Abstract:
A solar panel including array converters is installed in a solar power generation system by first completing a self-test of the solar panel in an uninstalled state. Certain data is obtained and compared to specifications to verify proper operation. Other data obtained is compared to a work order to insure the intended unit is being installed. A functional, proper panel is installed into the solar power generation system, then tested again in an operational state. The system includes steps for activating a system, wherein a system that is not activated within a predetermined time period will no longer operate. The solar power generation system may be monitored remotely, thereby allowing maintenance to be performed on an as-needed basis.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is related to commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/061,025 submitted Apr. 2, 2008 by Kernahan et al, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Solar powered electrical generation is rapidly being deployed industrially, commercially, and privately. With the current state of the art of construction of solar panels and the associated electronics many problems persist. A solar panel provides power anytime it is lighted which, when installing a system in bright sunlight, can create a dangerous condition. Solar panels may not be tested until a complete system is installed, thus field failures upon installation (“dead on arrival” are not unusual. Upon completion of an installation and test, there is no way to determine which of a plurality of solar panels may be faulty or out of specification. Installed panels can become mechanically unsound over time with no means for detecting the failure, thus system providers typically perform routine checks and maintenance on a calendar basis, thus sometimes wasting time on a system that is working without problems. When a system is installed, the wiring can only be checked for correct installation by visual inspection. Remote monitoring is not possible, thus a system operator cannot check on a system&#39;s performance, and theft of assets is a problem. 
         [0003]    What is needed is a method for installing that enables a subsystem to be tested and verified as the proper unit prior to committing it to installation. It is also desirable to test a system after installation and verify operation and wiring to be correct and, if not, detect where a fault lies. Remote monitoring would reduce maintenance costs and improve reliability as well as provide for an activation requirement, thus removing the motivation for theft. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a solar module, comprising a solar panel and its associated electronics, may be tested for operation and verified to be correct according to a work order prior to committing the solar module to installation. After one or more solar modules are installed, correct connections are verified and any errors reported specifically as to problem and location. An interrogation tool initiates test of a given panel, and a novel reporting tool provides an installer with verification and operational information before, during, and after installation. An activation procedure insures that the system provider is in remote contact with a system and that a system cannot be used at an unauthorized location. Provided sensors are interrogated from time to time to verify an ongoing sound condition, reporting problems when found. Sensing of operational information from time to time, providing the information to a remote operational control center, provides a method for only sending repair personnel when necessary. Sensors are also provided for detecting changes in shading of a solar panel by growing trees or new building construction. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an apparatus providing a light source for testing a solar panel. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a system for testing a solar panel 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a top level flow chart of an example of a method for installing a power generation system. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4-FIG .  8  are flow charts of examples of more details related to the steps according to  FIG. 3 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 9  shows a solar power generation system installed on the roof of a home. 
           [0010]      FIG. 10  is a schematic of an example of the electronics cooperatively connected to a solar panel according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Definition of Some Terms 
       [0011]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Array 
                 A power converter module for controlling an individual 
               
               
                 converter 
                 PV panel in cooperation with other similar power 
               
               
                   
                 converter modules as disclosed in U.S. patent 
               
               
                   
                 application 12/061,025. 
               
               
                 ACPV 
                 Array Converter Photo Voltaic module; a solar panel 
               
               
                   
                 including an array converter incorporated therein. 
               
               
                 PV 
                 A photovoltaic panel, also sometimes referred to hereinafter 
               
               
                   
                 as a “solar panel.” 
               
               
                 Interrogation 
                 A tool (“Interrogator”)according to the present 
               
               
                 tool 
                 invention for interrogating an ACPV to determine 
               
               
                   
                 certain operating parameters. 
               
               
                 Reporter 
                 An ACPV test reporting tool (“Reporter”); provides 
               
               
                   
                 information to the user in response to an interrogation tool. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0012]    The present invention makes use of a novel testing technique and apparatus. Referring to  FIG. 1 , an interrogation tool (“Interrogator”  100  is disclosed. The Interrogator  100  comprises a power supply  102 , a signal driver  104 , and a controllable light source  106  wherein the signal driver  104  modifies the output of the power supply  102  to drive the light source  106  in a particular, meaningful pattern. The light emitted from the light source  106  is provided to an ACPV  120 , wherein the ACPV  120  comprises a solar panel (PV)  108  and an array converter  110 . The array converter  110  is described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/061,025. For convenience, a schematic of one embodiment of an array converter as disclosed in the aforementioned application Ser. No. 12/061,025 is presented in  FIG. 10 . The PV  108  is generally illuminated except for an area that will receive light emitted from the light source  106 . For example, referring to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment a shield  202  prevents external light from striking a portion of the surface of the PV  108  such that the light signal from the light source  106  is the only light provided to the PV  108  in the light-shielded area. The ACPV  120  will provide a relatively constant electrical output in response to the ambient incident upon the unshielded portion of the PV  108  surface. The signal from the light source  106  provides incremental electrical energy, modulating the more steady-state output of the ACPV  120 . In one embodiment the Interrogator  100  is simply a flashlight, held by an installer, wherein the “power supply”  102  comprises the flashlight battery, the “signal driver”  104  is the flashlight&#39;s ON/OFF switch wherein the user turns the flashlight ON and OFF in a certain pattern, the “light source”  106  is the bulb (or LED) of the flashlight, and the flashlight is partially enclosed by a light shield  202 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In some circumstances, for example if an ACPV  120  is in less than full ambient sunlight, the Interrogator  100  source  106  may be able to provide enough incremental electrical energy such that the shield  202  is not necessary. The essence of the Interrogator  100  is that a light source  106  provides a signal pattern of light energy to an array converter  110  such that the incremental electrical energy generated by the array converter rides upon the relatively steady-state output of the ACPV  120 . The array converter demodulates the signal pattern provided by the Interrogator  100  and interprets the signal pattern. In some embodiments the Interrogator  100  includes means for indicating that the Interrogator  100  is working properly or improperly (not shown), including an error code. The indication means include such examples as a beeper, vibrator, light, radio wave or an LED. The array converter  110  may provide responsive information to a Reporter  112 . In one embodiment a controller  1002  incorporated in the array converter, as shown in  FIG. 10 , provides a signal on a line  1006  to the control gate of a transistor  1006 . The transistor  1006  is across the PV  108  output. A solar panel is a constant current device (for a given light level), thus shorting the output across the solar panel by the transistor  1006  causes the output voltage (at terminals P 1  and P 2 ) to collapse. Thus by modulating the signal to the control gate of the transistor  1006  a powerful signal may be created by the output of the array converter  100 . In one embodiment the output is provided to the PV  108 , thereby creating a near field signal. In one embodiment the near field signal is modulated to a standard amplitude modulated radio frequency (“a.m. radio”), for example 560 KHz, and the Reporter  112  includes an a.m. radio receiver for receiving information from the array converter  110 . 
         [0013]    In another exemplary embodiment the power supply  102  is a battery pack, the signal driver  104  comprises drivers capable of modulating the power provided to the light source  106  and a microcontroller wherein the microcontroller has been preprogrammed with predetermined signal symbols, and the Reporter  112  has been preprogrammed to interpret the signal symbols received from the array converter  110  and respond with certain data. For example, in one embodiment the signal provided by the signal driver  104  is a sequence of manchester-encoded symbols. The manchester-encoded symbols are provided by the array converter  110  to the Reporter  112  for interpretation. For systems wherein each and every PV  108  is not accessible, the Interrogator  100  may be affixed to a pole, thereby allowing an installer to place the interrogator (and optional shroud  202 ) in close proximity to all PV  108  panels. 
         [0014]    Looking still to  FIG. 1 , the Reporter  112  may be coupled to the AC converter  110  by a variety of means, such as an RF signal, a modulated IRLED beam, a modulated laser beam, or a removable wire. In one embodiment the AC converter  110  drives the PV  108  with a high frequency signal, for example 560 KHz, thereby creating a near-field RF signal. The Reporter  112  includes a receiver for detecting such an RF frequency. The Reporter  112  is positioned near the surface of the PV  108 , thus a near-field transmitter/receiver cooperative system is created. The data provided by the AC converter  110  to the Reporter  112  can be any of a variety of forms. For example, in some embodiments the near-field signal provides a serial data stream, wherein the symbols are in the form of time-domain modulation, pulse-position modulation, or manchester-encoding. In another exemplary embodiment the near-field RF transmission is amplitude modulated with predetermined voice messages. One of ordinary skill will know of many alternative methods for transmitting data using near-field RF. 
         [0015]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an ACPV  120  is selected for installation and testing  301  using an Interrogator  100  and an Reporter  112 . If the ACPV  120  fails the test, a different ACPV  120  is selected  303  for installation and test  301 . If the ACPV  120  passes the test, an Reporter  112  (coupled with the ACPV  120  as described hereinbefore) is observed to verify certain predetermined data relative to the ACPV  120 . The information provided by the Reporter  112  is compared to the installation data, such as a work order provided to an installer. If the information does not match the installation data the instant ACPV  120  is not installed  309 , a different ACPV  120  is selected  303  for installation and test  301 . If the information reported by the Reporter  112  for the instant ACPV  120  matches the work order, the ACPV  120  is attached to an array of compatible ACPVs  120  comprising the power generation elements of a power generation system according to the invention disclosed in aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/061,025. 
         [0016]    With the ACPV  120  installed into the power generation system being assembled, the ACPV  120  is again tested  312  using the Interrogator  100  and Reporter  112 . If the ACPV  120  now fails the test the ACPV  120  is returned for repair  313 , a different ACPV  120  is selected  303  for installation and test  301 . If at step  312  the ACPV  120  is deemed operational the data now reported by the Reporter  112  is observed for additional data and compared to the work order  314 . If the data does not match the work order the ACPV  120  is uninstalled  315 , a different ACPV  120  is selected  303  for installation and test  301 . If the ACPV  120  passes the test  314 , a gateway is connected to the system  316 , if not done previously. The process described hereinbefore is repeated from step  301  to step  316  until all ACPVs  120  that are required for the system are in place  318 . Following complete installation the system is activated  320  and installation is complete. 
         [0017]    The above description discloses in general terms the overall process of installing a system in accordance with the disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/061,025 using the method and apparatus of the present invention. The process of  FIG. 3  and the above description is a specific example of an installation process. Variations in sequence and details are encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0018]    Beginning with  FIG. 4  and continuing through  FIG. 8 , a more detailed treatment of the steps of  FIG. 3  is presented. Looking to  FIG. 4 , an entry point “Start”  402  is defined. Other figures may have exit steps that return to Start  402 . Following Start  402 , an ACPV  120  module is selected by an installer for installation at step  401 . Step  401  comprises several smaller steps, annotated as “ 401 . n ”, wherein the steps “n” are shown in  FIG. 4 . Later steps may indicated returning to a step within step  401  by using this annotation. For example, a path in the flow chart may indicate to return to “step  401 . 05 ”, which indicates applying an Interrogator  100  to an active area of an ACPV  120  module and triggering the Interrogator  100 . 
         [0019]    At step  401 . 01  an installer removes an ACPV  120  from the delivery vehicle and inspects the ACPV  120  for physical damage  401 . 02 . For safety, a shorting clip is in place or is put in place  401 . 03  to short the output terminals of the instant ACPV  120 . However note that an ACPV  120  is designed such that it will not provide output power unless the ACPV  120  has been enabled to do so, thus the shorting clip is an extra safety step in case of a failure of the array converter  110 . In normal operation, the shorting clip enables the PV  108  to provide current, thus enabling testing of the ACPV  120 . The ACPV  120  is exposed to a light source  401 . 04 , for example sunlight, and an Interrogator  100  is applied to an active area of the ACPV  120  and triggered  401 . 05 . The Reporter  112  is then read  401 . 06  for the results of the interrogation. 
         [0020]    After the Interrogator  100  is triggered  401 . 05  the Interrogator  100  responds  401 . 07 , for example with a number of beeps. The Interrogator  100  is removed  401 . 08 . The ACPV  120  should provide a signal  401 . 09 , such as a click or beep or light flash or radio signal, provided by the controller  1002  of the ACPV  120 . The Reporter  112  then provides a signal  401 . 10 , such as a beep. 
         [0021]    Step  404  verifies that the Interrogator  100  provided a signal a predetermined number of times, for example two. If so, the Interrogator  100  is known to have been operating properly and to have reported that the ACPV  120  responded properly, and step  420  is taken. If the Interrogator  100  did not respond as expected at step  404 , step  406  checks to see if the Interrogator  100  provided a predetermined error signal, for example one beep. If the predetermined signal was observed at step  406 , the predetermined signal indicates that the ACPV  120  responded correctly but that the voltage of the power supply  102  of the Interrogator  100  is low. If the predetermined signal is observed at step  406  the power supply  102  of the Interrogator  100  is replaced  407  and the process proceeds to step  420 . If the Interrogator  100  did not respond with the predetermined signal at step  406  the installer checks for any signal at all  408 . The responses to be observed at step  408  are predetermined by the design of the Interrogator  100 . In the example shown, no signal at all indicates power supply failure, and the power supply is replaced  409  then the process returns to step  401 . 05  because the status of the instant ACPV  120  is not known. In some embodiments other failure modes of the Interrogator  100  are predetermined and indicated by a predetermined number of signals from the Interrogator  100 . In such a case the number of signals, sometimes called a “beep code,” is noted by the installer for later repair of the Interrogator  100  and the Interrogator  100  is replaced  403  by another Interrogator  100  and the process returns to step  401 . 05 . 
         [0022]    Step  420  tests for a predetermined signal from the ACPV  120  module itself. In one example, the ACPV  120  energizes a relay incorporated into the ACPV  120 , providing an audible click that an installer can hear. In other embodiments, a beeper or other source of noise provides the signal. Of course a light, such as an LED or small incandescent bulb, is suitable for providing a visual signal. Regardless of the signaling means, step  420  checks that the ACPV  120  indicated proper operation. If the predetermined signal is not observed step  422  checks that the ACPV  120  was exposed to full sun during the test. If not, the panel is exposed to full sunlight as in step  401 . 04 , and the process repeats from step  401 . 04 . If the panel was exposed to full sunlight (and the predetermined signal was not observed at step  420 ) we assume the ACPV  120  is flawed and go to step  426 . At step  426  any signal code is noted, the ACPV  120  module tagged for later troubleshooting and set aside. Next the entire process is repeated from step  401 . 01 . 
         [0023]    If the expected signal was observed at step  420  we go next to step  428  and observe the Reporter  112  for a predetermined signal, for example signaling twice. If the expected signal is not observed the Reporter  112  is observed for another signal, for example one beep. One signal is predetermined to indicate that the Reporter  112  properly received data from the ACPV  120  but that the Reporter  112  battery is low. The battery is replaced  440  in the Reporter  112  and the process continues to step  438 . 
         [0024]    If the expected (single) signal was not observed at step  30  step  432  checks to see if any signal at all was observed from the Reporter  112 . If no signal, the battery in the Reporter  112  is replaced  442  and the process begins again at step  401 . 05 . Similar to the test of the interrogator at step  403 , step  434  notes any beep code received from the Reporter  112 , replaces the Reporter  112 , and returns to step  401 . 05 . 
         [0025]    If the expected signals (for example, two) were observed at step  428  a display on the Reporter  112  is read. Note that the ACPV module test at step  420  is very simple self test. At step  502  the Reporter  112  provides detailed information regarding the ACPV  120 . Example data is whether the module is good, else an error code; the type of module, for comparison with a work order; the maximum power rating; the current limit; the voltage and frequency design specifications; date of manufacture; serial number; and activation status. Less than all of these data may be reported, or other data as may be of interest to an installer or manufacturer. 
         [0026]    Step  504  verifies that the data reported by the Reporter  112  matches the work order. If the data does not match the work order the discrepancies are noted, the ACPV  120  tagged for identification and set aside  506  and the process started all over again  402  with a different ACPV  120 . If the data observed at step  504  matches the work order the shorting clip is removed from the ACPV  120  output terminals  508  and the ACPV  120  is attached  510  into the power system. 
         [0027]    The test flow from step  510  through step  702  is essentially the same process as that hereinbefore described for steps  401  through  502  ( FIG. 4 ) and is not repeated here. ACPV  120  is tested without being installed per the flow described by  FIG. 4 , then retested per the flow described by  FIG. 5  after the ACPV  120  is installed into the power system. Note, though, that step  501  includes the steps of mounting  501 . 01  the ACPV  120  and tightening the ACPV  120  mechanical mounting points to a torque specification. As with step  502 , step  702  includes observing the Reporter  112  for data relative to the operation of the ACPV  120 , now within the environment of a power generation system. Note that the interrogation of an ACPV  120 , and the resulting collection of data, may be done at times other than during installation of a system, for example as routine maintenance or monitoring. The Interrogator  100  is generally anticipated to be a portable, hand-held device whose purpose is to stimulate the ACPV  120  to provide certain data to the Reporter  112 , thus convenient at the time of installation. Once one or more ACPV  120  modules are installed in a power generation system and the system is connected to the internet via a gateway (as described in more detail in aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/061,025), the ACPV  120  can be remotely commanded to report the same data as in  FIG. 7  step  702 . The report may be made to a Reporter  112  as hereinbefore described, with an installer observing the Reporter  112 , or the data may be transmitted back to a remote station using the internet connection. In some embodiments step  702  includes additional data compared to that reported at step  502 . Examples of the additional data relative to an ACPV  120  include a determination that the ACPV  120  is dirty; whether the ACPV  120  has been cracked, including a time stamp; whether the ACPV  120  suffered an impact, including a time stamp; a value of degradation of the performance of the ACPV  120  compared to the as-installed performance; the status of the attachment bolts of the frame of the ACPV  120 , such as whether the frame is twisted or a bolt is lose or missing; the front and back temperatures of the ACPV  120 , perhaps with time stamps; status of the grid to which the power generation system is connected; a configuration symbol; the lifetime yield of the ACPV  120 ; the days in service of the ACPV  120 ; yield of the ACPV  120  since the last interrogation; and the number of days since the last interrogation of the ACPV  120 . Clearly less than all of these example data types is within the scope of the present invention, and likewise one skilled in the art will know of other data that would be of value to the owner or user of the power generation system. 
         [0028]    At the time of installation an ACPV  120  is mechanically affixed to a structure holding the power generation system, the structure typically located on a roof or in an open field. Due to a harsh environment of temperature, wind, rain, snow, hail, and other environmental factors it is usual to secure solar panels very securely, for example by tightening down nuts and bolts to a predetermined torque. In one embodiment of the present invention the torque is remotely monitored, enabling a system operator to detect that a bolt has become lose (or dislodged altogether). At the time of installation the bolts are tightened to a predetermined torque. Looking to  FIG. 11 , a PV  108  of the ACPV  120  is provided with four rigid protrusions (collectively numbered  1108 ) wherein the protrusions  1108  make contact with the substrate to which the PV  108  is secured. The mounting bolts for the ACPV  120  (not shown) are outside the circumscribed perimeter of the rigid protrusions  1108 , such that as the bolts are torque the PV  108  has some amount of bending. It is usual for PV  108  manufacturers to specify the torque value for the bolts. Still looking to  FIG. 11 , a strain gauge  1102  and a strain gauge  1104  is affixed to a surface of the PV  108 . The two strain gauges  1102 ,  1104  are placed such that their longitudinal axes are ninety degrees apart. The strain gauges  1102 ,  1104  are also placed such that their longitudinal axes are forty five degrees relative to a frame (not shown) of the PV  108 . At step  510 . 02  the bolts are tightened to a predetermined torque value and the readings of the strain gauges  1102 ,  1104  recorded. At step  702  the strain gauge  1102 ,  1104  readings are compared to predetermined values to insure that the bolts were properly torque initially, which will also verify that a PV  108  panel is not improperly twisted. A system operator may from time to time interrogate an ACPV  120  and evaluate the new strain gauge  1102 ,  1104  readings. For example, analysis of the data can determine if a bolt has come off completely or if a bolt or bolts are becoming lose. The analysis may also indicate that the PV  108  is twisted. 
         [0029]    Looking to  FIG. 7 , the Reporter  112  is observed for certain predetermined data  702  and the data so observed compared to the requirements of an installation work order and to the specifications of the ACPV  120  to determine that the ACPV  120  is working properly  704 . If there are discrepancies they are corrected by the installer  706  if possible then the process returns to step  510 . 04  to reinstall and test the ACPV  120 . If the status of the ACPV  120  is good and the data  702  matches the work order  704  we check to see if all ACPV  120  modules for the instant power generation system have been installed  708 . If there are more ACPV  120  modules to be installed the process begins again  402 , else continues to activate the instant leg  802 . 
         [0030]    In another embodiment a device  1112  is affixed to the PV  108 , wherein the device  1112  provides a mechanical pulse, similar to a click or a tap, to the PV  108 . The device  1112  may be affixed at any of a variety of locations, such as the top or bottom surface of the PV  108 , on one edge or side of the PV  108  frame, and such. The device includes means to activate it to mechanically excite the ACPV  120  (not shown) and a microphone (not shown) receives the returning sound data responsive to the mechanical tap from the device  1112 . Many techniques are known in the art for analyzing the returning audible signal to determine that a crack may have developed in the structure. In some embodiments the microphone constantly “listens” for a sound pattern known to indicate a glass breaking, such as from hail or a thrown rock. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments a remote operations center has overall control of a power system. For example, a system may be allowed to connect to a grid and produce power (be “energized” for a limited time and, if not activated by the remote operations center by a certain time, for example ten days, then the system stops producing power. Leg activation  802  begins with the steps of attaching a gateway (if not already done), contacting an operations center to inform the center the leg is being energized by the installer, and then causing the leg to be energized  804 . With the leg energized the leg is fully functional, but is not yet activated by the operations center. In one embodiment the operations center examines data received from the power generation system, comprised of a plurality of ACPVs  120  cooperatively connected in accordance with the aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/061,025 wherein the controller for the system or the Reporter  112  (if so connected) provides certain data back to the operations center, the data similar to that disclosed in association with step  702 . The operations center may advise the installer what type and capacity the leg represents as a cross check. The operations center activates the ACPV  120  modules and advises of any discrepancies  806 . Assuming all results are as expected, installation is now complete  808 . 
         [0032]    The descriptions related to  FIG. 3  through  FIG. 8  are exemplary of a specific embodiment of the present invention for an installation and test verification process. More or fewer steps with variations in details of numbers and sequence are within the scope of the present invention and are claimed by the applicant. 
         [0033]    A power generation system designed in accordance with the aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/061,025 and installed in accordance with the present invention provides for other novel uses such as monitoring a system periodically. Such monitoring is useful by providing a means for repair actions to be taken upon detected need rather than by a routine schedule. Since the experience of reliability, damage, and environment over time will vary from installation to installation, time-based maintenance must be scheduled anticipating the worst-case scenario, thereby wasting money on systems with a better experience. For example, an operations center may periodically request data from a power generation system wherein the data requested is similar to that disclosed in association with step  702  and record the response in a database. Trend data of such specific data as surface or back temperatures may indicate a problem with a system or a change in the surrounding environment that warrants a maintenance investigation. Slow changes in torque readings may indicate that an ACPV  120  is becoming lose in its attachment to the system and the bolts need attention. An indication of one or more ACPV  120  modules being dirty might indicate to the operations center that the system owner should be notified to clean the ACPV  120  or perhaps sending someone to clean the panel if a maintenance contract covered that action. Detection of a cracked panel would enable timely repair. 
         [0034]    The efficiency and total power delivered by a solar powered system obviously depends upon the degree to which a system is able to receive full sunlight. The sunlight available may change over time due to buildings being built next to an installed system or nearby trees growing taller. In one embodiment of the present invention an installer records the physical location of each ACPV  120  module as-installed relative to the earth (longitude and latitude) as well as relative to an identified certain location on the premises wherein the system is installed. Looking to  FIG. 9 , an installed solar power generation system  902  is installed on the roof of a house  904  wherein the location and orientation of the house and each ACPV  120  module within the system  902  are known to and recorded by the operations center, the information being provided by an installer. A nearby tree  906  sometimes shades all or less than all of the ACPVs  120  during certain times of the day and/or time of the year. By knowing the position and orientation of the ACPVs  120  and observing and recording the power data available from each ACPV  120  one may determine the position and height of the tree (or other obstacle blocking the sun  908 ) using simple geometry and time of day plus day of the year information. In some municipalities it is becoming a requirement for one neighbor to prevent his landscaping, such as a tree, or home addition from blocking another neighbor&#39;s solar power system. As the tree  906  grows and perhaps shades more and more of the solar power system  902  the data will provide evidence of the tree&#39;s  906  effect on efficiency and the facts of its height and location. 
       RESOLUTION OF CONFLICTS 
       [0035]    If any disclosures are incorporated herein by reference and such incorporated disclosures conflict in part or whole with the present disclosure, then to the extent of conflict, and/or broader disclosure, and/or broader definition of terms, the present disclosure controls. If such incorporated disclosures conflict in part or whole with one another, then to the extent of conflict, the later-dated disclosure controls.