Roof Panel

Abstract

A novel V crimp roof panel design allowing for the frameless installation of solar panels.

1 . A roof panel constructed of substantially rigid material, comprising a top and a bottom surface and 4 edges, a first raised portion of said roof panel adjacent to a first edge and a second raised portion of said roof panel adjacent to a second edge parallel to said first edge, and a depressed portion extending parallel to said first and second raised portions, said depressed portion positioned between said raised portions; said roof panel dimensioned such that a thin film laminate solar panel may be positioned to lay flat along the roof panel surface between said raised portions and over said depressed portion. 
     
     
         2 . A roof panel as described in  claim 1  wherein said roof panel is secured to a roof by screw retaining means along said first and second raised portions and along said depressed portion. 
     
     
         3 . A roof panel as described in  claim 2  wherein said screw retaining means includes a flat-head screw along said depressed portion. 
     
     
         4 . A roof panel as described in  claim 1  wherein said depressed portion extends from a first edge to a parallel second edge. 
     
     
         5 . A roof panel as described in  claim 1  wherein said first raised portion and said second raised portion both extend from a first edge to a parallel second edge. 
     
     
         6 . A roof panel as described in  claim 1  further comprising two or more depressed portions designed to accept screw retaining means. 
     
     
         7 . A roof panel as described in  claim 1  wherein said roof panel is secured to a roof by screw retaining means alongside said first and second raised portions and along said depressed portion. 
     
     
         8 . A root panel as described in  claim 1  wherein the distance from said first raised portion to said second raised portion is between about fifteen (15) to eighteen (18) inches. 
     
     
         9 . A roof panel as described in  claim 1  further including a solar panel comprised of thin film laminates integrally installed over that roof panel area positioned between said first raised portion and said second raised portion. 
     
     
         10 . A roof panel as described in  claim 9  wherein the solar panel is affixed to the roof panel by adhesive.