Abstract: A compensating element having first and second modules is disclosed. A locking mechanism which can be switched between a first and a second operating state is provided. The first module is connected firmly to the second module in the first operating state. The first operating state defines a zero position between the first and the second module. The first and the second module are connected to one another in the second operating state by a spring mechanism in such a way that they are movable relative to one another. The compensating element has a midaxis, and the first and the second module are arranged at least partially next to one another in the direction of the midaxis. A measuring system is also disclosed with which the relative position between the first and the second module can be measured. The first or second module includes an externally visible luminous surface. A luminous state of the luminous surface is dependent on the relative position measured by the measuring system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for power generation with solar cells (10 to 32). The solar cells are connected in series and in strings (34 to 44) each of several cells. A bypass diode (50 to 60) is connected in parallel to each string (34 to 44). Further diodes (64 to 70) are connected in parallel to two and/or more bypass diodes of series-connected strings. With this arrangement, the number of current-carrying diodes is considerably reduced when any strings are in shade.