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System and method for monitoring photovoltaic power generation systems

  • US 8,204,709 B2
  • Filed: 01/17/2006
  • Issued: 06/19/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2005
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A panel sentry in proximity, electrically connected to, and monitoring both a photovoltaic panel and an adjacent electrical device wherein the panel sentry and the photovoltaic panel, in combination, and the adjacent electrical device are within a series string of electrical devices, each having compatible interface and operating characteristics, said panel sentry comprising:

  • a source of power;

    a first circuit for detecting a voltage of the photovoltaic panel and producing a first signal representing the voltage of the photovoltaic panel;

    a second circuit for producing a second signal representing the voltage of the adjacent electrical device in the series string;

    an electrical conductor serially connecting a power terminal of the photovoltaic panel directly to a power terminal of the opposite polarity of the adjacent electrical device in the series string;

    a second electrical conductor, connected to provide a communication channel between the panel sentry and photovoltaic panel combination and the adjacent electrical device, said second conductor carrying a signal indicating a measured voltage of the adjacent electrical device;

    a serial communication device for communicating information to the adjacent electrical device in the series string using at least said second electrical conductor; and

    a transmitter for transmitting at least the first and second signals to at least one external device, said transmitter being powered by the source of power.

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