Abstract: A solar battery module (5) is provided by forming a solar battery (13) on a surface on one side of an insulating substrate (12) and forming an electrode thin film (11), which is connectable to a reference potential (32) and integrated with the solar battery (13) with an insulating state kept therebetween by the insulating substrate (12), on substantially the entire area of a surface on a side, where the solar battery (13) is not formed, of the insulating substrate (12). The solar battery module (5) is mounted on a portable electronic device (1) with the electrode thin film (11) being connected to the reference potential (32).

Abstract: A solar-paneled windmill is provided having aerodynamic fan blades provided with solar panels. The windmill produces electricity using wind energy and solar energy. In another embodiment, magnets are provided to the solar-paneled windmill fan blades to generate magnetic fields to increase the amount of electrical energy produced.

Abstract: A solar cell plate for generating electric current includes a number of individual plates that can be moved in relation to one another to produce a convenient packing size.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to framing systems and more particularly is concerned with systems adapted to mount panels or laminates in an array on a supporting roof structure of a building exemplified with the mounting of solar electric photovoltaic (PV) panels. The framing system described uses extruded elongate elements with a sealing element to frame the PV panel as a weatherproof PV solar roof tile. Individual frame element profiles effectively embody the PV building integration, (BiPV) or mounting method, of the solar tile within the frame itself. Only a few additional flashing components are needed to complete the PV tile array as part of the roof, or with minor variations, as a PV wall cladding. Full BiPV panel mounting methods show potential to be used for co-generation (PV/T) of solar thermal energy capture in buildings.

Abstract: A portable solar powered unit including a battery with associated electronics and a solar panel on a wheeled frame accommodates a variety of accessories including table tops, mounting poles, overhangs, back racks and a cover for all weather operation.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a solar cell module in which sufficient drainage and ventilation are ensured on the rear side, an output cable can be prevented from being caught during installation, and long term reliability is ensured by preventing bleed of the output cable, and another object of the invention is to provide a solar cell module integrated with building materials in which water leakage into the house and failure due to staying moisture can be avoided by imparting a waterproof function of a verge substrate water drip. A bottomed drain gutter opening to the abutting face of a heat insulating supporting material is provided to communicate with the side of the heat insulating supporting material, and a cable holding groove opening to the abutting face of a leg vertically provided on the heat insulating supporting material and deeper than the diameter of the laid cable is made to communicate with the side of the leg in order to hold the cable without projecting the cable from the opening.

Abstract: A nonrotating adjustable solar panel for optimizing cell charging of a portable message sign, comprising a movable frame, a message sign, a solar panel, a support post attached to the underside of the solar panel by a universal joint, and a mechanism for adjusting the angle and position of the solar panel comprising a pair of outwardly extending arms, a pair of threaded support rods, each rod extending through an aperture in the arm, and a handle for turning the rod. Each rod is coupled to the underside of the solar panel by a ball or universal joint. As each rod is turned, it raises or lowers a portion of the solar panel, providing tilting and pivoting, but not rotating motion for adjustment of the solar panel angle.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a connecting member to be passed through a coating of a cable for electrically connecting a plurality of solar cell modules and to be electrically connected to a core wire of the cable. The solar cell module is connected to the cable by pressing the connecting member of the solar cell module to pass through the coating of the cable and come into contact with the core wire of the cable. An electrical connection of the solar cell module with a ground wire is made by a similar technique.

Abstract: In a solar cell module-mounting structure, a solar cell module 101 is fixed on one surface of a plate-shaped member 102, the plate-shaped member 102 is placed on an installation surface so that one side of the plate-shaped member is in contact with the installation surface, a surface of the plate-shaped member 102 opposite to the solar cell module-fixing surface is in contact with a first support member 103, and out of surfaces including the one side of the plate-shaped member 102, at least a part of the surfaces in no contact with the first support member 103 is in contact with a second support member 103, thereby effectively preventing a solar cell module-mounting rack from being moved by a wind load.

Abstract: A device for converting solar radiation into electric power, constituted by a substantially vertically elongated body from which multiple supporting arms for one or more modules constituted by multiple photovoltaic cells protrude in an upward region. The body is hollow and contains an inverter suitable for the conversion of electric power.

Abstract: Two types of solar cell modules having an equal output voltage and different sizes are used, and a plurality of solar cell modules of these two types are installed so that they are connected in parallel. The size of a solar cell module having two solar cell sub-modules is two times larger than the size of a solar cell module including one solar cell sub-module. By connecting two power generating regions of each of the solar cell sub-modules of the former solar cell module in parallel, connecting adjacent two solar cell sub-modules in series and connecting two power generating regions of the solar cell sub-module of the latter solar cell module in series, an equal output voltage is obtained from both of the solar cell modules.

Abstract: A transparent electromagnetic shield to protect solar panels and the like from dust deposition. The shield is a panel of clear non-conducting (dielectric) material with embedded parallel electrodes. The panel is coated with a semiconducting film. Desirably the electrodes are transparent. The electrodes are connected to a single-phase AC signal or to a multi-phase AC signal that produces a travelling electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic field produced by the electrodes lifts dust particles away from the shield and repels charged particles. Deposited dust particles are removed when the electrodes are activated, regardless of the resistivity of the dust. Electrostatic charges on the panel are discharged by the semiconducting film. When used in conjunction with photovoltaic cells, the power for the device may be obtained from the cells themselves. For other surfaces, such as windshields, optical windows and the like, the power must be derived from an external source.

Abstract: A mobile has mobile elements made from a solar cell, a hollow beam and a motivator. The solar cell is mounted to a substrate and connected via wires through the hollow beam to the motivator. The hollow beam supports the substrate at one end and the motivator at the other. The motivator may be a small electric fan or valved gas jet. The substrate is a flat plastic panel, such as a CD-ROM disc, a lightweight plastic sheet, and printed circuit board. The mobile elements may be connected as in a traditional Calder mobile, or in an aligned vertical stack. As the solar panels receive sufficient light, power for the motivator is generated, causing the mobile elements to move.

Abstract: The solar panel for space satellites has a plane surface including a plurality of photovoltaic cells (CE) disposed side-by-side and substantially forming a grid, the cells (CE) being electrically connected into at least one serpentine (SE1), each serpentine made up of cells (CE) connected in series two-by-two forming parallel cell segments (SG), two successive segments (SG) of a serpentine being electrically connected at their ends, and each serpentine having positive terminals (+) and negative terminals (?), the positive (+) and negative (?) terminals being distributed along each serpentine (SE1) and over the surface of the panel so that the positive terminals are far away from the negative terminals, to reduce the risk of electrical arcing between two terminals. With this arrangement, the risk of electrical arcing is reduced without increasing the fabrication cost of the panel.

Abstract: In an AC module, if an interconnection relay is provided in an inverter, the inverter increases in size, and disconnection status between the AC module and a system upon occurrence of abnormal condition cannot be easily checked by a user. Accordingly, a plug is connected to an outlet, thereby an output of the inverter is supplied to the system or a load via a coupler. If leakage of direct current, ground fault of a solar cell or the like, a fault or abnormal condition of the inverter, or an abnormal condition of the system is detected, the inverter outputs a signal to separate the plug from the coupler.

Abstract: A solar-battery array comprising a plurality of solar batteries, which is characterized by satisfying the relationship of V2<0 and V1+V2>0, where V1 is the voltage to ground of the positive-pole terminal at the time of maximum output of the solar-battery array, and V2 is the voltage to ground of the negative-pole terminal at the time of maximum output of the same and a photovoltaic power generation system having such an array are disclosed, whereby the effects of an electric shock on the human body can lessen even when you touch any electric circuit of the solar-battery arrays.

Abstract: A photovoltaic roofing system includes front surface electrical connections and can be installed utilizing conventional tools and techniques. The system includes particularly configured photovoltaic power generating roofing shingles which provide for linearly aligned electrical terminals when installed. The system may be used in conjunction with a protective cap which shields the connections.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for charging an electronic device using solar energy are disclosed. In one form, a portable storage apparatus operable to charge a battery associated with an electronic device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first material configured to provide a storage space for storing articles. The storage space includes an interior portion and an exterior portion. The apparatus further includes a first flexible solar panel coupled to an exterior portion of the portable storage apparatus and integrated as a part of the first material. A second positional solar panel is also provided and coupled to an interior portion of the portable storage apparatus. The apparatus further includes a universal 12-volt charge port coupled to the first and second solar panels and operable to receive a charge conductor for charging the electronic device.

Abstract: In a solar module (1) comprising a plurality of individual solar cells (2) connected together electrically in series, with at least one solar cell (5, 6) exposed to the same conditions and not linked to the other solar cells, which serves as sensor of the instantaneous incident light on the solar module and with a switching device (8) able to be slaved at least indirectly to the sensor so as to act on the output electric power of the solar module, according to the invention, at least two solar cells (5, 6), which are disposed a large distance apart, are provided as sensors whose output voltages or currents are conveyed to an evaluation circuit (7) and are compared with one another by the latter, and the evaluation circuit (7) connects by means of the switching device (8) a shunt which bypasses the series circuit of the solar cells (2) of the solar module (1) when a difference which exceeds a threshold value exists between the outputs of the two sensors.

Abstract: A condensation panel to be used for harvesting water from atmospheric moisture during those times of the diurnal cycle when relative humidity is at or near 100% utilizes very localized cooling to optimize condensation on a surface whose materials promote the condensation and collection of the water. The panel is passive in the sense that it can be deployed and left in an unmaintained condition for considerable periods of time. At least one time each day, almost certainly in the morning, water harvested by the process of assisted condensation can be collected for use.

Abstract: A remotely powered heliostat system includes a plurality of heliostats each having a reflection panel movably disposed on a structural member. At least one motor is disposed between each heliostat and the structural member to position each heliostat. The plurality of heliostats is further divisible into at least two groups of heliostats, each group operable by one of a plurality of radio frequency receivers electrically connected to each motor. Each radio frequency receiver wirelessly receives a heliostat positioning command for the group from a remote transmitter. A processor analyzes solar position and generates the heliostat positioning command. Encoders on each heliostat keep track of the heliostat position. Each motor is connected to a local battery unit to provide electrical power. The system provides local power to operate each heliostat, and a wireless signal to control heliostat position, eliminating dependence on a single source of power for the heliostats.

Abstract: An array of preferably at least three double-sided reflective panels mounted on a rigid frame pivoting at a mounting angle to create a double-sided reflective panel array. A tracking system positioning the rigid frame at a frame angle, with respect to the direct sun light, and with respect to pivoting at the mounting angle, to create a rigid frame position. The double-sided reflective panel array interacting with the direct sunlight based upon the rigid frame position to create the direct sun light attenuation. The sky viewed through the rigid frame mounted, double-sided reflective panel array and through the light tunnel creates the sky view.

Abstract: A shielded assembly that includes a power source for generating electricity, a device for converting the electricity into optical energy, a device for converting the optical energy into electrical energy, and a load connected to the electrical energy. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises nanomagnetic shielding particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for prolonging rechargeable battery life and power in a wireless communicating hand-held system provides a possibility to enhance a power saving of the power supply in the wireless communicating hand-held units, such as cellular telephone. An improved apparatus for prolonging rechargeable battery life and power in a wireless communicating hand-held system includes a solar battery, the positive pole of which is connected to the positive pole of the rechargeable battery and to the anode of the indicator, and the negative pole of the solar battery is connected to the first contact of the switch and to anode of the blocking device. The cathode of the blocking device is connected to the negative pole of the rechargeable battery and the second contact of the switch is connected to the cathode of the indicator.

Abstract: A solar cell structural body having a solar cell arranged on a concrete retaining body comprising a concrete prepared from a mixture comprising at least a cement, water and an aggregate, such that part of a conductor portion of the solar cell contacts the concrete retaining body. The concrete has a resistivity in a range of from 9×103 to 120×103 &OHgr;·cm. A solar cell array in which the solar cell structural body is used, and a sunlight power generation system in which the solar cell structural body is used.

Abstract: In the solar cell module, a plate-like main body having a power generating function has two end portions opposed to each other, an eaves side frame is provided at one end portion thereof, and a ridge side frame is provided at another end portion thereof, a frame cover capable of being brought into contact with a ridge side frame of another solar cell module is attachably and detachably attached to the eaves side frame, the eaves side frame is provided with an engaging member which engages with the frame cover, and the frame cover is provided with an engaging member which engages with the engaging member on the eaves side frame and an elastic member brought into contact with the engaging member on the eaves side frame to press.

Abstract: A separable solar energy storage device, comprising a solar energy reception device, a solar energy conversion circuit, an extension cord for connecting the solar energy reception device and the solar energy conversion circuit, and storage batteries connecting to the solar energy conversion circuit, the solar energy reception device can be disposed, through connection to the extension cord, at the optimal position for the most efficient reception of solar energy, so as to enable storage batteries to achieve the optimal energy-storage efficiency.

Abstract: A solar cell array having an exposed electroactive portion is connected to a system power supply through an insulation transformer, a ground-fault interrupter is provided between the solar cell array and the system power supply, and a ground-fault detector is provided at the grounded line of the solar cell array. A set current value at which the ground-fault detector judges a ground-fault is larger than an amount of a set current value at which the ground-fault interrupter interrupts a circuit. The insulation transformer is provided between the solar cell array and the system power supply.

Abstract: A device intended to be used as a shade, awning, blind and swimming pool cover includes a photocurrent-generating fabric and a support for winding and storing the fabric. The support is formed by an axisymetric tube of regular polygonal cross-section around the periphery of which the fabric is wound. The photo current-generating fabric includes a layer of interconnected photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A portable solar powered unit including a battery with associated electronics and a solar panel on a wheeled frame accommodates a variety of accessories including table tops, mounting poles, overhangs, back racks and a cover for all weather operation.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a photovoltaic power generation system which is capable of achieving system linkage of a plurality of solar cell strings having different output voltages to a commercial electric power system with ease, and which enables efficient use of the maximum output electric power. It is a photovoltaic power generation system characterized by disposing voltage regulating means that regulates a DC voltage outputted from non-standard solar cell string between a standard solar cell string and electric power converting means, and regulating an output voltage of the non-standard solar cell string to the side of an output voltage of the standard solar cell string by the use of the voltage regulating means.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell thermal radiator configuration uses an embedded power bus to collect vertically migrating waste heat from electronic devices mounted on a thin film multilayer printed circuit board. The waste heat is vertically collected, horizontally spread, and vertically rejected through the a top coverglass glass layer around the side of a top silver contact of conventional thin film solar cells. The thermal radiator configuration enables the collection and rejection of the electronic component waste heat for maintaining thin film solar cells within desired temperature ranges.

Abstract: A PV assembly comprises a base, having a length L, an upwardly extending PV module, having a length H, and a downwardly extending deflector. The PV module and the deflector are preferably secured to the base so that they are placeable at shipping and inclined-use angles. The module may be connected to the base by a living hinge. The deflector may comprise an outer surface having a solar reflectivity of at least about 0.2, and more preferably of at least about 0.7, whereby solar radiation contacting the outer surface may be redirected to an adjacent PV module to increase the power output of the adjacent PV module. The inclined-use angle of the PV module may be about 2° to 15° and a ground cover ratio of H/L may be about 0.6 to about 0.8 for increased power output.

Abstract: Each PV assembly of an array of PV assemblies comprises a base, a PV module and a support assembly securing the PV module to a position overlying the upper surface of the base. Vents are formed through the base. A pressure equalization path extends from the outer surface of the PV module, past the PV module, to and through at least one of the vents, and to the lower surface of the base to help reduce wind uplift forces on the PV assembly. The PV assemblies may be interengaged, such as by interengaging the bases of adjacent PV assemblies. The base may include a main portion and a cover and the bases of adjacent PV assemblies may be interengaged by securing the covers of adjacent bases together.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a solar cell unit comprising a back electrode, a photovoltaic layer, a front electrode, and a transparent top layer, characterized in that on top of the top layer at least one removable transparent polymer film is present. Preferably, two to ten, more preferably three to five, removable transparent polymer films stacked one on top of the other are present on the top layer. On the bottom side the transparent polymer films may be provided with an adhesive layer that displays greater adhesion to the polymer film itself than to the underlying layer. Preferably, the solar cell unit is also provided with a substrate at the back of the back electrode. The presence of a transparent removable top layer enables easy removal of a surface once it has got dirty.

Abstract: A solar-cell-installed structure is disclosed in which a solar cell at least part of active electric portions of which stands exposed to surroundings is fixed onto a support placed on the ground, and the support is in only spot or line contact with the ground so that any leakage current can be small and the power loss can be lessened.

Abstract: To improve the conversion efficiency of a power converter in a solar cell module in which a solar cell module main body containing a solar cell is integrated with a power converter for converting the output power from the solar cell module main body, a material having small thermal conductivity is used as a member (205) of a protective case for protecting the power converter to be fixed to the solar cell module main body containing the solar cell, thereby preventing easy conduction of heat from the solar cell module main body heated to high temperatures to a power conversion circuit (201). A material having large thermal conductivity is used as a member (206) of a protective case for fixing the power conversion circuit (201), thereby allowing easy radiation of heat generated in the power conversion circuit (201).

Abstract: A space-based power system. The system maintains proper positioning and alignment of system components without using connecting structures. Power system elements are launched into orbit, and the free-floating power system elements are maintained in proper relative alignment, e.g., position, orientation, and shape, using a control system.

Abstract: A photovoltaic mounting apparatus for use with a solar panel includes a base element having an elongated upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is structured for engagement with a rooftop by being positioning underneath the shingles of a rooftop and secured thereto through the apertures of the upper portion and/or lower portion of the base element. One or more support elements extend perpendicularly from the lower portion of the base element. A front plate is situated upon the support elements and is parallel to the base element and structured for engagement with the solar panel.

Abstract: A solar energy-operated street-lamp device is disclosed. The solar energy-operated street-lamp device is characterized in that the solar energy-operated device includes a solar energy-operated absorption board, a circuit board and a storage battery that is mounted within a post seat of the lamp-post. The power stored in the storage battery will be delivered to an LED via circuit board to provide illumination. The solar energy absorption board and the transparent protective hood are of arc-shape so that the sunlight can be converged onto the solar energy absorption board and at the same time, dust particles and birds' excrement or fallen leaves will not be collected on the surface of the hood surface.

Abstract: A device consisting of solar photovoltaic cells, a solar activated dc motor, contact brushes and wiring to transfer the electric current to the applied load. The cells are mounted on vanes attached to a central shaft that is made to rotate by the dc motor. The electrical output of the photovoltaic cells is transferred by means of brushes to a stationary contact points wired to the applied load. The device exhibits phase behavior and produces a varying electrical output. By wiring the stationary contact points opposite each other, the output produced is AC electricity. When both ends are wired in the same direction the output is fluctuating do current similar to pulsating DC. The electricity generated can be put through a transformer.

Abstract: An autonomous solid state lighting system has a charge mode which collects energy and produces electric power with a solid state energy source, converts the voltage of the electric power using a bi-directional power converter, and stores the power in an energy storage device. A discharge mode draws electric power from the energy storage device, converts the voltage of the electric power using the bi-directional power converter, and produces light from a solid state light source. A controller controls the charge and discharge modes. In one embodiment, the solid state energy source can be a solar cell panel, the solid state light source can be an LED module, and the energy storage device can be a battery pack.

Abstract: A solar power system capable of storing heat energy and converting sun light to electrical power. The solar power system includes a solar collection system which gathers and transmits concentrated solar energy to an absorber/cavity. The thermal energy is extracted from the absorber/cavity via a fluid and transported to a heat conversion system. The heat conversion system uses the thermal energy to create electricity.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a connecting member to be passed through a coating of a cable for electrically connecting a plurality of solar cell modules and to be electrically connected to a core wire of the cable. The solar cell module is connected to the cable by pressing the connecting member of the solar cell module to pass through the coating of the cable and come into contact with the core wire of the cable. An electrical connection of the solar cell module with a ground wire is made by a similar technique.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for and method of alternating current photovoltaic power generation comprising via a photovoltaic module, generating power in the form of direct current; and converting direct current to alternating current and exporting power via one or more power conversion and transfer units attached to the module, each unit comprising a unitary housing extending a length or width of the module, which housing comprises: contact means for receiving direct current from the module; one or more direct current-to-alternating current inverters; an alternating current bus; and contact means for receiving alternating current from the one or more inverters.

Abstract: A passive convection cooling system for photovoltaic panels utilizing principles of aerodynamics to channel natural air flow under the photovoltaic panels and to increase the rate of heat transfer to greatly increase the convection rate and decrease the temperature of the photovoltaic panels thereby increasing the efficiency of the solar cells and decreasing failures of the photovoltaic system is disclosed. The photovoltaic cooling system comprises of multiple members arranged in predetermined configurations and affixed under the photovoltaic panel to direct natural air flow, according to aerodynamic principles, to increase rate of heat transfer under the photovoltaic panel to greatly increase the convection rate to effectively cool the photovoltaic system.

Abstract: A head restraint for vehicles of any kind with a support with upholstery portion has two detachably connected half shells which have collectors for receiving and collecting light, corresponding solar modules for conversion of the light into electrical energy, and storage elements for storing this enemy. The half shell of the head restraint, arranged rearwardly in the travel direction, has a frame for receiving a detachable component for various purposes, such as an illuminated vanity mirror, a screen, or the like. Within a second removable component, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells with a hydrogen cartridge can be provided for additional enemy generation.

Abstract: Methods for formulating and depositing a sol-gel coating onto a surface of a solar cell to provide improved radiation damage resistance. The sol-gel contains a solvent, alkoxyzirconium and an organosilane, with an organic acid catalyst and optionally a surfactant. The sol-gel coating can be deposited by spraying and the sol-gel coating is cured. The invention reduces manufacturing steps and overall weight of the solar cell array.

Abstract: A compound electrode for organic electronic devices comprises a thin first layer of a first electrically conducting material and a second electrically conducting material disposed on the first layer. In one embodiment, the second electrically conducting material is formed into a plurality of elongated members. In another embodiment, the second material is formed into a second layer. The elongated members or the second layer has a thickness greater than that of the first layer. The second layer is separated from the first layer by a conducting material having conductivity less than at least the material of the first layer. The compound electrode is capable of mitigating adverse effects of defects, such as short circuits, in the construction of the organic electronic devices, and can be included in light-emitting or photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: A photovoltaic roofing assembly comprises a roofing membrane (102), a plurality of photovoltaic modules (104, 106, 108) disposed as a layer on top of the roofing membrane (102), and a plurality of pre-formed spacers, pedestals or supports (112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122) which are respectively disposed below the plurality of photovoltaic modules (104, 106, 108) and integral therewith, or fixed thereto. Spacers (112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122) are disposed on top of roofing membrane (102). Membrane (102) is supported on conventional roof framing, and attached thereto by conventional methods. In an alternative embodiment, the roofing assembly may have insulation block (322) below the spacers (314, 314?, 315, 315?). The geometry of the pre-formed spacers (112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 314, 314?, 315, 315?) is such that wind tunnel testing has shown its maximum effectiveness in reducing net forces of wind uplift on the overall assembly.