Abstract: A solar system comprises at least one solar panel with a plurality of solar cells. The solar panels include first and second split-circuits to extract electrical energy from the solar panel. The first split-circuit includes solar panel wires that electrically connect, in series, the solar cells of the first split-circuit to extract electrical energy from the solar panel. Similarly, the second split-circuit includes solar panel wires that electrically connect, in series, the solar cells of the second split-circuit to extract electrical energy from the solar panel. The first and second split-circuits are configured to generate a voltage not to exceed a voltage specification, such as a voltage specification of 35 volts.

Abstract: An expandable and retractable photovoltaic structure includes a base that provides support to permit mounting of the photovoltaic structure solely from the base. Photovoltaic panels are arranged adjacently between the base and a lead element when the photovoltaic structure is in an open configuration. The photovoltaic structure is supported by scissor link mechanisms, coupled to the base at one end and the lead support element at the other end. The scissor link mechanisms consist of scissor links pivotally coupled together to form a moveable successive chain of the scissor links. The photovoltaic panels are attached to the scissor links, via side frames, so that as the lead arm moves away from the base the scissor link mechanisms expand to deploy the photovoltaic structure in an open configuration, and as the lead arm moves towards the base, the scissor link mechanisms retract the photovoltaic structure to place the photovoltaic structure in the closed configuration.