Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining boundary offsets in a photovoltaic (PV) system based on shadow simulations is implemented by a design automation computer system in communication with a memory. The method includes identifying a set of obstructions wherein the set of obstructions includes a set of obstruction elevations and a set of obstruction offsets, simulating a set of shadow effects using a first coarse shadow algorithm based on the set of obstructions, refining the set of shadow effects using a second fine shadow algorithm based on the set of obstructions and the set of shadow effects, and defining a plurality of boundary of boundary offsets based on the refined set of shadow effects.

Abstract: A solar assembly (200) includes a solar module (100) including a solar laminate (102) mounted within a frame (104) that circumscribes the solar laminate. The solar assembly also includes a mount (202) supporting the solar module including a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first end is attached to the solar module. The solar assembly further includes a structural adhesive compound (210) and a mounting surface (230). The structural adhesive compound is positioned between the mount second end and the mounting surface to facilitate bonding the mount to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A solar power system may comprise a back sheet that comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the cell tiles of the back sheet. Each solar cell is individually addressable through the use of the interconnect circuit. Moreover, the interconnect circuit of the back sheet is programmable and allows for dynamic interconnect routing between solar cells.

Abstract: A solar power system may comprise a back sheet that comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the cell tiles of the back sheet. Each solar cell is individually addressable through the use of the interconnect circuit. Moreover, the interconnect circuit of the back sheet is programmable and allows for dynamic interconnect routing between solar cells.

Abstract: Clamping assemblies for securing a solar module to a structure include a base, a bracket, and a fastener. The base may be attached to a multi-planar roof of the structure. The base and the bracket together define a mounting region for receiving a portion of the solar module. The fastener connects the base and the clamp and can selectively apply a clamping force to the portion of the solar module.

Abstract: A system for mounting solar modules to a structure includes a first solar module, a rod, and a mount. The solar module includes a photovoltaic laminate and a frame circumscribing the photovoltaic laminate. The rod is connected with the frame. The mount is configured to couple at least the first solar module to a support structure. The mount defines an interior to receive the rod and an opening to the interior configured to permit the rod to pass through the opening. The mount includes a link selectively movable between an open position that permits access to the interior through the opening and a closed position that substantially covers the opening.

Abstract: A solar power system may comprise a back sheet that comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the cell tiles of the hack sheet. Each solar cell is individually addressable through the use of the interconnect circuit. Moreover, the interconnect circuit of the back sheet is programmable and allows for dynamic interconnect routing between solar cells.

Abstract: A method for designing a photovoltaic (PV) system is implemented by a design automation computer system. The method includes receiving a set of site data, receiving a system type selection, receiving a plurality of system component selections, receiving a plurality of PV layout preferences, determining a PV module layout by iteratively applying a first layout algorithm to the set of site data and the plurality of PV layout preferences, the PV module layout defining a placement of a plurality of PV modules of a PV system, determining a structural layout, an electrical design, and an electrical layout based on the PV module layout, determining a bill of materials based on the PV module layout, the structural layout, and the electrical layout, and designing the PV system using the structural layout, the electrical design, the electrical layout, the PV module layout, and the bill of materials.

Abstract: A solar power system may comprise a back sheet that comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the cell tiles of the back sheet. Each solar cell is individually addressable through the use of the interconnect circuit. Moreover, the interconnect circuit of the back sheet is programmable and allows for dynamic interconnect routing between solar cells.

Abstract: A method for designing a photovoltaic (PV) system is implemented by a design automation computer system. The method includes receiving a set of site data, receiving a system type selection, receiving a plurality of system component selections, receiving a plurality of PV layout preferences, determining a PV module layout by iteratively applying a first layout algorithm to the set of site data and the plurality of PV layout preferences, the PV module layout defining a placement of a plurality of PV modules of a PV system, determining a structural layout, an electrical design, and an electrical layout based on the PV module layout, determining a bill of materials based on the PV module layout, the structural layout, and the electrical layout, and designing the PV system using the structural layout, the electrical design, the electrical layout, the PV module layout, and the bill of materials.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a system layout of a photovoltaic (PV) system is implemented by a design automation computer system in communication with a memory. The method includes receiving a first selection of a system table, receiving a layout mode designation, identifying a system orientation, identifying a system spacing, receiving a layout detail designation, and applying a layout algorithm based on the first selection of a system table, the layout mode designation, the layout mode designation, the system orientation, the system spacing and the layout detail designation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining boundary offsets in a photovoltaic (PV) system based on shadow simulations is implemented by a design automation computer system in communication with a memory. The method includes identifying a set of obstructions wherein the set of obstructions includes a set of obstruction elevations and a set of obstruction offsets, simulating a set of shadow effects using a first coarse shadow algorithm based on the set of obstructions, refining the set of shadow effects using a second fine shadow algorithm based on the set of obstructions and the set of shadow effects, and defining a plurality of boundary of boundary offsets based on the refined set of shadow effects.

Abstract: A system for mounting solar modules to a structure in an array includes a solar module and a connector. The solar module has a photovoltaic laminate, a frame, and a plug. The frame circumscribes the photovoltaic laminate, and includes an enclosure member extending along an edge of the photovoltaic laminate. The enclosure member has a box section that extends inward along the longitudinal length thereof. The box section is open along one end. The plug extends into the open end of the box section of the enclosure member and has energy delivery sockets that are outwardly accessible through an opening in the enclosure member. The connector is electrically connected with the energy delivery sockets and mechanically connected with the enclosure member.

Abstract: A system for mounting solar modules to a structure includes a first solar module, a rod, and a mount. The solar module includes a photovoltaic laminate and a frame circumscribing the photovoltaic laminate. The rod is connected with the frame. The mount is configured to couple at least the first solar module to a support structure. The mount defines an interior to receive the rod and an opening to the interior configured to permit the rod to pass through the opening. The mount includes a link selectively movable between an open position that permits access to the interior through the opening and a closed position that substantially covers the opening.

Abstract: One example solar energy system includes a solar tracker, a plurality of photovoltaic modules mounted to the solar tracker, and a temperature regulation system. The PV modules are configured to generate an electrical power output from solar energy incident on the PV modules. The temperature regulation system includes a thermal transfer fluid, a fluid pump operable to pump the thermal transfer fluid, and a plurality of fluid heat exchangers in thermal communication with the plurality of PV modules and in fluid communication with the fluid pump. The fluid heat exchangers are configured to transfer heat from the PV modules to the thermal transfer fluid.

Abstract: A back sheet comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of solar cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the solar cell tiles. Each solar cell is individually addressable through the use of the interconnect circuit, The interconnect circuit is programmable and allows for dynamic interconnect routing between solar cells. As such, the dynamic interconnect routing may be configured so as to create strings of solar cells such that solar cells with an output specification are matched to solar cells with similar output specifications.

Abstract: A temperature regulation system includes a thermal transfer fluid, a fluid pump operable to pump the thermal transfer fluid, a fluid heat exchanger in fluid communication with the fluid pump, and a secondary heat exchanger in fluid communication with the fluid pump and the fluid heat exchanger. The fluid heat exchanger is configured for disposition in thermal communication with a device and configured to transfer heat from the device to the thermal transfer fluid. The secondary heat exchanger is configured to dissipate at least some of the heat contained in the thermal transfer fluid.

Abstract: A back sheet comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of solar cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the solar cell tiles. Each solar cell is individually monitored and addressed through the use of the interconnect circuit. As such, each solar cell and the interconnect circuit may be programmed or reconfigured through reconfiguration of the interconnect circuit.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for coupling to a device is described. The heat exchanger includes an inner layer configured for placement against at least one surface of the device, an outer layer opposite the inner layer, a fluid chamber defined between the outer layer and the inner layer, an inlet for directing a thermal transfer fluid into the fluid chamber, an outlet for receiving the thermal transfer fluid from the fluid chamber, and at least one filler within the fluid chamber. The filler is coupled to the outer layer and the inner layer and configured to control a flow of the thermal transfer fluid between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A back sheet comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of solar cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the solar cell tiles. Each solar cell is individually monitored and addressed through the use of the interconnect circuit. As such, each solar cell and the interconnect circuit may be programmed or reconfigured through reconfiguration of the interconnect circuit.