2 . For certain roof designs no fixing nails or screws will be needed to hold the tile assembly 1 A onto the roof.
- an electrical junction box 7 Disposed within the frame of the support structure 2 there is an electrical junction box 7 .
- the inner support structure 2 comprises two parallel end members 7 a , 7 b (shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 ).
- each of the respective end members 7 a , 7 b there are respective slide channels 8 a , 8 b .
- a cutaway access port 9 a At one end of the slide channel 8 a there is formed a cutaway access port 9 a .
- a cutaway access port 9 b At the corresponding end of the slide channel 8 b (not shown) there is formed a cutaway access port 9 b.
- the outer panel 1 comprises a pair of attachment elements 17 a , 17 b fixed to the inner surface of the outer panel 1 (see FIG. 5 ).
- the attachment elements 17 a , 17 b are a triangular wedge shape.
- a heel portion 17 c extends from each of the respective vertical faces of the wedge shapes.
- the attachment elements 17 a , 17 b are shaped to be received by the access ports 9 a , 9 b.
- each channel 10 there is provided an access port 10 a , 10 b .
- Each port 10 a , 10 b has a greater width than the width of the remaining portions of the respective channels 10 .
- the ports 10 a , 10 b provide access to the channels 10 for two variable gauge clips 11 a , 11 b.
- channels 10 may be used in place of the slide channels 8 a , 8 b .
- Channels 10 can operate to perform the function of channels 8 a , 8 b by comprising two sets of slide fixtures, one set being attached to the outer panel 1 .
- the clips 11 a , 11 b may slide along the channels 10 and are used to fix the outer panel 1 to an outer panel of an adjacent solar panel assembly located below.
- the electrical junction box 7 of the inner support structure 2 comprises a pair of electrical connectors 13 , an electrical output lead 14 and an electrical input connector 15 .
- the outer panel 1 comprises an electrical junction box 19 that comprises a pair of electrical connectors 19 a . In the assembled closed condition off the solar tile assembly 1 A (as shown in FIG. 1 ) the electrical connectors 13 are in electrical contact with the electrical connectors 19 a.
- the outer panel 1 is first slid in a direction Z and this causes a break in the electrical connection between the connectors 13 and the connectors 19 a .
- the outer panel 1 is slid in the direction Z until the attachment elements 17 a , 17 b abut the respective lowermost ends of the channels 10 .
- the outer panel 1 will stay in this position without sliding completely off the support structure 2 (as shown in FIG. 2 ).
- the outer panel 1 is moved back a small distance in the opposite direction to direction Z until the attachment elements 17 a , 17 b align with the respective access ports 9 a , 9 b .
- the outer panel 1 can then be lifted away from the inner support structure 2 (as shown in FIG. 3 ).
- the inwardly-extending lip 20 on the front underside of the outer panel 1 fits under a recess 12 that is formed in the lowermost edge of the inner support structure 2 so providing secure anchorage against high wind.
- the outer panel 1 is constructed typically of two planar sheets of material (see FIG. 5 ).
- the uppermost sheet is a transparent material 22 a that permits sunlight to reach the photovoltaic elements.
- the uppermost sheet 22 a is larger on three sides than the lowermost sheet 22 b and all the fixing arrangements are mounted underneath and inside this area. Hence, no joints exist which could cause water ingress when exposed to the weather.
- the materials that may be used for the construction of the parts of the solar tile assembly 1 A include metallic or non-metallic including plastics, glass, metal and ceramics/clay/cement.
- the underside of the inner support structure 2 has location points to allow it to be easily positioned on the roof of a building and also to retain it in position whilst fixing down.
- the variable gauge clips 11 a , 11 b may be used to fix the outer panel 1 to a tile assembly located in a row below, should added retention be required for example in high wind speed areas.
- the electrical connection between the outer panel 1 and the inner support structure 2 of the solar tile assembly 1 A is made as the outer panel 1 is assembled onto the inner support structure 2 .
- the electrical connection between the outer panel 1 and the inner support structure 2 of the solar tile assembly 1 A is broken as the outer panel 1 is disassembled from the inner support structure 2 .
- the electrical connection between the connectors 13 and the connectors 19 a is retained by use of fasteners 5 a , 5 b located on the front edge of the outer panel 1 .
- fasteners 5 a , 5 b are undone and outer panel 1 is released the electrical connection will be broken as the outer panel 1 slides in direction Z.
- Flying leads 14 may be used to connect adjacent solar tile assemblies together to complete a circuit.
- Fixed connections 16 may also be used on the sides of the inner support structure 2 such that as a solar tile assembly is positioned adjacent to another solar tile assembly, an electrical connection can be made because the two parts of the connector 16 (male and female) are integral with the parts of adjacent tiles assemblies.
- a cable would normally have to run from the end of the last row along the roof to the start of the second row. This uses a considerable amount of cable and therefore incurs electrical losses.
- An alternative arrangement may be made where the wiring of the connections is reversed in alternate rows. The end tile assembly can then be directly connected with a short wire to the next row above or below.
- the inner support structure 2 of the tile assembly may be colour coded so that during assembly it is easy to lay alternative rows with the correct wiring arrangement.
- the dimensions of the solar panel assembly 1 A can be made to correspond with the dimensions of conventional roof tiles. Hence, the solar tile assembly can be easily fitted onto an existing roof.
- the roof may be partially covered by an array of solar tile assemblies and partially covered by conventional roof tiles. Due to the construction and configuration of the solar rile assembly 1 A, the outer panel 1 of an assembly 1 A can be removed from the array of assemblies without disturbing the other assemblies.
- the solar tile assembly can be attached to any suitable structure outside or inside a building.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)
- Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
- Road Paving Structures (AREA)
- Finishing Walls (AREA)
- Inorganic Insulating Materials (AREA)
Abstract
A solar tile assembly having a removable outer panel (1) that includes a number of photovoltaic cells (3) disposed on an outermost surface thereof, and an inner support structure (2). The photovoltaic cells cover a lower portion of the outer panel. The outer panel is secured to the inner support structure using fasteners disposed at a front end of the solar tile assembly. The inner support structure includes a framework having a lower stepped interlockable section. In use the interlockable section is disposed under a portion of an adjacent tile assembly. The removable outer panel is provided with electrical connectors (19 a) in the underside thereof, which electrical connectors form an electrical connection with connectors (13) provided on the inner support structure when the outer panel is slid towards the inner support structure.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/980,471, filed Mar. 26, 2002, which is the national stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/GB00/02159, filed Jun. 14, 2000, the disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates to a solar tile assembly and is concerned particularly with a two part solar roofing tile and a method for providing electrical connection between the respective parts of the two part solar roofing tile.
- It is known to use solar panels comprising photovoltaic modules that may be placed onto the exterior of a building or replace the existing roof tiles. Examples of such photovoltaic modules are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,495, U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,408 and EP 0710806. The photovoltaic modules systems normally comprise a plurality of solar panels that are electrically connected to form a circuit. The solar panels may require routine maintenance that necessitates the removal of one or more of the solar panels.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a solar tile assembly comprising a removable outer panel that comprises photovoltaic means and a first electrical connector, and an inner support structure that comprises a second electrical connector, the arrangement being such that in use an electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is achieved by bringing together the outer panel and the inner support structure.
- The electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is preferably broken by the removal of the outer panel from the inner support structure.
- Preferably, the outer panel is slidably attached to the inner support structure by attachment means comprising a channel section formed to receive an attachment element.
- Preferably, the outer panel comprises the attachment element and the inner support structure is formed with the channel for receiving and retaining the attachment element of the outer panel.
- The outer panel conveniently comprises a pair of attachment elements and the inner support structure is formed with a pair of channels for receiving and retaining the attachment elements of the outer panel.
- The electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is preferably broken by sliding the outer panel in a direction that is substantially parallel to plane of outermost surface of the outer panel.
- Preferably the outer panel is removed from the inner support structure by first sliding the outer panel in a direction that is substantially parallel to plane of outermost surface of the outer panel and then lifting the outer panel in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the slide direction.
- In use the inner support structure can be attached to the outer surface of a structure such as a building. If necessary a damaged outer panel can be easily removed from the solar tile assembly whilst still leaving the inner support structure fixed to the building. A new outer panel can then replace the damaged outer panel. Also, the outer panel and the inner support structure can be easily inspected by removing the outer panel.
- The inner support structure preferably comprises an electrical junction box comprising the second electrical connector.
- The electrical junction box of the inner support structure preferably comprises an electrical input terminal and an electrical output terminal, the arrangement being such that the electrical input terminal and the electrical output terminal provide electrical communication between corresponding solar tile assemblies. In use the photovoltaic means of the respective solar assemblies generate electrical energy and there may be an electrical network provided between the plurality of solar title assemblies.
- It is preferable that the outer panel comprises an electrical junction box formed with the first electrical connector, the arrangement being such that in the assembled state of the solar tile assembly the first connector and the second connector provide electrical communication between the two electrical junction boxes.
- The solar tile assemblies may be conveniently fixed to roof battens of a conventional roof structure and may replace the roofing tiles.
- According to an embodiment of the first invention the support structure comprises means for providing electrical connections between adjacent solar tile assemblies.
- The means for providing electrical connections between adjacent solar tile assemblies preferably comprises an electrical connector on opposite sides of the support structure.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a removable solar tile comprising photovoltaic means and an electrical connector, the arrangement being such that in use an electrical connection between the electrical connector of the removable solar tile and a second electrical connector of an inner support structure is achieved by the bringing together of the outer panel and the inner support structure.
- According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an inner support structure for a removable tile comprising photovoltaic means, the inner support structure comprising an electrical connector, the arrangement being such that in use an electrical connection between the electrical connector of the inner support structure and an electrical connector of the removable tile is achieved by the bringing together of the removable tile and the inner support structure.
- According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing an electrical connection for a solar tile assembly comprising a removable outer panel that comprises photovoltaic means and a first electrical connector, and an inner support structure that comprises a second electrical connector, the method comprises sliding the outer panel towards the inner support structure in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the outer panel until the first electrical connector contacts the second electrical connector.
- Preferably the electrical connection between the respective parts of the solar tile assembly is broken by sliding the outer panel in the opposite direction.
- The invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein.
- The invention can be put into practice is various ways, but an embodiment will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a solar tile assembly in a closed assembled condition; -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the solar tile assembly shown inFIG. 1 and shows the assembly in a partially open condition; -
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the solar tile assembly shown inFIG. 1 and shows the outer panel separated from the inner support frame; -
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the solar tile assembly shown inFIG. 1 and shows the outer panel removed from the inner support frame; and -
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the solar tile assembly shown inFIG. 1 and shows more detail of a variable gauge clip, more detail of the outer panel structure and three partial cut-away sections of the outer panel. - With reference to the FIGS. 1 to 5, a
solar tile assembly 1A comprises a removable rectangular outer panel 1 that comprises ten photovoltaic cells 3 disposed on the outermost surface thereof, and a substantially rectangularinner support structure 2. The photovoltaic cells 3 cover the lower portion of the outer panel 1. Any suitable photovoltaic means may be used for the solar tile assembly. - The outer panel 1 is secured to the
inner support structure 2 using twofasteners solar tile assembly 1A. Thefasteners - The
inner support structure 2 comprises a framework at one of which there is formed a lower steppedinterlockable section 4. In use theinterlockable section 4 is disposed under a portion of an adjacent tile assembly, as is well known in the art of roof tile design. Theinner support structure 2 is formed with three sets ofholes 6. Theseholes 6 allow fixing nails or screws to be used to attach theinner structure 2 to roof tiling battens located underneath theinner structure 2. For certain roof designs no fixing nails or screws will be needed to hold thetile assembly 1A onto the roof. Disposed within the frame of thesupport structure 2 there is anelectrical junction box 7. Theinner support structure 2 comprises twoparallel end members respective end members respective slide channels slide channel 8 a there is formed acutaway access port 9 a. At the corresponding end of theslide channel 8 b (not shown) there is formed acutaway access port 9 b. - The outer panel 1 comprises a pair of
attachment elements 17 a, 17 b fixed to the inner surface of the outer panel 1 (seeFIG. 5 ). Theattachment elements 17 a, 17 b are a triangular wedge shape. Aheel portion 17 c extends from each of the respective vertical faces of the wedge shapes. Theattachment elements 17 a, 17 b are shaped to be received by theaccess ports - Also formed in the
inner support structure 2 there are two substantially parallel channels 10 (shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 ). At one end of eachchannel 10 there is provided anaccess port port respective channels 10. Theports channels 10 for two variable gauge clips 11 a, 11 b. - It will be appreciated by the skilled person in the art that the
channels 10 may be used in place of theslide channels Channels 10 can operate to perform the function ofchannels - Should added retention for the solar tile assembly be required, for example in high winds, the
clips channels 10 and are used to fix the outer panel 1 to an outer panel of an adjacent solar panel assembly located below. - The
electrical junction box 7 of theinner support structure 2 comprises a pair ofelectrical connectors 13, anelectrical output lead 14 and anelectrical input connector 15. The outer panel 1 comprises anelectrical junction box 19 that comprises a pair ofelectrical connectors 19 a. In the assembled closed condition off thesolar tile assembly 1A (as shown inFIG. 1 ) theelectrical connectors 13 are in electrical contact with theelectrical connectors 19 a. - To disassemble the
solar tile assembly 1A the outer panel 1 is first slid in a direction Z and this causes a break in the electrical connection between theconnectors 13 and theconnectors 19 a. The outer panel 1 is slid in the direction Z until theattachment elements 17 a, 17 b abut the respective lowermost ends of thechannels 10. The outer panel 1 will stay in this position without sliding completely off the support structure 2 (as shown inFIG. 2 ). In order to separate the outer panel 1 from theinner support structure 2 the outer panel 1 is moved back a small distance in the opposite direction to direction Z until theattachment elements 17 a, 17 b align with therespective access ports FIG. 3 ). - When the
solar tile assembly 1A is reassembled and the outer panel 1 is slid back up into position, the inwardly-extendinglip 20 on the front underside of the outer panel 1 fits under arecess 12 that is formed in the lowermost edge of theinner support structure 2 so providing secure anchorage against high wind. - The outer panel 1 is constructed typically of two planar sheets of material (see
FIG. 5 ). The uppermost sheet is atransparent material 22 a that permits sunlight to reach the photovoltaic elements. In the embodiment shown, theuppermost sheet 22 a is larger on three sides than thelowermost sheet 22 b and all the fixing arrangements are mounted underneath and inside this area. Hence, no joints exist which could cause water ingress when exposed to the weather. The materials that may be used for the construction of the parts of thesolar tile assembly 1A include metallic or non-metallic including plastics, glass, metal and ceramics/clay/cement. - The underside of the
inner support structure 2 has location points to allow it to be easily positioned on the roof of a building and also to retain it in position whilst fixing down. The variable gauge clips 11 a, 11 b may be used to fix the outer panel 1 to a tile assembly located in a row below, should added retention be required for example in high wind speed areas. - The electrical connection between the outer panel 1 and the
inner support structure 2 of thesolar tile assembly 1A is made as the outer panel 1 is assembled onto theinner support structure 2. The electrical connection between the outer panel 1 and theinner support structure 2 of thesolar tile assembly 1A is broken as the outer panel 1 is disassembled from theinner support structure 2. - It will be noted by those skilled in the art that electrical connection between the outer panel 1 and the
inner support structure 2 can be broken without the complete separation of the parts because the outer panel 1 has a sliding arrangement with theinner support structure 2. - When the
solar tile assembly 1A is assembled, the electrical connection between theconnectors 13 and theconnectors 19 a is retained by use offasteners fasteners channels 10 thejunction box 7 will be exposed, therefore allowing access to all necessary electrical components. - Flying leads 14 may be used to connect adjacent solar tile assemblies together to complete a circuit.
Fixed connections 16 may also be used on the sides of theinner support structure 2 such that as a solar tile assembly is positioned adjacent to another solar tile assembly, an electrical connection can be made because the two parts of the connector 16 (male and female) are integral with the parts of adjacent tiles assemblies. - As a row of tile assemblies is completed in the horizontal plane and the next row started, a cable would normally have to run from the end of the last row along the roof to the start of the second row. This uses a considerable amount of cable and therefore incurs electrical losses. An alternative arrangement may be made where the wiring of the connections is reversed in alternate rows. The end tile assembly can then be directly connected with a short wire to the next row above or below. In order to distinguish between the tile assemblies with the two types of wiring, the
inner support structure 2 of the tile assembly may be colour coded so that during assembly it is easy to lay alternative rows with the correct wiring arrangement. - The dimensions of the
solar panel assembly 1A can be made to correspond with the dimensions of conventional roof tiles. Hence, the solar tile assembly can be easily fitted onto an existing roof. The roof may be partially covered by an array of solar tile assemblies and partially covered by conventional roof tiles. Due to the construction and configuration of thesolar rile assembly 1A, the outer panel 1 of anassembly 1A can be removed from the array of assemblies without disturbing the other assemblies. - When there is an array of assemblies, the
upper portion 40 of the outer panel 1 that is not formed with photovoltaic cells 3 because this area is normally covered by a lower portion of an upper adjacent solar tile assembly. - It will be appreciated that the solar tile assembly can be attached to any suitable structure outside or inside a building.
Claims (24)
1. A solar tile assembly comprising a removable outer panel that comprises photovoltaic means and a first electrical connector, the first electrical connector being provided underneath the outer panel, and an inner support structure that comprises a second electrical connector, the arrangement being such that in use an electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is achieved by bringing together the outer panel and the inner support structure.
2. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is broken by the removal of the outer panel from the inner support structure.
3. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the outer panel is slidably attached to the inner support structure by attachment means comprising a channel section formed to receive an attachment element.
4. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which the removable outer panel is adapted to be slidable on the inner support structure.
5. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the outer panel is slidably attached to the inner support structure by attachment means comprising a channel section formed to receive an attachment element.
6. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the outer panel comprises the attachment element and the inner support structure is formed with the channel for receiving and retaining the attachment element of the outer panel.
7. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the outer panel comprises a pair of attachment elements and the inner support structure is formed with a pair of channels for receiving and retaining the attachment elements of the outer panel.
8. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is broken by sliding the outer panel in a direction that is substantially parallel to a plane of an outermost surface of the outer panel.
9. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the outer panel is removed from the inner support structure by first sliding the outer panel in a slide direction that is substantially parallel to a plane of an outermost surface of the outer panel and then lifting the outer panel in a direction perpendicular to the slide direction.
10. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is broken by the removal of the outer panel from the inner support structure, and wherein the outer panel is removed from the inner support structure by first sliding the outer panel in a slide direction that is substantially parallel to a plane of an outermost surface of the outer panel and then lifting the outer panel in a direction perpendicular to the slide direction.
11. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the outer panel is slidably attached to the inner support structure by attachment means comprising a channel section formed to receive an attachment element, and wherein the outer panel is removed from the inner support structure by first sliding the outer panel in a slide direction that is substantially parallel to a plane of an outermost surface of the outer panel and then lifting the outer panel in a direction perpendicular to the slide direction.
12. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the outer panel is slidably attached to the inner support structure by attachment means comprising a channel section formed to receive an attachment element, wherein the outer panel comprises the attachment element and the inner support structure is formed with the channel for receiving and retaining the attachment element of the outer panel, and wherein the outer panel is removed from the inner support structure by first sliding the outer panel in a slide direction that is substantially parallel to a plane of an outermost surface of the outer panel and then lifting the outer panel in a direction perpendicular to the slide direction.
13. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, in use, the inner support structure can be attached to the outer surface of a structure such as a building or attached to an independent support structure inside or outside a building.
14. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the inner support structure comprises an electrical junction box that comprises the second electrical connector.
15. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 14 , wherein the outer panel comprises an electrical junction box formed with the first electrical connector, the assembly being such that in an assembled state of the solar tile assembly the first connector and the second connector provide electrical communication between the two electrical junction boxes.
16. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 14 , wherein the electrical junction box of the inner support structure comprises an electrical input terminal and an electrical output terminal, the arrangement being such that the electrical input terminal and the electrical output terminal provide electrical communication between corresponding solar tile assemblies.
17. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the outer panel comprises an electrical junction box formed with the first electrical connector, the assembly being such that in an assembled state of the solar tile assembly the first connector and the second connector provide electrical communication between the two electrical junction boxes.
18. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 17 in which the outer removable panel comprises a pair of electrical connectors.
19. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 18 in which the pair of electrical connectors extend outwardly from the junction box.
20. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support structure comprises means for providing electrical connections between adjacent solar tile assemblies,
21. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 20 , wherein the means for providing electrical connections between adjacent solar tile assemblies comprises an electrical connector on opposite sides of the support structure.
22. The solar tile assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which the first electrical connector is located with the area bounded by the outer panel when viewed in plan.
23. A removable solar tile comprising photovoltaic means and a first electrical connector, the first electrical connector being provided underneath the tile, the tile being such that in use an electrical connection between the electrical connector of the removable solar tile and a second electrical connector of an inner support structure is achieved by bringing together the outer panel and the inner support structure.
24. An inner support structure for a removable tile that comprises photovoltaic means, the inner support structure comprising an electrical connector, the arrangement being such that in use an electrical connection between the electrical connector of the inner support structure and an electrical connector of the removable tile is achieved by bringing together the removable tile and the inner support structure and the electrical connector of the inner support structure being adapted to connect with the electrical connector of the removable tile which is provided underneath the removable tile.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/028,987 US20050141153A1 (en) | 1999-06-14 | 2005-01-03 | Solar tile assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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GB9913705.1 | 1999-06-14 | ||
GBGB9913705.1A GB9913705D0 (en) | 1999-06-14 | 1999-06-14 | Solar roofing tile |
PCT/GB2000/002159 WO2000077860A2 (en) | 1999-06-14 | 2000-06-14 | Solar tile assembly |
US09/980,471 US6856496B1 (en) | 1999-06-14 | 2000-06-14 | Solar tile assembly |
US11/028,987 US20050141153A1 (en) | 1999-06-14 | 2005-01-03 | Solar tile assembly |
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PCT/GB2000/002159 Continuation WO2000077860A2 (en) | 1999-06-14 | 2000-06-14 | Solar tile assembly |
US09/980,471 Continuation US6856496B1 (en) | 1999-06-14 | 2000-06-14 | Solar tile assembly |
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US20050141153A1 true US20050141153A1 (en) | 2005-06-30 |
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US11/028,987 Abandoned US20050141153A1 (en) | 1999-06-14 | 2005-01-03 | Solar tile assembly |
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US (2) | US6856496B1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP1190456B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2003506884A (en) |
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AU (1) | AU5542300A (en) |
DE (2) | DE60038830D1 (en) |
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GB (1) | GB9913705D0 (en) |
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ITMI20130483A1 (en) * | 2013-03-29 | 2014-09-30 | Comes Metalmeccanica S R L | INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION METHOD |
US10658969B2 (en) | 2014-12-04 | 2020-05-19 | Solarmass Energy Group Ltd. | Photovoltaic solar roof tile assembly |
US10756669B2 (en) | 2014-12-04 | 2020-08-25 | Solarmass Energy Group Ltd. | Solar roof tile |
US11626829B2 (en) | 2014-12-04 | 2023-04-11 | Solarmass Energy Group Ltd. | Methods of manufacturing and installing a solar roof tile assembly |
US10530292B1 (en) * | 2019-04-02 | 2020-01-07 | Solarmass Energy Group Ltd. | Solar roof tile with integrated cable management system |
US10998848B2 (en) | 2019-04-02 | 2021-05-04 | Solarmass Energy Group Ltd. | Method of routing and securing electrical power cables for a solar roof installation |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2000077860A3 (en) | 2001-02-22 |
ATE394795T1 (en) | 2008-05-15 |
DE60034039D1 (en) | 2007-05-03 |
DE60038830D1 (en) | 2008-06-19 |
JP2003506884A (en) | 2003-02-18 |
GB9913705D0 (en) | 1999-08-11 |
AU5542300A (en) | 2001-01-02 |
ATE357745T1 (en) | 2007-04-15 |
ES2303180T3 (en) | 2008-08-01 |
WO2000077860A2 (en) | 2000-12-21 |
ES2283304T3 (en) | 2007-11-01 |
EP1190456B1 (en) | 2007-03-21 |
EP1553639B1 (en) | 2008-05-07 |
EP1553639A1 (en) | 2005-07-13 |
ZA200109802B (en) | 2003-11-25 |
EP1190456A2 (en) | 2002-03-27 |
US6856496B1 (en) | 2005-02-15 |
DE60034039T2 (en) | 2007-11-29 |
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