Patent ID: 8204709
Filing Date: 2012-06-19
Classification: H01L,H02J,H02S,Y02E

Abstract:
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.