Abstract: Photovoltaic module assemblies are mounted onto a solar tracker array torque tube via photovoltaic module brackets. The photovoltaic module brackets provide for stacking photovoltaic module assemblies in a nested configuration. The photovoltaic module assemblies are pre-assembled off-site, at a location different than the photovoltaic array installation site, and the nested configuration allows for efficient transportation of pre-assembled photovoltaic module assemblies to the installation site.

Abstract: A targeted-annealing system can automatically cure a conductive paste that may bind cascaded strips of a string together without damaging the strips. The targeted-annealing system can process strings of cascaded strips on a supporting surface, and can anneal conductive paste between overlapping strips by blowing heated air on the overlapping sections of the strips. An air nozzle shaped to target the overlapping sections may provide the heated air. The supporting surface may include a porous material that allows a vacuum to pull on the cascaded strips from below the surface during the annealing process.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving power measurement data for a photovoltaic (PV)-based energy generation (EG) sites, determining if cloud cover is present over the EG site based on a difference between a present and historical power output for the EG site, calculating a density of the cloud cover over the EG site based on the present and historical power outputs, and controlling load characteristics of the EG site based on the determined presence and calculated density of the cloud cover. The density of the cloud cover is based on a percentage difference in power output between the present power output and the historical power output. A vector for the cloud cover can be determined based on movement of a detected storm system with a boundary defined by a location of a plurality of EG sites, or by a movement of the cloud density from one EG site to the next.

Abstract: Devices and methods for transferring solar cells while maintaining a controlled environment are provided. Such devices include a solar cell carrying cassette adapted to support a stack of solar cells within a solar cell carrying pod that maintains a sealed micro-environment of inert gas and allows for automated transfer of solar cells between the pod and a fabrication line. The solar cell carrying cassette includes a pair of end plates and a plurality of rods extending therebetween that are configured to support a stack of solar cells. An identifier, such as an RFID chip, is included in each of the pair of end plates so as to allow for ready identification of the cassette from a single location relative the pod, while the cassette is coupled within the pod, regardless of the orientation of the cassette within the pod.

Abstract: We describe a photovoltaic power conditioning unit for delivering power from multiple photovoltaic panels to an ac mains power supply output, comprising: a dc input for receiving power from multiple photovoltaic panels; an ac output for delivering ac power to the ac supply; a bank of electrolytic energy storage capacitors for storing energy from the dc source for delivery to the ac supply; a dc-to-ac converter coupled to the ac output and having an input coupled to the bank for converting energy stored in the bank to ac power for the ac supply; and further comprising: a plurality of sense and control circuits, one for each capacitor in the bank, wherein each circuit is coupled in series with a capacitor, and is configured to disconnect the associated capacitor from the bank upon detection of a current flow through the associated capacitor of greater than a threshold current value.

Abstract: Assemblies and couplings for mounting PV modules are provided. An assembly is provided to avoid conflicts between linkages used to adjoin adjacent PV modules and leveling feet used to mount the PV modules to supporting structure. Specifically, an interlock support coupling is provided that may include a shaft with a locking portion disposed at the end that interfaces with an interlock bracket used to couple adjacent PV modules and a housing with an opening for receiving a connection with a supporting foot. An interlock bracket may be provided with a slot for receiving an interlock support coupling.

Abstract: A solar-tracking photovoltaic array is described. The photovoltaic array includes mounting hardware configured to rotate photovoltaic modules associated with the photovoltaic array about one or more axes. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic modules can be coupled to a torque tube oriented in a substantially North-South direction. An orientation motor can then periodically rotate the torque tube in a manner that causes the photovoltaic modules to be oriented towards the sun. The orientation motor can also be utilized to apply short pulses to the torque tube that dampen oscillations caused by wind buffeting the photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: A solar-tracking photovoltaic array is described. The photovoltaic array includes mounting hardware configured to rotate photovoltaic modules associated with the photovoltaic array about one or more axes. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic modules can be coupled to a torque tube oriented in a substantially North-South direction. An orientation motor can then rotate one end of the torque tube in a manner that causes the photovoltaic modules to track the sun. The photovoltaic array can also include a locking mechanism that secures another end of the torque tube during times in which the orientation motor is not rotating the torque tube.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose an energy generation system including a photovoltaic (PV) array having a plurality of PV modules for generating direct current (DC) power, a plurality of Opti-battery packs coupled to the PV array, where each Opti-battery pack is coupled to a respective PV module and configured to receive DC power from the respective PV module, and an inverter configured to receive DC power from the plurality of Opti-battery packs and to convert the DC power to alternating current (AC) power.

Abstract: A vent cap assembly for use with a drain waste vent pipe under roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels is provided. Such vent cap assemblies are adapted to fit over a cut-down roof vent pipe to maintain airflow from the vent pipe and prevent debris from entering the pipe. Vent cap assemblies can include a cap portion and a mounting bracket, the cap portion having an inner cavity accessed through an opening in an underside of the cap and the mounting bracket having one or more inwardly extending elongate members for engaging an outer surface of the vent pipe to secure the cap assembly to the pipe. The mounting bracket can include multiple inwardly extending tabs distributed about the bracket that laterally deflect and securely engage the vent pipe when the cap assembly is pressed onto the pipe.

Abstract: A two piece electroplating frame or electroplating frame is disclosed that is suitable for holding multiple solar cells during an electroplating operation. The electroplating frame can be formed from or at least covered with non-conductive material to reduce the collection of plating material on the electroplating frame. The two pieces of the electroplating frame can be coupled together around the solar cells by magnets distributed throughout the electroplating frame. The electroplating frame can include alignment features for self-aligning the assembly of the two pieces without requiring precise pre-alignment.

Abstract: A power control system includes a first inverter power control system and a second inverter power control system coupled in a parallel configuration with the first inverter power control system. Both first and second inverter power control systems may each include an input configured to receive direct current (DC) power; a DC to alternating current (AC) inverter stage configured to receive the DC power input; an anti-islanding relay coupled to the output of the DC/AC inverter stage; and a transition relay coupled to the anti-islanding relay. The transition relay may be configured to route an output of the inverter power control system between one or more onsite back-up loads and an AC grid. The first inverter power control system may be designated as a master that is configured to control the operation of the second inverter power control system designated as a slave.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an optimum number of PV modules and predicting energy generation for a solar photovoltaic (PV) system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving an address and zip code of a proposed installation site, and displaying an image of the proposed installation site. The method includes receiving an input identifying a mounting plane on the image, displaying the mounting plane, determining an optimum number of PV modules that would fit within the mounting plane, and displaying the optimum number of PV modules on the mounting plane. The method includes sending a request for roof pitch data for neighboring sites within the zip code, receiving the roof pitch data, determining an average roof pitch based on the roof pitch data, and predicting PV generation based on the number of PV modules in the mounting plane and the average roof pitch.

Abstract: A photovoltaic mounting system having an elongated connector base. The elongated connector base can included photovoltaic module connector portion for supporting a pair of elevated photovoltaic modules above the base. The base may include a captive screw system for holding a pair of mounting screws in place prior to installation and functioning as a screw guide during installation. An assistance clamp fits over the elongated base under the photovoltaic module connector portion to secure the elongated connector base to relatively narrow portion of a roof to provide lateral stability to the elongated connector base.

Abstract: A system for energy conversion with electric vehicle (EV) charging capability includes a hybrid inverter comprising a DC/DC converter stage for receiving power from a photovoltaic array, a capacitor bank, and a DC-AC inverter coupled to the capacitor bank. The DC-AC inverter includes a battery pack connection for supplying energy to or receiving energy from a battery pack, an AC grid connection for supplying power to or receiving power from an AC grid, a connection for supplying power to a load, and an EV connection for supplying power to or receiving power from an EV battery. The system also includes a controller for generating control signals to control the flow of power within the hybrid inverter, which converts power received from at least one of the photovoltaic array and the battery pack and provides the converted power to charge the EV battery via the EV connection.

Abstract: Techniques for provisioning energy generation and/or storage systems. In one embodiment, a method is provided that can comprise automatically determining, by a site gateway, information pertaining to one or more components of an energy storage system, where the site gateway and the one or more components are located at a customer site. The method can further comprise configuring, by the site gateway, the energy storage system based on the automatically determined information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling an interconnection device may be provided. Sockets of the interconnection device may be configured to electrically couple to respective energy-generation modules. In some examples, the interconnection device may include a connector, memory, and a processor configured to execute instructions for managing the electrical configuration of the sockets.

Abstract: An energy generation system includes a plurality of energy generation devices for generating DC power, a plurality of energy storage devices for storing the generated DC power and discharging stored DC power, a plurality of single-phase inverters coupled to respective energy generation devices and energy storage devices. Each single-phase inverter of the plurality of single-phase inverters is configured to convert generated DC power or stored DC power to AC power so that the converted AC power of each single-phase inverter is offset by a phase from one another.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at a site are disclosed. A disclosed method includes obtaining or calculating a net load at the site and obtaining a temperature of the site during a time period. The method further includes comparing the net load to a threshold load value and comparing the temperature to a lower threshold temperature or an upper threshold temperature. The method also includes determining one or more operation parameter values for the HVAC system based at least in part on the comparison of the net load to the threshold load value and the comparison of the temperature to the lower threshold temperature or the upper threshold temperature, and setting the HVAC system based on the one or more operation parameter values.