Abstract: Provided are flexible photovoltaic modules having flexible module connectors that allow their connector bodies to move with respect to other parts of the modules in one or more directions. This flexibility may be used to align connector bodies during installation. Further, flexibility may help to overcome the thermal expansion differences of various modules and supporting structure components during operation. Flexible arms may be used to support connector bodies with respect to module sealing sheets to provide the necessary flexibility. Such modules may also include various touch safety features to keep conductive elements of the module connectors disconnected from the photovoltaic cells prior to installation of the module and during initial installation operations. Also provided are flexible photovoltaic assemblies, each including multiple modules electrically interconnected with each other and sealed at their interfaces.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes at least one photovoltaic cell and a DC/DC converter electrically coupled to the at least one photovoltaic cell. The at least one photovoltaic cell and the DC/DC converter are integrated into a photovoltaic package.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes at least one photovoltaic cell and a DC/DC converter electrically coupled to the at least one photovoltaic cell. The at least one photovoltaic cell and the DC/DC converter are integrated into a photovoltaic package.

Abstract: An integral mounting and shipping support device. The device includes a mounting structure and a shipping support structure. The shipping support structure is configured to grip an object to be shipped. The device also includes a first stacking structure and a second stacking structure. The first stacking structure of a first mounting and shipping support device is configured to couple with the second stacking structure of a second mounting and shipping support device.

Abstract: Provided are flexible photovoltaic modules having flexible module connectors that allow their connector bodies to move with respect to other parts of the modules in one or more directions. This flexibility may be used to align connector bodies during installation. Further, flexibility may help to overcome the thermal expansion differences of various modules and supporting structure components during operation. Flexible arms may be used to support connector bodies with respect to module sealing sheets to provide the necessary flexibility. Such modules may also include various touch safety features to keep conductive elements of the module connectors disconnected from the photovoltaic cells prior to installation of the module and during initial installation operations. Also provided are flexible photovoltaic assemblies, each including multiple modules electrically interconnected with each other and sealed at their interfaces.

Abstract: Provided are novel junction boxes for solar modules. The junction boxes or J-boxes can be rotated or otherwise moved to change the module's electrical connection state. According to various embodiments, the J-boxes are movable between two or more orientations each associated with an electrical connection configuration. In particular embodiments, the configurations include two or more of an on position, an off position, an on series configuration, an on series-parallel configuration, and a bypass configuration. A J-box according to certain embodiments includes a replaceable insert. The insert may include one or more bypass diodes, an inverter or a DC/DC converter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a diode assembly of a photovoltaic module from compressive and tensile forces by providing at least one interior shielding element are provided. According to various embodiments, a photovoltaic module including a first encasing layer, a second encasing layer, at least one photovoltaic cell disposed between the first and second encasing layers, at least one shielded diode assembly disposed on the at least one photovoltaic cell and electrically connected to the at least one photovoltaic cell, and a pottant disposed between the at least one photovoltaic cell and the second encasing layer is provided. A localized shielding element may be used to shield the diode assembly.

Abstract: A leadframe design for a diode or other semiconductor device that reduces stress on the device and provides increased heat dissipation is provided. According to various embodiments, the leadframe has a contoured profile including a recessed area and a raised surface within the recessed area. The surface supports the device such that the edges of the device extend past the surface. Also provided are device assemblies including the novel leadframes. In certain embodiments, the assemblies include one or more leadframes attached via a solder joint to a device. According to various embodiments, the leadframes are attached to the front side of the device, back side of the device or both. In particular embodiments, the device is a bypass diode for one or more solar cells in a solar module.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes at least one photovoltaic cell and a DC/DC converter electrically coupled to the at least one photovoltaic cell. The at least one photovoltaic cell and the DC/DC converter are integrated into a photovoltaic package.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes at least one photovoltaic cell and a DC/DC converter electrically coupled to the at least one photovoltaic cell. The at least one photovoltaic cell and the DC/DC converter are integrated into a photovoltaic package.

Abstract: A leadframe design for a diode or other semiconductor device that reduces stress on the device and provides increased heat dissipation is provided. According to various embodiments, the leadframe has a contoured profile including a recessed area and a raised surface within the recessed area. The surface supports the device such that the edges of the device extend past the surface. Also provided are device assemblies including the novel leadframes. In certain embodiments, the assemblies include one or more leadframes attached via a solder joint to a device. According to various embodiments, the leadframes are attached to the front side of the device, back side of the device or both. In particular embodiments, the device is a bypass diode for one or more solar cells in a solar module.

Abstract: One photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and at least one device selected from a sensor, a data storage device and an indicator. Another photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a flexible circuit configured to act as an antenna for electromagnetic radiation. Methods of using such photovoltaic modules are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are novel junction boxes for solar modules. The junction boxes or J-boxes can be rotated or otherwise moved to change the module's electrical connection state. According to various embodiments, the J-boxes are movable between two or more orientations each associated with an electrical connection configuration. In particular embodiments, the configurations include two or more of an on position, an off position, an on series configuration, an on series-parallel configuration, and a bypass configuration. A J-box according to certain embodiments includes a replaceable insert. The insert may include one or more bypass diodes, an inverter or a DC/DC converter.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device including at least one photovoltaic cell and a transformerless inverter electrically coupled to the at least one photovoltaic cell. The at least one photovoltaic cell and the transformerless inverter are integrated into a photovoltaic package.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes at least one photovoltaic cell and a DC/DC converter electrically coupled to the at least one photovoltaic cell. The at least one photovoltaic cell and the DC/DC converter are integrated into a photovoltaic package.

Abstract: Provided are novel detachable inverters, DC/DC converters, diodes and other detachable electrical circuitry components for solar modules. A detachable inverter or other component according to certain embodiments includes a fixed part and a separable part, i.e., an insert. The insert may include one or more bypass diodes, inverters, DC/DC converters or combinations thereof. According to various embodiments, the insert may or may not be movable between operating positions or orientations associated with different electrical connection configurations.

Abstract: Provided are easy-to-install rooftop photovoltaic systems. One rooftop photovoltaic system includes a roofing material piece, a photovoltaic module disposed on the roofing material piece and an inverter configured to convert DC from the photovoltaic module into AC. Another rooftop photovoltaic system includes at least one active unit including one or more photovoltaic modules each including photovoltaic cells shaped as shingles to provide a roofing material appearance; and one or more inactive units having the roofing material appearance.

Abstract: One photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and at least one device selected from a sensor, a data storage device and an indicator. Another photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a flexible circuit configured to act as an antenna for electromagnetic radiation. Methods of using such photovoltaic modules are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are easy-to-install rooftop photovoltaic systems. One rooftop photovoltaic system includes a roofing material piece, a photovoltaic module disposed on the roofing material piece and an inverter configured to convert DC from the photovoltaic module into AC. Another rooftop photovoltaic system includes at least one active unit including one or more photovoltaic modules each including photovoltaic cells shaped as shingles to provide a roofing material appearance; and one or more inactive units having the roofing material appearance.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a coated substrate comprises a pliable substrate and a plurality of dots disposed on a surface of the substrate. The dots may have any one or more of the following characteristics: (1) a substantially conical profile to provide enhanced texturing; (2) a height of between about 5.5 to 8 mils; and (3) act as a carrier for fragrants, insect/pest repellant or attractant, micro biocide, fire retardant, cleaning chemical, furniture wax, polish, or any material that is to be time-released. The dots may be disposed on the substrate in a non-uniform pattern. The pattern may include text and/or logo and brand names. Such a logo or brand name formed of such dots may thus serve a function due to its texture.