Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of evaluating performance of a photovoltaic array that includes a plurality of photovoltaic elements. The function of each of the photovoltaic elements is to convert solar energy to electricity. The method includes diagnosing independently the functioning of individual photovoltaic elements, and identifying under-performing individual photovoltaic elements within the photovoltaic array. The diagnosing includes a separate diagnostic circuit for each of the individual photovoltaic elements, and the identifying includes analyzing contemporary and historical measurements of the individual photovoltaic elements.

Abstract: A system and method of electrically connecting direct current components of photovoltaic system that is mounted on a structure, which includes an alternating current electrical system. The direct current components of the photovoltaic system include a photovoltaic module that has a frame, a photovoltaic module positive node, and a photovoltaic module negative node. The method includes coupling a plug connector to the photovoltaic module, which includes electrically coupling a first wire to the photovoltaic module positive node, electrically coupling a second wire to the photovoltaic module negative node, and electrically coupling a ground wire to the frame of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of mounting a photovoltaic module on a structure. The system includes a first element that is mounted on a structure and a first clamp that engages the first element and that secures the photovoltaic module with respect to the structure. The first clamp includes a body that is adapted to be positioned with respect to the photovoltaic module, and a jaw that pivots about a pivot axis between first and second configurations relative to the body. The first configuration permits non-coaxial displacement with respect to the pivot axis by the first clamp relative to the first element, and the second configuration generally prevents non-coaxial displacement with respect to the pivot axis by the first clamp relative to the first element. The jaw includes a handling end that is operated from above the photovoltaic module, and an operating end that cooperates with the first element.

Abstract: The invention relates to techniques for manufacturing columnar-grained polycrystalline sheets which have particular utility as substrates or wafers for solar cells. The sheet is made by applying granular silicon to a setter material which supports the granular material. The setter material and granular silicon are subjected to a thermal profile all of which promote columnar growth by melting the silicon from the top downwardly. The thermal profile sequentially creates a melt region at the top of the granular silicon and then a growth region where both liquid and a growing polycrystalline sheet layer coexist. An annealing region is created where the temperature of the grown polycrystalline silicon sheet layer is controllably reduced to effect stress relief.