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.

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.

Disclosed examples relate to a power conversion system configured to provide a power output from an arrangement of direct current (DC) power sources. One example power conversion system includes multiple power sources PV(n), n=1 to x, connected in a series. For each power source PV(n) for n=1 to x−1, the power conversion system includes an intermediate bidirectional voltage converter VC(n) connected to a first terminal of the power source PV(n), a first terminal of power source PV(x), and a second terminal of power source PV(1). Each intermediate bidirectional voltage converter VC(n) includes a first switch operable in a pulsed mode to boost a power output by power source PV(n) and a second switch operable in a pulsed mode to reduce a power output by power source PV(n). The power conversion system also includes a balancer VC(x) connected to the first terminal of PV(x) and to a load.

Disclosed examples relate to a power conversion system configured to provide a power output from an arrangement of direct current (DC) power sources. One example power conversion system includes multiple power sources PV(n), n=1 to x, connected in a series. For each power source PV(n) for n=1 to x−1, the power conversion system includes an intermediate bidirectional voltage converter VC(n) connected to a first terminal of the power source PV(n), a first terminal of power source PV(x), and a second terminal of power source PV(1). Each intermediate bidirectional voltage converter VC(n) includes a first switch operable in a pulsed mode to boost a power output by power source PV(n) and a second switch operable in a pulsed mode to reduce a power output by power source PV(n). The power conversion system also includes a balancer VC(x) connected to the first terminal of PV(x) and to a load.

Connectors, systems with connectors and processes with connectors are described. These include how connectors can actively hold external portions of two frames or other components together during transport and before final installation, as well as, how the connectors can be repositionable on the frame or other component so as to provide a mechanical connection in one position and not to provide a mechanical connection when moved into a second position. The connectors can also function to provide spacing or alignment or both between frames or other components grouped together using the connectors.

Connectors, systems with connectors and processes with connectors are described. These include how connectors can actively hold external portions of two frames or other components together during transport and before final installation, as well as, how the connectors can be repositionable on the frame or other component so as to provide a mechanical connection in one position and not to provide a mechanical connection when moved into a second position. The connectors can also function to provide spacing or alignment or both between frames or other components grouped together using the connectors.

The present invention relates to a mobile generator device (1) having at least one alignable solar panel (2a, 2b), wherein the solar panel (2a, 2b) can be moved in a transport position (TP) and at least one operating position (BP). The invention is characterized in that the generator device (1) has a housing shell (3a) with a peripheral area (4), wherein the solar panel (2a) is hinged to the housing shell (3a) so that the solar panel (2a) is in the transport position (TP) within the housing shell (3a) and does not project over the peripheral area (4). Moreover, the invention relates to a cooling system having the mobile generator device (1) according to the invention and a control, and a cooling device, in particular a freezer, having at least one cooling circuit, wherein the cooling circuit has a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser. The cooling system according to the invention is characterized in that the power supply of the cooling system is provided by the mobile generator device (1) and the control regulates the cooling system in dependence of the power supply.

The present invention relates to a mobile generator device (1) having at least one alignable solar panel (2a, 2b), wherein the solar panel (2a, 2b) can be moved in a transport position (TP) and at least one operating position (BP). The invention is characterized in that the generator device (1) has a housing shell (3a) with a peripheral area (4), wherein the solar panel (2a) is hinged to the housing shell (3a) so that the solar panel (2a) is in the transport position (TP) within the housing shell (3a) and does not project over the peripheral area (4). Moreover, the invention relates to a cooling system having the mobile generator device (1) according to the invention and a control, and a cooling device, in particular a freezer, having at least one cooling circuit, wherein the cooling circuit has a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser. The cooling system according to the invention is characterized in that the power supply of the cooling system is provided by the mobile generator device (1) and the control regulates the cooling system in dependence of the power supply.

In an example, the solar tracker has a clamp assembly configured to pivot a torque tube. In an example, the assembly has a support structure configured as a frame having configured by a first and second anchoring region. In an example, the support structure is configured from a thickness of metal material. In an example, the support structure is configured in an upright manner, and has a major plane region. In an example, the assembly has a pivot device configured on the support structure, a torque tube suspending on the pivot device and aligned within an opening of the support, and configured to be normal to the plane region. In an example, the torque tube is configured on the pivot device to move about an arc in a first direction or in a second direction such that the first direction is in a direction opposite to the second direction.

In an example, the solar tracker has a clamp assembly configured to pivot a torque tube. In an example, the assembly has a support structure configured as a frame having configured by a first and second anchoring region. In an example, the support structure is configured from a thickness of metal material. In an example, the support structure is configured in an upright manner, and has a major plane region. In an example, the assembly has a pivot device configured on the support structure, a torque tube suspending on the pivot device and aligned within an opening of the support, and configured to be normal to the plane region. In an example, the torque tube is configured on the pivot device to move about an arc in a first direction or in a second direction such that the first direction is in a direction opposite to the second direction.