Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) panel includes a PV output, a storage and retrieval subsystem (storage subsystem), and PV cells. The PV output is configured to be coupled to a distribution system to supply electricity produced by the PV panel to the distribution system. The storage subsystem includes a dedicated storage device. The storage subsystem is electrically coupled to the PV output and provides per-panel energy storage. The PV cells are coupled to the PV output and to the storage device. The PV cells are configured to photovoltaically generate an electrical potential when exposed to incident illumination. While incident illumination is available, the PV cells supply a portion of the electrical potential to the PV output and a second portion to the dedicated energy storage device. The storage subsystem is configured to intermediately supply energy stored thereon to the PV output while the incident illumination is unavailable or partially unavailable.

Abstract: An optical signal return path system includes a transmitter having a sample clock generator for generating a sample clock and an RF signal receiver for receiving and converting an analog RF data signal into a first data stream of digitized RF data samples at a rate determined by the sample clock. Supplemental channel circuitry provides a second data stream. A multiplexor receives and combines the first data stream and second data stream, and an optical transmitter converting the combined data stream into a serialized optical data signal for transmission over an optical fiber. The second data stream may contain maintenance data reflecting an operational state of the transmitter. A receiver receives the optical data signal and recovers therefrom a digital data stream and an associated first clock having an associated first clock rate. The data stream is stored in a memory device at the first clock rate.

Abstract: An optical signal return path system includes a transmitter having a sample clock generator for generating a sample clock and an RF signal receiver for receiving and converting an analog RF data signal into a first data stream of digitized RF data samples at a rate determined by the sample clock. Supplemental channel circuitry provides a second data stream. A multiplexor receives and combines the first data stream and second data stream, and an optical transmitter converting the combined data stream into a serialized optical data signal for transmission over an optical fiber. The second data stream may contain maintenance data reflecting an operational state of the transmitter. A receiver receives the optical data signal and recovers therefrom a digital data stream and an associated first clock having an associated first clock rate. The data stream is stored in a memory device at the first clock rate.