A clip that fixes a ceiling joist intersecting a ceiling joist receiver to the ceiling joist receiver, includes: a top portion having a width of the ceiling joist receiver; a first hanging portion hanging down from one end of the top portion, and provided with, at a lower portion, first engaging projections extending left and right to engage the ceiling joist; and a second hanging portion hanging down from another end of the top portion, and provided with, at a lower portion, second engaging projections extending left and right to lock the ceiling joist. The first hanging portion has a length longer than that of the second hanging portion, and a recess extending in a direction toward the second hanging portion is provided at an intermediate position of the first hanging portion.

A demand response system includes a mobile application of a mobile device that is configured to initiate altering an operating condition of a network device disposed at a site using location based services. A demand response application interface module is configured to enable access between a utility company and the network device to communicate energy management information therebetween. The network device is configured to be remotely altered by each of the demand response application interface module and the mobile application separately based on the location based services and the energy management information. A method of managing a demand response system includes detecting a user being disposed away from a site, detecting energy management information from a utility company associated with the site, and initiating a reduction in energy use at the site in response to the relative location of the user and the energy management information.

Mounting a solar panel system includes installing a skirt to a roof in a predetermined position, the predetermined position guiding an alignment for additional components installed in the solar panel system; integrating a solar panel with a flange of the skirt, wherein the skirt supports a portion of the solar panel; determining if a width of the solar panel system will be increased; installing an additional skirt to which an additional solar panel is attached in response to determining that the width of the solar panel system will be increased; determining if a length of the solar panel system will be increased; and integrating an additional solar panel with a flange of a previously installed solar panel via a mount interface in response to determining that the length of the solar panel system will be increased.

A high efficiency configuration for a string of solar cells comprises series-connected solar cells arranged in an overlapping shingle pattern. Front and back surface metallization patterns may provide further increases in efficiency.

A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof haying a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.

Various aspects provide for a solar assembly. The solar assembly may be a mechanical structure that allows many small solar cells to be integrated into the wing design of an aircraft without placing them on the surface area of the wing or the vehicle. Additional aspects may provide for an adjustable solar assembly. The adjustable solar assembly may be configured to be installed into a structure having a structural profile. When installed, the solar assembly may conform to the structural profile such that the structural profile is maintained. The solar assembly may further comprise an adjustable carrier system comprising a plurality of solar cells attached thereto. The adjustable carrier system may be configured to dynamically adjust the orientation of the solar cells so as to maintain an optimal angle with respect to an external light source.

A shelter or camper that provides improved portability and protection. The shelter or camper may include rigid walls to offer greater protection from weather, animals, and theft. The shelter or camper may be transitionable between different configurations for different purposes, including an open and expanded configuration for use as a shelter, camper, or sleeping quarters and a compact, closed case configuration for easy storage and transport. To facilitate this, the walls may be foldable, expandable, or collapsible. When the walls are folded or collapsed, roof and floor sections may be connected to each other and may enclose the folded, collapsed walls and internal components within the collapsed closed case.

The present disclosure is directed to energy storage and supply management system. The system may include one or more of a control unit, which is in communication with the power grid, and an energy storage unit that stores power for use at a later time. The system may be used with traditional utility provided power as well as locally generated solar, wind, and any other types of power generation technology. In some embodiments, the energy storage unit and the control unit are housed in the same chassis. In other embodiments, the energy storage unit and the control unit are separate. In another embodiment, the energy storage unit is integrated into the chassis of an appliance itself.

A flexible laminate of photovoltaic cells is provided, including a layer of photovoltaic cells that are connected to one another; a front layer and a back layer configured to encapsulate the layer of photovoltaic cells; and an outer film of flexible material with anti-soiling properties disposed on the front layer, the outer film having an average roughness that is less than 1 μm. There is also provided a method for decreasing or limiting soiling on a surface of a flexible laminate of photovoltaic cells, the method including applying an outer film of flexible material with anti-soiling properties to the front layer, the outer film having an average roughness that is less than 1 μm.

A self-illuminated shadow box for containing mementos or the like includes a box that has an upright metallic back wall panel for attaching magnets, a transparent door spaced from the upright metallic back wall panel, a roof extending over the metallic back wall panel and the transparent wall, and a solar energized light emitting diode mounted on the roof and directed toward the metallic back wall.