20120167492 | Solar Panel Modules Having Structural Properties - A load-bearing solar panel module is integrated into a building roofing structure. The solar panel is comprised of a structural encasement that includes two lateral structural rails, and at least three perpendicular intersecting cross beams disposed there between. The structural encasement of the module exhibits load-bearing properties when integrated into a roofing structure of a residential or commercial building which approximate those of a traditional roofing structure. The solar panel module further includes at least one of a plurality of solar photovoltaic cells and a plurality of thermal vacuum tubes disposed within the structural encasement, and between an outer glass plate and an inner insulation assembly. | 07-05-2012 |