Solar Energy

Renewable energy is critical to replace energy from burning fossil fuels. This invention covers a method for power combining solar panels’ DC outputs using controlled power sources.

The video is relatively technical and should be watched by someone with an engineering background.

Background: Solar panels’ DC energy output is typically combined by one of two methods. In one method, the panels are wired in series, and a total high voltage is connected to a load, which is usually a battery or an inverter, to make AC power. This wiring advantage is low cost. A disadvantage is that all panels in series need to be illuminated equally. If one panel goes dark, perhaps because of shading, the entire string goes out, similar to series Christmas tree lights.

Another method is to attach a micro-inverter to back of each panel, and combine the inverters’ AC outputs, usually 230VC, to a common grid connection. The advantage of this method is that shaded panels only reduce total power marginally. A disadvantage is higher cost relative to series connection.

Current source and voltage source circuit elements are well known. A controlled power source (CPS) is a much less well known circuit element with useful properties. Basically, a control signal controls power delivered, regardless of load resistance, whether linear or non-linear. This enables solar MPPT (maximum power point tracking) and easy power combining.

This invention, using a converter on the back of panels, extends the application of solar panels to remove the restriction of needing all panels that are wired together to be facing the same direction by adding a CPS. For example, some connected panels can be wired to catch the morning sun while others catch the afternoon sun. Or solar panels can be used for privacy or fencing, or rener-owned balcony solar systems.

This CPS also works well for charging batteries, where a precise power charge can be delivered to a battery.

CPS evaluation units are available for testing. The evaluation units use an ESP-32 microprocessor. Design details can be provided upon request.

References: US12,192,026 PCT/US2025/054148