Patents by Inventor Chris Gronet

Chris Gronet has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20130206936
    Abstract: A support system for a solar panel comprises a plurality of legs configured to receive multiple solar panels. The legs each comprise a base, a plurality of shafts, and a support precipice. The support precipice is divided into two sides by a t-bar. The first side comprises a guiding wing to effectuate modular assembly of the support system. The second side comprises a beveled edge to effectuate secure coupling of a solar panel. The system is able to be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools or implements. The system is also movable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Benyamin Buller, Chris Gronet, J. Kelly Truman, Thomas Brezoczky
  • Patent number: 8443558
    Abstract: A support system for a solar panel comprises a plurality of legs configured to receive multiple solar panels. The legs each comprise a base, a plurality of shafts, and a support precipice. The support precipice is divided into two sides by a t-bar. The first side comprises a guiding wing to effectuate modular assembly of the support system. The second side comprises a beveled edge to effectuate secure coupling of a solar panel. The system is able to be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools or implements. The system is also movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Solyndra LLC
    Inventors: Benyamin Buller, Chris Gronet, Kelly Truman, Thomas Brezoczky
  • Publication number: 20090095280
    Abstract: A support system for a solar panel comprises a plurality of legs configured to receive multiple solar panels. The legs each comprise a base, a plurality of shafts, and a support precipice. The support precipice is divided into two sides by a t-bar. The first side comprises a guiding wing to effectuate modular assembly of the support system. The second side comprises a beveled edge to effectuate secure coupling of a solar panel. The system is able to be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools or implements. The system is also movable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Benyamin Buller, Chris Gronet, Kelly Truman, Thomas Brezoczky
  • Publication number: 20070240760
    Abstract: A solar cell assembly comprising a plurality of elongated solar cells is provided. Each solar cell in the plurality of cells comprises a conductive core configured as a first electrode, a semiconductor junction circumferentially disposed on the conductive core, and a TCO layer disposed on the semiconductor junction. The plurality of solar cells is arranged in a parallel manner in pairs on a transparent insulating substrate such that (i) the solar cells in each respective pair are joined together lengthwise by a corresponding counter-electrode, and (ii) solar cells adjacent pairs of solar cells do not touch each other. Each solar cell pair is affixed to the transparent insulating substrate. A first and second solar cell pair is electrically connected in series by an electrical contact that electrically connects the first electrode of each cell in the first pair to the corresponding counter-electrode of the second pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventor: Chris Gronet
  • Publication number: 20070227579
    Abstract: A solar cell arrangement comprising a solar cell assembly having cylindrical solar units arranged parallel or approximately parallel to each other in a common plane. A first and a second cylindrical solar unit in the plurality of solar cell units are separated from each other by a spacer distance thereby allowing direct sunlight to pass between the cylindrical solar units. Each cylindrical solar unit in the plurality of solar units is at least a separation distance away from an installation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Benyamin Buller, Chris Gronet, James Truman
  • Publication number: 20070215195
    Abstract: A solar cell unit comprising a cylindrical shaped solar cell and a transparent tubular casing is provided. The tubular shaped solar cell comprises a back-electrode, a semiconductor junction circumferentially disposed on the back-electrode and a transparent conductive layer disposed on the semiconductor junction. The transparent tubular casing is circumferentially sealed onto the transparent conductive layer of the cylindrical shaped solar cell. A solar cell unit comprising a cylindrical shaped solar cell, a filler layer, and a transparent tubular casing is provided. The cylindrical shaped solar cell comprises a cylindrical substrate, a back-electrode circumferentially disposed on the cylindrical substrate, a semiconductor junction circumferentially disposed on the back-electrode, and a transparent conductive layer disposed on the semiconductor junction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Benyamin Buller, Chris Gronet, Ratson Morad, Markus Beck
  • Publication number: 20070181176
    Abstract: A solar cell assembly having a plurality of elongated solar cells is provided. Elongated solar cells in the plurality of elongated solar cells have a rigid tube-shaped conductive core. The conductive core is hollowed and made of plastic or glass. A back-electrode is circumferentially disposed on the rigid tube-shaped conductive core. A semiconductor junction is circumferentially disposed on the back-electrode. A transparent conductive layer is circumferentially disposed on the semiconductor junction. The elongated solar cells in the plurality of elongated solar cells are arranged in a parallel or a near parallel manner thereby forming a planar array having a first face and a second face. The solar cell assembly is configured to receive direct light from a side of the solar cell assembly that includes the first face of the planar array and a side of the solar cell assembly that includes the second face of the planar array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: Chris Gronet
  • Publication number: 20070157962
    Abstract: A solar cell assembly comprising a plurality of elongated solar cells, each respective solar cell comprising (i) a core configured as a first electrode, (ii) a semiconductor junction circumferentially disposed on the core, (iii) a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer disposed on the semiconductor junction, and (iv) an elongated counter-electrode disposed lengthwise on a first side of the respective solar cell and extending outward from the TCO layer. On a second side of each cell, approximately opposite the counter-electrode, is a notch or other disruption extending through the semiconductor junction and the transparent oxide layer, thereby exposing the core of the solar cell. The solar cell assembly may further comprise conductive internal reflectors configured between a first and second elongated solar cell in the plurality of solar cells such that a portion of the solar light reflected from the respective internal reflector is reflected onto the solar cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventor: Chris Gronet
  • Publication number: 20070157964
    Abstract: A solar cell assembly comprising a plurality of elongated solar cells, each respective solar cell comprising (i) a core configured as a first electrode, (ii) a semiconductor junction circumferentially disposed on the core, (iii) a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer disposed on the semiconductor junction, and (iv) an elongated counter-electrode disposed lengthwise on a first side of the respective solar cell and extending outward from the TCO layer. On a second side of each cell, approximately opposite the counter-electrode, is a notch or other disruption extending through the semiconductor junction and the transparent oxide layer, thereby exposing the core of the solar cell. The solar cell assembly may further comprise conductive internal reflectors configured between a first and second elongated solar cell in the plurality of solar cells such that a portion of the solar light reflected from the respective internal reflector is reflected onto the solar cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventor: Chris Gronet
  • Publication number: 20070079864
    Abstract: A solar cell assembly comprising a plurality of elongated solar cells, each elongated solar cell in the plurality of elongated solar cells comprising (i) an elongated conductive core configured as a first electrode, (ii) a semiconductor junction circumferentially disposed on the elongated conductive core, and (iii) a transparent conductive oxide layer disposed on the semiconductor junction. Each respective solar cell is bound to a first and second corresponding metal counter-electrode that lies in a groove running lengthwise on the respective elongated solar cell. The solar cell assembly further comprises a plurality of internal reflectors. Each respective internal reflector in the plurality of internal reflectors is configured between a first and second elongated solar cell in the plurality of elongated solar cells such that a portion of the solar light reflected from the respective internal reflector is reflected onto the corresponding first and second elongated cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventor: Chris Gronet
  • Publication number: 20070017567
    Abstract: Systems and materials to improve photovoltaic cell efficiency by implementing a self-cleaning function on photovoltaic cells and on albedo surfaces associated with photovoltaic cell assemblies are provided. Materials for protecting albedo surfaces that surround photovoltaic cell assemblies, thereby maximizing energy input into the photovoltaic cell assemblies, are provided. Materials for self-cleaning photovoltaic cell panels, thereby maintaining their efficiency, are provided. Portable albedo collecting devices associated with photovoltaic cell assemblies are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Inventors: Chris Gronet, James Truman
  • Publication number: 20060283498
    Abstract: A solar cell assembly comprising a plurality of elongated solar cells is provided. Each solar cell in the plurality of cells comprises a conductive core configured as a first electrode, a semiconductor junction circumferentially disposed on the conductive core, and a TCO layer disposed on the semiconductor junction. The plurality of solar cells is arranged in a parallel manner in pairs on a transparent insulating substrate such that (i) the solar cells in each respective pair are joined together lengthwise by a corresponding counter-electrode, and (ii) solar cells adjacent pairs of solar cells do not touch each other. Each solar cell pair is affixed to the transparent insulating substrate. A first and second solar cell pair is electrically connected in series by an electrical contact that electrically connects the first electrode of each cell in the first pair to the corresponding counter-electrode of the second pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Inventor: Chris Gronet