Disclosed are novel forms of operable and fixed windows capable of at least one or more of: producing an electrical current utilizing a transparent or semi-transparent solar collecting coating or film on a pane, and selectively changing one or more of opacity and tint of one or more electrochromatic layers in the window. Some embodiments disclose a scaffold assembly to enclose the perimeter of the substrate and one or more transparent solar cells or electrochromatic layers, or transparent solar cells and electrochromatic layers. Various structural and electrical configurations are disclosed satisfying kinematic demands of operable windows. Wired and wireless configurations of the windows are contemplated as are self-powered versions whereby the transparent solar collector or wireless power powers electrochromatic functions. Also disclosed are self-powered and self-contained glaze units with control wirelessly or from user interface controls on an indoor facing pane. Also disclosed are other smart window functions.

Systems and methods are disclosed for intelligent circuit control for solar panel systems. In one embodiment, an example method may include determining, by a controller, that a first electrical output of a first solar panel configured to charge a plurality of rechargeable batteries is greater than a second electrical output of a second solar panel configured to charge the plurality of rechargeable batteries, and causing the second solar panel to be disconnected from the plurality of rechargeable batteries. Example methods may include determining that a voltage potential of the plurality of rechargeable batteries is greater than a total output voltage, where the total output voltage is a sum of the first electrical output and the second electrical output, and causing a connection between the plurality of rechargeable batteries to be changed from a series connection to a parallel connection based at least in part on the first electrical output.

Systems and methods are disclosed for intelligent circuit control for solar panel systems. In one embodiment, an example method may include determining, by a controller, that a first electrical output of a first solar panel configured to charge a plurality of rechargeable batteries is greater than a second electrical output of a second solar panel configured to charge the plurality of rechargeable batteries, and causing the second solar panel to be disconnected from the plurality of rechargeable batteries. Example methods may include determining that a voltage potential of the plurality of rechargeable batteries is greater than a total output voltage, where the total output voltage is a sum of the first electrical output and the second electrical output, and causing a connection between the plurality of rechargeable batteries to be changed from a series connection to a parallel connection based at least in part on the first electrical output.

Methods for implementing power delivery transactions between a buyer and a seller of electrical energy supplied to an electrical grid by an integrated renewable energy source (RES) and energy storage system (ESS) of a RES-ESS facility are provided. Estimated total potential output of the RES is compared to a point of grid interconnect (POGI) limit to identify potential RES overgeneration, and the buyer is charged if potential RES overgeneration is less than potential overgeneration during one or more retrospective time windows. The method provides a basis for the RES-ESS facility owner to be paid for an estimated amount of energy that did not get stored as a result of a grid operator not fully discharging an ESS prior to the start of a new day.

Methods for implementing power delivery transactions between a buyer and a seller of electrical energy supplied to an electrical grid by an integrated renewable energy source (RES) and energy storage system (ESS) of a RES-ESS facility are provided. Estimated total potential output of the RES is compared to a point of grid interconnect (POGI) limit to identify potential RES overgeneration, and the buyer is charged if potential RES overgeneration is less than potential overgeneration during one or more retrospective time windows. The method provides a basis for the RES-ESS facility owner to be paid for an estimated amount of energy that did not get stored as a result of a grid operator not fully discharging an ESS prior to the start of a new day.

A power battery cooling system of an electric vehicle, including: a cooling circuit configured for cooling a power battery of the electric vehicle; a solar sunroof; and a sunroof control unit configured for controlling the operation of the cooling circuit and the electric energy output of the solar sunroof; wherein the sunroof control unit is configured to start a power battery cooling operation based on the solar sunroof in the condition that the power battery is not in a high voltage output state and the temperature of the power battery is higher than a temperature threshold, the power battery cooling operation including: controlling the solar sunroof to output electric energy to the cooling circuit so that the cooling circuit performs the cooling of the power battery using the electric energy from the solar sunroof.

A power battery cooling system of an electric vehicle, including: a cooling circuit configured for cooling a power battery of the electric vehicle; a solar sunroof; and a sunroof control unit configured for controlling the operation of the cooling circuit and the electric energy output of the solar sunroof; wherein the sunroof control unit is configured to start a power battery cooling operation based on the solar sunroof in the condition that the power battery is not in a high voltage output state and the temperature of the power battery is higher than a temperature threshold, the power battery cooling operation including: controlling the solar sunroof to output electric energy to the cooling circuit so that the cooling circuit performs the cooling of the power battery using the electric energy from the solar sunroof.

A solar tracker apparatus includes an adjustable hanger assembly that has a clam shell hanger assembly. The clam shell hanger assembly may hold a torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end. A center of mass of the solar tracker apparatus may be aligned with a center of rotation of the torque tubes, in order to reduce a load of a drive device operably coupled to the torque tube. Solar modules may be coupled to the torque tubes. The solar tracker includes an energy system that includes solar panel, a DC to DC converter, a battery, and a micro-controller. The energy system may facilitate full operation movement of the tracker apparatus without any external power lines.

The present disclosure provides a building unit comprising first and second light transmissive panels. The first panel defines a light receiving surface. The building unit also comprises a structure supporting the panels in a spaced apart relationship to form 5 a cavity therebetween. In addition, the building unit comprises one or more photovoltaic cells disposed within the cavity adjacent the structure. The building unit also comprises an arrangement supported by the structure for re-directing non-visible wavelengths of sunlight incident on or passing through the light receiving surface in a direction generally transverse to a plane of the unit toward structure for collection by 10 the one or more photovoltaic elements. Further, the building unit comprises one or more electrically powered devices within the cavity and arranged to receive electrical power generated by the one or photovoltaic cells.

The present disclosure provides a building unit comprising first and second light transmissive panels. The first panel defines a light receiving surface. The building unit also comprises a structure supporting the panels in a spaced apart relationship to form 5 a cavity therebetween. In addition, the building unit comprises one or more photovoltaic cells disposed within the cavity adjacent the structure. The building unit also comprises an arrangement supported by the structure for re-directing non-visible wavelengths of sunlight incident on or passing through the light receiving surface in a direction generally transverse to a plane of the unit toward structure for collection by 10 the one or more photovoltaic elements. Further, the building unit comprises one or more electrically powered devices within the cavity and arranged to receive electrical power generated by the one or photovoltaic cells.