Abstract: Split-cell and multi-panel photovoltaic backtracking control systems and methods allow for increased total power generation during low sun elevation conditions by shading a percentage of panel modules, thereby allowing for a lower angle of incidence on unshaded modules. The control systems and methods involve determining a sun elevation angle, a traditional backtracking angle, a split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle, a single-cell or single-panel relative light transmission (RLT) based on the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle, and a split-cell or multi-panel RLT based on the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle. If twice the single-cell or single-panel RLT is greater than the split-cell or multi-panel RLT, the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle is used; otherwise, the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle is used.

Abstract: A method of controlling a solar array including receiving current and voltage data from a plurality of solar modules of the solar array, calculating a diffuse fraction irradiance for the plurality of solar modules, mapping the diffuse fraction irradiance for the plurality of solar modules, generating a digital image of light conditions in the solar array based on the mapped diffuse fraction irradiance, defining zones within the array based on the light conditions in the digital image, determining a zone-specific solar tracker angle for each zone based on mapped diffuse fraction irradiance, transmitting the zone-specific solar tracker angle to a computing device associated with each solar tracker in the solar array, and driving the solar trackers of each zone such that the solar trackers that make up each zone are oriented to substantially the same angle.

Abstract: A distributed direct current power system including an inverter to invert DC to alternating current (AC), a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) strings, and a plurality of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) converters coupled between the plurality of photovoltaic (PV) strings, respectively, and the central inverter, the plurality of MPPT converters configured to maximize solar power production by the plurality of PV strings and minimize mismatch between the plurality of PV strings. The system also including a plurality of batteries, a plurality of DC-DC battery converters (DCBC) coupled to the plurality of batteries and configured to manage charge and discharge of the plurality of batteries, enable interconnection of the plurality of PV strings and the plurality of batteries, and supply a constant medium DC voltage to the central inverter, and a hydrogen generation system in electrical communication with the inverter, the photovoltaic strings, or the batteries.

Abstract: A solar tracker including solar modules which include, a frame and a plurality of bifacial solar cells supported by the frame. The solar modules also including a gap formed between two or more of the solar cells, the gap being formed proximate a centerline of the solar modules and configured to a allow passage of light from a first side of the solar modules to a second side of a solar modules, where the light passing through the gap is reflected back onto the plurality of bifacial solar cells and converted to electrical energy.

Abstract: Split-cell and multi-panel photovoltaic backtracking control systems and methods allow for increased total power generation during low sun elevation conditions by shading a percentage of panel modules, thereby allowing for a lower angle of incidence on unshaded modules. The control systems and methods involve determining a sun elevation angle, a traditional backtracking angle, a split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle, a single-cell or single-panel relative light transmission (RLT) based on the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle, and a split-cell or multi-panel RLT based on the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle. If twice the single-cell or single-panel RLT is greater than the split-cell or multi-panel RLT, the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle is used; otherwise, the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle is used.