Abstract: Devices for reducing the open circuit voltages of solar systems are described. In one embodiment, a solar system includes a string of a plurality of solar modules having an open circuit voltage. The solar system also includes a device for reducing the open circuit voltage of the string of the plurality of solar modules during an open circuit configuration.

Abstract: Methods of operating solar tracking apparatuses are described. For example, a method includes determining a minimum amount of energy required to move the solar tracking apparatus from a first position to a second position. An available radiance is estimated for a solar resource coupled to the solar tracking apparatus. The solar tracking apparatus is moved from the first position to the second position prior to a point in time when the energy derivable from the available radiance is less than the minimum amount of energy required to move the solar tracking apparatus from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Devices for reducing the open circuit voltages of solar systems are described. In one embodiment, a solar system includes a string of a plurality of solar modules having an open circuit voltage. The solar system also includes a device for reducing the open circuit voltage of the string of the plurality of solar modules during an open circuit configuration.

Abstract: Devices for reducing the open circuit voltages of solar systems are described. In one embodiment, a solar system includes a string of a plurality of solar modules having an open circuit voltage. The solar system also includes a device for reducing the open circuit voltage of the string of the plurality of solar modules during an open circuit configuration.

Abstract: Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules configured to receive and convert solar energy. The system also includes a sensor configured to determine an orientation for each of the plurality of photovoltaic modules, the orientations based on a maximum output from the photovoltaic system. The system also includes an orientation system configured to alter the orientation of one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic modules to provide a reduced output from the photovoltaic system, the reduced output less than the maximum output.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for detecting electricity theft are disclosed. Electricity theft is the practice of stealing electrical power from a provider. Violators are not charged for the total number of kilowatt-hours actually used, causing lost revenue for both utility companies and retail electricity providers. The method, system, and apparatus may comprise providing power to a plurality of end user destinations from one power source, selecting one destination for testing, and switching off all of the end user destinations except for the selected destination. The method, system, and apparatus may further comprise sensing the current from the power source, sensing the current returning from the selected destination, and determining the difference. The presence of electricity theft can be determined if the current entering the system is not the same as the current returning from the system.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes multiple strings of solar panels and a device presenting a DC load to the strings of solar panels. Output currents of the strings of solar panels may be sensed and provided to a computer that generates current-voltage (IV) curves of the strings of solar panels. Output voltages of the string of solar panels may be sensed at the string or at the device presenting the DC load. The DC load may be varied. Output currents of the strings of solar panels responsive to the variation of the DC load are sensed to generate IV curves of the strings of solar panels. IV curves may be compared and analyzed to evaluate performance of and detect problems with a string of solar panels.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing solar cells is disclosed. The method comprises depositing an etch-resistant dopant material on a silicon substrate, the etch-resistant dopant material comprising a dopant source, forming a cross-linked matrix in the etch-resistant dopant material using a non-thermal cure of the etch-resistant dopant material, and heating the silicon substrate and the etch-resistant dopant material to a temperature sufficient to cause the dopant source to diffuse into the silicon substrate.

Abstract: Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules configured to receive and convert solar energy. The system also includes a sensor configured to determine an orientation for each of the plurality of photovoltaic modules, the orientations based on a maximum output from the photovoltaic system. The system also includes an orientation system configured to alter the orientation of one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic modules to provide a reduced output from the photovoltaic system, the reduced output less than the maximum output.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes multiple strings of solar panels and a device presenting a DC load to the strings of solar panels. Output currents of the strings of solar panels may be sensed and provided to a computer that generates current-voltage (IV) curves of the strings of solar panels. Output voltages of the string of solar panels may be sensed at the string or at the device presenting the DC load. The DC load may be varied. Output currents of the strings of solar panels responsive to the variation of the DC load are sensed to generate IV curves of the strings of solar panels. IV curves may be compared and analyzed to evaluate performance of and detect problems with a string of solar panels.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing solar cells is disclosed. The method comprises depositing an etch-resistant dopant material on a silicon substrate, the etch-resistant dopant material comprising a dopant source, forming a cross-linked matrix in the etch-resistant dopant material using a non-thermal cure of the etch-resistant dopant material, and heating the silicon substrate and the etch-resistant dopant material to a temperature sufficient to cause the dopant source to diffuse into the silicon substrate.

Abstract: Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules configured to receive and convert solar energy. The system also includes a sensor configured to determine an orientation for each of the plurality of photovoltaic modules, the orientations based on a maximum output from the photovoltaic system. The system also includes an orientation system configured to alter the orientation of one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic modules to provide a reduced output from the photovoltaic system, the reduced output less than the maximum output.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing solar cells is disclosed. The method comprises depositing an etch-resistant dopant material on a silicon substrate, the etch-resistant dopant material comprising a dopant source, forming a cross-linked matrix in the etch-resistant dopant material using a non-thermal cure of the etch-resistant dopant material, and heating the silicon substrate and the etch-resistant dopant material to a temperature sufficient to cause the dopant source to diffuse into the silicon substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing solar cells is disclosed. The method comprises depositing an etch-resistant dopant material on a silicon substrate, the etch-resistant dopant material comprising a dopant source, forming a cross-linked matrix in the etch-resistant dopant material using a non-thermal cure of the etch-resistant dopant material, and heating the silicon substrate and the etch-resistant dopant material to a temperature sufficient to cause the dopant source to diffuse into the silicon substrate.

Abstract: Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules configured to receive and convert solar energy. The system also includes a sensor configured to determine an orientation for each of the plurality of photovoltaic modules, the orientations based on a maximum output from the photovoltaic system. The system also includes an orientation system configured to alter the orientation of one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic modules to provide a reduced output from the photovoltaic system, the reduced output less than the maximum output.

Abstract: Devices for reducing the open circuit voltages of solar systems are described. In one embodiment, a solar system includes a string of a plurality of solar modules having an open circuit voltage. The solar system also includes a device for reducing the open circuit voltage of the string of the plurality of solar modules during an open circuit configuration.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes multiple strings of solar panels and a device presenting a DC load to the strings of solar panels. Output currents of the strings of solar panels may be sensed and provided to a computer that generates current-voltage (IV) curves of the strings of solar panels. Output voltages of the string of solar panels may be sensed at the string or at the device presenting the DC load. The DC load may be varied. Output currents of the strings of solar panels responsive to the variation of the DC load are sensed to generate IV curves of the strings of solar panels. IV curves may be compared and analyzed to evaluate performance of and detect problems with a string of solar panels.

Abstract: Methods of operating solar tracking apparatuses are described. For example, a method includes determining a minimum amount of energy required to move the solar tracking apparatus from a first position to a second position. An available radiance is estimated for a solar resource coupled to the solar tracking apparatus. The solar tracking apparatus is moved from the first position to the second position prior to a point in time when the energy derivable from the available radiance is less than the minimum amount of energy required to move the solar tracking apparatus from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically calibrating the precise positioning of a wafer handling robot relative to a target structure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a machine controller connected to robot having an end-effector with three degrees of movement. The controller has a memory with stored rough distance and geometrical data defining the general location of structural features of the target structure. The robot is programmed to move toward the target structure in a series of sequential movements, each movement culminating with the robot end-effector touching a preselected exterior feature of the target structure. Each touching of the end-effector is sensed and provides data for the controller which then calculates the precise location of the target structure. The data accumulated during a series of touching steps by the robot end-effector is utilized by the controller to provide a precise calibrated control program for future operation of the robot.

Abstract: An electronic chassis is disclosed for supporting components such as a CRT device or flat panel display unit and adapted for installation through an opening in a cabinet without requiring access from within the cabinet to secure the chassis in place. The frontal end of the chassis has flange members on opposite sides which fit against the cabinet surface around its opening. One side of the chassis frontal end has a movable retainer means controlled by one or more drive screws that can be adjusted to grip one side of the cabinet opening. Continued actuation of the drive screws moves the chassis into locking contact with a fixed retainer means on the opposite side of the chassis. A bezel frame member attached to the frontal end of the chassis covers the drive screws but has access holes to facilitate their adjustment, and gaskets are provided on the bezel frame to prevent moisture from entering the chassis or the cabinet opening.