US20130318895A1 - Hook and loop attachment of solar panels to roofing membranes - Google Patents
Hook and loop attachment of solar panels to roofing membranes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130318895A1 US20130318895A1 US13/963,396 US201313963396A US2013318895A1 US 20130318895 A1 US20130318895 A1 US 20130318895A1 US 201313963396 A US201313963396 A US 201313963396A US 2013318895 A1 US2013318895 A1 US 2013318895A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fastener
- paver
- secured
- photovoltaic device
- pad
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Images
Classifications
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- H01L31/0484—
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S10/00—PV power plants; Combinations of PV energy systems with other systems for the generation of electric power
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/61—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D11/00—Roof covering, as far as not restricted to features covered by only one of groups E04D1/00 - E04D9/00; Roof covering in ways not provided for by groups E04D1/00 - E04D9/00, e.g. built-up roofs, elevated load-supporting roof coverings
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D3/00—Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets
- E04D3/02—Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets of plane slabs, slates, or sheets, or in which the cross-section is unimportant
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
- H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
- H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
- H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
- H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
- H02S20/24—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures specially adapted for flat roofs
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S2025/6001—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules by using hook and loop-type fasteners
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S2025/601—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules by bonding, e.g. by using adhesives
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Definitions
- One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to a roofing system including hook and loop fasteners to secure photovoltaic devices to a building rooftop.
- Photovoltaic devices sometimes referred to as solar cells, can be added to the rooftop of building structures. Solar cells convert light energy from the sun into electricity that may be used or stored for later use. Many industrial buildings have large, elevated, flat-topped roofs that may be desirable for solar cell placement.
- hook and loop fasteners have been used to secure solar panels on a roof deck by applying the hook and loop fastener directly to a roof membrane. While this approach may not necessarily compromise the integrity of the roof membrane, it is still time consuming to install, not adequately integrated into the roof system, and requires multiple steps during roof installation. Thus they may be expensive to install and susceptible to failure.
- One or more embodiments of the present invention provides an energy generating system for placement on a roof structure comprising at least one paver positioned on top of the roof structure, a paver fastener secured to said paver, a solar panel including a top surface adapted to receive light and a bottom surface having a panel fastener secured thereto, wherein said paver and said panel fasteners are alternately of a hook or loop structure and are positioned adjacent to each other to couple said solar panel to said paver.
- One or more embodiments of the present invention also provides an energy generating system for placement on a roof structure comprising a pad having a bottom surface and a top surface, said top surface having a pad fastener secured thereto, said bottom surface being adhered to said roof membrane, a solar panel including a top surface adapted to receive light and a bottom surface having a panel fastener secured thereto, wherein said pad and said panel fastener are alternately of a hook or loop structure and are positioned adjacent to each other to couple said solar panel to said pad.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a solar panel made according to the methods of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the solar panel of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an alternate solar panel made according to the methods of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the alternate solar panel of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a paver according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the paver of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 7 is an elevated isometric view of a roof system according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is an elevated isometric view of a roof system with solar panels installed
- FIG. 9 is a flow chart exemplifying a method if installing solar panels according to the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a pad according to the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a section view of an alternate roof system
- FIG. 12 is a top view of the roof system of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 13 is a flow chart exemplifying a method of installing solar panels according to the present invention.
- the photovoltaic devices (hereinafter “Solar Panels”) of the present invention include a plurality of photovoltaic cells that are electrically connected and encapsulated as a module. Practice of this invention is not necessarily limited by the type of cell or design of the panel.
- the photovoltaic cells may be semi-conductor wafers.
- Solar panels may include semi-conductor wafers positioned between a glass or clear plastic panel on the outwardly facing surface (sun exposed surface), and a resin barrier on the opposed surface (facing the roof surface). This arrangement allows light to be transmitted to the cells while protecting them from rain, hail or other environmental dangers.
- Solar panels may also be connected in series to create an additive voltage. For simplicity, the plurality of wires and cables that interconnect the solar panels will not be shown in the accompanying figures.
- Modified solar panel 10 includes a bottom surface 12 and a top surface 14 .
- Top surface 14 is adapted to receive light and transmit light to the photovoltaic cells therein.
- Bottom surface 12 is adapted to face a roof surface and includes a panel fastener 16 , of a hook and loop type fastener.
- panel fastener 16 is secured directly to the solar panel 10 .
- solar panel 10 may include a support frame or the like, to which panel fastener 16 may be secured.
- Panel fastener 16 may be a hook-type material in the form of a substrate (e.g., thin sheet) having a plurality of hooks projecting therefrom.
- Panel fastener 16 may conversely be a loop-type material and be in the form of a substrate (e.g., thin sheet) having a plurality of loops projecting therefrom.
- Exemplary hook and loop fasteners may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,288,136, 3,370,818 and 3,403,429 which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- the term fastener will be used throughout this disclosure and it should be appreciated that either hook-type or loop-type fasteners may be used in reference thereto so long as the opposed, mating fastener is of the opposite type.
- Panel fastener 16 may be secured to the bottom surface 12 of solar panel 10 with adhesives or the like. Any arrangement may be used. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , panel fastener 16 may be in the form of a pair of spaced strips. In other embodiments, three or more spaced strips might be employed. In still other embodiments, panel fastener 16 may be disposed on bottom surface 12 in a grid-like or crossed pattern. In still other embodiments, panel fastener 16 may cover substantially the entire bottom surface 12 . In this manner, solar panel 10 includes a top surface 14 that receives light for conversion to electricity and a bottom surface 12 that includes a panel fastener 16 .
- Modified solar panel 10 ′ includes a bottom surface 12 ′ and a top surface 14 ′.
- Top surface 14 ′ is adapted to receive light and transmit light to the photovoltaic cells therein.
- Bottom surface 12 ′ is adapted to face a roof surface.
- a frame 15 is provided around the peripheral edge of panel 10 .
- Frame 15 may provide added strength and protection for panel 10 ′.
- One or more panel fasteners 16 ′, of a hook and loop type fastener, may be secured to the bottom surface of frame 15 .
- all four legs of frame 15 include a panel fastener 16 ′ thereon.
- panel fasteners 16 ′ may be provided on fewer legs.
- panel fasteners 16 ′ may be provided on only a pair of opposed legs.
- the present embodiment shows a solar panel of a generally square shape, other shapes may be used.
- panel 10 ′ may be rectangular, triangular or any other shape. Throughout the foregoing disclosure, reference will be made to panel 10 , but it should be appreciated that panel 10 ′ may be an equivalent substitution thereof.
- ballast pavers 20 may be used in conjunction with a membrane roofing system, primarily to prevent membrane uplift during high wind conditions and help maintain the integrity of seams formed when two or more adjacent membrane sheets abut one another. Further, pavers 20 protect the underlying membrane from puncture and other damage.
- Pavers 20 may be composed of concrete, cement or the like. Paver 20 may be generally described as a low-profile rectangular block having a body 22 that includes a top surface 24 and an opposed bottom surface 26 . An upper tongue 28 may be provided, projecting from one side of body 22 . A lower tongue 30 may be provided projecting from an opposed side of body 22 .
- Upper tongue 28 and lower tongue 30 may be adapted to overlie one another when pavers 20 are placed in an abutting relationship. This overlying, or interlocking, configuration helps prevent paver lift-off in high wind conditions. It should, however, be appreciated that various paver configurations may be used.
- pavers 20 may be any shape and may or may not include overlaying features.
- a paver fastener 32 may be provided on top surface 24 of paver 20 and may be secured thereto with adhesives or the like.
- Paver fastener 32 may be a hook-type material in the form of a thin sheet having a plurality of hooks projecting therefrom.
- Paver fastener 32 may conversely be a loop-type material and be in the form of a thin sheet having a plurality of loops projecting therefrom.
- hook-type or loop-type fasteners may be used so long as the opposed, mating fastener is of the opposite type.
- panel fastener 16 is a loop-type fastener
- the mating paver fastener 32 is a hook-type fastener, and vise versa.
- Paver fastener 32 may be positioned on paver 20 in a variety of arrangements.
- paver fastener 32 may be in the form of a pair of spaced parallel strips. In other embodiments three or more spaced strips might be employed.
- paver fastener 32 may be disposed on top surface 24 in a grid-like or crossed pattern. In still other embodiments, paver fastener 32 may cover substantially the entire top surface 24 .
- roofing system 40 may include a roof structure 42 that is covered by a membrane 44 , though it should be appreciated that pavers 20 may be used in conjunction with asphalt based or other built-up roof systems.
- insulation boards (not shown) may be provided between roof structure 42 and membrane 44 to prevent thermal transmission.
- Membrane 44 may be in the form of sheets and may consist of, for example, bitumus materials, EPDM, TPO or the like. The sheets may be seamed to one another, and may include other structural features necessary for attaching the membrane 44 to the roof structure 42 .
- Pavers 20 may be positioned on top of membrane 44 in an abutting, and generally grid-like arrangement. Pavers 20 may be disposed over substantially the entire surface of membrane 44 . Further, upper tongue 28 may overlap lower tongue 30 to interlock abutting pavers 20 .
- paver fasteners 32 need not be provided on all pavers 20 , as not all of the roof surface will necessarily be provided with solar panels 10 .
- the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 includes a pair of contiguous rows of pavers 20 including paver fasteners 32 . These contiguous rows of pavers 20 form generally uninterrupted lines of exposed paver fasteners 32 . It should be appreciated that other arrangements may be employed. In one or more embodiments, three or more rows of pavers 20 having paver fasteners 32 may be provided. In other embodiments, pavers 20 having paver fasteners 32 may form a square or grid pattern. In still other embodiments, pavers 20 having paver fasteners 32 may completely cover an entire roof area. In any event, paver fasteners 32 are disposed on the upper surface of the roof and are thereafter capable of receiving a solar panel 10 thereon.
- solar panels 10 are secured to pavers 20 by bringing together the panel fasteners 16 of solar panels 10 with paver fasteners 32 of pavers 20 . Thereafter, solar panels 10 are mechanically, yet detachably, coupled to pavers 20 and consequently roof system 40 .
- the mechanical coupling is capable of holding the solar panels against wind and other external forces, but is weak enough to allow the removal of solar panels 10 by a technician if replacement or movement is required.
- solar panels 10 may be disposed in a contiguous row. In other embodiments, solar panels 10 may be disposed in a square or grid pattern on the roof surface. In still other embodiments, solar panels 10 may completely cover a portion of, or substantially all of, a roof surface.
- Solar panels 10 may be interconnected with a plurality of cables (not shown).
- the cables may or may not be releasable connections.
- the cables may extend to a junction box or other receiving station where the electric current may be conditioned and made available for use or stored in a battery system.
- membrane 44 is installed on roof structure 42 .
- an optional insulation layer may be provided between roof structure 42 and membrane 44 .
- Membrane 44 may be secured to roof structure 42 using mechanical fasteners, adhesives or any other known method. In one or more embodiments, no adhesive is provided between roof structure 42 and membrane 44 , with the membrane being held down by the weight of pavers 20 .
- pavers 20 are moved to the roof surface and arranged thereon.
- some pavers 20 may not include paver fasteners 32 if not being installed in areas where solar panels 10 will be used.
- Pavers 20 may be arranged so that upper tongue 28 overlaps lower tongue 30 when in abutting relationship.
- pavers including paver fasteners 32 may be arranged in abutting and contiguous relationship to form substantially contiguous rows or patterns of paver fasteners 32 .
- paver fastener 32 is preinstalled onto paver 20 prior to transfer to a roof.
- paver fastener 32 may be secured to paver 20 during the manufacturing process. By attaching paver fastener 32 to paver 20 during the manufacturing process, time may be saved during the installation. Further, the relatively clean environment of the factory may allow a more permanent attachment, particularly if using adhesives.
- paver fastener 32 may be attached to pavers 20 in a secondary step after manufacture of the paver. In these or other embodiments, paver fastener may be attached at the job site prior to transferring paver 20 to the roof. In other embodiments, paver fastener 32 may be secured to paver 20 after paver 20 is installed and arranged on the roof surface.
- a third step 54 solar panels 10 are positioned on top of pavers 20 . Installation is accomplished by bringing together panel fasteners 16 of solar panels 10 with paver fasteners 32 of pavers 20 . In this manner, solar panels 10 are secured to the roof top through the mechanical coupling of the hook and loop fasteners.
- solar panels 10 may be interconnected to a junction box or the like to receive electrical current and direct it to immediate use or send it to a battery mechanism for later use.
- solar panels 10 may be quickly and easily installed on a roof surface.
- membrane 44 is not damaged, as permanent coupling means need not be applied directly to a roof membrane.
- replacement or repair is made more simple because of the releasable nature of the hook and loop fasteners.
- time may be saved, particularly when paver fasteners 32 are secured to pavers 20 prior to placement on the roof surface.
- an exemplary roof pad made in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 60 .
- Pads 60 may be sheet-like, generally flexible, and consist of polymeric and/or rubber materials.
- Pads 60 include upper and lower surfaces, 62 and 64 respectively.
- Lower surface 64 may be relatively smooth while upper surface 62 may include a texture to improve traction.
- An adhesive tape 66 may be applied in a series of strips such as at opposed edges 68 and 70 , and at the center of pad 60 , adhered directly to lower surface 64 .
- the adhesive tape 66 provides upper and lower surfaces, 72 and 74 respectively, the upper surface 72 being applied to the lower surface 64 of the pad.
- application of tape 66 may be made at the factory, as part of the manufacturing operation.
- pad 60 is relatively clean, so that separate cleaning and/or priming operations may not be required.
- adhesion between tape 66 and pad 60 may be maximized due to the clean and controlled conditions for application as opposed to the field, i.e., upon a roof, where pads 60 may have become soiled or contaminated, thereby interfering with the adhesion of tape 66 to pad 60 .
- a release paper 76 may be provided on lower side 74 of tape 66 . The release paper 76 prevents exposure of surface 74 to dust and the like prior to installation on the roof. When in the field, (i.e. the rooftop), all that is required is for the installation personnel to strip away release paper 76 , place the self-adhesive pad 60 onto the roof and then apply pressure which can be accomplished merely by walking over the pads or with the use of a roller.
- application of tape 66 may be made in the field. If done in the field, pad 60 may be cleaned and/or primed prior to application to ensure no soil or other contamination effects the quality of the bond between tape 66 and pad 60 . After application of tape 66 in the field, installation personnel simply places pad 60 onto the roof and applies pressure by walking over the pads or with a roller.
- Pad 60 is provided with at least one pad fastener 78 on top surface 62 , which may be secured thereto with adhesives or the like.
- Pad fastener 78 may be a hook-type material in the form of a thin sheet having a plurality of hooks projecting therefrom.
- Pad fastener 78 may conversely be a loop-type material, in the form of a thin sheet having a plurality of loops projecting therefrom.
- hook-type or loop-type fasteners may be used so long as the opposed, mating fastener is of the opposite type.
- panel fastener 16 is a loop-type fastener
- the mating pad fastener 78 is a hook-type fastener, and vise versa.
- Pad fastener 78 may be positioned on pad 60 in a variety of arrangements. For example, as shown in the present embodiment, pad fastener 78 may be in the form of four spaced parallel strips. In other embodiments less or more spaced strips might be employed. In still other embodiments, pad fastener 78 may be disposed on top surface 62 in a grid-like or crossed pattern. In still other embodiments, pad fastener 78 may cover substantially the entire top surface 62 .
- roofing system 80 may include a roof structure 82 that is covered by an insulation layer 84 .
- a membrane 86 is positioned above insulation layer 84 and secured thereto.
- Membrane 86 may be in the form of elongated sheets and may consist of, for example, bitumus materials, EPDM, TPO or the like. The sheets may be seamed to one another, and may include other structural features necessary for attaching the membrane 86 to the roof structure 82 .
- Pads 60 may be positioned on top of membrane 86 in any desired arrangement or pattern. As is evident in FIG. 12 , adhesive 66 couples to membrane 86 to hold pad 60 in place. In one embodiment, pads 60 may be placed in an abutting, contiguous row. In other embodiments, pads 60 may be positioned in a grid-like arrangement. In still other arrangements, pads 60 may be positioned to cover substantially an entire section of the roof surface.
- Solar panels 10 are secured to pads 60 by bringing together the panel fasteners 16 of solar panels 10 with pad fasteners 78 of pads 60 . Thereafter, solar panels 10 are mechanically coupled to pads 60 and consequently roof system 80 .
- the mechanical coupling is capable of holding the solar panels against wind and other external forces, but is weak enough to allow the removal of solar panels 10 by a technician, if replacement or movement is required.
- Solar panels 10 may be disposed in a contiguous row. In other embodiments, solar panels 10 may be disposed in a square or grid pattern on the roof surface. In still other embodiments solar panels 10 may completely cover a portion of, or substantially all of a roof surface.
- Solar panels 10 may be interconnected with a plurality of cables (not shown). The cables may or may not be releasable connections. The cables may extend to a junction box or other receiving station where the electric current may be conditioned and made available for use or stored in a battery system.
- pads 60 having pre-applied adhesive are transferred to the roof surface where release paper 76 is removed.
- Pad 60 may then be placed on membrane 86 .
- pressure is applied, either by walking on the pad or with a roller or the like.
- One or more pads 60 are arranged according to desired solar panel placement.
- a second step 92 solar panels 10 are positioned on top of pads 60 . Installation is accomplished by bringing together panel fasteners 16 of solar panels 10 with pad fasteners 78 of pads 60 . In this manner, solar panels 10 are secured to the roof top through the mechanical coupling of the hook and loop fasteners.
- solar panels 10 are interconnected to a junction box or the like to receive electrical current and direct it to immediate use or send it to a battery mechanism for later use.
- the embodiments herein are advantageous because solar panels 10 may easily and quickly be secured to a roof surface.
- Pads 60 may be easily arranged in any manner on the roof surface.
- solar panels 10 may be easily removed or replaced because of the releasable nature of the hook and loop fastener arrangement.
- solar cells become hot during peak daylight hours. This heat could damage underlying roof membranes or other structure.
- the provision of pads or pavers therebetween protects the underlying membrane from thermal damage.
- the hook and loop fasteners of the present invention must exhibit long term, high strength attachment properties. Thus, these high peel strength fasteners, if secured directly to a roof, may damage the roof during panel removal, due to the large force required to remove the panel.
- the pad or paver of the present invention prevents such damage during panel removal or replacement.
- roof membranes are susceptible to damage by human foot traffic or other activity on the roof surface.
Abstract
An energy generating system for placement on a roof structure is disclosed including one or more solar panels being secured to roof system components. The solar panels are secured thereto with hook and loop fasteners that may be integral with the roof system components.
Description
- This application a Continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/515,822 filed May 21, 2009, which is a national phase application of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2007/024328, filed on Nov. 21, 2007, and gains the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/860,561, filed Nov. 21, 2006, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to a roofing system including hook and loop fasteners to secure photovoltaic devices to a building rooftop.
- Photovoltaic devices, sometimes referred to as solar cells, can be added to the rooftop of building structures. Solar cells convert light energy from the sun into electricity that may be used or stored for later use. Many industrial buildings have large, elevated, flat-topped roofs that may be desirable for solar cell placement.
- Installation of photovoltaic systems has typically involved coupling the devices to a roof with mechanical fasteners such as bolts or screws. While this is an effective means to secure the devices, the roof can be permanently damaged or altered by the required mechanical fastener or drilling during installation. These holes may leak and may be the source of other eventual failures such as tearing or cracking. Further, the use of mechanical fasteners, like screws or bolts, can be time consuming and require precise measurement and drilling of fastener holes. Also, mechanical fasteners are relatively permanent, and the photovoltaic devices may not be easily moved or removed without leaving damaged roof sections.
- Other means of attaching solar cells to a roof surface have been proposed. For example chemical adhesives or hook and loop fasteners can be employed. Hook and loop fasteners have been used to secure solar panels on a roof deck by applying the hook and loop fastener directly to a roof membrane. While this approach may not necessarily compromise the integrity of the roof membrane, it is still time consuming to install, not adequately integrated into the roof system, and requires multiple steps during roof installation. Thus they may be expensive to install and susceptible to failure.
- Thus, there exists a need in the art for means to secure photovoltaic devices to rooftops that does not compromise the water resistant properties thereof and that are integrated into the roofing system.
- One or more embodiments of the present invention provides an energy generating system for placement on a roof structure comprising at least one paver positioned on top of the roof structure, a paver fastener secured to said paver, a solar panel including a top surface adapted to receive light and a bottom surface having a panel fastener secured thereto, wherein said paver and said panel fasteners are alternately of a hook or loop structure and are positioned adjacent to each other to couple said solar panel to said paver.
- One or more embodiments of the present invention also provides an energy generating system for placement on a roof structure comprising a pad having a bottom surface and a top surface, said top surface having a pad fastener secured thereto, said bottom surface being adhered to said roof membrane, a solar panel including a top surface adapted to receive light and a bottom surface having a panel fastener secured thereto, wherein said pad and said panel fastener are alternately of a hook or loop structure and are positioned adjacent to each other to couple said solar panel to said pad.
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FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a solar panel made according to the methods of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the solar panel ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an alternate solar panel made according to the methods of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the alternate solar panel ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a paver according to the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the paver ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 7 is an elevated isometric view of a roof system according to the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is an elevated isometric view of a roof system with solar panels installed; -
FIG. 9 is a flow chart exemplifying a method if installing solar panels according to the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a pad according to the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a section view of an alternate roof system; -
FIG. 12 is a top view of the roof system ofFIG. 9 ; and -
FIG. 13 is a flow chart exemplifying a method of installing solar panels according to the present invention. - The following figures illustrate a number of roofing systems and corresponding hook and loop fastening arrangements. The photovoltaic devices (hereinafter “Solar Panels”) of the present invention include a plurality of photovoltaic cells that are electrically connected and encapsulated as a module. Practice of this invention is not necessarily limited by the type of cell or design of the panel. As is known in the art, the photovoltaic cells may be semi-conductor wafers. Solar panels may include semi-conductor wafers positioned between a glass or clear plastic panel on the outwardly facing surface (sun exposed surface), and a resin barrier on the opposed surface (facing the roof surface). This arrangement allows light to be transmitted to the cells while protecting them from rain, hail or other environmental dangers. Solar panels may also be connected in series to create an additive voltage. For simplicity, the plurality of wires and cables that interconnect the solar panels will not be shown in the accompanying figures.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , a modifiedsolar panel 10 is shown. Modifiedsolar panel 10 includes abottom surface 12 and atop surface 14.Top surface 14 is adapted to receive light and transmit light to the photovoltaic cells therein.Bottom surface 12 is adapted to face a roof surface and includes apanel fastener 16, of a hook and loop type fastener. Though the present embodiment shows a solar panel of a generally square shape, other shapes may be used. In the present embodiment,panel fastener 16 is secured directly to thesolar panel 10. However, it should be appreciated thatsolar panel 10 may include a support frame or the like, to whichpanel fastener 16 may be secured. -
Panel fastener 16 may be a hook-type material in the form of a substrate (e.g., thin sheet) having a plurality of hooks projecting therefrom.Panel fastener 16 may conversely be a loop-type material and be in the form of a substrate (e.g., thin sheet) having a plurality of loops projecting therefrom. As is known in the art, when the hook-type material contacts the loop-type material, a releasable mechanical connection is formed. Exemplary hook and loop fasteners may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,288,136, 3,370,818 and 3,403,429 which are hereby incorporated by reference. For the purposes of clarity, the term fastener will be used throughout this disclosure and it should be appreciated that either hook-type or loop-type fasteners may be used in reference thereto so long as the opposed, mating fastener is of the opposite type. -
Panel fastener 16 may be secured to thebottom surface 12 ofsolar panel 10 with adhesives or the like. Any arrangement may be used. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 ,panel fastener 16 may be in the form of a pair of spaced strips. In other embodiments, three or more spaced strips might be employed. In still other embodiments,panel fastener 16 may be disposed onbottom surface 12 in a grid-like or crossed pattern. In still other embodiments,panel fastener 16 may cover substantially theentire bottom surface 12. In this manner,solar panel 10 includes atop surface 14 that receives light for conversion to electricity and abottom surface 12 that includes apanel fastener 16. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , an alternative embodiment of modifiedsolar panel 10′ is shown. Modifiedsolar panel 10′ includes abottom surface 12′ and atop surface 14′.Top surface 14′ is adapted to receive light and transmit light to the photovoltaic cells therein.Bottom surface 12′ is adapted to face a roof surface. Aframe 15 is provided around the peripheral edge ofpanel 10.Frame 15 may provide added strength and protection forpanel 10′. One ormore panel fasteners 16′, of a hook and loop type fastener, may be secured to the bottom surface offrame 15. In the present embodiment, all four legs offrame 15 include apanel fastener 16′ thereon. In other embodiments,panel fasteners 16′ may be provided on fewer legs. For instance,panel fasteners 16′ may be provided on only a pair of opposed legs. Though the present embodiment shows a solar panel of a generally square shape, other shapes may be used. For example,panel 10′ may be rectangular, triangular or any other shape. Throughout the foregoing disclosure, reference will be made topanel 10, but it should be appreciated thatpanel 10′ may be an equivalent substitution thereof. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , an exemplary ballast paver made in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 20. A plurality of ballast pavers may be used in conjunction with a membrane roofing system, primarily to prevent membrane uplift during high wind conditions and help maintain the integrity of seams formed when two or more adjacent membrane sheets abut one another. Further,pavers 20 protect the underlying membrane from puncture and other damage.Pavers 20 may be composed of concrete, cement or the like.Paver 20 may be generally described as a low-profile rectangular block having abody 22 that includes atop surface 24 and anopposed bottom surface 26. Anupper tongue 28 may be provided, projecting from one side ofbody 22. Alower tongue 30 may be provided projecting from an opposed side ofbody 22.Upper tongue 28 andlower tongue 30 may be adapted to overlie one another whenpavers 20 are placed in an abutting relationship. This overlying, or interlocking, configuration helps prevent paver lift-off in high wind conditions. It should, however, be appreciated that various paver configurations may be used. For example,pavers 20 may be any shape and may or may not include overlaying features. - A
paver fastener 32 may be provided ontop surface 24 ofpaver 20 and may be secured thereto with adhesives or the like.Paver fastener 32 may be a hook-type material in the form of a thin sheet having a plurality of hooks projecting therefrom.Paver fastener 32 may conversely be a loop-type material and be in the form of a thin sheet having a plurality of loops projecting therefrom. As above, either hook-type or loop-type fasteners may be used so long as the opposed, mating fastener is of the opposite type. Thus, ifpanel fastener 16 is a loop-type fastener, themating paver fastener 32 is a hook-type fastener, and vise versa. -
Paver fastener 32 may be positioned onpaver 20 in a variety of arrangements. For example, as shown in the present embodiment,paver fastener 32 may be in the form of a pair of spaced parallel strips. In other embodiments three or more spaced strips might be employed. In still other embodiments,paver fastener 32 may be disposed ontop surface 24 in a grid-like or crossed pattern. In still other embodiments,paver fastener 32 may cover substantially the entiretop surface 24. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 ,pavers 20 are shown as used in conjunction with aroofing system 40.Roofing system 40 may include aroof structure 42 that is covered by amembrane 44, though it should be appreciated thatpavers 20 may be used in conjunction with asphalt based or other built-up roof systems. In certain embodiments, insulation boards (not shown) may be provided betweenroof structure 42 andmembrane 44 to prevent thermal transmission.Membrane 44 may be in the form of sheets and may consist of, for example, bitumus materials, EPDM, TPO or the like. The sheets may be seamed to one another, and may include other structural features necessary for attaching themembrane 44 to theroof structure 42.Pavers 20 may be positioned on top ofmembrane 44 in an abutting, and generally grid-like arrangement.Pavers 20 may be disposed over substantially the entire surface ofmembrane 44. Further,upper tongue 28 may overlaplower tongue 30 to interlock abuttingpavers 20. - It should be appreciated that
paver fasteners 32 need not be provided on allpavers 20, as not all of the roof surface will necessarily be provided withsolar panels 10. For example, the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 includes a pair of contiguous rows ofpavers 20 includingpaver fasteners 32. These contiguous rows ofpavers 20 form generally uninterrupted lines of exposedpaver fasteners 32. It should be appreciated that other arrangements may be employed. In one or more embodiments, three or more rows ofpavers 20 havingpaver fasteners 32 may be provided. In other embodiments,pavers 20 havingpaver fasteners 32 may form a square or grid pattern. In still other embodiments,pavers 20 havingpaver fasteners 32 may completely cover an entire roof area. In any event,paver fasteners 32 are disposed on the upper surface of the roof and are thereafter capable of receiving asolar panel 10 thereon. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 ,solar panels 10 are secured topavers 20 by bringing together thepanel fasteners 16 ofsolar panels 10 withpaver fasteners 32 ofpavers 20. Thereafter,solar panels 10 are mechanically, yet detachably, coupled topavers 20 and consequentlyroof system 40. The mechanical coupling is capable of holding the solar panels against wind and other external forces, but is weak enough to allow the removal ofsolar panels 10 by a technician if replacement or movement is required. As is evident,solar panels 10 may be disposed in a contiguous row. In other embodiments,solar panels 10 may be disposed in a square or grid pattern on the roof surface. In still other embodiments,solar panels 10 may completely cover a portion of, or substantially all of, a roof surface.Solar panels 10 may be interconnected with a plurality of cables (not shown). The cables may or may not be releasable connections. The cables may extend to a junction box or other receiving station where the electric current may be conditioned and made available for use or stored in a battery system. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 an exemplary method of installation of the above disclosed paver/solar panel arrangement is shown. In afirst step 50,membrane 44 is installed onroof structure 42. As discussed above, an optional insulation layer may be provided betweenroof structure 42 andmembrane 44.Membrane 44 may be secured toroof structure 42 using mechanical fasteners, adhesives or any other known method. In one or more embodiments, no adhesive is provided betweenroof structure 42 andmembrane 44, with the membrane being held down by the weight ofpavers 20. - In a
second step 52,pavers 20 are moved to the roof surface and arranged thereon. As disclosed above, somepavers 20 may not includepaver fasteners 32 if not being installed in areas wheresolar panels 10 will be used.Pavers 20 may be arranged so thatupper tongue 28 overlapslower tongue 30 when in abutting relationship. Further, pavers includingpaver fasteners 32 may be arranged in abutting and contiguous relationship to form substantially contiguous rows or patterns ofpaver fasteners 32. - In one or more embodiments,
paver fastener 32 is preinstalled ontopaver 20 prior to transfer to a roof. In this or other embodiments,paver fastener 32 may be secured topaver 20 during the manufacturing process. By attachingpaver fastener 32 topaver 20 during the manufacturing process, time may be saved during the installation. Further, the relatively clean environment of the factory may allow a more permanent attachment, particularly if using adhesives. - In other embodiments,
paver fastener 32 may be attached topavers 20 in a secondary step after manufacture of the paver. In these or other embodiments, paver fastener may be attached at the job site prior to transferringpaver 20 to the roof. In other embodiments,paver fastener 32 may be secured topaver 20 afterpaver 20 is installed and arranged on the roof surface. - In a
third step 54,solar panels 10 are positioned on top ofpavers 20. Installation is accomplished by bringing togetherpanel fasteners 16 ofsolar panels 10 withpaver fasteners 32 ofpavers 20. In this manner,solar panels 10 are secured to the roof top through the mechanical coupling of the hook and loop fasteners. - Finally, in a
fourth step 56,solar panels 10 may be interconnected to a junction box or the like to receive electrical current and direct it to immediate use or send it to a battery mechanism for later use. - In this manner,
solar panels 10 may be quickly and easily installed on a roof surface. By securingsolar panels 10 topavers 20,membrane 44 is not damaged, as permanent coupling means need not be applied directly to a roof membrane. Further, replacement or repair is made more simple because of the releasable nature of the hook and loop fasteners. Still further, time may be saved, particularly whenpaver fasteners 32 are secured topavers 20 prior to placement on the roof surface. - Referring now to
FIGS. 10-13 , an alternative solar panel attachment arrangement is shown. As shown inFIG. 10 , an exemplary roof pad made in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 60.Pads 60 may be sheet-like, generally flexible, and consist of polymeric and/or rubber materials.Pads 60 include upper and lower surfaces, 62 and 64 respectively.Lower surface 64 may be relatively smooth whileupper surface 62 may include a texture to improve traction. Anadhesive tape 66 may be applied in a series of strips such as atopposed edges pad 60, adhered directly tolower surface 64. Theadhesive tape 66, provides upper and lower surfaces, 72 and 74 respectively, theupper surface 72 being applied to thelower surface 64 of the pad. - In one or more embodiments, application of
tape 66 may be made at the factory, as part of the manufacturing operation. At this stage,pad 60 is relatively clean, so that separate cleaning and/or priming operations may not be required. Moreover, adhesion betweentape 66 andpad 60 may be maximized due to the clean and controlled conditions for application as opposed to the field, i.e., upon a roof, wherepads 60 may have become soiled or contaminated, thereby interfering with the adhesion oftape 66 to pad 60. Arelease paper 76 may be provided onlower side 74 oftape 66. Therelease paper 76 prevents exposure ofsurface 74 to dust and the like prior to installation on the roof. When in the field, (i.e. the rooftop), all that is required is for the installation personnel to strip awayrelease paper 76, place the self-adhesive pad 60 onto the roof and then apply pressure which can be accomplished merely by walking over the pads or with the use of a roller. - In another embodiment, application of
tape 66 may be made in the field. If done in the field,pad 60 may be cleaned and/or primed prior to application to ensure no soil or other contamination effects the quality of the bond betweentape 66 andpad 60. After application oftape 66 in the field, installation personnel simply placespad 60 onto the roof and applies pressure by walking over the pads or with a roller. -
Pad 60 is provided with at least onepad fastener 78 ontop surface 62, which may be secured thereto with adhesives or the like.Pad fastener 78 may be a hook-type material in the form of a thin sheet having a plurality of hooks projecting therefrom.Pad fastener 78 may conversely be a loop-type material, in the form of a thin sheet having a plurality of loops projecting therefrom. As above, either hook-type or loop-type fasteners may be used so long as the opposed, mating fastener is of the opposite type. Thus, ifpanel fastener 16 is a loop-type fastener, themating pad fastener 78 is a hook-type fastener, and vise versa. -
Pad fastener 78 may be positioned onpad 60 in a variety of arrangements. For example, as shown in the present embodiment,pad fastener 78 may be in the form of four spaced parallel strips. In other embodiments less or more spaced strips might be employed. In still other embodiments,pad fastener 78 may be disposed ontop surface 62 in a grid-like or crossed pattern. In still other embodiments,pad fastener 78 may cover substantially the entiretop surface 62. - Referring now to
FIGS. 11 and 12 ,pad 60 is shown as used in conjunction with aroofing system 80.Roofing system 80 may include aroof structure 82 that is covered by aninsulation layer 84. Amembrane 86 is positioned aboveinsulation layer 84 and secured thereto.Membrane 86 may be in the form of elongated sheets and may consist of, for example, bitumus materials, EPDM, TPO or the like. The sheets may be seamed to one another, and may include other structural features necessary for attaching themembrane 86 to theroof structure 82.Pads 60 may be positioned on top ofmembrane 86 in any desired arrangement or pattern. As is evident inFIG. 12 , adhesive 66 couples tomembrane 86 to holdpad 60 in place. In one embodiment,pads 60 may be placed in an abutting, contiguous row. In other embodiments,pads 60 may be positioned in a grid-like arrangement. In still other arrangements,pads 60 may be positioned to cover substantially an entire section of the roof surface. -
Solar panels 10 are secured topads 60 by bringing together thepanel fasteners 16 ofsolar panels 10 withpad fasteners 78 ofpads 60. Thereafter,solar panels 10 are mechanically coupled topads 60 and consequentlyroof system 80. The mechanical coupling is capable of holding the solar panels against wind and other external forces, but is weak enough to allow the removal ofsolar panels 10 by a technician, if replacement or movement is required.Solar panels 10 may be disposed in a contiguous row. In other embodiments,solar panels 10 may be disposed in a square or grid pattern on the roof surface. In still other embodimentssolar panels 10 may completely cover a portion of, or substantially all of a roof surface.Solar panels 10 may be interconnected with a plurality of cables (not shown). The cables may or may not be releasable connections. The cables may extend to a junction box or other receiving station where the electric current may be conditioned and made available for use or stored in a battery system. - Referring now to
FIG. 13 , an exemplary method of installation of the above disclosed pad/solar panel arrangement is shown. In afirst step 90,pads 60 having pre-applied adhesive are transferred to the roof surface whererelease paper 76 is removed.Pad 60 may then be placed onmembrane 86. Thereafter, pressure is applied, either by walking on the pad or with a roller or the like. One ormore pads 60 are arranged according to desired solar panel placement. - In a
second step 92,solar panels 10 are positioned on top ofpads 60. Installation is accomplished by bringing togetherpanel fasteners 16 ofsolar panels 10 withpad fasteners 78 ofpads 60. In this manner,solar panels 10 are secured to the roof top through the mechanical coupling of the hook and loop fasteners. - Finally, in a
third step 94,solar panels 10 are interconnected to a junction box or the like to receive electrical current and direct it to immediate use or send it to a battery mechanism for later use. - The embodiments herein are advantageous because
solar panels 10 may easily and quickly be secured to a roof surface.Pads 60 may be easily arranged in any manner on the roof surface. Further,solar panels 10 may be easily removed or replaced because of the releasable nature of the hook and loop fastener arrangement. Further, solar cells become hot during peak daylight hours. This heat could damage underlying roof membranes or other structure. The provision of pads or pavers therebetween protects the underlying membrane from thermal damage. Still further, the hook and loop fasteners of the present invention must exhibit long term, high strength attachment properties. Thus, these high peel strength fasteners, if secured directly to a roof, may damage the roof during panel removal, due to the large force required to remove the panel. The pad or paver of the present invention prevents such damage during panel removal or replacement. Finally, it is known that roof membranes are susceptible to damage by human foot traffic or other activity on the roof surface. By providing fasteners on a pad or paver, separate from the more permanent roof system, not only is convenient coupling achieved, but the roof is protected during installation and servicing, resulting in longer roof life. - Various modifications and alterations that do not depart from the scope and spirit of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. This invention is not to be duly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.
Claims (20)
1. A roofing system, comprising:
a membrane disposed on a structure;
at least one intermediate member disposed on a top of said membrane;
at least one intermediate member fastener secured to each said intermediate member; and
at least one photovoltaic device, each said photovoltaic device including a top surface adapted to receive light and a bottom surface having at least one device fastener secured thereto, each said at least one photovoltaic device having an outer periphery,
wherein said at least one intermediate member fastener and said at least one device fastener are alternately of a hook or loop structure and are positioned adjacent to each other to secure said at least one photovoltaic device to a corresponding one of said intermediate member so that a portion of said at least one photovoltaic device's outer periphery is substantially aligned with at least a portion of said corresponding one of said intermediate member's outer periphery.
2. The roofing system according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one intermediate member is a paver having interlocking edges.
3. The roofing system according to claim 2 , wherein each said photovoltaic device includes a frame positioned around said outer periphery of said photovoltaic device and having said at least one intermediate member fastener secured to a bottom surface of said frame.
4. The roofing system according to claim 2 , wherein each said paver has an outer periphery that substantially aligns with said outer periphery of said photovoltaic device when said at least one photovoltaic device is secured to said paver.
5. The roofing system according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one intermediate member is a pad having a bottom surface and a top surface, said top surface having said at least one intermediate member fastener secured thereto, said bottom surface secured to said membrane.
6. The roofing system according to claim 5 , wherein said at least one device fastener is a strip that intersects with said at least one intermediate member fastener.
7. The roofing system according to claim 6 , wherein each said walkway pad has a corner periphery and wherein each said at least one photovoltaic device has a corner periphery substantially aligned with said corner periphery of said walkway pad when said at least one photovoltaic device is secured to said walkway pad.
8. An energy generating system for placement on a roof structure comprising:
at least one pad having a bottom surface and a top surface, said top surface having at least one pad fastener secured thereto, said bottom surface being secured to a roof membrane;
a photovoltaic device including a top surface adapted to receive light and a bottom surface having at least one device fastener secured thereto;
wherein said at least one paver fastener and said at least one device fastener are alternately of a hook or loop structure and are positioned adjacent to each other to secure said photovoltaic device to said paver.
9. The energy generating system of claim 8 , where said at least one device fastener is secured to said bottom surface of said photovoltaic device by an adhesive.
10. The energy generating system of claim 8 , where said at least one pad fastener is secured to said pad by an adhesive.
11. The energy generating system of claim 8 , where said at least one pad fastener and said at least one device fastener are narrow strips.
12. The energy generating system of claim 11 , where said pad and said device have multiple narrow strips of fastener and where said narrow strips are positioned parallel to one another.
13. The energy generating system of claim 8 , where said bottom surface is adhered to said roofing membrane by adhesive tape.
14. The energy generating system of claim 8 , including a plurality of pads and where said pads are positioned in an abutting contiguous row.
15. A method of installing an energy generating roofing system comprising:
installing a roofing membrane over a roof deck;
positioning a plurality of pavers on said roofing membrane, each of said pavers including an upper tongue extending from a first edge and a lower tongue extending from a second opposing edge, said upper and lower tongues configured to provide an interlocking engagement between adjacent pavers; and
securing a photovoltaic device to at least one of the pavers using hook and loop type fasteners.
16. The method of claim 15 , further comprising:
installing an insulation layer on the roof deck prior to the step of installing the roofing membrane.
17. The method of claim 15 , wherein said step of securing a photovoltaic device to at least one of the pavers includes securing a paver fastener to at least one of the pavers, securing a device fastener to a bottom surface of the photovoltaic device, and positioning the paver fastener and device fastener adjacent to one another to secure the photovoltaic device to the paver, wherein the paver fastener and device fastener are alternatively of a hoop and loop structure.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein said paver fastener is secured to at least one of the pavers using an adhesive.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein said device fastener is secured to the bottom surface of the photovoltaic device using an adhesive.
20. The method of claim 15 , wherein at least one of said pavers is provided to the roofing installation location with a pre-applied paver fastener, and wherein the photovoltaic device is provided to the roofing installation location with a pre-applied device fastener.
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US13/963,396 US20130318895A1 (en) | 2006-11-21 | 2013-08-09 | Hook and loop attachment of solar panels to roofing membranes |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2008063660A3 (en) | 2008-07-03 |
JP2010510419A (en) | 2010-04-02 |
KR20090085112A (en) | 2009-08-06 |
US8505249B2 (en) | 2013-08-13 |
JP2015007369A (en) | 2015-01-15 |
EP2095432A2 (en) | 2009-09-02 |
US20100059104A1 (en) | 2010-03-11 |
HK1138107A1 (en) | 2010-08-13 |
WO2008063660B1 (en) | 2008-10-16 |
JP6050791B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 |
WO2008063660A2 (en) | 2008-05-29 |
CN101584049B (en) | 2014-08-13 |
CN103944495A (en) | 2014-07-23 |
CN101584049A (en) | 2009-11-18 |
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