Encapsulated Or With Housing Patents (Class 136/251)
  • Patent number: 12149201
    Abstract: A flat photovoltaic tile includes a shell made from plastic material and a photovoltaic element in a recess. The tile has front and rear faces, upstream and downstream edges, two right and left lateral edges. Overlapping portions ensure at least water-tightness against liquid water. The tile includes an electrical connection, the rear face including, towards the upstream edge, a tenon intended to hold the tile on a retaining device, in particular a batten. At the photovoltaic element, the tile includes, in its thickness, from the rear face towards the front face: a part of the shell a rear panel, a lower EVA film, a silicon photovoltaic conversion plate, an upper EVA film, and a tempered glass transparent layer, and, elsewhere, the tile includes, in its thickness, the plastic material of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: ONDULINE
    Inventors: Jun Xiao, Junfeng Liu
  • Patent number: 12149203
    Abstract: An energy harvesting module (1) includes: an energy harvesting element (2) including a first side (2a); and a frame (4). At the first side (2a), the frame (4) has an alternating arrangement structure (7) in which, along an outer edge of the energy harvesting element (2), there is alternating arrangement of: an outward second perimeter wall structure (7a) configured such that a second perimeter wall (6b) overlaps with a first perimeter wall (5b) from an outward radial direction and is snap-fitted therewith; and an inward second perimeter wall structure (7b) configured such that the second perimeter wall (6b) overlaps with the first perimeter wall (5b) from an inward radial direction and is snap-fitted therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: ZEON CORPROATION
    Inventor: Tadakatsu Nakadaira
  • Patent number: 12132126
    Abstract: Approaches for fabricating wire-based metallization for solar cells, and the resulting solar cells, are described. In an example, a solar cell includes a substrate having a back surface and an opposing light-receiving surface. A plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions is disposed in or above the back surface of the substrate. A conductive contact structure is disposed on the plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. The conductive contact structure includes a plurality of metal wires. Each metal wire of the plurality of metal wires is parallel along a first direction to form a one-dimensional layout of a metallization layer for the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Maxeon Solar Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Hamilton Sewell, Robert Woehl, Jens Dirk Moschner, Nils-Peter Harder
  • Patent number: 12124532
    Abstract: Long-term photovoltaic system degradation can be predicted through a simple, low-cost solution. The approach requires the configuration specification for a photovoltaic system, as well as measured photovoltaic production data and solar irradiance, such as measured by a reliable third party source using satellite imagery. Note the configuration specification can be derived. This information is used to simulate photovoltaic power production by the photovoltaic system, which is then evaluated against the measured photovoltaic production data. The simulated production is adjusted to infer degradation that can be projected over time to forecast long-term photovoltaic system degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: CLEAN POWER RESEARCH, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Hoff
  • Patent number: 12119424
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a solar cell array module comprising providing a support, providing a face sheet having a top side and an opposite bottom side, mounting the bottom side of the face sheet on the support, providing a pattern of discrete predefined adhesive regions in an automated manner on the top side of the face sheet using machine vision and mounting an array of solar cell assemblies on the adhesive regions in an automated manner on the top side of the face sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: SolAero Technologies Corp
    Inventors: Marvin B. Clevenger, Benjamin C. Richards, Cory Tourino
  • Patent number: 12113373
    Abstract: A wireless power system has first and second electronic devices. The first electronic device may receive power from an alternating-current-to-direct-current power converter. A magnetic sensor and/or other sensing circuitry may detect when a second electronic device is attached to the first electronic device. In response to detecting device attachment and receipt of power from the power converter, the first electronic device sends test wireless power signals to the second electronic device. During reception of the test signals, the second electronic device adjusts a ballast load so that output current from a rectifier in the second electronic device flows through the ballast load. The output of the rectifier is measured and compared to a threshold voltage. If the rectifier output voltage exceeds the threshold, the first electronic device is directed to alert the user that wireless charging of the second electronic device is commencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Arash Mehrabi, Dmitry Berdnikov
  • Patent number: 12095416
    Abstract: A method of mounting an electronic control module to a solar panel of a solar power generation system provides for ease of installation with a reduced parts inventory. The methods electrically connect an electrical connection of the electronic control module to the solar power generation system with one or more cables extending from an electronic control module housing, and a pair of identical cable clips configured for attachment of a standard cable to a frame of the solar panel are used to secure either the cables or protrusions extending from the housing to a frame of the solar panel with the cable clips. The electronic control module may include an electronic circuit, a housing surrounding the electronic circuit, the cables extending from the electronic circuit and through the housing, and protrusions extending from the housing and having a cross-sectional profile configured to approximate a cross-sectional profile of a standard cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Monitek, LLC
    Inventors: Nahit Emanet, Oezguer Aksoy
  • Patent number: 12074562
    Abstract: A self-cleaning system for a light-receiving substrate is able to detect a particulate on a designated surface of the light-receiving substrate and is then able to clean off of the designated surface with contactless electrostatic waves. The self-cleaning system includes a plurality of conductive traces, a microcontroller, a pulsed electrostatic-field generator, and a direct current (DC) power source. The conductive traces are electrodes that use the electrostatic waves to levitate and move the particulate off of the designated surface. The pulsed electrostatic-field generator creates the pulsed electrostatic fields that accumulate into the electrostatic waves. The microcontroller instructs and manages the electronic parts of the self-cleaning system. The DC power source is used to power the electrical parts of the self-cleaning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: CleanFizz SA
    Inventor: George McKarris
  • Patent number: 12074237
    Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) laminates employ single polymer composites (SPCs). The SPCs may be located at various locations of the PV laminate. These locations may include being positioned as an entire back-sheet of the PV laminate as well as, as a portion of a back-sheet or other layer of the PV laminate. The SPCs may be positioned and configured in the PV laminate so as to reduce tensile and compressive forces developed on PV cells from live normal loads or other live loads or dead loads experienced by the PV laminate. The SPCs can serve to reduce the weight of a PV laminate as well as to assist in having PV cells lie along the neutral axis of the PV laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: MAXEON SOLAR PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Ruihua Li, Yafu Lin
  • Patent number: 12062730
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a front protective layer, a back protective layer, a plurality of solar cells, and a filler. The front protective layer is transmissive to light and has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The back protective layer faces the second surface. The plurality of solar cells are between the second surface and the back protective layer. The filler is between the front protective layer and the plurality of solar cells and covers the plurality of solar cells. The filler includes a material with a chemical structure to generate a free acid. The front protective layer includes a weather-resistance resin. At least a part of the first surface is exposed to a space external to the photovoltaic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keita Kurosu, Yusuke Miyamichi, Shoei Sato, Satoshi Kitayama
  • Patent number: 12057805
    Abstract: A solar cell louver assembly includes: a plurality of solar cell module units having a solar cell panel part, with a pair of terminal portions provided on both end parts, a pair of first electrode terminals electrically connected to the respective terminal portions, and a pair of first caps mounted on the solar cell panel part to surround the respective first electrode terminals; second electrode terminals electrically connected to the first electrode terminals, and second caps accommodating the second electrode terminals and having mounted thereon the first caps; a frame unit having an inner frame such that the second caps are mounted rotatably in the length direction, and an outer frame surrounding the inner frame; and a connector unit between the inner and outer frames and having a pair of third electrode terminals electrically connecting the second electrode terminals of adjacent module units when mounted in the frame unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: LX HAUSYS, LTD.
    Inventors: Chul Jun Choi, Jong Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 12040736
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a solar power supply device for a light, comprising at least one tubular solar module that can be slid onto a mast, and a crown which can be fitted to the top of the mast and from which the solar module is suspended, wherein the solar module contains in its interior at least one pair of spring elements that can be resiliently spread apart, between which the mast can be passed through. The invention further relates to a lighting device comprising a mast and a solar power supply device of this kind, the crown of which is fitted to the top of the mast and through the spread-apart spring elements of which the mast is passed through, and at least one light that is supported by the solar power supply device and is electrically powered thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: ICGH Investment and Consulting GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Hornbachner, Ismar Mulalic, Tim Kovacic
  • Patent number: 12040620
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes: receiving circuitry and the controlling circuitry. The receiving circuitry receives operation data of an energy system being capable of inputting and outputting power to and from a power line to which a power system and a load are connected, and the energy system including a hydrogen production apparatus producing hydrogen, a first hydrogen accumulation apparatus accumulating the hydrogen, a first power generation apparatus generating power using the hydrogen accumulated in the first hydrogen accumulation apparatus, and a storage battery capable of charging and discharging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA ENERGY SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Kumazawa, Akihiro Itakura, Toru Yano, Takahiko Abe
  • Patent number: 12034402
    Abstract: One embodiment can provide a photovoltaic roof tile module. The photovoltaic roof tile module can include a front cover, a back cover assembly, photovoltaic structures positioned between the front cover and back cover assembly, and an internal circuit component electrically coupled to the photovoltaic structures. The internal circuit component is positioned between the front cover and the back cover assembly. The back cover assembly can include at least one through hole and a metallic plug inserted inside the through hole. A first surface of the metallic plug can electrically couple to the internal circuit component, and a second opposite surface of the metallic plug can be exposed to surroundings external to the photovoltaic roof tile module, thereby facilitating electrical coupling between the photovoltaic roof tile module and another photovoltaic roof tile module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Nguyen, Kaleb A. Klauber
  • Patent number: 12027911
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include modular solar power cells, arrays, and power management systems for use in satellite systems and constellations. In one embodiment, a solar cell module can include: a module substrate including a high-emissivity side and a mounting side; a power management circuit mounted to the mounting side of the module substrate; a battery arranged adjacent to the power management circuit; a solar cell substrate arranged adjacent the battery and including an embedded battery heater; and a solar cell mounted directly to the solar cell substrate and connected to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Colin J. Mann, Don Walker
  • Patent number: 12014861
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic component capable of preventing entrance of a plating solution and a flux component at an interface to which an inner electrode of a ceramic element body is extended, and capable of forming an outer electrode of an arbitrary shape. A ceramic element body is made of a ceramic material containing a metal oxide, and part of an inner electrode is extended to extended surfaces of the ceramic element body. A base electrode is formed on each of the extended surfaces using a conductive paste to be connected to the inner electrode. Part of another surface of the ceramic element body adjacent to the extended surfaces is locally heated, and part of the metal oxide is reduced to form a reformed portion. A plating electrode is continuously formed over the base electrode and the reformed portion through a plating method to form outer electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Maki, Takuya Ishida, Shinya Hirai
  • Patent number: 12003212
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a self-ballasted, pre-engineered modular platform for deployable solar installations including one or more photovoltaic modules, one or more tables to support the photovoltaic modules, one or more reflectors, and a base configured to support the one or more reflectors at a first position proximate a ground surface, and to support the one or more tables at an elevated relative to the one or more reflectors. In some examples, multiple modular platforms may be connected to provide a single electrical output. In some examples, the modular platform is assembled onsite for generating electricity with bifacial photovoltaic modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Inventor: Lawrence Kearns
  • Patent number: 11984521
    Abstract: A system including at least one photovoltaic module configured to be installed on a roof deck having an underlayment layer. The photovoltaic module includes at least one solar cell having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, an encapsulant layer juxtaposed with the first side of the solar cell, a glass layer juxtaposed with the encapsulant layer, and a encapsulant-backsheet layer juxtaposed with the second side of the solar cell. The encapsulant layer and the encapsulant-backsheet layer encapsulate the at least one solar cell. The system does not include an intervening layer between the encapsulant-backsheet layer and the underlayment layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: GAF Energy LLC
    Inventor: Alex Sharenko
  • Patent number: 11978817
    Abstract: Provided is a solar power generation module, comprising: a lower substrate 100 into which solar cells 200 are inserted; and an upper substrate 300 disposed on the lower substrate 100, wherein the lower substrate 100 comprises piercing parts 110 configured to pass through the lower substrate 100, or spatial groove parts 115 formed in their respective groove shapes in the lower substrate 100, each of the solar cells 200 is disposed in a space between each of the piercing parts 110 or the spatial grove parts 115 of the lower substrate 100, and the upper substrate 300 is disposed at an upper portion of the lower substrate 100 into which the solar cells 200 are inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: MECAROENERGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyuk Kyoo Jang, Gyu Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 11978818
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a solder strip applied to a shingled solar cell module, including a flat portion, and an upper cell slice connecting portion and a lower cell slice connecting portion located at two sides of the flat portion; a plurality of fine grid lines are arranged in parallel on front/back surfaces of lower/upper cell slices; cutting directions of the lower cell slice and the upper cell slice are parallel to the fine grid lines; the solder strip is arranged perpendicular to the fine grid lines or parallel to busbars; and the upper cell slice partially overlaps with the lower cell slice, the flat portion is soldered to the fine grid lines/busbars on the front surface of the lower cell slice and the fine grid lines/busbars on the back surface of the upper cell slice to form an overlapped region, the upper cell slice connecting portion is soldered to the fine grid lines/busbars on the back surface of the upper cell slice, and the lower cell slice connecting portion is soldered to the fine grid lines
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: LONGI SOLAR TECHNOLOGY (TAIZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Lyu, Chen Zhu, Qiangzhong Zhu
  • Patent number: 11973150
    Abstract: Provided is a solar cell and a solar cell module. The solar cell includes a converging busbar. The converging busbar separates a first surface of the solar cell into a first region and a second region. The first region includes a plurality of first sub-busbars spaced along a first direction and a plurality of main busbars spaced along a second direction, and the main busbar is electrically connected to the first sub-busbar. The second region includes a plurality of second sub-busbars spaced along a third direction. The converging busbar is located between the first region and the second region, and is electrically connected to the plurality of main busbars and the plurality of second sub-busbars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignees: Shanghai Jinko Green Energy Enterprise Management Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peidong Qi, Tingting Li, Wusong Tao, Hui Li, Chenzhao Yang
  • Patent number: 11973155
    Abstract: To provide a sealing material sheet for a solar-cell module that has high productivity, and can also suppress unevenness in thickness at the time of integration as a solar-cell module. There is provided a sealing material sheet 1 in which there are two inflection point temperatures that are temperatures only around which a change rate of the linear expansion coefficient locally increases, a first inflection point temperature at a low temperature side of two inflection point temperatures is within a range of 55° C. to 70° C., and a second inflection point at a high temperature side of the inflection point temperatures is within a range of 80° C. to 95° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kosuke Saeki, Shinya Yoneda, Jun Tanaka, Hiroaki Tamaki, Shinsuke Nagino, Naohiro Obonai
  • Patent number: 11967931
    Abstract: A method for testing compatibility between the energy needs of an electrically autonomous home-automation device and a predetermined location for a photovoltaic module comprising a step (Etp1) of selecting and storing an electrically autonomous home-automation device, a step (Etp2) of inputting and storing position data relative to the predetermined location, a step (Etp3) of defining and storing a shadow mask, a step (Etp5) of calculating the change in the amplitude of the solar radiation received at the predetermined location over the course of a year and a step (Etp6) of calculating an energy balance from the change in the amplitude of the solar radiation received at the predetermined location and the energy needs of the selected home-automation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
    Inventors: Fabien Rousseau, Yves-Marie Saint-Drenan
  • Patent number: 11968847
    Abstract: Provided is a photovoltaic module, including: a substrate, at least one solar cell string and a packaging portion, wherein a bottom of the packaging portion has a packaging slot, the substrate and the at least one solar cell string are arranged in the packaging slot, the at least one solar cell string is arranged on a top surface of the substrate, a packaging gap is formed between a side surface of the substrate and a side surface of the packaging slot, a first packaging layer is arranged in the packaging gap, and the first packaging layer is configured to seal the packaging gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG JINKO SOLAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chengjun Gu, Bairu Li, Menglei Xu, Jie Yang, Xinyu Zhang, Hao Jin
  • Patent number: 11967684
    Abstract: A radio unit for a cellular radio access network comprises electronic circuits including a cellular transceiver, a housing enclosing the transceiver circuit, and one or more flexible, thin-film solar cells or folia integrated with the housing or sprayed onto housing to convert solar radiation into electrical energy. The one or more area of solar cells can be used to provide power to the transceiver circuit or cooling fans to offset power consumption from the power gird.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Mirjana Vukovic, David Pell
  • Patent number: 11958569
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a float assembly that can prevent the floats from flipping. The present invention provides a float assembly including a plurality of floats connected together comprising: a filled float having a hollow portion, wherein the hollow portion has a part filled with a filler, and the filled float is arranged at a position facing an assembly periphery surrounding the float assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: KYORAKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Sakaguchi, Hirofumi Nagai, Yasunobu Ueda, Takaya Niimi, Ayumu Yukawa
  • Patent number: 11949366
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to solar module mounting systems. A system may include an adhesion sheet configured to be secured to a roof of a structure via an adhesive. The system may further include at least one clamp configured for securing at least one solar module to the adhesion sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Vivint Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Willard S. MacDonald, Gregory N. Nielson, Roger L. Jungerman
  • Patent number: 11927367
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an assembly and method for attaching a heliostat to a foundation in a tower-based solar thermal CSP installation. A heliostat securing assembly for securing a heliostat to a tubular foundation post comprises an insert locatable within an upper opening in the foundation post, the insert defining an aperture for receiving a support shaft of the heliostat. A clamp arrangement, for locating the insert in the upper opening in the foundation post, has at least one inner or outer bearing surface configured to bear against at least one corresponding outer or inner bearing surface of the insert. One or more urging connectors, for connecting the insert and the clamp arrangement, is operable to urge at least one of the insert and the clamp arrangement toward the other in an axial direction of the foundation post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Vast Solar Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce Alexander Leslie, Benjamin Charles Plant
  • Patent number: 11923472
    Abstract: A deformable array of semiconductor devices, and a method of manufacturing such a deformable array. The deformable array comprises a plurality of islands, where each island contains at least one semiconductor device, and the plurality of islands are arranged in an auxetic geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Sabrina M. Curtis, Haotian Wang, Gabriel P. Anfinrud, Alexander O. Randolph, Gabriel L. Smith, Nathan S. Lazarus
  • Patent number: 11919149
    Abstract: An autonomous solar module installation platform can be used for solar module installation onto a solar tracker. The autonomous solar module installation platform can include an autonomous ground vehicle and a robotic arm for the solar module installation onto the solar tracker. The autonomous ground vehicle can autonomously drive itself to the solar tracker using a global positioning system and align itself with the solar tracker using at least a vision system in order to place one or more solar modules onto the solar tracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Rosendin Electric, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Zhou, William Paul Mazzetti, Jr., Halston Ryan Rowe, David Scott Lincoln
  • Patent number: 11908964
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating and inspecting a photovoltaic assembly including a base, at least one photovoltaic module, and at least one adhesion layer based on a crosslinkable polymer material. The method includes depositing the at least one adhesion layer on the base; an assembly step; a partial crosslinking step; an electrical connection step; inspecting for mechanical and electrical functioning; in the event of correct functioning being detected, a crosslinking finalization step; in the event of incorrect functioning being detected removing at least one defective photovoltaic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Philippe Voarino, Romain Cariou
  • Patent number: 11894797
    Abstract: A system and method of providing a solar support structures for columns of shingled photovoltaic solar panel assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: POWERSHINGLE, LLC
    Inventor: Elliot Jaramillo
  • Patent number: 11888077
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module (1) with a plurality of photovoltaic units (3) each having a positive contact terminal (8) and a negative contact terminal (7), and a single layer back contact substrate (4). The back contact substrate (4) has a positive surface part (6) electrically connected to the positive contact terminal (8) of each of the plurality of photovoltaic units (3), and a negative surface part (5) electrically connected to the negative contact terminal (7) of each of the plurality of photovoltaic units (3). The photovoltaic module (1) further has at least one contact bridge (9a, 9b) in a layer of the photovoltaic module (1) outside of the single layer back contact substrate (4), which provides an electrical connection in the negative surface part (5) and/or in the positive surface part (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Markus Johan Jansen, Koen Maarten de Groot, Jozef Cornelis Petrus Kester
  • Patent number: 11879669
    Abstract: A flat-plate water-heating photovoltaic/thermal module and a production process thereof are disclosed. The flat-plate water-heating photovoltaic/thermal module includes a frame. The lower surface of the frame is provided with a heat preservation back plate. The upper surface of the frame is sequentially laminated with a glass cover plate, a first photovoltaic cell laminating adhesive, a photovoltaic cell slice, a second photovoltaic cell laminating adhesive, a transparent back plate, a third photovoltaic cell laminating adhesive and a heat absorbing component from top to bottom. A heat preservation cavity is formed between the heat preservation back plate and the heat absorption part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignees: Institute of Energy Research, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanjing University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Chenglong Luo, Liyuan Sun, Wu Zou, Jihai Xiong, Min Fan, Bin Wan
  • Patent number: 11875908
    Abstract: An electrode for beta-photovoltaic cells includes: a substrate formed of a conductive layer with a thickness ranging between about 10 nm to 1 micron; a composite layer of radioluminescent phosphor with radioisotope particles homogeneously dispersed therein formed on conductive substrate with a thickness ranging between about 1 and 25 microns; and a semiconductor comprising a P-i-N/P-u-N junction or a N-i-P-P junction. The radioisotope may be a beta-emitter, such as Ni-63, H-3, Pm-147, or Sr-90/Y-90.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: John A Russo, Marc S. Litz, William B. Ray, II
  • Patent number: 11876241
    Abstract: A system for supplying power to a portable battery pack including a battery enclosed by a wearable and replaceable pouch or skin using at least one solar panel is disclosed, wherein the pouch or skin can be provided in different colors and/or patterns. Further, the pouch or skin can be MOLLE-compatible. The battery comprises a battery element housed between a battery cover and a back plate, wherein the battery element, battery cover, and back plate have a slight curvature or contour. Further, the battery comprises flexible leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: LAT ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Laura Thiel, Giancarlo Urzi, Carlos Cid
  • Patent number: 11870387
    Abstract: Proposed is a corner piece for palletization of solar cell panels, wherein the corner piece prevents stacked solar cell panels from colliding with each other, keeps the stacked solar cell panels from being shaken or impacted, and enables a solar cell panel having a frame fabricated with two types of sides having different widths to be interlocked. The corner piece includes: a right-angled corner part covering two right-angled sides of a frame of a solar cell panel, a support piece supporting the frame thereon; a pressing piece extending inward from the right-angled corner part so as to press the frame, and having a first locking protrusion; a fixing protrusion part protruding upward from the top of the right-angled corner part; and a concave hole formed in the lower surface of the right-angled corner part so as to receive the fixing protrusion part of another corner piece for combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Sang Chae Chung Yoo
  • Patent number: 11863115
    Abstract: A solar panel mounting system for forming a solar array includes longitudinal support rails mounted to a support structure such as a roof. A first solar panel disposed on the rails has a peripheral frame including a locking frame member with deformable clamping portion configured for slideably receiving a peripheral frame portion of an adjacent second solar panel. A pair of captive T-bolt sets passing through the clamping portion include T-bolts having locking heads and nuts frictionally engaged with the T-bolts to rotate the T-bolts. The heads are each inserted and rotationally locked into fastening channels of respective support rails. The second solar panel is inserted into the first panel clamping portion and the nuts are fully tightened producing a clamping action which locks the first and second panels together. Power/control cables may be routed inside covered cable compartments on rears of the panels for protection against rodent damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventors: Stuart Koch, Jon Costanza
  • Patent number: 11863119
    Abstract: A solar panel bracket with a water conducting function for carrying a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels, comprising: a plurality of first brackets, each of the first brackets is arranged in parallel with each other, each of the first brackets has a first water conducting groove; a plurality of second brackets, each of the second brackets is arranged in parallel with each other, each of the second brackets has a second water conducting groove, the second brackets and the first brackets are arranged perpendicular to each other, and the second brackets and the first brackets surround to form a plurality of square spaces, the solar photovoltaic panels are arranged on the square spaces; and a plurality of third water conducting groove groups, each of the third water conducting groove groups is disposed on the side of each of the first brackets, and each of the third water conducting groove group has a third water conducting groove, and the second water conducting grooves communicate with the third water condu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: HS Renewable Energy Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Chun Lin
  • Patent number: 11848635
    Abstract: A high-grade post or pile system for the foundation of a solar array, which may facilitate the installation of a solar array rack in more corrosive soils. Such a post may also satisfy the need for a foundation able to resist ground forces, in particular the effects of wind on the exterior of the array, and may reduce problems with beam refusal. The post may be used in other applications such as guardrail posts. In contrast to existing posts for solar arrays, the high-grade post may be formed from higher-grade steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas E. Russell
  • Patent number: 11843065
    Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module including a first solar cell unit including a plurality of solar cells and a plurality of condensing layers, which are arranged alternately, a second solar cell unit including a plurality of solar cells and a plurality of condensing layers, which are arranged alternately, and each of the plurality of solar cells of the first solar cell unit and the second solar cell unit includes a first electrode disposed on one side thereof and a second electrode disposed on an opposite side thereof, whereby a visibility, by which the light passes through the solar cell module, is increased by including the plurality of solar cells and the plurality of condensing layers, through which a visual ray may pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Korea University Research and Business Foundation
    Inventors: Donghwan Kim, Yoonmook Kang, Yongseok Jun, Hae-Seok Lee, Yujin Jung, Jongwon Ko
  • Patent number: 11843067
    Abstract: A system includes a photovoltaic module including at least one solar cell with electrical bussing, an encapsulant encapsulating the at least one solar cell and having a first surface with a first opening, and a frontsheet juxtaposed with the first surface of the encapsulant. The frontsheet includes a second opening extending from a first surface to a second surface thereof. The second opening of the frontsheet is in fluid communication with the first opening of the encapsulant. The electrical bussing is positioned in the first opening. An electrical wire is connected to the electrical bussing through the first and second openings. A cover is attached to the frontsheet and covers one end of the electrical wire and the first and second openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: GAF Energy LLC
    Inventors: Thierry Nguyen, Brian Atchley, Lewis Abra, Jonathan Hewlett
  • Patent number: 11824486
    Abstract: A system including a plurality of photovoltaic modules and a plurality of roofing shingles installed on a roof deck. Each of the photovoltaic modules includes a plurality of solar cells. Each of the plurality of roofing shingles includes a core layer and a cap layer composed of a first polymer material and having a first surface and a pattern printed on the first surface. The pattern includes a depiction of a plurality of solar cells that extends between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: GAF Energy LLC
    Inventors: Thierry Nguyen, Matthew Grigsby, Anna Wojtowicz, Richard Perkins, Henry Krevor, Caleb Cheung, Rory Runser, Dan Hua
  • Patent number: 11824482
    Abstract: A roof-mounted solar power system for generating electrical power that includes a plurality of solar modules adapted for generating electrical power from sunlight, and with each of the plurality of solar modules having substantially the same size, aspect ratio and surface coloring. The plurality of solar modules are mounted on the deck of a roof to form a bank of solar modules having at least one irregular edge. The solar power system further includes one or more non-power generating edge treatments having substantially the same size, aspect ratio and surface coloring as the solar modules and that are adapted for installation along the irregular edge. Each edge treatment is adapted for a cutting away of at least one corner thereof to smooth the irregular edge of the bank of solar modules to a regular edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: BMIC LLC
    Inventors: Tommy F. Rodrigues, Sudhir S. Railkar, Daniel E. Boss, David J. Gennrich, Cory R. Boudreau, Daniel R. Nett, Kent J. Kallsen
  • Patent number: 11824485
    Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic roof covering comprising a base tile having an anchor portion to anchor the base tile to part of a roof in use and wherein a spacer is provided to support a portion of another overlaid base tile in use by spacing the overlaid tile from the photovoltaic panel. Also included is a roof covering with a base tile having a first planar upper face and a second opposing lower face. The base tile comprises an anchor portion located towards one end of the second lower face of the base tile and is configured to anchor the base tile to part of a roof structure in use. A connecting portion is configured to connect the base tile to an adjacent base tile in use. The roof covering further comprises a rectilinear cover panel having upper and lower opposing faces and a width that is smaller relative to a width of the first planar upper face of the base tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventors: Stewart William Brown, Antonio Lanzoni
  • Patent number: 11824487
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods that may include attaching a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module to a back-sheet, wherein the first photovoltaic module includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the second photovoltaic module includes a first end and a second end; forming a seam on the back-sheet between the first and second photovoltaic modules; forming an electrical connection between the first and second photovoltaic modules by electrically connecting the first end of the first photovoltaic module to the second end of the second photovoltaic module; and separating the first and second photovoltaic modules along the seam while maintaining the electrical connection between the first and second photovoltaic modules. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to roofing systems that may include photovoltaic modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: GAF Energy LLC
    Inventors: Gabriela Bunea, Thierry Nguyen, Richard Perkins, Nicholas Boitnott, David Kavulak, Lewis Abra
  • Patent number: 11817821
    Abstract: A modular solar panel including multiple solar panel modules. Each solar panel module includes a solar cell assembly. The solar cell assembly includes a protective glass, a base plate, a solar cell array located therebetween, and an electrical connection ribbons extending from the ends of the solar cell array. The solar panel module further includes one or more coupling modules. Each coupling module includes an interior cavity to receive one end of the solar cell assembly, two or more magnets removably embedded in the coupling module, a pin joint located on exterior of a first coupling module to interlock with a pin joint located on exterior of a second coupling module, and an electrical connection plug to receive one of the first and the second electrical connection ribbons. The electrical connection plug of the first coupling module electrically connects with an electrical connection plug of the second coupling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
    Inventors: Muhammad Saleem, Abdulrahman Magdi Marzouk, Mohammed Alqhtani, Abdulmalik Almakytah
  • Patent number: 11815289
    Abstract: An attic ventilation system including a fan assembly, a power source assembly and an attic assembly is disclosed herein. The fan assembly includes fan blades, a fan housing and a motor, the fan housing covers the fan blades. The motor makes the blades rotate. The fan housing is attached to a window frame of an attic assembly by support bars. The power source assembly includes a solar panel attached to a support frame. The support frame is attached to the window frame by top support bars and bottom support bars. The top support bars are larger than the bottom support bars. The solar panel has an inclination to face a sun path. The solar panel supplies power energy to the motor. The fan assembly blows fresh air to an interior of an attic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventor: Yasmany Hernandez
  • Patent number: 11817511
    Abstract: Disclosed is a positive electrode of a crystalline silicon solar cell with a break-proof grid function, comprising a positive electrode busbar (1), a positive electrode grid (2), and a break-proof grid structure (3). The break-proof grid structure (3) and the positive electrode grid (2) are integrally printed and formed. The break-proof grid structure (3) is an octagon with a hollow-out groove (4) provided on its rear side. The break-proof grid structure (3) includes a rectangular grid segment (31) located in the middle, and two isosceles trapezoidal grid segments (32) that are located at both sides of the rectangular grid segment (31) and are provided symmetrically with the rectangular grid segment (31) as a center. The rectangular grid segment (31) spans the positive electrode busbar (1), and the left and right ends of the rectangular grid segment (31) extend out of the positive electrode busbar (1). The extended grid segment is a rectangular extensional break-proof grid segment (311).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignees: Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Guangdong Aiko Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kang-Cheng Lin, Mingzhang Feng, Jiebin Fang, Gang Chen
  • Patent number: 11817699
    Abstract: A solar array power generation system includes a solar array electrically connected to a control system. The solar array has a plurality of solar modules, each module having at least one DC/DC converter for converting the raw panel output to an optimized high voltage, low current output. In a further embodiment, each DC/DC converter requires a signal to enable power output of the solar modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: F. William Capp, William J. Driscoll