Solar cell, module, array, network, and power grid

摘要

The present invention teaches a solar cell, a solar module, a solar array, a network of solar arrays, and also a solar power grid suitable for providing power for industrial, residential and transportation use. A solar cell or solar module including a plurality of solar cells can be made in a structure configured to have the appearance of natural foliage. Accordingly, a solar array including a plurality of solar modules each including at least one solar cell can be made to resemble a palm tree, a deciduous tree, an evergreen tree, or other type of natural foliage. A network of solar arrays can be made to resemble a row or grove of palm trees, and thus meet the functional and aesthetic demands of landscape architecture. The network of solar arrays can extend for many miles alongside roads, highways, railways, pipelines, or canals, and can further include means for storing and transmitting electric power. In particular, a network of solar arrays can be in communication with recharging stations for use by electric and hybrid transportation vehicles. Accordingly, a network of solar arrays can form at least a portion of a solar power grid.

主权项

1. A solar array comprising:
a structure configured to resemble a palm tree comprising a trunk portion and at least one solar module configured to resemble a palm frond, said at least one solar module comprising one or more solar cells each having a working surface area configured to capture sunlight and to output electrical energy, said structure being coupled via one or more electrically conductive elements with a plurality of additional structures also being configured to resemble a palm tree and having one or more solar modules, said structure and said plurality of additional structures being intermittently disposed in at least one row along the periphery of a road to form a network of structures configured to output said electrical energy via said one or more electrically conductive elements to at least one recharging station configured to selectively provide said electrical energy to electric power storage devices of transportation vehicles which selectively couple with said at least one recharging station, said network of structures and said at least one recharging station together forming an independent solar power grid.