Tigo Energy, Inc.

A method includes determining, by a controller, an output level of a photovoltaic system. The method includes determining, by the controller, a load on the photovoltaic system. The method includes, in response to determining the output level is greater than the load, directing, by the controller, an excess output from the photovoltaic system to a battery of the photovoltaic system to charge the battery. The method includes, in response to determining the output level is less than the load, determining a charge level of the battery and weather associated with the photovoltaic system. When the charge level of the battery is greater than a charge threshold and the weather indicates further usage of the photovoltaic system, the method includes powering the load from the battery in addition to the photovoltaic system.

Systems and methods for automatically or remotely rendering a solar array safe during an emergency or maintenance. A watchdog unit is disclosed for monitoring a signal from a central controller. If the signal is lost, interrupted, or becomes irregular, or if a shutdown signal is received, then the watchdog unit can shut down one or more solar modules. Shutting down a solar module can mean disconnecting it from a power bus of the solar array or lowering the solar module voltage to a safe level.

A transmitter includes a modulator configured to digitally generate a communication signal whose modulation represents coded information to be transmitted to a local management unit. The transmitter can include a control unit configured to generate harmonic frequencies that are in-phase, inverted, or out-of-phase from a raw signal using fundamental frequencies for modulation.

Systems and methods for shut-down of a photovoltaic system. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a computer system includes: communicating, via a central controller, with a plurality of local management units (LMUs), each of the LMUs coupled to control a respective solar module; receiving, via the central controller, a shut-down signal from a user device (e.g., a hand-held device, a computer, or a wireless switch unit); and in response to receiving the shut-down signal, shutting down operation of the respective solar module for each of the LMUs.

Systems and methods for automatically or remotely rendering a solar array safe during an emergency or maintenance. A watchdog unit is disclosed for monitoring a signal from a central controller. If the signal is lost, interrupted, or becomes irregular, or if a shutdown signal is received, then the watchdog unit can shut down one or more solar modules. Shutting down a solar module can mean disconnecting it from a power bus of the solar array or lowering the solar module voltage to a safe level.

A system includes a modulator configured to generate a communication signal whose modulation represents coded information to be transmitted to a local management unit connected to a photovoltaic module. A local management unit is configured to receive a communication signal whose modulation represents coded information from an inverter or a transmitter. The local management unit is configured to receive a unique pairing sequence; pair to a first transmitter or inverter; and receive communications from the first transmitter or inverter. The local management unit is configured to ignore communications from a second transmitter or inverter that is not paired to the local management unit.

Systems and methods for shut-down of a photovoltaic system. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a computer system includes: communicating, via a central controller, with a plurality of local management units (LMUs), each of the LMUs coupled to control a respective solar module; receiving, via the central controller, a shut-down signal from a user device (e.g., a hand-held device, a computer, or a wireless switch unit); and in response to receiving the shut-down signal, shutting down operation of the respective solar module for each of the LMUs.

Methods and systems for connecting a photovoltaic module and an inverter having an input capacitor are presented. The photovoltaic system includes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller coupled between the inverter and the photovoltaic module. The MPPT controller includes a direct current (DC) converter configured to reduce, in a forward buck mode, a voltage of the photovoltaic module, to supply power from the photovoltaic module to the input capacitor of the inverter. The photovoltaic system also includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to control the DC converter to allow the photovoltaic module to operate at a maximum power point, and to increase, in a reverse boost mode, a voltage of the input capacitor of the inverter, to dissipate power from the input capacitor in the photovoltaic module, and the MPPT controller is configured to, based upon one or more triggers.

A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shut down, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.

A system includes a modulator configured to generate a communication signal whose modulation represents coded information to be transmitted to a local management unit connected to a photovoltaic module. A local management unit is configured to receive a communication signal whose modulation represents coded information from an inverter or a transmitter. The local management unit is configured to receive a unique pairing sequence; pair to a first transmitter or inverter; and receive communications from the first transmitter or inverter. The local management unit is configured to ignore communications from a second transmitter or inverter that is not paired to the local management unit.