Patent ID: 8701361
Filing Date: 2014-04-22
Classification: F24S,H02S,Y02B,Y02E,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for constructing rooftops with structurally and functionally integrated photovoltaic modules comprising the steps of: providing one or more photovoltaic PV modules, wherein each of the photovoltaic modules is formed by a PV module and a mated frame; providing a grid-like structure of interconnected beams and mounting rails sitting on vertical elevation structures and defining a grid of roof members, wherein the mounting rails are adapted as roofing members each having a base configured to support a plurality of stacked layers, the stacked layers comprising one or more structural or functional layers extending into an interior building environment, a first channel on a first upper side of each of the mounting rails and a second channel on an opposing second upper side of each of the mounting rails, wherein each of the first channel and the second channel have respective vertical and horizontal extensions above the layers; providing a plurality of vertically stacked bracket assemblies, wherein each of the bracket assemblies is received by the first channel and the second channel of each of the mounting rails, respectively, and wherein each of the bracket assemblies respectively engages one of the photovoltaic modules at an external surface exposed to an outside environment and secures a plurality of stacked layers on at least one of the bracket assemblies below the photovoltaic module, and wherein the photovoltaic modules are separated from the layers by a gap that is sized and arranged to provide passive or active cooling; and mounting in each of the mounting rails each of the plurality of bracket assemblies, respectively, to define a roof surface, the step of mounting including securing the bracket assemblies into each of the mounting rails with an overlying retaining fixture having a fastener extending downwardly into a respective one of the mounting rails.