With A Sunlight Activated Device (e.g., Passive Solar Or Photoelectric) Patents (Class 52/173.3)
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Patent number: 12040742Abstract: A scalable solar module array includes a first module electrically coupled to a second module. The first and second module each include a solar panel to collect solar radiation, one or more receptacles located on the solar panel, wherein the one or more receptacles are configured to accept a charging cable for an electronic device, and a mounting member. The first and second modules are electrically coupled through a detachable cable, the cable being connected to a receptacle of the first module and a receptacle of the second module. The one or more receptacles may also be configured to accept a charging cable of an electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2019Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: XPLOR LLCInventor: Gary William Oakley, Jr.
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Patent number: 12034089Abstract: Some embodiments relate to photovoltaic shingle. A photovoltaic shingle comprises an encapsulated solar cell, a glass layer above the encapsulated solar cell, an anti-reflective layer above the glass layer, and a plurality of protrusions above the glass layer. The plurality of protrusions covers at least a portion of at least one of the glass layer, the anti-reflective layer, or any combination thereof, such that the anti-reflective coating is exposed between at least a portion of the plurality of protrusions.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2023Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: GAF Energy LLCInventor: Gabriela Bunea
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Patent number: 12021485Abstract: An insertion rail for a solar panel mounting system is provided. The insertion rail has a mounting wall configured for connection to the solar panel mounting system, wherein the mounting wall is posited at a lower end of a first side of the insertion rail, a vertical leg coupled to the mounting wall at at least one location, wherein the vertical leg is positioned at a second side of the insertion rail, and at least one mating section located at an upper end of the insertion rail. The mating section has an upper tab, a lower tab and the upper tab and lower tab are configured to receive and secure a solar panel integrally therewith using an interference fit.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2021Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: KLOECKNER METALS CORPORATIONInventors: Jeremy Jacobs, Mark Schroeder, Brooke Stubben
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Patent number: 12021481Abstract: A solar panel mounting assembly including a cap that includes a secure-side wing, a catch-side wing, and an integral vertical leg that protrudes downwardly from the catch-side wing. The vertical leg is integral with the catch-side wing and has a top end and a bottom end. A plurality of inwardly facing corrugations are disposed at the bottom end of the vertical leg. The solar panel mounting assembly further includes a base that includes a secure-side support surface, a tilted spring support ledge on a catch-side, and a plurality of outwardly-facing corrugations disposed on an upper horizontal portion of the base. An inwardly-facing corrugation of the vertical leg contacts and engages an outwardly-facing corrugation on the upper horizontal portion of the base, and the base is vertically adjustable with respect to the cap.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2022Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: Unirac Inc.Inventors: Stacy Harris, Todd Ganshaw, Nathan Schuit
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Patent number: 12015374Abstract: A system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules installed in an array on an exterior wall of a structure. Each of the photovoltaic modules includes at least one solar cell, a first encapsulant encapsulating the at least one solar cell, and a frontsheet juxtaposed with the encapsulant. The frontsheet includes a glass layer. The system includes a plurality of siding panels installed on the exterior wall. The plurality of siding panels is adjacent to the plurality of photovoltaic modules.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2023Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: GAF Energy LLCInventors: Richard Perkins, Thierry Nguyen, Brian West, Henry Pham
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Patent number: 12009781Abstract: A system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules installed on a roof deck in an array and at least one jumper module electrically connecting a first subarray to a second subarray of the array. The jumper module includes at least one electrical bussing and an encapsulant encapsulating the at least one electrical bussing. The jumper module includes a frontsheet juxtaposed with the encapsulant. The frontsheet includes a first layer and a polymer layer attached to the first layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2022Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: GAF Energy LLCInventors: Peter Clemente, Lewis Abra, Evan Wray, Michael Kuiper, Alex Yang
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Patent number: 12009773Abstract: A system includes a roof deck having a slope of 0.25 inch to 3 inches per foot and a roofing membrane is composed of a first material, and at least one photovoltaic module installed on the roof deck. The photovoltaic module includes at least one solar cell, an encapsulant, a frontsheet, and a backsheet. The backsheet includes a head flap located at a first end of the backsheet, and a bottom flap located at a second end of the backsheet. The backsheet is composed of the first material. At least a first portion of the head flap is attached to the roofing membrane, and at least a second portion of the bottom flap is attached to the roofing membrane.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2023Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: GAF Energy LLCInventors: Thierry Nguyen, Gabriela Bunea, Gary Rossi, Nicholas Boitnott, Richard Perkins, David Kavulak
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Patent number: 12009777Abstract: A solar panel rail for mounting a photovoltaic module frame thereto is provided and has a rail body configured to for attachment of a rail bracket, an indexing flange located on the rail body and configured to box and maintain a module frame position along a short-side direction of the module frame, a tab located on the rail body and configured to hold the module in place along a long-side direction of the module frame, wherein the indexing flange and tab are configured to provide a predetermined locked in installation position of the module frame during installation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2022Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: KLOECKNER METALS CORPORATIONInventor: Jeremy Jacobs
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Patent number: 12003205Abstract: A device and system for mounting a solar panel return flange to a rail. The device can include a clamp body and a clamping mechanism. With the clamp body receiving the solar panel return flange and the rail, the clamping mechanism can press the rail upward against the return flange and secure the solar panel to the rail.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2022Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: Sunmodo CorporationInventor: Roland Jasmin
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Patent number: 11996796Abstract: A system for attaching a solar panel to a support, includes a support connector and a solar panel connector, where the support connector includes a U-shaped profile having a lower wall and two side walls, where an upper end of the side walls is bent inwards to provide vertical rails for receiving the panel connector; and the panel connector include a profile having: an upper C-shaped portion configured for receiving a side edge of a solar panel; a lower, upwardly oriented channel portion configured for receiving the vertical rail of the support connector; and at least one box-shaped portion connecting the upper C-shaped portion and the lower channel portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2023Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: SOLTEC INNOVATIONS, S.L.Inventors: Francisco Javier Carpio Obre, Pablo Sánchez Huertas
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Patent number: 11979107Abstract: A solar module mounting bracket system including a plurality of solar modules including mounting slots formed in a sidewall of the solar module, a torque tube configured to support the solar modules such that they can be rotated, a plurality of mounting brackets configured for integration with the torque tube and to which the plurality of solar modules are mounted, at least one first retainer assembly connected to one of the plurality of mounting brackets, the first retainer assembly including a through bolt, a spring, a mounting tab, and nut. When a solar module is placed on the mounting bracket and supported by the torque tube the mounting tab retainer assembly is received in the mounting slot of the solar module.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: NEXTRACKER LLCInventors: Tyler Joseph Watson, Dennis Marvin Lawson, Thao Thanh Hoang, Paul Daniel Habib
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Patent number: 11962265Abstract: A device and system for mounting a solar panel return flange to a rail. The device can include a clamp body and a clamping mechanism. With the clamp body receiving the solar panel return flange and the rail, the clamping mechanism can press the rail upward against the return flange and secure the solar panel to the rail.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Sunmodo CorporationInventor: Roland Jasmin
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Patent number: 11935979Abstract: Light-weight, flexible solar panels adapted to prevent inadvertent stress on silicon solar photovoltaic cells inside solar panels. In some examples, a solar panel comprising solar cells includes a plurality of supports, such as one support for each solar cell, with gaps between the supports to allow the panel to flex when strained while protecting the individual cells. In other examples, a solar panel comprises a plurality of solar cells and a support or plural supports designed to accept force applied to the top of the panel and divert such force around the individual cells, without the use of a heavy glass support over top. Some examples may include both individual supports for each cell, with each individual support further adapted to direct applied forces around the individual cells.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: HELION CONCEPTS, INC.Inventor: Sudarshan Krishnamoorthy
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Patent number: 11936331Abstract: A roof attachment system may comprise a mounting bracket, and a retention bracket. The mounting bracket may be configured to be attached to a roof. The retention bracket may be adjustably coupled to the bracket. The retention bracket may comprise a body portion, a first arm and a second arm. The first arm may be operatively coupled to the body portion. The first arm may also extend away from the body portion. The first arm may be substantially perpendicular to the body portion. The second arm operatively coupled to the body portion. The second arm may also extend away from the body portion. The second arm, like the first arm, may be substantially perpendicular to the body. The first arm may be parallel to the second arm.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2020Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Ecofasten Solar, LLCInventor: Alexander Alex Morano
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Patent number: 11923801Abstract: Features for a solar generation system. The system includes a solar generator that may be installed on a shipping container. The solar generator includes one or more deployable rotating solar arrays. The rotating solar arrays may be deployed and stowed using actuators. The rotating solar arrays may be stowed for transport of the system on ships or to remote locations. The solar panels of the array are unexposed when stowed. A base frame with corner castings may attach to standard connections on cargo containers. The solar generators may be stacked on top of each other when stowed for transport. An actuation system may include linear actuators with two arms connecting at a moving pivot point that attach to a base frame and to the panels for deployment. Another actuation system may include end-mounted linear actuation arms with panel backside-mounted deployment arms.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Halcyon Energy Systems, LLCInventors: Russell A. Prentice, David J. McMillan
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Patent number: 11894798Abstract: A solar module for a roof covering system that generates electrical power from sunlight includes a frame having a bottom surface supported on a deck of a roof, a top surface, and a thickness between the bottom surface and the top surface. The solar module also includes a solar element mounted to the top surface of the frame which has an upper surface. a micro-inverter mounted to the top surface of the frame and to the side of the solar element, and a raised access panel that is removably coupled to the frame to surround the micro-inverter. The raised access panel has an access panel top surface that is elevated above the upper surface of the solar element. The top surface of the frame forms a water shedding surface below the micro-inverter for directing water away from the roof.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2020Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: BMIC LLCInventors: Tommy F. Rodrigues, Sudhir Railkar, Daniel E. Boss, David J. Gennrich, Cory Boudreau, Daniel R. Nett, Kent J. Kallsen
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Patent number: 11892348Abstract: A system for stiffening a structure has at least one pair of tie rods (3), each tie rod (3) of the pair of tie rods (3) having a first end (4) fastened to the structure (2) and a second end (5), and at least one device (6) for tensioning the tie rods (3) having a deformable linking element (7) fastened to the second end (5) of each tie rod (3) so as to connect the tie rods (3). An actuator (10) is configured to deform the linking element (7) so as to make it pass from an inactive configuration in which the tie rods (3) are in a first state of tension to an active configuration in which the tie rods (3) are in a second state of tension, different than the first state of tension.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: NEXANSInventors: Emilie Chartier, Jérémy Amar, Morgan Printemps, Ludovic Quevillier, Aymeric Richard, Lucas Gillet, Emile Soulie
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Patent number: 11895739Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods relating to wireless communication mesh networks. In one aspect, the disclosed systems and methods may involve (1) a preexisting fiber network associated with a geographical area that includes buildings, where the preexisting fiber network comprises preexisting fiber links, (2) a first fiber link that is spliced into a given one of the preexisting fiber links coupled to the preexisting fiber network at a given location that was identified as being convenient for extending the preexisting fiber network, (3) a second fiber link that is deployed between the given location and a given building that is closest to the given location, where the given building is configured to serve as a seed node of a wireless communication mesh network that has backhaul connectivity through the preexisting fiber network, and (4) one or more point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication links that originate from the seed node.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2020Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: L3VEL, LLCInventors: Kevin Ross, Muhammad Ahsan Naim
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Patent number: 11881810Abstract: A module frame includes two longitudinal, and two transverse, frame elements. A longitudinal cover fold, with two longitudinal cover fold end areas, extends from the first longitudinal frame element. A transverse cover fold has two transverse cover fold end areas. The second longitudinal cover fold, and second transverse cover fold, end areas, form a cover fold end area. The bottom surface of the longitudinal cover fold is the height of the top surface of the second longitudinal frame element. The bottom surface of the transverse cover fold is the height of the top surface of the second transverse frame element. The bottom surface of the first transverse cover fold end area is the height of the top surface of the first longitudinal cover end area, and the bottom surface of the cover fold end area is the height of the top surface of the first transverse cover end area.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2020Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Inventor: Helmut Stuphann
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Patent number: 11859793Abstract: An optical storage integrated lamp, comprising a lamp post, a luminaire, at least one photovoltaic panel, and an energy storage device. The lamp post comprises at least two sections of sub lamp posts, and adjacent two sections of sub lamp posts are detachably connected with each other; the luminaire is detachably mounted at the sub lamp post located at the top of the lamp post; an accommodating cavity is formed in one sub lamp post; the energy storage device is accommodated in the accommodating cavity; the at least one photovoltaic panel is provided on the outer surface of at least one sub lamp post.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2019Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: HUNAN NEPUENERGY SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Haoyu Huang, Yibo Wang
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Patent number: 11848636Abstract: A multi-rail system for mounting solar modules to a surface, such as a roof, uses two rails to support a first row of solar modules, and a single rail to support each subsequent row of solar modules. Splices connect edges of solar modules between rows, providing support along one edge of the solar modules for the subsequent rows.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2020Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: PEGASUS SOLAR, INC.Inventors: Erich Kai Stephan, Glenn Harris, Nicholas Wenzel, Peter Wilke
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Patent number: 11848638Abstract: This disclosure discusses devices and systems for attaching solar panels to metal roofs. A mounting device has two or more hinge bases that can pivot at various angles about a hinge platform assembly. The hinge platform assembly is optionally widthwise adjustable. The above-mentioned adjustments allow the mounting device to secure solar panels to various types of metal roofs such as flat, corrugated, and trapezoidal. The hinge platform assembly interfaces with various components of the solar panel racking system. The hinge platform assembly includes hinge sleeves that pass into slots within the hinge bases and surround hinge pins that project upward from the hinge bases. This allows the hinge bases to captively rotate about the hinge platform assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Sunmodo CorporationInventor: Roland Jasmin
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Patent number: 11841170Abstract: An A-frame shaped truss foundation system for a single-axis tracker with moderately sloped legs that translate lateral loads into tension and compression without substantially increasing the magnitude of the lateral load force while optimizing material usage. Several such truss foundation systems are installed in a row to support a torque tube of a single-axis solar tracker. An adapter joins ends of adjacent upper legs and separates the truss legs by an angle more than 35-degrees up to 70-degrees. In some cases, the adapter may have an integrated bearing.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Ojjo, Inc.Inventors: Jack West, Charles Almy
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Patent number: 11831273Abstract: Solar tracker systems include an array of solar panels, a drive for rotating the array about a longitudinal axis, and a mounting assembly including a plurality of posts and a pivotable frame assembly supporting the array of solar panels on the posts. The frame assembly includes a first frame tube connected to the drive and extending therefrom in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second frame tube laterally offset from the first frame tube and extending parallel to the first frame tube. The first frame tube and second frame tube are sized to support at least one solar panel of the array of solar panels thereon. The frame assembly further includes a lateral beam attached to the first frame tube and the second frame tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: FTC Solar, Inc.Inventors: Tamilarasan Mouniandy, Nagendra Srinivas Cherukupalli, Rajesh Shanmugasundaram, Baskaran Subbarayan
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Patent number: 11828060Abstract: A method of making an insulated material comprises melting a phase change material to form liquid phase change material, combining the liquid phase change material with an insulating material, and forming a composite insulation material in response to the combining. The insulating material can be a porous material that comprises a plurality of pores, and the liquid phase change material is disposed in the plurality of pores. The phase change material can also be stored in a container and used as layer in an insulation system.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXASInventors: Sheldon Q. Shi, Weihuan Zhao, Liping Cai
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Patent number: 11821574Abstract: A panel mounting device base and kit therefor are described herein. The described base comprises: a lower member, an upper member, a surface fastener, and a connecting fastener. The profile of the lower member and the profile of the upper member are identical, and the lower member and the upper member are rotated about its longitudinal axis 180 degrees relative to each other and attached to form the base. The base is secured to a surface, and the base receives a panel mounting device to retain a panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2020Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Inventor: Jonathan Young
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Patent number: 11817820Abstract: A device for attaching a junction box to a photovoltaic. The photovoltaic panel has a photovoltaic side and a non-photovoltaic side. The device includes a bracket with a first side attachable to the junction box and a second side attachable to the non-photovoltaic surface of the photovoltaic panel. A central fastener is attachable at one end to the bracket and a plate is adapted for connecting to the other end of the central fastener and for mounting on the photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more rotatable spacers, connectible to the central fastener, may be located on the non-photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more fixed spacers may be located on the non-photovoltaic side connectible to the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Vadim Shmukler, Lior Handelsman, Nir Armony
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Patent number: 11814846Abstract: A method of forming a leakproof pitched wall or roof section with the use of solar panels includes arranging the solar panels in rows so that at least one panel on the second row is offset upwardly relative to at least one panel on the first row. Seals are provided to prevent the leakage of liquid through the pitched wall or roof section formed by the solar panels.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Practical Renewables Racking, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth R. McDonald
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Patent number: 11811361Abstract: A rapid shutdown device for rapidly de-energizing a photovoltaic module system is disclosed. The rapid shutdown device includes power lines connected to a photovoltaic string of modules on a roof of a structure. A high voltage switch on a first power line is disconnected when the high voltage switch is open. The rapid shutdown device includes a gate drive circuit that receives an electronic photovoltaic string status signal associated with an operating status of the photovoltaic string. The gate drive circuit may determine that the operating status indicates the presence of a hazard based on the electronic photovoltaic string status signal. Based on presence of the hazard, the rapid shutdown device generates a high voltage switch command signal to cause the high voltage switch to open to disconnect the photovoltaic string from an electrical connection to a grid power supply, thereby enhancing protection of the string and safety for responders.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: GAF Energy LLCInventors: Babak Farhangi, Hasib Amin, Lewis Abra, Richard Perkins
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Patent number: 11811358Abstract: A system and method for mounting solar modules includes a step of positioning a solar module in a clamp to orient the solar module in a desired first position. The clamp has a top bracket and a resilient clip operatively connected to the top bracket. The top bracket has at least one flange that extends over an upper surface of the solar module. The clip has at least one leg that extends under a lower surface of the solar module. The at least one leg has at least one barb on the end of the leg. The at least one leg supports the solar module in the first position. The method also includes steps of advancing the solar module to a second desired position, and advancing the top bracket in a direction towards the clip to secure the solar module in the desired second position.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: APA Solar, LLCInventor: Josh Von Deylen
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Patent number: 11799415Abstract: A solar energy system includes at least one solar energy efficiency enhancement device (1), at least one solar power generating device (2), at least one maximum power point tracking device (3), and an electric power storage unit (4). The at least one solar energy efficiency enhancement device includes multiple efficiency enhancing modules (11) each having a capacitor boost element (12), a communication monitoring element (13), a smart control chip element (14), a working time extending element (15), an electricity output element (16), and an electricity management operation element (17). The voltage produced by the at least one solar power generating device is delivered through the capacitor boost element to the electricity output element which outputs an electric power to the at least one maximum power point tracking device which stores the electric power in the electric power storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Season Energy Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ching-Chieh Yang
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Patent number: 11791430Abstract: A solar panel includes a substrate. The substrate includes a front portion and a back portion that are bonded together. The front portion includes an electrical insulation layer and a front face sheet layer that is bonded to the electrical insulation layer. The back portion includes a honeycomb core layer and a back face sheet layer that is bonded to the honeycomb core layer. A channel is defined in the honeycomb core layer. The solar panel also includes a first wire that is positioned at least partially in the channel.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: Kevin B. Van Gaever
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Patent number: 11784607Abstract: A solar panel racking system that can include end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, L-foot adapter assemblies, rails, and L-foot assemblies. The solar panel racking system minimizes the use of tools by snapping many of the mounting components in place. The end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps can snap over the rail sides and lock into upper detented portions of the rail sides. The upper detented portions are structured to prevent upward movement of the end clamps, mid clamps, and bottom clamps. The L-foot adapter body of the L-foot adapter assembly snaps over lower detented portions of rail sides and secures the rail to an L-foot assembly. The end clamps, mid clamps, bottom clamps, rails, and L-foot adapter assemblies are independent of the L-foot assembly, allowing a selection of L-foot assemblies to be used as appropriate with the solar panel racking system.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2023Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Sunmodo CorporationInventors: Roland Jasmin, Jun Liu, Steve Mumma, Boutros Abou Chacra
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Patent number: 11770096Abstract: A system for attaching a solar panel to a support, includes a support connector and a solar panel connector, where the support connector includes a U-shaped profile having a lower wall and two side walls, where an upper end of the side walls is bent inwards to provide vertical rails for receiving the panel connector; and the panel connector include a profile having: an upper C-shaped portion configured for receiving a side edge of a solar panel; a lower, upwardly oriented channel portion configured for receiving the vertical rail of the support connector; and at least one box-shaped portion connecting the upper C-shaped portion and the lower channel portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2020Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: SOLTEC INNOVATIONS, S.L.Inventors: Francisco Javier Carpio Obre, Pablo Sánchez Huertas
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Patent number: 11757400Abstract: This disclosure discusses devices for mounting solar PV panels to a roof and other mounting structures. One device may include a railless mounting assembly that includes a roof attachment bracket and a panel attachment bracket. The roof attachment bracket may include a spring clip and a hook. The device may include a solar panel frame with built-in detents for mounting. It may include a solar panel frame capable of attaching to the spring clip and hook.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2023Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Sunmodo CorporationInventors: Roland Jasmin, Jun Liu, Steve Mumma
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Patent number: 11742668Abstract: A microgrid system that supports EV charging. The microgrid system powers the load with one or more renewable energy sources (for example, solar, wind), battery storage, in combination with optional access to limited utility power and automatically-controlled generator power as a backup. The system can deliver clean uninterrupted power. The system provides flexibility to support the export of power for net metering, gross metering or peer-peer trading, as permitted by local regulations. The system includes a main storage sub-system and an optional secondary storage that may be brought online and increased or decreased as needed, and optimized based on guidance provided by the microgrid controller. The system also includes modules that decide how to optimally use the energy from the various sources, in order to maximize renewable energy usage, minimize the cost of electricity, while maximizing the life of the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Hygge Energy Inc.Inventors: Sundara Raju Giridhar Bangalore, Rajagopalan Krishnamurthy
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Patent number: 11728759Abstract: A system includes a roof deck having a slope of 0.25 inch to 3 inches per foot and a roofing membrane is composed of a first material, and at least one photovoltaic module installed on the roof deck. The photovoltaic module includes at least one solar cell, an encapsulant, a frontsheet, and a backsheet. The backsheet includes a head flap located at a first end of the backsheet, and a bottom flap located at a second end of the backsheet. The backsheet is composed of the first material. At least a first portion of the head flap is attached to the roofing membrane, and at least a second portion of the bottom flap is attached to the roofing membrane.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2022Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: GAF Energy LLCInventors: Thierry Nguyen, Gabriela Bunea, Gary Rossi, Nicholas Boitnott, Richard Perkins, David Kavulak
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Patent number: 11728764Abstract: A solar module skirt assembly includes a skirt that is attached to a frame of a solar module, and a clip to attach the skirt to the solar module. The clip includes a first portion to attach to a frame of the solar module and to the skirt, a second portion to hold a portion of the frame of the solar module and a portion of the skirt, and a fastener to affix the clip to the frame of the solar module and the portion of the skirt.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Gary Rossi, Ethan Ely
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Patent number: 11705858Abstract: A solar electrical generator comprising an outer wall (1, 2) arranged to partially surround a cavity. A hub (3) is provided within the cavity wherein the outer face (4) of the wall is provided with solar cells (5). At least one of the hub (3) and the inner face (6) of the wall are provided with solar cells (5).Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2019Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: SOLIVUS LIMITEDInventors: Jo Parker-Swift, James Baker, Ben Crundwell
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Patent number: 11705855Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic modules having the appearance of a plurality of roofing tiles that each have photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic module may include a metal backer, photovoltaic cells, and light transmissive top sheets adhered to both the metal backer and the photovoltaic cells. BIPV systems can also include non-photovoltaic modules that appear similar to photovoltaic modules, but do not collect solar energy.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Tesla, Inc.Inventors: Martin Seery, Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
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Patent number: 11680755Abstract: An air-permeable carrier includes at least one temperature adjusting unit and a carrier body having a plurality of pores. The temperature adjusting unit includes an adhesive and a plurality of phase change microcapsules. The temperature adjusting unit is distributed and fixedly embedded within the carrier body by an adhesive-dispensing injection process, such that the temperature adjusting unit is filled in at least one of the pores in a partial region of the carrier body to form at least one temperature adjusting region at a position corresponding and proximate to the temperature adjusting unit. Each horizontal distance or vertical distance between any two adjacent temperature adjusting units can be substantially the same or different, so that when a user leans against the carrier, phase change microcapsules can be communicated with air from the surrounding environment through the pores to achieve the effect of heat adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2020Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: SEDA CHEMICAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD.Inventor: Chi-Shu Wei
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Patent number: 11668105Abstract: A floor panel with a substrate and a decoration provided thereon. The substrate includes at least a foamed layer of thermoplastic material and at least a reinforcement layer. Additionally, a method for manufacturing such floor panels with a substrate and a decoration, where the substrate includes at least a foamed layer of thermoplastic material and at least a reinforcement layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: FLOORING INDUSTRIES LIMITED, SARLInventors: Kristof Van Vlassenrode, Paul Brusseel, Nick Vanhulle, Jochen Bossuyt
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Patent number: 11621361Abstract: A photovoltaic apparatus is provided including a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module. Each photovoltaic module includes a front sheet having an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion is disposed around a core to form a keder. Each photovoltaic module further includes a back sheet and a photovoltaic device disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet. Each photovoltaic device includes an array of photovoltaic cells.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2017Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: FLISOM AGInventors: Stephan Stutterheim, Andreas Bogli, Ivan Sinicco
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Patent number: 11601087Abstract: The present invention is directed to a covering for a clamping assembly used to connect and ground solar panel modules to a mounting rail. The covering comprises a sleeve including an outer cover for connecting to the solar panel module and a connector shaped to be contained within the outer cover and connected to the outer cover through two or more flanges. The connector has an opening there through to receive a female member of the clamping assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2020Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: IronRidge, Inc.Inventors: Jon Ash, David Briggs, Shawn Meine, Bryan Lester
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Patent number: 11581845Abstract: Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2021Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: NEVADOS ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: Yezin Taha, Amitoj Gill
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Patent number: 11572690Abstract: A mounting device includes a base having an internal cavity, a top, and an open bottom in communication with the internal cavity. The device includes a first upper member above the base, wherein the first upper member extends upwardly from the base, and a second upper member is above the base, wherein the second upper member extends upwardly from the base. The device further includes a fastener opening formed though the base for receiving a fastener when the mounting device is secured to a roof. The fastener opening is in communication with the internal cavity.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Unirac Inc.Inventor: Shawn J. Meine
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Patent number: 11558008Abstract: Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Nevados Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Yezin Taha, Amitoj Gill
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Patent number: 11545929Abstract: A method of installing on a horizontal or near-horizontal support surface a solar panel array including multiple solar panels may include, at the deployment site, fabricating from metal coil stock longitudinally continuous rack channels each having upstanding legs of different heights, locating the channels in parallel rows with a spacing determined by a width of the solar panels with interior spaces of the channels facing upwardly, weighing the channels down on the support surface by placing ballast in the channel spaces, and positioning the solar panels each with an edge supported by a high leg of one channel of the channels and an opposite edge supported by a low leg of an adjacent channel of the channels.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGYInventors: Donald S. Scipione, Rob Martens
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Patent number: 11545927Abstract: A system includes a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module, each having a first end, an opposite second end, a first side extending from the first end to the second end, a second side opposite the first side and extending from the first end to the second end, a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one solar cell, an encapsulant encapsulating the at least one solar cell, and a frontsheet juxtaposed with a first surface of the encapsulant. A second surface of the first photovoltaic module proximate to a second side thereof is attached to the first surface of the second photovoltaic module proximate to the first side thereof. A second surface of the first photovoltaic module proximate to a second end thereof is attached to the first surface of the second photovoltaic module proximate to the first end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: GAF Energy LLCInventors: Lewis Abra, Nate Peterson, Thierry Nguyen, Richard Perkins
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Patent number: 11527990Abstract: Photovoltaic panels may be aggregated in various ways and may be aggregated with the use of a backplane where the backplane comprises electrical connectors positioned to electrically connect the PV panels. The PV panels may have various sizes and shapes and may overlap one or more other PV panels or PV panels being aggregated.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: David C. Okawa, Zachary S. Judkins, Tamir Lance, Tyler D. Newman, Thierry H. Nguyen, Ryan Reagan