Abstract: This invention relates to photovoltaic modules and arrays, methods of assembling photovoltaic arrays, and methods for shipping components of photovoltaic arrays.

Abstract: A real-time photovoltaic power plant control system and method of control for plant output, voltage regulation and/or power factor regulation. The system comprises a grid interface controller configured to receive power information from a power grid and provide commands for controlling at least one active or reactive power supplied to the power grid, a power plant controller configured to receive commands from the grid interface controller for and direct real-time output of the power plant, a plurality of local controllers connected to and controlled by the power plant controller, and a plurality of inverters each connected to supply power from at least one photovoltaic device to the power grid and arranged such that each local controller is connected to and controls at least one inverter, the inverters reporting status information in real-time back to the local controllers, and the local controller reporting status information in real-time back to the power plant controller.

Abstract: A control system for a photovoltaic (“PV”) power plant that includes a plant-level control system for implementing plant-level control functions at power generation sites of the plant, a supervisory system for supervisory control and data acquisition of the plant, and a communications network connecting the plant-level control system, the supervisory system, and plant devices is described. Methods of controlling a PV plant using the plant-level control system and the supervisory system and methods of regulating power characteristics in power generation sites are also described.

Abstract: A control system for a photovoltaic (“PV”) power plant that includes a plant-level control system for implementing plant-level control functions at power generation sites of the plant, a supervisory system for supervisory control and data acquisition of the plant, and a communications network connecting the plant-level control system, the supervisory system, and plant devices is described. Methods of controlling a PV plant using the plant-level control system and the supervisory system and methods of regulating power characteristics in power generation sites are also described.

Abstract: A real-time photovoltaic power plant control system and method of control for plant output, voltage regulation and/or power factor regulation. The system comprises a grid interface controller configured to receive power information from a power grid and provide commands for controlling at least one active or reactive power supplied to the power grid, a power plant controller configured to receive commands from the grid interface controller for and direct real-time output of the power plant, a plurality of local controllers connected to and controlled by the power plant controller, and a plurality of inverters each connected to supply power from at least one photovoltaic device to the power grid and arranged such that each local controller is connected to and controls at least one inverter, the inverters reporting status information in real-time back to the local controllers, and the local controller reporting status information in real-time back to the power plant controller.

Abstract: A system for classifying and monitoring food and non-food products alike with respect to sensitivity or nutritional factor information comprising a database infrastructure storing product information for a plurality of products, a producer interface through which a product producer can input product information to be stored in the database infrastructure, and a consumer interface through which a consumer can define a profile containing sensitivities or nutritional factor parameter ranges requiring monitoring and which provides feedback to a consumer regarding products being consumed, applied or purchased and may be linked to their medical records. The product information for each product generally comprises one or more elements of sensitivity or nutritional factor metadata, and a consumer's profile defines one or more allergies, diseases or dietary conditions that identify associated sensitivities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to facilitate electrical interconnection of solar modules by using a wiring assembly having a plurality of conductors, each having one end connector and a plurality of spaced connection structures, each spaced structure for facilitating an electrical connection of at least one of the conductors with a respective solar module. The wiring assembly is mounted adjacent a plurality of solar modules such that the plurality of spaced connection structures are associated with respective electrical connections on a solar module to facilitate connection of the solar modules to the wiring assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the management of assets within an enterprise. Management of assets includes the creation of assets, the derivation and lineage of assets and asset composition. In addition, the creation of artifacts by the assets is provided. Assets and artifacts are maintained within a repository that is accessible throughout the enterprise. In addition, rules are provided for the composition and usage of all assets within the enterprise.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrically interconnecting a plurality of solar panels commonly mounted on a carrier. The apparatus comprises a wiring block having a pair of positive and negative wires for each of a plurality of solar panels, and positive and negative wires for accessing the solar panels of a carrier. The wiring block of a carrier interconnects the plurality of solar panels in series, or parallel, or both. The carrier can thus be pre-wired for easy field installation of a plurality of solar panels as a unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting solar panels to a rail. The apparatus has a body configured to be attached to a solar panel support structure, and arms on opposite sides of the body configured to engage the rail. The arms hold the apparatus on the rail and allows the support structure to move along the length of the rail. The support structure can be in the form of a carrier which holds one or more solar panels, or may be formed as part of a backside of a solar panel.

Abstract: A system of method for automated deployment of a plurality photovoltaic solar panels carried as a unit by a carrier. The system includes an installation trailer, a robot having a mechanism for picking up a carrier and a push actuator. Carriers carrying a plurality of solar panels as a unit may be installed using the system by carrying a plurality of carriers on an installation trailer to a row of rails onto which the carriers are to be installed. The robot picks up each carrier and aligns and places the carrier on the rail system. The push actuator pushes the carrier down the rail system, making space for the next carrier to be installed.

Abstract: A method of mounting a plurality of solar panel carriers, which comprise one or more solar panels mounted thereon, to a support structure is described. Mounting is performed by first placing a solar panel carrier onto the support structure at a first position along the support structure and advancing that solar panel carrier on the support structure to allow a second solar panel carrier to be placed on the support structure behind it. The second solar panel carrier is placed on the support structure and advanced into contact with the first solar panel carrier and both can be advanced together along the support structure. Additional solar panel carriers can be placed on the support structured and advanced in the same fashion. Single and multiple solar panel carriers are also described.

Abstract: A control system for a photovoltaic (“PV”) power plant that includes a plant-level control system for implementing plant-level control functions at power generation sites of the plant, a supervisory system for supervisory control and data acquisition of the plant, and a communications network connecting the plant-level control system, the supervisory system, and plant devices is described. Methods of controlling a PV plant using the plant-level control system and the supervisory system and methods of regulating power characteristics in power generation sites are also described.

Abstract: A solar panel mounting system that supports field installation of solar panels. The system comprises a carrier for holding a plurality of individual solar panels together as a unit and an attachment structure on the carrier for mounting the carrier to a support structure. The support structure may comprise a plurality of spaced parallel rails. The carrier can be slidably mounted to the spaced parallel rails using the attachment structure provided on the carrier.

Abstract: A solar panel mounting system that supports field installation of solar panels. The system comprises a carrier for holding a plurality of individual solar panels together as a unit and an attachment structure on the carrier for mounting the carrier to a support structure. The support structure may comprise a plurality of spaced parallel rails. The carrier can be slidably mounted to the spaced parallel rails using the attachment structure provided on the carrier.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the management of assets within an enterprise. Management of assets includes the creation of assets, the derivation and lineage of assets and asset composition. In addition, the creation of artifacts by the assets is provided. Assets and artifacts are maintained within a repository that is accessible throughout the enterprise. In addition, rules are provided for the composition and usage of all assets within the enterprise.