Producing an indication of solar panel condition based on age and actual power output
US7667610B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2007 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for producing an indication of solar panel condition is disclosed. The method involves receiving operating condition signals including an irradiance signal representing electromagnetic radiation received by the solar panel, and an age signal representing age of the solar panel. The method also involves receiving a power signal representing actual power output from the solar panel and producing a power estimate in response to the operating condition signals and irradiance and age adjustment factors. The power estimate represents an expected power output from the solar panel and the adjustment factors are for adjusting the irradiance signal and the age signal respectively. The method further involves causing a warning signal to be generated in response to a difference between the power signal and the power estimate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.