Abstract:
A mounting system is provided for an array of solar modules. The mounting system includes one or more rail assemblies that extend lengthwise in a first direction to support a plurality of solar modules that comprise the array. Each of the one or more rail assemblies may be configured to compress in order to retain an edge section of one or more of the plurality of solar modules in an operable position. A conductive element may be positioned to bond the edge section of at least one of the plurality of solar modules with at least a section of the rail assembly that retains that edge section in the operable position, so as to form a conductive path for electrical current.
Abstract:
A user display for a healthy home or like building structure. In a specific embodiment, the display includes a hardware housing and a display device coupled to the hardware housing. The display includes a plurality of graphical objects corresponding respectively to a plurality of different loads numbered from a through N, where N is an integer greater than 1. As an example, the loads can include, among others, air conditioning, water, heat, electricity, swimming pool, and others. In a specific embodiment, each of the graphical objects is displayed in a common unit of measurement. In a specific embodiment, each of the graphical objects comprises a total demand portion and a fraction of renewable energy portion. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
Abstract:
A mounting system is provided for an array of solar modules. The mounting system includes one or more rail assemblies that extend lengthwise in a first direction to support a plurality of solar modules that comprise the array. Each of the one or more rail assemblies may be configured to compress in order to retain an edge section of one or more of the plurality of solar modules in an operable position. A conductive element may be positioned to bond the edge section of at least one of the plurality of solar modules with at least a section of the rail assembly that retains that edge section in the operable position, so as to form a conductive path for electrical current.
Abstract:
A frame assembly is provided for a solar module. The frame assembly includes a plurality of frame members that are structured to collectively support and hold a first solar panel. At least one of the plurality of frame members is structured to adjoin a frame member of a second solar module in forming a joining with the frame member of the second solar module over a length where the frame member of the first and second solar module adjoin.
Abstract:
A novel method (or monitoring the operation of a solar thermal system such as the healthy home system The present device includes a hardware housing with a processor device coupled to a bus and one or more memory devices The processor device can be coupled to one or more input devices wherein the one or more input devices are coupled to at least the solar array The input devices can be coupled to the electric panel, the space heater, the water heater, as well as other components of the healthy home The method includes a variety of steps such as establishing connection to associated hardware in the healthy home system, running diagnostic checks to determine system health, validating acquired data, and displaying the data through text display and graphical illustrations The method also includes updating the system information according to a schedule scheme such as a polling scheme, interrupt scheme, or others.
Abstract:
A control system or controller solar module array may be operated by (i) programmatically determining, for a given time period, a demand for an output of the solar module array by one or more energy consuming resources at the target location; and (ii) affecting an efficiency of the solar module array based at least in part on the determined demand.
Abstract:
A rack assembly (10, 110) is provided for mounting solar modules (114) over an underlying body (15). The rack assembly (10, 110) may include a plurality of rail structures (12, 220) that are arrangeable over the underlying body (15) to form an overall perimeter for the rack assembly. One or more retention structures (245, 265) may be provided with the plurality of rail structures (12, 220), where each retention structure (245, 265) is configured to support one or more solar modules (114) at a given height above the underlying body (15). At least some of the plurality of rail structures (12, 220) are adapted to enable individual rail structures o be sealed over the underlying body (15) so as to constrain air flow underneath the solar modules (114). Additionally, at least one of (i) one or more of the rail structures (12, 220), or (ii) the one or more retention structures (245, 265) are adjustable so as to adapt the rack assembly (10, 110) to accommodate solar modules (114) of varying forms or dimensions.
Abstract:
A control system or controller solar module array may be operated by (i) programmatically determining, for a given time period, a demand for an output of the solar module array by one or more energy consuming resources at the target location; and (ii) affecting an efficiency of the solar module array based at least in part on the determined demand.
Abstract:
A frame assembly is provided for a solar module. The frame assembly includes a plurality of frame members that are structured to collectively support and hold a first solar panel. At least one of the plurality of frame members is structured to adjoin a frame member of a second solar module in forming a joining with the frame member of the second solar module over a length where the frame member of the first and second solar module adjoin.
Abstract:
A rack assembly is provided for mounting solar modules over an underlying body. The rack assembly may include a plurality of rail structures that are arrangeable over the underlying body to form an overall perimeter for the rack assembly. One or more retention structures may be provided with the plurality of rail structures, where each retention structure is configured to support one or more solar modules at a given height above the underlying body. At least some of the plurality of rail structures are adapted to enable individual rail structures o be sealed over the underlying body so as to constrain air flow underneath the solar modules. Additionally, at least one of (i) one or more of the rail structures, or (ii) the one or more retention structures are adjustable so as to adapt the rack assembly to accommodate solar modules of varying forms or dimensions.