Abstract: A concentrator photovoltaic module including: a flexible printed circuit provided in contact with a bottom surface of a housing; and a primary concentrating portion formed by a plurality of lens elements being arranged, each lens element concentrating sunlight, wherein the flexible printed circuit includes: an insulating base material and a conductive pattern; a plurality of power generating elements provided on the pattern, so as to correspond to the lens elements, respectively; a cover lay as a covering layer having insulating property and a low water absorption not higher than a predetermined value, the cover lay covering and sealing a conductive portion including the pattern on the insulating base material; and an adhesive layer having insulating property and a low water absorption not higher than the predetermined value, the adhesive layer bonding the insulating base material and the covering layer together.

Abstract: A hybrid solar cells integrated glassblock structure, includes, at least one glass shell (0) having at least a light transparent surface (2, 9, 13) intended to be exposed to solar radiations, a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSC) device (3, 8) associated to the surface (2, 9, 13) so as to receive solar radiations passing through the surface, the device having electric contacts, at least one hole (7, 11, 15, 17) allowing passage to an external area of the glassblock of electrical connections leading to the device contacts; and a prestressed and dry assembled glassblock panel for the construction of translucent building envelope even in high-rise buildings, which may also provide high performance related to energy production and saving.

Abstract: A method for integrating photovoltaic module includes providing a cover plate having a first surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface and supplying two or more solar devices respectively formed on substrates. Each of the two or more photovoltaic devices includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells electrically coupled to each other and each cell is characterized by a thin-film photovoltaic layer sandwiched between a first electrode material and a second electrode material. The first electrode material overlies the substrate and the second electrode material overlies the thin-film photovoltaic layer. The method further includes disposing the two or more solar devices side by side to laminate with the cover plate by means of a first organic material filled between the second electrode material and the second surface. Each of the two or more solar devices has a peripheral edge region being sealed by a second organic material.

Abstract: A panel structure includes a plate-like flat panel and a reinforcement panel in which a criterion plate portion and a plurality of truncated conic protrusions protruding from the criterion plate portion are formed. Apex portions of the plurality of truncated conic protrusions in the reinforcement panel are joined to the flat panel by an adhesive.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for supporting a solar panel array includes the use of support columns and cables suspended between the support columns, with the solar panels received by solar panel receivers that are adapted to couple to the cables. The solar panel array may then be used to provide power as well as shelter. Cooling, lighting, security, or other devices may be added to the solar panel array. Embodiments of the invention include differing ways to support the solar panels by receivers of differing construction. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structure, such as parking lots, roads and aqueducts.

Abstract: A solar module is disclosed that has one or more integrated electrical connectors. In addition, a solar module electrical connector holder is disclosed that has resilient wing portions and axial portions that mate with a first connector window in a frame of a solar module and allow the position of an electrical connector to be moved one of vertically, horizontally and angularly with respect to the frame. In addition, a solar module frame is disclosed that has a first connector window in one of the side frame members that is capable of accepting an electrical connection so that the electrical connection is integrated into the frame of the solar module.

Abstract: A solar concentrator including a housing defining a vertical axis and including a receiving wall connected to a reflecting wall to define an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, wherein the reflecting wall defines at least one primary optical element, and wherein at least a portion of the reflecting wall includes a layer of reflective material, the housing further including a cover connected to the receiving wall and the reflecting wall to seal the opening, and at least one receiver mounted on the receiving wall such that a vertical axis of the receiver is disposed at a non-zero angle relative to the vertical axis of the housing, the receiver including at least one photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PVD”) and method of use, more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with an integral locator and electrical terminal mechanism for transferring current to or from the improved photovoltaic device and the use as a system.

Abstract: A convective method is employed to cool a solar concentrator device. The convective method employs formation of a vortex gas circulation inside an enclosure of the solar concentrator device, which is bounded by at least one light-path altering component, sidewalls, and a back panel. Optionally, a heat sink assembly can be provided within the enclosure. Internal convention through the vortex gas circulation transfers the heat generated at a photovoltaic cell to all surfaces of the solar concentrator device to facilitate radiative and/or convective cooling at the outside surfaces of the enclosure.

Abstract: Racking assemblies for solar panel installations are provided. The racking assemblies may include a series of posts arranged in two parallel rows and anchored to the ground or other suitable surface. Purlins may be coupled to and may span the posts of each row. Specialized clamps may be used to attach the purlins to a series of mounting rails. The mounting rails, in turn, may support an array of solar modules.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell panel including a plurality of solar cells and a bus bar connected to the solar cells, a protective substrate on the solar cell panel, and a spacer part between the solar cell panel and the protective substrate. The spacer part includes an air layer and a spacer surrounding the air layer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a framing structure for a solar panel made from a polymer composition (C) comprising at least one polyamide polymer [polyamide (A)], and at least one reinforcing filler [filler (F)], the framing structure being characterized by having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface having a depressed central portion sized for receiving a solar panel. It also relates to a method for manufacturing the same, to a method for assembly a solar panel into said framing structure, to a solar panel assembly comprising the same, and to a method for fixing said solar panel assembly onto a support (e.g. a roof).

Abstract: The invention consists in application of fluorine doped tin (IV) oxide SnO2:F for making a heating layer on a photovoltaic panel. The invention consists also in a photovoltaic panel characterized in that its front part is covered with a conductive layer of fluorine doped tin (IV) oxide SnO2:F, with the electrodes deposited thereon. The conductive layer becomes a heating layer when conducted to the source of electric current. In a preferred embodiment a transparent polymer film is applied thereon, inseparably and permanently bound with the conductive layer of fluorine doped tin (IV) oxide SnO2:F and the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A solar cell module is provided in which production efficiency and reliability are improved by realizing wire connection without complicating wiring from the solar cell element to the terminal box, in a solar cell module having a glass-facing-glass structure. The solar cell module includes a square substrate on which a solar cell element is formed on one surface thereof, a cathode arranged on one end side part of the square substrate, an anode arranged on the other side part of the square substrate, and two terminal boxes arranged on the other surface of the square substrate, which is the opposite surface of the solar cell element side, wherein the one terminal box is connected to the cathode and two cathode cables are drawn from this terminal box, and the other terminal box is connected to the anode and two anode cables are drawn from this terminal box.

Abstract: A module rail for a photovoltaic system includes a module-supporting surface extending along the length of the module rail for supporting at least one photovoltaic module thereon. A vertical sidewall extends downward from a side of the module-supporting surface. Fastener openings are spaced apart from one another along the length of the rail. Each of the fastener openings extend through the sidewall generally adjacent to a juncture of the module-supporting surface and the sidewall. Each of the fastener openings is configured to receive a clip fastener for securing a photovoltaic module on the module-supporting surface.

Abstract: A solar panel rack may comprise a vertical support, a transverse support, brackets attaching hollow beams to the transverse support, and brackets configured to attach solar panels or solar panel assemblies to the hollow beams. Internal splices may couple collinearly arranged hollow beams in the solar panel rack. Some or all of these components may be formed from folded sheet metal blanks comprising bend lines predefined by bend-inducing features formed in the blanks. Preformed slots, holes, or other openings in the sheet metal blanks may predefine the relative positions of various components in the solar panel rack and predefine the positions of solar panels or solar panel assemblies to be supported by the solar panel rack. Individual components of the solar panel rack may be useful in other structures and applications apart from solar panel racks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting system, in particular for solar modules (1), consisting of supports (2) with a closed hollow box profile (3), with connectors (4) for solar module fastening means, and connectors (5) for roof fastening means. At least the connectors (4) for the solar module fastening means are formed from longitudinal groove pairs—or longitudinal flange pairs in or on the hollow box profile (3) that are arranged at a distance from each other. The fastening means for the solar module (1) or solar modules (1) in the area of the support consist of a clamping piece with a shaped part (8), with each shaped part (8) having at least two webs (9.1, 9.2), arranged opposite each other on the shaped part (8) whereby at least one positive click connection with one of the groove pair—or flange pairs can be made by means of the ends remote from the shaped part (8), and the shaped part (8) has at least one bore hole (11) for the insertion of a fastening bolt (14).

Abstract: Disclosed in more detail in this application are ethylene interpolymer films having one or more layers, comprising surface layer comprising: (A) a silane-containing ethylene interpolymer comprising (1) an ethylene interpolymer having a density of less than 0.905 g/cm3, and (2) at least 0.1 percent by weight alkoxysilane; characterized by: (3) having a volume resistivity of greater than 5×1015 ohm-cm as measured at 60 C. In one embodiment, such ethylene interpolymer has a residual boron content of less than 10 ppm and residual aluminum content of less than 100 ppm. Also disclosed are laminated electronic device modules comprising: A. at least one electronic device, and B. one of the ethylene interpolymer films as described above in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device. Such laminated electronic device modules according to the invention have been shown to suffer reduced potential induced degradation (“PID”).

Abstract: A photovoltaic module according to the present disclosure includes at least one solar cell, an encapsulant laminated to encapsulate upper and lower surfaces of the at least one solar cell, a transparent insulating substrate laminated on an upper surface of the encapsulant, and a back sheet laminated on a lower surface of the encapsulant, wherein the encapsulant is formed of a polyolefin-based material, and the back sheet is formed by sequentially laminating polyethylene (PE) layer, polyehthyleneterephthalate (PET) layer, and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layer, starting from the lower surface of the encapsulant, whereby yellowing and corrosion due to moisture permeation can be prevented and a melting time for bonding materials of the laminated module can be reduced, which may result in enhancing productivity, improving a bonding force of the back sheet with respect to the polyolefin-based encapsulant, and preventing surface roughness, thereby enhancing structural stability of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed including PV modules having a frame allowing quick and easy assembling of the PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is provided at an angle with respect to a planar surface of the modules. Various couplings may engage within the groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array with a pivot-fit connection. Further examples of the present technology operate with PV modules having frames without grooves, or with PV modules where the frame is omitted altogether.

Abstract: An encapsulating material for solar cell of the invention contains an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer, an organic peroxide, at least one crosslinking aid selected from a group consisting of divinyl aromatic compounds, cyanurates, diallyl compounds, triallyl compounds, oximes and maleimides, and a (meth)acrylate-based monomer. The content of the (meth)acrylate-based monomer in the encapsulating material for solar cell is in a range of 0.1 parts by weight to 5.0 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the ethylene/?-olefin copolymer, and the content of the crosslinking aid in the encapsulating material for solar cell is in a range of 0.1 parts by weight to 3 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the ethylene/?-olefin copolymer.

Abstract: A solar cell module mounting structure of the present invention includes a beam 4 that is disposed along an end of a solar cell module 5. The beam 4 has a first base portion 4d on which the end of the solar cell module 5 is placed, a standing portion 4a that stands with respect to the first base portion 4d, and a first hook portion 4b that is bent at an upper end of the standing portion 4a and engages with the end of the solar cell module 5. A first recess 4i that extends along a longitudinal direction of the beam 4 is formed in a part on an upper surface of the first base portion 4d that is separated from the standing portion 4a.

Abstract: A floating anchor curb system includes a floating cover for spreading over a body of water and one or more floating anchor curbs over which the floating cover is placed. Each of the floating anchor curbs includes one or more hollow chambers partially fillable with a ballast liquid to form a ballast.

Abstract: A solar cell module is disclosed. The solar cell module includes a solar cell panel, first and second holding members, a reinforcing member. The panel includes a light-receiving surface, a non-light receiving surface, a first side part and a second side part. The first and second holding members hold the first and second side parts respectively. The reinforcing member is laid across the first and second holding member on a non-light receiving surface side. The adhesive is disposed between the non-light receiving surface and the reinforcing member. The reinforcing member includes a supporting part that is disposed with a gap with the non-light receiving surface and that supports the non-light receiving surface via the adhesive. The supporting part includes a first main surface, a second main surface and a through hole. At least one part of the adhesive is located within the through hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing material for a solar cell that seals a solar cell element of a solar cell in a short time in the production of a solar cell module, thereby enabling efficient production of solar cell modules. The sealing material for a solar cell of the present invention has a feature of containing 100 parts by weight of a modified butene-based resin that is produced by graft-modifying a butene-ethylene copolymer having a butene content of 1 to 25% by weight with maleic anhydride and has a total content of the maleic anhydride of 0.1 to 3% by weight, and 0.1 to 15 parts by weight of a silane compound having an epoxy group.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically or remotely rendering a solar array safe during an emergency or maintenance. A watchdog unit is disclosed for monitoring a signal from a central controller. If the signal is lost, interrupted, or becomes irregular, or if a shutdown signal is received, then the watchdog unit can shutdown one or more solar modules. Shutting down a solar module can mean disconnecting it from a power bus of the solar array or lowering the solar module voltage to a safe level.

Abstract: An assembly of, uniquely inter-connected modular parts form a high strength waterproof flexible membrane. The said membrane is restrained/positioned in the horizontal plane via a perimeter beam, with fixings on its exterior boundary to the storage parapet/berm, and through internal tendons to the PV panel super structure rows, whilst allowing unrestricted vertical movement in concert with the water level changes. This invention is intended to provide stability, reliability and durability under localised extreme weather conditions. The system may be mounted on a flotation pod or on a land based or building structure.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module employing an array of photovoltaic cells disposed between two optically transparent substrates such as to define a closed-loop peripheral area of the module that does not contain a photovoltaic cell. The module is sealed with a peripheral seal along the perimeter; and is devoid of a structural element affixed to an optically transparent substrate and adapted to mount the module to a supporting structure. The two substrates may be bonded together with the use of adhesive material and, optionally, the peripheral seal can include the adhesive material. The module optionally includes diffraction grating element(s) adjoining respectively corresponding PV-cell(s).

Abstract: A solar panel rack may comprise one or more sheet metal brackets configured to attach solar panels to the solar panel rack. The sheet metal brackets may include clinching tabs configured to be clinched to features on the solar panels to attach the solar panels to the solar panel rack. The sheet metal brackets may further include protrusions configured to facilitate electrical contact between the brackets and the solar panels when the clinching tabs are clinched to features on the solar panels. The sheet metal brackets may additionally or alternatively include positioning tabs configured to contact features on the solar panels to position the solar panels in desired locations on the solar panel rack.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module mounting assembly (200) uses a mounting device (74), mounting plate (110?), lower bracket (210), upper bracket (230), and stud (114). The mounting plate (110?) is positioned on the mounting device (74), and a leg (212) of the lower bracket (210) is positioned on the mounting plate (110?). An outside surface (222) of another leg (220) of the lower bracket (210) includes teeth (224) and engages an inside surface (238) of a leg (236) of the upper bracket (230), which also has teeth (240). The mounting plate (110?) engages a lower surface (63) of a photovoltaic module (58), an end of the leg (212) of the lower bracket (210) may engage a side surface (64) of the module (58), and a head (246) on an end of another leg (232) of the upper bracket (230) may engage an upper surface (65) of the module (58).

Abstract: A collector for propagating incident radiation is disclosed. The collector may comprise a light directing component coupled to a buffer component, a first propagation component coupled to the buffer component and configured to transmit the incident radiation into a collector region through one of a plurality of windows, and an optical transport assembly coupled to an end of the collector region and having a second propagation component. Each light directing component may be configured to redirect the incident radiation from a first direction to a second direction, and the collector region may include a plurality of regions exhibiting a refractive index value that gradually transitions from about 1.5 to about 2.0. The second propagation component may be further configured to retain the incident radiation.

Abstract: An electronics module docking system includes docking member removably coupled to a photovoltaic module. The docking system includes a first connector port electrically coupled to one or more photovoltaic cells of the photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module is selectively coupleable to the docking member. The docking system includes a housing to enclose an electronics module. The housing may include second connector port that is selectively engageable to the power electronics module. The power electronics module and the photovoltaic cells are electrically coupled to one another upon selective engagement of the connector ports. The inverter housing is receivable by and removably coupleable to the docking member allowing the inverter housing to be removably coupleable to the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: An adhesive may be applied to a surface of a reusable carrier. Metal foil may be attached to the adhesive to couple the metal foil to the surface of the reusable carrier. The metal foil may be patterned without damaging the reusable carrier. A semiconductor structure (e.g., a solar cell) may be attached to the patterned metal foil. The reusable carrier may then be removed. In some embodiments, the semiconductor structure may be encapsulated using an encapsulant, with the adhesive being compatible with the encapsulant.

Abstract: A solar panel structure includes a seat and a plurality of solar panels. The seat includes a recess area which has an opening and at least one inclined plane formed in the recess area. The solar panels are laid on the inclined plane. Hence the solar panels have a total area greater than the area of the opening. As a result, given a same size of land being occupied, the solar panels have a greater light receiving area to increase total electric power generation capacity.

Abstract: A solar mounting system includes at least one solar panel with a panel frame and a support structure including at least one elongated support rail configured to support the panel frame of the at least one solar panel. The elongated support rail includes a grounding structure with a raised edge formed from material of the at least one elongated support rail. The raised edge is configured to cut through a protective coating surrounding a conductive material forming the panel frame, thereby grounding the solar panel by providing direct electrical contact between the panel frame and the at least one elongated support rail. This automatic grounding does not require additional grounding equipment or elements to be added to the solar mounting system.

Abstract: Provided are novel building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules that are mechanically and electrically interconnectable. According to various embodiments, the modules include channels and protrusion members. A channel of one module snugly fits over a protrusion member of an adjacent module to provide a moisture seal and, in certain embodiments, to collect water in between two modules and direct it downward. In certain embodiments, a channel is configured to interlock with a protrusion member in one or more directions. The channel is positioned along one edge of the module, while the protrusion member is positioned along the opposite edge, so that BIP modules can form a continuous interconnected row. The channel and protrusion member include electrical connectors having conductive elements. Inserting a protrusion member into a channel and, in certain embodiments, sliding one with respect to another also electrically interconnects the conductive elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silicon solar cell module comprising electrodes formed from conductive paste. In the invention, front electrode finger lines and front electrode bus bars are separately formed. The front electrode finger lines are formed by printing a silver paste and calcining the printed silver paste at high temperature, and rear electrode bus bars and front electrode bus bars are formed from an inexpensive lower-temperature conductive paste including a buffer and a curing agent having reducing power, whereby the expensive silver paste is replaced with the inexpensive low-temperature conductive paste, thereby reducing the production cost.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system able to float on water and track sun includes a floating mechanism; an adjusting mechanism, combining with the floating mechanism; and a solar power mechanism, combining with the adjusting mechanism and located above the floating mechanism. This photovoltaic system can be located on the water surface, and has its floating mechanism to be under water by using the adjusting mechanism and the surrounding water source. The adjusting mechanism can be further used to adjust the solar power mechanism to a specific tilt angle according to the water level of the surrounding water and the sun-tracking angles that varies as the locations of the sun. Therefore, a novel photovoltaic system with simplified configuration, accurate sun tracking and enhanced power generation efficiency can be achieved.

Abstract: An integral solar module power conditioning system includes one or more solar module support frames. Each frame includes a plurality of plug-and-play electrical connectors integrated therewith. A microinverter or microinverter connector is also integrated with each frame. Each frame is configured to receive a respective solar electric module and to carry electrical power through a plurality of solar electric modules and corresponding microinverters connected together via a plurality of solar module support frames connected together via the plurality of integrated plug-and-play electrical connectors.

Abstract: A solar power camouflage system and apparatus are disclosed. The system includes a number of solar panels coupled to a net. The panels colored to produce a camouflage effect. A maximum power point tracking device coupled to the solar panels to manage to maintain the optimal voltage and current drawn through the panels. An energy storage device is coupled to the maximum power point tracking device. A power interface is coupled to said energy storage device to deliver power to other electrical devices.

Abstract: In a solar cell module and a manufacturing method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention, a solar cell (55) composed of a transparent electrode film, a photoelectric conversion layer and a back face electrode film is laminated on a light-transmitting insulating substrate (51). On the back face electrode film of the solar cell (55), an insulated lead wire (62, 63) and a back film (65) having an opening (65a) for drawing out an output lead portion (62a, 63a) of the lead wire (62, 63) are sequentially laminated. In such a solar cell module, an insulating sheet (11) is disposed between the back face electrode film of the solar cell (55) and the back film (65) so as to completely cover the opening (65a) of the back film (65). The insulating sheet (11) is disposed so as to cover the entire perimeter of the edge of the opening (65a) of the back film (65).

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells and a wiring member attached to surfaces of the adjacent solar cells on one side. The wiring member electrically connects the adjacent solar cells electrically and includes an insulation sheet and a conductive layer disposed on the insulation sheet. A length of a portion of the wiring member located between the adjacent solar cells is greater than a distance between the adjacent solar cells.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method for manufacturing a solar cell module capable of improving positioning accuracy of solar cell elements relative to a light reflection plate. When a solar cell module is manufactured, a corrugated light reflection plate 4 is first prepared by bonding a thermoplastic resin film 7 to a plastic substrate 6. Subsequently, the light reflection plate 4 is set on a lower mold 10, and a thick resin sheet 12 made from an encapsulation resin is arranged on the light reflection plate 4. Then, vacuum suctioning and hot-press processing are performed sequentially, whereby a precursor assembly 13 is formed with the light reflection plate 4 and the resin sheet 12 attached together. Subsequently, a plurality of solar cell elements 2 is placed on an upper surface of the precursor assembly 13. Then, a thin resin sheet 14 made from the encapsulation resin is arranged on the solar cell elements 2, and a front surface plate 3 is arranged on the resin sheet 14.

Abstract: A Photovoltaic apparatus includes a photovoltaic panel, a frame, a bracket and a T-shaped electrical junction. The frame is defined with a receiving space therein. The photovoltaic panel is disposed in the receiving space. The bracket couples on the frame, and the bracket includes a connection portion and a hanging portion. The T-shaped electrical junction is electrically connected to the photovoltaic panel and two external devices. The connection portion fixes the bracket on the frame, and the hanging portion supports the T-shaped electrical junction.

Abstract: A roof integrated photovoltaic system includes a plurality of photovoltaic panels each having a right end, a left end, a front edge, and a back edge. A right end coupler is secured to the right ends of at least some of the photovoltaic panels and a left end coupler is secured to the left ends of at least some of the photovoltaic panels. The right end couplers and the left end couplers are configured to interlock and form a seal when two of the plurality of panels are moved into end-to-end engagement with each other. At least one front edge coupler is affixed to at least some of the plurality of photovoltaic panels at the front edges thereof and at least one back edge coupler is affixed to at least some of the plurality of photovoltaic panels at the back edges thereof.

Abstract: An evaporation control system for an open liquid includes a photovoltaic (PV) panel and a mounting structure for supporting the PV panel. The PV panel is connected to the mounting structure such that the PV panel covers at least a portion of the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyester film for sealing the backside of solar cell having excellent light reflectivity and durability and good electric insulation. A polyester film for sealing the backside of solar cell having a light reflectance at 550 nm wavelength of 50% or more and containing 3 to 50% by mass of inorganic fine particles, characterized in that acid value of the film is 1 to 30 eq/ton and limiting viscosity of the film is 0.60 to 0.80 dL/g.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module assembly in which frame members are affixed by sealant onto opposite bottom edges of a dual glass photovoltaic laminate to provide a module combining the strength advantages of framed modules with the advantages of frameless dual glass photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel system for assembly to an outdoor column which is ergonomic in design, modular in structure and has features of connection that are protected from the outdoor elements. The assembly comprises one or more housings, each housing comprising a photovoltaic panel extending between two collars and each collar being hinged to allow the collars to be placed around the column. The also includes an extension section extending beyond one collar at one end of the housing, and which has means to secure the section to the column and having a dimension of less than each collar. The collar of one housing extends over the extension piece of the neighboring housing to cover the column securement means and protect the securement means from the outside environment.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a photovoltaic (PV) system includes a direct current (DC) bus, multiple PV modules and multiple inverter units. The PV modules are electrically coupled in parallel to the DC bus. The inverter units have DC inputs electrically coupled in parallel to the DC bus and have alternating current (AC) outputs electrically coupled to an AC grid.