NOVELTY - A tensile structure (100) comprises vertical supports (125) arranged to surround an area, where one of the vertical supports is taller than all others of the vertical supports; securing members connected between the vertical supports and ground; a membrane (120) attached to and extending between the vertical supports to form a roof (115) of the tensile structure, such that one corner of the membrane is raised with respect to the other corners; and flexible photovoltaic devices integrated with the membrane. The flexible photovoltaic devices comprise photovoltaic modules (110).    USE - A tensile structure for providing shade, for providing protection from precipitation, and for managing heat and condensation.    ADVANTAGE - Uniform techniques for packing, shipping and unpacking of the tensile structures also simplifies construction. In addition, the modular nature of the design allows for the tensile structure to be mass-produced indoors using readily available manufacturing equipment and techniques and skilled manpowers, which results in various efficiencies and cost savings and increased quality. The indoor manufacturing resources are available in large scale, which further helps to reduce costs, reduce manufacturing time, and increase quality. Further, in contrast to the construction of conventional structures, the indoor construction of the tensile structures is largely unaffected by weather, allows for 24 hour/day manufacturing, and increases the opportunity for quality control through repetition and inspection. The relatively small size of the tensile structures allows for efficient use of sites with irregular-shaped boundaries or with interior obstructions, e.g. trees, air conditioning equipment and stairwells. The use of the tensile structures thus allows for easy scalability of the tensile structures to provide shelter and power generation in response to varying requirements.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a method of constructing the tensile structure.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing is a perspective view of the tensile structure.    Tensile structure (100)    Photovoltaic modules (110)    Roof (115)    Membrane (120)    Vertical supports (125, 135)    Securing members (140)