Powerlight Corporation

Sunpower Corporation, Systems

Adam D Jackaway

Thomas L Dinwoodie

Daniel S Shugar

Timothy M Mueller

A photovoltaic building assembly (2) includes a building support surface, typically a roof (4) or a wall (6), on which a PV module support assembly (12) is mounted. The support assembly includes a base (18) secured to the support surface, and an upper portion (14, 16; 14a, 31, 33). A PV module (10) is mounted to and is supported by the body (14, 14a) of the upper portion. A foam insulation layer (22) is sprayed onto the support surface to embed the base and lower ends of the legs therein. A weather-resistant layer (24) is applied to the outer surface of the insulation layer to prevent moisture from reaching the building surface. The base can be secured to the building support surface by an adhesive (32) or by mechanical fasteners (34) as well as by simply embedding the base within the insulation layer. The assembly provides for electricity generation, building thermal insulation and building waterproofing in a lightweight construction assembly.

Photovoltaic building assembly with continuous insulation layer

A vented cavity radiant barrier assembly (2) includes a barrier (12), typically a PV module, having inner and outer surfaces (18, 22). A support assembly (14) is secured to the barrier and extends inwardly from the inner surface of the barrier to a building surface (14) creating a vented cavity (24) between the building surface and the barrier inner surface. A low emissivity element (20) is mounted at or between the building surface and the barrier inner surface. At least part of the cavity exit (30) is higher than the cavity entrance (28) to promote cooling air flow through the cavity.

Growing community of inventors

Berkeley, CA, United States of America

Adam D Jackaway