A first switch for connection in a first circuit path between a PV panel string and an inverter in a power system, and a second switch for connection in a second circuit path across an output of the PV panel string, are normally closed and open, respectively, during non-fault operation of the power system. Both series and parallel arc faults in the power system can be extinguished by further control of the switches. Arc fault detection could be based on probabilistic frequency analysis of current or power flow measurements in the PV panel string, current or power imbalance, interruption in communications with the PV panels, or combinations of these techniques.

A method of fabricating a photovoltaic cell having a microinverter is provided. The method may include fabricating a monolithic microinverter layer through epitaxy and operably connecting the at least one microinverter layer to at least one photovoltaic cell formed on a photovoltaic layer. A photovoltaic device is also provided. The device may have a photovoltaic layer comprising at least one photovoltaic cell and a microinverter layer comprising at least one microinverter, wherein the microinverter layer was fabricated through epitaxy, the at least one microinverter is configured to be operably connected to at least one photovoltaic cell.

A method of fabricating a photovoltaic cell having a microinverter is provided. The method may include fabricating a monolithic microinverter layer through epitaxy and operably connecting the at least one microinverter layer to at least one photovoltaic cell formed on a photovoltaic layer. A photovoltaic device is also provided. The device may have a photovoltaic layer comprising at least one photovoltaic cell and a microinverter layer comprising at least one microinverter, wherein the microinverter layer was fabricated through epitaxy, the at least one microinverter is configured to be operably connected to at least one photovoltaic cell.

A controller circuit for a PV module includes a receiver circuit and a mode control and power conversion circuit. The receiver circuit receives a first signal from a transmitter circuit and changes a second signal from a first state to a second state responsive to the first signal. The mode control and power conversion circuit receives a DC voltage from a string of PV cells, receives the second signal from the receiver circuit, switches from a first mode to a second mode in response to the second signal being in the second state, converts the DC string voltage to a standby voltage in the second mode, and provides the standby voltage to DC power lines. The standby voltage is less than an operating voltage provided by the mode control and power conversion circuit in the first mode.

A controller circuit for a PV module includes a receiver circuit and a mode control and power conversion circuit. The receiver circuit receives a first signal from a transmitter circuit and changes a second signal from a first state to a second state responsive to the first signal. The mode control and power conversion circuit receives a DC voltage from a string of PV cells, receives the second signal from the receiver circuit, switches from a first mode to a second mode in response to the second signal being in the second state, converts the DC string voltage to a standby voltage in the second mode, and provides the standby voltage to DC power lines. The standby voltage is less than an operating voltage provided by the mode control and power conversion circuit in the first mode.

Photovoltaic (PV) assemblies and electrical connections for interconnecting PV modules to form PV arrays are described herein. The PV assemblies can include angled connector terminals to electrically mate with power connector ports of the PV modules. A power connector port can face a corner of a PV module. The electrical connections of the PV assemblies can simplify cable management and facilitate flexibility in arrangement and interconnection of PV modules and PV arrays.

Photovoltaic (PV) assemblies and electrical connections for interconnecting PV modules to form PV arrays are described herein. The PV assemblies can include angled connector terminals to electrically mate with power connector ports of the PV modules. A power connector port can face a corner of a PV module. The electrical connections of the PV assemblies can simplify cable management and facilitate flexibility in arrangement and interconnection of PV modules and PV arrays.

The present invention relates to resiliency in photovoltaically produced power generation and utilization. This invention comprises a system of elements that combine to minimize the cost and complexity of a backup-capable solar power system. An element of this system is a prior-art balancer-based photovoltaic panel power optimizer whose power electronics are time-shared to allow an array of battery modules to power or provide supplemental or surge power to an inverter. Further elements of the system provide for rapid and low-cost installation, reliability, and easy and safe maintenance.

The present invention relates to resiliency in photovoltaically produced power generation and utilization. This invention comprises a system of elements that combine to minimize the cost and complexity of a backup-capable solar power system. An element of this system is a prior-art balancer-based photovoltaic panel power optimizer whose power electronics are time-shared to allow an array of battery modules to power or provide supplemental or surge power to an inverter. Further elements of the system provide for rapid and low-cost installation, reliability, and easy and safe maintenance.

Disclosed are a photovoltaic air-conditioning system and a photovoltaic air conditioner having same. The photovoltaic air-conditioning system comprises a photovoltaic battery, a switch module, an inverter circuit, a rectification circuit and a compressor inverter; an input end of the switch module is electrically connected to a power grid; a first output end of the switch module is electrically connected to a first input/output end of the inverter circuit; a second output end of the switch module is electrically connected to an input end of the rectification circuit; an output end of the rectification circuit is electrically connected to an input end of the compressor inverter; the input end of the switch module is not simultaneously conducting with both of the first output end and the second output end of the switch module.