Abstract: A power converter circuit includes: a first transistor being connected with a positive node and a negative node of a photovoltaic panel; a second transistor being connected with the first transistor and the negative node of the photovoltaic panel; a first controller circuit being configured to measure the voltage at a reference node and adjust the gate voltage of the first and second transistors respectively; a third transistor being connected with the reference node and an output node; and a second controller circuit being configured to control the gate voltage of the third transistor. The reference node is connected to the second transistor through a LC network. The first controller circuit is configured to turn off the first and second transistors when the voltage at the reference node exceeds a threshold. The second controller circuit is configured to prevent current from being fed back through the LC network.

Abstract: A solar panel including a flexible polymeric support element and a plurality of photovoltaic cells supported by the support element. At least some of the photovoltaic cells are spaced apart such that the flexible support element provides a hinge between the spaced apart photovoltaic cells. A plurality of bypass diodes are connected in parallel with the cells, so that if one of the cells ceases to operate, electrical current generated by the other cells is able to bypass the inoperative cell.