A cable retention clip can include at least one clip body region defining at least two cable retention channels that are arranged to have parallel channel axes. Each cable retention channel has an inlet opening extending a length of the respective cable retention channel so that each cable retention channel forms a C-shape. Each cable retention channel can be separated from an adjacent cable retention channel by a cable separator member. The cable retention clip can also include at least two elongate resilient pillars that are spaced apart with a gap therebetween. The elongate resilient pillars extend from the clip body region that has the cable retention channels. Each elongate pillar includes a hook at an end that is opposite of the clip body region. Each hook can be oriented away from the other hook, such that both hooks point away from each other.

One example includes a method for generating a solar farm design. Geographic map data defines geographic features and boundaries of a geographic region. A solar panel block library that stores virtual solar panel block types is accessed. Each of the virtual solar panel block types corresponds to a design of a respective solar panel block that includes solar panels, an inverter, and an access road, and each virtual solar panel block type includes predetermined dimensions and a predefined output power rating. An array of a virtual solar panel block type to fit within the geographic features and boundaries of the geographic region on the map is generated based on the dimensions of each of the virtual solar panel blocks in the array. The array is iteratively modified to optimize a criterion of the solar farm design, and the design is stored in a memory for subsequent solar farm installation.

One example includes a method for generating a solar farm design. Geographic map data defines geographic features and boundaries of a geographic region. A solar panel block library that stores virtual solar panel block types is accessed. Each of the virtual solar panel block types corresponds to a design of a respective solar panel block that includes solar panels, an inverter, and an access road, and each virtual solar panel block type includes predetermined dimensions and a predefined output power rating. An array of a virtual solar panel block type to fit within the geographic features and boundaries of the geographic region on the map is generated based on the dimensions of each of the virtual solar panel blocks in the array. The array is iteratively modified to optimize a criterion of the solar farm design, and the design is stored in a memory for subsequent solar farm installation.

An arc detection device includes: a low-impedance circuit connected between a node on wiring connecting the positive electrode of a DC/DC converter and a plurality of DC/DC converters, extending from the positive electrode of the DC/DC converter, and branching toward the plurality of DC/DC converters and a node on wiring connecting the negative electrode of the DC/DC converter and the plurality of DC/DC converters, extending from the negative electrode of the DC/DC converter, and branching toward the plurality of DC/DC converters; an electric current detector that detects an electric current flowing through the low-impedance circuit; and an arc determiner that determines, on the basis of the electric current detected by the electric current detector whether an electric arc has occurred.

An arc detection device includes a voltage detector connected between a first wire and a second wire to detect a voltage between the first wire and the second wire, the first wire connecting a positive electrode of a DC/DC converter and a plurality of DC/DC converters and branching from the positive electrode of the DC power source into the plurality of DC/DC converters, the second wire connecting a negative electrode of the DC/DC converter and the plurality of DC/DC converters and branching from the negative electrode of the DC/DC converter into the plurality of DC/DC converters; and an arc determiner that determines an occurrence of an arc based on the voltage detected by the voltage detector.

An anomaly detection device includes: a determiner that determines whether the communication connection via a communication line connecting a DC/DC converter including a communication function and each of a DC/DC converter and an inverter has been lost; and an outputter that outputs an anomalous signal when it is determined that the communication connection has been lost.

An anomaly detection device includes: a determiner that determines whether the communication connection via a communication line connecting a DC/DC converter including a communication function and each of a DC/DC converter and an inverter has been lost; and an outputter that outputs an anomalous signal when it is determined that the communication connection has been lost.

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 energy harvesting assembly having a unique attachment that can be arranged, mounted, moved and attached to new or existing structures. Solar rings are mounted on any vertical structure that may benefit from solar power using an aesthetically pleasing design that is resistant to wind load. The assembly does not require the need for pitch, azimuth or bearing measurements. The assembly is also capable of energy harvesting from reflected light below with the use of bifacial photovoltaic panels. The mounting design allows the solar energy harvest device to be installed on any vertical structure, including light poles, power poles, parking structures and other minimal load bearing structures. Further, the assembly can be attached to water towers, existing radio towers (guyed, monopole, stealth, self-supporting towers) all used to create vast amounts of unshaded vertical space for solar energy harvesting.