U.S. patent application number 11/743073 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-06 for photovoltaic roofing wiring array, photovoltaic roofing wiring system and roofs using them.
Invention is credited to Gregory F. Jacobs, Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Wayne E. Shaw.
Application Number | 20080271774 11/743073 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39620199 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080271774 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kalkanoglu; Husnu M. ; et
al. |
November 6, 2008 |
Photovoltaic Roofing Wiring Array, Photovoltaic Roofing Wiring
System and Roofs Using Them
Abstract
The present invention provides photovoltaic wiring arrays and
photovoltaic wiring systems suitable for use in rooftop
photovoltaic power generation systems. Accordingly, one aspect of
the invention provides a photovoltaic roofing wiring array for use
with a plurality of photovoltaic roofing elements, each
photovoltaic roofing element having a positive lead terminated in a
positive connector and a negative lead terminated in a negative
connector, and a lead-to-lead distance between the positive
connector and the negative connector, the photovoltaic roofing
wiring system comprising: a positive parallel wiring run, the
positive parallel wiring run comprising a main line and one or more
connection branches pendant from the main line, each connection
branch being terminated in a positive connector; and a negative
parallel wiring run, the negative parallel wiring run comprising a
main line and one or more connection branches pendant from the main
line, each connection branch being terminated in a negative
connector, wherein each positive connector is coupleable to the
positive connectors of the photovoltaic roofing elements; and
wherein each negative connector is coupleable to the negative
connectors of the photovoltaic roofing elements. In some
embodiments of the invention, the photovoltaic roofing wiring
arrays are substantially prefabricated.
Inventors: |
Kalkanoglu; Husnu M.;
(Swarthmore, PA) ; Jacobs; Gregory F.; (Oreland,
PA) ; Shaw; Wayne E.; (Glen Mills, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCDONNELL BOEHNEN HULBERT & BERGHOFF LLP
300 S. WACKER DRIVE, 32ND FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
39620199 |
Appl. No.: |
11/743073 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
136/244 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02S 20/23 20141201;
Y02B 10/10 20130101; H01L 31/0504 20130101; H02S 40/36 20141201;
Y02E 10/50 20130101; H01L 31/05 20130101; H01L 31/02008 20130101;
Y02B 10/20 20130101; Y02B 10/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
136/244 |
International
Class: |
H01L 31/042 20060101
H01L031/042 |
Claims
1. A photovoltaic roofing wiring array for use with a plurality of
photovoltaic roofing elements, each photovoltaic roofing element
having a positive lead terminated in a positive connector and a
negative lead terminated in a negative connector, and a
lead-to-lead distance between the positive connector and the
negative connector, the photovoltaic roofing wiring system
comprising: a positive parallel wiring run, the positive parallel
wiring run comprising a main line and one or more connection
branches pendant from the main line, each connection branch being
terminated in a positive connector; and a negative parallel wiring
run, the negative parallel wiring run comprising a main line and
one or more connection branches pendant from the main line, each
connection branch being terminated in a negative connector, wherein
each positive connector is coupleable to the positive connectors of
the photovoltaic roofing elements; and each negative connector is
coupleable to the negative connectors of the photovoltaic roofing
elements.
2. The photovoltaic roofing wiring array of claim 1, wherein the
positive connectors and negative connectors are quick-disconnect
connectors
3. The photovoltaic roofing wiring array of claim 1, further
comprising: one or more series wiring runs, each series wiring run
comprising a sequence of one or more wiring elements, each wiring
element having a positive end terminated in a positive connector
coupleable to the positive connector of the photovoltaic roofing
elements, and a negative end terminated in a negative connector
coupleable to the negative connector of the photovoltaic roofing
elements, the series wiring runs being disposed sequentially in a
substantially head-to-tail fashion from a positive connector of the
positive parallel wiring run to a negative connector of the
negative parallel wiring run, wherein the negative connector of the
first wiring element in the sequence is disposed within one
lead-to-lead distance of the positive connector of the positive
parallel wiring run; the positive connector of the last wiring
element in the sequence is disposed within one lead-to-lead
distance of the negative connector of the negative parallel wiring
run; and for any other wiring elements in the sequence, the
positive connector is within one lead-to-lead distance of the
negative connector of the subsequent wiring element; and the
negative connector is within one lead-to-lead distance of the
positive connector of the previous wiring element.
4. The photovoltaic roofing wiring array of claim 1, wherein the
one or more wiring elements of each series wiring run include: a
first end wiring element having a positive end terminated in a
positive connector and a negative end terminated in a negative
connector, the negative connector being disposed within one
lead-to-lead distance of a positive connector of the positive
parallel wiring run; a second end wiring element having a positive
end terminated in a positive connector and a negative end
terminated in a negative connector, the positive connector being
disposed within one lead-to-lead distance of a negative connector
of the negative parallel wiring run; a sequence of one or more
interior wiring elements, each having a positive end terminated in
a positive connector and a negative end terminated in a negative
connector, disposed sequentially in a substantially head-to-tail
fashion from the first end wiring element to the second end wiring
element.
5. The photovoltaic roofing wiring array of claim 3, wherein the
wiring elements of each series wiring run are physically
interconnected.
6. The photovoltaic roofing wiring array of claim 5, wherein the
wiring elements of each series wiring run are further
interconnected with the positive parallel wiring run and the
negative parallel wiring run.
7. The photovoltaic roofing wiring array of claim 5, wherein the
one or more series wiring runs, the positive parallel wiring run
and the negative parallel wiring run are all disposed substantially
along the same path.
8. The photovoltaic roofing wiring array of claim 1, wherein at
least one positive connector is affixed to its corresponding
negative connector.
9. The photovoltaic roofing wiring array of claim 8, wherein each
pair of affixed connectors is formed in a unitary piece.
10. The photovoltaic roofing wiring array of claim 8, wherein the
positive connector of at least one connection branch of the
positive parallel wiring run is affixed to the negative connector
of a first end wiring element of its corresponding series wiring
run.
11. The photovoltaic roofing wiring array of claim 8, wherein the
negative connector of each connection branch of the negative
parallel wiring run is affixed to the positive connector of a
second end wiring element of its corresponding series wiring
run.
12. The photovoltaic roofing wiring array of claim 1, wherein in
one or more series wiring runs, the negative connector of at least
one wiring element is affixed to its corresponding positive
connector; and the positive connector of at least one wiring
element is affixed to its corresponding negative connector.
13. A roof comprising the photovoltaic roofing wiring array of
claim 1 disposed on a roof deck.
14. A photovoltaic roofing wiring system comprising a wiring
substrate; and a wiring array according to claim 1 disposed on or
within the wiring substrate.
15. The photovoltaic roofing wiring system of claim 14, wherein the
wiring substrate is a rolled roofing material.
16. The photovoltaic roofing wiring system of claim 14, wherein the
wiring substrate is a sheet of underlay material.
17. The photovoltaic roofing wiring system of claim 14, wherein the
wiring substrate is a rigid frame.
18. The photovoltaic roofing wiring system of claim 14, wherein the
rigid frame includes one or more channels, and the wiring array is
disposed within the channels.
19. The photovoltaic roofing wiring system of claim 14, wherein the
rigid frame has wiring clips attached thereto, and wherein the
wiring array is held by the wiring clips.
20. The photovoltaic roofing wiring system of claim 14, wherein the
wiring substrate is an underlay platform.
21. The photovoltaic roofing wiring system of claim 20, wherein the
underlay platform has channels formed therein, wherein the
photovoltaic roofing wiring array is disposed within the
channels.
22. The photovoltaic roofing wiring system of claim 20, wherein the
underlay platform has a void space in its interior or on its
underside.
23. The photovoltaic roofing wiring system of claim 14, wherein the
wiring substrate is marked with indicia for the placement and/or
connection of a photovoltaic roofing wiring array.
24. The photovoltaic roofing wiring system of claim 23, wherein the
wiring substrate is a rolled roofing material.
25. The photovoltaic roofing wiring system of claim 14, wherein the
wiring substrate is marked with indicia for the placement of
roofing elements.
26. A roof comprising the photovoltaic roofing wiring system of
claim 14 affixed to a roof deck.
27. The roof of claim 26, further comprising a plurality of
photovoltaic elements, each photovoltaic element having: a positive
lead extending from the photovoltaic element and terminated in a
positive connector, the positive connector being coupled to a
positive connector of the photovoltaic roofing wiring array; and a
negative lead extending from the photovoltaic element and
terminated in a negative connector, the negative connector being
coupled to the negative connector corresponding to the positive
connector.
28. A roof comprising: a roof frame; a wiring substrate disposed on
the roof frame; a wiring array disposed on or within the wiring
substrate, the wiring array comprising a positive parallel wiring
run, the positive parallel wiring run comprising a main line and
one or more connection branches pendant from the main line, each
connection branch being terminated in a positive connector; a
negative parallel wiring run, the negative parallel wiring run
comprising a main line and one or more connection branches pendant
from the main line, each connection branch being terminated in a
negative connector; and one or more series wiring runs, each series
wiring run comprising a first end wiring element having a positive
end terminated in a positive connector and a negative end
terminated in a negative connector; a second end wiring element
having a positive end terminated in a positive connector and a
negative end terminated in a negative connector; and a sequence of
one or more interior wiring elements, each having a positive end
terminated in a positive connector and a negative end terminated in
a negative connector, arranged in a substantially head-to-tail
manner from the first end wiring element to the second end wiring
element; and one or more first end photovoltaic roofing elements,
each first end photovoltaic roofing element comprising a roofing
substrate; and a photovoltaic element disposed on or within the
roofing substrate, the photovoltaic element having a positive lead
terminated in a positive connector, the positive connector being
coupled to a positive connector of a connection branch of the
positive parallel wiring run; and a negative lead terminated in a
negative connector, the negative connector being coupled to the
negative connector of the first end wiring element of the series
wiring run corresponding to the positive connector of the
connection branch; and one or more second end photovoltaic roofing
elements, each second end photovoltaic roofing element comprising a
roofing substrate; and a photovoltaic element disposed on or within
the roofing substrate, the photovoltaic element having a negative
lead terminated in a negative connector, the negative connector
being coupled to a negative connector of a connection branch of the
negative parallel wiring run; and a positive lead terminated in a
positive connector, the positive connector being coupled to the
positive connector of the second end wiring element corresponding
to the negative connector of the connection branch.
29. The roof of claim 28, further comprising: one or more interior
photovoltaic roofing elements, each interior photovoltaic roofing
element comprising a roofing substrate; and a photovoltaic element
disposed on or within the roofing substrate, the photovoltaic
element having a positive lead terminated in a positive connector,
the positive connector being coupled to a positive connector of the
first end wiring element or an interior wiring element; and a
negative lead terminated in a negative connector, the negative
connector being coupled to the negative connector corresponding to
the positive connector.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic
roofing systems. The present invention relates more particularly to
photovoltaic roof arrays and wiring systems for use therewith.
[0003] 2. Technical Background
[0004] The search for alternative sources of energy has been
motivated by at least two factors. First, fossil fuels have become
more and more expensive due to increasing scarcity and unrest in
areas rich in petroleum deposits. Second, there exists overwhelming
concern about the effects of the combustion of fossil fuels on the
environment, due to factors such as air pollution (from NO.sub.x,
hydrocarbons and ozone) and global warming (from CO.sub.2). In
recent years, research and development attention has focused on
harvesting energy from natural environmental sources such as wind,
flowing water and the sun. Of the three, the sun appears to be the
most widely useful energy source across the continental United
States; most locales get enough sunshine to make solar energy
feasible.
[0005] There are now available components that convert light energy
into electrical energy. Such "photovoltaic cells" are often made
from semiconductor-type materials such as doped silicon in either
single crystalline, polycrystalline, or amorphous form. The use of
photovoltaic cells on roofs is becoming increasingly common,
especially as device performance has improved. They can be used,
for example, to provide at least a fraction of the electrical
energy needed for a building's overall function, or can be used to
power one or more particular devices, such as exterior lighting
systems.
[0006] Photovoltaic roofing elements can be used to provide weather
protection, like standard roofing elements, as well as photovoltaic
power generation. Many such photovoltaic roofing elements take the
form of a standard roofing element, such as a shingle or a tile,
with one or more photovoltaic cells disposed thereon or integrated
therewith. Photovoltaic roofing elements are generally difficult to
install, as they must not only be physically connected to the roof
in a manner that provides weather protection but also be
electrically interconnected into a wiring system to be connected to
the elements of a larger photovoltaic generation system (e.g.,
inverters, batteries and meters). Such installation often requires
an electrical specialist to perform the electrical
interconnections, which can be difficult to time appropriately with
the physical installation of the photovoltaic roofing elements.
Moreover, relatively large voltage differences (e.g., 100-600 V)
are created in many photovoltaic roofing systems. As such, it is
desirable to protect the electrical interconnections from the
weather so as to avoid arcing and short circuits.
[0007] Accordingly, there remains a need for photovoltaic roofing
systems having ease of both physical and electrical installability
and in which electrical interconnections are protected from the
weather.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing wiring
array for use with a plurality of photovoltaic roofing elements,
each photovoltaic roofing element having a positive lead terminated
in a positive connector and a negative lead terminated in a
negative connector, and a lead-to-lead distance between the
positive connector and the negative connector, the photovoltaic
roofing wiring array comprising [0009] a positive parallel wiring
run, the positive parallel wiring run comprising a main line and
one or more connection branches pendant from the main line, each
connection branch being terminated in a positive connector; and
[0010] a negative parallel wiring run, the negative parallel wiring
run comprising a main line and one or more connection branches
pendant from the main line, each connection branch being terminated
in a negative connector,
[0011] wherein each positive connector is coupleable to the
positive connectors of the photovoltaic roofing elements; and
wherein each negative connector is coupleable to the negative
connectors of the photovoltaic roofing elements.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is a photovoltaic
roofing wiring array as described above, further comprising [0013]
one or more series wiring runs, each series wiring run comprising a
sequence of one or more wiring elements, each wiring element having
a positive end terminated in a positive connector coupleable to the
positive connector of the photovoltaic roofing elements, and a
negative end terminated in a negative connector coupleable to the
negative connector of the photovoltaic roofing elements, the
sequence being disposed sequentially in a substantially
head-to-tail fashion from a positive connector of the positive
parallel wiring run to a negative connector of the negative
parallel wiring run, wherein the negative connector of a first
wiring element in the sequence is disposed within one lead-to-lead
distance of the positive connector of the positive parallel wiring
run; the positive connector of a last wiring element in the
sequence is disposed within one lead-to-lead distance of the
negative connector of the negative parallel wiring run; and for any
other wiring elements in the sequence, the positive connector is
within one lead-to-lead distance of the negative connector of the
subsequent wiring element; and the negative connector is within one
lead-to-lead distance of the positive connector of the previous
wiring element.
[0014] Another aspect of the present invention is a roof comprising
a roof deck and a photovoltaic roofing wiring array as described
above disposed on the roof deck.
[0015] Another aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing
wiring system comprising a wiring substrate and a wiring array as
described above disposed on or within the wiring substrate.
[0016] Another aspect of the invention is a roof comprising a
photovoltaic roofing wiring system as described above disposed on a
roof deck.
[0017] Another aspect of the invention is a roof comprising: [0018]
a roof frame; [0019] a wiring substrate disposed on the roof deck;
[0020] a wiring array disposed on or within the wiring substrate,
the wiring array comprising [0021] a positive parallel wiring run,
the positive parallel wiring run comprising a main line and one or
more connection branches pendant from the main line, each
connection branch being terminated in a positive connector; [0022]
a negative parallel wiring run, the negative parallel wiring run
comprising a main line and one or more connection branches pendant
from the main line, each connection branch being terminated in a
negative connector; [0023] one or more series wiring runs, each
series wiring run comprising a first end wiring element having a
positive end terminated in a positive connector and a negative end
terminated in a negative connector; a second end wiring element
having a positive end terminated in a positive connector and a
negative end terminated in a negative connector; and a sequence of
one or more interior wiring elements, each having a positive end
terminated in a positive connector and a negative end terminated in
a negative connector, arranged in a substantially head-to-tail
manner from the first end wiring element to the second end wiring
element; [0024] one or more first end photovoltaic roofing
elements, each first end photovoltaic roofing element comprising a
roofing substrate, a photovoltaic element disposed on or within the
roofing substrate, the photovoltaic element having a positive lead
terminated in a positive connector, the positive connector being
coupled to a positive connector of a connection branch of the
positive parallel wiring run; and a negative lead terminated in a
negative connector, the negative connector being coupled to the
negative connector of the first end wiring element of the series
wiring run corresponding to the positive connector of the
connection branch; and [0025] one or more second end photovoltaic
roofing elements, each second end photovoltaic roofing element
comprising a roofing substrate; and a photovoltaic element disposed
on or within the roofing substrate, the photovoltaic element having
a negative lead terminated in a negative connector, the negative
connector being coupled to a negative connector of a connection
branch of the negative parallel wiring run; and a positive lead
terminated in a positive connector, the positive connector being
coupled to the positive connector of the second end wiring element
corresponding to the negative connector of the connection
branch.
[0026] Another aspect of the invention is a roof as described
above, further including [0027] one or more interior photovoltaic
roofing elements, each interior photovoltaic roofing element
comprising a roofing substrate; and a photovoltaic element disposed
on or within the roofing substrate, the photovoltaic element having
a positive lead terminated in a positive connector, the positive
connector being coupled to a positive connector of the first end
wiring element or an interior wiring element; and a negative lead
terminated in a negative connector, the negative connector being
coupled to the negative connector corresponding to the positive
connector.
[0028] The present invention results in a number of advantages over
the prior art. For example, the photovoltaic roofing wiring systems
of the present invention can be installed by an installer who is
relatively unskilled in the field of electrical interconnection.
Moreover, the photovoltaic roofing wiring systems of the present
invention can be constructed from individual modular parts,
allowing the skilled artisan flexibility in accommodating any roof
size or shape, and any size or shape of photovoltaic elements.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set
forth in the detailed description which follows and in part will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description
or recognized by practicing the invention as described in the
written description and claims hereof, as well as in the appended
drawings.
[0029] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are merely
exemplary of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview
or framework for understanding the nature and character of the
invention as it is claimed.
[0030] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification. The drawings are not
necessarily to scale, and sizes of various elements can be
distorted for clarity. The drawings illustrate one or more
embodiment(s) of the invention, and together with the description
serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a photovoltaic element
suitable for use with the photovoltaic roofing wiring arrays of the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a photovoltaic roofing
element suitable for use with the photovoltaic roofing wiring
arrays of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a top view of a photovoltaic roofing wiring array
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a top view of a photovoltaic roofing wiring array
in which the main lines of the parallel wiring runs run along a
common path, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a top view of a photovoltaic roofing wiring array
including one wiring element in a series wiring run, according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a top view of a photovoltaic roofing wiring array
including two wiring elements in a series wiring run, according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a top view of a photovoltaic roofing wiring array
including five wiring elements in a series wiring runs, according
to one embodiment of the present invention
[0038] FIG. 8 is a top view of a photovoltaic roofing wiring array
in which the wiring elements of a series wiring run are physically
interconnected, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a top view of a photovoltaic roofing wiring array
in which each positive connector is affixed to its corresponding
negative connector;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a top view of a photovoltaic roofing wiring array
in which the main lines of the parallel wiring runs run along a
common path, and the series wiring run extends physically away from
the parallel wiring runs and loops back, according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a top view of a photovoltaic roofing wiring array
in which the parallel wiring runs and the one or more series wiring
runs all run substantially along the same path, according to one
embodiment of the invention; and
[0042] FIG. 12 is a partial top perspective view of a roof
according to another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] One aspect of the invention comprises a photovoltaic roofing
wiring array configured for use with a photovoltaic element, an
example of which is shown in top perspective view in FIG. 1.
Photovoltaic element 106 includes a positive lead 108 terminated in
a positive connector 110, and a negative lead 112 terminated in a
negative connector 114. As shown in FIG. 1, the positive and
negative leads may extend from the photovoltaic element.
Alternatively, as the skilled artisan would appreciate, they can be
integrally formed with the rest of the photovoltaic element, with
the connectors mounted directly on the surface of the element. The
lead-to-lead distance 116 is the distance spanning the
connectorized ends of the leads of a single photovoltaic element.
If one or both leads are flexible, the lead-to-lead distance is a
range of distances, with a lower limit being the distance between
the connectorized ends when they are brought together in closest
proximity and an upper limit being the distance between the
connectorized ends when they are separated as far apart as
possible. The limits of the range (both lower and upper) depend
upon the length of the leads, the distance between the points at
which the leads attached to the photovoltaic element, and the
flexibility of the leads. Examples of photovoltaic elements that
can be adapted by the skilled artisan for use with the present
invention include those available from China Electric Equipment
Group of Nanjing, China, as well as from several domestic suppliers
such as Uni-Solar, Sharp, Shell Solar, BP Solar, USFC, FirstSolar,
General Electric, Schott Solar, Evergreen Solar and Global
Solar.
[0044] One example of a desirable photovoltaic element for use with
the present invention is a photovoltaic roofing element. In the
embodiment shown in top perspective view in FIG. 2, photovoltaic
roofing element 202 includes a roofing substrate 204, and a
photovoltaic element 206 disposed on or integrated with the roofing
substrate 204. The photovoltaic element has a positive lead 208
terminated in a positive connector 210, and a negative lead 212
terminated in a negative connector 214. The lead-to-lead distance
216 is the distance spanning the connectorized ends of the leads of
a single photovoltaic roofing element. As the skilled artisan will
appreciate, the roofing substrate may take many forms, including a
shingle, a tile, a shake or a panel. For example, in certain
embodiments of the invention the roofing substrate is an asphalt
shingle. Examples of photovoltaic roofing elements which can be
adapted by the skilled artisan for use with the present invention
include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,040,867, 5,437,735,
5,590,495, 5,990,414, 6,155,006 and 6,311,436; U.S. Patent
Application Publication nos. 2004/0000334, 2005/0178428 and
2006/0266406; U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 11/412,160 and
11/456,200; and the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,909
entitled "PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES AND PHOTOVOLTAIC ROOFING ELEMENTS
INCLUDING GRANULES, AND ROOFS USING THEM," filed on May 1, 2007,
each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0045] As the skilled artisan will appreciate, the photovoltaic
elements and photovoltaic roofing elements used in the present
invention can include a bypass diode that connects the positive
lead and the negative lead. The bypass diode allows current to flow
between the positive lead and the negative lead when a fault, a
loss of illumination or a malfunction occurs in the photovoltaic
cell(s) of the photovoltaic element or photovoltaic roofing
element. The bypass diode serves to cut a photovoltaic element or
photovoltaic roofing element out of the photovoltaic power
generation system when it malfunctions.
[0046] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the positive
leads and the negative leads include wires or cables that extend
from the bulk of the photovoltaic element or photovoltaic roofing
element. However, as the skilled artisan will recognize, the
photovoltaic elements and photovoltaic roofing elements used in
practicing the present branches need not have actual wires or
cables as the positive and negative leads. Rather, the positive
leads and negative leads can be integral to the photovoltaic
element or photovoltaic roofing element, with the positive
connector and negative connector being mounted directly on the
surface of the photovoltaic element or photovoltaic roofing
element.
[0047] In certain embodiments of the invention, the photovoltaic
roofing element has a channel or void space formed on its underside
adapted to fit the wires and/or connectors of the photovoltaic
roofing wiring systems of the present invention. For example, when
the photovoltaic roofing element is an asphalt shingle, additional
layers of asphalt-coated web material can be applied to the back
side of the shingle in certain areas, leaving the back side of the
shingle with a desired channel or void space. Molding techniques
may also be used to create the desired channel or void space. As
the skilled artisan would appreciate, when such a photovoltaic
roofing element is installed it can be disposed, for example, so
that the channel accepts part of the photovoltaic wiring array,
leads and connectors connecting a previously-laid photovoltaic
roofing element to the photovoltaic wiring array. Such channels or
voids enable hiding the wiring array or portions thereof from view
when the photovoltaic roofing wiring system is installed.
[0048] One embodiment of the invention is shown in schematic view
in FIG. 3. Photovoltaic roofing wiring array 300 includes a
positive parallel wiring run 322 and a negative parallel wiring run
332. These two parallel wiring runs form the backbone of the
photovoltaic roofing wiring array, and in use are usually connected
to the power handling hardware of a photovoltaic power generation
system. They may, for example, be respectively connected to the
positive and negative terminals of an inverter, as would be
appreciated by the skilled artisan. Each of the positive parallel
wiring run 322 and the negative parallel wiring run 332 includes a
main line (324 and 334, respectively) and one or more connection
branches (326 and 336, respectively) pendant from the main line.
Each connection branch is terminated in a connector; on the
positive parallel wiring run 322, the connection branches 326 are
terminated in positive connectors 328, while on the negative
parallel wiring run 332, the connection branches 336 are terminated
in negative connectors 338. As the skilled artisan will appreciate,
the connection branches need not include lengths of wiring pendant
from the main line as shown in FIG. 3. Rather, the connection
branch may simply be a connector connected in parallel on the main
line itself.
[0049] The positive connectors of the positive parallel wiring run
are coupleable with the positive connectors of the photovoltaic
roofing elements to be used with the photovoltaic roofing wiring
array. Similarly, the negative connectors of the negative parallel
wiring run are coupleable with the negative connectors of the
photovoltaic roofing elements. As used herein, when connectors are
"coupleable" they can be connected so as to form an
electrically-conductive connection between them. As the skilled
artisan will appreciate, many types of electrical connectors are
suitable for use in the present invention. In certain desirable
embodiments of the invention, the connectors are quick-disconnect
connectors.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a photovoltaic roofing wiring
array 400 according to another embodiment of the invention. Instead
of being disposed apart as shown in FIG. 3, the main lines 424 and
434 run along a common path. In certain embodiments of the
invention, the main lines 424 and 434 are physically connected
(though electrically isolated from one another), either as two
individual cables affixed to one another (e.g. as a bundle of
cables), or as a pair of individual conductors within a single
cable. When the main lines 424 and 434 run along a common path, and
especially when they are affixed to one another or formed in a
single cable, they can be more easily routed and installed.
[0051] In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, there are no series
wiring runs disposed between a positive connector of the parallel
wiring run and its corresponding negative connector. In these
embodiments of the invention, each positive connector is within one
lead-to-lead distance of its corresponding negative connector, so
that a photovoltaic element can be connected between them. For
example, in FIG. 4, photovoltaic element 402 has a positive lead
terminated in a positive connector, and a negative lead terminated
in a negative connector. The positive connector 410 of photovoltaic
element 402 is connected with one positive connector 428 of the
positive parallel wiring run 422, and the negative connector 414 of
photovoltaic element 402 is connected with the corresponding
negative connector 438 of the negative parallel wiring run 438. In
this way, photovoltaic elements can be electrically connected to
the wiring array to form part of a parallel-configured photovoltaic
power generation system.
[0052] The parallel wiring runs can be configured in any desired
arrangement. For example, the parallel wiring runs may run in a
zig-zag fashion or a switchback fashion, so as to interconnect
multiple courses of photovoltaic elements.
[0053] In certain embodiments of the invention, the photovoltaic
roofing wiring array further includes one or more series wiring
runs. For example, in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 photovoltaic roofing wiring
arrays 500, 600 and 700 include not only parallel wiring runs 522
and 532, 622 and 632 and 722 and 732, but also one or more series
wiring runs 540, 640 and 740. Each series wiring run includes a
sequence of one or more wiring elements 550, 650 and 750a-e each of
which has a positive end terminated in a positive connector 554,
654 and 754a-e and a negative end terminated in a negative
connector 558, 658 and 758a-e. As with the parallel wiring runs,
the positive connectors of the series wiring runs are coupleable
with the positive connectors of the photovoltaic elements.
Similarly, the negative connectors of the series wiring runs are
coupleable with the negative connectors of the photovoltaic
elements. The series wiring runs 540, 640 and 740 include a
sequence of wiring elements disposed sequentially in a
substantially head-to-tail fashion from a positive connector 528,
628 and 728 of the positive parallel wiring run 522, 622 and 722 to
a negative connector 538, 638 and 738 of the negative parallel
wiring run. As shown in series wiring run 740 of FIG. 7, the
negative connector 758a of the first wiring element 750 in the
sequence is disposed within one lead-to-lead distance of the
positive connector 728 of the positive parallel wiring run, so that
a photovoltaic element can be connected therebetween. Similarly,
the positive connector 754e of the last wiring element 750e in the
sequence is disposed within one lead-to-lead distance of the
negative connector of the negative parallel wiring run. For the
other wiring elements in the sequence, the positive connector is
within one lead-to-lead distance of the negative connector of the
subsequent wiring element, and the negative connector is within one
lead-to-lead distance of the positive connector of the previous
wiring element. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the
positive connector 754c of wiring element 750c is within one
lead-to-lead distance of the negative connector 758d of wiring
element 750d, and the negative connector 758c of wiring element
750c is within one lead-to-lead distance of the positive connector
754b of wiring element 750b.
[0054] In certain embodiments of the invention, a series wiring run
will have only a single wiring element in its sequence of wiring
elements. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, series wiring
run 540 consists of a sequence of one series wiring element 550.
Wiring element 550 is therefore both the first wiring element and
the last wiring element in the sequence running from the positive
connector 528 of the positive parallel wiring run to the negative
connector 538 of the negative parallel wiring run. Accordingly, the
negative connector 558 of wiring element 550 is disposed within one
lead-to-lead distance of positive connector 528, and the positive
connector 554 of wiring element 550 is disposed within one
lead-to-lead distance of negative connector 538.
[0055] In other embodiments of the invention, a series wiring run
will comprise a first end wiring element, a second end wiring
element, and a sequence of one or more interior wiring elements.
For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, series wiring run
740 includes a first end wiring element 750 having a positive end
terminated in a positive connector 754a, and a negative end
terminated in a negative connector 758a disposed within one
lead-to-lead distance of positive connector 728 of the positive
parallel wiring run 722. Series wiring run 740 also includes a
second end wiring element 750e having a positive end terminated in
a positive connector 754e disposed within one lead-to-lead distance
of negative connector 738 of the positive parallel wiring run 732,
and a negative end terminated in a negative connector 558. Series
wiring run 740 further includes a sequence of three interior wiring
elements 750b, 750c and 750d, each having a positive end terminated
in a positive connector (754b, 754c, 754d) and a negative end
terminated in a negative connector (758b, 758c, 758d). The three
interior wiring elements are disposed sequentially in a
substantially head-to-tail fashion from the first end wiring
element to the second end wiring element, with each positive
connector being within one lead-to-lead distance of the negative
connector of the subsequent wiring element in the sequence, and
each negative connector being within one lead-to-lead distance of
the negative connector of the previous wiring element in the
sequence. While the embodiments shown in the figures have only up
to five wiring elements in their series wiring runs, the skilled
artisan will realize that in practice it can be desirable to
connect tens or even hundreds of photovoltaic elements in series.
Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, each series wiring
run includes at least ten, at least fifty, or at least one hundred
wiring elements in each series wiring run.
[0056] It can be desirable to physically (but not electrically)
interconnect individual wiring elements of a series wiring run. A
physical interconnection can help retain the individual wiring
elements in a desired spatial relationship, as well as simplify
installation. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, each
individual wiring element of series wiring run 840a is affixed to a
continuous guiding element 860a. The guiding element can be made,
for example, out of plastic, wire, rope, metal, wood (e.g. lath or
strip). Each wiring element can be affixed to the continuous
guiding element at one point, at two or more points, or along a
length of the wiring element, with glue, wire, plastic wiring ties,
string, tape, or any other convenient affixing method.
[0057] In certain embodiments of the invention, the physical
interconnection continues to connect the wiring elements of the
series wiring runs with the positive parallel wiring run and the
negative parallel wiring run. For example, in series wiring run
840b of FIG. 8, the continuous guiding element 860b physically
interconnects the wiring elements of the series wiring run 840b
with the parallel wiring runs 822 and 832. In such embodiments of
the invention, a photovoltaic wiring array for a section of roof
can be provided as a single physically interconnected unit. In one
embodiment of the invention, the continuous guiding element is part
of an electrical grounding system, especially suitable for use with
photovoltaic elements and photovoltaic roofing elements that
require electrical grounding.
[0058] In another embodiment of the invention, the physical
interconnections described above include bypass diodes electrically
interconnecting the individual wiring elements with one another and
with the parallel wiring runs. The bypass diodes would provide
alternative electrical paths if the any of the attached
photovoltaic elements develop a fault or malfunction. Such a wiring
array would be especially desirable for use with photovoltaic
elements and photovoltaic roofing elements which do not themselves
include a bypass diode.
[0059] In certain embodiments of the invention, a positive
connector and a corresponding negative connector (i.e., within the
lead-to-lead distance of one another) can be affixed (though
electrically isolated) to one another. For example, the positive
connector of at least one connection branch of a positive parallel
wiring run might be affixed to the negative connector of a first
end wiring element of its corresponding series wiring run.
Similarly, the negative connector of at least one connection branch
of a negative parallel wiring run might be affixed to the positive
connector of a second end wiring element of its corresponding
series wiring run. In certain embodiments of the invention, in one
or more series wiring runs, the negative connector of at least one
wiring element is affixed to its corresponding positive connector;
and the positive connector of at least one wiring element is
affixed to its corresponding negative connector. For example, in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, series wiring run 940 includes a
first end wiring element 950a having a negative end terminated in a
negative connector 958a, which is affixed to the positive connector
928 of positive parallel wiring run 922, and a positive end
terminated in a positive connector 954a. Series wiring run 940 also
includes a single interior wiring element 950b, having a negative
end terminated in a negative connector 958b, which is affixed to
the positive connector 954a of first end wiring element 950a, and a
positive end terminated in a positive connector 954b. Series wiring
run 940 also includes a second end wiring element 950c, having a
negative end terminated in a negative connector 958c, which is
affixed to the positive connector 954b of interior wiring element
950b, and a positive end terminated in a positive connector 954c
affixed to the negative connector 938 of negative parallel wiring
run 932. In certain embodiments of the invention, a bypass diode
electrically connects the physically connected negative connector
and positive connector, so as to provide an alternative electrical
path if the attached photovoltaic element develops a fault or
malfunction.
[0060] Affixed connectors can provide a number of advantages. For
example, affixing connectors can provide physical interconnection,
which is desirable from the standpoint of maintaining spatial
relationships and simplifying installation. As the skilled artisan
will recognize, not all connectors along a series wiring run need
to be affixed to one another. A long series wiring run might
consist of a few sets of wiring elements with affixed connectors,
with a few unaffixed wiring elements disposed between them or at
the ends of the wiring runs. Similarly, the connectors of the
parallel wiring runs need not be affixed to any connectors of the
series wiring runs. In this way, series wiring runs of different
lengths can be made from only a few standardized parts (e.g., a
single wiring element, a run of three wiring elements with affixed
internal connectors, a run of ten wiring elements with affixed
internal connectors, and a run of thirty wiring elements with
affixed internal connectors).
[0061] As the skilled artisan will recognize, an affixed pair of
connectors can be formed by gluing or tying two individual
connectors together. Alternatively, a positive connector and a
negative connector can be formed in a unitary piece, adapted to
connectorize two conductors (e.g., the positive end of one wiring
element and the negative end of an adjacent wiring element). Such
unitary connectors can be especially desirable for use with
embodiments of the invention in which the photovoltaic roofing
elements have similarly unitary connectors because the connection
of each photovoltaic element to the photovoltaic roofing wiring
array would require the coupling of only one pair of
connectors.
[0062] When the series wiring elements are physically
interconnected (and especially when they are physically connected
with the parallel wiring runs), the photovoltaic wiring arrays of
the present invention can be provided as substantially
prefabricated systems. In such systems, the installer need not
individually arrange all the individual components on the roof, but
rather need merely lay out the substantially prefabricated
systems.
[0063] In the embodiments of the invention discussed with reference
to FIGS. 5-9, the parallel wiring runs are spaced apart, with the
series wiring runs physically disposed between them. However, in
some embodiments of the invention it can be desirable for the
parallel wiring runs to physically run along a common path. For
example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, positive parallel
wiring run 1022 and negative parallel wiring run 1032 run right
next to each other, with series wiring run 1040 extending
physically away from them then looping back. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 10, each of the series wiring runs can provide
electrical connection for two courses of photovoltaic elements. Of
course, as the skilled artisan will appreciate, the series wiring
runs can be disposed in a switchback fashion in order to
interconnect more courses of photovoltaic elements. As described
above, the parallel wiring runs can be physically connected to one
another. As will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art,
the series wiring runs can be physically disposed in any of a
number configurations with respect to the parallel wiring runs but
are electrically disposed between them (i.e., together with the
photovoltaic roofing elements forming an electrical circuit with
the parallel wiring runs).
[0064] In another embodiment of the invention, the positive
parallel wiring run, the negative parallel wiring run and the one
or more series wiring runs are all disposed substantially along the
same path. For example, in certain embodiments of the invention the
parallel wiring runs and the one or more series wiring runs are all
affixed to one another. For example, in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 11, the parallel wiring runs and three series wiring runs are
formed together as a single bundle of cables. Positive parallel
wiring run 1122 and negative parallel wiring run 1132 are disposed
in a switchback fashion. Series wiring runs 1140a, 1140b and 1140c
run substantially along the same path as the parallel wiring runs
1122 and 1132. Each wiring element 1150 is bundled together with
the parallel wiring runs 1122 and 1132, with their connectorized
ends extending slightly away from the bundle. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 11, each positive connector is separate from its
corresponding negative connector; the skilled artisan will
appreciate that any desirable connectorization can be used,
including those in which the positive connectors are affixed to
their corresponding negative connectors. In certain embodiments of
the invention, the parallel wiring runs and series wiring runs are
built together in a single cable structure, with the connectors
protruding from the cable. Embodiments of the invention analogous
to those shown in FIG. 11 can be especially useful when the length
of each series wiring runs is not a multiple (in units of
photovoltaic roofing elements) of the length of a course of
photovoltaic elements. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 11,
each course of photovoltaic elements would include three such
elements; but each series wiring run can interconnect four
photovoltaic elements into the photovoltaic roofing wiring
system.
[0065] The skilled artisan will appreciate that the photovoltaic
roofing wiring arrays of the present invention can be assembled in
a wide variety of configurations from a stock of premade standard
parts. Accordingly, the present invention provides flexibility to
the skilled artisan in accommodating any roof size or shape, and
any size or shape of photovoltaic elements.
[0066] The wire and connector components used in the present
invention can be selected by the skilled artisan based on such
factors as power handling ability, cost and form factor. The series
wiring runs can build up potential differences of several hundred
Volts apiece, and the overall system can generate, for example,
2-10 Amperes at a potential difference of several hundred Volts. As
the skilled artisan will recognize, in many situations it is
desirable to run a photovoltaic power generation system at
relatively higher voltages and relatively lower currents, in order
to minimize the thickness of wires and cables needed to safely
transmit the generated power. Accordingly, the wire and connector
components should be rated to withstand such conditions, and are
desirably UL and NEC approved for exterior use. The connectors are
desirably quick-disconnect connectors. The positive connectors can
be of a different type entirely than the negative connectors, or
can be of similar types. However, when the positive and negative
connectors are of similar types, they are desirably selected so
that it is impossible to couple a negative connector of a
photovoltaic element with a positive connector of the photovoltaic
wiring array, and a positive connector of a photovoltaic element
with a negative connector of the photovoltaic wiring array. In
certain embodiments of the invention, the negative connectors of
the photovoltaic wiring array are selected to be coupleable with
the positive connectors of the photovoltaic wiring array; in such
embodiments, a connector of a series wiring run can be coupled to
its corresponding connector in order to omit a photovoltaic element
that would normally be connected therebetween. For example, the
negative connectors of the photovoltaic wiring array and the
positive connectors of the photovoltaic elements could be male
connectors; and the positive connectors of the photovoltaic wiring
array and the negative connectors of the photovoltaic elements
could be female connectors. The wires, cables and connectors are
desirably made from weather resistant materials, and desirably form
water-tight connections with one another. Examples of suitable
cable and connectors systems include the SOLARLOK Interconnection
System available from Tyco Electronics, and the photovoltaic
connectors and cables available from Multi-Contact USA.
[0067] Another aspect of the present invention provides a roof
comprising a roof deck and a photovoltaic roofing wiring array as
described above disposed on the roof deck. There can be one or more
layers of material between the roof deck and the photovoltaic
roofing wiring array. For example, the photovoltaic roofing wiring
array can be installed on top of an existing roof; in such
embodiments, there would be one or more layers of roofing elements
(e.g., asphalt coated shingles) between the roof deck and the
photovoltaic wiring array.
[0068] Another aspect of the present invention comprises a
photovoltaic roofing wiring system including a photovoltaic roofing
wiring array as described above disposed on or within a wiring
substrate. The wiring substrate can be, for example, a sheet of
underlay material; an underlay platform, optionally with channels
formed in it to receive the photovoltaic roofing wiring system; or
a rigid frame, optionally with channels formed in it to receive the
photovoltaic roofing wiring system. Wiring substrates for use in
the present invention can be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, and
can be provided as a series of panels or strips of material to be
assembled on the roof by the installer. In one embodiment of the
invention, the wiring substrate is a rolled roofing material, such
as a membrane material or a coated paper material or a non-woven
web material.
[0069] In one embodiment of the invention, the wiring substrate is
formed from one or more sheets of roofing underlay material. The
roofing underlay material can be formed from, for example, a
polymeric material, a non-woven fabric such as a roofing felt, a
roofing membrane, a scrim material or a coated paper. As the
skilled artisan will recognize, the underlay material can be
conveniently supplied in roll form. The skilled artisan will
recognize that many different types of underlay materials can be
used in the present invention, including those that may help retard
the spread of fire. The wiring array can be affixed to the underlay
material (and optionally to a roof deck on which the photovoltaic
roofing wiring system is installed) using any desirable fasteners.
For example, the photovoltaic roofing wiring array can be affixed
to the underlay material by wiring holders (e.g., brackets,
staples, nails, screws) affixed through the underlay material and
into the roof deck. Alternatively, the photovoltaic roofing wiring
array can be affixed to the underlay material by adhesive tape or
an adhesive material. In many embodiments of the invention, the
photovoltaic elements themselves will provide additional structural
stability to the photovoltaic roofing wiring array. In these
embodiments, the photovoltaic roofing system wiring array need not
be permanently affixed to the underlay material, so adhesive tape
can be used to temporarily affix the photovoltaic roofing wiring
array to the underlay material until the photovoltaic roofing
elements are installed.
[0070] In another embodiment of the invention, the wiring substrate
is an underlay platform. The underlay platform can be formed from
any desirable material, for example a polymeric material, fiber
cement, fiberglass, chipboard or wood, and can be flexible,
semi-rigid, or rigid. The underlay platform can be made from a
single sheet of material, or rather can be assembled from a
plurality of panels. In one embodiment of the invention, for
example, the underlay platform is made from a plurality of
structural insulated panels. The underlay platform can have
channels formed in it, with the photovoltaic roofing wiring array
being disposed within the channels. The channels would provide
guidance to an installer in arranging the photovoltaic roofing
wiring array, so that he or she need not have intimate knowledge of
the electrical system. The channels can also help provide a
relatively flat surface for the subsequent installation of the
photovoltaic roofing elements; if the photovoltaic roofing wiring
array does not protrude substantially past the face of the underlay
board, then the photovoltaic roofing elements can be installed
without the need for the photovoltaic roofing elements themselves
to provide a recess for the elements of the photovoltaic roofing
wiring array. The underlay platform can also have a void space
within it or on its underside to provide insulation, cooling and/or
fireproofing, for example as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,338,369,
6,061,978 and 6,800,801, each of which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference. The underlay platform can be provided with
hooks, clips, slots, nailholes, or other structures to be used in
the subsequent attachment of photovoltaic roofing elements, for
example as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,521,821, 6,245,987 and
6,155,006, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference. In certain embodiments of the invention, the underlay
platform is of sufficient thickness and strength to be load
bearing, so that no separate roof deck is required. In such
embodiments of the invention, the underlay platform can be attached
directly to a roof frame, so that it also performs the function of
a roof deck or roof cladding. In another embodiment of the
invention, the underlay platform forms a waterproof layer, thereby
performing the function of conventional underlayment. The underlay
platform can be affixed to the roof using any desirable method. For
example, the underlay platform can be mechanically attached to the
roof, or adhered using an adhesive material.
[0071] In another embodiment of the invention, the wiring substrate
is a rigid frame. The rigid frame can be formed, for example, from
plastic, wood or metal (e.g., in the form of lath, strips or
battens), and can be, for example, prefabricated or assembled on
the roof from rail-like parts. The frame can be formed, for
example, as a physically-interconnected grid, or as a series of
linear structures physically affixed separately to the roof deck.
In one embodiment of the invention, the rigid frame has channels
formed in it, and the photovoltaic roofing wiring array is disposed
within the channels. In another embodiment, the rigid frame has a
plurality of wiring clips, and the photovoltaic roofing wiring
array is held by the clips. Of course, the skilled artisan will
appreciate that other methods, such as plastic wire ties, can be
used to physically interconnect the photovoltaic roofing wiring
array with the rigid frame. The frame can also have features (e.g.
clips, holes, ridges) for the attachment of tiles. Examples of
frames that can be adapted for use in the present invention are
described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,936,063; 5,125,983 and
6,065,255 and U.S. Patent Application Publication no. 2004/0000334,
each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0072] In some embodiments of the invention, the wiring substrate
is marked (e.g., by printing) with indicia for the placement and/or
connection of a photovoltaic roofing wiring array. The installer
can use the indicia in arranging the photovoltaic roofing wiring
array on the roof and/or connecting it with photovoltaic elements,
thereby simplifying installation. For example, the installer can
arrange the photovoltaic roofing wiring array so that it is
disposed substantially in accordance (i.e., matches up with) the
indicia. In these embodiments of the invention, the installer need
not have intimate knowledge of the electrical system, but rather
need only follow the guidelines provided by the wiring substrate.
Similarly, in some embodiments of the invention, the wiring
substrate is marked (e.g., by printing) with indicia for the
placement of photovoltaic elements or photovoltaic roofing
elements. Such markings can obviate the need for roofing installers
to snap chalk lines or otherwise mark the surface with guidelines
for placement of roofing elements (i.e., photovoltaic roofing
elements or standard roofing elements such as shingles or tiles).
In certain embodiments of the invention, the wiring substrate is
marked with both of the above-described types of indicia. As the
skilled artisan will appreciate, when the wiring substrate is built
from a plurality of individual elements (e.g., a plurality of
panels), it will be necessary for the elements to be properly
aligned to one another so that the indicia are properly registered
between the individual elements.
[0073] Another aspect of the invention provides a roof. One
embodiment according to this aspect of the invention is shown in
partial top view in FIG. 12. A roof 1270 includes a roof frame
1280, and a wiring substrate 1282 disposed on the roof frame. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the wiring substrate is an
underlay platform having sufficient strength and rigidity that it
can perform the function of a roof deck, and therefore is disposed
directly on the roof frame. The skilled artisan will appreciate
that any desirable wiring substrate can be used in the roofs
according to this aspect of the invention, and that the roof may
include a roof deck between the roof frame and the wiring
substrate. A wiring array 1200 is disposed on the wiring substrate
1282. As the skilled artisan will appreciate, in certain
embodiments according to this aspect of the invention the wiring
array is instead disposed within the wiring substrate (e.g., within
channels formed in a rigid frame in underlay board; or running
underneath wiring substrate with the connectors running through to
the top side of the wiring substrate). As described above, wiring
array 1200 includes a positive parallel wiring run 1222 and a
negative parallel wiring run 1232, each of which includes a main
line and one or more connection branches pendant from the main
line. The connection branches of the positive parallel wiring runs
are terminated in positive connectors, and the connection branches
of the negative parallel wiring runs are terminated in negative
connectors. Likewise, wiring array 1200 also includes one or more
series wiring runs 1240, each comprising a first end wiring element
having a first end wiring element having a positive end terminated
in a positive connector and a negative end terminated in a negative
connector; a second end wiring element having a positive end
terminated in a positive connector and a negative end terminated in
a negative connector; and a sequence of interior wiring elements,
each having a positive end terminated in a positive connector and a
negative end terminated in a negative connector, arranged in a
substantially head-to-tail manner from the first end wiring element
to the second end wiring element. The roof 1270 also includes one
or more first end photovoltaic roofing elements 1284, each of which
includes a photovoltaic element disposed on or within a roofing
substrate. The photovoltaic element of each first end photovoltaic
roofing element includes a positive lead terminated in a positive
connector, and a negative lead terminated in a negative connector.
The positive connector is coupled to a positive connector of a
connection branch of the positive parallel wiring run, and the
negative connector is coupled to the negative connector of the
corresponding series wiring element. The roof 1270 further includes
one or more second end photovoltaic roofing elements 1286, each of
which includes a photovoltaic element disposed on or within a
roofing substrate. The photovoltaic element of each second end
photovoltaic roofing element includes a negative lead terminated in
a negative connector, and a positive lead terminated in a positive
connector. The negative connector is coupled to a negative
connector of a connection branch of the negative parallel wiring
run, and the positive connector is coupled to the positive
connector of the corresponding series wiring element. Finally, in
certain embodiments of the invention, the roof 1270 of FIG. 12
further includes one or more interior photovoltaic roofing elements
1288, each of which includes a photovoltaic element disposed on or
within a roofing substrate. In certain embodiments of the
invention, the photovoltaic roofing elements have void space on
their back side to accept any protruding parts of the photovoltaic
wiring system and photovoltaic elements it sits upon. For example,
second end photovoltaic roofing element 1286a has a channel 1292
formed in its underside to accept the lead, connectors, and
connection branch it sits upon. As the skilled artisan would
recognize, different courses of photovoltaic roofing elements could
overlap one another to provide added weather protection as shown in
FIG. 12. Moreover, the roof may also include one or more standard
(i.e., non-photovoltaic) roofing elements 1290, for example to
provide weather protection at the edges of the roof, or in any
hips, valleys, and ridges of the roof.
[0074] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the present invention
without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention cover the modifications and
variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of
the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *