Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame, The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at an angle in the range of 3°-7° from horizontal, and can be entirely formed of a polymeric material. Optionally, the arm incorporates integral feature(s) that facilitate interconnection with corresponding features of a second, identically formed PV module.

Abstract: A fire resistant PV shingle assembly includes a PV assembly, including PV body, a fire shield and a connection member connecting the fire shield below the PV body, and a support and inter-engagement assembly. The support and inter-engagement assembly is mounted to the PV assembly and comprises a vertical support element, supporting the PV assembly above a support surface, an upper interlock element, positioned towards the upper PV edge, and a lower interlock element, positioned towards the lower PV edge. The upper interlock element of one PV shingle assembly is inter-engageable with the lower interlock element of an adjacent PV shingle assembly. In some embodiments the PV shingle assembly may comprise a ventilation path below the PV body. The PV body may be slidably mounted to the connection member to facilitate removal of the PV body.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame. The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at an angle in the range of 3°-7° from horizontal, and can be entirely formed of a polymeric material. Optionally, the arm incorporates integral feature(s) that facilitate interconnection with corresponding features of a second, identically formed PV module.

Abstract: An integrated composition shingle PV system is interengageable with composition shingles, the composition shingles being arranged in overlapping rows on an inclined support surface. The system comprises a carrier mountable on the support surface. The carrier has flashing along its peripheral edge. The rear flashing is positionable under a first row of overlapping rows of composition shingles. The left side and right side flashing are interengageable with second and third rows of overlapping rows of composition shingles. The front flashing is positionable on top of another row of overlapping rows of composite shingles. A PV laminate is secured to and supported by the carrier.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. For example, a method of providing power from a renewable resource includes receiving a signal including an output capability value for a renewable variable power generation module. An input power demand value is calculated for a load demand module based on the output capability value of the received signal. A customer load is controlled on a power transmission and distribution grid based on the calculated input power demand value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. A system includes a renewable variable power generation module including a sensor, the sensor configured to determine an output power capability value for the renewable variable power generation module. The system also includes a load demand module including a response device, the response device configured to receive the output power capability value directly from the renewable variable power generation module and to determine an input power demand value based on the output power capability value.

Abstract: An assembly which is lightweight includes an interconnected array of PV modules, where each PV modules is defined in part by a module outer perimeter portion. This array is defined in part by an outer perimeter portion including an upper edge portion, side edge portions, and a lower edge portion. The array is secured to a sloped roof along at least one of the upper or lower edge portion of the array. The assembly further includes interlocking features along the module outer perimeter portion which distribute uplift forces to adjacent PV modules. Additionally included is at least one wind deflector located along the lower edge of the array and non-penetrating base feet disposed on the sloped roof supporting at least a portion of the array.

Abstract: An integrated composition shingle PV system is interengageable with composition shingles, the composition shingles being arranged in overlapping rows on an inclined support surface. The system comprises a carrier mountable on the support surface. The carrier has flashing along its peripheral edge. The rear flashing is positionable under a first row of overlapping rows of composition shingles. The left side and right side flashing are interengageable with second and third rows of overlapping rows of composition shingles. The front flashing is positionable on top of another row of overlapping rows of composite shingles. A PV laminate is secured to and supported by the carrier.

Abstract: A replaceable building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) module system for mounting as roofing structures on a building is disclosed. The BIPV module system comprises a module and engagement means coupled to the building, the engagement means adapted to couple to the coupling means to releaseably couple the module to the building. The module comprises a photovoltaic laminate and a frame surrounding substantially entirely the perimeter of the photovoltaic laminate, the frame comprising coupling means.

Abstract: A water-resistant apparatus is provided. This water-resistant apparatus is positioned near a photovoltaic module. The water-resistant apparatus includes hollow, elongated conduits, and each conduit can hold water with surface tension based on exposure of the conduit to water. The surface tension causes a formation of a meniscus that inhibits a flow of water through the conduit.

Abstract: Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a photovoltaic module configured to receive and convert solar energy to DC power. The system also includes a sensor configured to detect a future change in solar energy to be received by the photovoltaic module. The system further includes a power conditioning unit coupled with the photovoltaic module and the sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. A system includes a renewable variable power generation module including a sensor, the sensor configured to determine an output power capability value for the renewable variable power generation module. The system also includes a load demand module including a response device, the response device configured to receive the output power capability value directly from the renewable variable power generation module and to determine an input power demand value based on the output power capability value.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array including a plurality of photovoltaic assemblies and a plurality of mounting units. The mounting units each include an elongate rail and a plurality of leg assemblies. The rail is sized and configured to maintain a portion of at least two of the photovoltaic assemblies, with the leg assemblies extending from the rail in a spaced-apart fashion and terminating in a foot for placement against a rooftop structure for minimally penetration installation. Further, at least one of the leg assemblies can include a retractable leg. When the photovoltaic array is installed to a rooftop structure including a membrane intermittently secured to a rooftop deck, the retractable leg accommodates upward billowing of the membrane under windy conditions.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a plug assembly and a socket assembly is described. The plug assembly includes a plug body and an outer barrel with an inner conductive receptacle electrically coupled to a first conductor in the plug body. The socket assembly includes a socket body movably held within an outer housing by a positioning ring, the socket body having a socket barrel with a second conductor fixed therein to be received in the conductive receptacle of the plug assembly.

Abstract: A PV installation comprises a PV array, an electrical interface connecting a utility power source to an electrical load, and a DC to AC inverter. A first set of wiring electrically connects the PV array to the inverter through a disconnect device and a second set of wiring electrically connects the inverter to the electrical interface. A control mechanism connects the disconnect device to the electrical interface so that when power from the electrical interface is removed, the PV array is electrically disconnected from the inverter. The disconnect device may be a remote disconnect device located at a position at or near the PV array, such as in the space beneath a roof supporting the PV array. A method electrically disconnects a PV array from electrical wiring at a site.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame. The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at an angle in the range of 3°-7° from horizontal, and can be entirely formed of a polymeric material. Optionally, the arm incorporates integral feature(s) that facilitate interconnection with corresponding features of a second, identically formed PV module.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a plug assembly and a socket assembly is described. The plug assembly includes a plug body and an outer barrel with an inner conductive receptacle electrically coupled to a first conductor in the plug body. The socket assembly includes a socket body movably held within an outer housing by a positioning ring, the socket body having a socket barrel with a second conductor fixed therein to be received in the conductive receptacle of the plug assembly. The plug assembly and the socket assembly include alignment features to align the conductive receptacle and the second conductor during coupling of the socket assembly and the plug assembly.