Photovoltaic sunshade and display system

Abstract

An at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system is provided, including a plurality of panels arranged in an array. Each of the plurality of panels has two sides, including a first side including a plurality of photovoltaic cells or a photovoltaic layer, and a second side having an array of light-emitting elements. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system includes energy storage means that receives charge from the plurality of panels and provides electrical power to the array of light-emitting elements. Each of the plurality of panels is rotatable about an axis such that the two sides are respectively rotatable towards or away from the sun, and towards or away from an exterior environment.

Claims

1. An at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system, comprising a plurality of panels arranged in an array, wherein each of the plurality of panels has at least two sides, including a first side including a plurality of photovoltaic cells or a photovoltaic layer, and a second side including an array of a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and wherein the at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system further comprises a plurality of LED drivers electrically connected to the array of LEDs, one of the plurality of LED drivers being assigned for each of said plurality of the LEDs; wherein the one or more drivers are configured to drive the array of LEDs of the respective panel to display video; wherein the at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system further comprises energy storage that receives charge from the plurality of panels and provides electrical power to the array of LEDs for displaying said video; wherein each of the plurality of panels is rotatable about an axis such that the two sides are respectively rotatable towards or away from the sun, and towards or away from an exterior environment; wherein the energy storage includes a plurality of energy storage devices, and wherein each of the plurality of panels respectively includes one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices; and wherein the plurality of panels are electrically connected such that the one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices of one of the plurality of panels is configured to provide electrical energy to the array of LEDs of another one of the plurality of panels, wherein each of the plurality of panels is a standalone device such that each of the one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices is charged by the plurality of photovoltaic cells or the photovoltaic layer of the respective panel, each of the one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices provides the electrical power to the array of LEDs of the respective panel, wherein the display system further includes a control system for controlling said LED drivers, wherein said control system comprises a non-volatile data storage for storing data to be displayed as the video, a board communication system connectable to said plurality of LED drivers, and a controller, adapted for controlling said board communication system and said data storage, and wherein the display system, as the standalone display system, is configured to operate fully autonomously without requiring connections outside the display system while displaying the video due to the data to be displayed being directly stored in advance into a non-volatile data storage of the display system and/or the display system is configured to operate fully independently in terms of operational logic, and wherein, as the standalone display system, the plurality of energy storage devices are configured to supply power to both said plurality of light-emitting element drivers and said control system.

2. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are arranged in a 1D-array forming a row or a column of panels.

3. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are arranged in a 2D-array comprising of at least two rows or at least two columns of panels.

4. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are elongated rectangularly shaped slats, which are arranged as horizontal strips stacked on top of each other or as vertical strips packed next to each other.

5. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein edges of the of plurality of panels are provided with LEDs.

6. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, further comprising a motor for rotating the plurality of panels respectively about said axis of each of the panels.

7. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 6, further comprising a control and a sensor for automatically rotating the plurality of panels depending on light incident on the plurality of panels.

8. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein the energy storage further includes an external energy storage that is external to the plurality of panels.

9. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein the one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices of each of the plurality of panels respectively are provided at or on the first side of each the respective plurality of panels.

10. A method of at least partially self-powering a photovoltaic sunshade and display system, the method comprising: providing the at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system according to claim 1; during the day, positioning the plurality of panels with their first side rotated towards the sun and capturing energy and charging each of the panels' storage; and during evening or night, positioning the plurality of panels with their second side rotated towards the exterior environment and using a stored charge of the energy storage for displaying the video by the array of LEDs.

11. A method of at least partially self-powering a photovoltaic sunshade and display system, the method comprising: providing the at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system according to claim 1; during the day, positioning the plurality of panels with their first side rotated towards the sun and capturing energy and charging each of the panels' storage; and during evening or night, positioning the plurality of panels with their second side rotated towards the exterior environment and using a stored charge of the energy storage for lighting purposes.

12. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 9, wherein in a case that local energies of different panels of the plurality of panels are different, the at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system is configured to transfer energy from a first local energy storage of a first panel to a second local energy storage of a second panel.

13. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein for each of plurality panels, the first side is opposite from the second side.

14. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein the array of LEDs and one or more drivers are configured to display video.

15. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are configured to display the video toward the exterior environment.

16. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 6, wherein the motor is powered entirely or at least in part by the energy storage that receives charge from the plurality of panels.

17. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are arranged in a 2D-array comprising of at least three rows and at least three columns of panels.

18. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 17, wherein each of the energy storage devices of each of the respective plurality of panels is arranged on the first side of the respective panel.

19. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of panels has a square shape.

20. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are arranged in a 2D-array comprising of at least two rows and at least two columns of panels.

21. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein edges of the of plurality of panels are provided with edge LEDs, wherein the edge LEDs are provided respectively on an edge surface of each of the plurality of panels that extends between the first side and the second side of the plurality of panels.

22. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 21, wherein the edge surfaces of each of the plurality of panels respectively extend perpendicularly to the first side or the second side of the plurality of panels.

23. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein said board communication system comprises a board interface that passes the data to be displayed to said light-emitting element drivers and a buffer connected thereto, said buffer used to store the data to be displayed, as it moves from said controller to said board interface.

24. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 1, wherein said control system further comprises a wireless communications interface that provides wireless communications and wherein said controller is further adapted for controlling said communications interface.

25. An at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system, comprising a plurality of panels arranged in an array, wherein each of the plurality of panels has two sides, including a first side including a plurality of photovoltaic cells or a photovoltaic layer, and a second side including an array of a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEEs), wherein the at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system further comprises a plurality of LEE drivers electrically connected to the array of LEEs, wherein the one or more drives are configured to drive the array of LEEs to display video, one of the plurality of LEE drivers being assigned for each of said plurality of the LEEs; wherein the at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system further comprises energy storage that receives charge from the plurality of panels and provides electrical power to the array of LEEs for displaying said video; wherein each of the plurality of panels is rotatable about an axis such that the two sides are respectively rotatable towards or away from the sun, and towards or away from an exterior environment; wherein the energy storage includes a plurality of energy storage devices, and wherein each of the plurality of panels respectively includes one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices; and wherein the plurality of panels are electrically connected such that the one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices of one of the plurality of panels is configured to provide electrical energy to the array of LEEs of another one of the plurality of panels, wherein each of the plurality of panels is a standalone device such that each of the one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices is charged by the plurality of photovoltaic cells or the photovoltaic layer of the respective panel, each of the one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices provides the electrical power to the array of LEEs of the respective panel, wherein the display system further includes a control system for controlling said LEE drivers, wherein said control system comprises a non-volatile data storage for storing data to be displayed as the video, a board communication system connectable to said plurality of LEE drivers, and a controller, adapted for controlling said board communication system and said data storage, and wherein the display system, as the standalone display system, is configured to operate fully autonomously without requiring connections outside the display system while displaying the video due to the data to be displayed being directly stored in advance into a non-volatile data storage of the display system and/or the display system is configured to operate fully independently in terms of operational logic, and wherein, as the standalone display system, the plurality of energy storage devices are configured to supply power to both said plurality of light-emitting element drivers and said control system.

26. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 25, wherein the array of light-emitting elements (LEEs) is configured as a liquid crystal display.

27. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 25, wherein the light-emitting elements (LEEs) are light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

28. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of claim 25, wherein each of the plurality of panels respectively comprises one or more drivers that are configured to drive the array of LEEs to display the video.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate embodiments of an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system with vertical set-up, in accordance with the invention.

(2) FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate embodiments of an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system with horizontal set-up, in accordance with the invention.

(3) FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate embodiments of an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system with matrix set-up, in accordance with the invention.

(4) FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate embodiments of an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system in row or column representation, in accordance with the invention.

(5) FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate embodiments of a double-sided PCB board for an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system, in accordance with the invention.

(6) FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of single-sided PCB board for an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system, in accordance with the invention.

(7) FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a carport having an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system, in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(8) This present invention relates to a self-powered, at least partially, photovoltaic sunshade or sunscreen and a display, incorporated together into one single system. The photovoltaic sunshade or sunscreen may comprise of multiple photovoltaic elements or just one (large) photovoltaic layer, covering one side of a sheet or panel. The other side of the sheet or panel is provided with a display, typically a light-emitting display such as a LED screen. The sheet or panel thus having two sides, meaning a first photovoltaic sunscreen side, comprising for example of a plurality of solar cells facing the sun i.e. the exterior of the room wherein the system is provided during the day, and a second opposite display side facing the interior of the room during the day. The sheet or panel can be rotated, such that the side facing the exterior or interior can be changed. As a result, the display side will be typically facing the exterior of the room during the evening or night for lighting, media or entertainment purposes, when the sun is gone and hence the sunscreen application is no longer of use.

(9) Whereas the photovoltaic side of the sheet or panel is enabled and meant for capturing solar energy, typically during the day, and also storing it by providing (local) energy storage means such as a battery, the display can be actuated or used in the evening or night with the energy pre-captured and pre-stored. By means of example, one or more batteries could be provided onto or with the sheet or panel for (locally) storing the captured energy. In other words, the photovoltaic sunshade is storing electricity during the day, using energy storage means such as for example (one or more) batteries. Later on, in the evening or night, when the sun has gone down or maybe also when it's getting dark, the stored electricity (as generated by the solar modules or photovoltaic elements) can be used by discharging the (one or more) batteries. With the stored electricity, the display for example comprising of a LED array can be actuated, herewith displaying images or video during the evening or night, or possibly also during the day when it's getting dark or cloudy.

(10) The invention is now further described by means of different embodiments, for which is also referred to FIG. 1a to 7.

(11) FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate an embodiment of an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system 100, in accordance with the invention. The system 100 comprises a plurality of panels 103 arranged in an array, here an array of 14 (1 row, 4 columns) is presented. Here, the panels 103 are elongated rectangularly shaped slats, as we know for example from sunshade systems provided onto windows in e.g. office or home environments. According to the embodiment, the slats are arranged as vertical strips packed next to each other, or in other words, the slats are positioned with their lengths perpendicular to the ground floor. Each panel 103 has two sides 101, 102. The system 100 with detail of the panels' first side 101 is shown in FIG. 1(a), whereas FIG. 1(b) illustrates the panels' second side 102. As depicted in FIG. 1(a), the first side 101 of the panels 103 is provided with a plurality of photovoltaic cells 104 or with a photovoltaic layer 105, for example covering the entire panel 103. This first side 101 is typically to be used during the day, when the sun is shining. A sun icon is therefore depicted here. In general, the system 100 will either have panels 103 with photovoltaic cells 104 or will comprise panels 103 provided with a photovoltaic layer 105. It could be however, that a mixture of panels 103 having photovoltaic cells 104 and/or photovoltaic layer 105 is provided by the system 100. Onto the panels' first side 101, energy storage means 106, e.g. one or more batteries, are also provided. As illustrated in FIG. 1(b), the second side 102 of the panels 103 comprise an array or grid of light-emitting elements 107 such as for example LEDs. This second side 102 is typically to be used during the evening or night, when the sun has gone down. A night icon with moon and stars is therefore depicted here. Each panel 103 is rotatable about an axis A1, for rotating the sides 101, 102 (left or right) towards or away from the sun, or towards or away from the exterior environment i.e. to the outside of the room, building or environment wherein the system 100 is provided. The rotation (direction) is indicated by means of the arrow around axis A1.

(12) Further is depicted, in both FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), that the edges of the of panels 103 can also be provided with light-emitting elements 110 or LEDs. We can refer to this type of LEDs as edge LEDs 110, whereas the other LEDs provided onto the second side surface could be referred to as surface LEDs 107. This may give an extra lighting effect, the moment the sun goes down, or it's getting dark, and the panels 103 are turned or rotated such that their display side 102 is put in place or position to face the exterior environment, and start showing images, video or lighting effects e.g. along or towards the street where the home or building provided with the system 100 is located. According to the embodiment, the system 100 comprises a motor 108 for rotating the panel sides 101, 102. The motor can be powered by means of the energy storage means 106 provided in the system 100. It is however possible, that the motor 108 is still also connected to the net, in case additional power would be needed, for example because there is not enough available from storage e.g. due to cloudy or dark days of less or little sun. The system 100 may also comprise a control (module) and one or more sensors 109 (e.g. provided onto or in the vicinity of the panels 103) for automatically rotating the sides 101, 102 of the panels 103 depending on the light (or sun) incidence.

(13) FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) illustrate another embodiment of an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system 200, in accordance with the invention. The system 200 again comprises a plurality of panels 203 arranged in an array, now an array of 41 (4 rows, 1 column) is given. As in previous FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the panels 203 are elongated rectangularly shaped slats, though now positioned differently, i.e. with their lengths parallel to the ground floor, instead of perpendicular therewith. According to the embodiment, the slats are arranged as horizontal strips stacked on top of each other. Each panel 203 has again two sides 201, 202. The panels' first side 201 is shown in FIG. 2(a), whereas FIG. 2(b) illustrates the panels' second side 202. As depicted in FIG. 2(a), the first side 201 of the panels 203 is provided with a plurality of photovoltaic cells 204 or with a photovoltaic layer 205, for example covering the entire panel 203. Onto the panels' first side 201, energy storage means 206, e.g. one or more batteries, are also provided. As illustrated in FIG. 2(b), the second side 202 of the panels 203 comprise an array or grid of light-emitting elements 207 such as for example LEDs. Each panel 203 is rotatable about an axis A2, for rotating the sides 201, 202 (up or down) towards or away from the sun, or towards or away from the exterior environment i.e. to the outside of the room, building or environment wherein the system 200 is provided. The rotation (direction) is indicated by means of the arrow around axis A2.

(14) FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate a further embodiment of an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system 300, in accordance with the invention. The system 300 now comprises a plurality of panels 303 arranged in an array of 36 (3 rows, 6 columns). The panels 303 are thus arranged in a 2D-array comprising of three rows and six columns of panels 303. The panels 303 appear here as square or rectangular shaped, each having two sides 301, 302. The panels' first side 301 is shown in FIG. 3(a), whereas FIG. 3(b) illustrates the panels' second side 302. As depicted in FIG. 3(a), the first side 301 of the panels 303 is provided with a plurality of photovoltaic cells 304 or with a photovoltaic layer 305, for example covering the entire panel 303. Onto the panels' first side 301, energy storage means 306, e.g. one or more batteries, are also provided. Possibly, there is one battery 306 per panel 303 as depicted here. As illustrated in FIG. 3(b), the second side 302 of the panels 303 comprise an array or grid of light-emitting elements 307 such as for example LEDs. Each panel 303 is rotatable about a (vertical) axis A3, for rotating the sides 301, 302 (left or right) towards or away from the sun, or towards or away from the exterior environment i.e. to the outside of the room, building or environment wherein the system 300 is provided. Possibly, as illustrated here, each panel 303 is also rotatable about a (horizontal) axis A3, for rotating the sides 301, 302 (up or down) towards or away from the sun, or towards or away from the exterior environment. Whereas the panels' axes A3, A3 of rotation are coinciding respectively per column or per row, one could say that an entire panel column or row is rotatable about the axis A3, A3 respectively.

(15) FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate yet further embodiment of an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system 400, 400, in accordance with the invention. The system 400 in FIG. 4(a) comprises a 1D-array or single (horizontal) row of panels 403, here six in total. The system 400 is provided with a motor 408 for rotating the panels 403 from one side 401 (e.g. photovoltaic side) to the other 402 (e.g. display side). The system 400 also comprises sensors 409, for example in the vicinity of e.g. above (as depicted here) or below the panels 403. An alternative column system 400 is depicted in FIG. 4(b), comprising a 1D-array or single (vertical) column of panels 413, here four in total, wherein edge LEDs 410 are indicated.

(16) FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate an embodiment of a PCB board 500 that is double-side mounted for an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system with, in accordance with the invention. With double-side mounted is meant that components such as photovoltaic cells 504 and LEDs 507 are mounted on both sides 501, 502 of the PCB board 500. The PCB board 500 can be seen as the foundation for the sheet or panel (as discussed above) being the basis for the sunshade and display system, and of which a plurality can be provided for the design or configuration of such system. The PCB board 500, having a first exterior side 501 shown in FIG. 5(a), and a second interior side 502 shown in FIG. 5(b), is provided with components at both sides 501, 502. In particular, onto the first exterior side 501, photovoltaic cells 504 and therewith connected storage means 506 (for example one or more batteries) are mounted, whereas onto the second interior side 502, light-emitting elements such as LEDs 507 are mounted, including one or more drivers 512 for these light-emitting elements or LEDs 507. The one or more drivers 512 can also be mounted onto the second interior side 502 of the PCB board 500, or alternatively, one LED driver 512 is e.g. mounted onto a separated board 513 next to or in the vicinity of the PCB board 500 (as depicted in/with dots). More specifically, according to an embodiment, there is one LED driver 512 foreseen onto the PCB board 500 for each individual LED 507, hence we have a plurality of LED drivers 512 for a plurality of LEDs 507 correspondingly. In another embodiment, there is one LED driver 512 foreseen onto the PCB board 500 or onto another separate board 513, next thereto or in the vicinity thereof, for the plurality of LEDs on the PCB board 500, or for part of this plurality (e.g. one LED driver per 12 LEDs). The PCB board 500 may further comprise one or more sensors 509, 511 of which for example a light sensor 509 on the first exterior side 501 and an infrared sensor 511 on the second interior side 502 are here depicted. The PCB board 500 can be flexible and/or stretchable, and may comprise of a plurality of panels arranged in an array. Optionally, the flexible and/or stretchable board 500 can be rolled up (for not use) or unrolled (for use).

(17) FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a PCB board 600 single-side mounted for an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system, in accordance with the invention. With single-side mounted is meant that components are mounted on just one side 601 of the PCB board 600. The PCB board 600 having a first exterior side 601 and a second interior side 602 (not indicated), is provided with components only at the first exterior side 601. In particular, onto this side 601, photovoltaic cells 604 and therewith connected storage means 606 (for example one or more batteries) are mounted, as well as light-emitting elements such as LEDs 607, including one or more drivers 612 for these light-emitting elements or LEDs 607. Alternatively, as shown here, one LED driver 612 is mounted onto a separated board 613 next to or in the vicinity of the PCB board 600. The PCB board 600 may again comprise one or more sensors 609, 611, here for example a light sensor 609 and an infrared sensor 611 both mounted on the first exterior side 601. The PCB board 600 can be flexible and/or stretchable, and may comprise of a plurality of panels arranged in an array. Optionally, the flexible and/or stretchable board 600 can be rolled up (for not use) or unrolled (for use).

(18) FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a carport 700 comprising an at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system 720, in accordance with the invention. Here, the sunshade and display system 720 is provided with a covering (PCB) board having two sides 701, 702, an exterior side 701 and an interior side 702. The board is flexible and/or stretchable and can be horizontally (parallel to the ground floor) rolled up (for not use) or unrolled (for use) by means of a (all or not motorized) roll 730. In addition, the board comprises of a plurality of panels 703 arranged in an array. Onto the exterior side 701 of the board, an arrangement of a plurality of photovoltaic cells is provided including storage means connected therewith. The interior side 702 of the board comprises an arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting elements such as LEDs, as well as one or more light-emitting element or LED drivers for the light-emitting elements or LEDs, wherein the one or more drivers are either also mounted onto the board, or else provided onto a separate driver board e.g. next to or in the vicinity of the covering board. Onto the exterior side 701 of the board, for example a light sensor is also provided, whereas the board may further comprise (e.g. on the interior side 702) one or more infrared sensors. According to an embodiment, the at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system 720 could be further extended with another roll 740 for rolling up and unrolling vertically (perpendicular to the ground floor) another flexible and/or stretchable board comprising of panels 743 (dotted representation), herewith possibly entirely closing the carport, before or after a car is driving in. In another embodiment, the at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system is fixed onto the carport roof, and hence not rollable or unrollable. In this case, the system could be provided with a plurality of panels, each having two sides, and being rotatable about an axis, for rotating their sides towards or away from the sun, or towards or away from the exterior or interior environment.

Combinability of Embodiments and Features

(19) This disclosure provides various examples, embodiments, and features which, unless expressly stated or which would be mutually exclusive, should be understood to be combinable with other examples, embodiments, or features described herein.

(20) In addition to the above, further embodiments and examples include the following:

(21) 1. An at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system, comprising a plurality of panels arranged in an array, wherein each of the plurality of panels has two sides, including a first side including a plurality of photovoltaic cells or a photovoltaic layer, and a second side including an array of light-emitting elements; wherein the at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system further comprises energy storage means that receives charge from the plurality of panels and provides electrical power to the array of light-emitting elements; and wherein each of the plurality of panels is rotatable about an axis such that the two sides are respectively rotatable towards or away from the sun, and towards or away from an exterior environment.

(22) 2. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of any or a combination of 1 above and 3-12 below, wherein the plurality of panels are arranged in a 1D-array forming a row or a column of panels.

(23) 3. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system any or a combination of 1-2 above and 4-12 below, wherein the plurality of panels are arranged in a 2D-array comprising of at least two rows or at least two columns of panels.

(24) 4. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system any or a combination of 1-3 above and 5-12 below, wherein the plurality of panels are elongated rectangularly shaped slats, which are arranged as horizontal strips stacked on top of each other or as vertical strips packed next to each other.

(25) 5. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system any or a combination of 1-4 above and 6-12 below, wherein edges of the of plurality of panels are provided with light-emitting elements.

(26) 6. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system any or a combination of 1-5 above and 7-12 below, further comprising a motor for rotating the sides.

(27) 7. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of 6 above, further comprising a control and a sensor for automatically rotating the sides of the plurality of panels depending on light incident on the plurality of panels.

(28) 8. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system any or a combination of 1-7 above and 9-12 below, wherein the energy storage means includes a plurality of energy storage devices, and wherein each of the plurality of panels respectively includes one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices.

(29) 9. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of 8 alone or in combination with any of above and 1-8 above and 10-12 below, wherein each of the plurality of panels is a standalone device such that each of the one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices is charged by the plurality of photovoltaic cells or the photovoltaic layer of the respective panel, and each of the one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices provides the electrical power to the array of light-emitting elements of the respective panel.

(30) 10. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of 8 above, wherein the plurality of panels are electrically connected such that the one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices of one of the plurality of panels may provide electrical energy to the array of light-emitting elements of another one of the plurality of panels.

(31) 11. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of 1-10 above and 12 below, wherein the energy storage means is provided external to the plurality of panels.

(32) 12. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of 1-11 above, wherein the energy storage device of each of the plurality of panels is provided at or on the first side of the respective panel.

(33) 13. A method of at least partially self-powering a photovoltaic sunshade and display system, the method comprising: providing the at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system according to 1-12 above; during the day, positioning the plurality of panels with their first side rotated towards the sun and capturing energy and charging each of the panels' storage means; and during evening or night, positioning the plurality of panels with their second side rotated towards the exterior environment and using a stored charge of the charged storage means for lighting purposes or for displaying images by means of the array of light-emitting elements.

(34) 14. An at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system comprising: a covering board having two sides, including an interior side and an exterior side; an arrangement of a plurality of photovoltaic cells on the exterior side of said covering board and an energy storage means connected therewith; an arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting elements on the interior side of said covering board, a plurality of light-emitting element drivers on or in said covering board for each of said plurality of light-emitting elements, or a light-emitting element driver for the plurality of light-emitting elements on or in said covering board or on a separate driver board; and one or more sensors including a light sensor on or in the exterior side of said covering board or an IR sensor on or in said covering board.

(35) 15. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of 14 above, wherein said covering board is flexible and/or stretchable, or said covering board comprises the plurality of panels arranged in an array, or said covering board is configured to be rolled up or unrolled.

(36) 16. A carport comprising the at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of 14 or 15 above.

(37) 17. An at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system comprising: a covering board having two sides, including an interior side and an exterior side; an arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting elements on the exterior side of said covering board; an arrangement of a plurality of photovoltaic cells on the exterior side of said covering board, and a storage means connected with the photovoltaic cells; a plurality of light-emitting element drivers on said board for each of said plurality of light-emitting elements, or a light-emitting element driver for the plurality of light-emitting elements on said board or on a separate driver board; and one or more sensors of which at least a light sensor or an IR sensor on the exterior side of said board.

(38) 18. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of any or a combination of 17 above and 19-20 below, wherein the plurality of photovoltaic cells are mounted alternatingly in between said light-emitting elements.

(39) 19. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system or any or a combination of 17-18 above and 20 below, wherein said covering board is flexible and/or stretchable, and/or wherein said covering board can be rolled up or unrolled.

(40) 20. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system of any or a combination of 17-19 above, wherein said covering board comprises of a plurality of panels arranged in an array.