Abstract:
One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for integrating a solar power unit that generates a power signal, into a building structure. The method comprises the steps of attaching a frame of the solar power unit to the building block, installing the solar panel on the attached frame, and securing the solar panel to the attached frame with the front cover.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/802,469, filed Mar. 13, 2013, a U.S. continuation-in-part patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/426,688, filed Jul. 09, 2012, a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/710,709, filed Oct. 6, 2012, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/734,967, filed Dec. 8, 2012, which design and provisional patent applications are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to solar power. More specifically, the present invention relates to an integrated solar power unit and system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    With massive energy demands on our cities, existing surfaces of our built environment fail to harvest and utilize potential solar energy. Existing solar arrays on rooftops are far removed from the architecture of our daily lives and require clumsy equipment that is neither integrated nor aesthetically considered. Also, existing products, for example, solar roofing tile, translucent photovoltaic window modules, and façade panels, do not have the components (e.g., battery, inverter, and other electronics) integrated with the product. 
         [0004]    Other existing products have the same issues that typical roof-mounted systems have, complicated wiring configurations that connect to electrical equipment located inside the building. These products are also not structural. Typical solar panels that are applied to the façade or roof of the building are mounted on top of structural building materials. 
         [0005]    Therefore, there exists a need for an architecturally integrated technology system that collects, stores, and transforms solar energy into usable electricity. The system may also serve as the structural, exterior finish material of the building, and protect the building from environmental forces (rain, wind, UV degradation, etc.). 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present invention includes many aspects and features. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for integrating a solar power unit, for generating a power signal, into a building structure. The building structure includes a plurality of building blocks and the solar power unit comprises a frame and a front cover. The method comprises the steps of attaching the frame of the solar power unit to the building block, installing the solar panel on the attached frame, and securing the solar panel to the attached frame with the front cover. 
         [0007]    In a feature of this aspect, the solar power unit further comprises a power outlet for providing the generated power signal to an electronic device coupled to the power outlet. 
         [0008]    In a feature of this aspect, the building block is a cinder block. 
         [0009]    In a feature of this aspect, the building structure is an exterior cinderblock wall. 
         [0010]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for integrating a solar power system that provides a power signal into a building structure. The building structure includes a plurality of building blocks and the solar power system includes a plurality of solar power units. Each of the solar power units comprises a frame and a front cover. The method comprises the steps of attaching the frames of each of the solar power units to a corresponding one of the plurality of building blocks, installing the solar panel on each of the attached frames, and securing the solar panel to each of the attached frames with the corresponding front cover. 
         [0011]    In a feature of this aspect, the solar power unit further comprises a power outlet for providing the generated power signal to a device coupled to the power outlet. 
         [0012]    In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combined with an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present invention without requiring any other aspect or feature. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0013]    A more detailed understanding of the disclosed system and method may be had from the following description, given by way of example and to be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is an example illustration of a disclosed solar power unit; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an example illustration of an alternative of the solar power unit shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an example illustration of another alternative of the solar power unit shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are example illustrations of exploded views of a frame in accordance with the disclosed solar power unit shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is an example illustration of the fabrication of the disclosed frame of the disclosed solar power unit; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an example illustration of the disclosed solar power unit including a power component; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is an example illustration of a method for integrating the disclosed solar power unit with a cinder block; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is an example illustration of the disclosed solar power unit fitted over a cinder block; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is an example illustration of a cross-sectional view of the solar power unit shown in  FIG. 9 , including a power component; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is an example illustration of the alternative implementation of the disclosed solar power unit installed on a pre-existing wall; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the alternative solar power unit shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is an example illustration of a method for integrating the disclosed solar power unit into a wall being built; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is an example illustration of a method for integrating the disclosed solar power unit within an existing wall; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is an example illustration of a disclosed solar power system including a plurality of solar power units; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is an example circuit diagram of the disclosed solar power system shown in  FIG. 15  wherein the plurality of solar power units are connected in series; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is an example circuit diagram of the disclosed solar power system shown in  FIG. 15  wherein the plurality of solar power units are connected in parallel; 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is an example illustration of the building of a cinder block wall including the disclosed solar power units; 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is an example illustration of the alternative solar power unit, including a positive and negative leads and lead cavities; 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is an example circuit diagram of the solar power system of  FIG. 18 , wherein the plurality of solar power units are connected in series; 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is an example circuit diagram of the solar power system of  FIG. 18 , wherein the plurality of solar power units are connected in parallel; 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is an example illustration of a method for installing the solar power units into a new wall; 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is an example illustration of a cross-sectional view of the disclosed solar power unit shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is an example illustration of a disclosed solar wall module; 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is an example illustration of a cross-sectional view of the solar wall module shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  is an example illustration of a frame included in the disclosed solar wall module shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  is an example illustration of a plurality of frames shown in  FIG. 26  attached together for use in the solar wall module; 
           [0040]      FIG. 28  is an example illustration of an exploded view of the disclosed solar wall module shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 29  is an example illustration of a rear perspective view of the disclosed solar wall module shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 30  is an example illustration of the power component included in the disclosed solar wall module; and 
           [0043]      FIG. 31  is an example illustration of a plurality of solar wall modules installed in a home. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0044]    As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0045]    Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. 
         [0046]    A disclosed solar power unit may be used in many situations. As a stand alone unit, the solar power unit may be a portable power source used to power an electronic device or charge a battery. The solar power unit may also be integrated into a building structure, for example, a residential deck or exterior wall, a commercial building exterior wall, or public structure, such as a cinderblock wall in a park or public club house, for generating a renewable power source. 
         [0047]      FIG. 1  is an example illustration of an implementation of a disclosed solar power unit  100 . The solar power unit  100  comprises a solar panel  102 , a frame  103  and a front cover  101 . The solar panel  102 , for example, a photovoltaic panel, converts the sun&#39;s solar energy to an electric signal, e.g., a direct current (DC) power signal. 
         [0048]    In a preferred implementation, the solar panel  102  is supported in place within the front cover  101 , preferably by slots or grooves on the rear of the front cover  101  that prevent the solar panel  102  from moving. Once the solar panel  102  is held within the front cover  101 , the front cover  101  is be attached to the frame  103  preferably using screws, but any means of attaching the front cover  101  to the frame  103  can be used. The front cover  101  preferably may be removed and re-attached as required. Example illustrations of the frame  103  and front cover  101  are shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the front cover  101  includes a panel opening  106  for allowing the solar panel  102  to receive the solar energy from the sun while the solar panel  102  and front cover  101  are attached to the frame  103 . In a preferred solar power unit  100 , the front cover  101  further includes a front cover output opening  105  for receiving a power output device  104 , for example an electrical outlet, USB port, etc. 
         [0050]    The frame  103  includes a front panel  131 , a left and right side panel  132 , a top panel  133  and a bottom panel  134 . The front panel  131  includes an access opening  111  to allow a component, for example a charge controller, inverter, or power output device, to be coupled to the output of the solar panel  102 , to be disclosed in greater detail below. In a preferred implementation, the front panel  131  further includes at least one power output device opening  136  for providing an opening to insert a power output device, wherein one of the at least one front panel output device openings  136  is lined up with the front cover output opening  105 . 
         [0051]    The left and right side panels  132  are attached to the left and right edges of the front panel  131 . In accordance with the disclosed solar power unit  100 , the right and left side panels  132  are shaped such that when attached to the front panel  131 , the front panel  131  is positioned at an angle relative to the ground. The angle at which the front panel  131  is situated preferably depends upon the angle best suited to allow the solar panel  102  to receive as much of the sun&#39;s solar energy as possible, i.e., receive the most direct sun light for the longest period of time during the day. Those having skill in the art know that differing locations require different angles due to the sun&#39;s positioning in the sky over that location. This angle is referred to as the tilt angle. 
         [0052]    The top panel  133  is attached to the top edges of the front panel  131  and the right and left panels  132  such that the top panel  133  is parallel to the ground. Preferably, the top panel  133  is a flat piece of material that extends beyond the back edge of the right and left side panels  132 . In a preferred implementation of the solar power unit  100 , the top panel  133  is perforated, illustrated in  FIG. 2 , to be disclosed below. Alternatively, the material of the top panel  133  that extends beyond the back edge of the right and left side panels  132  may be bent upwards 90°, for example, such that the solar power unit  100  may be attached to an existing building structure, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , to be disclosed in further detail below. 
         [0053]    Referring back to  FIG. 5 , the bottom panel  134  is attached to the bottom edges of the front panel  131  and the left and right panels  132 . In accordance with the disclosed solar power unit  100 , and it alternatives, the bottom panel  134  is similar to the top panel  133 . 
         [0054]    An example illustration of how the frame  103  of the disclosed solar power unit  100  may be fabricated is shown in  FIG. 6 . A flat panel made of any type of material for the frame and front cover may be used. In accordance with the disclosed solar power unit, the material of the frame and front cover is sheet metal, but other materials may be used, for example, plastic. A stencil of the frame and front cover are set on the flat panel and cut out. Once the frame and front cover are cut from the flat panel, the flat frame and flat front covers are cut and folded along the specified lines to form the frame and front cover used in the solar power unit. 
         [0055]    As stated above, the power signal generated by the solar panel may be coupled to a power component that utilizes the output power signal.  FIG. 7  illustrates an example power component  710  included in the solar power unit  700 . As a standalone solar power unit  700 , the solar panel (not shown) may be coupled to the power component  710 , which includes an inverter  716 . The inverter  716  converts the received DC power signal from the solar panel to an AC power signal. In this implementation, a power outlet  704  is coupled to the power component  710 . When an electronic device is plugged into the solar power unit  700 , the generated AC power signal is used to power the electronic device. 
         [0056]    In this implementation of the disclosed solar power unit  700 , the power component  710  further includes a charge controller  719  and a battery  711 . The charge controller  719 , coupled to the solar panel  702  and the battery  711 , receives the DC power signal generated by the solar panel  702  and forwards the DC power signal to the battery  711 . The battery  711  then stores the DC power received for later use or forwards the signal to the inverter  716  when the power output device  704  is being used. The charge controller  719 , as those having skill in the art know, also regulates the charging of the battery  711  to prevent over charging when the power generated by the solar power unit  700  is not being used by a device or other power sink. 
         [0057]    The battery  711 , coupled to the charge controller  719  and the inverter  716 , stores the DC power generated by the solar power panel and forwards the stored DC power signal to the inverter  716 . As disclosed above, the inverter  716  then converts the stored DC power signal to an AC power signal when the power output device  704  is being used. Although this implementation of the power component is disclosed as including a battery, charge controller and inverter, if should be noted that the power component may only include a battery or an inverter, with or without the other. 
         [0058]    The power component  710  is preferably secured within the frame  703  of a standalone unit  700  by a back panel, not illustrated. Alternatively, the power component  710  may float within the frame  703 . 
         [0059]    As a standalone unit, the disclosed solar power unit may be used as a power source anywhere. With or without a power outlet, a device or battery may be coupled directly to the solar panel of the solar power unit through the back access opening of the frame and operated accordingly. 
         [0060]    In an alternative implementation of the disclosed solar power unit, the solar power unit may be integrated into an existing wall or building structure, or included in a new building structure as it is being built. For example, the solar power unit may be integrated into an existing exterior wall or other building or landscape structure, wherein the wall may be made up of building blocks. The building blocks may be made of any building material used for this purpose, for example, concrete, stone blocks, bricks, etc. For purposes of this disclosure, the building blocks are cinder blocks. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the frame  803  is fabricated to fit over the cinder block  807 . Accordingly, the solar power unit  800  may be slid over a cinder block and used in a pre-existing or newly built wall. 
         [0061]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example method of integrating the disclosed solar power unit  800  with a cinder block  807 . In accordance with this disclosed implementation, the frame  803  and the front cover  801  are designed to fit over a cinder block  807 . The top and bottom panels  809 ,  808  are flat and preferably include perforations. The solar power unit  800  also includes a battery and inverter, not shown. A power output source  804  is coupled to the inverter, receives the AC power signal from the inverter, and provides power to a device coupled to the power output source  804 , e.g., an electronic device. 
         [0062]    In an implementation, the solar power unit  800  may be installed by sliding the frame  803 , including the solar panel  802  and front cover  801 , over the cinder block  807  such that the top and bottom panels  809 ,  808  are covering a portion of the top and bottom of the cinder block  807 . In accordance with this implementation, the battery and inverter are situated within the frame  803  such that when the cinder block  807  is slid into the frame  803 , the battery and inverter are housed freely between the front panel (not shown) and the front of the cinder block  807 . Alternatively, a back panel may be included in the frame  803  such that the top and bottom panels  809 ,  808  hang over the back panel and the cinder block  807  slides against the back panel. 
         [0063]    As disclosed, the top and bottom panels  809 ,  808  are perforated such that when cinder blocks are placed above and below the integrated solar power unit  800 , the bonding material used to build the wall, i.e., mortar, may still bond with the cinder block  807  while within the frame  803 . An example illustration of this disclosed implementation is shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0064]    This implementation of the solar power unit may also be integrated into an existing wall wherein the frame of the solar power unit is slid into cutouts in the existing building structure, such as an exterior concrete wall. An example illustration of this implementation can be seen in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0065]    Further, the alternative solar power unit illustrated in  FIG. 3  may be installed on a preexisting wall as well. In accordance with this implementation, the top and bottom panels are bent to allow the solar power unit to be attached to a building structure. In  FIG. 11 , the building structure is a pre-existing cinder block wall. Once attached to the wall, the power output source  1104  may be used to power an electronic device. 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , a cross-sectional view of the solar power unit illustrated in  FIG. 11 , it is preferable that the solar power unit  1100  includes a battery  1111  and inverter  1116 , as described above. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the solar power unit  1100  may be attached to the existing wall using screws  1190 . Accordingly, the screws  1190  are drilled through the top  1133  and bottom  1134  panels and into the mortar  1127  between each cinder block  1126 . Although, screws have been disclosed as the manner for attaching the alternative solar power unit to an existing wall, other means know to those having skill in the art may be used, e.g., an adhesive glue or tape. 
         [0067]    In another disclosed implementation, a plurality of solar power units are included in a solar power system, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . As illustrated, solar power system  1500  comprises a plurality of solar power units  1510   1  . . .  1510   n . The solar power system  1500  may provide power to the building in which the wall supports or to any devices that may be able to connect thereto. This solar power system  1500  therefore may or may not include a storage device, depending on the purpose of the system  1500 . As such, the power being generated by the solar power system  1500  and not used by the building, may then be sold to the electric power company, providing the owner of the building with an additional income stream. 
         [0068]    Each solar power unit  1510  in the disclosed implementation may be coupled to one another in series or parallel, depending on the implementation. For example, if the solar power system was being used as a power source to a building, the solar power units  1510   1 . . . n  may be electrically coupled in series. An example circuit diagram of serially connected solar power units  1510  can be seen in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0069]    Referring back to  FIG. 15 , if the solar power system  1500  was to provide more than a single source of power, the solar power system  1500  may be sectioned off such that the groups of the plurality of solar power units  1510  are electrically coupled in parallel to one another. An example circuit diagram of this implementation can be seen in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 18  illustrates an example solar power system  1800  including a plurality of alternative solar power units  1801   1 . . . n . Each solar power unit  1801  includes a positive lead (+)  1823  and negative lead (−)  1824 . An example solar power unit in accordance with this implementation is illustrated in  FIG. 19 . 
         [0071]    As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the solar power unit  1800  comprises lead cavities  1833  and  1834  and a positive lead  1823  and negative lead  1824 . In accordance with this disclosure, lead cavities  1833  and  1834  are female connectors for additional solar power units  1800  to electrically connect to one another as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         [0072]    Referring back to  FIG. 18 , each of a plurality of solar power units  1801   n  in the solar power system  1800  may be coupled to a solar power unit  1801   n  above it through its positive lead  1823   n  or negative lead  1824   n , and below the unit through the lead cavities. As disclosed above, depending on how the energy generated by the solar power system may be coupled to one another in series or parallel. Example circuit diagrams of the solar power units  1801  connected in series and parallel in accordance with this disclosed implementation are illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , respectively. 
         [0073]    In accordance with this implementation, each solar power unit  2210  of the solar power system  2200  may be installed as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . As illustrated in  FIG. 22  and disclosed above, the frame  2203  includes a perforated top and bottom panel  2207 ,  2208 , respectively. Once the lower section of the wall is installed including the solar power unit  2210   1 , mortar or other bonding substance  2240  can be spread over the cinder block  2217   1 . Because the top panel  2207   1  is perforated, the bonding material is able to adhere to the cinder block  2217   1 . 
         [0074]    The solar power unit  2210   2  is then installed on top of the solar power unit  2210   1 . Again, because the bottom panel of the solar power unit  2210   2 , the bonding substance  2240  is able to bond to the cinderblock  2217   1 . Depending on the how the solar power units  2210  are electrically connected, the lead  2224   1 ,  2223   1  are connected to lead cavity(ies)  2233   2 ,  2234   2  accordingly. 
         [0075]    In this implementation, it is a preferred feature to include additional perforations  2253   2  in the angled portion of a solar power unit&#39;s  2210   2  bottom panel  2208   2 . Similarly, perforations may be added to the portion of the top panel  2210   1  that is not engaged with the cinder block  2217   1  of this disclosed implementation. The inclusion of these perforations allow air to flow through the solar power units  2210  to cool the solar power unit  2210  and assist in drying the unit  2210  after wet weather. 
         [0076]      FIG. 23  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the disclosed solar power system in a building structure shown in  FIG. 18 , including a plurality of building blocks  1807   1 ,  1807   2 ,  1807   3 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , solar power units  1800   1 ,  1800   2 ,  1800   3  are each slid over building blocks  1807   1 ,  1807   2 ,  1807   3 , and electrically connected to each other at leads  1824   1  and  1824   3  through lead cavities  1825   1  and  1825   2 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 18  also illustrates the building of a building structure  1800  including a plurality of building blocks  1807   1  . . .  1807   n , and a plurality of solar power units  1801   1  . . .  1801   n  electrically connected to one another to provide power to electrical outlet  1804  included in solar power unit  1801   1 . Once the building structure is complete, a user may then connect an electronic device, requiring a DC power source, to be powered through outlet  1804  of solar power unit  1801   1 , using the power generated by the plurality of solar power units  1801   1  . . .  1801   n . 
         [0078]    In accordance with an alternative implementation, a solar wall module is disclosed.  FIG. 24  illustrates an example solar wall module  2400  in accordance with this implementation. The solar wall module  2400  comprises a plurality of solar power units  2410   1 . . . n  and wall assembly  2420 . As disclosed above, the solar power unit  2410  may include top and bottom panels that are bent 90° up and down, respectively, such that the solar power units can be attached to an existing wall. In accordance with this implementation, each of the plurality of solar panel users are attached to the wall assembly for integrating with a building wall. 
         [0079]    An example cross-sectional illustration of the solar wall assembly  2400  is shown in  FIG. 25 . As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the solar power units  2410  are attached to each other and to the wall assembly  2420  using screws  2460 . Although screws have been disclosed, it should be noted that any means of supporting the plurality of solar power units on the wall assembly may be used. 
         [0080]    An example frame for each of the solar power units  2410  included in the disclosed solar wall assembly is illustrated in  FIG. 26 . The frame  2415  comprises a top panel  2604 , a bottom panel  2602 , and a face plate  2603 . As disclosed above, the top and bottom panels  2602 ,  2604  are bent 90° up and down, respectively, to attached the frame  2115  to the wall assembly. It is preferable that the top and bottom panels  2602 ,  2604  include perforations in the portions of the panels that are not attached to the wall assembly to allow for air to flow through the unit. 
         [0081]    The face plate  2603  is attached to the top and bottom panels  2602 ,  2604  and supports the solar panel. One or more access openings  2605  are included on the face plate  2603  to allow connections to the one or more solar panels. 
         [0082]    In accordance with a preferred fabrication of the frame  2415 , the bent portion of the top panel  2603   2  of frame  2415   2  is attached to the bent portion of the bottom panel  2602   1  of frame  2415   1 , and so on. An example illustration of the frames attached in this manner is shown in  FIG. 27 . 
         [0083]    Referring back to  FIG. 24 , solar panels  2401   1 . . . n  are attached to the frame  2415   1 . . . n  directly using screws, for example, or a front cover (not shown) as disclosed above. 
         [0084]    The wall assembly  2420 , attached to the plurality of solar power units  2410   1 . . . n , supports the solar power units in the building structure and acts as a part of a wall for the building structure. An exploded view of the solar wall module  2400  is illustrated in  FIG. 28 . The wall assembly comprises an outer barrier and an inner barrier. The outer barrier is the portion of the wall assembly that is directly touching the solar power system, and includes a water barrier  2422 , furring strip  2421  and sheathing  2423 . An air and water barrier  2422  material may serve as a drainage plane for water to escape quickly at the bottom of the panel. This material may also prevent water and outside air from penetrating into the building. Metal flashing  2424  may also be included in the outer barrier to protect against water entering in the walls. 
         [0085]    Since the disclosed implementation is a wall module that will be fitting within the framework of a building structure, the wall assembly&#39;s  2420  inner barrier includes two studs  2450 , preferably spaced apart the same distance as the studs in the other portions of the building structure, for example 24″. The height of the studs  2450  depends on the size selection of the solar wall module  2400 . Structural studs could be made of wood or metal and may serve as the structural layer of the assembly  2420  to enable the solar wall module  2400  to be robust and withstand wind loads. 
         [0086]    The inner barrier further includes a rigid insulation core  2426  that may be used as a thermal barrier and to prevent unwanted hot and cold air from penetrating into the building and significantly lowering utility bills. A moisture barrier  2427  may be used to prevent condensation from building up within the insulation  2426 . Gypsum board or sheet rock  2429  may be used to provide an interior rigid material which may be painted or covered with a finishing material like paint, wall-paper, or wood trim, etc. 
         [0087]    The solar wall module  2400  further includes a power component  2428 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 28 and 30 , the power component  2428  is preferably enclosed within a cavity in the insulation  2426  and the sheet rock  2429 . The power component  2428  comprises an inverter  3072 , a battery  3073  and charge controller  3071 . The inverter  3072  may be equipped with a traditional  120  volt outlet and can be accessed and plugged directly into from either the interior, as shown in  FIG. 30 , or exterior side of the wall, as shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         [0088]    A removable metal panel  2430  may cover the pocket of the wall that holds power components. The panel  2430  may be perforated to allow ventilation to the equipment and accommodates a socket for the outlet. 
         [0089]      FIG. 31  illustrates an example of a plurality of solar wall modules  2400   1 . . . n  installed in a building structure, such as a residential home. 
         [0090]    The disclosed solar power unit is an improvement over existing Building Integrated Photovoltaic products for several reasons. As disclosed above, the solar power unit may be an all-in-one, plug-n-play system. Also, the disclosed solar power units are structurally integrated and may significantly reduce cost by serving as both the structural layer and exterior, finish layer, of the building. 
         [0091]    The disclosed solar power system replaces, or can be used in conjunction with traditional building material and may be integrated with concrete block or brick in the same wall system. The entire wall does not have to entirely be made out of the solar power systems. For example, a customer may have a specific energy load (electric lighting) that they are interested in generating from the Solar Power systems. The number of units that would generate this electric load would be utilized and the rest of the wall may be constructed with another traditional block material. 
         [0092]    There are many commercial applications for this product. Not only can the Solar Power Units be utilized for new building construction projects (commercial, residential, industrial, civil, educational, etc.), they can also be utilized for retrofit applications as well, over existing facades and serve as charging walls for electric devices or vehicles. 
         [0093]    Since the solar power unit is designed to be a modular unit, it may be utilized for many applications at varying scales. The units may become a part of our daily lives. Walls of cities and towns may replace power plants. 
         [0094]    Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.