Abstract: A bifacial photovoltaic module has components that are arranged to maximize the efficiency of a module for both front and back surfaces. An opaque portion is disposed on back surfaces of modules and aligned with horizontal support bars of a multiple-module system. Junction boxes are arranged at opposing ends of the opaque portion and couple adjacent modules in the system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a system for managing an AC block including a plurality of battery storage units and a power conversion system and an AC block managed by the system. The system includes a plurality of battery management controllers each assigned to a battery storage unit in the AC block and manages status information of the corresponding battery storage unit. Each battery management controller is communicably connected with the battery management controllers assigned to neighboring battery storage units to gain awareness of status information of the neighboring battery storage units. One of the plurality of battery management controllers is designated as a lead controller. The lead controller is configured to dispatch the power conversion system of the AC block to convert between DC energy stored in the plurality of battery storage units and AC energy based on collective status information of the plurality of battery storage units.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for managing an AC block. The AC block includes a plurality of battery storage units, a plurality of battery management controllers each assigned to a battery storage unit, and a power conversion system. The method includes acquiring, by each battery management controller, status information of the battery storage unit to which the battery management controller is assigned; and gaining awareness, by each battery management controller, of the status information of neighboring battery storage units of the AC block. The method further includes dynamically designating one of the plurality of battery management controllers as a lead controller; and dispatching, by the lead controller, the power conversion system to convert between DC energy stored in the plurality of battery storage units and AC energy based on collective status information of the plurality of battery storage units.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a connector that includes a diode. The diode has an anode and a cathode. The connector further includes a first electrical connection which connects to the anode, a second electrical connection which also connects to the anode, and a third electrical connection which connects to the cathode. Another embodiment relates to a photovoltaic laminate which includes a string of photovoltaic cells and three electrical conductors extending out of two discrete penetrations of the laminate. A first electrical conductor is connected to a first end of the string, a second electrical conductor is connected to a second end of the string, and a third electrical conductor is also connected to the second end of the string. The first and third electrical conductors extend out of the first discrete penetration, while the second electrical conductor extends out of the second discrete penetration. Other features and embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bifacial photovoltaic module has components that are arranged to maximize the efficiency of a module for both front and back surfaces. An opaque portion is disposed on back surfaces of modules and aligned with horizontal support bars of a multiple-module system. Junction boxes are arranged at opposing ends of the opaque portion and couple adjacent modules in the system.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a connector that includes a diode. The diode has an anode and a cathode. The connector further includes a first electrical connection which connects to the anode, a second electrical connection which also connects to the anode, and a third electrical connection which connects to the cathode. Another embodiment relates to a photovoltaic laminate which includes a string of photovoltaic cells and three electrical conductors extending out of two discrete penetrations of the laminate. A first electrical conductor is connected to a first end of the string, a second electrical conductor is connected to a second end of the string, and a third electrical conductor is also connected to the second end of the string. The first and third electrical conductors extend out of the first discrete penetration, while the second electrical conductor extends out of the second discrete penetration. Other features and embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bifacial photovoltaic module has components that are arranged to maximize the efficiency of a module for both front and back surfaces. An opaque portion is disposed on back surfaces of modules and aligned with horizontal support bars of a multiple-module system. Junction boxes are arranged at opposing ends of the opaque portion and couple adjacent modules in the system.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module with an improved interface includes a plurality of strings, each string comprising a plurality of PV strips coupled in series, each strip of the plurality of strips including first and second end strips disposed at opposing ends of the string and at least one middle strip disposed between the first and second end strips. Each strip has an aperture side, a back side, a single backside bus disposed on the back side of the strip, a plurality of conductive fingers disposed on the aperture side, a layer of electrically conductive adhesive that attaches the backside bus of every middle strip to the aperture side of an adjacent strip. The aperture sides of the plurality of strips are free from metallic materials between the plurality of conductive fingers, such that no bus bars are present on the aperture sides of the plurality of strips.

Abstract: In an example, a solar module apparatus is provided. The module has an equivalent diode device configured between the first end termination and the second end termination such that one of the plurality of photovoltaic strips associated with one of the plurality of strings when shaded causes the plurality of strips (“Shaded Strips”) associated with the one of the strings to cease generating electrical current from application of electromagnetic radiation, while a remaining plurality of strips, associated with the remaining plurality of strings, each of which generates a current that is substantially equivalent as an electrical current while the Shaded Strips are not shaded.