A PV module that emulates an asphalt shingle

Abstract

The authors have developed a shingle roofing module designed to emulate the conventional asphalt shingle in form, structural function and installation. The PV shingle module consists of a series of interconnected, coated stainless steel tabs laminated together in EVA/Tefzel polymers. The PV shingle design allows the mechanical and electrical installation to be performed independently, thereby minimizing coordination between the roofing and electrical tradesman. The installation procedure is so similar to conventional asphalt shingles that an experienced roofing contractor, with minimal training, can install the modules. The authors show results of testing that demonstrate that the PV shingle serves the dual function of electrical generator as well as a roofing material. Finally, they demonstrate the feasibility of the PV shingle by describing a 1.8 kW AC system installed on the Southface Energy Institute's Energy and Environmental Resource Center House in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.