An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting bracket that mechanically couples the power electronic device to the backsheet of the PV module such that positioning of the power electronic device can be dynamically interchanged between a retracted position in which the power electronic device is pressed flat to the backsheet, and an extended position in which the power electronic device is coupled to the backsheet with an air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet.

An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting bracket that mechanically couples the power electronic device to the backsheet of the PV module such that positioning of the power electronic device can be dynamically interchanged between a retracted position in which the power electronic device is pressed flat to the backsheet, and an extended position in which the power electronic device is coupled to the backsheet with an air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet.

Some examples of the solar panels described herein mitigate wind resistance problems in comparison to conventional solar panels by introducing porosity to the panel that permits the free flow of air, rain, and sunlight through the panel. The flow of air dramatically reduces the wind resistance allowing the panel to be installed substantially above ground level, freeing the land under the panels to be used for other purposes. Additional benefits are that rain and sunlight can reach the ground under the panels to sustain plant and animal life without the permanent environmental damage associated with the implementation of traditional solar panels in solar energy farms. In addition, the solar panels described herein can be made of materials that have higher heat conductivity and are recyclable or reusable.

To offset waste heat generated by a photovoltaic cell during operation, a cooling system is coupled to the photovoltaic cell. The cooling system is coupled to a surface of the photovoltaic cell opposite another surface of the photovoltaic cell on which solar energy is incident. In various embodiments, the cooling system includes one or more tubes through which fluid is directed. The fluid for cooling the photovoltaic cell may be contaminated water that is directed to one or more solar desalination stills after absorbing heat from the photovoltaic cell to product distilled water. After being further heated by the solar desalination still, water may be directed to a membrane distillation module which produces additional distilled water from the water heated by the solar desalination still and by the photovoltaic cell.

Passive radiative cooling structures and apparatus manufactured with such cooling structures conserve energy needs. A flexible film transparent to visible light incorporates particles at a volume percentage larger than 25% so as to absorb and emit infrared radiation at wavelengths where Earth's atmosphere is transparent. Another film transparent to visible light is thin and flexible and configured to absorb and emit infrared radiation at wavelengths where Earth's atmosphere is transparent, wherein etchings or depositions are present on one or both surfaces. A high efficiency cooling structure has an emissive layer sandwiched between a waveguide layer and a thermal conductive layer. A solar cell panel is covered by a transparent passive radiative cooling film. A container housing an active cooling unit incorporates passive radiative cooling structures on one or more exterior surfaces.

Systems and methods for providing solar-generated power to a display unit mounted to a vehicle are provided. One or more mounting supports connect a housing for an electronic display to the vehicle. A solar energy harvesting device is secured to an upper portion of the vehicle and is electrically connected to the electronic display.

A solar panel support arranged for supporting a solar panel under an angle (A) relative to a ground surface. The solar panel support including a frame arranged for removably holding the solar panel; a ballast that is removably attached to the frame; a foot arrangement that is connected to the frame and arranged for providing a foot of the foot arrangement in a plurality of angular positions relative to the frame for positioning the frame under a corresponding plurality of angles relative to the ground surface, wherein the foot arrangement at least partly bounds, in use, a space (s) between the ground surface and the frame such that, in use, an air flow (AF) is guided over a side of the frame that is turned away from the ground surface. An assembly including the solar panel support.

A solar panel support arranged for supporting a solar panel under an angle (A) relative to a ground surface. The solar panel support including a frame arranged for removably holding the solar panel; a ballast that is removably attached to the frame; a foot arrangement that is connected to the frame and arranged for providing a foot of the foot arrangement in a plurality of angular positions relative to the frame for positioning the frame under a corresponding plurality of angles relative to the ground surface, wherein the foot arrangement at least partly bounds, in use, a space (s) between the ground surface and the frame such that, in use, an air flow (AF) is guided over a side of the frame that is turned away from the ground surface. An assembly including the solar panel support.

A cooling system for a photovoltaic panel including micro flat heat pipes (HP) integrated with thermoelectric generators (TEG) and a cooled water reservoir for cooling the working fluid in heat pipes. The cooled water in the reservoir is pumped from the condensate pan of an air conditioner. Experimental results show that cooling system reduced the average temperature of the panel by as much as 19° C. or 25%. Further, the output power of the photovoltaic panel increased by 44% when the photovoltaic panel was used in a very hot climate (30-40° C.). An additional two watts of power was generated by the TEGs.

A cooling system for a photovoltaic panel including micro flat heat pipes (HP) integrated with thermoelectric generators (TEG) and a cooled water reservoir for cooling the working fluid in heat pipes. The cooled water in the reservoir is pumped from the condensate pan of an air conditioner. Experimental results show that cooling system reduced the average temperature of the panel by as much as 19° C. or 25%. Further, the output power of the photovoltaic panel increased by 44% when the photovoltaic panel was used in a very hot climate (30-40° C.). An additional two watts of power was generated by the TEGs.