Integrated photovoltaic roofing component and panel

Abstract

A combination roofing panel and solar module includes a flexible membrane sheet, such as a single-ply membrane sheet, and a plurality of elongated solar or photovoltaic modules arranged side-by-side, end-to-end, or adjacent each other. The modules are adhered to the flexible membrane, and the edges of the modules having electrical connectors or electrodes are arranged to face each other or be aligned with each other. The electrical connectors are connected by a solder connection to module electrodes through apertures in a bottom surface of the flexible membrane and are connected in series. The series electrical connectors are connected directly to direct current (DC) electric devices, to a combiner box, to another panel or to an inverter which provides coverts direct current (DC) to alternating current electricity for use in residential, commercial or industrial building structures. The ends and elongated edges of a roofing component or panel having the flexible membrane and modules can be sealed for protection.

1 . An integrated photovoltaic roofing component for attachment to a roofing surface, comprising:
 a flexible membrane having a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface for application to the roofing surface;   a plurality of elongated photovoltaic modules arranged side-by-side and attached to said top surface of said flexible membrane; and   one or more electrical leads in electrical connection with said modules and located at adjacent ends of the modules.   
     
     
         2 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of modules are attached to said top surface of said flexible membrane with an adhesive. 
     
     
         3 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible membrane comprises a single-ply membrane. 
     
     
         4 . The component of  claim 3 , wherein said single-ply membrane is a thermoplastic membrane sheet, an elastomeric membrane sheet, or a reinforced bituminous membrane sheet. 
     
     
         5 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein each module includes a plurality of solar cells. 
     
     
         6 . The component of  claim 5 , wherein each module includes about 22 solar cells. 
     
     
         7 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein each module is flexible. 
     
     
         8 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more electrical leads are connected in series. 
     
     
         9 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more electrical leads of different modules are connected in series. 
     
     
         10 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more electrical leads extend through said flexible membrane. 
     
     
         11 . The component of  claim 10 , wherein said flexible membrane defines apertures through which said one or more electrical leads extend. 
     
     
         12 . The component of  claim 11 , further comprising an insulative layer applied to said bottom surface of said flexible membrane that covers said apertures defined by said flexible membrane. 
     
     
         13 . The component of  claim 1 , further comprising a seal along an elongated edge between said flexible membrane and an elongated photovoltaic module. 
     
     
         14 . The component of  claim 1 , further comprising a seal along an end of said flexible membrane and an elongated photovoltaic module. 
     
     
         15 . The component of  claim 1 , further comprising an insulative strip applied to said bottom surface of said flexible membrane. 
     
     
         16 . The component of  claim 15 , wherein said insulative strip is applied to the roofing surface. 
     
     
         17 . The component of  claim 15 , wherein said insulative strip encapsulates said one or more electrical leads. 
     
     
         18 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible membrane and said plurality of elongated photovoltaic modules attached to said flexible membrane can be rolled upon themselves. 
     
     
         19 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more electrical leads are located in a central area. 
     
     
         20 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of modules are attached to a single sheet of flexible membrane. 
     
     
         21 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein a first group of two or more modules is arranged side-by-side and a second group of two or more modules is arranged side-by-side, wherein said first and second groups are also arranged end-to end so that said one or more electrical leads are located at adjacent ends of the modules of said first group and said second group. 
     
     
         22 . The component of  claim 21 , wherein said one or more electrical leads of said first and second groups of modules are located in a central area. 
     
     
         23 - 47 . (canceled)