Patent ID: 8610425
Filing Date: 2013-12-17
Classification: H02S,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A solar monitor, comprising: a switch having a first contact coupled to a first port of a first solar device, the first port being disposed between the first solar device and a subsequent solar device connected in series within an array of operating solar devices, wherein the switch is coupled to the first port in shunt configuration between the first solar device and the subsequent solar device, the switch varying an operating current flowing between the first solar device and the subsequent solar device; a charge storage element having a first terminal coupled to a second contact of the switch and having a second terminal coupled to a second port of the first solar device; a charger coupled to the first terminal of the charge storage element; a voltage detector having a first lead and a second lead, the first lead being coupled to a node located between the first terminal of the charge storage element and the first port of the first solar device, and the second lead being coupled to one of: a reference or ground, the voltage detector being configured to measure a voltage of the first solar device; a current detector configured to measure a current through the first port of the first solar device; and a processor, the processor associated with at least one of: the switch, the charger, the current detector, and the voltage detector; wherein the solar monitor is adapted to monitor current and voltage characteristics of the first solar device.