A system for a solar-powered protective car charging cover. The solar-powered car charging cover is designed to directly trickle charge electric cars by bypassing the internal charging power supply whilst also providing a protective barrier around the vehicle. This trickle charge provides enough power for charging cellular phones, powering lights, and other small electronics without further draining the battery and may even produce a net-positive charge to charge the vehicle's batteries. The barrier portion is a multi-layer cover with an adjustable-rigid air bladder layer sandwiched between an outer solar-panel layer and an inner vehicle paint protection layer. Zippered portions provide multiple configurations including using the solar-powered car charging cover without a vehicle for a make-shift tent with solar-powered charging ports. A power control box provides the means to connect external power sources to the solar-powered car charging cover.

A system for a solar-powered protective car charging cover. The solar-powered car charging cover is designed to directly trickle charge electric cars by bypassing the internal charging power supply whilst also providing a protective barrier around the vehicle. This trickle charge provides enough power for charging cellular phones, powering lights, and other small electronics without further draining the battery and may even produce a net-positive charge to charge the vehicle's batteries. The barrier portion is a multi-layer cover with an adjustable-rigid air bladder layer sandwiched between an outer solar-panel layer and an inner vehicle paint protection layer. Zippered portions provide multiple configurations including using the solar-powered car charging cover without a vehicle for a make-shift tent with solar-powered charging ports. A power control box provides the means to connect external power sources to the solar-powered car charging cover.

A solar-powered portable housing for a tool is also disclosed herein. The solar-powered portable housing for a tool can comprise a battery, one or more solar panels, a plug, a top enclosure, a bottom enclosure, a first slideable wall, and a first solar panel. The solar panels can be connectable to the battery. The solar panels can provide power source to the battery. The plug can allow the battery be charged through an electric power source. The top enclosure can be capable of housing a tool. The bottom enclosure can be capable of housing the battery. The battery can be capable of providing power to the tool. The first slideable wall can be mounted to one side of the housing. The first solar panel can be mounted to the first slideable wall.

A solar-powered portable housing for a tool is also disclosed herein. The solar-powered portable housing for a tool can comprise a battery, one or more solar panels, a plug, a top enclosure, a bottom enclosure, a first slideable wall, and a first solar panel. The solar panels can be connectable to the battery. The solar panels can provide power source to the battery. The plug can allow the battery be charged through an electric power source. The top enclosure can be capable of housing a tool. The bottom enclosure can be capable of housing the battery. The battery can be capable of providing power to the tool. The first slideable wall can be mounted to one side of the housing. The first solar panel can be mounted to the first slideable wall.

In one implementation, a method for a solar cell array is provided, the method includes emitting a communication message from the solar cell array by reverse biasing the solar cell array so as to cause at least a portion of the solar array to emit a detectable amount of radiation corresponding to the communication message. In one embodiment a solar cell array circuit is provided including a solar string comprising a plurality of solar cells coupled together, a charge storage device coupled to a power bus, and a bidirectional boost-buck converter having a first and second pair of MOSFETs connected in series between positive and negative rails of the power bus with an inductor coupled from between the first and second paired MOSFETs to a charging output of the solar string.

In one implementation, a method for a solar cell array is provided, the method includes emitting a communication message from the solar cell array by reverse biasing the solar cell array so as to cause at least a portion of the solar array to emit a detectable amount of radiation corresponding to the communication message. In one embodiment a solar cell array circuit is provided including a solar string comprising a plurality of solar cells coupled together, a charge storage device coupled to a power bus, and a bidirectional boost-buck converter having a first and second pair of MOSFETs connected in series between positive and negative rails of the power bus with an inductor coupled from between the first and second paired MOSFETs to a charging output of the solar string.

Photovoltaic array performance monitoring systems and methods are described herein. One embodiment of a photovoltaic array monitoring system according to the present disclosure can include a reference photovoltaic panel and an ambient photovoltaic panel, as well as a rechargeable power source. The monitoring system can further include an electrical unit configured to charge the rechargeable power source using energy from one or both of the reference photovoltaic panel and the ambient photovoltaic panel. The monitoring system can also include a transmitter configured to transmit data from the reference photovoltaic panel and the ambient photovoltaic panel. Methods and full-size solar systems utilizing monitoring systems are also described.

Photovoltaic array performance monitoring systems and methods are described herein. One embodiment of a photovoltaic array monitoring system according to the present disclosure can include a reference photovoltaic panel and an ambient photovoltaic panel, as well as a rechargeable power source. The monitoring system can further include an electrical unit configured to charge the rechargeable power source using energy from one or both of the reference photovoltaic panel and the ambient photovoltaic panel. The monitoring system can also include a transmitter configured to transmit data from the reference photovoltaic panel and the ambient photovoltaic panel. Methods and full-size solar systems utilizing monitoring systems are also described.

A thermal shield system with wireless control capabilities including a multi-layer shield, a housing containing a power source and processor, and a programmable control mechanism, wherein the control mechanism is in communication with the processor to facilitate direct or remote manual programming of time and temperature of the shield system. The multi-layer shield includes a perimeter having a first layer comprised of reflective material, a second layer comprised of a plurality of conductive pads arranged in a plurality of rows within a structural support sheet, a third layer comprised of thermal material, an electrical wire running through and connecting said conductive pads of the second layer, and a surround spanning the perimeter of the shield. The surround of the shield has flexibility to allow folding or rolling for compact storage of said shield and having rigidity to provide structural integrity of said shield. The electrical wire connects each of the plurality of conductive pads in a series to generate consistent and uniform heat while minimizing depletion of the power source.

A modular power supply apparatus for use in harsh climates that comprises a portable, low cost, easily maintained, durable power supply for energy production as well as systems, methods for forming, and methods of using same.