Abstract: A module connector connects a first solar module to a second solar module. A first part of the module connector includes a top component having a top flange that is slightly tilted lower at a tip of the top flange. A bottom component has a hook-shaped end that is shaped to slide and enclose an inner side of a module frame bottom of the first solar module. A first fastener is used to secure the first solar panel module between the top component and the bottom component. A second part of the module connector includes a top component having a top flange that is slightly tilted lower at a tip of the top flange. A bottom component of the second part has a hook-shaped end that is shaped to slide and enclose an inner side of a module frame bottom of the second solar module. A second fastener is used to secure the second solar panel module between the top component and the bottom component of the second part. A third fastener fastens the top component of the first part to the bottom component of the second part.

Abstract: A mounting system for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules on a sloped support surface, such as a sloped roof, is disclosed herein. The mounting system may include one or more support surface attachment devices, each support surface attachment device configured to attach one or more photovoltaic modules to a support surface; and one or more module coupling devices, each module coupling device configured to couple a plurality of photovoltaic modules to one another.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dual tilt, ballasted photovoltaic module racking are provided herein. Under one aspect, a system for supporting first and second photovoltaic modules can include first and second elongated stiffeners respectively configured to be coupled to and support the first and second photovoltaic modules. The system also can include first and second feet respectively configured to be coupled to first and second grooves respectively provided within first and second ballasts. The system also can include a first stiffener hinge rotatably coupling the first and second stiffeners to one another, a first foot hinge rotatably coupling the first foot to the first stiffener, and a second foot hinge rotatably coupling the second foot to the second stiffener. At least one of the first stiffener hinge and the first and second foot hinges can include a respective mechanical stop inhibiting rotation of that hinge beyond a respective predetermined angle.

Abstract: A solar panel mounting system may include a solar panel mounting assembly for mounting to a support structure. The solar panel mounting assembly may include a restraining element, a retaining element and a biasing assembly that supports the restraining and retaining elements. The support structure may include an upper surface and a lower surface spaced from the upper surface. The biasing assembly may further include a biasing element that resiliently urges the retaining element toward a securing element for supporting a solar panel that is positioned between the retaining element and the upper surface of the support structure, and resiliently urges the restraining element toward the lower surface of the support structure. A retention device may resiliently bias the solar panels of a solar panel assembly together on a support structure.

Abstract: A solar power system may include rails, solar modules, and a plurality of clamps to secure the solar modules to the rails. An end clamp may be partially disposed inside a rail at an end of the rail. The end clamp may secure a solar module to the rail by coupling to the frame of the solar module. The end clamp may include a fastener that may be tightened to engage the end clamp and secure the solar module by holding it on top of the rail. The end clamp may establish an electrical grounding connection between the frames of the solar module and the rail.

Abstract: A photovoltaic modular system is disclosed. One or more photovoltaic (PV) modules are connected together with embedded parallel wiring that facilitates the sharing of power from a plurality of PV modules to power one or more electrical devices. Control electronics within each individual PV module allows the isolation of PV modules that are shaded or otherwise not productive. No external connecting wiring, or devices are required to make the system functional. All wiring, connectors and electronics are integral and embedded within each individual PV module. The PV modules have adhesive on the back to allow them to be installed without additional mounting hardware. All PV module system components are completely encapsulated together in one modular component.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding solar panel frames to a mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper surface of the mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other surface of the solar panel frames while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.

Abstract: A non-contact type power transfer apparatus includes a power converter configured to convert input power into transmission power; a power transmitter configured to transmit the transmission power in a non-contact manner; and a controller configured to provide a power conversion control signal to control a power conversion operation of the power converter according to a state of the transmission power, and to output an input power control signal to control a power level of the input power according to the power conversion control signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mounting an array of photovoltaic modules atop a rooftop are disclosed. In particular the mounting hardware includes a photovoltaic module tray supported above the rooftop by a number of support structures fastened to the rooftop. The photovoltaic module trays include bottom and sidewalls configured to support and align photovoltaic modules along the rooftop. Since the bottom wall supports the weight of the photovoltaic module, the sidewalls can have a thin form-factor that allows the photovoltaic modules trays to be tightly spaced. In this way, the photovoltaic module tray can occupy very little area on the roof allowing the effective collection area of photovoltaic modules supported by the photovoltaic module trays to be significantly larger than photovoltaic modules using wider photovoltaic module frames.

Abstract: A mounting unit for mounting a solar panel on a roof includes a base having a first flange and a second flange that extend laterally from the base and a mounting surface positioned above the base via walls that connect the mounting surface and the base. The mounting surface is couplable with the solar panel to elevate and orient the solar panel above a surface of the roof. The mounting unit also includes a flexible membrane material that is coupled with the first flange of the base and that extends laterally therefrom. The mounting unit further includes an adhesive or tape that is applied to an underside of the second flange so that the second flange is free of the flexible membrane material. The flexible membrane material is couplable with the roof and the adhesive or tape is adherable to the roof to secure the mounting unit to the roof.

Abstract: A module bracket includes first and second mounting clips (202, 204) that are spaced from each other along the pitch of a roofing surface. An inlet (212) to the first mounting clip (202) faces or projects in the general direction that the second mounting clip (204) is spaced from the first mounting clip (202). An inlet (212) to the second mounting clip (204) faces or projects in the general direction that the first mounting clip (202) is spaced from the second mounting clip (204). A second module flange (134) of a first photovoltaic module (120) is slid into the first mounting clip (202) of the module bracket. A first module flange (128) of a second photovoltaic module (120) is slid into the second mounting clip (204) of this same module bracket.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system comprises a photovoltaic module attached to a photovoltaic mount frame, the mount frame having a rectangular shape. A deflector is attached to the mount frame by a rotatable deflector and mount frame attachment wherein the deflector pivots around the rotatable deflector and mount frame attachment from a nesting position under the photovoltaic module in the mount frame to an installation position raising at least a first side of the mount frame. A mount foot is attached to the deflector by a rotatable mount foot and deflector attachment wherein the mount foot pivots around the rotatable mount foot and deflector attachment from a nesting position in a mount foot nesting indention in the deflector to an installation position planar to a mounting surface.

Abstract: A system for mounting one or more photovoltaic (PV) modules to a structure. The system can include a base having quarter turn receptacles. A coupling member can mate to one of the receptacles to compress a mounting foot to the base and prevent it from moving. A handle attached coupling member can be used to lock the coupling member to the base. A PV module coupling device attached to the foot may support two PV modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing objects, in particular solar panels, to a roof. The invention also relates to an assembly of such devices. The invention further relates to a method for fixing objects, in particular solar panels, to a roof.

Abstract: A solar panel array comprises a first plurality of solar panels arranged side-by-side in a first course and a second plurality of solar panels arranged side-by-side in a second course, the second course partially overlapping the first course. Electrical energy produced by each solar panel of the array is aggregated with the electrical energy produced by the other solar panels of the array without physical electrical contacts between the solar panels. In one embodiment, contactless inductive couplers are used to couple the electrical energies of the panels together.

Abstract: A solar module connector connects a first solar module to a second solar module. A solar module connector top part includes a slot insert that fits within a frame slot of a first solar module frame of the first solar module. A solar module connector bottom part includes a slot insert that fits within a frame slot of a second solar module frame of the second solar module. A fastener securely fastens the solar module connector top part to the solar module connector bottom.

Abstract: A method of installing and connecting together one or more photovoltaic (PV) modules is disclosed. Electrically conductive contacts embedded into the surface of each of one or more photovoltaic (PV) modules provide the connection point for two PV modules to be connected together. PV modules are connected together by removing a protective backing material from an adhesive area surrounding a first set of contacts of a first PV module, and adhering to an adhesive area surrounding a second set of contacts of a second PV module, the adhesive making the connection and sealing and protecting the contact area. No external wiring, connectors or devices are required to make the electrical connection between two PV modules. Contacts are integral and embedded into the surface of each individual PV module. The PV modules have adhesive on the back to allow them to be adhesively attached to a surface without additional mounting hardware.

Abstract: An underlayment for supplementing one or more physical properties of wall, ceiling, and floor construction components is used to in a wall, ceiling, or floor assembly that may be fabricated on site. The assembly includes: first and second wall, ceiling, or floor construction components which each have physical properties and an underlayment component which has at least one supplemental physical property for supplementing the physical properties of the first and second construction components. The construction components may or may not be secured together with the underlayment sandwiched between the second and first construction components to form a wall, ceiling, or floor assembly with the supplemental physical property or properties of the underlayment. The supplemental physical property or properties of the underlayment may include, but are not limited to, latent storage of thermal energy, sound transmission reduction, and/or burn through resistance.

Abstract: A method is provided for the processing of a device having a crystalline silicon region containing an internal hydrogen source. The method comprises: i) applying encapsulating material to each of the front and rear surfaces of the device to form a lamination; ii) applying pressure to the lamination and heating the lamination to bond the encapsulating material to the device; and iii) cooling the device, where the heating step or cooling step or both are completed under illumination.

Abstract: In the soil cultivation system equipped with a solar panel, the space between ridges of a plurality of frame units supporting the solar panels is coupled with a roof member, furthermore, the perimeter surface thereof is integrally covered with a cover unit. In this way, a cultivation house in which the frame units are used as support columns is established. Then, in the solar panels, light transmitting regions are provided, a transmissive member is used as the roof member and thus agricultural plants are cultivated by light passing through the light transmitting regions and the roof member. Furthermore, the cultivation of the agricultural plants is performed in cultivation tanks in which a soil is put, and an appropriate cultivation nutrient solution is supplied through a supply means. In this way, the cultivation environment of the agricultural plants is managed, and thus the agricultural plants can be efficiently cultivated while the burden of an operator is reduced.

Abstract: A solar panel assembly includes a solar panel having a frame and a solar harvesting surface held by the frame; and a shield assembly having a solar shield movable between an operating position and a shielding position and a heat sensitive element. The solar shield is configured to automatically assume the shielding position after the heat sensitive element reaches and/or exceeds an activation temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: An adjustable reflector of a head-up display includes a base, a supporting frame, a control module, a pivot member, an adjusting frame and a reflecting element. A first end of the supporting frame is fixed to the base. The control module includes a flexible transmission member and a driving unit for driving the flexible transmission member to move. The pivot member is configured to move with the flexible transmission member. A first end of the adjusting frame is pivoted to the pivot member, and a second end of the adjusting frame is rotatable around the first end of the adjusting frame. A first side of the adjusting frame is slidably connected to a second end of the supporting frame. The reflecting element is arranged on a second side of the adjusting frame for reflecting a light beam generated by an image source to an optical combiner.

Abstract: This invention provides a thermal energy battery having an insulated tank contains a multitude of densely packed plastic tubes filled with a phase-change material (PCM, such as ice) that changes from solid to liquid and vice-versa. Energy is stored when the PCM transitions from liquid to solid form, and released when the PCM transitions back from solid to liquid form. The tubes are arranged vertically, span the height of a well-insulated tank, and are immersed in heat transfer fluid (HTF) contained within the tank. The HTF is an aqueous solution with a freezing point temperature below the freezing point temperature of the chosen PCM. The HTF remains in liquid form at all times during the operation of the battery. Diffusers located allow the HTF to be extracted uniformly from the tank, pumped and cooled by a liquid chiller situated outside the tank and then and inserted back into the tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic roofing products for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy and provides inside corner flashings useful for flashing photovoltaic roofing systems in which photovoltaic roofing elements are disposed in a staggered configuration.

Abstract: A lighting unit includes a glass panel including at least two spaced sheets of glass, and a lighting system based on light-emitting diodes the light-emitting portion of which is disposed facing each of the edge surfaces of the sheets of glass and carried by at least one section associated at least with the edge surface of the glass panel. The section is associated with the edge surface of the glass panel without creating thermal bridges. It is attached against the edge surface of the glass panel or demountably fixed to it.

Abstract: An anchor for mounting one or more solar modules to a roof is disclosed. The anchor can comprise a clamp body comprising a central surface and a first arm extending from the central surface. The first arm can have a first clamping face. The clamp body can be sized and shaped to receive one or more webs extending from one or more solar modules, each web having a hem at a distal end. The first arm can comprise a first recess sized and shaped to receive a first hem of a first web of the one or more webs. A clamp member can be configured to clamp the first web against the first clamping face.

Abstract: Provided are novel building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) assemblies and methods of installation thereof on building structures. The BIP assembly includes a base sheet or a sheath, which may be a plywood board or an oriented strand (OSB) board, and multiple electrically interconnected photovoltaic inserts, which are attached to and supported by the base sheet. The base sheet is configured to be positioned directly the building structures, such as roof rafters. Various electrical components may be positioned within cavities of the base sheet and/or at the back side of that sheet. Such components are configured to align in between the roof rafters during installation. The spacing between the rafters provides access to the components and allows the components to extend away from the base sheet and into the spacing. Various electrical components may be installed and removed from the BIP assembly during its fabrication and/or installation.

Abstract: A system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on an object is provided. The system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on an object, according to the present invention, includes an apparatus and method useful for removably and adjustably mounting one or more photovoltaic modules on an object such as a pole or roof, and includes one or more triple track rails. Also included are one or more connector brackets that are demountably attachable to the one or more triple track rails and to the object.

Abstract: A system for mounting a solar panel(s) on a building, where the solar panel has an outer frame defining a lip. The system may include a plurality of panel mounting brackets each including a base to be positioned on the building, and a vertical extension having a proximal end coupled to the base and a distal end vertically spaced apart from the base, with the distal end defining a fastener channel therein. The system may also include a plurality of mounting clamps each including a bottom flange, and a top flange spaced apart from the bottom flange and partially overhanging the bottom flange and defining a slot therebetween to receive the lip. An end extension may couple respective ends of the bottom flange and top flange together, and a fastener channel connector may be coupled to the bottom flange and configured to be slidably received within the fastener channel.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an assembly including at least a photovoltaic sheathing element capable of being affixed on a building structure, the sheathing element including at least: a photovoltaic cell assembly, a body portion attached to one or more portions of the photovoltaic cell assembly; at least a first and a second connector assembly disposed on opposing sides of the sheathing element and capable of directly or indirectly electrically connecting the photovoltaic cell assembly to at least two adjoining devices that are affixed to the building structure and wherein at least one of the connector assemblies includes a flexible portion; one or more connector pockets disposed in the body portion the pockets capable of receiving at least a portion of the connector assembly.

Abstract: A transparent protective member includes first main surface and a second main surface, and having a curved surface shape. Solar cell panels are attached to the second main surface of the transparent protective member. An amount member attaches the solar cell panels to the second main surface. A connection member electrically connects the solar cell panels each other. The first main surface serves as a light-receiving surface. Each of the panels comprises a solar cell string including solar cells electrically connected to each other, a transparent first resin base member provided on one side of the solar cell string beside the transparent protective member, a second resin base member on the opposite side of the solar cell string from the first resin base member, and a filler layer provided between the first resin base member and the second resin base member and in which the solar cell string is encapsulated.

Abstract: A floor panel includes a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate. The top layer is composed of a print and a transparent thermoplastic layer having a thickness of 0.5 mm or less and being situated above said print. The floor panel, at least on two opposite edges, is provided with a straight or curved chamfer extending to below the global level of the print.

Abstract: A modular assembly of solar panels is held together in a rigid fashion through the use of two J-channels arranged on either side thereof in oppositely facing directions. Brackets hold these J-channels to flanges on the underside of the solar panels. In the argot of solar panel installation, the J-channels extend in the north-south direction. Between each solar panel there is disposed a liquid collecting pan extending in the east-west direction. This collecting pan also acts as a clip providing both a structural and electrical connection between adjacently disposed solar panels in a column assembly which is rendered capable of installation as a single unit from the ground.

Abstract: An interlocking system for connecting photovoltaic module frames to a torque tube, including: (a) an interlock dimensioned to be positioned between the sides of two adjacent photovoltaic module frames; (b) a pair of couplings or flanges, wherein the couplings or flanges connect the interlock to both of the adjacent photovoltaic module frames; and (c) a U-lock connected to the interlock, wherein the U-lock is dimensioned to be connected to a torque tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting at least one solar panel comprising a rectangular frame (R) that includes two opposite struts (1, 2). The disclosed device comprises at least two supporting elements (S1, S2), each of which has a support bar (5), on one side (O) of which at least one first fastening element (6) for securing one (1) of the struts is provided. At least one support (7) is pivotally mounted on the support bar (5) at a specific distance from the first fastening element (6). The free end of said at least one support (7) includes a second fastening element (13) for securing the other one strut (2) lying opposite the one strut (1).

Abstract: A skirt for photovoltaic arrays provides a screen portion, a groove portion, and a separate coupling adapted to couple the skirt to the skirt of an adjacent photovoltaic array and to a photovoltaic module. Another embodiment provides a screen portion comprising an angled louver and is adapted to partially obscure an area substantially beneath a PV module in a PV array. A further embodiment provides an edge blocking skirt for a PV array comprising a screen portion adapted for mounting a bottom of the screen portion substantially close to a roof.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus that absorbs thermal energy from a heat-generating device is described. In one aspect, the thermal energy storage apparatus comprises a non-metal container and a phase-change material. The non-metal container is configured to receive the heat-generating device thereon. The phase-change material is contained in the non-metal container and configured to absorb at least a portion of heat from the heat-generating device through the non-metal container.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting photovoltaic panels on a support structure. The mounting system comprises photovoltaic panel frames in which the photovoltaic panels are mounted, panel support rails, and mounting brackets or cross beams for supporting the panel support rails. The panel frames have inwardly extending panel frame extensions on their back side. The panel support rails are mounted on the support structure with either pivoting brackets or cross beams. In either case, the support rails have pairs of stationary clamps and movable clamps with clamp lips that engage the panel frame extensions of the panel frames.

Abstract: A building rooftop mounting structure including a sacrificial material that allows freedom of movement between itself and the rooftop as well as between itself and the mounting structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic module is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first support member, a second support member, a ballast support structure, and brackets. The brackets each include a first leg and a second leg, where the first leg includes a hook-shaped portion at a distal end of the first leg and the second leg includes a hook-shaped portion at a distal end of the second leg.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.

Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic systems for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing system disposed on a roof deck, including a plurality of photovoltaic elements contiguously disposed on the roof deck arranged in at least two horizontal rows, defining a photovoltaic area; a plurality of roofing elements disposed adjacent the contiguously-disposed photovoltaic elements, along their side edges; side flashing disposed along the side edges of the contiguously-disposed photovoltaic elements, the side flashing having a flange facing away from the photovoltaic area at least partially disposed between a roofing element and the roof deck, and a structure at least partially disposed on the surface of the photovoltaic element or at least partially disposed between a photovoltaic element and the roof deck.

Abstract: A support member for mounting photovoltaic modules on a support surface and a mounting system including the same are disclosed herein. The support member may comprise a body portion that includes a ballast receiving portion for accommodating one or more ballasts, the body portion further including a first support portion with a first surface and a second support portion with a second surface, the first support portion being spaced apart from the second support portion by the ballast receiving portion. The support member is configured to bridge a plurality of rows of photovoltaic modules, the first surface of the support member configured to support one or more photovoltaic modules in a first row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic modules, and the second surface of the support member configured to support one or more photovoltaic modules in a second row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: An anchor for mounting one or more solar modules to a roof is disclosed. The anchor can comprise a clamp body comprising a central surface and a first arm extending from the central surface. The first arm can have a first clamping face. The clamp body can be sized and shaped to receive at least a first web extending from at least a first solar module such that at least the first web can lie in proximity to the first clamping face. The anchor can further include a clamp member coupled to the clamp body so as to be moveable toward the first clamping face to press the first web against the first clamping face.

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

Abstract: A fastening system including a plurality of fastening modules to mount a solar module having a first longitudinal direction on a roof structure or a façade having a second longitudinal direction. Each fastening module comprises one module carrier mountable on the roof structure or on the façade; a slide block guidable inside the module carrier; a module clamp; and a fastener to connect the module clamp to the slide block to clamp a respective solar module between the module clamp and the slide block. The module clamp is rotatable between two positions on the fastener so that an arrangement of the fastening modules permits the solar module to be mounted on the roof structure or the façade with the first longitudinal axis perpendicular or parallel to the second direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic roofing systems in which photovoltaic elements are integrated on a roof deck with conventional roofing materials. In one aspect, a photovoltaic roofing system includes a two-part tee element disposed on a roof deck, the two-part tee element comprising a base piece including a central portion; two opposed horizontally-extending first and second flanges extending from the central portion, and a top piece attachment feature formed in the central portion, and a top piece including a base piece attachment feature mated with the top piece attachment feature of the base piece; and a vertically extending portion extending from the base piece attachment feature. A first photovoltaic element can be disposed on the roof adjacent the base piece with its edge disposed on the horizontally-extending first flange of the base piece of the two-part tee element.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module has an opening through which rainwater and waste matter are discharged. The photovoltaic module includes a front substrate, a rear substrate disposed opposite to the front substrate, a solar cell disposed between the front substrate and the rear substrate, and a frame surrounding edges of the front substrate and the rear substrate, the frame being formed or substantially formed in a rectangular shape, the frame having at least one opening formed at a short side or long side thereof.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for supporting and penetrating metallic solar panel frames to provide a grounding path between the panels, holding ballast of various masses to stabilize the solar panels, and allowing the solar panels to tilt to an adjustable angle is disclosed herein. The assembly has a support member with a pair of vertical components, a ballast holder and a mounting member with at least a raised portion to penetrate a surface of a solar panel and form a grounding path between the assembly and the solar panel. The mass of ballast is adjustable by placing various number of ballast blocks in the ballast holder to stabilize the attached solar panel. The mounting member is pivotally coupled to at least one of the vertical components of the support member so that the angle between the solar panel and the assembly may be adjusted.