Rooftop system with integrated photovoltaic modules and method for constructing the same

Abstract

This invention provides a novel design of a rooftop with structurally and functionally integrated photovoltaic modules that includes photovoltaic modules, which can be commercially available and which are augmented with additional framing including additional structural and functional layers. The modules are mounted on a grid like supporting structure sitting on vertical elevation structures, such as building walls or columns. The design enables cost reduction, fast installation and improved performance of rooftops with photovoltaic power.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A roof system with structurally and functionally integrated photovoltaic (PV) modules, the roof system comprising:
 at least one photovoltaic module;   a grid-like structure of beams sitting on vertical elevation structures;   a grid-like structure of mounting rails, at least one of the mounting rails comprising a base and at least one horizontal plane disposed parallel to and above the base;   at least one vertically stacked bracket assembly received by the horizontal plane, the bracket assembly engaging the photovoltaic module at a location exposed to an outside environment;   a first plurality of stacked structural and functional layers engaged with the at least one vertically stacked bracket assembly, the photovoltaic module being separated from the first plurality of stacked structural and functional layers to provide passive or active cooling;   a second plurality of stacked structural and functional layers engaged with the at least one mounting rail, the second plurality of stacked structural and functional layers being distinct from the first plurality of stacked structural and function layers and being disposed above the grid-like structure of beams.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one horizontal plane comprises a horizontal extension. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one photovoltaic module comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules, the plurality of photovoltaic modules defining a roof surface. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the first plurality of stacked structural and functional layers and the second plurality of stacked structural and functional layers extend into an interior building environment. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the photovoltaic module being separated from the first plurality of stacked structural and functional layers by a first gap sized and arranged to provide passive or active cooling. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the second plurality of stacked structural and function layers are disposed adjacent to the base, 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the second plurality of stacked structural and functional layers are disposed atop the base. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the second plurality of stacked structural and functional layers are separated from the first plurality of stacked structural and functional layers by a second gap. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the first plurality of stacked structural and functional layers and the second plurality of stacked structural and functional layers comprise insulating layers and supporting layers. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the beams are interconnected. 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the bracket assembly is secured to the at least one mounting rail with an overlying retaining fixture having a fastener extending downwardly into the at least one mounting rail. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the base has a first length and the mounting rail has a second length such that the second length is greater than the first length. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising:
 a first channel on a first upper side of each of the mounting rail and a second channel on an opposing second upper side of the mounting rail, wherein the first channel includes at least one vertical extension and the at least one horizontal extension, the at least one vertically stacked bracket assembly being received by both the horizontal extension and the vertical extension.   
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the base is disposed below each of the first channel, the second channel, the vertical extension, and the horizontal extension 
     
     
         35 . A method for conducting a roof system with structurally and functionally integrated photovoltaic modules, the method comprising:
 providing at least one photovoltaic module;   providing a grid-like structure of beams sitting on vertical elevation structures;   providing a grid-like structure of mounting rails, at least one of the mounting rails comprising a base and at least one horizontal extension disposed parallel to and above the base;   providing at least one vertically stacked bracket assembly received by the horizontal extension, the bracket assembly engaging the photovoltaic module at a location exposed to an outside environment;   providing a first plurality of stacked structural and functional layers engaged with the at least one vertically stacked bracket assembly, the photovoltaic module being separated from the first plurality of stacked structural and functional layers to provide passive or active cooling;   a second plurality of stacked structural and functional layers engaged with the at least one mounting rail, the second plurality of stacked structural and functional layers being distinct from the first plurality of stacked structural and function layers and being disposed above the grid-like structure of beams.