A solar cell module and a method for operating a solar cell module. The solar cell module includes a plurality of strings which are each formed from a plurality of solar cells connected to one another in a series circuit, wherein each string is connected to a bypass circuit assigned thereto. The solar cell module is also characterized in that the bypass circuit has a switching element and is configured to reduce an electrical current inside the string by switching the switching element when a return current occurs within the associated string.

A distributed power system including multiple DC power sources and multiple power modules. The power modules include inputs coupled respectively to the DC power sources and outputs coupled in series to form a serial string. An inverter is coupled to the serial string. The inverter converts power input from the serial string to output power. A signaling mechanism between the inverter and the power module is adapted for controlling operation of the power modules.

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate structure. The substrate structure includes a conductive layer and a plurality of nanopillars spaced apart from each other overlying the conductive layer. Each nanopillar includes a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer on the first semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer have different conductivity types. The method also includes forming a graphene layer overlying the plurality of nanopillars. The graphene layer is connected to each of the plurality of nanopillars.

One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for facilitating a shutdown of output power from an energy panel arrangement to an inverter. A shutdown implementation module is coupled between an energy panel arrangement and an inverter that converts DC power from the energy panel arrangement to AC power for an AC power grid. A communication connection is established, over a power-line communication line, between the shutdown implementation module and a shutdown controller associated with the inverter. Responsive to identifying a loss of the communication connection or receiving a shutdown instruction over the power-line communication line, the shutdown implementation module shuts down output power from the energy panel arrangement to the inverter. The shutdown implementation module may be located within a threshold distance from the energy panel arrangement (e.g., within about 10 feet) so that the output power may be shutoff within a threshold timespan (e.g., within about 10 seconds).

A bypass mechanism for a photovoltaic module which switches out the electronics and switches in a bypass mechanism.

The present invention relates to an electronic circuit for photovoltaic modules, which circuit ensures that the magnitude of the reverse voltage of each solar cell in a solar module does not exceed a particular value at any time. The problem solved by the invention is that of ensuring that the electrical voltage of each solar cell string within the photovoltaic module does not fall below a particular value.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solar cell and a solar cell module. The solar cell includes a first region and a second region, and further includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface; a tunneling layer covering the second surface; a first emitter disposed on part of the tunneling layer in the first region; and a second emitter disposed on part of the tunneling layer in the second region and on the first emitter, a conductivity type of the second emitter being different from a conductivity type of the first emitter. The solar cell further includes a first electrode disposed in the first region and configured to electrically connect with the first emitter by penetrating through the second emitter; and a second electrode disposed in the second region and configured to electrically connect with the second emitter.

The present disclosure relates generally to electromagnetic coupling modules employed along the outer periphery of floating solar collector pods that can be introduced onto the surface of a body of water that operate to automatically connect to one another so that proximate pods form a reversible self-assembled physically and electrically coupled array that operate to harvest incident solar radiation and also operate to reduce the degree of evaporative water loss from that body of water. Electromagnetic coupling modules are disclosed featuring normally open electrical connection elements that permit electronic coupling under magnetic attraction for improved electrical safety. Electromagnetic coupling modules are disclosed that are gimbaled to provide for increase flexibility and interconnectivity under angular displacement, such as when a floating solar pod array is subject to strong current, wind and wave forces.

Circuits integrated or integrable with a photovoltaic panel to provide built-in functionality to the photovoltaic panel including safety features such as arc detection and elimination, ground fault detection and elimination, reverse current protection, monitoring of the performance of the photovoltaic panel, transmission of the monitored parameters and theft prevention of the photovoltaic panel. The circuits may avoid power conversion, for instance DC/DC power conversion, may avoid performing maximum power tracking to include a minimum number of components and thereby increase overall reliability.

Distributed maximum power point tracking systems, structures, and processes are provided for power generation structures, such as for but not limited to a solar panel arrays. In an exemplary solar panel string structure, distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) modules are provided, such as integrated into or retrofitted for each solar panel. The DMPPT modules provide panel level control for startup, operation, monitoring, and shutdown, and further provide flexible design and operation for strings of multiple panels. The strings are typically linked in parallel to a combiner box, and then toward and enhanced inverter module, which is typically connected to a power grid. Enhanced inverters are controllable either locally or remotely, wherein system status is readily determined, and operation of one or more sections of the system are readily controlled. The system provides increased operation time, and increased power production and efficiency, over a wide range of operating conditions.