Roof-integrated Photovoltaic Modules

ROOF INTEGRATED MODULES

Photovoltaic roof tiles or shingles are usual roof tiles with integrated solar cells used for roof covering, together with standard roof tiles or shingles. They are tightly integrated into the roof. Many different forms are used - photovoltaic roof tiles, photovoltaic roof shingles, solar laminates, modules with integrated solar cells as roof covering elements, transparent laminates or modules on ligh weigt substrate for flat roofs etc. Solar (photovoltaic) roof tiles and shingles are probably the most interesting possibility how to integrate solar cells into the building's roof. Many different forms of solar roof tiles are available on the market. The most common solutions are photovoltaic roof tiles with amorphous solar cells. Roof tiles with mono- or polycrystalline solar cells can also be used together with the classical roof tiles of the same producer, in such case higher temperature and lower yield in case of limited air flow behind solar roof tiles must be considered during design phase. Roof shingles are produced with crystalline or with thin-film solar cells. Other possibilities are thin film solar cells on glass or metal substrate.

PHOTOVOLTAIC ROOF TILES AND SHINGLES

Tilted roofs

Some advanced sollutions were presented in past few years. One of the most aesthetic solutions (product is no longer available) was probably the Pfleiderer Roof Tile Terra-Piatta® - Solar produced by Pfleiderer-Dachziegelwerke. Product was awarded with the German Design Award 2002. The Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany, is the highest official design honour of the state and is lent by the Rat für Formgebung/German Design Council on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology.

Roof integrated solar PV tiles Terra piatta Solar
(courtesy: Pfleiderer/Creaton)

Solar roof tiles and shingles are connected to each other via usual connectors used in photovoltaics. The power range spans from several Watt (roof shingles) to about 100 Watt (roof tiles with crystalline solar cells). Special (custom) designed solutions are glass laminates with integrated solar cells or thin film solar cells on glass or metal substrate. Thin film solar cells on metal substrate are used for integration into facades too. Some roof tile producers offer different roof integration possibilities for solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. All solar shingles and solar roof tiles should be tested according the IEC 61215 like all other photovoltaic modules.

Flat roofs

For flat roofs amorphous Si (usually flexible) modules are available. As modul substrate EPDM (ethylene propylene diene Monomer/M-class) synthetic rubber is used. This material can also be used in combination with bitumen what makes it a preffered choice for flat roofs.

Light weight modules for flat roofs
(courtesy: Solarintegrated)

ROOF INTEGRATED TILES AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE

Into church's roof in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (northern Germany) 88 mono-crystalline modules Terra-Piatta-Solar® with peak power 5 kWp were integrated. Carefully planned photovoltaic system with 50 m² large array does not suffer from the partial shadowing of the modules.

Into churchs roof integrated solar PV tiles.
Left roof before renovation, right roof inside view after renovation
(courtesy: Pfleiderer/Creaton)

ROOF INTEGRATED SOLAR TILES AND MODULES WEB SITES

Roof integrated modules

Atlantis Energy Systems - Atlantis Energy Systems was founded in 2002 on the principle that quality construction materials and and methods should be the standard. That tradition has always been a part of our tradition and continues to this day. We have the right people, the right experience, the right products, and the right services to do any size project.

SolarWorld's Energy Roof - Optimal for the ideal combination of appealing design and the modern form of power generation – with the energyroof, SolarWorld’s TÜV-certified roof-integrated systems. Instead of conventional panels, the roof is equipped with solar laminates and supplies clean energy from the sun. Whether it is newly constructed or a remodeling project, the energyroof can be installed as a complete roof or as an in-roof solution.
Web site also available in:

Kyocera Solar Inc. - Kyocera's new MyGen Meridian™ is built directly into the roof of your home. MyGen Meridian is designed as a "cassette" system which enables easy installation by any roofing crew.

PV Solar Tiles - solar roof tiles produced in Australia. Nice installation manual with some excelent photos available on-line.

U.S. Green Energy Corp. - USGE’s vision is to provide an affordable alternative energy through the beauty of solar roofing and siding as an architectural and construction friendly, exterior building products which are integrated with solar electric and solar thermal components.

Roof tiles and shingles with solar cells

Solardachstein - solar roof tiles for different roofs in variety of colours. Coloured roof tiles and coloured solar cells available.
Web site also available in:

Uni-Solar - Uni-Solar offers wide range of photovoltaic products and sollutions including photovoltaic shingles. Photovoltaic modules for BIPV applications based on a-Si are also part of their product range.

Roof tiles on metal and flexible substrates

Alwitra - producer of EVALON®-Solar, flexible foil with Uni-Solar solar cells. Distributed as a roll - fast installation.
Web site also available in:

Corus Bausysteme - Kalzip solar photovoltaic roof cover - flexible roof cover with Uni-Solar cells on Al substrate.
Web site also available in:

Solarintegrated - Solar Integrated provides turnkey PV-solutions for large low-slope roofs as are common for retail outlets, logistic centers and industrial facilities as well as municipal buildings and landfill sites.