Abstract: An energy generation and storage system includes one or more energy generation assets, one or more energy storage assets, and a system controller. The system controller identifies a plurality of candidate responses to a grid service request. Each candidate response includes a split value that describes a power split between the energy generation assets and the energy storage assets. The system controller determines a plurality of response scores respectively for the plurality of candidate responses based at least in part on a plurality of asset life impact values that describe an impact that the plurality of candidate responses would have on an asset life of at least one of the one or more power generation assets and the one or more energy storage assets. The system controller selects one of the plurality of candidate responses based at least in part on the plurality of response scores.

Abstract: A sunlight lens portion includes a low elevation angle surface for capturing light at low elevation angles, an opposing surface which is adjacent to the low elevation angle surface and which faces a sunlight detection element, and a high elevation angle surface for capturing light at high elevation angles. Further, the sunlight lens portion includes a reflection surface adjacent to the high elevation angle surface and the opposing surface. Accordingly, a portion of sunlight entering the sunlight lens portion is reflected by the reflection surface and guided to the sunlight detection element, therefore it is possible to broaden a range of peak sunlight amount detected by the sunlight detection element. Due to this, it is possible to reduce an effect of the angle of inclination of the windshield on the elevation angle characteristic of the sunlight sensor.

Abstract: Devices and method for obtaining or providing listening or detection of audio frequency modulated optical energy including, involving, utilizing, facilitating and/or providing an interface (including electronics) configured such that when operatively connected to individual or groups of elements of one or more solar arrays (or cells, photodetectors, or other optical sensor device), respectively, the interface and the solar array(s) together function, responsive to sensed audio-frequency light intensity fluctuations of an optical signal received by said solar array(s), as a remote acoustic sensor (RAS)-based device.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for estimating the direction of a laser source under non-uniform illumination conditions such as laser speckle. An example system may include a detector array comprising sensors configured to detect the amplitude of the received laser signal. The sensors are disposed on the array at unique orientation angles relative to each other. The sensor size is selected based on the speckle pattern of the laser signal such that the sensors are small enough to be uniformly illuminated by the laser signal in the presence of speckle. The system also includes an amplitude ratio calculation circuit configured to calculate ratios of the amplitudes between each of two sensors of one or more pairs of sensors. The system further includes an angle of arrival calculation circuit configured to estimate the direction of the source of the laser signal based on the calculated ratios and the orientation angles of the sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a telescope array and related components and methods. In various embodiments, the telescope array may include a plurality of telescopes, each telescope associated with a focal plane package and a telescope control system configured to control the focus and tracking of the telescope, such that each telescope may be independently focused and pointed. The focal plane package may comprise an optical fiber feed configured to provide a an optical signal to an optical fiber; and a mirror array configured to provide two shifted simultaneous signals to an image capture device. The telescope array may further comprise at least one switchable multi-fiber coupler configured to couple the signals of at least some of the plurality of telescopes and an array control system in communication with each of the telescope control systems.

Abstract: Methods of operating solar tracking apparatuses are described. For example, a method includes determining a minimum amount of energy required to move the solar tracking apparatus from a first position to a second position. An available radiance is estimated for a solar resource coupled to the solar tracking apparatus. The solar tracking apparatus is moved from the first position to the second position prior to a point in time when the energy derivable from the available radiance is less than the minimum amount of energy required to move the solar tracking apparatus from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A power mesh system and method comprising at least three polyphase power devices of a plurality of polyphase power devices, each having a phase connection for each phase, where each polyphase power device has each phase connection coupled to at least one phase connection of another polyphase power device to form a two dimensional array of power devices.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device and method for testing a concentrated photovoltaic module comprising a plurality of sub-modules, which comprises: light sources; and parabolic mirrors coupled with the light sources so as to reflect the light from each source in quasi-collimated light beams toward the module to be tested, perpendicular to the module. Each light source comprises: an optical system comprising two parallel lenses on either side of a diaphragm; a lamp on an optical axis of the optical system; a reflector arranged on the axis, on the side opposite the optical system relative to the lamp, and translatably movable along the axis; and a housing containing the optical system, the lamp and the reflector and including an outlet opening for the light beam on the axis.

Abstract: A method for predicting electrical energy production of a photovoltaic system included in at least one aircraft is described. The method includes determining a first predicted amount of solar irradiance for each of a plurality of geographical points, determining a second predicted amount of solar irradiance received by the at least one aircraft along a flight path of the at least one aircraft, wherein the flight path includes a subset of the plurality of geographical points, and wherein the second predicted amount is based at least in part on the first predicted amount, and determining a predicted amount of electrical energy produced by the photovoltaic system along the flight path, based at least in part on the second predicted amount.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell panel comprising a lower substrate and a plurality of solar cells on the lower substrate; a protective substrate on the solar cell panel; and a buffer part between the solar cell panel and the protective substrate, wherein the lower substrate includes a first lower substrate supporting the solar cell and a second lower substrate disposed along a lateral side of the buffer part.

Abstract: A dimming control device includes a transmittance changing part provided on a windshield of a vehicle and configured to change light transmittance of the windshield; a detector configured to detect a position of a contact operation on the windshield by a user; and a dimming control part configured to change the transmittance according to the position of the contact operation on a detection surface of the detector on condition that the detector has detected a contact operation at a control start region which is preset within the detection surface.

Abstract: A method for preventing glare caused by a head lamp of an opposite side vehicle is provided. The method includes detecting a position of the head lamp from an image photographed in a front direction of a vehicle, when a light is detected in front of the vehicle. The detected position of the head lamp is then matched on a head-up display image and a filtering image is generated to block the light of the head lamp using the head-up display image. The filtering image is finally output on a vehicle windshield.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a concentrating photoelectric conversion device that can efficiently obtain a power generation amount even if a deflection and a strain are generated. A position shift detection element group (7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D) includes some photoelectric conversion elements in a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements (7n). Some photoelectric conversion elements are disposed with centers of light receiving regions (100) of the photoelectric conversion elements being shifted from a center of a focused spot (300) in upward, downward, rightward, and leftward directions by a predetermined distance in a state where the light receiving surface of the power generation panel is opposite to light. The position shift detection element groups are provided in at least three places on the light receiving surface of the power generation panel to correct a light tracking orbit.

Abstract: A solar central receiver system employing common positioning mechanism for heliostats relates to a system of concentrating and harvesting solar energy. The heliostats of said system are positioned like facets of a Fresnel type of reflector. The heliostats are placed in arrays, wherein each array has a common positioning mechanism. The common positioning mechanism synchronously maneuvers the arrays of heliostats in altitudinal and/or azimuthal axis for tracking an apparent movement of the sun. The common positioning mechanism is employed for synchronously orienting said heliostats with respect to a stationary object and the sun such that incident solar radiation upon said heliostats is focused upon said stationary object from dawn to dusk. Subsequent to each said orientation of said heliostats, collective disposition of said heliostats always forms an arrangement that is capable of reflecting and thereby focusing incident solar radiation upon said stationary object.

Abstract: A solar cell or module is illuminated at one sun intensity and is placed into short circuit. Current and voltage measurements are taken. Control circuitry commands a second, higher terminal voltage of the solar cell such as a maximum power voltage. A higher intensity light pulse (for example, three suns) is applied to the solar cell or module when the second voltage is commanded. Voltage ramps more quickly because of the high-intensity light pulse. When the second terminal voltage is reached the light pulse terminates and measurements are taken while the solar cell remains illuminated at one sun intensity. The solar cell is placed into open circuit conditions and in conjunction with that action another high-intensity light pulse is applied. When the steady-state open circuit voltage for one sun is reached the pulse terminates. Characteristics are measured including current and voltage at the terminals of the solar cell or module.

Abstract: Presented is a motorized roller shade system. The system includes a flexible shade material, a roller tube configured for windingly receiving the flexible shade material, a shade motor coupled to the roller tube, a motor controller in communication with the shade motor, and a sun angle sensor. The sun angle sensor is configured for determining the angle of the sun and transmitting the angle of the sun to the motor controller. The motor controller is configured for driving the shade motor to rotate the roller tube to wind or unwind the flexible shade material in response to the transmitted angle of the sun to limit sunlight penetration to a predetermined maximum distance into a room.

Abstract: Optical axis vectors indicating a direction of an optical axis of a mirror structure that directs the light from the sun at a plurality of times on a predetermined day to a condensed position are obtained for each of the plurality of times. Next, a cone having generatrices along which direction segments of the optical axis vectors for each of the plurality of times extend is determined, and a cone central axis vector indicating a direction of a central axis of the cone is obtained. A first rotational axis of an optical condenser is set to be parallel to the cone central axis vector.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods include a solar array having one or more string buses of series-connected solar modules. The current outputs from the solar modules on each string bus can be balanced along with the voltage output from the string buses. Local management units coupled between the solar modules and the string buses are configured to control the voltage output from each solar module. When the solar modules on each string are balanced, and when the string buses are balanced (or before the solar modules and string buses are balanced), an inverter or other device connected to the solar array can find the array's maximum power point via a maximum power point tracking algorithm.

Abstract: A solar light concentration plate comprises a first hologram which receives solar light and diffracts incident light in a range of an incident angle, and first and second light guides respectively disposed on both sides of the first hologram, wherein at least one of the first and second light guides has an outer surface substantially inclined to an inner surface of the at least one of the first and second light guides.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for tracking a solar generator having a plurality of solar modules to the sun, wherein at least one electric output quantity of part of the solar module of the solar generator is detected and a tracker, on which the solar generator is mounted, is controlled such that the detected electric output quantity has a predetermined value. Further, a control for a solar plant and a solar plant having such a control are described.

Abstract: A system and a method for improving the operation, utility, and exploitation of solar cell fields are introduced. The system includes all or parts of the following: a solar cells array, an interconnect matrix, a measuring sub-system for measuring environmental conditions as ambient temperature and/or ambient wind speed, and/or ambient wind direction, a direct current to alternating current inverter, a measuring sub-system for measuring on-line (instantaneous) values of working points of solar cells, and/or solar panels, and/or a group of solar panels, a camera pointed at the all of solar panels or groups of solar panels, and a digital processor that using the measured environmental conditions and the measured on-line working points data evaluates the solar cells array's maximum power point; and using partial or full meandering of the solar cells in the solar cells array, achieves near-optimal performance of the solar cells array.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system including a photovoltaic cell, and an electronic module connected to the photovoltaic cell. The electronic module is adapted to produce at least one control signal indicative of electrical power being generated by the photovoltaic cells. A tracking controller is adapted to receive the control signal(s) and based on the control signal(s), the controller is adapted to control a tracking motor for adjusting the system so that electrical power generated by the photovoltaic cells is increased. The photovoltaic system may include an optical element, adapted for concentrating solar light onto the photovoltaic cells. The electronic module preferably performs direct current (DC) to direct current (DC) power conversion and maximum power point tracking by electrical power, current, or voltage at either their inputs or their outputs.

Abstract: A solar panel support apparatus for selectively positioning a solar panel contained thereon comprises forward and rearward legs securable to the ground or an affixed structure. One or more solar panels is supported by a rack having an end pivotally attachable to the forward leg. First and second arms pivotally connected to one another pivotally attach to the forward leg and the rack permitting the rack to be positionable relative the forward leg. A locking mechanism locks the first arm and the second arm at a selected angle relative to one another, whereupon securing the rearward and the forward leg to the ground or an affixed structure the rack is pivotal to position the solar panel. Upon positioning the rack to place the solar panel at a selected position, the locking mechanism is engaged to retain the solar panel at the selected position.

Abstract: Time-of-flight technology may be combined with optical detection technology identifying an angle of a light pulse emitted from a transmitter and reflected off an object based on a proportion of the reflected light pulse detected at each of at least two light sensors. The optical detection technology may include a light detector with two or more light sensors arranged at different orientations with respect to an aperture in the detector so that each sensor is able to detect a different subset of the light passing through the aperture. The effective angle of the light passing through aperture may then be calculated from the proportion of light detected at the each of the sensors. The effective angle information may be combined with a calculated time-of-flight of the light pulse to accurately identify a position of the object relative to the detector in two or three dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing light from a waveguide through a collimating array, or collecting light over a given area into a waveguide. Light received within a waveguide is propagated transmissively and retained by total internal reflection, except in response to impinging upon deflector elements which sufficiently redirect the light to escape the waveguide into a collimator array that aligns and distributes the light. In a light collector, a collection array collects and collimates the received light and directs it at the surface of a waveguide, within which deflectors properly positioned in relation to each collector of the collector array, deflect the angle of the light so that it propagates through the waveguide in response to total internal reflection. The apparatus can be fabricated into an efficient and compact form.

Abstract: A testing method of a solar cell panel of the present invention, includes steps of: (a) providing an ambient light with steady illumination to the surface of a solar cell panel to introduce a steady signal to its electrical output; (b) providing a modulation light to a given area of the solar cell panel to introduce a modulated signal to its electrical output corresponding to the given area; and (c) analyzing electrical output of the solar cell panel to obtain electrical properties corresponding to the given area. The testing method can test the solar cell panel efficiently, detect and locate defects accurately so that the defects can be corrected and feed back to improve manufacturing process.

Abstract: An automatically adjusting light shelf has a circuit of components used to measure light levels within a space; a light shelf hinged to a window assembly, used to reflect light entering the space; and a rotation device used to alter the light entering the space by rotating the light shelf. The light levels are measured using light sensors having a capacitive component and phototransistor in parallel with one another, a microcontroller, and optionally, a clock. The automatic operation of the light shelf can be overridden for manual operation. A method of using the automatically adjusting light shelf includes the steps of measuring a differential between the light levels reaching the light sensors; determining a direction to rotate the light shelf to alter the light; and rotating the light shelf so that the reflected light is optimized within the space.

Abstract: A technique for detecting whether dazzling is affecting the drivers driving ability when the eye area is included in the area to which the direct sunlight is incident is provided. More particularly of the technique detects a facial area and an eye area of a driver's image, and an area to which direct sunlight is incident in the facial area, and then determines whether dazzling is effecting the drivers driving ability when the eye area is included in the area to which the direct sunlight is incident to detect a direction of incidence of the direct sunlight and then, automatically blocks the direct sunlight in the direction to which light is incident via a blocking apparatus.

Abstract: A sun tracking method is disclosed. The method can track the position of sun continuously, without the need to install an optical sensor, to calculate a sun-tracking solar orbit function, and to calibrate the mechanical structure periodically. The method comprises the steps outlined below. (A) A motor of an attitude control device is driven for changing attitude of a photovoltaic cell device to sense and record a short-circuit current by a short-circuit current measuring device directly or in cooperation with the switching behavior of a switch power unit of a maximum power tracking control device, or to sense and to record an output power by a power measuring device. (B) A maximum value of the short-circuit current or the output power is calculated. (C) The motor-driving device is driven for modulating the photovoltaic cell device to an attitude corresponding to the maximum value of the short-circuit current or the output power.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laterally-adjusted automatic solar tracking device. The upper ends of two support posts are fastened to a north-south rotary shaft via which a sunlight collector rack is connected to the support posts. A light intensity signal collector is mounted on the top surface of the sunlight collector rack. A worm gear transmission mechanism and a controller are disposed at the lower portions of the two support posts, wherein output torque from the worm gear transmission mechanism is borne by a lift rod. A telescopic sleeve is disposed outside the lift rod and a hinge ring is provided on the outer upper end of the lift rod. The lift rod is fastened to an edge of the sunlight collector rack via a thrust bearing and a joint bearing. The lower end of the lift rod is arranged in an oil sump.

Abstract: A plural axis sun tracking system, including a base, a spatial structure assembly, and a rotating system mounted on the base for rotating the spatial structure assembly, where the spatial structure assembly includes a frame having a lower portion at a first peripheral end of the spatial structure assembly and an upper portion at a second peripheral end of the spatial structure assembly, the lower portion being more proximal to the rotating system than the upper portion, and an anchoring location for anchoring the spatial structure assembly to the rotating system, the anchoring location located at the lower portion, where the mass of the frame increasingly recedes as the distance from the anchoring location towards the upper portion increases.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a two-axis tracking mechanism for a concentrated photovoltaic system. Two or more components forming the support structure of the two-axis tracker mechanism, which are assembled in the field and manufactured to allow one or more lasers to align the support structure of the two-axis tracker mechanism in three dimensions, vertical (X) dimension, horizontal (Y) dimension, and diagonal (Z) dimension, at a site where the concentrated photovoltaic system is to be installed. Adjustable leveling mechanisms are built into the two or more components forming the support structure.

Abstract: Doorbells can detect visitors using a visitor detection system that includes a camera assembly, a motion detector assembly, or an infrared detector assembly. The visitor detection system can have a first sensor configured to detect a first indication suggestive of a visitor and a second sensor configured to detect a second indication suggestive of a visitor. A wall can separate the first sensor from the second sensor to divide the field of view of the visitor detection system such that the first sensor is configured to detect the first indication within a first portion of the field of view and the second sensor is configured to detect the second indication within a second portion of the field of view.

Abstract: A sunlight tracking sensor, comprising: a base; a gyroscopic mechanism, for rotating the base; a non-transparent cylindrical profile, mounted on the base; a first pair of punctual light intensity sensors, mounted on the base from opposite sides of the horizontal axis, at an outer side of the cylindrical profile; a second pair of punctual light intensity sensors mounted on the base from opposite sides of the vertical axis, at an outer side of the cylindrical profile; wherein the gyroscopic mechanism comprises: a first rotating mechanism, correspondingly with the first pair of punctual sensors, for rotating the base around the horizontal axis; a second rotating mechanism, correspondingly with the second pair of punctual sensors, for rotating the base around a vertical axis; a controller, for instructing each of the rotating mechanisms to adjust its orientation towards the sensor of the corresponding pair of sensors, which indicate a higher light intensity level.

Abstract: A solar thermal concentration system has a receiver, a rail system having a plurality of concentric rails circularly disposed about the receiver, a plurality of movable carts connected adjacent one another and spanning two concentric rails of the rail system, motor means on a movable cart dispersed in the plurality of movable carts, a heliostat mirror on a plurality of movable carts, and a controller for tracking the Sun and controlling a position of the array with respect to the receiver and the Sun. The plurality of movable carts over all of the concentric rails define an array of heliostat mirrors having a predetermined arc dimension configured to maximize mirror area based on cosine efficiency principle. Each heliostat mirror and each movable cart having motor means is in communication with the controller for moving the carts and heliostat mirrors with respect to the receiver and the Sun.

Abstract: A solar concentrator calibration tool that compensates for inconsistencies in the fabrication, assembly and installation of a solar collector system, permits the solar collector to perform optimally. The calibration tool provides feedback information to a supervisory control processor, allowing the processor to compare the expected position of the sun to the “actual” position found by the calibration tool. The processor then generates a calibration signal, thereafter used by the collector's movement control mechanism, to compensate the tracking of the solar collector to accurately follow the movement of the sun, unconstrained by the effects of the construction inconsistencies.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for heliostat mirror control. Here, each heliostat mirror generates a low intensity “signal beam”, directed at an angle off from the heliostat mirror's high intensity and sensor blinding “main beam” of reflected solar energy. The low intensity signal beams may be created by reflecting a small portion of the incident solar light at an angle from the main beam, by reflected artificial light, or from lasers shinning onto mirrors from known locations. The signal beams are detected by optical sensors mounted way from the main heliostat receiver focus, and can be used in a closed loop control system to efficiently ensure that individual heliostat mirrors in a heliostat array accurately track sunlight and direct the sunlight to a central receiver. Because heliostat mirrors need not be taken “off sun” for positioning, the system allows heliostat arrays to be run at high efficiency.

Abstract: In a solar concentrator of a type having a curved mirror adapted to focus light onto an energy collecting body mounted at the mirror's focal axis, an alignment correction apparatus and method includes a linear array of light detectors adapted to be mounted at a bottom of and across a centerline of the curved mirror so as to intercept the shadow cast by the energy collecting body mounted along the focal axis. Outputs of each of the detectors are measured and plotted according to an order of arrangement of the light detectors on the array. The output results in a dip across adjacent detectors when a shadow falls across the array. A shadow detection means is adapted to determine a center point of the dip and correction means are configured to output a correction command if the center point is different from an optimal position.

Abstract: A real-time solar tracking system includes: a microcontroller, a light-resistant box, a motor for changing a direction angle of a solar collection board, and a diver for controlling operating condition of the motor. The light-resistant box has a loophole disposed at a top surface of the light-resistant box, a convex lens plane array is disposed parallel to a bottom surface of the light-resistant box, and a photosensitive element array is disposed at a bottom of the light-resistant box. The microcontroller is used for calculating a solar direction angle according to a solar direction angle signal obtained from the photosensitive element array, and sending directions to the driver. With advantages of high detecting accuracy, high degree of automation and intelligence, well environmental adaptability, high reliability, low cost, the present invention is particularly suitable for solar power system.

Abstract: The invention in some aspects relates to radiometers and related methods of use. In some aspects of the invention, methods are provided for determining a circumsolar profiles at external locations of interest, e.g., at a solar power generation system installation site.

Abstract: A comprising a ground mount, a reflector assembly comprising a mirror and a frame rigidly connected to the mirror, a drive assembly configured to rotate the reflector assembly with respect to the ground mount about a predetermined angular range, and a mounting mechanism configured to connect the drive assembly to the reflector assembly and comprising a shaft connected to the drive assembly, where the drive assembly is configured to rotate the shaft about a longitudinal axis of rotation, an attachment for connecting the frame to the shaft at a fixed angle about the longitudinal axis; and a clamp for connecting the shaft to the frame.

Abstract: A photo detection device, which is disposed in a vehicle, includes a first photo detection element that detects light and a first signal processing unit that performs a predetermined process based on a detection result of the first photo detection element. The photo detection device also includes a first board on which the first photo detection element is mounted and a second board on which the first signal processing unit is mounted. Additionally, the photo detection device includes a holding member that holds the first board and the second board and a housing that accommodates the holding member. The holding member holds the first board and the second board such that the second board is arranged in a second plane different from a first plane in which the first board is arranged.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting and distributing generated and/or solar radiation. A pulsed distribution subsystem combining a generated radiation source with a solar radiation collector is provided. Radiation from the pulsed distribution subsystem is provided to one or more discrete distribution systems; the discrete distributions systems transmit and distribute radiation, such as visible light, to one or more end use points in a facility.

Abstract: A sun tracking system for tracking the sun in at least two axes, including a base, a rotating system mounted on the base, a spatial structure assembly having a lower portion at a first peripheral end thereof, and an upper portion at a second peripheral end thereof, the lower portion being more proximal to the base than the upper portion, and an anchoring location at the lower portion, and a torque box assembly at the anchoring location for resisting a torque applied to the spatial structure assembly.

Abstract: An automated method causes a terrestrial solar cell array to track the sun. The solar cell system includes motors that adjust a position of the array along different respective axes with respect to the sun, wherein a first motor adjusts the inclination angle of the array relative to the surface of the earth and a second motor rotates the array about an axis substantially perpendicular to that surface. The method includes (a) using a software algorithm to predict a position of the sun at a future time; (b) using a computer model to determine respective positions for the motors corresponding to the solar cell array being substantially aligned with the sun at the future time; and (c) activating and operating the motors at respective particular speeds so that at the future time the solar cell array is substantially aligned with the sun. The future time may correspond to any time during operation.

Abstract: A light tracking device comprising first and second support members and at least one light receiving element supported on each support member by one or more resilient flexible beams which deform upon relative translational displacement of the first and second support members. The first and second support members are arranged such that relative translational displacement of the members generates rotational displacement of the element. One or more resilient flexible beams may comprise spiral arms extending from the first to the second support members.

Abstract: A solar concentrator calibration tool that compensates for inconsistencies in the fabrication, assembly and installation of a solar collector system, permitting the solar collector to perform optimally. The calibration tool provides feedback information to a supervisory control processor, allowing the processor to compare the expected position of the sun to the “actual” position found by the calibration tool. The processor then generates a calibration signal, thereafter used by the collector's movement control mechanism, to compensate the tracking of the solar collector to accurately follow the movement of the sun, unconstrained by the effects of the construction inconsistencies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suitable control method for a system of photovoltaic concentration modules, which can be used to maintain the correct orientation of the modules in order to track the sun without requiring the use of positioning sensors. The sun is tracked by performing angular movements in relation to each of the degrees of freedom at given intervals, measuring the power or current supplied by the energy collection module(s). The estimation of the sun's position and the strategy for subsequent movements are determined as a function of the reading.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes an open-circuit voltage measurement device for measuring an open-circuit voltage of a string of solar battery panels in a state where the string and a load are not connected; a drive control device for controlling an output voltage of the solar battery panels; and a calculation control device for outputting a signal for controlling the drive control device so that the open-circuit voltage attains a predetermined voltage equal to or more than an operable voltage of the load but not more than a breakdown voltage of the photovoltaic power system, based on the open-circuit voltage measured by the open-circuit voltage measurement device when the string and the load are in an open state.

Abstract: An integrated electronics housing contains both system electronics and power generation circuits for a two-axis tracker assembly having a CPV solar array. The housing contains at least a communication bus, motion control circuits, and inverter circuits, and acts as the local system control point for that tracker mechanism. The inverter circuits generate three-phase AC voltage that is supplied to a grid interface transformer. Each inverter receives a bipolar DC voltage supplied from its own set of CPV cells. The motion control circuits move the CPV cells of the tracker mechanism to angular coordinates resulting from a solar tracking algorithm. The communication bus connects to the motion control circuits and the inverter circuits to facilitate communications of information, including parameters of power being generated by the inverter circuits, between the motion control circuits and the AC inverter circuits to fine tune the AC power generated out of the tracker mechanism.