Roof integrated photovoltaic module with spacer

Abstract

A photovoltaic module including a surface and at least one spacer juxtaposed with the surface. The at least one spacer is positioned intermediate the surface and the roof deck. The photovoltaic module is elevated from the roof deck by the spacer to promote air flow underneath the photovoltaic module. The spacer is made from a material that provides impact resistance and walkability.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A system, comprising:
 a plurality of photovoltaic modules installed on a roof deck,
 the plurality of photovoltaic modules comprising a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module,
 each of the first and second photovoltaic modules including
 a first end, 
 a second end opposite the first end, 
 a first surface extending from the first end to the second end, and 
 a second surface opposite the first surface and extending from the 
 first end to the second end, 
 
 
   a plurality of spacers installed on the roof deck,
 the plurality of spacers comprising a first spacer and a second spacer,
 wherein the first spacer is juxtaposed with the second surface of the first photovoltaic module, 
 wherein the second spacer is juxtaposed with the second surface of the second photovoltaic module, 
 wherein the first photovoltaic module overhangs the first spacer such that a first portion of the first photovoltaic module is above the second photovoltaic module, and 
 
   at least one adhesive strip,
 wherein the at least one adhesive strip includes a first adhesive strip,
 wherein the first adhesive strip is on the first portion of the first photovoltaic module, and
 wherein the first adhesive strip contacts the first surface of the second photovoltaic module. 
 
 
   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the plurality of spacers is arranged in an array. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein each of the plurality of spacers includes a rectangular profile. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein each of the plurality of spacers includes a circular profile. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the first spacer is attached to the second surface of the first photovoltaic module. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the first spacer has a thickness of 5 mm to 50 mm. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the first spacer includes at least one cutout that is sized and shaped to receive at least one electrical component. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 27 , further comprising:
 at least one electrical component,
 wherein the at least one electrical component comprises a junction box, and
 wherein the junction box is located in the at least one cutout. 
 
   
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 27 , further comprising:
 at least one electrical component,
 wherein the at least one electrical component comprises an electrical connector, and
 wherein the electrical connector is located in the at least one cutout. 
 
   
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a fan installed on the roof deck adjacent to the at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic modules,
 wherein the fan is configured to exhaust air through the first and second spacers. 
   
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 at least one hooking loop adapted to be attached to the roof deck,
 wherein the at least one hooking loop is configured to engage the first spacer. 
   
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the first spacer includes a nail plate configured to receive at least one nail. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a watershedding layer located between the at least one spacer and the roof deck.   
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one adhesive strip further comprises a second adhesive strip, and
 wherein the second adhesive strip is on a portion of the second photovoltaic module that overhangs the second spacer.