Solar modules having solar sub cells with matrix connections between the solar sub cells

A solar power generation system for providing a predetermined operating power level and predetermined operating voltage level requirement is provided. The system includes at least one solar-array panel. Each of the solar-array panels includes a multiplicity of PV solar sub cells. A preconfigured number of the PV solar sub cells are electrically connected in series to form a serial-unit or each forming an individual serial unit having just one PV solar sub cell. A preconfigured number of the serial units are electrically connected in series to form a string of serial-units. The PV solar sub cells are also connected in parallel to neighboring sub cells to form a crisscross matrix array that facilitates bypassing malfunctioning serial units, thereby improving the performance of the system. A PV solar sub cell is at least 50% smaller in area than a regular PV solar cell.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a solar array module system for generating electric-power and more particularly, to a non-monolithic solar array module system having PV solar sub cells interconnected in a crisscross configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Non-monolithic photovoltaic (PV) cells that are subdivided into smaller sub cells that are interconnected in series, are known in the art.

Solar array modules, having solar cells that are interconnected in a crisscross electrical matrix are also known in the art. See, for example, PCT Published Application No. WO/2011/089607 ('607) filed on Jan. 23, 2011, and PCT Published Application No. WO/2013/144963 ('963) filed on Mar. 30, 2013, by the same inventor as the instant application and which is owned in common, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The electrical current generated in a PV cell brings about losses of power caused by:1. The busbar of each solar cell.2. The solder points between PV cells and external conductors and other soldered points.3. Conductors interconnecting PV cells into string of cells.4. Conductors connecting string of PV cells to respective junction boxes.

These overall power losses decrease the output power of a PV panel.

A typical non-monolithic PV panel consists of dozens of quadratic PV cells. A typical quadratic cell size is approximately 15 cm×15 cm and provides electrical power of around (all numbers are given by way of example only, with no limitations):
0.5V*8A=4 W

With reference to the drawings,FIG.1., showing the equivalent circuit20of a PV cell, it is evident that the current I (80) produced by the solar cell is equal to that produced by the current source70, minus that which flows through the diode30, minus that which flows through the shunt resistor40:
I=IL−ID−ISHwhereI (80)=output current (ampere)IL(82) photo-generated current (ampere)ID(84)=diode current (ampere)ISH(86)=shunt current (ampere).RS(50)<<RSH(40)

The values of IL, ID, RSand RSHare dependent upon the physical size of the solar cell. When comparing otherwise identical technology solar cells, a first cell with twice the junction (light sensitive) area of a second cell generates double the ILand I80is also approximately twice higher.

Regardless of the PV cell size, the cell output voltage60remains almost unchanged.

For example, if instead of a regular 15 cm×15 cm (proximal dimensions) quadratic cell, herein after also referred to as “regular size solar cell”, “regular PV solar cell”, “regular solar cell”, or “regular cell”, two cells of size 15 cm×7.5 cm, or three cells of size 15 cm×5 cm each are used (or other smaller (sub) sizes of cells that combine into a total of 15 cm×15 cm area, thereby the power of the regular 15 cm×15 cm quadratic cell and the sum of the combined sub cells' power are equivalent (not considering smaller power losses and improved fill-factor of sub-cells, because actually, they provides higher power yield), then: the smaller size cell of 15 cm×7.5 cm produces a voltage of around 0.5V, but provides half the magnitude of current of the big cell (15 cm*15 cm), i.e., I=8 A/2=4 A.

Similarly, a sub cell of 15 cm×5 cm provides a current I=8 A/3=2.66 A. Therefore, the power losses caused by the three times smaller size solar cell output current on the same soldering points of cells, same busbars on solar cells, same conductors interconnecting PV cells to strings of cells, same conductors connecting strings of PV cells to designated junction boxes, according to the following expression, will be significantly less than the power losses brought about by larger output current of the bigger size cell:
Plusses=I2R,

where R is total resistance of all of the above conductors and soldered points.

The table below compares, by way of example, the power losses in 250 W panel with big and small PV cells sizes:

Incorporating smaller size cells with cells matrix connection maintains all advantages of this type of cells connection and provide higher power yield from each cell and from the entire panel.

There is therefore a need and it would be advantageous to have solar array modules for producing electric-power, having solar cells that are interconnected in a crisscross electrical matrix, wherein at least some of the regular size solar cells are “replaced” by a number of equivalent sub cells, and it would be further advantageous to have at least some of the sub cells interconnected in matrix, crisscross configuration. Typically, with no limitation, a regular size solar cell is cut into the number of equivalent sub cells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A principal intention of the present invention is to provide a non-monolithic array of solar cells that are interconnected in a crisscross electrical matrix, wherein at least some of the regular size solar cells are replaced by a number of sub cells that provide the same voltage, and wherein the smaller the solar cells are the less power losses are inflicted. The crisscross electrical matrix provides a passive rerouting of electric current when an individual solar-cell malfunctions. The solar module includes solar cells that are interconnected in a crisscross electrical matrix, wherein at least some of the “regular” size solar cells (15 cm×15 cm) are, for example, replaced by cutting such a regular size solar cell into a number of equivalent sub cells, and wherein the sub cells are interconnected in matrix, crisscross configuration.

Let us presume, for example, with no limitations, a common panel having 60 regular (15 cm×15 cm) PV solar cells210, that is arranged in a crisscross matrix configuration of 10 columns with serial strings each consisting of 6 regular PV solar cells. Each serial string of cells210provides power of: 8 A*(0.5V*6)=24 W. Hence, the voltage of a serial string of regular cells210is: 0.5V*6=3V, and the panel provides a total of 240 W. It should be noted that a 3V panel voltage is not suitable to obtain the voltage of commonly used regular panels, and requires an additional voltage DC/DC converter250(seeFIG.3) to boost the panel output voltage. If each regular PV solar cells210is replaced by a string of 9 sub cells, connected in serial, each typically of size 15 cm×1.67 cm, then the current I drops to 8/9=0.8889 A, but the voltage of serial string of sub cells is now: 0.5V*6*9=27V. Therefore, the total output power remains 240 W. In such a case, no DC/DC converter250is needed and it is possible to connect all panels with crisscross matrix cells connections, with or without a Maximum Power Point Tracker (being a power optimizer), directly in series to create strings of panels, to connect strings in parallel and to connect directly to an inverter or create parallel connections of a lot of the above panels with suitable panels output voltage and connect this array to battery charger with or without a MPPT.

The advantages of multiple sub cells arranged in a crisscross matrix include:a. No DC/DC converter250is needed, thereby reducing the panel cost.b. Lack of need to use voltage converter enables to increase the panel energy by about 3% (in case of a 97% efficiency of converter).c. The smaller current of the PV cells further reduces power losses.

It should be noted that orientation related descriptions such as “top”, “bottom”, “horizontal”, “vertical” “up”, “upper”, “down”, “low”, “lower” and the like, assumes that the solar cell module is situated, with no limitations, such that the positive (“+”) side of the array is considered, artificially, with no limitations, as the top side of the array, and the negative (“−”) side of the array is considered, artificially, with no limitations, as the bottom side of the array. Alternatively, with no limitations, the negative (“−”) side of the array is considered, artificially, with no limitations, as the top side of the array, and the positive (“+”) side of the array is considered, artificially, with no limitations, as the bottom side of the array.

It should be further noted that the terms “electrical” or “electrically wired”, as used herein refer to the electrical configuration of the matrix, regardless of the physical configuration of the solar cells in the solar panel. Similarly, it should be further noted that the term “physical” as used herein refers to the physical placement of solar cells in the module/panel, regardless of the electrical inter-wiring of the solar cells.

According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided a solar power generation system for providing a predetermined operating power level and predetermined operating voltage level requirement, the system including at least one solar-array panel, wherein each of the at least one solar-array panels includes a multiplicity of PV solar sub cells, wherein a preconfigured number of the PV solar sub cells are electrically connected in series to form a serial-unit or each individual serial unit having just one PV solar sub cell, and wherein a preconfigured number of the serial units are electrically connected in series to form a string of serial-units, the string of serial-units is facilitated to produce a first output voltage level.

A preconfigured number of the strings of serial-units, are electrically connected in parallel to form an array of the PV solar sub cells. In each of the strings of serial-units, each of the serial-units is also connected in parallel to the neighboring serial-units of all other strings of serial-units, to form a crisscross matrix array of the serial units, the crisscross matrix array of the PV solar sub cells is facilitated to produce a first output power level, wherein the crisscross matrix array of the serial units allows currents to bypass malfunctioning serial units, thereby improving the performance of the system; and

Each of the PV solar sub cell is physically smaller than a regular PV solar cell, wherein a regular PV solar cell is a quadrangular of about 15 cm×15 cm and produces a voltage of about 0.5V and current of about 8 A, and wherein the PV solar sub cell is a quadrangular PV solar cell that is at least 50% smaller in area than a regular PV solar cell.

It should be noted that the voltage produced by a regular PV solar cell and by a combination of the PV solar sub cell, covering an equivalent PV area, is the same, but the current generated by the combination of the PV solar sub cell is directly proportionately smaller than the current generated by a regular PV solar cell, thereby minimizing power loses and eliminating the need for a DC/DC converter.

Optionally, each of the strings of serial-units consists of the same number of the solar cells electrically connected in series.

Optionally, the solar power generation system further including a quantity of f bypass diodes that are connected in parallel to a preconfigured number of rows of the sub cells of the matrix array of the solar-array panel.

Optionally, the sub cells are formed by cutting regular PV solar cell.

Optionally, the multiple solar-array panels are connected in parallel and coupled to operate with a panel DC/AC inverter, to invert the DC output voltage of aid solar-array panels to AC voltage.

Optionally, the array parallelly connected solar-array panels are further connected in serial with a battery charger. Preferably, the battery charger is coupled to operate with a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) optimizer, and wherein the multiple solar-array panels are connected in parallel.

Optionally, the multiple solar-array panels are serially connected to form a string of solar-array panels, wherein the multiple strings of solar-array panels are connected in parallel, and wherein the array of multiple strings of solar-array panels are connected in parallel is further serially connected with a DC to AC inverter.

Optionally, the DC output of the matrix array of the PV solar sub cells is regulated by a MPPT optimizer, to provide maximum yield of power from the solar matrix array panel of the system. Optionally, a communication unit facilitates communication between the MPPT optimizer and a remote computerized unit.

Optionally, each of the string of solar-array panels is serially connected with a DC to AC inverter, before being parallelly interconnected.

Optionally, the DC output of the matrix array is serially connected to an inverter that inverts the DC voltage to AC voltage.

Optionally, the solar power generation system further includes a MPPT optimizer, an input/output voltage/current measurement unit and a power-calculation-processor, wherein the maximum power point (MPP) of the crisscross matrix of sub solar cells is regulated by the MPPT optimizer, based on the voltage/current measurements obtained by the measurement unit and analyzed by the power-calculation-processor. Optionally, the solar power generation system further includes a central monitoring and control sub system having a central processor, wherein the matrix array panel further includes a transmitter and a receiver, wherein the transmitter is configured to transferring the measurement data obtained from input/output voltage/current meter to a central processor; wherein the receiver is configured to receive commands from the central processor; and wherein the power-calculation-processor is configured to provide the MPPT optimizer with regulation data to thereby regulate the MPP of the crisscross matrix of sub solar cells.

Optionally, the central processor is further configured to send and/or receive data to and/or from a remote processor.

Optionally, the remote processor is selected from a group including a remote computer and a smart mobile device.

Optionally, the data is selected from a group including panel energy, power, temperature, voltage, current, time and date, a disable command and an enable command.

Optionally, the multiple solar-array panels that are MPP regulated, are serially connected to form a string of solar-array panels, and wherein the multiple strings of solar-array panels are connected in parallel.

Optionally, the multiple solar-array panels, that are MPP regulated, connected in parallel. Optionally, each of the solar-array panels is serially connected in series with a DC to AC inverter, before being interconnected in parallel.

Optionally, each of the solar-array panels is serially connected with a DC to AC inverter, and wherein the solar-array panels are connected in parallel before being serially connected with the DC to AC inverter and after being serially connected with the DC to AC inverter. Optionally, the parallel connection of the solar-array panels, before being serially connected with the DC to AC inverter, is switchable.

Optionally, the solar power generation system further includes a central monitoring and control sub system having a central processor, wherein each of the matrix array panel further includes a processor, output/input voltage/current measurement, transmitter and a receiver, wherein the transmitter is configured to transferring the measurement data obtained from input/output voltage/current meter to a central processor; wherein the receiver is configured to receive commands from the central processor; and wherein the power-calculation-processor is configured to provide the MPPT optimizer with regulation data to thereby regulate the MPP of the crisscross matrix of sub solar cells of the matrix array panels.

Optionally, the DC output of the matrix array is connected to a DC/DC power converter.

Optionally, the DC output of the matrix array is connected to multiple DC/DC power converters.

Optionally, the DC output of each of the strings of serial-units of the matrix array is serially connected to a DC/DC power converter, and wherein the parallelly connected DC/DC power converters are serially connected to a MPPT.

Optionally, the DC output of each of the strings of serial-units of the matrix array is serially connected to a DC/DC power converter, wherein each the DC/DC power converters is serially connected to a respective MPPT.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

Reference is now made to the drawings.FIG.2shows a prior art schematic illustration of a solar cell matrix network200having regular PV solar cells210interconnected in a crisscross configuration.FIG.3(prior art) is a schematic example of a solar cell module205, wherein a DC to DC voltage converter250is connected to the output of solar cell matrix200. Such embodiments are described in '607. It should be noted that the DC to DC voltage converter250may be a push-pull converter, an UP converter, a forward converter, a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) device or other types of converters, or a combination thereof.

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a system that bring each solar-array module to work at the Maximum Power Point (MPP) to maximize power generation. The power produced by a solar array system is affected by the cell temperature, the load on the system and the level of irradiance.FIG.4depicts two graphs (110,120) of a solar module: current-voltage characteristics at various cell temperatures graph110and current-voltage characteristics at various irradiance levels graph120. In each of the graphs (110,120), the width of the regulated zone (114,124) may differ significantly, for example, as a function of the shading conditions. In addition, in each of the graphs (110,120) the current remains generally steady as the voltage increases, until it drops down sharply at a certain voltage level, forming a knee-shaped curvature. At some point the knee is considered to have reached the Maximum Power Point (MPP) of the solar module. For example, at a radiance level of 1000 W/m2, the MPP is denoted by point122(approximately 28V); and at a temperature of 25° C., the MPP is marked by point112(approximately 25V). Hence, if the irradiance level or the temperatures are changed, the MPP changes and the output power decreases.

FIG.5ais a schematic illustration of an example of a solar cell matrix network300ahaving serial unit310of PV subs cells320interconnected in a crisscross configuration, according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the combined PV area of each serial unit310, in this example, with no limitations, is equivalent to the PV area of a regular solar cell210(seeFIG.3). In some embodiments, a regular size PV cell210is cut into the desired number of sub cells with similar dimensions.

FIG.5bis a schematic illustration of another example of a solar cell matrix network300bhaving serial unit310of PV sub cells320interconnected in another crisscross configuration, according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the combined PV area of each serial unit310, in this example, with no limitations, is equivalent to the PV area of a regular solar cell210. In some embodiments, a regular size PV cell210is cut into the desired number of sub cells with similar dimensions.

In these example matrices300, it is shown that each regular cell (210) is subdivided into 3 (three) sub cells. It should be noted that if the total number of sub cells320in a matrix300is denoted by “n”, the total number of sub cells320may be: 0<n<a myriad number.

FIG.6is a schematic illustration of another example solar cell matrix400, wherein each PV cell unit310consists of “n” PV sub cells320, wherein the number of sub cells320of matrix400may include any quantity “n” of sub cells320, and wherein the PV sub cells320are interconnected in a crisscross configuration.

In the crisscross configuration, a preconfigured number of PV solar sub cells320, being at least one PV solar sub cells320, are electrically connected in series to form a serial unit310, wherein a preconfigured number of the serial units310are electrically connected in series to form a string of serial-units330, and wherein the string of serial-units330is adapted to produce a first output voltage level. The preconfigured number of strings of serial-units330are electrically connected in parallel to form the module array (300,400) of the PV solar sub cells320, wherein the module array (300,400) is adapted to produce a first output power level.

Furthermore, each serial-unit310of each of the strings of serial-units330is also connected in parallel to the neighboring serial-units310of all other strings of serial-units330, to form rows315of serial-units310and the crisscross matrix array (300,400) of serial units310. The crisscross matrix array (300,400) of the serial units (310) allows currents to bypass malfunctioning serial units310, thereby improving the performance of the matrix array (300,400) and the system thereof.

Reference is now also made toFIG.7athat schematically illustrates an example solar cells panel500, wherein the matrix of solar cell310/320of panel500is, for example with no limitations, similar to solar cell matrix400.

FIG.7b, shows a solar panel502with partial shading, wherein two rows of sub cells320sare shaded. Solar panel502includes “n” PV sub cells interconnected in a crisscross configuration, as in solar cell matrix panel500, wherein one or more bypass diodes are connected in parallel to a preconfigured number of rows315of solar cells320and/or serial units310.

In such case of partial shading, sub cells320sstop to provide power that causes a decrease in the energy yield of entire panel502. In the example shown inFIG.7b, the shaded area, that covers entire rows of sub cells320, prevents current from flowing through illuminated sub cells320in the respective strings of cells. In order to resolve such a problem, a quantity of “f” bypass diodes “D” are connected in parallel to a preconfigured number of rows315of sub cells of solar matrix array400, as shown inFIG.6. f may be one bypass diode D, or 3 bypass diodes D, or 60 bypass diodes D, or any other number of bypass diodes D, connected to one or more rows315of matrix array400. The diodes D may be connected to one or more rows315of sub cells320or one or more rows315of serial unit310, see for example bypass diode Di and connected to row315of serial unit310that contains shaded rows of sub cells320sto thereby allow the string current to continue its flow.

Sub cells320of matrix solar array400may be arranged within a solar panel with or without bypass diodes D, and may also be operatively coupled with a MPPT device in order to avoid a mismatch between panels500connected in strings of panels. Such a mismatch may occur when one or more panels500malfunction or are partially shaded, as described above (see example onFIG.7b) or in preceding patents/patent applications of the present applicant.

FIG.7cis a schematic illustration of an example of a solar panels array507(each panel in this example is, with no limitations, similar to solar cell matrix panel500/502), wherein panels500are connected in parallel, and wherein the solar array panel is coupled with a panel DC/AC inverter950, to invert the DC output voltage of the solar matrix array panel to AC voltage, for example to 220V or 110V, according to embodiments of the present invention.

To deal with the problem of loss of power as a result of a changing MPP, and to bring each solar-array module to work at or closely to its MPP, such as MPP-Tracer552, is used, as shown inFIGS.7d,8aand others.FIG.7dis a schematic illustration of an example of a solar panels array509, similar to the array of solar panels507, but array509is serially connected to the input of a battery charger590, typically having a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) optimizer552.

Reference is also made toFIG.8a, illustrates an example solar matrix array panel504coupled with a power optimizer550ahaving a MPPT552a, to form a solar matrix array panel504. MPPT552abased optimizer550ais configured to provide maximum yield of power from the solar matrix array panel. The rows of sub cells of solar array matrix400of solar panel504are arranged without bypass diodes D and without a communication unit.

FIG.8billustrates an example solar matrix array panel506coupled with a power optimizer550bhaving a MPPT552aand a communication unit554b, to form a solar matrix array panel506. The rows of sub cells of solar array matrix400of solar panel504are arranged without bypass diodes D.

FIG.8cis a schematic illustration of an example solar matrix array panel503composed of a matrix solar array, such as matrix solar array400, that provides DC voltage and is serially connected to an inverter950that invert the DC voltage to AC voltage, for example, grid compatible electric power.

FIG.8dis a schematic illustration of an example solar array system511composed of parallelly connected strings (501) of solar panels array, in this example, an array of solar panels500, connected in series, wherein the array of parallel connected strings of solar panels501provides DC voltage to an inverter950that invert the DC voltage to AC voltage.

FIG.9is a schematic illustration showing an example of a solar-array system module600including an electronic MPPT optimizer, an output voltage/current measurement unit630and a processor620for MPP regulation of a crisscross matrix of sub solar cells array400i, for example, with no limitations, being part of solar panel systems504,506and/or508. The resulting measurements are obtained from MPP based optimizer652by processor620, which may thereby change the output voltage of a solar array panel such as solar array panel504/506/508.

FIG.10is a schematic illustration showing an example of a solar-array system module602including a matrix array panel such as solar array panel506/508having, for example, crisscross matrix of sub solar cells400i, wherein solar array panel506/508is coupled to operate with a central monitoring and command/control sub system700.

Matrix array panel506/508further includes a MPPT optimizer652, an input/output voltage/current measurement unit630and a processor620. Solar-array system module602further includes a transmitter640that facilitate communication with central monitoring system sub700, that may intervene in the control of each individual solar-array module602and an entire system of solar panels array. Each individual solar-array module602further includes a transmitter640for transferring the measurement data obtained from output/input voltage/current meter630to a central controller/processor710of central controlling sub system700. Each individual solar-array module602further includes a receiver642for receiving control commands from central processor710.

Optionally, central controlling sub system700further provides information to a personal computer or a smart mobile device (750) regarding features, such as panel energy, power, temperature and the like, of each panel or of the entire system602central controlling sub system700may be further configured to receive information from an operationally coupled remote computer or a remote smart mobile device (750), and for example, provides commands such as disable or enable a particular panel506/508, and the entire system (array) of panels.

Reference is also made toFIG.11a, a schematic illustration showing an example solar-array system800, having several strings840of solar-array panels504/506/508/509/513(each may optionally be characterized as previously described), wherein strings840of solar-array panels504/506/508/509/513are interconnected in parallel. Each solar-array panel504/506/508/509/513may have a MPPT optimizer and monitoring and command/control sub-system. Each solar-array panel504/506/508/509/513includes an array of serial units310having “n” PV sub cells320interconnected in a crisscross configuration.

FIG.11b, a schematic illustration showing an example solar-array system801, having several parallelly connected solar-array panels504/506/508/509/513, (each may optionally be characterized as previously described). Each solar-array panel504/506/508/509/513may have a MPPT optimizer and monitoring and command/control sub-system. Each solar-array panel504/506/508/509/513includes an array of serial units310having “n” PV sub cells320interconnected in a crisscross configuration.

It should be further noted that the regulation at the system level can still be performed by a DC/AC inverter (not shown) or by any of the aforementioned embodiments.

Reference is also made toFIG.12a, a schematic illustration showing another example solar-array system802, having several strings840of solar-array panels504/506/508/509/513(each may optionally be characterized as previously described), wherein strings840of solar-array panels504/506/508/509/513are interconnected in parallel. Each solar-array panel504/506/508/509/513has a MPPT optimizer and monitoring and command/control communication sub-system. Each solar-array panel504/506/508/509/513includes an array of serial units310having multiple PV sub cells320interconnected in a crisscross configuration.

A central control sub system700having a central processor710received measurement data regarding voltage of each string840of solar-array panels506/508/509/513, as well as voltage, current and output power of each solar-array panel506/508/509/513. After receiving the data from solar-array panels506/508/509/513through receiver742, central processor710sends the monitored data to customers PCs and Phones through transmitter740.

Central controlling sub system700may be further configured to receive information from an operationally coupled remote computer or a remote smart mobile device (750), for example commands such as able or disable a particular panel506/508/509/513or entire solar panel's array and/or other commands or information.

It should be note that central control sub system700may communicate with each solar-array module506/508/509/513through either wirelessly or wired communication means.

It should be further noted that the regulation at the system level can still be performed by a DC/AC inverter (not shown) or by any of the aforementioned embodiments.

FIG.12b, a schematic illustration showing an example solar-array system803, having several parallelly connected solar-array panels506/508/509/513, (each may optionally be characterized as previously described). Each solar-array panel506/508/509/513may have a MPPT optimizer and monitoring and command/control sub-system. Each solar-array panel506/508/509/513includes an array of serial units310having “n” PV sub cells320interconnected in a crisscross configuration.

A central control sub system700having a central processor710received measurement data regarding voltage of each string840of solar-array panels506/508/509/513, as well as voltage, current and output power of each solar-array panel506/508/509/513. After receiving the data from solar-array panels506/508/509/513, through receiver742central processor710sends the monitored data to customer's PCs and Phones through transmitter740.

Central controlling sub system700may be further configured to receive information from an operationally coupled remote computer or a remote smart mobile device (750), for example commands such as able or disable a particular panel506/508/509/513or entire solar panel's array and/or other commands or information.

It should be noted that central control sub system700may communicate with each solar-array module506/508/509/513through either wirelessly or wired communication means.

It should be further noted that the regulation at the system level can still be performed by a DC/AC inverter (not shown) or by any of the aforementioned embodiments.

To deal with the problem of systems panels array loss of power as a result of a changing MPP due to changing conditions of irradiance level (that is, access of the solar cells to light) and/or temperature, a DC/AC inverter950, having a MPP-tracer, is used, as shown inFIGS.13aand13b.

13ais a schematic illustration showing an example solar-array system900, having for example m*n solar-array panels500/502/504/506/508, each including a crisscross matrix of solar cells310/320, wherein the solar-array system900includes a common DC/AC inverter950. However, this solution works at a solar system level and not at a solar-array module level. Thus, this solution does not enable each solar-array module to operate at its MPP, which would provide greater efficiency over the entire system.

FIG.13bis a schematic illustration showing an example solar-array system902, having for example parallelly connected solar-array panels506/508/509/511, each including a crisscross matrix of solar cells310/320. Each solar-array panel506/508/509/511is serially connected to a DC/AC inverter950, before being parallelly interconnected.

FIG.13cis a schematic illustration of an example solar array system904having for example parallelly connected solar-array panels506/508/509/511, wherein each of the solar-array panels506/508/509/511provides DC voltage to a serially coupled inverter950that invert the DC voltage to AC voltage. The solar-array panels506/508/509/511are connected in parallel both before the DC voltage of each one is inverted to AC voltage, and after the DC voltage of each one is inverted to AC voltage.

FIG.13dis a schematic illustration of an example solar array system906having, for example, parallelly connected solar-array panels506/508/509/511, wherein each of the solar-array panels506/508/509/511provides DC voltage to a serially coupled inverter950that invert the DC voltage to AC voltage. The solar-array panels506/508/509/511are connected in parallel both before the DC voltage of each one is inverted to AC voltage, and after the DC voltage of each one is inverted to AC voltage. However, differing from solar array system904, each of the parallel connections of solar-array panels506/508/509/511that are connected in parallel both before the DC voltage of each one is inverted to AC voltage, is switchable by a switch512, typically, a controllable switch.

Other variations of the present invention are shown inFIGS.14-16.FIG.14is a schematic illustration of a solar cell module305a, wherein a DC to DC voltage converter350, that boost low panel voltage to desirable panel output voltage level or for MPP regulation, is connected to the output of solar cell matrix300, according to embodiments of the present invention;FIG.15is a schematic illustration of another solar cell module305b, wherein a number of DC to DC voltage converters350, that boosts low panel voltage to desirable panel output voltage level or for MPP regulation, is connected to the output of solar cell matrix300, according to other embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the DC to DC voltage converter350may be a Push-Pull converter, an UP converter, a forward converter, a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) device (352) or other types of converters, or a combination thereof.

The crisscross configuration of PV cells310minimizes the power losses of solar cell modules305a/305b(305), when any PV sub cell320malfunctions, whereas the current generated by sub cells connected in series to the malfunctioned sub cell are not lost but rerouted to bypass the malfunctioned sub cell. Using PV sub cells320rather than a regular PV cell210, substantially reduces the electrical current generated within solar cell module305and thereby, substantially reduces the losses of power due to conductive losses on solder points212/312between PV cells320(or310) and external conductors204/304; losses of power due to conductor connections between PV cells320, on busbars on solar cells, on conductors connecting PV cells to string of cells and conductors connecting string of PV cells to Junction Box

Hence, by decreasing the overall power losses of solar cell module305, the output power of solar cell module305is maximized.

FIG.16is another schematic example of a solar cell module306, wherein a number of DC to DC voltage converters250/350are connected to the output of the solar cell module306, according to some embodiments of the present invention. A multiplicity of other combinations of PV solar cells210and/or PV sub cells310/320may be configured to a variety of other solar cell modules, all of which are within the scope of the present invention.

FIG.17is a schematic illustration of another example of a solar cell module308, wherein a number of DC to DC voltage converters350are connected to the output of the solar cell matrix, as shown inFIG.4a, and number of MPPT devices352are connected to output of each one of above converters and the outputs of MPPT devices352are paralleled, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention being thus described in terms of several embodiments and examples, it will be appreciated that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are contemplated.