公开(公告)号：US09906188B2

公开(公告)日：2018-02-27

申请号：US14839252

申请日：2015-08-28

Applicant: SolarCity Corporation

Inventor： Charles Almy ,  Tyrus Hudson ,  David Molina ,  Jack West

IPC: H02S20/00 ,  H02S20/30 ,  H02S20/23 ,  F24J2/52

CPC classification number: H02S20/30 ,  F24S25/00 ,  F24S25/61 ,  F24S25/636 ,  F24S25/65 ,  H02S20/23 ,  Y02B10/12 ,  Y02B10/20 ,  Y02E10/47

Abstract: A two-piece rooftop photovoltaic mounting system. A fixed base portion is attached directly to a roof surface via a lag bolt or other mechanical fastener. A movable portion is attached to and pivots about the base portion providing freedom of movement radially and axially with respect to the base portion. A photovoltaic module coupler is attached to the movable portion to support at least two photovoltaic modules at a location dictated by positioning of the movable portion. A locking nut locks the movable portion to the base portion at the desired location. A sheet of sealant material under the base portion helps prevent ingress of water into the roof surface via the lag bolt.

公开(公告)号：US09899554B2

公开(公告)日：2018-02-20

申请号：US14985383

申请日：2015-12-30

Applicant: SolarCity Corporation

Inventor： Bobby Yang ,  Jiunn Benjamin Heng ,  Zheng Xu

IPC: H01L31/05 ,  B23K1/00 ,  H01L31/02 ,  H01L31/0475 ,  B23K1/012 ,  B23K3/08 ,  B65G47/90 ,  H01L21/66 ,  H01L31/18

CPC classification number: H01L31/0508 ,  B23K1/0016 ,  B23K1/012 ,  B23K3/08 ,  B65G47/90 ,  H01L22/12 ,  H01L31/0201 ,  H01L31/0475 ,  H01L31/0504 ,  H01L31/18 ,  Y02E10/50

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assembling PV modules using connectors that have strain relief elements. Strings can be inspected individually and dimensional information can be obtained to layup the strings into a PV module in a specific manner. Portions of the strings can be soldered using elevators to lift connectors into place, and then applying heat to both sides of the connector.

公开(公告)号：US09869095B2

公开(公告)日：2018-01-16

申请号：US14831342

申请日：2015-08-20

Applicant: SolarCity Corporation

Inventor： Jack Raymond West ,  Brian Atchley ,  Johann Karkheck

IPC: E04D13/147 ,  E04F17/02 ,  E04D13/17 ,  E04F17/04 ,  F24F7/02

CPC classification number: E04D13/1476 ,  E04D13/17 ,  E04D2001/309 ,  E04F17/026 ,  E04F17/04 ,  F24F7/02

Abstract: A roof-mounted venting device or assembly adapted for use with roof mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels is provided. Venting devices and assemblies can include a replacement flashing that fits over a cut-down roof pipe vent as well as venting assemblies that redirect airflow from a roof pipe vent. Such replacement flashing can include a substantially planar flashing portion from which protrudes a hood portion with one or more vent openings to allow airflow into and out from the interior of the hood portion. The vent openings can be configured as a series of louvered openings that open in a down-roof direction to prevent flow of run-off and debris into the hood portion. Venting assemblies can include a coupling portion for mating with a vent-pipe, a section of hose or piping to redirect airflow, and a venting portion disposed outside or between roof-mounted solar panels.

公开(公告)号：US09862006B2

公开(公告)日：2018-01-09

申请号：US14983316

申请日：2015-12-29

Applicant: SolarCity Corporation

Inventor： Ben Chung ,  Pablo Gonzalez

IPC: B08B3/00 ,  B08B3/02 ,  B65G13/02 ,  B65G39/08 ,  H01L31/18 ,  H01L21/677 ,  H01L21/67

CPC classification number: B08B3/022 ,  B65G13/02 ,  B65G39/08 ,  H01L21/67051 ,  H01L21/67706 ,  H01L21/67709 ,  H01L31/1876

Abstract: A system for processing solar cells is disclosed which includes a separation module for separating a processing frame from solar cells that are fed along a conveyance line. The processing frame can be separated without requiring manual lifting of the processing frame by feeding the processing frame and solar cells into a magnetic roller system. The magnetic roller system can gradually lift the processing frame away from the solar cells and divert the processing frame to a separate roller system. The solar cells can remain on the main conveyance line for further processing.

公开(公告)号：US09853597B2

公开(公告)日：2017-12-26

申请号：US14618302

申请日：2015-02-10

Applicant: SolarCity Corporation

Inventor： Jack Raymond West

IPC: F24J2/52 ,  H02S20/30 ,  H02S20/23 ,  H02S20/24 ,  H01L31/048 ,  H02S30/10 ,  F16B5/02

CPC classification number: H02S20/30 ,  F16B5/0216 ,  F24S25/16 ,  F24S25/20 ,  F24S25/61 ,  F24S25/613 ,  F24S25/67 ,  F24S25/70 ,  F24S2025/02 ,  H01L31/048 ,  H01L31/0488 ,  H02S20/23 ,  H02S20/24 ,  H02S30/10 ,  Y02B10/12 ,  Y02E10/47 ,  Y02E10/50 ,  Y10T29/49826 ,  Y10T403/32606

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the system includes various couplings having a first engaging portion adapted to engage a first PV module and a second engaging portion adapted to engage a second PV module. At least one of the engaging portions allows variable positioning of the engaged PV module along the engaging portion.

公开(公告)号：US09831794B2

公开(公告)日：2017-11-28

申请号：US15264573

申请日：2016-09-13

Applicant: SolarCity Corporation

Inventor： Cuauhtemoc Rodriguez

IPC: H02M1/12 ,  H02M5/458 ,  H02M7/48 ,  H02M7/5387 ,  H02J3/38 ,  H02M1/08 ,  H02J3/40 ,  H02M1/00

CPC classification number: H02M5/458 ,  H02J3/383 ,  H02J3/387 ,  H02J3/40 ,  H02M1/08 ,  H02M1/12 ,  H02M7/48 ,  H02M7/53871 ,  H02M7/53873 ,  H02M2001/0009 ,  H02M2001/007 ,  Y02E10/563

Abstract: A power conditioning unit for delivering power from a power source to a mains utility supply, the power conditioning unit comprising a plurality of input terminals for connecting to the power source, a plurality of output terminals for connecting to the mains utility supply, a voltage increasing converter connected to the input terminals, a voltage reducing converter connected to the voltage increasing converter and a dc-to-ac converter connected to the voltage reducing converter and to the output terminals.

公开(公告)号：US09812985B2

公开(公告)日：2017-11-07

申请号：US14961892

申请日：2015-12-08

Applicant: SolarCity Corporation

Inventor： Cuauhtemoc Rodriguez

IPC: H02M5/458 ,  H02M7/48 ,  H02M7/5387

CPC classification number: H02M7/4807 ,  H02M5/458 ,  H02M7/53871 ,  Y02E10/56 ,  Y02E10/76 ,  Y10S323/906

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power conditioning unit for delivering power from a dc power source to an ac output, particularly ac voltages greater than 50 volts, either for connecting directly to a grid utility supply, or for powering mains devices independent from the mains utility supply. We describe a power conditioning unit for delivering power from a dc power source to an ac mains output, the power conditioning unit comprising an input for receiving power from said dc power source, an output for delivering ac power, an energy storage capacitor, a dc-to-dc converter having an input connection coupled to said input and an output connection coupled to the energy storage capacitor, and a dc-to-ac converter having an input connection coupled to said energy storage capacitor and an output connection coupled to said output, wherein said energy storage capacitor has a capacitance of less than twenty microfarads.

公开(公告)号：US09812980B2

公开(公告)日：2017-11-07

申请号：US14986706

申请日：2016-01-03

Applicant: SolarCity Corporation

Inventor： Lesley Chisenga ,  Gehan Anil Joseph Amaratunga ,  Cuauhtemoc Rodriguez

IPC: H02M5/458 ,  H02J3/38 ,  H02M7/48 ,  H02M5/45 ,  H02M1/08 ,  H02M1/00

CPC classification number: H02M5/458 ,  H02J3/383 ,  H02J3/385 ,  H02M1/08 ,  H02M5/45 ,  H02M7/4807 ,  H02M2001/0009 ,  H02M2001/007 ,  Y02E10/563 ,  Y02E10/58

Abstract: We describe a power conditioning unit with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for a dc power source, in particular a photovoltaic panel. A power injection control block has a sense input coupled to an energy storage capacitor on a dc link and controls a dc-to-ac converter to control the injected mains power. The power injection control block tracks the maximum power point by measuring a signal on the dc link which depends on the power drawn from the dc power source, and thus there is no need to measure the dc voltage and current from the dc source. In embodiments the signal is a ripple voltage level and the power injection control block controls an amplitude of an ac current output such that an amount of power transferred to the grid mains is dependent on an amplitude of a sinusoidal voltage component on the energy storage capacitor.

公开(公告)号：US09806668B2

公开(公告)日：2017-10-31

申请号：US14855273

申请日：2015-09-15

Applicant: SolarCity Corporation

Inventor： Emil Johansen ,  Martin Seery

IPC: E04D13/18 ,  H02S20/25 ,  E04D13/147 ,  E04D1/36 ,  H02S20/22 ,  F24J2/52

CPC classification number: H02S20/25 ,  E04D1/36 ,  E04D13/147 ,  F24S25/30 ,  F24S25/61 ,  F24S25/613 ,  F24S25/632 ,  F24S25/636 ,  H02S20/22 ,  H02S20/23 ,  Y02B10/12 ,  Y02B10/20 ,  Y02E10/47

Abstract: A photovoltaic mounting system for tile roofs is disclosed. In one embodiment, mounting bracket is attached to a roof deck and passes through a flashing support and flexible flashing that mimics the contour of the adjacent roof tiles. In other embodiments, a tile hook passes through partial or full tile replacement flashing. A plug or other structure blocks the space around the tile hook preventing the ingress of pests and debris under the flashing and surrounding tiles. Additional photovoltaic module mounting hardware, including sections of rails and frame mounts are attached either the mounting bracket or tile hook.

公开(公告)号：US09803677B2

公开(公告)日：2017-10-31

申请号：US14599931

申请日：2015-01-19

Applicant: SolarCity Corporation

Inventor： Jack Raymond West ,  Tyrus Hawkes Hudson

IPC: F16B37/00 ,  F16B37/04 ,  F16B7/18 ,  F24J2/52

CPC classification number: F16B37/046 ,  F16B7/187 ,  F24S25/61 ,  F24S25/70 ,  Y02E10/47 ,  Y10T29/49948

Abstract: A system to prevent a sliding nut in a channel in a bar from escaping from the channel, and to prevent the nut from entering a no-go-zone at the end of the channel. The system is adjustable to position the nut at a desirable location along the length of the channels to mount coupling devices onto the bar.