A solar cell of an embodiment includes: a p-electrode in which a first p-electrode and a second p-electrode are laminated; a p-type light-absorbing layer in direct contact with the first p-electrode; an n-type layer in direct contact with the p-type light-absorbing layer; and an n-electrode. The first p-electrode is disposed between the p-type light-absorbing layer and the second p-electrode. The p-type light-absorbing layer is disposed between the n-type layer and the first p-electrode. The n-type layer is disposed between the p-type light-absorbing layer and the n-electrode. The first p-electrode includes a metal oxide containing Sn as a main component.

A method includes generating a time-varying charge/discharge control signal for an electrical storage device, wherein generating the time-varying charge/discharge control signal comprises identifying a prioritization order of a stack of simultaneously operating control modes, the stack of simultaneously operating control modes including a staging mode and at least two additional control modes, each control mode of the stack comprising a plurality of control signal candidate values; identifying an intersection of one or more control signal candidate values from the plurality of control signal candidate values of each control mode of the stack according to the prioritization order; and determining, based on the prioritization order, at least one time-varying charge/discharge control signal for the electrical energy storage device from the intersection of control signal candidate values.

A method includes generating a time-varying charge/discharge control signal for an electrical storage device, wherein generating the time-varying charge/discharge control signal comprises identifying a prioritization order of a stack of simultaneously operating control modes, the stack of simultaneously operating control modes including a staging mode and at least two additional control modes, each control mode of the stack comprising a plurality of control signal candidate values; identifying an intersection of one or more control signal candidate values from the plurality of control signal candidate values of each control mode of the stack according to the prioritization order; and determining, based on the prioritization order, at least one time-varying charge/discharge control signal for the electrical energy storage device from the intersection of control signal candidate values.

A garden watering assembly includes a plurality of sensing units and each of the sensing units has a probe which is insertable into soil in a garden to determine moisture content of the soil in the garden. The sensing units broadcast a sensing signal comprising moisture content of the soil in the garden. A controller module broadcasts an irrigation signal when the controller module receives a sensing signal from any of the sensing units which communicates a moisture level that is below the pre-determined moisture threshold. A pump unit is in remote communication with the controller module and the pump unit irrigates the soil in the garden when the controller module broadcasts the irrigation signal.

A garden watering assembly includes a plurality of sensing units and each of the sensing units has a probe which is insertable into soil in a garden to determine moisture content of the soil in the garden. The sensing units broadcast a sensing signal comprising moisture content of the soil in the garden. A controller module broadcasts an irrigation signal when the controller module receives a sensing signal from any of the sensing units which communicates a moisture level that is below the pre-determined moisture threshold. A pump unit is in remote communication with the controller module and the pump unit irrigates the soil in the garden when the controller module broadcasts the irrigation signal.

A dialysis system (e.g., a hemodialysis (HD) system) can be designed to operate in alternative environments, such as disaster relief settings or underdeveloped regions. The dialysis system can include a solar panel for generating electricity to power the dialysis machine and an atmospheric water generator for extracting water from ambient air. The extracted water can be used to generate dialysate and saline on-site. One or more of the components of the dialysis machine can be discrete components that are configured to facilitate fast shipping and simple on-site assembly (e.g., at a remote location). In some implementations, the discrete components may be configured to be attached to an existing dialysis system (e.g., a dialysis system designed for operation in a traditional environment) to permit the dialysis system to operate in an alternative environment.

A dialysis system (e.g., a hemodialysis (HD) system) can be designed to operate in alternative environments, such as disaster relief settings or underdeveloped regions. The dialysis system can include a solar panel for generating electricity to power the dialysis machine and an atmospheric water generator for extracting water from ambient air. The extracted water can be used to generate dialysate and saline on-site. One or more of the components of the dialysis machine can be discrete components that are configured to facilitate fast shipping and simple on-site assembly (e.g., at a remote location). In some implementations, the discrete components may be configured to be attached to an existing dialysis system (e.g., a dialysis system designed for operation in a traditional environment) to permit the dialysis system to operate in an alternative environment.

A solar electrical generator comprising an outer wall (1, 2) arranged to partially surround a cavity. A hub (3) is provided within the cavity wherein the outer face (4) of the wall is provided with solar cells (5). At least one of the hub (3) and the inner face (6) of the wall are provided with solar cells (5).

A solar electrical generator comprising an outer wall (1, 2) arranged to partially surround a cavity. A hub (3) is provided within the cavity wherein the outer face (4) of the wall is provided with solar cells (5). At least one of the hub (3) and the inner face (6) of the wall are provided with solar cells (5).

A solar powered charging station uses photovoltaic panels to generate electrical energy for use directly and/or for storage in electrical batteries for use during night operation. The station includes parallel electrical circuits which permit the station to operate during daylight hours in the event of a failure of the battery or the battery charging system. The station is adapted to use stabilizing ballast which can be collected locally at the site of the station. The parallel circuitry is adaptable for use with other forms of electrical power generation having a minimal carbon footprint.