Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically or remotely rendering a solar array safe during an emergency or maintenance. A watchdog unit is disclosed for monitoring a signal from a central controller. If the signal is lost, interrupted, or becomes irregular, or if a shutdown signal is received, then the watchdog unit can shut down one or more solar modules. Shutting down a solar module can mean disconnecting it from a power bus of the solar array or lowering the solar module voltage to a safe level.

Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shut down, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shut-down of a photovoltaic system. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a computer system includes: communicating, via a central controller, with a plurality of local management units (LMUs), each of the LMUs coupled to control a respective solar module; receiving, via the central controller, a shut-down signal from a user device (e.g., a hand-held device, a computer, or a wireless switch unit); and in response to receiving the shut-down signal, shutting down operation of the respective solar module for each of the LMUs.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system, including: a plurality of photovoltaic panels having outputs connected in series as a string to provide a string output; a converter coupled to the string to receive the string output as an input and generate a direct current output from the input; a series connection of the string output and the direct current output; and a bus powered at least in part by the series connection of the string output and the direct current output.

Abstract: Methods and systems for connecting a photovoltaic module and an inverter having an input capacitor are presented. The photovoltaic system includes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller coupled between the inverter and the photovoltaic module. The MPPT controller includes a direct current (DC) converter configured to reduce, in a forward buck mode, a voltage of the photovoltaic module, to supply power from the photovoltaic module to the input capacitor of the inverter. The photovoltaic system also includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to control the DC converter to allow the photovoltaic module to operate at a maximum power point, and to increase, in a reverse boost mode, a voltage of the input capacitor of the inverter, to dissipate power from the input capacitor in the photovoltaic module, and the MPPT controller is configured to, based upon one or more triggers.

Abstract: An arc detection and intervention system for a solar energy system. One or more arc detectors are strategically located among strings of solar panels. In conjunction with local management units (LMUs), arcs can be isolated and affected panels disconnected from the solar energy system.

Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shut down, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.

Abstract: Methods and systems for connecting a photovoltaic module and an inverter having an input capacitor are presented. The photovoltaic system includes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller coupled between the inverter and the photovoltaic module. The MPPT controller includes a direct current (DC) converter configured to reduce, in a forward buck mode, a voltage of the photovoltaic module, to supply power from the photovoltaic module to the input capacitor of the inverter. The photovoltaic system also includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to control the DC converter to allow the photovoltaic module to operate at a maximum power point, and to increase, in a reverse boost mode, a voltage of the input capacitor of the inverter, to dissipate power from the input capacitor in the photovoltaic module, and the MPPT controller is configured to, based upon one or more triggers.

Abstract: An arc detection and intervention system for a solar energy system. One or more arc detectors are strategically located among strings of solar panels. In conjunction with local management units (LMUs), arcs can be isolated and affected panels disconnected from the solar energy system.

Abstract: A method and system include a plurality of solar cells and a plurality of voltage controllers. Each of the plurality of solar cells is directly coupled to a dedicated one of the plurality of voltage controllers to form unique pairs of solar cells and voltage controllers. Each of a plurality of panels contain a plurality of unique pairs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing charge buildup/leakage from solar modules. A discharge controller may be coupled between a solar module and a string bus of a solar array. The discharge controller is configured to disconnect the solar module from the string bus, and to connect a grounded frame to solar cells of the solar module. Since the grounded frame of the solar module is grounded, connecting the grounded frame and the solar cells allows charge buildup/leakage to discharge into ground.

Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shut down, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently allowing current to bypass a group of solar cells having one or more malfunctioning or shaded solar cells without overwhelming a bypass diode. This can be done using a switch (e.g., a MOSFET) connected in parallel with the bypass diode. By turning the switch on and off, a majority of the bypass current can be routed through the switch, which is configured to handle larger currents than the bypass diode is designed for, leaving only a minority of the current to pass through the bypass diode.

Abstract: A connection box for solar panels to enable the use of multiple types of passive and active covers for different functionalities in the junction box built into the panel to which the connection box is fixedly attached.

Abstract: A cascading regulation system connected to a number of serially connected power sources and uses multiple regulators having different cutoff voltages to provide an output for the local power consumption unit. Each of the regulators is connected to a subset of serially connected power sources and so configured that if the voltage generated at the lowest tap is no longer sufficient for a stable supply to the local power consumption unit, the next higher regulator takes over, and the output voltage drops in small steps reflective of that takeover of the next higher tap. When the voltage generated across a subsection grows, a lower connected tap may take over again, producing a slightly higher output voltage for the local power consumption unit. The cutover steps are chosen such that the output voltage range matches the range given as the acceptable input range for the local power consumption unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shut-down of a photovoltaic system. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a computer system includes: communicating, via a central controller, with a plurality of local management units (LMUs), each of the LMUs coupled to control a respective solar module; receiving, via the central controller, a shut-down signal from a user device (e.g., a hand-held device, a computer, or a wireless switch unit); and in response to receiving the shut-down signal, shutting down operation of the respective solar module for each of the LMUs.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for configuring and managing the combination of strings of photovoltaic energy generators to improve the energy production performance of such generators. The strings of photovoltaic energy generators are connected to terminals in a combiner box having receptacles for receiving removable modular units of various types. Removable modular units with measurement capabilities are used in the combiner boxes to measure the direct current input provided by the strings; and in light of the measurements, the removable modular units can be selectively downgraded to simpler units that do not have measurement capabilities to reduce cost, and/or selectively upgraded to more sophisticated units that can adjust the output of the respective strings, such as upconverting the output voltage of the respective strings, to improve the performance of the strings.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods include a solar array having one or more string buses of series-connected solar modules. The current outputs from the solar modules on each string bus can be balanced along with the voltage output from the string buses. Local management units coupled between the solar modules and the string buses are configured to control the voltage output from each solar module. When the solar modules on each string are balanced, and when the string buses are balanced (or before the solar modules and string buses are balanced), an inverter or other device connected to the solar array can find the array's maximum power point via a maximum power point tracking algorithm.

Abstract: An arc detection and intervention system for a solar energy system. One or more arc detectors are strategically located among strings of solar panels. In conjunction with local management units (LMUs), arcs can be isolated and affected panels disconnected from the solar energy system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for local and master management units in a photovoltaic energy system. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a computer system includes sending a first identification code from a local management unit to a master management unit. The first identification code is associated with the first local management unit, and the local management unit controls a solar module. An authentication of the first identification code is received from the master management unit. In response to receiving the authentication, active operation of the local management unit is continued (e.g., for a set time period).