Abstract: A solar photovoltaic module comprises a generator body and a support body, and can be repaired in place after installation on a roof by removing and replacing the solar panel laminate from the generator body of the solar module. The support body of the solar module comprises an elongated rail defining an upper tabletop onto which a fastener may be affixed and a lower tabletop to receive the generator body. The solar panel laminate of the generator body is retained by a frame comprising a horizontal front frame element having a hook to engage a support body of another solar module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame for photovoltaic modules into which connection sockets and module electronics can be integrated so as to be easily accessible and which is simultaneously used as a guide system for connection cables.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell module installation structure and a house that can reduce manufacturing cost and have good workability as compared with the related art. A support member includes a rail part that extends substantially in a vertical direction and is longer than a length of the solar cell module. The solar cell module includes: a solar cell panel; and a frame member. The solar cell panel includes: a main body panel; a terminal box provided on a back surface of the main body panel; and a wiring part extending from the terminal box. The frame member includes: a holding recess; and a mounting part. The holding recess sandwiches a part of the main body panel and is in contact with a light receiving surface and the back surface of the main body panel. The mounting part is provided on a back surface of the main body panel and is attached to the rail part of the support member.

Abstract: A roof mount system and related method for installing solar panel racking components on a roof structure at the time of roof installation during building construction or roof replacement. The roof mount apparatus includes at least one flashing, at least one flashing projection, at least one fastener, a block member, a seal member and a cap member. The at least one fastener connects the at least one flashing member to the roof structure to secure the block member and the seal member. The seal member provides a water-tight securement and reduces wear and tear of the roof structure. The cap, fastener, and block are removable, and once removed, additional solar racking components are installed. This embodiment reduces the up-front cost of the solar components, and provides aesthetically pleasing low-profile temporary mounts to the roof surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide an integrated transmitter-receiver module for a LiDAR assembly. The integrated transmitter-receiver module includes a laser emitter configured to emit optical signals to an environment surrounding the LiDAR assembly. The integrated transmitter-receiver module also includes a receiver configured to detect returned optical signals from the environment. The laser emitter and the receiver are pre-aligned to focus the returned optical signal on one or more detectors of the receiver and are disposed on a shared base wherein the shared base is configured to assemble the integrated transmitter-receiver module to the LiDAR assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell module installation structure that can be installed on a wall surface of a building, and provides a house and a solar cell module. A support member has a support surface that spreads out substantially in a vertical direction. A locking piece of the support member has: a locking part that faces the support surface at an interval and extends upward; and a connection part that connect the locking part and the support surface. A frame member of the solar cell module has: a holding recess that sandwiches a part of a main body panel of the solar cell module and is in contact with a light receiving surface and a back surface of the main body panel; and a mounting part that is provided on a back surface side of the main body panel, has higher rigidity than the main body panel, has a length longer than or equal to ½ of one side of the main body panel, and extends in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A photovoltaic curtain wall and a method for manufacturing the photovoltaic curtain wall are provided. The photovoltaic curtain wall includes a first cover plate, a cell string, and a second cover plate stacked sequentially in a first direction; and an encapsulation film including a first adhesive film and a second adhesive film, the first adhesive film is attached to the first cover plate, and the second adhesive film is attached to the second cover plate. The second cover plate has a thickness greater than or equal to an equivalent thickness, and the first cover plate has a thickness less than the thickness of the second cover plate; and the equivalent thickness is a thickness of a target cover plate that undergoes a preset bending deformation in response to a preset load, and the target cover plate and the second cover plate is made of a same material.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus that may be used to generate desalinated water from a supply of untreated water using a photovoltaic cell. The front surface of the photovoltaic cell is partially enclosed to form an evaporation chamber. The front surface of the photovoltaic cell is exposed to sunlight or another light source. This exposure results in power generation by the photovoltaic cell and also heats the air in the evaporation chamber. Untreated water is subsequently introduced into the evaporation chamber. Upon contacting the heated air and the front surface of the photovoltaic cell, a portion of the untreated water evaporates to generate water vapor. The water vapor is then removed from the evaporation chamber and transported to a condensation chamber. The water vapor is cooled in the condensation chamber to yield desalinated water.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting a photovoltaic panel to a surface includes a mounting base that is supported on the surface. The mounting base defines an elongated opening that extends along an axis. A module mount can be coupled to the mounting base. The module mount includes a first mount portion that is received within the elongated opening of the mounting base such that the module mount is movable with respect to the mounting base along the axis. A second mount portion is coupled to the photovoltaic panel for mounting the photovoltaic panel to the surface through the mounting base.

Abstract: A building integrated photovoltaic system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules installed in an array on a roof deck. Each of the photovoltaic modules at least one solar cell, a first encapsulant encapsulating the at least one solar cell, a frontsheet juxtaposed with a first surface of the first encapsulant, and a backsheet juxtaposed with a second surface of the first encapsulant. The frontsheet includes a glass layer, a second encapsulant, and a first polymer layer. The backsheet includes a first layer and a second polymer layer attached to the first layer. Each of the photovoltaic modules includes a wire cover bracket, which is configured to overlap the wire cover bracket of an adjacent one of the photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: A mount system for a supporting a plurality of photovoltaic panels includes a plurality of stanchions. Each stanchion is spaced apart from other stanchions in a linear stanchion array having first and second ends. Each stanchion includes a vertical member and a transverse member supported by the vertical member. The transverse member has a plurality of support points. The system includes a plurality of anchor arrangements. A first anchor arrangement is located proximate the first end and a second anchor arrangement is located proximate the second end. The system includes a plurality of cables. Each cable is under tension and extends between the first and second anchor arrangements. Each cables extends to engage and is supported by a support point on a transverse member. The system includes a plurality of photovoltaic panel attachments. Each photovoltaic panel attachment is secured to a point on a photovoltaic panel and to a cable.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a solar power system including rails, solar modules, and a plurality of adjustable clips to secure the solar modules to the rails. The clips include at least a base member, an elastomeric support member, a bracket member, and an alignment member configured to secure the various members of the clip together. The adjustable clips are configured to slide within a slot defined through a portion of a surface of a rail and including a recessed edge thereby allowing the rail system to accommodate solar modules of varying dimensions.

Abstract: A method of determining one or more shading conditions associated with a structure is provided. A method may include determining an azimuth of a reference roof edge relative to an orientation of a first image of a structure. The method may further include determining a relative azimuth of the reference roof edge from a lower hemisphere of a second, different image captured proximate the structure. In addition, the method may include determining one or more shading conditions associated with the structure based on the azimuth of the reference roof edge and the relative azimuth of the reference roof edge.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a solar power system including rails, solar modules, and a plurality of adjustable clips to secure the solar modules to the rails. The clips include at least a base member, an elastomeric support member, a bracket member, and an alignment member configured to secure the various members of the clip together. The adjustable clips are configured to slide within a slot defined through a portion of a surface of a rail and including a recessed edge thereby allowing the rail system to accommodate solar modules of varying dimensions.

Abstract: A method of determining one or more shading conditions associated with a structure is provided. A method may include determining an azimuth of a reference roof edge relative to an orientation of an aerial image of a structure. The method may include capturing at least one spherical image at at least one measurement location proximate the structure. Further, the method may include determining a relative azimuth of the reference roof edge from a lower hemisphere of the at least one image. In addition, the method may include determining an orientation of an upper hemisphere of the at least one image based on the azimuth of the reference roof edge and the relative azimuth of the reference roof edge. Furthermore, the method may include calculating shading conditions based on the orientation of the upper hemisphere of the at least one spherical image.

Abstract: A bladed solar thermal receiver for absorbing concentrated sunlight is disclosed. The receiver includes a plurality of panels arranged in a bladed configuration for absorbing sunlight. The bladed configurations can be radial or planar. The receiver design increases the effective solar absorptance and efficiency by providing a light trap for the incident solar radiation while reducing heat losses from radiation and convection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for roof estimation are described. Example embodiments include a roof estimation system, which generates and provides roof estimate reports annotated with indications of the size, geometry, pitch and/or orientation of the roof sections of a building. Generating a roof estimate report may be based on one or more aerial images of a building. In some embodiments, generating a roof estimate report of a specified building roof may include generating a three-dimensional model of the roof, and generating a report that includes one or more views of the three-dimensional model, the views annotated with indications of the dimensions, area, and/or slope of sections of the roof. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A solar thermal energy collection module formed by a sandwich of metal plates. The metal plates collect solar radiant energy and convert that to thermal energy in a heat transfer fluid that flows through conduits and manifolds formed between the plates. The collector module may be directly integrated into the exterior of building structures in an array. The collector module also may be glazed or integrated with photovoltaic solar panels.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams, in both lateral and longitudinal directions, to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV systems can be particularly aesthetically pleasing and generally seamless to an observer.

Abstract: A method for precision snow removal analysis provides a melt rate in inches per day for roadways in a geometric region is provided. Elevation data is used to calculate upward looking hemispherical viewsheds at each roadway coordinate to determine the total solar radiation. The snowmelt capacity and slope are determined at each coordinate and the data is displayed on a geographical map of the roadway. The processing speed of the computer is improved since the snowmelt capacity is only determined for a roadway subset of the region coordinates.

Abstract: A wire management device is disclosed. The device comprises a clip comprising an upper planar member and a lower planar member, each planar member having an inner and outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the upper planar member includes a post extending toward the inner surface of the lower planar member, a stem extending from the outer surface of the lower planar member, the stem including two outwardly-extending flanges, each of the first and second outwardly-extending flanges including an edge portion extending toward the outer surface of the lower planar member, and a transverse passage extending along the outer surface of the lower planar member, the transverse passage extending across the stem, wherein the stem has a recessed portion along the transverse passage.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product cooperate to extract a building footprint from other data associated with a property. Imagery data of real property is input to a computing device, the imagery data containing a plurality of parcels. A processing circuit detects contrasts of candidate man-made structures on a parcel of the plurality of parcels. The candidate man-made structures are then associated with the parcel. A building footprint is then extracted by distinguishing a man-made structure on said parcel from natural terrain, recognizing that man-made structures when viewed from above generally show a strong contrast from background terrain. Remaining candidate man-made structures are removed by observing that they having features inconsistent with predetermined extraction logic.

Abstract: A system that allows the remote measurement of the size, geometry, pitch and orientation of the roof sections of a building and then uses the information to provide an estimate to repair or replace the roof, or to install equipment thereon. The system includes an aerial image file database that shows aerial images of buildings in a designated area according to address. The slope and orientation images are typically oblique perspective views and top plan views of the buildings in the area. The system also includes an image analysis and calibration feature that enables the viewer to closely estimate the size, geometry and orientation of the building's roof sections. The information can then be used to prepare a cost estimate for the repair or replacement of the roof or installation of roof equipment.

Abstract: A solar-collector roofing assembly (10) comprises a plurality of elongate spaced-apart primary support members (12) aligned in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction A; a plurality of elongate spaced-apart secondary support members (14) having first and second end portions (38, 40) connected to corresponding said primary support members (12), first and second end portions (38, 40) on a respective primary support member (12) being vertically offset relative to each other; and at least one solar-energy collector panel (16) directly or indirectly supported by the secondary support members (14) so as to have a predetermined fall towards an associated primary support member (12).

Abstract: A power supply module for providing power to an unregulated spacecraft electrical power bus, the power supply module comprising a solar cell, output terminals, and a power converter mounted to the solar cell, the power converter providing converted power from the solar cell to the output terminal having a DC output voltage determined by a voltage of the unregulated spacecraft electrical power bus.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for optimal control of an open space surrounding building form based on sky view evaluation. The method includes the following steps: vectorizing an existing planning scheme, and establishing a 3D model; classifying open spaces in the model, 360°-scanning for mean elevations, calculating and simulating sky views of a whole region, generating a 3D contour plot, and rasterizing the 3D isogram, such that each grid has an open space classification attribute and a sky view value; performing optimal adjustment of the building form on an open space surrounding region having a sky view value that is inconsistent with a corresponding preset sky view index within the range of the whole region, and bringing an adjusted scheme into the model for calculation again, till the sky view value is consistent with the corresponding preset sky view index.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus to secure a pair of solar panel rails to a metal tile roof and minimize penetrations or damage to a rafter of the roof is provided. The mounting apparatus permits the solar panel rails to support adjacent solar panels thereon. The mounting apparatus includes a lower assembly coupled to the metal tile roof and having a threaded screw and flashing disposed on a metal tile and coupled together, and an upper arm assembly coupled to the threaded screw of the lower assembly, the upper arm assembly having a generally U-shaped member with a first symmetric half member and a second symmetric half member, each symmetric half member of the first and second symmetric half members having a slot to receive a fastener that secures one of the pair of solar panel rails thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting apparatus for attaching solar panels to a roof top. The apparatus includes a mounting base installable on a roof top and a mounting bracket attached to the mounting base. Also provided is a method of installing solar panels on a roof top through the mounting apparatus disclosed herein.

Abstract: A roof mounting system for the attachment of an article to a roof, the system comprising a plurality of PV modules each having at least one corner and a frame member, a flashing member having a top surface; an upstanding sleeve attached to the top surface of the flashing member; an elevated water seal having a borehole formed therethrough, the elevated water seal further comprising at least one screw for providing a waterproof seal between the article and the roof structure; and whereby the plurality of PV modules are interlocked in a way to provide a corner-to-corner coupling arrangement supported above the roof through the frame members of the plurality of PV modules.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by exploiting properties of the projection of a three-dimensional building structure (such as a roof) onto the ground. This projection is a two-dimensional spatial graph, which can be constructed for example by a user or by an image recognition algorithm. The spatial graph is processed to recreate a three-dimensional model of the building structure.

Abstract: A photovoltaic mounting structure includes a frame for holding a photovoltaic array including a plurality of widthwise channels so as to permit photovoltaic modules to be easily slid between pairs of the channels, the photovoltaic modules resting upon flanges of the channels. In various embodiments, domed protrusions are disposed on lateral sides of the channel to prevent kinking of the modules and reduce friction, retention teeth are formed on upper surfaces of the flanges to position the modules; locator teeth are formed on lower surfaces of the flanges to guide the channels to predetermined spacing; and pre-installed mounting clips are attached to a top surface of the channel. The mounting clips each include an anti-rotation tab oriented downwardly and partially disposed in a corresponding hole in a top surface of the channel so as to prevent rotation of the mounting clip when a bolt of the mounting clip is rotated.

Abstract: Functional yarn equipped with semiconductor functional elements includes: a plurality of semiconductor functional elements whose electrically conductive directions defined by positive and negative electrodes are aligned and disposed between a pair of conducting wires in which each of the positive electrodes being connected to the conducting wire and each of the negative electrodes being connected to the conducting wire; an element mounting region consisting of conducting wire portions on which a plurality of the semiconductor functional elements are disposed; a conducting wire region consisting of only conducting wire portions and an insulating member that covers the surface of at least one of the pair of conducting wire portions of the conducting wire region.

Abstract: Roof (2), at least in part covered by a modular roof covering, said modular roof covering comprising a plurality of modular elements (1) for covering said roof, wherein the plurality of elements is arranged such that at least part of a roof is fully covered by the plurality of elements, and wherein each element is coupled via coupling means to at least one adjacent further element of the plurality of elements, and the roof having sloped rafters (4) extending mutually parallel to a roof ridge, wherein the plurality of elements is directly mounted onto rafters, wherein preferably each element is supported, in a direction transverse to the rafters, onto two neighboring rafters.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides clamps used to assemble photovoltaic (PV) arrays with frameless PV modules. The clamp includes a clamp cover configured to fit within a clamp grip such that when the clamp cover is fitted to the clamp grip pockets are formed to receive portions of PV modules. A base of the clamp cover may include one or more legs that act as a stop to prevent over tightening the clamp.

Abstract: A deviation between an inlet-outlet temperature difference of a first superheater part and an inlet-outlet temperature difference of each of second superheater parts can be reduced so that a difference in thermal expansion between the first superheater part and the second superheater part can be reduced. It is therefore possible to avoid damage on heat transfer pipes.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module mounting system including a mounting bracket that has a curved mating surface extending as an arch between a pair of flat mounting feet portions. The mounting bracket supports a PV module coupling device. A hanger bolt is provided that has a first threaded portion adapted to engage a roof surface and a second threaded portion for passing through the curved mating surface of the mounting bracket. A threaded knob is adapted to mate with the second threaded portion of the hanger bolt.

Abstract: A rail-less roof mounting system for installing photovoltaic (PV) modules on a roof structure comprises a base mount assembly that engages with a clamp assembly and attaches to the roof structure. The base mount assembly comprises a base member having a waterproof means, a block slider, a top slider and a covering means. An elevated seal portion of a block slider includes a borehole to receive the waterproof means. A vertical engaging portion of the block slider is attached with a sliding seal member of the top slider. The clamp assembly includes a clamp member and a plate member and the clamp member is attached with a track of the top slider. The clamp member interlocks the PV modules to provide a corner-to-corner coupling arrangement, which enables the connection of PV module corners to adjacent PV module corners by sandwiching above and beneath frame members of the PV modules.

Abstract: A solar cell module manufacturing method includes: preparing a front-side transparent protective member and a back-side protective sheet member, the front-side transparent protective member including a first principal surface and a second principal surface, a surface area of at least the first principal surface being larger than a projected area of the first principal surface, the back-side protective sheet member including a third principal surface and a fourth principal surface; and disposing a solar cell between the second principal surface of the front-side transparent protective member and the third principal surface of the back-side protective sheet member, and sealing the solar cell with a bonding layer therebetween. A breaking elongation of the back-side protective sheet member is 300% or more.

Abstract: A building structure includes a base structure (10), a thermal barrier layer (20) and an external layer (30). The thermal barrier layer may be a three-dimensional matrix of filaments. The filaments may be irregularly looped and intermingled in a highly porous, three-dimensional structure with a large open space. The filaments form a thermal barrier by reducing the physical contact between the external layer and the base structure. The filament material is low in conductivity, so little heat transfer occurs between the external layer and the filaments.

Abstract: An intellectual power storing system comprises an indoor-controlling device and a battery array which are arranged in a building. After booting, the indoor-controlling device receives power from a power company to be an initial power to provide to an indoor apparatus in the building. The indoor-controlling device also receives power from a self-generated power apparatus, and transforms the received power to store to the battery array. When stored power of the battery array reaches a threshold, the indoor-controlling device receives power from the battery array to provide to the indoor apparatus, and stops to receive power from the power company. The battery array in the present invention comprises a plurality of the batteries which are integrated into a decoration of the building respectively.

Abstract: Methods and systems for roof estimation are described. Example embodiments include a roof estimation system, which generates and provides roof estimate reports annotated with indications of the size, geometry, pitch and/or orientation of the roof sections of a building. Generating a roof estimate report may be based on one or more aerial images of a building. In some embodiments, generating a roof estimate report of a specified building roof may include generating a three-dimensional model of the roof, and generating a report that includes one or more views of the three-dimensional model, the views annotated with indications of the dimensions, area, and/or slope of sections of the roof. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A solar collector is provided with a frame that is coupled to a based and configured to rotate about a vertical axis. A main panel assembly is attached to the frame and pivotal about a horizontal axis relative to the frame. The main panel assembly receives sunlight and converts the sunlight into electrical energy. The main panel assembly includes a central panel, and a pair of pivotal inner side panels, where each inner side panel is attached to the central panel. A pair of outer side panels attached to the inner side panels is also provided. Each outer side panel includes photo-voltaic (PV) panels, and a panel surround frame for retaining the PV panels. Each panel surround frame has a horizontal channel member, a pair of upright channel members, and a channel bracket, defining a perimeter. A peripheral edge of each PV panel is captured within the channel members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame for a plate-shaped solar element. The frame includes a bottom frame element (21) with a first surface (24) and a top frame element (11) with a second surface (14). The second surface (14) is disposed opposite the first surface (24) and is at spaced from the first surface forming a gap that accommodates an edge region of the plate-shaped solar element (31). The first surface and the second surface are each self-adhesive.

Abstract: Systems and devices relating to an integrated housing for microinverters. The housing has a cavity for housing the circuitry of the microinverter. The housing is mountable on a back sheet of a PV module by way of the housing's top cover. An opening at the back of the housing accommodates DC contacts coming from the PV module while a void configured for an output port is also present in the housing. When mounted on the PV module, the housing is spaced apart from the module.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse structure includes a plurality of supporting frames, a light-permitting roof supported by at least one supporting frame, and at least one solar panel disposed below the roof and near the bottom surface thereof. The instant disclosure uses thinner solar panels, where the supporting frames can be less rigid, in lowering the solar greenhouse cost.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse structure includes a plurality of supporting frames, a light-permitting roof supported by at least one supporting frame, and at least one solar panel disposed below the roof and near the bottom surface thereof. The instant disclosure uses thinner solar panels, where the supporting frames can be less rigid, in lowering the solar greenhouse cost.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module wherein solar cells and a sealing material, which is sealing the solar cells, are not easily peeled from each other. A solar cell module is provided with solar cells, a wiring material, and a sealing material. Each of the solar cells has first and second main surfaces. The wiring material is electrically connected to each of the solar cells on the first main surface. The sealing material seals the solar cells. The sealing material has a first sealing section and a second sealing section. The first sealing section contains a non-bridging resin. The first sealing section is positioned on the first main surface side of the solar cells. The second sealing section contains a bridging resin and pigment. The second sealing section is positioned on the second main surface side of the solar cells.

Abstract: A honeycomb extrusion body has multiple cells extending along a common direction from a first end of the body to a second end of the body. The cells are separated by cell walls, and the body has at least one fluid path defined within a plurality of said cells. The fluid path includes one or more apertures, through respective cell walls between cells of one or more respective pairs of said plurality of cells. Each aperture has an aperture width measured perpendicular to the common direction of 90% or less of a cell wall width of the respective cell wall measured perpendicular to the common direction. Optionally one or more of the plurality of cells has at least two cell walls each having an aperture at the same position in the common direction. As a further option, these apertures may be offset from the respective centers of their respective walls in the same rotational direction about a central axis of the cell.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing having a ventilation opening. A component such as a generator set can be disposed within an interior space of the housing. A baffle can be disposed within the interior space of the housing at a location that obstructs an acoustic line of sight between the ventilation opening and the component to eliminate or otherwise reduce a sound signature of the component. The baffle can also be configured to accumulate water from the ventilation opening. A drain can also be provided to aid in the removal of water accumulated by the baffle and route the water outside the housing.

Abstract: A mechanism for covering and uncovering a cold frame includes a starting base and a spaced-apart terminal base, a frame, and a cover deployable over the frame starting at the starting base and ending at the terminal base. The cover is wrapped from its midline around a cover shaft rotated by a first drive motor, as cables, attached to the leading edge of the cover, pull it over the frame. Those cables are simultaneously winding themselves around a cable shaft rotated by a second drive motor so that cover remains tight between the cable shaft and the cover shaft. The other end of the cables is secured to the starting base while the trailing edge of the cover is secured to the terminal base. Torque arms extend from the first and second drive motors and their distal ends are pivotally connected.