Abstract: A photovoltaic apparatus for a vehicle including a plurality of solar modules electrically isolated from each other and adapted to receive solar radiation and convert the radiation to electrical energy. The apparatus includes at least one DC/DC converter electrically coupled to the electrically isolated modules adapted to receive the electrical energy from the solar modules and boost the voltage to be delivered to at least one component of the vehicle. The solar modules include a plurality of solar cells adapted to receive solar radiation and convert the radiation to electrical energy.

Abstract: A transparent roof module for a motor vehicle roof where the transparent roof module includes a transparent pane for covering a roof opening, the cover including a nonviewing area and a viewing area through which objects are viewable through the cover, a transmission reducing layer provided on the viewing area of the transparent pane for reducing transmission of at least one of infrared and visible spectral range through the viewing area and solar cells provided at the nonviewing area of the transparent pane.

Abstract: Process for air conditioning of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle by means of an air conditioning system (7) using solar power which is obtained via at least one solar module (1) which is attached to the motor vehicle, especially on the motor vehicle roof, and which is also used for charging a battery (4) of the motor vehicle, in which the solar power is used additionally or alternatively to charge the motor vehicle battery (4), and also to operate a ventilation system (6) when the vehicle is unoccupied, and in which the air conditioning system (7) is activated prior to entry of a passenger into the passenger compartment, the air conditioning system being operated so as to draw most of its power from the motor vehicle battery (4).

Abstract: A solar cover for a motor vehicle roof, which is provided with an outside transparent cover plate (12) and an inside cover (14) between which at least one solar cell (18) is embedded, an electrical contact (28) from which the solar current from the at least one solar cell is directed to the motor vehicle, and an electrical connector element which produces electrical contact between the at least one solar cell and the contact is embedded between the cover plate and the cover. The contact (28) is located in the horizontal direction outside of the area of the cover plate (12) which is covered by the cover (14) and the electrical connector (26) extends in the horizontal direction beyond the area covered by the cover to the contact.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a roof opening which can be closed or at least partially exposed by a displaceable closure element (10) which has an electrical element (12), an displaceable headliner part (20) for concealing the closure element and at least one coupling element (18) which acts as a driver to entrain the headliner part in the displacement motion of the closure element. The coupling element furthermore provides for electrical contact between the electrical element of the closure element and a contact element (32) which is provided on the headliner part to establish electrical contact between the electrical element of the closure element and a vehicle-mounted electrical element.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a solar generator which is securely attached on the outside on the solid roof skin for producing solar current for the vehicle. The solar generator can be adjusted between a first spatially compact configuration and a second, less spatially compact configuration in which its active solar surface projected onto the plane of the roof is larger than in the first configuration. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle roof with an attachment element which runs in the lengthwise direction of the roof and which is mounted externally on the solid roof skin and which is made such that a mobile flat solar generator can be pushed into the attachment element and is held in the working configuration by it to produce solar current.

Abstract: A transparent roof module for a motor vehicle roof where the transparent roof module includes a transparent pane for covering a roof opening, the cover including a nonviewing area and a viewing area through which objects are viewable through the cover, a transmission reducing layer provided on the viewing area of the transparent pane for reducing transmission of at least one of infrared and visible spectral range through the viewing area and solar cells provided at the nonviewing area of the transparent pane.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a closure element (14) for a roof opening (12) which can be displaced between a closed position and an open position and which is provided with a primary solar generator (24). The closure element (14) is made such that an additional element (32) which has an additional solar generator (34) can be coupled to the closure element in the open position of the closure element, such that the additional element assumes a working position on the outside of the vehicle to generate solar current.

Abstract: A solar roof for motor vehicles having a cover (10) with solar cells (22) which are located between an outside cover plate (20) and an inside covering (24), at least one power consumer which is supplied from the solar cells and which is separate from the solar cover (10), and a contact-making means for establishing an electrical connection between the solar cells (22) and the power consumer. The contact-making means has cover-side contacts (30) and roof-side contacts (42) which, at least in the closed solar cover end position, make an electrical connection between the solar cells and the power consumer. To make the cover-side contacts (30) as simple, space-saving and still reliable as possible, the cover-side are integrated within the solar cover (10).

Abstract: A circuit arrangement with a first string of solar cells which are connected together in series and a second string of solar cells which are connected together in series, the electric power generated by the solar cells being used to operate an ohmic or inductive load. In contrast to known circuits, in which series-connected strings of solar cells are connected in parallel and have roughly identical no-load voltages, it is provided according to the invention that the strings of series-connected solar cells generate different no-load voltages to adapt to the current/voltage characteristic of the load. Preferably, at least one reverse-current blocking diode is connected in series with the string which generates a lower no-load voltage than the other. The series connection with a lower no-load voltage can be selectively formed with solar cells of the same no-load voltage by a smaller number of solar cells, or with solar cells of different power by the same number of solar cells with a lower no-load voltage.

Abstract: In an apparatus for shading surfaces, in particular for shading spaces which can be negotiated on foot, or the like, comprising at least a roof sheathing which is stretched on supports or the like carrier elements at a spacing relative to the surface to be shaded, or a corresponding cable netting assembly, as a carrier assembly, on the outside of which are provided photovoltaic elements, the photovoltaic element or solar module is attached to the carrier assembly by intermediate elements with which distortion phenomena of the carrier assembly, which are caused by stretching, can be carried, and external forces can be transmitted to the carrier assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement for covering doors, windows or like type room closure devices having translucent regions, in particular a curtain or a roller blind, is provided, at the side thereof which faces towards the room closure device, with photovoltaic cells or a photovoltaic layer and the same is connected to a current storage means.