Abstract: An air vehicle control system (1) and method for operation of one or more air vehicles, AVs, (2) flying along flight routes (FR) assigned to the air vehicles, AVs, (2) by said air control system (1) according to a calculated flight route plan, FRP, within a predefined airspace, wherein an air flight guarding control unit (3) integrated in the air vehicle, AV, (2) is adapted to intervene automatically with flight controls of the air vehicle, AV, (2) on the basis of a monitored flight status of the air vehicle, AV, (2) such that the air vehicle, AV, (2) is kept during a flight movement within three—dimensional confines or boundaries of the assigned flight route (FR) and collisions with other air vehicles, AVs, (2) or with other obstacles are avoided.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved anti-reflective texture. In some embodiments, the absorber layer for use with this anti-reflective layer is a group IB-IIIA-VIA absorber layer.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for rapid solar module installation. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic module is provided comprising of a plurality of photovoltaic cells a plurality of photovoltaic modules; at least a first type of mounting bracket in contact with the module; at least a second type of mounting bracket, wherein the brackets are configured to interlock and connect multiple modules together.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for rapid solar module installation. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic module is provided comprising of a plurality of photovoltaic cells positioned between a transparent module layer and a backside module layer. The module may be a frameless module. The module may have brackets that allow one degree of freedom. Optionally, the module may have brackets that allow the module to flex in at least one axis of rotation.

Abstract: Improved photovoltaic devices, and more specifically, improved building integrated photovoltaic devices are described herein. In one embodiment, the photovoltaic roofing structure may be comprised of a roofing tile having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a recessed portion; a photovoltaic module sized to fit within the recessed portion of the roofing structure.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved sensor systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, sensor system is provided that includes a sensor and sensor electronics integrated into the same ground plane.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel clamp includes an upper and lower section. The interface between the assembled clamp halves and the module edge is filled by a flexible gasket material, such as EPDM rubber. The gasket preferably has small, finger like protrusions that allow for easy insertion onto the module edge while being reversed makes it more difficult to remove them from the module once installed. The clamp includes mounting posts or an integral axle to engage a bracket. The clamp also may include a locking tongue to secure the clamp to a bracket.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved large-scale solar installations for a photovoltaic module with a plurality of photovoltaic cells positioned between a transparent module layer and a backside module layer. The module includes a first electrical lead extending outward from an edge of the module from between the transparent module layer and the backside module layer.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for rapid solar module installation. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic module is provided comprising of a plurality of photovoltaic cells positioned between a transparent module layer and a backside module layer. The module may be a frameless module. The module may have brackets that slidably engage a mounting structure.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for avalanche breakdown in a thin-film solar cell.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel clamp includes an upper and lower section. The interface between the assembled clamp halves and the module edge is filled by a flexible gasket material, such as EPDM rubber. The gasket preferably has small, finger like protrusions that allow for easy insertion onto the module edge while being reversed makes it more difficult to remove them from the module once installed. The clamp includes mounting posts or an integral axle to engage a bracket. The clamp also may include a locking tongue to secure the clamp to a bracket.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel clamp includes an upper and lower section. The interface between the assembled clamp halves and the module edge is filled by a flexible gasket material, such as EPDM rubber. The gasket preferably has small, finger like protrusions that allow for easy insertion onto the module edge while being reversed makes it more difficult to remove them from the module once installed. The clamp includes mounting posts or an integral axle to engage a bracket. The clamp also may include a locking tongue to secure the clamp to a bracket.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for solar panel installation. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic panel system for use with a support grid is provided. The system comprises of a photovoltaic panel with at least one layer comprised of a glass layer; a tensioning mechanism configured to laterally tension the glass layer in at least a first axis in a plane of the glass layer when the panel is mounted to the support grid. In one embodiment, the glass layer comprises of an un-tempered glass material. In another embodiment, the glass layer comprises of a tempered glass material. Optionally, other substantially transparent material may be used with or in place of the glass.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved solar module shipping techniques. In one embodiment, the method includes stacking a plurality of glass-based photovoltaic modules in the shipping container, wherein the modules are mounted in a surface supported configuration wherein at least 50% of a top substrate of the modules is a weight bearing surface, transferring weight through cells in the module to a bottom substrate of one of the modules, which transfers weight to a surface of an underlying module.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel clamp includes an upper and lower section. The interface between the assembled clamp halves and the module edge is filled by a flexible gasket material, such as EPDM rubber. The gasket preferably has small, finger like protrusions that allow for easy insertion onto the module edge while being reversed makes it more difficult to remove them from the module once installed. The clamp includes mounting posts or an integral axle to engage a bracket. The clamp also may include a locking tongue to secure the clamp to a bracket.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for avalanche breakdown in a thin-film solar cell.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved rooftop solar module mounting assemblies. In one embodiment, an assembly is provided for mounting a plurality of photovoltaic devices over a roof surface. The assembly comprises of a plurality of elongate metal rods, wherein the elongate metal rods are connected together to define a support grid; a plurality of non-roof penetrating grid supports configured to elevate the support grid above the roof surface; and a plurality of grid-to-roof anchors that secure the entire support grid over the roof surface, wherein the number of grid-to-roof anchors is less than about ¼ of the number of non-roof penetrating grid supports to minimize the number of locations where water may enter the roof surface.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for rapid solar module installation. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic module is provided comprising of a plurality of photovoltaic cells a plurality of photovoltaic modules; at least a first type of mounting bracket in contact with the module; at least a second type of mounting bracket, wherein the brackets are configured to interlock and connect multiple modules together.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved rooftop solar module mounting assemblies. In one embodiment, an assembly is provided for mounting a plurality of photovoltaic devices over a roof surface. The assembly comprises of a plurality of elongate metal rods, wherein the elongate metal rods are connected together to define a support grid; a plurality of non-roof penetrating grid supports configured to elevate the support grid above the roof surface, wherein the panels are grouped to define a rigid combination of modules and beams wherein the combination covers sufficient area and has sufficient rigidity which minimizes the risk of module lift off. Some embodiments are non-ballasted systems without features added to increase the weight of the system above a minimum required for conventional wind load ballasting for solar installations.