Method for quick self interconnection of photovoltaic cell arrays and panels
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A modular solar cell assembly comprising:
- a solar cell structure for receiving solar energy and converting the solar energy into electricity, the solar cell structure including first and second outputs of respective first and second polarities;
an insulating layer;
an interconnect layer; and
a backing layer;
wherein the modular solar cell assembly has a perimeter including at least a first side comprising a plurality of connectors including at least first, second and third connectors, the first and second connectors coupled electrically by the interconnect layer to the first output of the solar cell structure, and the third connector coupled electrically by the interconnect layer to the second output of the solar cell structure;
wherein the plurality of connectors are configured for repeatable connection and disconnection to one or more adjacent modular solar cell assemblies of like design without soldering thereto.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Interconnectable solar photovoltaic appliance that can be connected to each other and other derivative products in multiple series and parallel configurations to supply a specific amount of electrical power to an application requiring electrical energy. The resultant design is modular and expandable. Examples include photovoltaic appliances that are variable in size in shape so as to accommodate the spatial constraints and power requirements of their intended applications.
21 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A modular solar cell assembly comprising:
-
a solar cell structure for receiving solar energy and converting the solar energy into electricity, the solar cell structure including first and second outputs of respective first and second polarities; an insulating layer; an interconnect layer; and a backing layer; wherein the modular solar cell assembly has a perimeter including at least a first side comprising a plurality of connectors including at least first, second and third connectors, the first and second connectors coupled electrically by the interconnect layer to the first output of the solar cell structure, and the third connector coupled electrically by the interconnect layer to the second output of the solar cell structure; wherein the plurality of connectors are configured for repeatable connection and disconnection to one or more adjacent modular solar cell assemblies of like design without soldering thereto. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
-
-
14. A modular solar cell assembly comprising:
-
a solar cell structure for receiving solar energy and converting the solar energy into electricity and having first and second outputs of first and second polarities; an insulating layer; an interconnect layer; and a backing layer; wherein the modular solar cell assembly has a perimeter including at least a first side comprising a plurality of connectors including at least first, second and third connectors, the first and second connectors coupled electrically by the interconnect layer to the first output of the solar cell structure, and the third connector coupled electrically by the interconnect layer to the second output of the solar cell structure; wherein the plurality of connectors facilitate selective coupling of the modular solar cell assembly in parallel or series with one or more other modular solar cell assemblies using first and second male couplers configured for insertion into the plurality of connectors. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
-
-
17. A method of constructing a solar cell array comprising connecting together at least two modular solar cell assemblies, wherein each of the at least two modular solar cell assemblies comprise:
-
a solar cell structure for receiving solar energy and converting the solar energy into electricity and having first and second outputs of first and second polarities; an insulating layer; an interconnect layer; and a backing layer; wherein each of the first and second modular solar cell assemblies has a perimeter including at least a first side comprising a plurality of connectors including at least first, second and third connectors, the first and second connectors coupled electrically by the interconnect layer to the first output of the solar cell structure, and the third connector coupled electrically by the interconnect layer to the second output of the solar cell structure; wherein the plurality of connectors facilitate selective coupling of the modular solar cell assembly in parallel or series with one or more other modular solar cell assemblies using first and second male couplers configured for insertion into the plurality of connectors. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
-
Specification