Abstract: A method for inspection for a photovoltaic module or cell is disclosed. The method includes acquiring one or more polarimetric images of the photovoltaic module or cell using a camera which may include a polarization sensor, analyzing the one or more polarimetric images, and identifying a presence of a defect in the photovoltaic module or cell. A device for inspection for a photovoltaic module or cell is also disclosed, wherein the device includes a camera having a polarimetric sensor and is configured to be positioned at one or more locations relative to a location of the photovoltaic module or cell.

Abstract: A system for evaluation of soiling of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules may comprise a first pair of solar PV modules exposed to the elements, a second pair of solar PV modules enclosed within a protective housing having a glass cover; a component coupling the glass cover to the protective housing. The component may be configured to displace the glass cover for a limited period of time to temporarily expose the second pair of solar PV modules to the atmospheric elements.

Abstract: A system for evaluation of soiling of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules may comprise a first pair of solar PV modules exposed to the elements, a second pair of solar PV modules enclosed within a protective housing having a glass cover; a component coupling the glass cover to the protective housing. The component may be configured to displace the glass cover for a limited period of time to temporarily expose the second pair of solar PV modules to the atmospheric elements.

Abstract: Method for controlling a potential-induced degradation (PID) of a PV module. Embodiment includes modifying surface conductivity of the glass-cover of the PV module at least in proximity to an edge of the supporting frame to interrupt an electrically conductive path formed, between the supporting frame and the PV cell through the glass-cover, by ambient conditions. In a related embodiment, the electrically-insulating material is disposed between the glass-cover and the PV cell and. optionally, is additionally embedded in an encapsulating material in which the PV cell is embedded. Related embodiment includes assembling a PV module with a layer of electrically-insulating material configured to prevent the formation of such conductive path.

Abstract: Uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to fuel-cell-based UPSs used in conjunction with DC power supplies for improved operating efficiencies. With a wide voltage DC power supply, a DC-AC inverter may be omitted from the UPS and power from a back up power source, such as a battery or a fuel cell, may be applied directly to the DC power supply without performing two power conversions. The end result is a more efficient system capable of longer operating time.

Abstract: Uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to fuel-cell-based UPSs used in conjunction with DC power supplies for improved operating efficiencies. With a wide voltage DC power supply, a DC-AC inverter may be omitted from the UPS and power from a back up power source, such as a battery or a fuel cell, may be applied directly to the DC power supply without performing two power conversions. The end result is a more efficient system capable of longer operating time.