Abstract: A solar system comprises at least one solar panel with a plurality of solar cells. The solar panels include first and second split-circuits to extract electrical energy from the solar panel. The first split-circuit includes solar panel wires that electrically connect, in series, the solar cells of the first split-circuit to extract electrical energy from the solar panel. Similarly, the second split-circuit includes solar panel wires that electrically connect, in series, the solar cells of the second split-circuit to extract electrical energy from the solar panel. The first and second split-circuits are configured to generate a voltage not to exceed a voltage specification, such as a voltage specification of 35 volts.

Abstract: An expandable and retractable photovoltaic structure includes a base that provides support to permit mounting of the photovoltaic structure solely from the base. Photovoltaic panels are arranged adjacently between the base and a lead element when the photovoltaic structure is in an open configuration. The photovoltaic structure is supported by scissor link mechanisms, coupled to the base at one end and the lead support element at the other end. The scissor link mechanisms consist of scissor links pivotally coupled together to form a moveable successive chain of the scissor links. The photovoltaic panels are attached to the scissor links, via side frames, so that as the lead arm moves away from the base the scissor link mechanisms expand to deploy the photovoltaic structure in an open configuration, and as the lead arm moves towards the base, the scissor link mechanisms retract the photovoltaic structure to place the photovoltaic structure in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A solar system, arranged in one or more sub-systems, consists of solar panels. The solar panels are configured into a plurality of solar panel strings, using interconnect wires, wherein a solar panel string comprises at least two of the solar panels electrically connected in a serial manner. The solar panels of a first of the solar panel strings are arranged between at least one of the solar panels of a second of the solar panel strings, and the interconnect wires, for each of the solar panel strings, form only a single path between the top and the bottom of the sub-system. This wiring configuration has application to house wires in a solar awning with limited space to house solar panel interconnect wires.

Abstract: A solar system comprises at least one solar panel with a plurality of solar cells. The solar panels include first and second split-circuits to extract electrical energy from the solar panel. The first split-circuit includes solar panel wires that electrically connect, in series, the solar cells of the first split-circuit to extract electrical energy from the solar panel. Similarly, the second split-circuit includes solar panel wires that electrically connect, in series, the solar cells of the second split-circuit to extract electrical energy from the solar panel. The first and second split-circuits are configured to generate a voltage not to exceed a voltage specification, such as a voltage specification of 35 volts.

Abstract: A solar cell interconnect processing assembly includes a stack of interconnects, a positioning head, and a control system. The positioning head picks up an interconnect from the stack of interconnects at a first location, moves the interconnect from the first location to a second location, heats the interconnect while moving the interconnect from the first location to the second location, and places the interconnect over two adjacent solar cells at the second location. The control system controls a temperature at which the interconnect is heated and controls movement of the positioning head.

Abstract: A method comprises positioning a pair of photovoltaic wafers in a side-by-side arrangement. An interconnect is placed on the pair of wafers such that the interconnect overlaps both wafers of the pair, solder material being provided between the interconnect and the respective wafers. A solder head is then located adjacent the interconnect, and the coil is energized to effect inductive heating of the solder material. The solder head comprises an induction coil shaped to define an eye, and a magnetic field concentrator located at least partially in the eye of the coil. The magnetic field concentrator defines a passage extending axially through the eye of the coil, and may be of a material with a high magnetic permeability.

Abstract: A solar cell interconnect processing assembly includes a stack of interconnects, a positioning head, and a control system. The positioning head picks up an interconnect from the stack of interconnects at a first location, moves the interconnect from the first location to a second location, heats the interconnect while moving the interconnect from the first location to the second location, and places the interconnect over two adjacent solar cells at the second location. The control system controls a temperature at which the interconnect is heated and controls movement of the positioning head.

Abstract: A method of connecting two solar cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises gripping an interconnect with a head of positioning device, heating the interconnect with the head of the positioning device to between two predetermined temperatures, where one is higher than the other, positioning the interconnect so as to overlay two adjacent solar cells, coupling the interconnect to each of the two adjacent solar cells, and releasing the interconnect from the head.

Abstract: A method of connecting two solar cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises gripping an interconnect with a head of positioning device, heating the interconnect with the head of the positioning device to between two predetermined temperatures, where one is higher than the other, positioning the interconnect so as to overlay two adjacent solar cells, coupling the interconnect to each of the two adjacent solar cells, and releasing the interconnect from the head.

Abstract: A method comprises positioning a pair of photovoltaic wafers in a side-by-side arrangement. An interconnect is placed on the pair of wafers such that the interconnect overlaps both wafers of the pair, solder material being provided between the interconnect and the respective wafers. A solder head is then located adjacent the interconnect, and the coil is energized to effect inductive heating of the solder material. The solder head comprises an induction coil shaped to define an eye, and a magnetic field concentrator located at least partially in the eye of the coil. The magnetic field concentrator defines a passage extending axially through the eye of the coil, and may be of a material with a high magnetic permeability.