WO2024161387A1

WO2024161387A1 - Integral solar panels for use in construction

Info

Publication number: WO2024161387A1
Application number: PCT/IL2024/050032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Menashe ALTHOUS
Original assignee: Solar Fence Group Ltd
Current assignee: Solar Fence Group Ltd
Priority date: 2023-02-05
Filing date: 2024-01-09
Publication date: 2024-08-08
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-05
Also published as: EP4659289A1; CN120883755A; IL322252A; AU2024213823A1

Abstract

Integral solar panels for use in construction, wherein the integral solar panels are configured for generating electricity and/or heat from solar radiation, wherein the integral solar panels include solar collecting portions and non-collecting portions, and wherein the non- collecting portions are configured to reflect and/or concentrate solar energy onto the collecting portions.

Description

INTEGRAL SOLAR PANELS FOR USE IN CONSTRUCTION

RELATED APPLICATION/S

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/536,936 filed 7 Sept. 2023 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/443,405 filed 5 Feb. 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to integral solar energy generating system and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to collecting solar energy from building panels.

Solar energy is seen as a potential source of clean, renewable energy. It can be harnessed using solar panels. More and more people are installing solar panels in their houses or on their building in order to take advantage of this renewable resource to reduce electricity bills, reduce fossil fuel consumption, and/or to receive payments for the surplus electricity that is exported to the electricity grid. Typically, these solar panels are placed on the roof of the building. However, the addition of solar panels to buildings is expensive, both for existing buildings and buildings under construction. Currently, a large part of the cost of solar power systems is construction.

US Patent Publication No. 20220360211 appears to disclose, “A system with one or more solar modules comprising a plurality of solar cells, each of the solar modules having a plurality of corrugations defined by a plurality of alternating elongated top channels and elongated bottom channels that extend between opposing ends along first parallel axes, the elongated bottom channels defined by first pairs of sidewalls extending from respective caps, and the elongated top channels defined by second sidewalls extending from respective bases.”

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011174361, appears to disclose, “To provide a solar battery panel module, a method of manufacturing the same, a heat-insulating roof structure and a roof structure which are each provided with the same, and a power generation system using the same. The solar battery panel module includes: a corrugated or concave shaped steel plate having the function of roof material of a building; a solar battery panel having the power generation function of generating electricity from sunlight; and a protective sheet for protecting the solar battery panel. The solar battery panel is arranged on the steel plate, and the protective sheet is bonded with the solar battery panel sandwiched between the steel plate and the protective sheet”.

Chinese Patent Publication No. CN104047402B, appears to disclose, “a corrugated solar sun shading canopy with high light use efficiency. The corrugated solar sun shading canopy comprises a load bearing support and a plurality of solar cell panels arranged on the top surface of the load bearing support in an array shape, and is characterized in that an included angle between the top surface of the load bearing support and the horizontal plane is 15-45 degrees; an included angle of 10-15 degrees is formed between each solar cell panel and the top surface of the load bearing support; each group of solar cell panels are formed by connecting three to six solar cell panels in series. According to the corrugated solar sun shading canopy with high light use efficiency, the irradiated areas of the solar cell panels can be effectively increased on the limited canopy plane, the utilization rate of solar energy is improved, and the corrugated solar sun shading canopy is simple in structure and easy to implement and is conveniently promoted and applied to civil buildings.”

Further art includes US Patent Publication No. 20050284515, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002004527, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006270006, Korean Patent Publication No. 101543346, Korean Patent Publication No. 200459677, Korean Patent Publication No. 101945916, International Patent Publication No. 2018041209, International Patent Publication No. 2021012003, US Patent Publication No. 20180323327, and US Patent Publication No. 20130111810.

Therefore, there is a need for solar panels integral to the construction materials which provide the same or higher efficiency solar energy as conventional solar panels. Additionally, there is a need for solar panels which are adaptable to a variety of conditions and are designed for high sunlight conversion even from areas of the building which do not receive direct sunlight or are not conventional positions for positioning solar panels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to integral solar energy generating system and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to solar corrugated siding panels with reflector panels.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a building panel including: a corrugated metal base having a plurality of crests and troughs; a first plurality of solar collectors on alternating flutes of the base.

According to some embodiments of the invention, alternating flutes are offset parallel surfaces.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the metal is at least one of aluminum and steel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, intervening flutes intervening between the alternating flutes are colored with a light color.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the alternating flutes are facing at least partially upward and the intervening flutes are facing at least partially downward and wherein the intervening flutes are directed at a steep angle.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the alternating flutes are facing at least partially sunward and the intervening flutes are facing at least partially away from a sunward direction and wherein the intervening flutes are directed at a shallow angle to the sunward direction.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the light color is white.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the building includes a second plurality of solar collectors and separate wiring for the first plurality of solar collectors and the second plurality of solar collectors, the separate wiring configured for harvesting electrical energy from the first plurality of solar collectors independently of harvesting energy from the second plurality of solar collectors.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the second plurality of solar collectors is located on flutes intervening between the alternating flutes.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided an integral solar panel including: solar energy collecting portions; and non-collecting portions, wherein the non-collecting portions are reflective; and wherein the collecting portions and non-collecting portions are adjacent to one another.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the non-collecting portions are configured to reflect solar radiation onto the collecting portions. According to some embodiments of the invention, the non-collecting portions are configured to concentrate solar radiation onto the collecting portions.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the integral solar panel is configured to be load bearing.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the integral solar panel is configured to be non-load bearing.

According to some embodiments of the invention, an angle of the collecting portions relative to the non-collecting portions is adjustable.

According to some embodiments of the invention, an angle of the collecting portions relative to the non-collecting portions is determined according to an azimuth of the sun.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the integral solar panel further includes connection to an energy management system.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the integral solar panel is corrugated.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the integral solar panel is prefabricated.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the integrated panel is light weight.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method for using integral solar panels, the method including: positioning the integral solar panels on a frame or surface, wherein the integral solar panels includes: solar energy collecting portions; and non-collecting portions, wherein the non-collecting portions are reflective; and wherein the collecting portions and non-collecting portions are adjacent to one another; affixing the integral solar panels to the frame or surface; adjusting an angle of the integral solar panels whereby the non-collecting portions are configured to reflect and/or concentrate solar radiation onto the collecting portions; converting solar radiation into electricity and/or heat; and transmitting the electricity and/or heat to an energy -management system connected to the integral solar panels.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes adjusting the angle of the integral solar panels to suit local conditions.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes adjusting the angle of the collecting portions to the non-collecting portions to suit local conditions.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the solar radiation is high intensity solar radiation, low intensity solar radiation, direct solar radiation, indirect solar radiation, diffuse solar radiation, thermal radiation, ultraviolet radiation, and any combination thereof.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the frame or surface is vertical, horizontal or at an angle slanted between the vertical and horizontal.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes constructing at least in part a structure using the integral solar panels.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the integral solar panels are simple to install.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 : Schematic illustration of uses of integral solar panels in accordance with some embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 2A-H: Schematic illustrations showing exemplary locations integral solar panels in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Figs. 3A-C: Schematic illustrations showing exemplary integral solar panels in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Figs. 4A-G: Schematic illustrations of various profiles of solar corrugated panels in accordance with embodiments of the current invention:

Figs. 5A-B: Schematic illustrations showing exemplary uses of integral solar panels in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Figs. 6A-B: Schematic illustrations showing exemplary uses of integral solar panels in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Figs. 7A-B : Exemplary photographs of a use of integral solar panels in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; Fig. 8: Schematic illustration of a use of integral solar panels in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 9: Schematic illustration of use of integral solar panels in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention:

Fig. 10: Schematic illustration of use of integral solar panels in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

Fig. 11: A block diagram illustrating an integral solar panel in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 12: A flow chart illustrating use of an integral solar panel in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 13: A block diagram of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 14: A flow chart of a method of the operation of the system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention; and

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to integral solar energy generating system and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to solar corrugated siding panels with reflector panels.

Overview

Some embodiments of the current invention relate to an integral solar panel. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panel may be used to generate solar energy. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may collect direct and/or indirect solar radiation. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be used as construction material, e.g., prefabricated panels, bricks, blocks, pillars, cladding, siding, skylights, windows, roofing, etc. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be used as integral components of construction material, e.g., incorporated into prefabricated panels, bricks, blocks, pillars, cladding, siding, skylights, windows, roofing, etc. Optionally, the integral solar panels may have the form a conventional building panel and/or be installed like a conventional panel. Optionally, the integral solar panels may include insulation. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be affixed to a construction material and/or building component. In some embodiments, integral solar panels may be used on an existing structure for renovation and/or to replace existing panels.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be corrugated building panels. For example, a base of the panel may be a corrugated base panel. Optionally, solar collectors are positioned on alternating flutes (e.g., on the sun facing flutes) of the outer side of the panel and/or on crests of the outer side of the panel. Optionally, intervening flutes between the collectors may be reflective. Alternatively or additionally, a portion alternating flutes (e.g., on the sun facing flutes) that is expected to be exposed to direct sunlight consistently may be coated with solar collectors while a portion that is expected to be shaded a significant portion of the time (e.g., near a trough of the corrugation) may be without solar collectors. Optionally, an area without collectors is coated with a reflective coating (for example white paint). Optionally, solar collectors near in areas that receive more some and/or a seldom shaded (e.g., on a sun facing flute and/or near a crest of the corrugation) are wired separately from solar collectors on areas that are shaded more often (e.g., on a flute not facing in the dominant solar direction and/or near a trough in the corrugation).

According to some embodiments, advantageously by integrating solar energy collectors into a building component, the cost of construction and/or installation of solar panels on a building may be similar to the cost of construction of the same building using conventional materials. Advantageously, by integrating solar energy collectors into a building component there may be no need to attach a solar panel to an existing building component. Optionally, thereby reducing construction costs and/or weight of the building component e.g., roof, etc. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be similar to existing building components, e.g., roofing panels, siding panels, etc.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may include integral solar collecting portions (solar modules). According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may include non-collecting portions. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may include both solar collecting portions and non-collecting portions. According to some embodiments, the non-collecting portions may be reflective. Additionally, or alternatively, the non-collecting portions may reflect sunlight onto the solar collecting portions.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be flat, e.g., roofing, building siding including panels used on large buildings, warehouses and/or office buildings and/or Highrise buildings and/or siding for temporary construction, such as, animal pens, sheds, trailers, food trucks, market stalls, and the like.

Alternatively, and/or additionally, according to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be corrugated e.g., roofing panels, siding, etc. According to some embodiments, in corrugated integral solar panels the angles of the corrugation may be adjusted to increase solar collection efficiency. According to some embodiments, the angle of the integral solar panel and/or the angle of the corrugation may be adjusted to increase total solar energy collection and/or power per surface area of the solar collectors. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be located on one or more sides of the corrugation which are oriented towards the sun. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be located on the entire surface of the corrugation. Optionally, the integral solar panels may include noncollecting portions. Optionally, the non-collecting portions may be reflective. Optionally, the non-collecting portions may reflect direct and/or indirect sunlight onto the collecting portion of the integral solar panels. Optionally, the non-collecting portions may concentrate and/or focus sunlight onto the collecting portions of the integral solar panels.

In some embodiments, integral solar building panels may be used on a floating solar farm. For example, the panels may be lighter and/or easier to install than conventional panels. Optionally, another advantage of floating panels on fishing ponds may include in some embodiments, integral solar panels of the current invention may be placed on a flat float (e.g., panels having a corrugated and/or non-flat surface compared to convention panels that are often mounted on a high float to angle the panel towards the sun). Alternatively, or additionally, the integral solar panel may include a slanted surface e.g. one side of corrugations facing the sun facilitating efficient solar collect with the collector panel, for example, when the panel is horizonal and/or parallel to the free face of the water. In some embodiments, the integral solar panel itself may be prefabricated. Optionally, the prefabricated integral solar panels may be added to and/or used in many possible applications on walls and roofs of warehouses as well as acoustic walls, fences, rafts, ships, trailers, food trucks, shed, houses, warehouses, skyscrapers, decorative elements, etc.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be used as siding and/or in prefabricated siding panels, such as a wall, roof, etc. and/or may be attached to a movable element, e.g., an awning, garage door, retractable roof, external louvres, blinds, etc. on walls and roofs of warehouses as well as acoustic walls, fences, etc. According to some embodiments, the siding and/or siding panels may be attached to a fixed object, such as a wall, roof, etc. and/or may be attached to a movable element, e.g., an awning, garage door, retractable roof, external louvres, blinds, etc. on walls and roofs of warehouses as well as acoustic walls, fences, etc.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panel siding may be easy to use. According to some embodiments, prefabricated panels may include integral solar panels. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or prefabricated panels may be simply and/or easily fitted together to construct a structure. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or prefabricated panels may be used to construct various structures easily, without the need for advanced understanding of photovoltaic systems and/or building construction. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be "plug and play".

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels siding may be used in the construction of temporary structures, and/or low investment and/or low-cost structures. For example, barns, animal pens, storage units, warehouses, kennels, chicken coops, guard stations, guard towers, sheds, etc. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panel siding may be used in the construction of houses and/or Highrise buildings, e.g., as a replacement for awnings, overhangs, eaves, pergolas, trellises, aluminum siding, vinyl siding, wood siding, metal siding, fiber cement siding, brick siding, etc.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the integral solar panel siding may be used in the construction of low-cost housing, such as in undeveloped areas, which may lack infrastructure and/or access to an electricity grid.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panel siding may be autonomous, e.g., the integral solar panels may include one or more components which may store and/or use the solar energy produced by the integral solar panel. For example, suitable components which may store and/or use the solar energy produced by the integral solar panel may include a rechargeable battery, a light fixture, an electricity outlet, a stove, a heater, a fan, a fridge, a connection to the internet, a radio transmitter, a water pump, water purifier, air conditioner, charge mobile phones, charge satellite phones, various industrial applications, etc. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panel siding be used to power one or more components without needing to connect the building to an external power source. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panel siding be connected to an energy grid, e.g., to sell and/or provide electricity to an energy grid.

In some embodiments, the current invention may be installed as siding on the wall of a building. Optionally, the siding panels may be utilized on a building’s directly sun-facing area (e.g., in the southern hemisphere the north-facing wall). According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be placed on one or more surfaces which may be directed towards the sun, e.g., an unshaded section of the roof, wall, building facing, pillars, lintels, windows, etc. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be placed on all surfaces to collect both direct and indirect solar radiation. Optionally, the siding panels may be utilized on a building’s non-directly sun-facing area (e.g., in the northern hemisphere the north-facing wall). Optionally, the siding may be adapted to local conditions, for example, the angle of the side of the integral solar panel and/or angle of the corrugation with solar cells may be adapted to the wall in each location according to its angle of solar zenith.

In some embodiments, the collecting and non-collecting portions may be positioned horizontally on an integral solar panel. In some embodiments, the collecting and non-collecting portions may be positioned diagonally on an integral solar panel. In some embodiments, the collecting and non-collecting portions may be positioned vertically on an integral solar panel. Optionally, the two portions may be located on opposite sides of a corrugation, e.g., between a trough and a crest.

According to some embodiments, the size depth and angle (for example: flute height and pitch) of a corrugation may be designed and/or adapted such that the collecting portions of the integral solar panels do not shade each other, e.g., on the upward-side facing of the wall may not be shaded by the opposite side of the corrugation at expected sun zenith.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or portions thereof may be colored white and/or a color which may enhance light reflection and/or refraction (e.g., intrinsically and/or painted, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, a reflective color may contribute to lowering the temperature of the panel. Optionally, the coloration may also serve as protection against corrosion. Alternatively, or additionally, the non-collecting portions may be colored (e.g., intrinsically and/or painted, etc.) with a decorative color and/or a decorative reflective color. Optionally, the color may be selected to preferentially reflect certain colors which may be readily converted to electricity. Optionally, the color may be selected to be less reflective to colors that are inefficiently converted to electricity. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may include any pertinent technology e.g., photovoltaics (e.g., crystalline photovoltaic cells, thin-film photovoltaic cells, etc.) and/or solar thermal technologies (e.g., heating water). According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be a prismatic block with solar cells on one or more faces.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be solid and/or partially hollow and/or hollow. According to some embodiments, the hollow integral solar panels may include a reservoir. According to some embodiments, reservoir may contain a transparent liquid e.g., with high optical refraction (such as, between 1.5 to 4.2), e.g., water, oil, etc. According to some embodiments, the liquid may provide a prismatic effect. According to some embodiments, the liquid may refract, reflect and/or concentrate the incoming solar radiation. According to some embodiments, the liquid may cool the solar cells. According to some embodiments, the liquid, e.g., water, may be heated by the incoming solar radiation to provide heating and/or hot water to the structure, e.g., building, house, etc. According to some embodiments, the water used to cool the integral solar panels may be used e.g., using a concentrator, such as a heat pump.

As used herein, the term "solar panel" relates to a collection of solar (photovoltaic) cells, which can be used to generate electricity through photovoltaic effect.

According to some embodiments, direct sunlight from the sun may be directed and/or concentrated onto solar cells to produce solar energy. According to some embodiments, indirect light from other directions (e.g., reflected from objects, refracted in the atmosphere, etc.) may be directed and/or concentrated onto solar cell to produce solar energy.

According to some embodiments, the efficiency of the integral solar panels making use of direct solar radiation and/or indirect solar radiation may be at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, a least 40%, at least 45%, and/or at least 50%. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be positioned such that direct and/or indirect sunlight may be collected by the solar cells. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be efficient at many solar angles without requiring adjusting their angles and/or locations to collect only direct sun light, as in conventional solar panels. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be configured for panels installed at various angles to the sun. According to some embodiments, integral solar panels may be incorporated into buildings and/or structures which would traditionally be considered useless for solar energy production.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may have high tensile strength. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be load bearing and/or non-load bearing. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be stacked and/or used as building blocks to form various structures. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be incorporated into building components (e.g., walls, pillars, beams, windows, skylights, siding on building walls and/or roofs and/or pillars, etc.). According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be incorporated into prefabricated building components, e.g., windows, walls, cladding, pillars, roofing, siding, etc. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be used in and/or added to decorative components on buildings.

According to some embodiments, advantageously, the integral solar panels may provide a cheaper alternative to constructing a building and/or structure and then adding solar panels to it. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be cheap and/or easy to install. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may allow dual use of space, without the solar panels dominating the view and/or the land use. For example, an integral solar panel may be a structural element (e.g., a column, an external wall, an internal wall, a ceiling, a window, a skylight, siding on building walls and/or roofs and/or pillars, etc.).

In some embodiments, integral solar panels may be easier to install than conventional solar panels. In some embodiments, integral solar panels may produce more power on a vertical wall than flat panels. In some embodiments, integral solar panels may be cheaper and/or easier to install, store and/or transport that conventional flat panels.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or solar array may include one or more spacers. According to some embodiments, the spacers may be prismatic bricks without solar panels, traditional glass or thermoplastic, prismatic blocks with different optical properties, empty space, concrete, bricks, other building materials, etc.

As used herein, the term "solar flux" relates to direct and indirect (e.g., diffuse) irradiance, wherein the direct irradiance is the non-scattered flux, while the diffuse irradiance is the scattered radiative flux from the sun.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may have high efficiency due to their use of solar flux. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may utilize the solar flux that passes through the refraction surface and may spread it over a greater area of solar cells, thereby increasing the energy output and/or efficiency of the integral solar panels. According to some embodiments, the dispersion of the solar flux within the three- dimensional depth of the integral solar panels may provide high efficiency.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may, in addition to providing solar energy, reduce sunlight entering a building through the windows, thereby reducing heating in summer, avoiding annoying glare, reducing color fading of furniture, carpeting and art work.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be used to collect heat, may act as heat sinks and/or may include a system for collecting thermal energy. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or solar array may include solar energy collectors and/or thermal energy collectors. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be cooled by thermal energy collectors and/or by a water system running through or near the integral solar panels.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or solar array may be set up on a location which faces the sun, e.g., northern, southern, eastern and/or western exposure. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or solar array may not face the sun directly but may concentrate diffuse sunlight. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or solar array may collect light from many different azimuths and/or elevation angles as the sun moves in the sky, including different angles to the sun in winter and summer. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may cover and/or be integrated into an entire surface, e.g., the entire roof, and/or siding of a building.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or solar array may be used in the construction of curtain walls, skylights, roofs, pergolas, pillars, solar panels for agricultural applications, acoustic walls, stair panels, sidewalk curbs, sidings for walls and/or roofs and/or pillars, siding for Highrise buildings, panels for temporary and/or low-cost construction, such as animal pens, warehouses, kennels, etc.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be incorporated into solar arrays. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or solar array may be at an angle to receive direct and/or indirect sunlight at all hours of the day and all seasons of the year, and/or from other directions (e.g., reflected from objects, refracted in the atmosphere, etc.). According to some embodiments, integral solar panels may be designed to collect different types of solar radiation. According to some embodiments, integral solar panels designed to collect different types of solar radiation (e.g., high intensity solar radiation, low intensity solar radiation, direct solar radiation, indirect solar radiation, thermal radiation, ultraviolet radiation, etc.) may be configured to be positioned at different locations on a building.

As used herein, the term "inverter" relates to a device which converts the variable direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic solar panel into a utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or used by a local, off-grid electrical network. Solar power inverters may include special functions adapted for use with photovoltaic arrays, such as maximum power point tracking and anti-islanding protection. There are two main types of inverters: string inverters (also called central inverters) which inverts electricity from multiple solar panels and microinverters which are used on each solar cell. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

As used herein, the term "converter" relates to a device which provides 24 or 48 volts from a 12-volt battery and are generally used in with DC appliances, and/or off-grid solar systems. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

According to some embodiments, integral solar panels may be connected to one or more rechargeable batteries. According to some embodiments, integral solar panels may be connected to an electric grid.

According to some embodiments, integral solar panels may be designed to collect different types of solar radiation (e.g., high intensity solar radiation, low intensity solar radiation, direct solar radiation, indirect solar radiation, thermal radiation, ultraviolet radiation, etc.). According to some embodiments, integral solar panels collecting different types of solar radiation may be connected separately and/or individually to different inverters and/or converters. According to some embodiments, integral solar panels which face in a particular direction and/or with a particular azimuth may be connected to one set of inverters and/or converters, while integral solar panels facing a different direction and/or with a particular azimuth may be connected to a different set of inverters and/or converters. According to some embodiments, various integral solar panels may be connected to each other and/or various inverters and/or converters, so as to reduce and/or prevent degradation of performance and/or damage to solar collectors. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may include and/or be connected to one or more charge controllers. According to some embodiments, the one or more charge controllers may be DC-to-DC converters used to regulate the power running through the system and maximize output. According to some embodiments, the one or more charge controllers may assist a battery bank and/or inverter to receive a more consistent current. Optionally, a panel may include a quick connector for transferring electrical power and/or a data port and/or a wireless transceiver and/or a maximum power point controller MPPC. Alternatively, or additionally, a data port and/or a wireless transceiver and/or a maximum power point controller MPPC may be connected to multiple panels which are optionally interconnected.

Optionally, a panel may include areas without solar cells, e.g., through a mounting bolt may be placed and/or mounting connections to facilitate mounting the panel without breaking the solar cells. For example, the solar panels may be configured to facilitate mounting on a building frame designed for traditional building panels. In some embodiments, a panel may include all possible materials. In some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be constructed from metal (for example: aluminum and/or steel and/or tin). Optionally, the integral solar panels may be constructed from other materials (for example: fiberglass, zinc, all types of plastic, phenyl carbonate, acrylic, etc.). Optionally, the siding may include Styrofoam and/or rock-wool inside and/or backing. Optionally, it may be installed as roofing. Walls may be vertical and/or may be angled (e.g., to receive more sun on the collecting portions).

Specific embodiments

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Reference is now made to the figures:

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of various possible uses of integral solar panels in accordance with some embodiment of the invention. For example, in scheme 100, the integral solar panels may be used in the construction of houses 101a, animal pens 101b (e.g., kennels), agricultural buildings 101c (e.g., barns and/or green houses), commercial buildings (e.g., restaurants lOld, market stalls lOle, shops), storage units, offices (e.g., highrise buildings lOlf), warehouses 101g, walls lOlh, pillars lOli, cladding, siding lOlj, ships, boats, trucks, trailers, caravans, food trucks, low cost housing, sheds, fencing, etc.

Figs. 2A-H are schematic illustrations showing exemplary locations integral solar panels in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. For example, the integral solar panels 200 may be integrated into prefabricated panels, building components, and/or may be used as building components. Optionally, the integral solar panels may be stacked and/or used as building blocks to form various structures. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be load bearing and/or non-load bearing. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be decorative. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be dual purpose e.g., solar collectors and building components.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or solar array may be set up on a location which faces the sun, e.g., northern, southern, eastern and/or western exposure. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or solar array may not face the sun directly but may receive diffuse sunlight. According to some embodiments, reflective surfaces 202 on the solar panels (non-collecting) may direct and/or concentrate sunlight (direct and/or indirect and/or diffuse) onto the collecting portions 203 of the solar panels. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or solar array may collect light from many different azimuths and/or elevation angles 204 as the sun 201 moves across the sky, including different angles to the sun in winter and summer. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may cover and/or be integrated into all or part of a surface, e.g., a roof and/or siding of a building, pillar, floating platform, etc.

In some embodiments, the integral solar panel may be at least partially constructed from metal (e.g., aluminum and/or steel and/or tin). Optionally, when constructed from aluminum and/or galvanized tin the integral solar panel may disperse the heat more effectively than other materials (for example: polycarbonate, fiberglass, other plastics, etc.). Optionally, the integral solar panel may be constructed at least partially from other materials (e.g., fiberglass, zinc, plastics, etc.).

In some embodiments, the current invention may be installed as siding on the wall of a building. Optionally, the siding panels may be utilized on a building’s sun-facing wall (e.g., in the Northern hemisphere: a south-facing wall; in the Southern hemisphere: a north-facing wall). Optionally, the siding may be adapted to local conditions, for example, the angle of the side of the corrugation with solar cells may be adapted to the wall in each country according to its angle of solar zenith.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, portions of the integral solar panel (e.g., noncollecting) may be painted e.g., white, metallic, etc. Optionally, the painted portions may serve as a reflector that concentrates and/or reflects between about 60-70%, and/or about 70-80%, and/or about 80-90% of the sunlight (direct, indirect and/or diffuse). Optionally, portions of the panels may be painted using a temperature-reducing paint (e.g., temperature-reducing paint). Optionally, such paint may reduce the temperature of the integral solar panels by about 15-20°C, and/or about 20-25°C, and/or about 25-30°C, and/or more than about 30°C. Optionally, the paint may serve as protection against corrosion. Optionally, the integral solar panels may be designed with alternative colors and/or patterns e.g., to be attractive to the consumer and/or reflective.

Fig. 2A illustrates a building with integrated solar panels 200 on opposing surface 205a, 205b on opposites sides of a crest of a slanted roof. In some embodiments, panels may be placed on opposing surfaces when both surfaces get significant sun. For example, this may occur at low latitudes and/or wherein the slant of the roof is shallow and/or where the ridge of the roof runs approximately North-South. Alternatively or additionally, the e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2B integrated solar panels 200 may be installed on only one side 205c of a roof crest. For example, this may occur when one side receives significantly more sun than the other. For example, for an East-West directed crest in the Northern hemisphere, a South side may receive much more sun than a North side. A roof may include integrated solar panels on the South side and non-solar panels (e.g., conventional corrugated panels) on the North side.

In some embodiments, a roof may be made out of and/or incorporate integrated solar panels 200 (for example, as illustrated in FIGs. 2A, 2B and 2E). Alternatively or additionally, integrated solar panels 200 may be installed on top of an existing roof (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2C and 2D). In Some embodiments, integrated solar panels 200 may be used on both a roof and in siding (e.g., as illustrated in FIGs. 2D, 2E and 2G). In some embodiments, integrated solar panels 200 may be connected to a pillar (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2F). In some embodiments, integrated solar panels 200 may be used in dedicated solar collection facilities, for example a floating solar collector (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2H).

Figs. 3A-C are schematic illustrations showing exemplary integral solar panels in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. For example, the integral solar panels may be part of and/or integrated into and/or may be roofing and/or siding materials and/or components, such as corrugated roofing tiles, ceramic roofing tiles, replace roofing tiles, skylights, etc. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may include any pertinent technology e.g., photovoltaics (e.g., crystalline photovoltaic cells, thin-film photovoltaic cells, etc.) and/or solar thermal technologies (e.g., heating water). According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be a prismatic block with solar cells on one or more faces. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be used in conjunction with one or more conventional solar panels and/or thin film solar panels.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be corrugated e.g., roofing panels, siding, etc. According to some embodiments, in corrugated integral solar panels the angles of the corrugation may be adjusted to increase solar collection efficiency. According to some embodiments, the angle of the integral solar panel and/or the angle of the corrugation may be adjusted to increase total solar energy collection and/or power per surface area of collectors. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be located on one or more sides of the corrugation which points to the sun. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be located on the entire surface of the corrugation.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or solar array may include one or more spacers. According to some embodiments, the spacers may be prismatic bricks without solar panels, traditional glass or thermoplastic, prismatic blocks with different optical properties, empty space, metal (e.g., frames, etc.), concrete, bricks, other building materials, etc.

In some embodiments, the corrugation may have various geometries. For example, an integral solar panel may include Trapezoidal corrugations 300a and/or corrugations of more than one depth, for example as illustrated in FIG. 3 A: For examples, corrugations may have a flat top and/or sloped sides, resembling a trapezoid. Optionally, the tops of the crests and/or the sun-facing flutes of some (e.g., the large corrugations) or all of the corrugations may include solar collectors. In some embodiments, the troughs and/or parts of the troughs and/or non-sun facing flutes and/or smaller flutes may include solar collectors and/or reflectors. In some embodiments, trapezoid corrugations 300a offer high load-bearing capacity and are often used for industrial applications like flooring and decking. For example, an integral solar panel may include Sinusoidal corrugations 300b (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3B). For example, the corrugations may feature smooth, rounded sinusoidal waves across the sheet. Sinusoidal corrugations 300b optionally provide good strength and rigidity, and/or may be used for roofing, cladding, and/or siding. Alternatively or additionally, corrugations may include Box corrugations and/or U-shaped corrugations and/or decorative finishes.

In some embodiments, corrugation may be parallel to the long dimension of the sheets (e.g., corrugations 300b as illustrated for, example, in FIG. 3B). Alternatively or additionally, corrugations (e.g., corrugations 300a and/or 300c as illustrated for example in FIGs. 3A and 3C) may be

Figs. 4A-F are schematic illustrations of various profiles of solar corrugated panels in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Optionally, the geometry and/or color and/or material of the panel may be adapted to different applications and locations. For example, in places with lower solar angles, the collecting portions of the integral solar panels may be relatively vertical. Optionally, the relative length of the reflective and collecting portions may be adjusted according to the amount of sunlight and/or needs for power in a particular location and/or for a particular application. Optionally, the color of the panel may be adapted to local conditions (for example, the amount, color and/or diffusion of sunlight in the location and/or the time of year or time of day when the electricity is needed). For example, in locations with high temperatures and/or low temperatures, panels may include backing for thermal insulation.

The current invention in some of its embodiments may include both solar collecting portions 402a-402f and non-collecting portions 404a-404f. Optionally, the non-collecting portions may be reflective. Optionally, the collecting and non-collecting portions may be positioned horizontally on an integral solar panel. In some embodiments, the collecting and non-collecting portions may be positioned diagonally on an integral solar panel. In some embodiments, the collecting and non-collecting portions may be positioned vertically on an integral solar panel. In some embodiments, corrugation may be longitudinally directed on a panel. Optionally, the panel may be mounted with the corrugation running vertically and/or with the corrugation running horizontally and/or with the corrugation running diagonally.

Optionally, the two portions may be located on opposite sides of a corrugation, e.g., between a trough and a crest. Optionally, two types of portions may be located on opposite sides of the corrugation, from the valley of the corrugation to the peak of the corrugation. Optionally, the collecting portions may be positioned to optimally receive sunlight.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be used as building panels (e.g., attached directly to a building frame and/or affixed to the walls of the building). Optionally, the integral solar panels may be positioned such that the collecting portions 402a- 402f may be on the upper face of the corrugation valley (which may face upwards) in order to receive the sunlight from above. In such an embodiment, the non-collecting portions 404a-404f may be on the lower face of the opposing corrugation valley (which may face downwards) which may typically be exposed to less sunlight. Additionally, or alternatively, the noncollecting portions 404a-404f may reflect additional sunlight to the collecting portions. Optional, the non-collecting portions may facilitate collection of a percentage of the conventionally unavailable sunlight for conversion to electricity. Additionally, or alternatively, the non-collecting portions may facilitate maintaining the temperature. Optionally, the solar panel may include one or more spaces behind and/or between the panel and/or components thereof to facilitate air flow, e.g., to provide cooling.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be used as siding. Optionally, the integral solar panels may be manufactured with pre-installed insulation, e.g., Styrofoam and/or rock-wool. Optionally, the integral solar panels may be used as roofing. Optionally, the integral solar panels may be used as a fence and/or a covering of a fence. Optionally, the integral solar panels may be light, thin, and/or strong.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may have a width ranging between about 52 mm to about 85 mm, and/or about 85 mm to about 125 mm, and/or about 125 mm to about 165 mm. Optionally, opposing faces of the integral solar panels (e.g., a reflecting portion and a non-reflecting portion and/or top and bottom faces of the corrugation) may have similar angles and/or lengths. Alternatively, or additionally, opposing faces of the integral solar panels may have different angles and/or lengths. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may possess a thickness ranging between about 38 mm to about 65 mm, and/or about 65 mm to about 95 mm, and/or about 95 mm to about 120 mm.

In some embodiments, the dimensions of the integral solar panels may advantageously provide a low profile of protrusion from the wall and/or roof. Optionally, due to the dimensions of integral solar panels may advantageously have less wind resistance than conventional solar panels when installed on a roof and/or a solar field, which may result in a reduced likelihood to blow away in the wind. Optionally, the integral solar panels may be installed on fishing ponds and/or body of water. Optionally, due to the reduced wind resistance (“sail”), the integral solar panels may not require a strong tie to their base and/or anchor and/or building frame, as may be the case with conventional solar panels. Optionally, due to their design, the integral solar panels may be installed using an inexpensive thin and straight base rather than an expensive high base as may be the case with conventional solar panels. Optionally, when constructed from tin and/or aluminum, the integral solar panels may facilitate the use of thinner glass e.g., due to its strength. Optionally, the integral solar panels may have lower costs of lining the solar cells with glass than conventional solar panels.

In some embodiments, integral solar panels may be constructed, at least in part, of aluminum. For example, the aluminum may have a gauge ranging between about 24 to about 26 gauge, and/or between about 20 to about 24 gauge, and/or between about 26 to about 30 gauge, and/or between about 18 to about 24 gauge, and/or between about 10 to about 18 gauge. In some embodiments, integral solar panels may be constructed, at least in part, of steel. For example, the steel may have a gauge ranging between about 22 to about 24 gauge, and/or between about 18 to about 22 gauge, and/or between about 24 to about 30 gauge, and/or between about 22 to about 16 gauge, and/or between about 16 to about 10 gauge. Optionally, the steel may be galvanized.

In some embodiments, (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4 A) solar collecting portions 402a may be placed on surfaces facing is a first direction and/or non-solar collecting portions 404a (e.g., reflective surfaces) may be located on all surfaces facing in an opposing direction. For example, solar collecting portions 402a may be placed alternating flutes and/or on crests while non-solar collecting surfaces 404a may be placed on intervening flutes and/or troughs. For example, the alternating flutes may for offset curved parallel surfaces (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4A for the case of a sinusoidal corrugation geometry). Alternatively or additionally, a lower part of the sun facing surface (e.g., the portions of the alternating flutes near the troughs) where shadowing occurs relatively frequently may include non-solar collecting and/or reflecting surfaces.

In some embodiments, solar collectors are placed on more surfaces of the panel. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the surfaces marked non-solar collecting 404a may also include solar collectors. Optionally, solar collectors on a surface that receives less light (e.g., solar collectors on what is marked in the example of FIG. 4A as non-solar collecting surfaces) are wired separately and/or in parallel to the highly irradiated surfaces (e.g., the surfaces marked in FIG. 4A as solar collecting surfaces 402a). For example, this will avoid bum out and/or loss of energy that can be caused by wiring highly irradiated collectors in parallel to less irradiated collectors).

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of an integral solar collector cormgated panel with alternatively areas of solar collecting portions 402b and non-solar collecting portions 404b. Optionally the non-collecting portions 404b are large and and/or reflecting. Optionally, the solar collecting surface 402b is smaller. For example, this may save cost because of the relatively small solar collecting portion 402b. Optionally, the solar collecting portion 402a is will get nearly direct sun (e.g., due to its and/or at a high angle) for example, when the solar collecting portion 402b is directed upward (e.g., for horizontally oriented corrugations) and/or diagonally toward a solar incidence direction. Optionally the non-solar collecting portion 404b is at a low angle, for example, this will inhibit shading of the solar collecting portion. Optionally, the non-solar collecting portion 404b is highly reflective, reflecting light that impinges on it to the solar collecting portion 402b.

In some embodiments, (e.g., for the triangular corrugations of FIG. 4B) the alternating surface (alternating flutes) of the corrugation are offset parallel surfaces and/or offset parallel lines.

In some embodiments, solar collectors are placed on more surfaces of the panel. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the surfaces marked non-solar collecting 404b may also include solar collectors. Optionally, solar collectors on a surface that receives less light (e.g., solar collectors on what is marked in the example of FIG. 4B as non-solar collecting surfaces) are wired separately and/or in parallel to the highly irradiated surfaces (e.g., the surfaces marked in FIG. 4B as solar collecting surfaces 402b). For example, this will avoid bum out and/or loss of energy that can be caused by wiring highly irradiated collectors in parallel to less irradiated collectors).

FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment of an integral solar collector cormgated panel with alternatively areas of solar collecting portions 402c and non-solar collecting portions 404c. Optionally the non-collecting portions 404c are small and and/or reflecting. Optionally, the solar collecting surface 402c is larger. For example, the relatively small non-solar collecting portion 404c reflects light to the larger solar collecting surface 402c. For example, the non- solar collecting portion 402b is directed toward a solar incidence direction [e.g., upward (e.g., for horizontally oriented corrugations) and/or diagonally toward a solar incidence direction]. Optionally the solar collecting portion 402c is at a low angle. Optionally, the non-solar collecting portion 404c is highly reflective, reflecting light that impinges on it to the solar collecting portion 402b.

In some embodiments, (e.g., for the triangular corrugations of FIG. 4C) the alternating surface (alternating flutes) of the corrugation are offset parallel surfaces and/or offset parallel lines.

FIG. 4D illustrates an embodiment of an integral solar collector corrugated panel with alternatively areas of solar collecting portions 402d and non-solar collecting portions 404d. Optionally the non-collecting portions 404d are small and and/or reflecting. Optionally, the solar collecting surface 402d is larger. Optionally, the solar collecting portions 402d are directed at an advantageous tilt angle to receive direct sunlight throughout the year. For example, the relatively small non-solar collecting portion 404d is directed in a direction that is chosen to avoid putting a shadow onto the solar collecting portion 402d. Optionally, the non- solar collecting portion 404d is reflective to reflect light to the solar collecting surface 402d.

In some embodiments, (e.g., for the triangular corrugations of FIG. 4D) the alternating surface (alternating flutes) of the corrugation are offset parallel surfaces and/or offset parallel lines.

FIG. 4E illustrates an embodiment of an integral solar collector corrugated panel with alternatively areas of solar collecting portions 402e, 405e and non-solar collecting portions 404e. Optionally the non-collecting portions 404c are small and and/or reflecting. Optionally, part of the solar collecting portion 405e that is likely to received lower intensity light than (for example an area that is likely to be shaded more than other parts e.g., a part that is close to the non-collecting portion 404e) is wired separately from a portion 402e that is likely to receive higher intensity light. For example, wiring of portion 405e may be parallel to wiring of 402e and/or there may be transformer elements between the wiring of different solar collecting portion 402e and 405e. Optionally the solar collecting portions 402e, 405e are at a low angle. Optionally, the non-solar collecting portion 404c is highly reflective, reflecting light that impinges on it to the solar collecting portion 402e, 405e. Alternatively or additionally, portions 405e may be non-solar collecting. For example, some non-solar collecting portions (e.g., in the alternative embodiment where portions 405e are non-solar collecting) are directed toward a solar incidence direction [e.g., upward (e.g., for horizontally oriented corrugations) and/or diagonally toward a solar incidence direction].

In some embodiments, (e.g., for the triangular corrugations of FIG. 4E) the alternating surface (alternating flutes) of the corrugation are offset parallel surfaces and/or offset parallel lines. Alternatively or additionally, a corrugated integrated solar panel with multiple regions non-solar collection portions may have different corrugation geometries (e.g., curved, sinusoidal, trapezoidal, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, a corrugated integrated solar panel including multiple solar collecting regions which may be wired in parallel and/or in series and/or independently and/or with circuits connected with transformers and/or DC/AC converters and/or pulse width transformers etc.. That is to say that power may be harvested separately from the different portions (e.g., solar collecting portions 402e, 405e).

FIG. 4F illustrates an embodiment of an integral solar collector corrugated panel with alternatively areas of solar collecting portions 402f, 405f and non-solar collecting portions 404f. Alternatively or additionally, portions 405f may include solar collectors and/or may be wired separately from portion 402f. Optionally the non-collecting portions 404f are small and and/or reflecting. Optionally, part of the solar collecting portion 405f that is likely to received lower intensity light than (for example an area that is likely to be shaded more than other parts e.g., a part that is close to the non-collecting portion 404f) is wired separately from a portion 402f that is likely to receive higher intensity light and/or receive light for more time. For example, wiring of different parts may be parallel and/or connected by transformers. For example, the solar collecting portions 402f and/or 405f are directed toward a solar incidence direction [e.g., upward (e.g., for horizontally oriented corrugations) and/or diagonally toward a solar incidence direction]. Optionally the solar collecting portions 402f, 405f are at a low angle. Optionally, the non-solar collecting portion 404f is highly reflective, reflecting light that impinges on it to the solar collecting portion 402f, 405f. In some embodiments, angles between surfaces may be obtuse (for example as illustrated in FIGs. 4A to 4E). Alternatively or additionally, angles between portions may be acute (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4F between portions 404f and 405f.

In some embodiments, (e.g., for the triangular corrugations of FIG. 4F) the alternating surface (alternating flutes) of the corrugation are offset parallel surfaces and/or offset parallel lines. Alternatively or additionally, a corrugated integrated solar panel with multiple regions non-solar collection portions may have different corrugation geometries (e.g., curved, sinusoidal, trapezoidal, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, a corrugated integrated solar panel including multiple solar collecting regions which may be wired in parallel and/or in series and/or independently and/or with circuits connected with transformers and/or DC/AC converters and/or pulse width transformers etc. That is to say that power may be harvested separately from the different portions (e.g., solar collecting portions 402e, 405e).

FIG. 4G illustrates an embodiment of an integral solar collector corrugated panel with alternatively areas of solar collecting portions 402gand non-solar collecting portions 404g and 405g. Optionally the non-collecting portions 404g, 405g are reflecting. For example, the solar collecting portions 402f and/or non-solar collecting portions 405f are directed toward a solar incidence direction [e.g., upward (e.g., for horizontally oriented corrugations) and/or diagonally toward a solar incidence direction]. Optionally, the non-solar collecting portions 404g reflects light back to solar collecting portion 402g. In some embodiments, light 407 impinging on non-solar reflecting portion 405g is reflected 408 to non-solar collecting portion 404g and reflected back 409 to solar collecting portion. In some embodiments, angles between surfaces may be obtuse (for example as illustrated in FIGs. 4A to 4E). Alternatively or additionally, angles between portions may be acute (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4F between portions 404g and 405g.

In some embodiments, (e.g., for the triangular corrugations of FIG. 4G) the alternating surface (alternating flutes) of the corrugation are offset parallel surfaces and/or offset parallel lines. Alternatively or additionally, a corrugated integrated solar panel with multiple regions non-solar collection portions may have different corrugation geometries (e.g., curved, sinusoidal, trapezoidal, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, a corrugated integrated solar panel including multiple solar collecting regions which may be wired in parallel and/or in series and/or independently and/or with circuits connected with transformers and/or DC/AC converters and/or pulse width transformers etc. may have different corrugation geometries (e.g., curved, sinusoidal, trapezoidal, etc.).

Figs. 5A-B are schematic illustrations of exemplary integral solar arrays in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. For example, a prefabricated panel 502 and/or siding may be constructed from an array of integral solar panels 504. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels 504 may be part of a prefabricated panel 502. Optionally, the integral solar panels may include spacers 506. Optionally, the spacers 506 may be non-collecting. Optionally, the spacers 506 may be reflective. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels 504 may be aligned parallel to each other. According to some embodiments, the solar panels may be aligned vertically, horizontally and/or at an angle to the ground.

Figs. 6A-B are schematic illustration showing an exemplary use of integral solar panels in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. For example, the integral solar panels may collect high intensity and/or low intensity solar radiation. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels 602 may include primary solar cells 604 and/or secondary solar cells 606. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may include primary solar panels 604 to collect high intensity and/or secondary solar panels 606 to collect low intensity solar radiation.

According to some embodiments, the primary solar cells and/or secondary solar cells may be arranged in any configuration relative to one another, e.g., alternating panels. According to some embodiments, the number of primary and secondary solar cells may have a ratio in the range 10: 1 to 1 :10.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be incorporated into solar arrays. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels and/or solar array may be positioned at an optimal angle to receive direct and/or indirect sunlight at many hours of the day and one or more seasons of the year, and/or from other directions (e.g., reflected from objects, reflected from non-collecting portions of the solar panel, refracted in the atmosphere, etc.). According to some embodiments, integral solar panels may be designed to collect different types of solar radiation. According to some embodiments, integral solar panels designed to collect different types of solar radiation (e.g., high intensity solar radiation, low intensity solar radiation, direct solar radiation, indirect solar radiation, diffuse solar radiation, thermal radiation, ultraviolet radiation, etc.) may be configured to be positioned at different locations on a building.

According to some embodiments, integral solar panels may be designed to collect different types of solar radiation (e.g., high intensity solar radiation, low intensity solar radiation, direct solar radiation, indirect solar radiation, diffuse solar radiation, thermal radiation, ultraviolet radiation, etc.) may be connected separately and/or individually to different power converters. According to some embodiments, integral solar panels which face in a particular direction may be connected to one set of power converters, while integral solar panels facing a different direction may be connected to a different set of power converters. According to some embodiments, various integral solar panels may be connected to each other and/or various power converters thereby to reduce and/or prevent degradation of performance and/or damage to solar collectors. For example, power may be harvested independently from different solar cells 604, 606.

Figs. 7A-B are exemplary photographs of a use of integral solar panels in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. For example, integral solar panels 702 may be used in conjunction with one or more conventional solar panels 704 and/or thin film solar panels. According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be used as siding. According to some embodiments, the thickness of the integral solar panels may be in the range between about 0.001 mm to about 200 mm. According to some embodiments, the solar panels may not be of uniform thickness.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be added to and/or used in many possible applications on walls and roofs of warehouses as well as acoustic walls, fences, rafts, ships, trailers, food trucks, shed, houses, warehouses, skyscrapers, decorative elements, etc. Optionally, the integral solar panels may be used as siding and/or in prefabricated siding panels, such as a wall, roof, etc. and/or may be attached to a movable element, e.g., an awning, garage door, retractable roof, external louvres, blinds, etc. on walls and roofs of warehouses as well as acoustic walls, fences, etc.

Fig. 8 is an image of an integral solar panel with non-collecting areas in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. For example, integral solar panel may include collecting solar cells 806 on surfaces oriented in one direction and/or not have solar cells on non-collecting portions 808 of the panel oriented in another direction, e.g., towards various angles of incoming solar radiation 804 from the sun 802. Alternatively, or additionally, the non-collecting 808 areas may include secondary solar cells. Optionally, the collecting solar cells 806 oriented in one direction may be wired separately from cells oriented in another direction. Alternatively, or additionally, a power converter (for example a pulse width modulation power converter and/or a transformer etc.) may connect cells in different areas, e.g., facilitating separate control and/or differing currents from different areas. Optionally, a solar panel may include a quick connector 810 facilitating simple interconnection between panels and/or between a panel and an electrical grid and/or between a panel and an electrical appliance.

Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of use of integral solar panels in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. For example, a building in the Northern hemisphere may include integral roof panel 902 with solar cells on surfaces facing South and a non-collecting region of cells facing North (and/or the opposite for a building in the Southern hemisphere and/or for a building near the equator, solar cells may face both North and South).

For example, a building in the Northern hemisphere may include integral Western side panel 904 with solar cells on surfaces facing South and upward and a non-collecting region of cells facing North and downward (and/or the opposite for a building in the Southern hemisphere). Optionally, the panels configured for mounting and/or mounted at an angle e.g., vertically,

T1 horizontally or at an angle slanted between the vertical and horizontal, such as, between about 10 to about 30 degrees to the horizontal, and/or between about 30 to about 60 degrees to the horizontal, and/or between about 60 to about 80 degrees to the horizontal. For example, slanted corrugation may be made with panels having corrugation orthogonal to the edges of the panel, and/or the panel is mounted slanted. Alternatively, or additionally, the corrugation may be at a slant to the edges of the panel and/or the panel may be mounted with its edges orthogonal to the edges of the building.

For example, a building in the Northern hemisphere may include integral Southern side panel 906 with solar cells on surfaces facing upward and a non-collecting region of cells facing downward (and/or on the Northern wall for a building in the Southern hemisphere).

Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of use of integral solar panels in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. For example, a building may include integral roof panel 1002 with corrugation running East-West and solar cells on surfaces facing East and Surfaces facing West. Optionally, in the morning the East facing cells may be primary and the West facing secondary and/or in the evening the East facing cells may be secondary and the West facing primary. Optionally, the East and West facing surface may be wired separately e.g., to facilitate separate control and/or current through the primary and secondary cells. Optionally, a slanted roof depending on the angle and direction of the slant above configurations may apply. Alternatively, or additionally, flat sided panels may be used.

For example, a building in the Northern hemisphere may include orthogonally (up- down or horizontal) directed integral solar panels on a side wall 1006 (e.g., Western side). Optionally, solar cells are mounted on surfaces facing South or upward and/or non-collecting region of cells facing North or downward (and/or the opposite for a building in the Southern hemisphere). Optionally, the various surfaces and/or areas of the integral solar panel may be wired separately e.g., to facilitate separate control and/or current through the primary and secondary cells.

For example, a building in the Northern hemisphere may include integral Southern side panel 1004 with solar cells on surfaces facing upward and a non-collecting region of cells facing downward (and/or on the Northern wall for a building in the Southern hemisphere). Optionally, the various surfaces and/or areas of the integral solar panel may be wired separately e.g., to facilitate separate control and/or current through the primary and secondary cells. Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an integral solar panel in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. For example, the integral solar panel 1100 may include a plurality of solar panels 1104 integrated into a prefabricated construction panel 1102 (e.g., siding, roofing panel, window, wall, roof, pillar, stairs, lintel, etc.), and may generate solar power which may be transferred to a converter and/or electricity grid through connecting wires 1106.

Fig. 12 is a flow chart illustrating use of an integral solar panel in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. For example, in method 1200 integral solar panels are integrated 1202 into prefabricated building components, the prefabricated building components are used 1204 in construction of a structure to provide structural components 1206 which may be load bearing or non-loaf bearing, as well as providing 1208 solar energy with high efficiency.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. For example, in system 1300, the prefabricated integral solar panel 1302 may be attached to a wall and/or a building frame 1304 via screws and brackets 1312. Optionally, the integral solar panel may be attached to an energy-management system 1316 via an electric cable 1308. The integrated solar panel may include a corrugated aluminum panel 1306 including solar collecting portions 1310 and non-collecting portions 1314. Optionally, the non-collecting portions 1314 may be reflective, e.g., to reflect the sunlight onto the facing solar panel, as described above.

In some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be used for example, for roofing, siding walls fences, sheds, greenhouses, carports, storage buildings, commercial buildings, temporary structures, animal pens and/or industrial buildings.

In some embodiments, a frame may be built. Optionally, the frame may be constructed at least in part of wood, metal, plastics, etc. Optionally, the size and type of framing may depend on the size and weight of the building, and/or the size and weight of the prefabricated solar panel, and/or the electricity requirements. Optionally, the frame and/or the integral solar panels may be load bearing and/or non-load bearing.

In some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be attached to the frame. For example, the corrugated aluminum panels may be attached to the frame using screws, brackets, and/or rivets. In some embodiments, the integral solar panels may include one or more backing layers, coating layers and/or filling layers. Optionally, the panel may include an insulating backing layer/s. Optionally, the backing may provide sound proofing, thermal insulation, rigidity, and/or durability. Optionally, the backing and/or filling layers may include Styrofoam, fiberglass, paper, plastic, foam, metal etc.

According to some embodiments, the integral solar panels may be installed like simple corrugated panels for simple and/or cheap construction. For example, the integral solar panels of embodiments of the current invention may be used in the construction of cheap temporary buildings with their own source of power and/or cheap storage buildings with their own power (for example, for alarm systems and/or lighting and/or remote-controlled sensors and/or actuators).

Fig. 14 is a flow chart of a method of the operation of the system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. For example, in method 1400, the integral solar panels may be positioned 1402 in situ, e.g., on walls, roofs, poles, electricity poles, light poles, fish ponds, and/or water, etc. Integral solar panels may be placed in desired locations. The integral solar panels may then be affixed 1404 with screws and brackets. The integral solar panels may be constructed as a single plate (not from other parts) in order that the installation may be performed directly via screws into a wall and/or a frame of a building and/or into a stud. Due to simplicity of installation, the current invention may save installation costs. The integral solar panels may be positioned on a building’s sun-facing face (e.g., in the Northern hemisphere on a Southern face alternatively, in the southern hemisphere: the North-face). The integral solar panels may be adjusted to suit local conditions 1406. For example, the angle of the solar collecting portions of the integral solar panels 1410 may be adapted to the wall in each country according to its angle of solar zenith. Additionally, or alternatively, the size depth and angle (e.g., flute height and pitch) of the corrugation may be adapted so that the solar panels (e.g., on the upward-side facing) of the wall should not be shaded by the opposite side of the corrugation at expected sun zenith. The integral solar panels may be connected 1408 via an electric cord to the preferred energy-management system. The sunlight received by the solar panels, which may include a percentage of light which is reflected off the non-collecting portions, may be converted into electricity. The solar collecting portions may convert solar energy into electricity and/or heat 1412, which may be transmitted 1414 to an energy-management system, e.g., for storing the electricity and/or diverting it for use in the building and/or converting it to heat, and/or for selling to an electricity grid, etc.

General It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant building technologies, artificial intelligence methodologies, computer user interfaces, image capture devices will be developed and the scope of the terms for design elements, analysis routines, user devices is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

As used herein, the terms "solar" and "sun" are used interchangeably.

As used herein, the terms "solar radiation" and "sunlight" are used interchangeably.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ± 10%

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term “consisting of’ means “including and limited to”.

The term "consisting essentially of' means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A building panel comprising: a corrugated metal base having a plurality of crests and troughs; a first plurality of solar collectors on alternating flutes of the base.

2. The building panel of claim 1, wherein alternating flutes are offset parallel surfaces.

3. The building panel of claim 1, wherein said metal is at least one of aluminum and steel.

4. The building panel of claim 1, wherein intervening flutes intervening between said alternating flutes are colored with a light color.

5. The building panel of claim 4, wherein said alternating flutes are facing at least partially upward and said intervening flutes are facing at least partially downward and wherein said intervening flutes are directed at a steep angle.

6. The building panel of claim 4, wherein said alternating flutes are facing at least partially sunward and said intervening flutes are facing at least partially away from a sunward direction and wherein said intervening flutes are directed at a shallow angle to said sunward direction.

7. The building panel of claim 4, wherein said light color is white.

8. The building panel of claim 1, wherein said building includes a second plurality of solar collectors and separate wiring for said first plurality of solar collectors and said second plurality of solar collectors, said separate wiring configured for harvesting electrical energy from said first plurality of solar collectors independently of harvesting energy from said second plurality of solar collectors.

9. The building panel of claim 8, wherein the second plurality of solar collectors is located on flutes intervening between said alternating flutes.

10. An integral solar panel comprising: solar energy collecting portions; and non-collecting portions, wherein the non-collecting portions are reflective; and wherein the collecting portions and non-collecting portions are adjacent to one another.

11. The integral solar panel according to claim 10, wherein the non-collecting portions are configured to reflect solar radiation onto the collecting portions.

12. The integral solar panel according to claim 10, wherein the non-collecting portions are configured to concentrate solar radiation onto the collecting portions.

13. The integral solar panel according to claim 10, wherein the integral solar panel is configured to be load bearing.

14. The integral solar panel according to claim 10, wherein the integral solar panel is configured to be non-load bearing.

15. The integral solar panel according to claim 10, wherein an angle of the collecting portions relative to the non-collecting portions is adjustable.

16. The integral solar panel according to claim 10, wherein an angle of the collecting portions relative to the non-collecting portions is determined according to an azimuth of the sun.

17. The integral solar panel according to claim 10, further comprising connection to an energy management system.

18. The integral solar panel according to claim 10, wherein the integral solar panel is corrugated.

19. The integral solar panel according to claim 10, wherein the integral solar panel is prefabricated.

20. The integral solar panel according to claim 10, wherein the integrated panel is light weight.

21. A method for using integral solar panels, the method comprising: positioning the integral solar panels on a frame or surface, wherein the integral solar panels comprises: solar energy collecting portions; and non-collecting portions, wherein the non-collecting portions are reflective; and wherein the collecting portions and non-collecting portions are adjacent to one another; affixing the integral solar panels to the frame or surface; adjusting an angle of the integral solar panels whereby the non-collecting portions are configured to reflect and/or concentrate solar radiation onto the collecting portions; converting solar radiation into electricity and/or heat; and transmitting the electricity and/or heat to an energy -management system connected to the integral solar panels.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising adjusting the angle of the integral solar panels to suit local conditions.

23. The method according to claim 21, further comprising adjusting the angle of the collecting portions to the non-collecting portions to suit local conditions.

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein the solar radiation is high intensity solar radiation, low intensity solar radiation, direct solar radiation, indirect solar radiation, diffuse solar radiation, thermal radiation, ultraviolet radiation, and any combination thereof.

25. The method according to claim 21, wherein the frame or surface is vertical, horizontal or at an angle slanted between the vertical and horizontal.

26. The method according to claim 21, further comprising constructing at least in part a structure using the integral solar panels.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the integral solar panels are simple to install.