Patent ID: 8424256

Claim:
A modular photovoltaic roof panel system for use on an inclined roof having a plurality of substantially horizontal rows of asphalt shingles affixed to a surface of the roof, each said row of shingles being staggered and positioned so as to partially overlap an immediately preceding said row of shingles, the system comprising: a length of starter flashing affixed to the roof surface in a position inline with and adjacent to an at least one row of said rows of shingles, substantially parallel with a lower edge of the roof; an at least one photovoltaic roof panel affixed to the roof surface in a position inline with and adjacent to an at least one subsequent row of said rows of shingles, substantially perpendicular to the starter flashing, a lower edge of the roof panel partially overlapping the starter flashing; each said roof panel having opposing lateral edges, each said opposing lateral edge providing an upwardly protruding longitudinal rib extending a length of the roof panel and configured for selectively interlocking with a longitudinal rib of an adjacently positioned roof panel; an at least one length of step flashing positioned and configured for interlacing an outermost one of said roof panels with the shingles of the at least one row of said rows of shingles adjacent to said outermost one of said roof panels, each said length of step flashing providing an upwardly protruding longitudinal rib configured for selectively interlocking overtop of the longitudinal rib of said outermost roof panel; and a length of top flashing affixed to the roof surface in a position inline with and adjacent to an at least one subsequent row of said rows of shingles, the top flashing configured for covering an upper edge of the at least one roof panel along with a portion of the step flashing; whereby, with the at least one roof panel affixed directly to the roof surface and each of the starter flashing, step flashing and top flashing appropriately engaged with the roof panel and interlaced with the adjacent shingles of the at least one row of said rows of shingles, the system is capable of being integrated into a traditional asphalt shingle roof without affecting load requirements or water impermeability.