A mobile solar power unit control system providing power to an associated equipment item comprising: at least one mobile solar power unit comprising an assembly of inter-connected solar collector panels; an energy storage module connected to receive power from the assembly of inter-connected solar panels; and a control system for controlling operation of both the energy storage module and associated equipment item. The control system comprises a local controller onboard or proximate the at least one mobile solar power unit and a remote controller, communicable with the local controller, located remotely from said at least one mobile solar power unit. The mobile solar power unit conveniently provides power for an associated equipment item and any selected auxiliary loads located in an off-grid location.

Various embodiments of kiosks for purchasing mobile phones and other mobile electronic devices from users are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the kiosks include an apparatus to position an electrical connector for connection to a mobile device. This apparatus enables the kiosk to connect to the mobile device to electrically inspect the mobile device, and the associated electrical connectors and cables are not subjected to repeated pulling and other rough handling that can lead to premature wear and tear. Accordingly, use of connector carriers configured in accordance with the present technology can lead to longer connector/cable service life, reduced maintenance, and greater kiosk up-time. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a camshaft having one or more cam lobes positioned to act against one or more cam followers, e.g., carrying one or more electrical connectors.

A power management apparatus includes: a manager configured to manage one or more facilities connected to a power system; a controller configured to perform specific control to control a distributed power supply installed at each of the one or more facilities; and a receiving unit configured to receive first rate-related information regarding a first electricity rate determined between an electricity market and an electricity retailer that sells power to each of the one or more facilities. The controller performs the specific control based on the first rate-related information.

A method and apparatus is described for providing energy system status information. A status indication device may be mounted near an entry door for determining when an individual is about to leave an area. When the status indication device determines that an individual is about to leave an area, it displays an energy status to the individual, so that the individual can decide whether to place energy-consuming devices in a conservation mode of operation.

Systems and methods for power management via smart circuit breaker devices based on ghost power modes are described. In one example, a computer-implemented method may include, monitoring power usage of a device detected by a smart circuit breaker to be electrically coupled to a circuit breaker of the smart circuit breaker, accessing a ghost power profile of the device, the ghost power profile comprising ghost power information including a ghost power threshold indicating that the device is operating in ghost power mode, determining that the device is operating in the ghost power mode based on a comparison of the power usage with the ghost power threshold, and performing a ghost power event responsive to determining that the device is operating in the ghost power mode. A ghost power event may include closing a circuit breaker or calculating ghost power costs.

A system includes a remote control device that is useable by an operator interacting with a materials handling vehicle. The remote control device includes a wireless communication system including a wireless transmitter and a rechargeable power source. The system further comprises: a receiver at the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter; a controller at the vehicle that is communicably coupled to the receiver, the controller being responsive to receipt of transmissions from the remote control device; and a charging station at the vehicle, the charging station for charging the rechargeable power source of the remote control device.

A system includes a remote control device that is useable by an operator interacting with a materials handling vehicle. The remote control device includes a wireless communication system including a wireless transmitter and a rechargeable power source. The system further comprises: a receiver at the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter; a controller at the vehicle that is communicably coupled to the receiver, the controller being responsive to receipt of transmissions from the remote control device; and a charging station at the vehicle, the charging station for charging the rechargeable power source of the remote control device.

A system of modules which control and measure energy usage at a building which are in communication with a software program executing on a remote server controlled by a third party. The third party said usage via the software program which communicates with the modules to modify energy usage and demand for energy and is responsible or liable for energy usage charges the building where the third party does not actually use the energy.