Patent Publication Number: US-11382193-B1

Title: Systems and methods related to photovoltaic direct drive lighting systems

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to pending U.S. application Ser. No. 16/213,307, filed Dec. 7, 2018, titled, “Systems and Methods Related to Photovoltaic Direct Drive Lighting Systems,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/635,166, filed Feb. 26, 2018, titled, “Systems and Methods Related to Photovoltaic Direct Drive Lighting Systems” and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/695,142, filed Jul. 8, 2018, titled, “Systems and Methods Related to Regulating and Monitoring Electricity Usage,” all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Efficient use of natural resources is an ongoing initiative for many, from the global level to the individual. One avenue for reducing a carbon footprint is the use of solar power captured by photovoltaic panels and distributed into an electrical power grid. Generally, photovoltaic panels are used as a secondary on-site power generation system to be used to supplement a main power input generated by a power generation system, such as that provided by a utility company. The photovoltaic panels generate direct current (DC) which is then inverted to alternating current (AC) to be incorporated into the power grid, on-site or otherwise, for use. 
     Lighting devices and systems incorporating light emitting diodes (LEDs) utilize DC power to drive the LEDs. Therefore, the utility-provided AC power, and any secondary power input whether AC or DC inverted to AC, must be converted to DC power to drive the LEDs. Energy losses are experienced during the power conversion processes. 
     Additionally, when it comes to the end user&#39;s ability to regulate and monitor the use of electricity in a residence or business, that ability is generally limited to lighting controls such as turning lights on and off, dimming, photoelectric controls, and timers, but the end user does not have the ability to configure an electric system beyond these controls and has no way of knowing how much energy is being used for any one device or “zone” of devices. 
     Therefore, the art of energy efficient lighting systems would benefit from a more efficient system capable of better utilizing the DC power produced from secondary power sources such as photovoltaic panels and could also benefit from an electric system capable of better regulating and monitoring energy usage of electronic devices and “zones” of devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a lighting system that better utilizes the DC power produced from secondary power sources such as photovoltaic panels. The lighting system incorporates direct current power produced by a photovoltaic panel, without inversion, and direct current power converted from alternating current power, where such AC power may have been inverted from DC or provided by a power main. A controller may determine a desired combination of power from multiple power sources to be delivered to a plurality of light fixtures to provide an adjustable predetermined suitable light level within a space. 
     The present disclosure also relates to a lighting system that better regulates and monitors energy usage of electronic devices. 
     An embodiment of a lighting system according to the present invention includes at least one photovoltaic (PV) panel and a first light fixture comprising a first light emitting diode (LED) configured to receive raw DC power directly from the at least one PV panel. 
     According to a further aspect of an embodiment of a lighting system according to the present invention, the system may include a second light fixture having a second LED configured to receive converted DC power from an alternating current (AC) power source through a driver. A controller may be provided in electrical communication with the PV panel, the driver, and the first and second light fixtures, whereby the controller is configured to maintain a predetermined lumen setpoint level as output by one or more of the fixtures. 
     According to another aspect of an embodiment of a lighting system according to the present invention, a current sensor may be configured to sense the amount of raw DC power produced by the at least one PV panel, provide an output voltage based on the amount of raw DC power sensed, and communicate the output voltage to the controller. The output voltage from the current sensor may be converted to a dimming line voltage which determines the amount of converted DC power to be output by the driver to the second LED. 
     According to still another aspect of an embodiment of a lighting system according to the present invention, the first light fixture may include a first LED array board including the first LED and a second LED array board including a third LED configured to receive converted DC power from the AC power source through a second driver. The second light fixture may include a third LED array board including the second LED and a fourth LED array board having a fourth LED configured to receive raw DC power directly from the at least one PV panel. The first driver and the second driver may be supported or mounted within a distribution power module housing. 
     According to another embodiment of a lighting system according to the present invention, a light fixture includes one or more LEDs (Raw-DC LEDs) that run on raw DC power sourced from a PV panel and one or more LEDs (Converted-DC LEDs) that run on converted DC power, sourced from an LED driver which converts AC power to the converted DC power. The driver may be situated in a distribution power module housing. All of the LEDs (both the Raw- and Converted-DC LEDs) in this fixture may be mounted on the same LED array board. The quantity of Raw-DC LEDs and Converted-DC LEDs provided in the fixture may be different or identical. The system may further include a controller in electrical communication with the PV panel, the driver, and the at least one light fixture, whereby the controller is configured to maintain a predetermined lumen setpoint level. The system may additionally include a current sensor configured to sense an amount of raw DC power produced by the at least one PV panel, provide an output voltage based on the amount of raw DC power sensed, and communicate the output voltage to the controller. The output voltage from or based on input from the current sensor may be converted to a dimming line voltage which determines the amount of converted DC power to be output by the driver to the Converted-DC LED(s). 
     An embodiment of a method according to the present invention includes a method for distributing power to electric devices in an electric system, including the step of providing a photovoltaic (PV) panel configured to produce raw DC power. A light fixture (having a first light emitting diode (LED) array board with a first LED and a second LED array board with a second LED) is provided and coupled to the PV panel so as to receive the raw DC power. The raw DC power is delivered to the first LED from the PV panel. A dimmable driver may be provided and configured to deliver converted DC power to the second LED. A predetermined lumen level setpoint, which relates to the light output from the fixture, may be entered into a controller (e.g., through a software interface on a handheld device and wirelessly communicated to the controller). The level of DC power being received from the PV panel can be measured and then, depending on the predetermined lumen level setpoint, it can be determined whether sufficient light can be provided by the fixture based on the raw DC, itself, or whether light generated by converted DC needs to be used to achieve the predetermined lumen level. If additional lighting is needed, then power can be provided to the second LED. Additional converted DC power to be delivered to the second LED can be determined through the use of a reference table that includes an index value that is based on a digital representation of the measured raw DC power. The index value may be converted into a pulse-width-modulation signal, which can then be converted to a first voltage which is amplified to provide a dimming line voltage that corresponds to a range of converted DC power output from the driver producing converted DC power between a minimum and maximum output. 
     Each of the first and second LED array boards may include one or more LEDs that are configured to receive converted DC power from a driver (which may be situated in a distribution power module housing) and one or more LEDs that are configured to receive raw DC power from the PV panel. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a light fixture is provided that can include a first LED on a printed circuit board (PCB) sized and configured to receive direct current power directly from a PV panel and sized to accommodate a maximum voltage output from the PV panel. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a lighting system is provided that can include at least one photovoltaic (PV) panel producing a raw DC power and having a maximum voltage output, and a light fixture comprising a first LED on a PCB configured to receive the raw DC power directly from the at least one PV panel and sized to accommodate the maximum voltage output. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a lighting system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2 a    is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a lighting system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2 b    is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a lighting system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an LED array board according to according to present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a first close-up view of the LED array board shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a second close-up view of the LED array board shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a screen capture of a first embodiment graphic user interface (GUI) of an electronic device control application according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a first screen capture of a second embodiment GUI of an electronic device control application according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a second screen capture of the second embodiment GUI of the electronic device control application according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a third screen capture of the second embodiment GUI of the electronic device control application according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a fourth screen capture of the second embodiment GUI of the electronic device control application according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a preferred method according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic and representative layout of a first exemplary embodiment  10  of a lighting system according to the present invention. The lighting system  10  preferably comprises at least one photovoltaic (PV) panel  12 , a distribution power module  20 ; and a plurality of light fixtures  30  (although the lighting system  10  may be configured to operate with at least one light fixture). 
     The at least one PV panel  12  is preferably one known in the art, now or later developed, which converts energy from sunlight into direct current (DC) power (“Raw DC”). Preferably, the at least one PV panel  12  is capable of generating approximately 340 W nominal DC, however, other power generation amounts are contemplated and may depend on the number of light fixtures in the plurality of light fixtures  30 . 
     The distribution power module  20  preferably houses a plurality of AC drivers  22  and is in electrical communication with a controller  32 . The controller  32  may be housed within the distribution power module  20  or it may be housed in a separate enclosure (not shown). The distribution power module  20  may be contained in a single housing  28 , preferably ventilated to allow airflow therethrough, or its functionality may be distributed across multiple unit housings (not shown). 
     The distribution power module  20  preferably receives Raw DC from the at least one PV panel  12  and alternating current (AC) power from a primary power source, such as a utility power plant (not shown), preferably from a branch circuit (120/208/220/240/277/480V) within the electrical system or building (not shown) in which the lighting system  10  is installed. 
     The AC power is preferably connected to the input side  24  of each of the plurality of AC drivers which convert the incoming AC power to DC power (“Converted DC”). The Converted DC is to be distributed to each of the plurality of light fixtures  30 . 
     Preferably, there is at least one AC driver for each light fixture in the lighting system  10  or in the lighting circuit. Locating the plurality of AC Drivers  22  in the distribution power module  20  removes the would-be heat source from each of the plurality of light fixtures  30 , which increases the potential life expectancy of the plurality of light fixtures  30  and the plurality of AC drivers  22 . Further, only a single AC access point  26 , or AC drop, from the branch circuit is required to electrically connect the plurality of light fixtures  30  to the electrical system. Moreover, in this setup the plurality of light fixtures  30  may be more easily wired in parallel, whereby the parallel wiring reduces potential damage to the LED array boards  72  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the Raw DC from the at least one PV panel  12  enters the controller  32  and the controller  32  outputs a dimming line voltage to each of the plurality of AC drivers  22  and the Raw DC to the plurality of light fixtures  30  (see also  FIG. 11 ). It is contemplated that the incoming alternating current provided to the plurality of AC drivers  22  may be metered to estimate power savings (as described further below). 
     The distribution power module  20  is electrically connected to the plurality of light fixtures  30  and distributes both the Raw DC and the Converted DC to each of the plurality of light fixtures  30 . 
     Preferably, the Raw DC is provided to a first group of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  34  (which may be mounted to a single printed circuit board (PCB) or multiple printed circuit boards or provided as COB (Chip on Board)) and the Converted DC is provided to a second group of LEDs  36  (which may be mounted to a single printed circuit board or multiple printed circuit boards) in each of the plurality of light fixtures  30  (see  FIG. 3 ). The first and second groups of LEDs  34 , 36  may be arranged in the same orientation in each of the plurality of light fixtures  30 , or arrangements may differ in various light fixtures in the lighting system  10 . 
     As shown, a preferred arrangement of the first and second groups of LEDs  34 , 36  includes at least half as many of the first group of LEDs  34 , configured to be powered by Raw DC, as the second group of LEDs  36 , configured to be powered by Converted DC. In this arrangement, the first group of LEDs  34  is situated between a pair of rows of the second group of LEDs  36 . 
     During operation, the controller  32  preferably continually, or periodically (e.g., once or more times per second, once or more times per minute (one or more seconds between measurements), or once or more times per hour (one or more minutes between measurements)) measures the Raw DC produced by the at least one PV panel  12  to make adjustments in the dimming line voltage supplied to the plurality of light fixtures  30  from the plurality of AC Drivers  22  (further discussed with respect to  FIG. 11  below). 
     As discussed below, adjustments to the dimming line voltage output from the plurality of AC Drivers  22  are preferably made from calculations that are dependent upon the measurements of the direct current produced by the at least one PV panel  12 . The calculations may also include other factors, for example, and not limited to, the time of day and/or the geographic location of the lighting system  10 . 
     Preferably prior to normal operation, a suitable light (i.e., lumen) level, or range of light levels, is established or specified for an area or portion of an area upon which light is cast from the plurality of light fixtures  30 . This process may be referred to as establishing a setpoint. In establishing the setpoint, only the second group of LEDs  36  (configured to be powered by Converted DC) of the plurality of light fixtures  30  are powered, and the power consumption of each of and/or all the plurality of light fixtures  30  is measured. It should be noted that the light level output of each of the second group of LEDs  36  of the plurality of light fixtures  30  is preferably adjustable, either by adjusting output of the plurality of AC drivers  22  collectively or individually, or by changing the number/size of the second group of LEDs  36  used in a particular light fixture, which may be customized for a particular application. 
     Preferably, the plurality of AC drivers  22  have a 0-10 volt adjustability range which can be controlled electronically. 
     The Raw DC power preferably serves as the primary power source to the extent available, and the Converted DC power serves as supplementary and/or backup power source. As stated above, generally, the Converted DC delivered to the second group of LEDs  36  in the plurality of light fixtures  30  is determined at least partially by the direct current produced by the at least one PV panel  12 . Preferably, the dimming line voltage output from each of the plurality of AC drivers  22  is adjusted in an attempt to achieve or at least substantially approximate the suitable light level setpoint. 
     Additionally or alternatively, ambient light in the area or portion of an area upon which light is cast from the plurality of light fixtures  30  may be measured and incorporated in determining the amount of Converted DC to provide to the second group of LEDs  36  in the plurality of light fixtures  30 . The lighting system  10  may additionally use motion sensing and/or time of day controls as on/off override inputs. 
     After the setpoint is established, the controller  32  monitors the direct current output by the at least one PV panel  12  and adjusts the output of each of the plurality of AC drivers  22  via a 0-10V control (not shown) on the plurality of AC drivers  22  and/or provided in the controller  32  to attain the established suitable light level. Thus, during normal operation, the power from the at least one PV panel  12  powering the first group of LEDs  34  may be supplemented with the power from the plurality of AC drivers  22  to attain the required setpoint light level. 
     If the Raw DC output provided from the at least one PV panel  12  to the first group of LEDs  34  in the plurality of light fixtures  30  is of an amount that will produce a light level that is greater than or equal to the setpoint light level, the Raw DC may still be fed to the first group of LEDs  34  in the plurality of light fixtures  30 ; however, it is also contemplated that the Raw DC may be choked to provide a lower level of light at or near the setpoint. Although excess power from the at least one PV panel  12  could be stored, it could also be used simultaneously for some other purpose, such as heating or lighting an additional area. 
     If the Raw DC output of the at least one PV panel  12  to the first group of LEDs  34  in the plurality of light fixtures  30  is of an amount that will produce a light level that is less than the setpoint light level, then, as stated above, Converted DC is utilized to power the second group of LEDs  36  in the plurality of light fixtures  30  to supplement the Raw DC. That is, the plurality of AC drivers  22  are used to drive the second group of LEDs  36  to supplement the light provided by the first group of LEDs  34  to achieve or at least substantially approximate the setpoint light level. 
     The controller  32  preferably measures the electrical outputs of the at least one PV panel  12 . It is contemplated that the controller  32  may measure the watts, volts, and/or amps output from the at least one PV panel  12  and delivered to the first group of LEDs  34 . To avoid problematic overcurrent damage, preferably, the total current limit of the plurality of light fixtures  30  exceeds the potential current output of the at least one PV panel  12 . Geographic location and/or orientation of the at least one PV panel  12  may also be considered. 
     Also contemplated by the present invention is a modular wiring system with “plug-and-play” terminations (not shown), which extend from and between the distribution power module  20  to each of the plurality of light fixtures  30 . Exemplary terminations may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,274, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the second exemplary embodiment  40  of a lighting system. The lighting system  40  preferably comprises at least one PV panel  42 , a distribution power module  50  in electrical communication with a controller  60 , at least one Converted-DC light fixture  62  configured to be powered by Converted DC and comprising a plurality of Converted-DC LEDs  64 , and at least one Raw-DC light fixture  66  configured to be powered by Raw DC and comprising a plurality of Raw-DC LEDs  68 . Here, the exemplary configuration illustrated in  FIG. 2  is a central row comprising a plurality of Raw-DC light fixtures  66  flanked by two rows of a plurality of Converted-DC light fixtures  62 . Other configurations are contemplated. 
     Similar to the first exemplary lighting system  10  discussed above and shown in  FIG. 1 , a setpoint light level is preferably maintained by the controller  60 , with the Raw DC serving as the primary power source when available and the Converted DC serving as supplementary and/or backup power source. 
     According to the lighting system  40 , the at least one Raw-DC light fixture  66  is preferably centered over a space to be illuminated, and the plurality of Converted-DC light fixtures  62  are preferably spaced along and/or around the at least one Raw-DC light fixture  66 . 
     It will occur to one of skill in the art that the control of the second embodiment lighting system  40  may be achieved substantially similarly or identically to the first embodiment lighting system  10  described above. 
     An exemplary embodiment  70  of an LED array board  70  according to the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . The LED array board  70  may comprise all Raw-DC LEDs  74  or all Converted-DC LEDs  76  as may be used in the first and second embodiments of light systems  10 , 40  discussed above. It is further contemplated that the LED array board  70  may comprise a plurality of LEDs  70  comprising at least one Raw-DC LED  74  and at least one Converted-DC LED  76 . 
     As shown here, the plurality of LEDs  72  can be arranged in a plurality of different arrays; however, the plurality of LEDs  72  may be provided in any configuration, including arrays containing more or less than four LEDs as shown here, or a plurality of LEDs spaced apart. It should be noted that the plurality of LEDs  72  may be discreet chips or COB mounted to a single PCB or multiple PCBs. 
       FIG. 4  provides a first exemplary LED array  78  with an equal number of Raw-DC LEDs  74  and Converted-DC LEDs  76  in an alternating pattern; a second exemplary LED array  80  with an equal number of Raw-DC LEDs  74  and Converted-DC LEDs  76  in a consecutive pattern; a third exemplary LED array  82  with more Converted-DC LEDs  76  than Raw-DC LEDs  74 ; and a fourth exemplary LED array  84  with more Raw-DC LEDs  74  than Converted-DC LEDs  76 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates alternating fifth and sixth exemplary LED arrays  86 , 88  comprising Converted-DC LEDs  76  and Raw-DC LEDs  74 , respectively. As can be understood, the arrangement of Raw-DC LEDs  74  and Converted-DC LEDs  76  on the LED array board  70  may vary by each individual LED array and/or each individual LED. 
     It is further contemplated that the plurality of LEDs  72  may be placed on an LED array board of any shape including not only rectangular as shown in  FIG. 3  (LED array board  70 ), but, as non-limiting examples, square and circular boards as well. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, any number, ratio, and configuration of Converted-DC LEDs  76  and Raw-DC LEDs  74  may be provided and spaced individually about an LED board according to the present invention. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, any number or all of the at least one Converted-DC LED  76  can be a direct line voltage LED. 
     It will occur to one of skill in the art that the plurality of LEDs  72  on the LED array board  70  as herein described can be included in a plurality of light fixtures and controlled substantially similarly or identically to the plurality of light fixtures  30 ,  62 ,  66  provided in the first embodiment lighting system  10  and the second embodiment light system  40  described above. 
     A third embodiment (shown in  FIG. 2 b   ) of the lighting system  44  according to the present invention may comprise at least one PV panel  42  directly electrically connected to at least one light fixture comprising RAW-DC LEDs (which may be discreet chips or COB mounted to a single PCB or multiple PCBs), for example, the at least one Raw-DC light fixture  66  with RAW-DC LEDs  68  as also shown in the second embodiment lighting system  40  in  FIG. 2A . The lighting system  44  is isolated from a grid-fed lighting system and may be incorporated as a supplement to the grid-fed lighting system or as a stand-alone, independent system. 
     In any of the lighting systems according to the present invention herein described or otherwise contemplated based on this disclosure, it is preferable that the Raw DC power is distributed to the plurality of light fixtures wired in parallel. Therefore, the Raw DC LEDs, individually and/or collectively, of each of the plurality of light fixtures are preferably sized to accommodate the maximum voltage output of a PV panel. The maximum voltage output of the PV panel may be determined by and/or affected by, for example, the rating of the PV panel, geographic location, and/or the orientation of the PV panel. 
     It is expected that, due to the direct sourcing of the Raw DC, LEDs powered directly from at least one PV panel provide a higher lumen per watt output because there are less conversion losses, including less ripple losses, caused by the AC Drivers converting the AC power from the branch circuit, or inverted from other PV systems, to the Converted DC. Preferably, a controller according to the present invention may adjust the amount of Converted DC power supplied to a plurality of light fixtures in the lighting systems according to the present invention, taking into consideration the efficiency gains (lumens per watt) in the Raw DC produced by the PV panel. 
     This may support rationale to utilize ambient light sensing. For instance, if there is a 10% increase in the lumen per watt output of the light fixtures with LEDs only powered by Raw DC, then, prior to determining the amount of Converted DC to supply to light fixtures containing Converted-DC LEDs, the controller can take such efficiencies into account. Thus, in this example, the measurement of the Raw DC provided by the PV panel could be increased by ten percent prior to determining the amount of Converted DC required to meet lighting demands. In this instance, a comparison would be made between 1.1*Raw DC and the setpoint light level. The greater than or equal to, or less than, setpoint light level comparisons provided above may then be undertaken. 
     It is further contemplated that a smart phone application may be provided to change the light level output of the lighting system according to the present invention. The application is preferably configured to allow a user (not shown) to communicate with the lighting system via any handheld electronic device or wall-mountable electronic device through wireless communication technology (e.g., BLUETOOTH®, IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi). 
     As further described below, the application is preferably configured to allow a user to turn on/off and/or change the light output of the Converted DC LED(s) and/or Converted DC LED array(s) through a graphic user interface (GUI) accessible on the display of the handheld or wall-mountable electronic device. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a screen  110  of a first exemplary embodiment of a GUI  100  on a control device (not depicted but taking the form of any computer or handheld device with a touchscreen) according to the present invention. The screen  110  preferably provides user selectable control buttons such as “Bluetooth Connect”  112 , “Reset”  114 , “Up”  116 , “Down”  118 , “Max Bright”  120 , and “Max Dim”  122 . It should be noted that the buttons in this embodiment and others may be provided in various colors and shapes. 
     Selecting “Bluetooth Connect”  112  allows a user to connect via BLUETOOTH® wireless technology with compatible electronic devices (not shown), for example light fixtures (not shown), motor controls (not shown), and other control devices (not shown), for communicating with, controlling, and/or monitoring the connected electronic devices via the GUI. 
     Selecting the “Reset”  114  option allows the user to reset any user settings of any connected electronic devices back to the factory setting. However, if a configuration is saved, then selecting “Reset”  114  will reset the settings to the last saved configuration. 
     The “Up”  116 , “Down”  118 , “Max Bright”  120 , and “Max Dim”  122  options are configured to allow user control of connected lights. Whereby selecting and/or prolonged contact with “Up”  116  or “Down”  118  on the GUI increases or decreases the light produced by the connected lights, respectively, and selecting “Max Bright”  120  or “Max Dim”  122  increase or decreases the light levels of the connected lights to their maximum or minimum light output levels, respectively. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a first screen  210  of a second exemplary embodiment of a GUI  200  according to the present invention. User selectable buttons include “Light Level”  212 , “Motion”  214 , “Schedule”  216 , “Help”  218 , “Notes”  220 , “Bluetooth connect”  220 , and “Back”  224  and includes a first display area  226  for indicia  228 . 
     Similar to the first GUI  100 , selecting “Bluetooth Connect”  222  allows a user to connect via BLUETOOTH® wireless technology with compatible electronic devices (not shown), for example light fixtures (not shown), motor controls (not shown), and other control devices (not shown), for communicating with, controlling, and/or monitoring the connected electronic devices via the GUI. 
     Selecting “Back”  224  brings a user back to a previous screen, which in this example could be a preselected home screen (not shown). 
     Selecting “Light Level”  212  preferably takes a user to a screen similar to the screen  110  described above with respect to the first embodiment GUI  100  and provides similar options regarding light levels of connected lights. 
     Selecting “Motion”  214  preferably takes a user to a second screen  240  shown in  FIG. 8 . Configurable options available from the second screen  240  include “Set Time-Out (Minute)”  242 , “Set Ramp Up (Seconds)”  244 , “Set Ramp Down (Seconds)”  246 , “Motion On”  248 , “Motion Off”  250 , “Bluetooth Connect”  252 , and “Back”  254 . 
     “Set Time-Out (Minute)”  242  provides a user with the ability to set the time after which no motion is sensed by a connected motion sensor (not shown) before the connected lights turn off. 
     “Set Ramp Up (Seconds)”  244  allows a user to set the time in seconds it takes the lights to be brought up to the preselected light level (i.e., “ramp up”) when motion is sensed by a connected motion sensor. 
     “Set Ramp Down (Seconds)”  246  provides a user with the ability to set the amount of time in seconds it will take for the lights to decrease in brightness from the “on” level of brightness to “off” (i.e., “ramp down”) when no motion is sensed by a connected motion sensor for the preselected amount of time. 
     “Motion On”  248  and “Motion Off”  250  allow a user to select wither the connected motion sensor(s) are on (actively sensing for motion) or off (not actively sensing for motion). Preferably an indicator  258 , such as the indicator “Motion Status” shown here, indicates the current status of the connected motion sensor(s), either “on” or “off.” 
     A second display area  256  may be provided to show the current settings. Additionally, or alternatively, the second display area  256  may be used by a user to input a digit (e.g., 10) and then select any of the other buttons on the second screen  240 . The digit will then be applied to the task depicted by the button and assigned the associated time unit. For example, if a user inputs “10” in the second display area  256  and then selects “Set Ramp Up (seconds)”  244 , the ramp up time will be 10 seconds. 
     Similar to the first screen  210 , “Bluetooth Connect”  252  provides the ability of a user to connect to other electronic devices via BLUETOOTH® wireless technology, and the “Back” button  254  allows a user to go back to the previous screen, which in this example is the first screen  210 . 
     Looking back to the first screen  210  in  FIG. 7 , selecting “Schedule”  216  will take a user to a third screen  260  shown in  FIG. 9 . The third screen  260  preferably comprises a “Time Start” label  262  and a “Time End” label  264  that indicate the respective current start and stop time for connected light fixtures. A weekly schedule  266  provides users the ability to select which days of the week the start and stop times will apply. Buttons “Schedule On”  268  and “Schedule Off”  270  allow a user to turn on or turn off the schedule, respectively. A third display area  276  may be provided to show programmed information such as the start time, the end time, and the schedule status. Similar to the second screen  240 , a “Bluetooth Connect” button  272  provides the ability of a user to connect to other electronic devices via BLUETOOTH® wireless technology, and the “Back” button  274  allows a user to go back to the previous screen, which in this example is the first screen  210 . 
     Going back to the first screen  210  in  FIG. 7 , selecting “Notes”  220  will take a user to a fourth screen  280  shown in  FIG. 10 . The fourth screen  280  preferably comprises an input area  282  in which a user may enter notes and pressing the “Save Notes” button  284  allows a user to save the entered notes. An “Open Notes” button  286  provides a user access to previously saved notes. 
     Again, similar to the first, second, and third screens  210 , 240 , 260 , a “Bluetooth Connect” button  288  provides the ability of a user to connect to other electronic devices via BLUETOOTH® wireless technology, and the “Back” button  290  allows a user to go back to the previous screen, which in this case is the first screen  110 . 
     An information screen (not shown) is also contemplated and can be included in either or both of the first and second GUI embodiments  100 , 200 . The information screen may preferably include various data points (e.g., solar contribution, dimming line voltage level (see discussion below), motion status, schedule status, debugging information, etc.) 
     It is contemplated that a single control device can control up to four “zones” of electric devices. A “zone” is defined as a group of one or more connected electric devices, and if desired, each zone may be configured individually from the single control device. It should be noted that electric devices may include, but are not limited to, light fixture, electric fans, electric motors, etc. 
     It is also contemplated that a control device may configured to receive power information from one or more connected solar panels, preferably between one and four solar panels. 
     Preferably, each connected electric device is able to communicate to the control device the features the connected electric device is equipped with (e.g., motion sensor, direct connection to a solar panel, etc.) so the control device will know which buttons to provide on the screen. 
     It is further contemplated that multiple control devices may communicate with each other. In this setup, for example, selecting “Max Bright” from a first control device connected to a first set of lights may be communicated to a second control device connected to a second set of lights and effectively turning on both the first and second set of lights to their maximum light levels. This may be carried out, for example, through radio frequency (RF) transmitters or other methods now known or later developed. 
       FIG. 11  provides a flowchart illustrating a preferred method for monitoring and/or adjusting the distribution to and from electric devices in an electric system  300  according to the present invention. The electric system  300  preferably comprises a first power source consisting of direct current (DC) produced from at least one Photovoltaic Panel  310  (a.k.a., a Solar Panel; “PV Panel”), and a second power source consisting of alternating current (AC) power produced by a generator (e.g., power from a power utility company). As described above, the PV panel  310  powers a first plurality of LEDs directly (“Raw-DC LEDs”  312 ) and the AC power provides power to a second plurality of LEDs (“Converted-DC LEDs”  320 ) through one or more drivers (not shown) preferably located in a driver array  322  (a.k.a. the distribution power module  20 ; see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) which convert the AC power to DC power. 
     In this exemplary method, a user of the system  300  will preferably set a preferred foot-candle (i.e., lumen) level setpoint (“Setpoint”), which may be performed through the screen  110  discussed above with respect to the first embodiment GUI  100  (see  FIG. 6 ), preferably based solely on light produced by the Converted-DC LEDs  320  as discussed above. 
     In normal operation, illumination is preferably provided solely through the Raw-DC LEDs  312  and, if needed, supplemented by the Converted-DC LEDs  320  to reach the preferred Setpoint. A current sensor  330  preferably senses the amount of current produced by the at least one PV Panel  310  (“PVI”). The current sensor  330  converts the PVI to an output voltage value preferably between 0-2.5V (“Output Voltage Value”). The Output Voltage Value is sent to a controller  340  which then converts the Output Voltage Value to a digital value, for example, between 0-1023 (“Digital Value”). The Digital Value is then compared to a reference table (not shown) through which a resulting index value (“Index Value”) is determined. 
     Preferably, a dimming line voltage (“Vdim”) is determined by converting the Index Value into a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signal which is then ran through a Digital-to-Analog converter (DAC)  350  to output a first voltage between 0-5V. This first voltage is then amplified by an amplifier  370  to provide the Vdim in the range of 0-10V and sent to the at least one drivers in the driver array  322 , which correlates with minimum and maximum driver AC power output for a dimmable driver, respectively. The drivers in the driver array  322  will then provide as much power to the Converted-DC LEDs  320  as is determined necessary by the controller  340  to reach the Setpoint. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the Setpoint may be input via Bluetooth® wireless technology from a control device via a user interface  360  and other inputs such as a Real-Time-Clock  380  and motion sensor  390  may be incorporated for further control of the electric system  300 . 
     The disclosed electric system  300  provides many advantages based on the ability to configure and monitor connected electric devices. Through an internet connection, the advantages grow larger by allowing a preauthorized person or system to access data regarding energy usage and production by connected electric devices and providing the ability to dim or turn off the Converted LEDs of connected light fixtures and/or turn off other connected electric devices remotely to reduce the baseload electricity demand at any given time. The ability to selectively reduce energy consumption and the ability to monitor the connected electric devices would also aid in emissions offset calculations. 
     The electric system  300  also has the ability to reduce the potential for arc-flash in existing electrical installations that rely on switching lighting loads from a circuit breaker because the voltage to the drivers can be reduced to the point that the LEDs turn off, effectively eliminating the need for a switch and allowing this system to be a retrofit solution without the need for adding lighting contactors/relays. 
     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, because numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.