A solar panel array includes panel bridges associated with solar panels and a signal bridge associated with the converter for communicating with the panel bridges.

A solar panel array includes panel bridges associated with solar panels and a signal bridge associated with the converter for communicating with the panel bridges.

An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting bracket that mechanically couples the power electronic device to the backsheet of the PV module such that positioning of the power electronic device can be dynamically interchanged between a retracted position in which the power electronic device is pressed flat to the backsheet, and an extended position in which the power electronic device is coupled to the backsheet with an air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet.

An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting bracket that mechanically couples the power electronic device to the backsheet of the PV module such that positioning of the power electronic device can be dynamically interchanged between a retracted position in which the power electronic device is pressed flat to the backsheet, and an extended position in which the power electronic device is coupled to the backsheet with an air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet.

A solar collector system comprising at least one heliostat and an inflatable cover configured to protectively conceal the at least one heliostat while it tracks the sun. The inflatable cover comprises a flexible membrane, which is transparent and colorless so that sunlight is transmitted through the cover. The cover may comprise an elastomeric material such as ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). The solar collector system may further include a pump for inflating the inflatable cover, a pressure relief valve configured to prevent air pressure in the inflatable cover from exceeding a predetermined threshold, and a pressure sensor configured to automatically turn on the pump when the internal pressure falls below a predetermined threshold. The inflatable cover effectively removes wind loading from the heliostats, thus enabling the heliostats to use low-power, less-expensive actuators.

A solar collector system comprising at least one heliostat and an inflatable cover configured to protectively conceal the at least one heliostat while it tracks the sun. The inflatable cover comprises a flexible membrane, which is transparent and colorless so that sunlight is transmitted through the cover. The cover may comprise an elastomeric material such as ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). The solar collector system may further include a pump for inflating the inflatable cover, a pressure relief valve configured to prevent air pressure in the inflatable cover from exceeding a predetermined threshold, and a pressure sensor configured to automatically turn on the pump when the internal pressure falls below a predetermined threshold. The inflatable cover effectively removes wind loading from the heliostats, thus enabling the heliostats to use low-power, less-expensive actuators.

A system and method are provided for forming one-way light transmissive layers implementing optical light scattering techniques in those layers, and to objects, object portions, lenses, filters, screens and the like that are formed of, or that otherwise incorporate, such one-way light transmissive layers. Processes are provided by which to form, or otherwise incorporate, one or more one-way light transmissive, or substantially transparent, object portions or layers in solid or hollow objects Individual one-way light transmissive layers are formed of substantially-transparent sub-micrometer spheres, including micro-particles and/or nano-particles, with nano-voids incorporated between them. Refractive indices of the sub-micrometer particles are tunable in order that the finished layers provide an opaque appearance when viewed from a light incident side that is rendered according to an individual user's desires, but that are substantially-transparent to light passing through the finished layers to areas or sensors behind those finished layers.

A system and method are provided for forming one-way light transmissive layers implementing optical light scattering techniques in those layers, and to objects, object portions, lenses, filters, screens and the like that are formed of, or that otherwise incorporate, such one-way light transmissive layers. Processes are provided by which to form, or otherwise incorporate, one or more one-way light transmissive, or substantially transparent, object portions or layers in solid or hollow objects Individual one-way light transmissive layers are formed of substantially-transparent sub-micrometer spheres, including micro-particles and/or nano-particles, with nano-voids incorporated between them. Refractive indices of the sub-micrometer particles are tunable in order that the finished layers provide an opaque appearance when viewed from a light incident side that is rendered according to an individual user's desires, but that are substantially-transparent to light passing through the finished layers to areas or sensors behind those finished layers.

An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting bracket adapted to mechanically couple the power electronic device to the backsheet of the PV module such that the power electronic device can be interchangeably positioned in a retracted position and an extended position, the extended position having an air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet.

An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting bracket adapted to mechanically couple the power electronic device to the backsheet of the PV module such that the power electronic device can be interchangeably positioned in a retracted position and an extended position, the extended position having an air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet.