Abstract: A solar mounting system stored within a shipping container prior to deployment and wherein the mounting system includes: laterally extending beams that extend outwardly from the top of the shipping container; support mounts connected to the laterally extending beams at positions over the top of the shipping container and at the ends of the laterally extending beams; a first set of higher longitudinal beams spanning between the support mounts; a second set of lower longitudinal beams spanning between ends of the laterally extending beams at positions beside the shipping container; a plurality of PV module support rails extending between the first and second sets of longitudinal beams; and PV modules mounted onto the PV module support rails such that the PV modules slope downwardly from above the center to beyond the sides of the shipping container.

Abstract: A panel connected body includes a plurality of flat panels arranged in a matrix of m rows and n columns, where m?3 and n?3; and a plurality of row-direction connection portions and column-direction connection portions which connect together panels that are adjacent in a row direction and column direction, respectively. A first type row satisfying relationships D1?2L and Dy?Dy?1?2L and a second type row satisfying relationships Dn?2L and Dy?Dy+1+2L are alternately included, where Dy is a length along the column direction of the column-direction connection portions in a y-th column, and L is a thickness of the panels. The relationship E?WC?L is satisfied, where WC is a length along the column direction of the panels and E is a length along the column direction of the row-direction connection portions.

Abstract: Provided are a solar photovoltaic panel assembly and a vehicle including the solar photovoltaic panel assembly. The solar photovoltaic panel assembly includes: a support frame having a primary photovoltaic panel mounting layer and a secondary photovoltaic panel sliding layer that are laminated to each other; a primary photovoltaic panel mounted on the primary photovoltaic panel mounting layer; a secondary photovoltaic panel; and a driving member. The secondary photovoltaic panel is slidably movable along the secondary photovoltaic panel sliding layer to a storage position at which the secondary photovoltaic panel has a maximum overlapping area with the primary photovoltaic panel and an expansion position at which the secondary photovoltaic panel slidably moves outwards relative to the primary photovoltaic panel. The driving member is mounted on the support frame and configured to drive the secondary photovoltaic panel to slidably move along the secondary photovoltaic panel sliding layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a photovoltaic apparatus comprising a carrier substrate. The carrier substrate carries printed structures comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each module including first and second terminals and a plurality of photovoltaic cells electrically connected between the first and second module terminals; a first bus bar extending along one side of the photovoltaic modules; a second bus bar extending along an opposite side of the photovoltaic modules; and a plurality of intermodule rails, each inter-module rail being associated with a photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A portable, retractable, solar racking system comprises a modular set of solar panel frames, each solar panel frame comprising a solar panel, a plurality of arms, and a plurality of struts, the arms and the struts forming a structure to which the solar panel is secured, a pivoting connector assembly mechanically connecting one of the solar panel frames to another one of the solar panel frames to form a solar panel array having a longitudinal extent, the pivoting connector assembly of the solar panel frames configured to collapse the solar panel array along the longitudinal extent into a storage position and to expand the solar panel array along the longitudinal extent into an extended position in which each solar panel is tilted from vertical to an angle away therefrom, and the solar panel array comprising sets of wheels permitting the solar panel array to roll upon ground.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a driving member, a locking member, and a latch. The driving member includes a connection end, and a driving end movable with respect to the connection end. The connection end is arranged on a fastener. The locking member is rotatably arranged on a carrier through a first rotation shaft. The driving end is rotatably connected to the locking member through a second rotation shaft. The locking member includes a hook. The latch is arranged on the fastener. The hook is capable of hooking the latch. The driving end is configured to capable of driving the hook to disengage from the latch, and driving the carrier to rotate with respect to the fastener, or the driving end is configured to drive the hook to hook the latch so that the carrier is secured to the fastener.

Abstract: There is a dynamically adjustable photovoltaic (PV) system for transforming solar energy into electrical energy. The dynamically adjustable PV system includes a first PV fold including a first set of PV cells for generating electrical energy, and a first laminating film that encapsulates the first set of PV cells; a second PV fold including a second set of PV cells for generating electrical energy, and a second laminating film that encapsulates the second set of PV cells; and a connecting mechanism that connects the first laminating film to the second laminating film. The connecting mechanism includes a chamber.

Abstract: A solar-powered portable housing for a tool is also disclosed herein. The solar-powered portable housing for a tool can comprise a battery, one or more solar panels, a plug, a top enclosure, a bottom enclosure, a first slideable wall, and a first solar panel. The solar panels can be connectable to the battery. The solar panels can provide power source to the battery. The plug can allow the battery be charged through an electric power source. The top enclosure can be capable of housing a tool. The bottom enclosure can be capable of housing the battery. The battery can be capable of providing power to the tool. The first slideable wall can be mounted to one side of the housing. The first solar panel can be mounted to the first slideable wall.

Abstract: A method and a kit for building a protective structure, the method and the kit including supplying a carrying structure, including a plurality of parallel carrying rails; supplying a group of panels, the panels being able to be engaged on and slide on the carrying rails; and transferring the panels from the storage position to a final position bearing on the carrying rails, by transferring at least one of the panels from the storage position to an insertion position on the carrying rails; using a transfer device lifting the at least one panel upward; placing the transferred panels one after the other bearing on the carrying rails; and moving the transferred panels along the carrying rails.

Abstract: The power generation module group 1 includes a sheet 10 and power generation panels 21 to 24. First lines L1 and L1? are present between the panels 21 and 22 adjacent to each other in the lateral direction, the first lines crossing neither the panels 21 nor 22 and coming in contact with both the panels 21 and 22. The second line L2 is present on the bottom side of the panel 21 and on the bottom side of the panel 22, crosses neither the panels 21 nor 22 and is parallel in the lateral direction. An angle ?1 that is the largest angle on the panel 22 side of angles formed by the second line L2 and the first lines L1 and L1? is an acute angle. The panels 23 and 24 are disposed in line symmetry with the panels 21 and 22, respectively, with respect to the lateral direction.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to high altitude or stratospheric balloon systems. For instance, a stratospheric balloon system may include a an upper structure, a lower structure, a platform associated with the lower structure, a stack of solar panels positioned on the platform, each solar panel coupled to an adjacent solar panel, at least one tension element connected, at a first end thereof, to the upper structure and, at a second end thereof, to the platform, and a first flexible tension member coupled, at a first end thereof, to the upper structure and to foremost solar panel of the stack of solar panels. Solar panels may be stacked in a “Z-fold” configuration with either solar cells of the adjacent solar panels facing one another or the frames of the adjacent solar panels facing one another. In this configuration, the adjacent solar panels are connected by a hinge system.

Abstract: A marina solar energy system and method is provided. The system includes one or more base assemblies designed to support corresponding solar panel assemblies. For example, the system may include dock box lids with recesses adapted to receive and secure one or more solar panels, and an energy distribution system to receive and distribute the energy produced by the solar panel assemblies (e.g., to other areas of the marina, to a local power grid, etc.). The system also may include rechargeable power sources, such as rechargeable battery packs, that may store the energy produced by the solar panels. The system also may include electrical outlets for use by occupants of the marina.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photoelectric conversion device that includes: a thin panel-shaped photoelectric conversion module; a first connection member that couples to an outer edge of the photoelectric conversion module at a joint so as to be electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion module; a reinforcing member that couples to a portion including the joint; and a main body that receives electric power supply from the photoelectric conversion module via the first connection member. The first connection member is mechanically and electrically attachable/detachable to/from the main body and has a thickness in vertical direction that is greater than a thickness in vertical direction of the photoelectric conversion module and less than or equal to a thickness in vertical direction of the reinforcing member at the joint.

Abstract: Discuss is a solar cell module including a plurality of solar cells having a long axis and a short axis, each solar cell including a first electrode disposed on a front surface and a second electrode disposed on a back surface thereof, and the plurality of solar cells being disposed along a first direction, and a plurality of wiring members connected to the first electrode of a first solar cell and the second electrode of a second solar cell adjacent to the first solar cell among the plurality of solar cells, wherein a thickness of the plurality of wiring members is approximately 270 ?m to 320 ?m.

Abstract: Features for a mobile solar generator. The system includes a deployable solar array using an actuator and torsion springs. The array can be locked into place after deployment. The array stows for transport of the system to remote locations. The solar panels of the array are unexposed when stowed, and secured into place using various locking mechanisms in both the stowed and deployed configurations. Tamper-resistant hardware is included in the solar array to prevent theft and damage.

Abstract: An antenna having a reflector mounted on a rigid boom uses a line feed or phased array feed to operate in the Ka band with frequencies up to 36 gigahertz while maintaining the ability to operate at frequencies down to L-Band of 1-2 GHz.

Abstract: The deployable solar tracker system comprises a single-axis solar tracker (1) including a plurality of foldable panel array sections (10, 10a). Each foldable panel array section (10, 10a) comprises a shaft section (11), a plurality of support ribs (12) hinged to the shaft section (11), a plurality of solar panels (13) attached to the support ribs (12) and a handling element (28) attached on top of the shaft section (11). The handling element (28) has one or more handle openings (29, 30) dimensioned for receiving one or more lift members oriented in a transversal direction perpendicular to the shaft section (11). The handle openings (29, 30) of the handling elements (28) of the plurality of the foldable panel array sections (10, 10a) are mutually aligned when the plurality of foldable panel array sections (10, 10a) are arranged in a shipping arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new energy field, and more particularly to a tracking type portable thin-film solar power generating device. Conventionally, commercially available thin-film solar power generation devices have a fixed inclination angle and do not have a tracking function, which results in a low power generation capacity. Therefore, it is difficult to satisfy the needs of outdoor activities. Since photoelectric conversion rate is difficult to be effective improved in the short-term, how to increase the power generation of thin-film solar cells has become an urgent technical problem in the field of thin-film solar power generation. The present invention uses folded type and assembled type thin-film solar cells, articulated devices, and a driving device to form a movable support, so that an inclination angle of an integrated polygonal thin-film solar cell can be changed with time for tracking the sun.

Abstract: A test device for testing a solar generator of a satellite or solar drone, the solar generator includes an array of solar cells, each junction being capable of converting photons of a respective wavelength band into electric current, the test device includes: an array of light sources including at least one row of light sources, wherein each light source emits light in each of the electrical conversion wavelength bands of the junction(s) of the solar cells, and a control unit for the array of light sources, and capable of controlling the turning on and off of each of the light sources of the array individually, wherein the array of light sources selectively illuminates each solar cell of the solar generator by turning on one or more light sources of the array, with the solar cell receiving an irradiance that is greater than at least 130W/m2.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a solar tracking portable structure with 2 axes orientation motors (elevation an azimuth) that integrates light semi-flexible solar panels technology with a particular design whose goal is to achieve the maximum lightness and manageability of the system. The system as a whole is portable and foldable, and the orientation of the motors is controlled by an electronic system. The tracking structure comprises three coupled substructures: a bottom substructure (1) permanently in contact with ground; a mid substructure (2) that rotates with respect to the bottom structure (1) in the horizontal plane (azimuth); and a top structure (3) that rotates with respect to the mid structure (2) in the vertical plane (elevation). The folding of the pieces that comprises the system is organised in 4 layers each of them occupying an area of the same size.

Abstract: A solar cell that includes: a semiconductor substrate that has a length in a first direction and a width in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction; a first conductive region that is coupled to the semiconductor substrate; and a first electrode that is electrically connected to the first conductive region, wherein the first electrode comprises: a plurality of finger electrodes that extend in the first direction; and a connection electrode that extends in the second direction, that electrically connects two or more of the plurality of finger electrodes to each other, and that is separated from the first conductive region, and a solar cell panel including the solar cell are disclosed.

Abstract: This solar panel includes a structure in contact with an ambient environment and at least two photovoltaic cells each defining a lateral contact face and including a base element, a grid of electric conductors and a protective element made from transparent material, the grid including at least one conductive wire extending along the lateral contact face. The two cells are arranged on the structure such that at least part of each of the lateral contact faces is arranged regarding the other part while forming a panel surface and such that the shortest path passing through the ambient environment between the opposite parts of the lateral faces of the two cells is equal to at least about 20 mm.

Abstract: Portable folding solar power generation cloth bags are disclosed. One implementation comprises left and right lining plates each having holes and fixed above a lower cloth cover, left and right solar assemblies fixed above their respective lining plates, an upper cloth cover overlaying both solar assemblies and sewn to the lower cloth cover with a gap between the left and right lining plates, and junction boxes associated with respective left and right solar assemblies and embedded into the holes of the left and right lining plates, wherein a connecting line between the left and right solar assemblies may penetrate through the lower cloth cover to extend therebelow. Further, light receiving surfaces of the left and right solar assemblies are configured for external exposure from the upper cloth cover, and a foldable joint may be formed at a gap position between the upper and lower cloth covers.

Abstract: The PanelSat serves to launch one, better several satellites into space, whereby besides unfurling of the thin film solar cell panels off their rolls no further deployment is needed. PanelSats are small agile spacecraft thought especially for observation and communication services in LEO, which are using their thin film solar cell panels for both, harvesting electric energy as well as for fuel less station keeping, steering, pointing and propulsion. In contrast to conventional satellites with their 3-axis control design, PanelSats are not locked to only 3 axles and can tilt and point into several directions (depending on the number of panels). Besides Roller Reefing for fuel less attitude control PanelSats feature “Soso Steering” (switch on, switch off) which adds even better fuel less agility compared to prior art satellites.

Abstract: A system for supplying power to a portable battery pack including a battery enclosed by a wearable and replaceable pouch or skin using at least one solar panel is disclosed, wherein the pouch or skin can be provided in different colors and/or patterns. Further, the pouch or skin can be MOLLE-compatible. The battery comprises a battery element housed between a battery cover and a back plate, wherein the battery element, battery cover, and back plate have a slight curvature or contour. Further, the battery comprises flexible leads.

Abstract: A panel connected body comprises: a plurality of thin panels arranged in a matrix of m rows and n columns; and a connection portion connecting the plurality of thin panels in a row direction and a column direction, wherein the panel connected body is foldable between adjacent thin panels of the plurality of thin panels. The connection portion has, alternately in the column direction, a first type row satisfying relationships D1?2L and Dy?Dy?1+2L and a second type row satisfying relationships Dn?2L and Dy?Dy+1+2L, where Dy is a length of the connection portion between thin panels P adjacent in the column direction at a yth column, and L is a thickness of each of the plurality of thin panels in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A deployable solar photovoltaic power generation system includes an array of photo voltaic panels mounted to expandable truss. In response to environmental input data, the array of photovoltaic panels can be deployed or stowed.

Abstract: A method for coupling an energy supplying device to an energy consuming device in space and to a system including an energy supplying device, an energy consuming device and a mobile assembly unit residing in space. The energy supplying device is operable in space and includes solar panel units to convert received light into electrical energy, first coupling members to couple the solar panel units with each other, and a second coupling member to electrically couple the energy supplying device with the energy consuming device. The energy supplying device is configured to supply electrical energy to the energy consuming device in space. A configuration of the solar panel units is changeable in space according to an operational requirement of the energy consuming device.

Abstract: A modular photovoltaic system adapted for collecting light rays from a solar light source to generate electrical current, the system having a light-tracking solar collector adapted to collect the light rays, an edge-lit photovoltaic array, and a transport conduit adapted to transport the light rays to the edge-lit photovoltaic array. The edge-lit photovoltaic array has a plurality of edge-lit photovoltaic panels, each having a transparent diffusing pane positioned between two backing panels with inwardly directed photovoltaic surfaces. Each edge-lit photovoltaic panel perpendicularly contacts a lateral light distributor attached to the transport conduit, causing the transparent diffusing pane to illuminate the photovoltaic surfaces to generate electrical current. The light-tracking solar collector is adapted to rotate to remain oriented toward the solar light source.

Abstract: An example device for mounting for a solar array may include a solar panel carrier configured to receive a solar array to form a panel assembly; a pivot configured to pivotably secure the solar panel carrier with respect to a support structure; and/or a restoring moment element operatively connected to the solar panel carrier and configured to exert a restoring moment on the solar panel carrier opposite in direction and approximately equal in magnitude to a gravitational moment of the panel assembly when the solar panel carrier is tilted to various angular positions. When the solar panel carrier is at a nominal angular position, a center of gravity of the panel assembly may be above and substantially vertically aligned with the pivot axis.

Abstract: A controllable shape memory alloy (SMA) hinge apparatus comprises multiple SMA elements to effect a first angle of rotation and a second angle of rotation between a first object and a second object. In one example, respective SMA elements are independently activated by Joule heating to rotate the first object and/or the second object. SMA elements undergo a three-dimensional transformation, and a pair of elements may undergo antagonistic transformations so as to provide for a multiple-use bidirectional non-continuous rotary actuator. SMA elements may be trained to achieve different angles of rotations between the objects (e.g., zero degrees and 90 degrees). In some examples, the first object may be a spacecraft (e.g., a satellite) and the second object may be a deployable structure (e.g., a robotic appendage, a deployable solar panel, a deployable aperture, a deployable mirror, a deployable radiator, and at least one actuator to steer an antenna dish).

Abstract: Provided is a grid-mounted solar energy harvesting system, wherein the grid is operable to supply AC power independently of the solar energy system and comprises at least two pylons supporting one or more power lines, the solar energy harvesting system comprising: One or more solar panels longitudinally disposed between the at least two pylons, wherein at least one of the one or more solar panels is supported by two support cables extended between and attached to the at least two pylons and comprise one of the one or more power lines and one dummy line which is electrically conductive and is electrically connected in at least one point along the solar energy harvesting system to the power line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thin film solar cell for BIPV capable of improving a utility value for the exterior by visually changing a black color of an inorganic thin film solar cell into a color of reflected light therefrom to exhibit an exterior appearance having the color without substantially lowering efficiency required for a solar cell to thereby facilitate commercialization of the inorganic thin film solar cell. Also disclosed is a thin film solar cell for BIPV capable of maintaining a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) required for a solar cell when used as a finishing material of a building envelope, and visually changing a black color of an inorganic thin film solar cell into a color of reflected light therefrom to be suitable for the exterior with only a slight reduction of relative harvesting efficiency and a short circuit photocurrent density without a decrease of an open circuit voltage Voc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar power generation assembly and method for providing same involving an array of solar generating modules on a dual-incline structure, which can achieve high energy yields over a wide range of azimuths/orientations. The assembly consists of canopy wings providing for the dual-incline structure, where, depending on specifications, the canopy wings can differ in length, width, angle of inclination, structural material and solar module or other material mounted on the surface. The canopy wings may be pivoted or hinged to enhance the energy generation and/or other functional benefits of the assembly or system, including display elements, advertising, rainwater/precipitation and snow drainage and collection and energy transmission.

Abstract: The present invention typically features integrative configurability for transportation/storage, and disintegrative configurability for operation. Two half-cases are coupled to obtain a case. A case is uncoupled to obtain two half-cases. Each half-case houses a solar panel (pivotably connected to the half-case) and a U-bar (pivotably connected to the solar panel). The solar panel is pivoted away from the half-case's interior to the angle-of-inclination desired for collecting solar energy. The U-bar is pivoted away from the solar panel's back to securely fit into one of plural parallel slots provided across the half-case's interior, the U-bar thereby holding the solar panel in place at the desired angle-of-inclination. The half-cases are laid flat individually to collect solar energy. A half-case is “compacted” by pivoting the U-bar proximate the solar panel's back and pivoting the solar panel proximate the half-case's interior.

Abstract: A panel structure for use in a deployable and cantilevered solar array structure is provided. A panel includes first and second planar panel sections and an intermediate panel section connecting the first and second sections. The planar panel sections are capable of being situated with respect to one another so as to have a V-tent-like shape when the panel is in a deployed state and to be coplanar when the panel is in a stowed state. When in the V-tent-like shape, the intermediate section of the panel extends in a straight line that is collinear or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cantilevered solar array structure when deployed. The V-tent-like shape produces A panel structure that has a relatively high moment of inertia, is stiff, and can provide a large area for supporting solar cells.

Abstract: An example canopy includes a plurality of panels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of sequences, including a first sequence, second sequence, and a third sequence. The second sequence is disposed between the first and third sequences and forms a rainwater collection channel The panels of the second sequence are angled with respect to the panels of the first and third sequences to optimize solar radiation and rainwater collection efficiency. Photovoltaic cells are provided on a flexible top surface of some or all of the panels. A hybrid canopy, a method of making a hybrid canopy, and a method of using and learning from a hybrid canopy, are shown and described.

Abstract: A portable PV module array, the modules being connected along adjacent end edges and being foldable relative to each other about the connected end edges between a closed condition and an open condition, whereby: in the closed condition, the PV modules are stacked together in a generally parallel and close facing relationship with the edges of the PV modules in general alignment, and in the open condition, the PV modules are disposed at an angle to each other so that the PV module array defines triangular configuration, and foldable movement of the PV modules from the closed condition to the open condition being restricted against movement beyond the open condition by a flexible connector that connects with a connection point associated with each of the PV modules of the PV module array and that is tensioned in the open condition and that is slack in the closed condition.

Abstract: A method for solar array (28a, 28b) deployment includes deploying a first portion of solar cells of a solar array responsive to a first drag condition, charging a battery (26) with the first portion of solar cells, activating an electric thruster (24) at a first power level using the first portion of solar cells, deploying a second portion of solar cells of the solar array responsive to a second drag condition that is lower than the first drag condition, and activating the electric thruster at a second power level that is higher than the first power level using the first portion of solar cells and the second portion of solar cells.

Abstract: A spacecraft includes a main body structure and a plurality of deployable modular reflector elements, the spacecraft being reconfigurable from a launch configuration to an on-orbit configuration. In the launch configuration, the modular reflector elements are disposed in a storage system that includes an arrangement for supporting the modular reflector elements with respect to dynamic launch loads. In the on-orbit configuration, in some implementations, an assembly of the plurality of modular reflector elements forms a large-aperture, offset fed, reflector, the reflector being coupled with a boom or yoke with the main body structure by way of a two or three axis positioning mechanism configured to steer the reflector with respect to the main body structure. In some implementations, in the on-orbit configuration, the plurality of modular reflector elements are assembled to form a large aperture reflective surface that is self-supporting.

Abstract: The Structural Origami ARray (SOAR) concept is an extremely high performance, deployable solar array system that delivers high power output and exceeds state-of-the-art packaging efficiencies. Unlike existing Z-folding panels or rolled architectures, this approach utilizes an origami-inspired two-dimensional packaging scheme of a flexible blanket/substrate that is coupled with a simple and compact deployable supporting structure that stabilizes the array by external tension or internal support. This enables large deployed areas populated with high efficiency photovoltaic (PV) cells or antenna elements, which compactly stows in a square form factor with thin stack height that minimizes impingement on spacecraft bus internal volume.

Abstract: A space-based solar power station, a power generating satellite module and/or a method for collecting solar radiation and transmitting power generated using electrical current produced therefrom, and/or compactible structures and deployment mechanisms used to form and deploy such satellite modules and power generation tiles associated therewith are provided. Each satellite module and/or power generation tile may be formed of a compactable structure and deployment mechanism capable of reducing the payload area required to deliver the satellite module to an orbital formation within the space-based solar power station and reliably deploy it once in orbit.

Abstract: A release apparatus includes a base member and a channel having a first portion and a second portion. A first rod positioned within the first portion includes a first end portion having a first coupling device and a second end portion coupled to a first portion of a panel assembly. A second rod positioned within the channel's second portion includes a first end portion having a second coupling device such that the second coupling device is positioned proximate to the first coupling device. The second rod includes a second end portion coupled to a second portion of the panel assembly. First and second coupling devices rotate such that a linear force is generated between the first and second rods, enabling the first rod second end portion and the second rod second end portion to simultaneously release the first and second portions of the panel assembly, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spacecraft including a casing having a face, a radiator borne by the face, and a thermal insulation device borne by the radiator. The thermal insulation device includes: —a first screen device able to cover a first zone of the radiator, the first screen device including a thermally insulating and flexible sheet, and at least two springs capable of producing a constant reaction force, the springs being preformed in such a way as to wind up on themselves at rest and being fixed to the insulating sheet, the springs each having an end fixed to the radiator and a free end; and—a traction device able to pull on the free end of the springs to make the sheet cover the first zone and to release the free end in order to expose the first zone to space.

Abstract: A power outlet system utilizing magnetic polarities in concert with electrical polarities to provide a connection system that automatically “rights” itself and cannot be powered incorrectly. Negative/Positive electric points are paired with south pole/north pole magnetic points on both outputs of power and inputs to receive power that align the negative/positive polarities on the outputs and inputs and provide opposing magnetic polarities so that the two connected pieces are always oriented correctly and easily connect to each other. Specialized modules are designed to connect to the power source which can be a portable unit that utilizes solar powered batteries or a wall unit that plugs into a wall electric outlet. A specialized module can be charged from the solar powered battery unit that requires no batteries itself and can be used as an emergency back up in the event of a power outage.

Abstract: A deployment system for solar panels has the panels spring loaded to deploy, but held folded against a satellite framework, held folded by trigger bars engaging slots or notches in hinge bodies holding the solar panels. A remotely-operable linear actuator moves the trigger bars to disengage the trigger bars to release the panels to deploy.

Abstract: A separation device includes: an outer case; a pillar-shaped separation member including an engaging portion; a support member including a swinging portion and an engageable portion, the swinging portion being swingably supported by the outer case, the engageable portion supporting the separation member; an inner case including a fitting hole restricting swinging of the support member; and an operation-enabling element, which supports the inner case and which is fusion-cut when an electric current is applied thereto. When the operation-enabling element is fusion-cut, the inner case is displaced, such that: the engageable portion of the support member detaches from the fitting hole; the swinging portion swings; and the engageable portion moves away from the engaging portion to release the separation member.

Abstract: Modular photovoltaic (PV) panel, system, and method of mounting. The system including a mounting flashing configured to mounted to a mounting surface and a folding PV panel. The folding PV panel including: a first subpanel including first PV cells, wherein the first subpanel extends along a first lateral plane and comprises a plurality of mounting hooks extending laterally from and affixed to a backside of the first subpanel, the mounting hooks configured to couple to the mounting flashing; a second subpanel including second PV cells, wherein the second subpanel extends along a second lateral plane, wherein the second subpanel comprises a front edge support configured to hold a front edge of the second subpanel away from the mounting surface; and a hinge assembly rotationally coupling the first subpanel and the second subpanel to allow an angle between the first lateral plane and the second lateral plane to change.

Abstract: A solar power system comprising a solar panel, a load, and a battery pack group. The load comprising an electric motor operatively coupled with a propeller. The battery pack group comprises one or more voltage controllable battery packs, each of said one or more voltage controllable battery packs comprising a plurality of battery cells. The voltage controllable battery packs having a rigid printed circuit board electrically coupled with the plurality of battery cells, the rigid printed circuit board including an interconnect connector to electrically couple with a corresponding interconnect connector of a second voltage controllable battery pack.

Abstract: A system for compact stowage and deployment of a flexible solar array includes a deployer unit and a blanket container for containing the flexible solar array. The deployer unit includes a frame, a closed-section collapsible mast for deploying and supporting the solar array, a mast stowage reel for supporting the mast in a collapsed stowed state, and an actuator to drive the mast from the stowed state to a deployed state. The frame has a first section extending along a vertical plane and a second section extending along a horizontal plane. The blanket container is pivotably coupled to the frame of the deployer unit. In a stowed state, the blanket container is oriented facing the second section of the frame. In a deployed state, the blanket container is oriented parallel to the vertical plane, and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the mast.