Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing element comprising: a flexible roofing substrate; a photovoltaic element disposed on the flexible roofing substrate; and an electrical connector operatively coupled to the photovoltaic element, wherein the flexible roofing substrate has formed therein a recess shaped to at least partially receive the electrical connector.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing element comprising: a flexible roofing substrate; a photovoltaic element disposed on the flexible roofing substrate; and an electrical connector operatively coupled to the photovoltaic element, wherein the flexible roofing substrate has formed therein a recess shaped to at least partially receive the electrical connector.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic devices. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products in which a photovoltaic element is affixed to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing element comprising a roofing substrate having a solar reflectivity of greater than 0.25, and one or more photovoltaic elements affixed to the roofing substrate. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing element comprising a roofing substrate comprising a bituminous substrate, and a plurality of colored roofing granules disposed on the bituminous substrate, the roofing substrate having color within the color space of CIE Lab coordinates L* in the range of about 20 to about 20, a* in the range of about -5 to about 5, and b* in the range of -15 to about -5; and one or more photovoltaic elements affixed to the roofing substrate.