Page 71 - Solar Power in Building Design The Engineer's Complete Design Resource

FILM TECHNOLOGIES 41

Figure 2.21 Roof-integrated MegaSlate photovoltaic system. Photo courtesy
of Atlantis Energy Systems.

integrated in the construction of chimneys and skylights and for architectural effect
whenever necessary. Dummy MegaSlate elements can be deployed to enhance the
architectural aesthetic requirements. Figure 2.21 depicts a Roof-integrated MegaSlate
photovoltaic installation by Atlantis Energy systems.

Photovoltaic Support Structure The system-specific support structure consists
of channel profiles that are mounted onto the roof substructure. These channels are
fitted with specially designed rubber elements mounted on the sides that serve to sup-
port MegaSlate elements and also allow for rainwater drainage. Each MegaSlate
element is secured within brackets specially coated to withstand long-term environ-
mental exposures.
Field Cabling The MegaSlate PV modules deploy male-female plug-in connectors
that interconnect strings of arrays in a daisy-chain fashion which eventually terminate
in a combiner box and finally connect to an inverter.

Installation In contrast to standard roof tiling, MegaSlate elements are preferably
laid from top to bottom. Before being secured into the brackets, they are connected
with touch-safe electrical connectors. An appropriate functioning check is required
before operating the system.