Solar Roof Tile

Abstract

A frame system suitable for mounting a solar module on a roof, the frame system comprising at least one frame comprising an upper frame member, a lower frame member a right-side frame member, a left-side frame member, at least one projecting member that is attached to or is an integral part of at least one of the side frame members, and projecting in a direction toward or substantially toward the fewer frame member; and a batten comprising a recess for engaging the projecting member of the frame. The frame optionally comprises a means for affixing the frame to another frame.

1 . A frame suitable for a solar module comprising:
 an upper frame member,   a lower frame member,   a right-side frame member,   a left-side frame member, and   at least one projecting member attached to or an integral part of at least one of the side frame members, and projecting in a direction toward or substantially toward the lower frame member;   each of the frame members having at least an outer side, an inner side, an upper portion running along at least part of the length of the member, and a lower portion running along at least part of the length of the member.   
     
     
         2 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein each of the frame members are initially separate pieces and are joined to form the frame. 
     
     
         3 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein the outer side of each of the side frame members has a portion shaped to engage, in an interlocking manner, an edge of a roof tile. 
     
     
         4 . The frame of  claim 3  wherein the portion shaped to engage the edge of a roof tile is U shaped. 
     
     
         5 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein a projecting member is in the shape of a tab. 
     
     
         6 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein a projecting member is located on the lower portion of at least one of the side frame members and is positioned parallel to the direction of the side frame member. 
     
     
         7 . The frame of  claim 1  further comprising a means for affixing one frame to another frame. 
     
     
         8 . The frame of  claim 7  wherein the means for affixing one frame to another frame is located on the upper frame member. 
     
     
         9 . The frame of  claim 7  wherein the means for affixing one frame to another frame is a threaded bolt affixed to the frame. 
     
     
         10 . The frame of  claim 8  wherein the upper frame member has a right end adjacent the right frame member and a left end adjacent the left frame member and the means for affixing one frame to another frame is positioned at or near the left end of the upper frame member. 
     
     
         11 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein the side frame members have upper ends and lower ends and the projecting member is positioned on the side frame member closer to the lower end than to the upper end. 
     
     
         12 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein the side frame members have upper ends and lower ends and an opening in the lower portion of the side frame member positioned closer to the upper end than to the lower end of the side frame member. 
     
     
         13 . A frame system comprising:
 at least one frame suitable for a solar module, wherein the frame comprises an upper frame member;   a lower frame member,   a right-side frame member,   a left-side frame member,   at least one projecting member attached to or an integral part of at least one of the side frame members, and projecting in a direction toward or substantially toward the lower frame member; and   a batten comprising a recess for engaging the projecting member of the frame.   
     
     
         14 . The frame system of  claim 13  wherein the batten is J shaped. 
     
     
         15 . The frame system of  claim 13  wherein the batten is shorter in length than the lower member of the frame. 
     
     
         16 . The frame system of  claim 13  wherein the batten is shorter in length than the lower member of the frame. 
     
     
         17 . A method for installing a framed solar module on a pitched roof comprising:
 (a) attaching a batten to the roof at a desired location on the roof, where the batten comprises a recess having an open portion, and where the batten is attached to the roof so that the open portion of the recess faces an upper portion of the pitched roof, and   (b) positioning a solar module framed with the frame of  claim 1  on the roof so that at least one projecting member of the frame engages the recess of the batten.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the positioning comprises moving the framed solar module in a downward direction to engage the projecting member with the batten. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the frame is positioned next to and in contact with an adjacent roof tile. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  wherein after step (b) the frame is affixed to the roof. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17  wherein at least two battens are attached to the roof and the battens are affixed to the roof with a gap between the battens to provide for the passage of water. 
     
     
         22 . A solar module roof tile comprising a solar module framed within the frame of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         23 . A frame suitable for a solar module comprising:
 an upper frame member,   a lower frame member,   a right-side frame member,   a left-side frame member,   each of the frame members having at least an outer side, an inner side, an upper portion running along at least part of the length of the member, and a lower portion running along at least part of the length of the member; and   a means for affixing a frame to another frame.   
     
     
         24 . The frame of  claim 23  wherein the means for affixing one frame to another frame is located on the upper frame member. 
     
     
         25 . The frame of  claim 23  wherein the means for affixing one frame to another frame is a threaded bolt affixed to the frame. 
     
     
         26 . The frame of  claim 23  wherein the upper frame member has a right end adjacent to right frame member and a left end adjacent the left frame member and the means for affixing one frame to another frame is positioned at or near the left end of the upper frame member. 
     
     
         27 . The frame of  claim 7  further comprising a ground wire attached to the means for affixing. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 17  where in the frame further comprises a means for affixing a frame to an adjacent frame and each frame is affixed to an adjacent frame in a row of frames. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28  further comprising attaching at least one ground wire to at least one frame, wherein the ground wire is attached to the means for affixing the frames. 
     
     
         30 . The frame system of  claim 13  when a solar module is framed within the frame. 
     
     
         31 . A solar module roof tile comprising a solar module framed within the frame of  claim 23 .