PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY SOURCES

摘要

A photovoltaic (PV) panel includes a PV output, a storage and retrieval subsystem (storage subsystem), and PV cells. The PV output is configured to be coupled to a distribution system to supply electricity produced by the PV panel to the distribution system. The storage subsystem includes a dedicated storage device. The storage subsystem is electrically coupled to the PV output and provides per-panel energy storage. The PV cells are coupled to the PV output and to the storage device. The PV cells are configured to photovoltaically generate an electrical potential when exposed to incident illumination. While incident illumination is available, the PV cells supply a portion of the electrical potential to the PV output and a second portion to the dedicated energy storage device. The storage subsystem is configured to intermediately supply energy stored thereon to the PV output while the incident illumination is unavailable or partially unavailable.