NOVELTY - A photovoltaic element (100) comprises a top face (102) and several lateral sides (104, 105, 106, 107); at least one photovoltaic cell (112) defining a photovoltaic region on the top face, where the photovoltaic region extends to at least one of the lateral side; and at least one selvage edge (120, 122) disposed along one of the lateral sides to which the photovoltaic region does not extend. The selvage edges are thinner than the photovoltaic element in the photovoltaic region.    USE - As a photovoltaic element used in a photovoltaic system for installing onto a roof deck (Claimed) for photovoltaic electrical power generation. The roof includes a flexible roofing substrate e.g. asphalt shingle, bituminous shingle or a plastic shingle utilized with many different building structures, including residential, commercial and industrial building structures.    ADVANTAGE - The selvage edges provide a place for mechanical attachment, which is especially useful on highly sloped surfaces or non-walkable surfaces upon which slippage due to heat and gravity can be an issue. They can also be used to provide environmental protection to the underlying surface, so that other structures (e.g., shingles) are not necessary. As the selvage edges are thinner than the photovoltaic element in the photovoltaic region, the selvage edges can more easily fit underneath adjacent photovoltaic elements. The photovoltaic regions of adjacent photovoltaic elements form contiguous regions when installed, which allows efficient coverage of a surface (e.g., a roof surface) with photovoltaic power generating capability.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following    (1) a photovoltaic system comprising several photovoltaic elements, arrayed on a surface, where at least one of the selvage edge is covered by edge of an adjacent photovoltaic element;    (2) a roof comprising a roof deck and the above photovoltaic system disposed on the roof deck;    (3) a method for installing a photovoltaic system, involving disposing the photovoltaic elements on a surface; and    (4) a kit for the installation of a photovoltaic system, comprising several photovoltaic elements.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figures show schematic top and cross-sectional views of a photovoltaic element.    Photovoltaic element (100)    Top face (102)    Lateral sides (104, 105, 106, 107)    Photovoltaic cells (112)    Selvage edges (120, 122)