This invention relates to photovoltaic (PV) systems with solar trackers. Retractable auxiliary panels are positioned at opposite sides of a solar panel along its tilt direction. The auxiliary panels do not obstruct the direct solar irradiation onto the solar panels, but rather redirect additional solar irradiation to the solar panels, including both direct beam and diffuse sunlight. While solar panels tilt to track the sun, configurations of the auxiliary panels can be adjusted to avoid shading on adjacent solar panels. Compared to conventional PV systems on solar trackers, the proposed PV system can significantly improve overall sunlight collection and PV system output throughout a day.

A device for utilizing a surface, such as the surface of a floor, outside wall or roof, for a variable function, including a first functional element with an active surface area the size of at least a part of the surface, at least one second functional element with an active surface area the size of at least a part of the surface, and a rotatable carrier for varying, on at least a part of the surface, the functional element with which the surface is utilized. A method for utilizing a surface for a variable function is also shown.

A device for utilizing a surface, such as the surface of a floor, outside wall or roof, for a variable function, including a first functional element with an active surface area the size of at least a part of the surface, at least one second functional element with an active surface area the size of at least a part of the surface, and a rotatable carrier for varying, on at least a part of the surface, the functional element with which the surface is utilized. A method for utilizing a surface for a variable function is also shown.

Three-dimensional solar power generation systems have a plurality of solar panels configured to include pole and equator facing panels and, in various embodiments additional top and/or side panels that form a segmented and dome-shaped assembly. The systems have improved efficiencies particularly with respect to early morning and evening power generation that enable improved power densities on a given land area as compared to traditional solar panel arrays. Methods of deploying the systems are also described.

A multipurpose protective and support device for a flat panel electronic equipment includes a protective cover (1) and two strip-shaped slide rails (2)/slide shafts (3) respectively fixed at a left side and a right side of the flat panel electronic equipment. The protective cover includes a main panel (10), two side plates (11) are respectively located at a left side and a right side of the main panel. Two side shafts (3)/two strip-shaped slide grooves (4) are respectively located at an inner side of one end of the side plates, the side shafts (3) are respectively inserted into the strip-shaped slide rails (2) or the strip-shaped slide groove (4), the slide shafts (3) on the protective cover or the flat panel electronic equipment are able to respectively rotate or slide within the strip-shaped slide rails (2) or the strip-shaped slide grooves (4).

A multipurpose protective and support device for a flat panel electronic equipment includes a protective cover (1) and two strip-shaped slide rails (2)/slide shafts (3) respectively fixed at a left side and a right side of the flat panel electronic equipment. The protective cover includes a main panel (10), two side plates (11) are respectively located at a left side and a right side of the main panel. Two side shafts (3)/two strip-shaped slide grooves (4) are respectively located at an inner side of one end of the side plates, the side shafts (3) are respectively inserted into the strip-shaped slide rails (2) or the strip-shaped slide groove (4), the slide shafts (3) on the protective cover or the flat panel electronic equipment are able to respectively rotate or slide within the strip-shaped slide rails (2) or the strip-shaped slide grooves (4).

An integrated mobile solution to electric vehicle charging and sharing without dependency on connection with an electrical power grid or utility. An integrated platform can include a platform housing secured to a transport base unit that is configured to facilitate transport of the integral platform among a road or other terrain. The integrated platform includes a plurality of renewable energy units that can generate electrical power from one or more renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power. Electrical power generated by the renewable energy units can be stored in one or more batteries, and selectively provide power for charging electric vehicles, as well as for components of the integral platform used for vehicle sharing services. An environmental sensing unit of the integrated platform can sense outside ambient conditions which can be transmitted from the integrated platform for sharing or use by other parties or applications.

There are provided various implementations of a solar shade for covering a transmissive panel such as a window, door, sunroof or skylight of a vehicle, building, or home. Such a solar shade includes a photovoltaic sheet, which may be a flexible sheet. The solar shade is configured to absorb heat produced due to sunlight transmitted through the transmissive panel and impinging on the solar shade. The photovoltaic sheet is configured to generate an electrical current using the sunlight.

Method and circuits for balancing a first waveform used to drive an LED are disclosed herein. The first waveform has a first cycle with a first amplitude and a second cycle with a second amplitude. An embodiment of the method includes adjusting the first amplitude of the first cycle to match the second amplitude of the second cycle, the result being a second waveform. The LED is driven with the second waveform.

This disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods associated with the stowing, deploying, and deployment of a solar cell array. With reference to some exemplary embodiments this disclosure teaches apparatuses, systems, and methods directed to a solar cell array system that is a relatively lightweight, compact, and self-contained structure that securely stores, protects, and deploys the solar array. With reference to some exemplary embodiments this disclosure teaches apparatuses, systems, and methods for deploying a solar cell array that is held in the deployed configuration by self-contained compressive force and tensile force members such that no loads are carried through the solar cell panels.