Device and method for electrically decoupling a solar module from a solar system
Devices and methods for electrically decoupling a solar module from a solar system are described. In one embodiment, a solar system includes a string of a plurality of solar modules coupled with an inverter through a DC power line. An AC input is coupled with the DC power line. A device is also included and is configured to provide a closed circuit for one of the plurality of solar modules if an AC signal voltage from the AC input is present on the DC power line, and is configured to provide an open circuit for the one of the plurality of solar modules if no AC signal voltage from the AC input is present on the DC power line.
1. A solar system, comprising:
a string of a plurality of solar modules coupled to a power line;
a power input coupled to the string of the plurality of solar modules through the power line, wherein the power input is configured to generate a power line signal; and
a device comprising a switch coupled in series with the string of the plurality of solar modules, the switch responsive to the power line signal, wherein the switch is configured to provide a closed circuit for one of the plurality of solar modules when the power line signal is received.
2. The solar system of claim 1 , wherein the one of the plurality of solar modules comprises a capacitor coupled in parallel with solar cells of the one of the plurality of solar modules.
3. The solar system of claim 1 , wherein the power input is sourced from a transformer.
4. The solar system of claim 3 , wherein the transformer is driven by a main AC power supply coupled with an energy grid.
5. The solar system of claim 4 , wherein the switch is configured to provide an open circuit for the one of the plurality of solar modules in response to an event during which the main AC power supply is disconnected from the energy grid.
6. The solar system of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of solar modules comprise respective switches configured to provide a closed circuit for each of the plurality of solar modules, respectively, when the power line signal is received.
7. The solar system of claim 6 , wherein the respective switches of each of the plurality of solar modules are further configured to provide an open circuit for each of the plurality of solar modules, respectively, when the power line signal is not received.
8. The solar system of claim 1 , wherein the one of the plurality of solar modules comprises a junction box, and wherein the switch is housed in the junction box.
9. A solar module, comprising:
one or more solar cells configured to provide a DC signal to a power line of a solar system, the one or more solar cells included in a string of solar cells; and
a device comprising a switch coupled in series with the string of solar cells, the switch configured to provide a closed circuit for the solar module in response to a received power line signal on the power line, and configured to provide an open circuit for the solar module if no power line signal is received.
10. The solar module of claim 9 , further comprising:
a junction box, wherein the switch is housed in the junction box.
11. The solar module of claim 9 , further comprising:
a capacitor coupled in parallel with the solar cells.
12. The solar module of claim 11 , wherein the capacitor is configured to block the DC signal from the switch.
13. A solar system, comprising:
a string of a plurality of solar modules coupled with an inverter through a power line;
a power input coupled to the power line, wherein the power input is configured to generate a power line signal on the power line; and
a device comprising a switch coupled in series with the string of the plurality of solar cell modules, the switch responsive to the power line signal, wherein the switch is configured to provide a closed circuit for one of the plurality of solar modules when the power line signal is received.
14. The solar system of claim 13 , wherein the one of the plurality of solar modules comprises a capacitor coupled in parallel with solar cells of the one of the plurality of solar modules to block a DC signal on the power line from the switch.
15. The solar system of claim 13 , wherein the power input is sourced from a transformer.
16. The solar system of claim 15 , wherein the transformer is driven by a main AC power supply coupled with an energy grid.
17. The solar system of claim 16 , wherein the switch is configured to provide an open circuit for the one of the plurality of solar modules in response to an event during which the main AC power supply is disconnected from the energy grid.
18. The solar system of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of solar modules comprise respective switches configured to provide a closed circuit for each of the plurality of solar modules, respectively, when the power line signal is present on the power line.
19. The solar system of claim 18 , wherein the respective switches of the plurality of solar modules are configured to provide an open circuit for each of the plurality of solar modules, respectively, when no power line signal is present on the power line.
20. The solar system of claim 13 , wherein the one of the plurality of solar modules comprises a junction box, and wherein the switch is housed in the junction box.