«2 United States Patent Jungerman et al. US 8,610,425 B2 Dec. 17, 2013 (10) Patent No. 4s) Date of Patent: (54) SOLAR MONITOR FOR SOLAR DEVICE (75) Inventors: Roger L.Jungerman, Petaluma, CA (US); Randall King, Santa Rosa, CA ws) (73) Assignce: Solmetrie Corporation, Sebastopol, CA ws) (#) Notice: Subject wo any disclaimer, the term of this pleat is extended or adjusted under 35 TSC. 134¢b) by 571 days. (21) Appl. Nos 127799981 (22) Filed: May 4, 2010 3) Prior Publication Data US 2011027316341 Nov. 10,2011 Gy (2006.01) (32) 324/126; 324/111 (58) Fleld of Classification Search usPC’ 324/126 See application file for complete search history, 66) References Cited USS, PSTENT DOCUMENTS 4.456580 4 op1dals Boe (611984 Warner eta 7005 Suns 764268 Be 12007 Yakymystyn eta 771070 m+ $3010 Wet 7 Re $2011 Ade weal B2* 72012 Besseret al pass AL* 102006 Locher OTHER PUBLICATIONS DAL.King et al, Dark Currnt-Votuge Measurements on Photovolac Modes asa Dignostic or Manufacturing Tool, 26th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, Sep. 29.197 * cited by examiner Primary Examiner — Thomas Valone (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Coastal Patent Law Group, PC. oshua S. Schoonover 6 ABSTRACT A solar monitor measures electial characteristics ofa des- ‘ignated solar device within an array of solar devices that are ‘cnplein series. The solar monitor includes a charge storage clement anv charger eoupled to the charge stomge element {o establish a postive voltage and/or a negative voltage on the charge storage clement, A switch within the solar monitor is coupled in @ shunt configuration with the designated solar ‘device and with a subsequent device in the aay. The switch selectively couples the charge storage element tothe desig- rated solar device to vary an operating current that flows ‘between the designated sojnr device and the subsequent solar device. The solar monitor includes current detector to men- sure the current of the designated solar device, and voltage etectortomeasure the volage ofthe designatedsolar device. 20 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets CONTROLLERUS 8,610,425 B2 Sheet 1 of 6 Dec. 17, 2013 U.S, Patent 1 eunBi4 al YATIONLNOS BOUVHO 9 MALUBANI i i 1 i i i 7) i woss300ud — “1s Ly OLS: i i Ls i i i aonaa | HOIAaG uyios ‘7 |_xvios BOING uvIOS_| %US 8,610,425 B2 Sheet 2 of 6 Dec. 17, 2013 U.S, Patent pub samod Aaya 4 8 WETIOWINOS BOUWHO) 9 MSLUSANIUS 8,610,425 B2 Sheet 3 of 6 Dec. 17, 2013 U.S, Patent : ae. ; ! 1 0 ot i ‘ { i i Ne i 4 ° as. ' ! ' ' uossz00ud [-——>| xT HS | 8 16 als SH i WaTIOWINOO : a : | 3OuVHO i 6 i 9 1 4 Pl i i se i UaLUANI i Tr 4 N i i Le worse Je...) soee |... f sonao [S| Bonga uvt0s 7 asmos_[°"37|_lanos_ uvI0s,US 8,610,425 B2 Sheet 4 of 6 Dec. 17, 2013 U.S, Patent yueg | [YETIOUINOD waneg of" —|__30uvHO io pu Jonod | YELUBANI ‘Auge 0} +] Hon OIAaG BOING wvI0s BOIAaGU.S. Patent Dec. 17, 2013 Sheet 5 of 6 US 8,610,425 B2 om OPEN SWATCH St OPEN SWITCH 19] 20 : t PROVIDE NEGATIVE PROVIDE POSITIVE GhARGE TO CHARGE CHARGE TO CHARGE STORAGE ELEMENT STORAGE ELEMENT 12 22 | | CLOSE SWITCH St 44 CLOSE SWITCH 24 es] 2 cs z ACQUIRE SET OF ACQUIRE SET OF CORRESPONDING CORRESPONDING CURRENT AND VOLTAGE CURRENT AND VOLTAGE MEASUREWENTS 16 MEASUREMENTS. 26 ESTABLISH ELECTRICAL ESTABLISH ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS FOR CHARACTERISTICS FOR SOLAR DEVICE SOLAR DEVICE 18) 17 28) 27 Mt M2 Figure 5U.S. Patent Dec. 17, 2013 Sheet 6 of 6 US 8,610,425 B2 a LO Isc {Isd,Vsd}, Figure 6US 8,610,425 B2 1 SOLAR MONITOR FOR SOLAR DEVICE, (CROSS-REPERENCE TO RELATED "APPLICATIONS, NIA BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Photovoltaic (PV) systoms are ubiquitous contributors to worldwide energy’ prxduetion, Solar panels within PV sys- tems conver incident sunlight into electrical energy that mn be fe through an inverter to a wiity power grid, sored butlery banks or locally consumed. The solar panels have a Jong specified operating life and are typically installed on rooftops and other ste that may be difficult to access during the operating life. Aecontingl, itis desirable to monitor dhe performance ofthe solar panels to detect degradation du to ‘aging, faults, or environmental conditions, because even ‘minor degndation in performancenfone or moresolar panels ‘ean depeve the PV system of significant energy production ‘over the long operating life ofthe solar panics Inverters within PV systems that are coupled tothe utility power grid, or “rid-tied” typically have capability to mon ‘or the total operating vollage and total operating current ‘cumulatively provided by ll ofthe solar panels within the PV system. While this monitoring capability provides a usefl Performance measure for the aire PV system, i does not ‘enable detection of subtle degradations within the sola pan- ck, ectrical characteristics, such as current-voltage, oF “IV", characteristics of the solar panels are definitive ind ‘ators of the performance and integrity ofthe solar panel, ‘and may be used to detect even subtle degradations of the solar panos. The -V characteristics of individual sola panels may be measured using traditional curve tracers in manutfae- ‘uring facilities, prior fo integration into a PV system, These measurements, disclosed for example by Warner etal. in US. at. No. 4456-880, tiled I-V Curve Tracer Employing Para- nitric Sampling, providea baseline performance measire for the individual solar panels inthe manufacturing environment, butdo not provide oron-going monitoring the solar panels ‘once the solar panels sre installed and are operating in a PV system. “The I-V characteristics of one or more solar panels may also be measured upon installation ofthe solar panels ina PV system lo pride cumlative baseline performance mea- ‘re fra ofthe solr panels the operating environment of the installation sit However, this measurement typically relies on disconnecting the solar panels from the rest of the PV system and disrupting operation ofthe PV system, which ‘makes this type of meastiement too intrusive for monitoring performance and detecting degradation of the solar pancls ‘within an installed PV system, Inview ofthe above, there is anecd fora solar monitor that measures clecttical characteristics of solar panels during the ‘operating life of an installed PV system, without significatly “disrupting the operation ofthe PV system, SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A solar monitor according to embodiments of the present invention measures electrical characteristics of a designated solar device within an array of solar devices that are coupled in series, The solar onitorineludes a charge storage element and a charger coupled to the charge storage clement to extab- Tisha positive voltage andra negative voltage onthe change 0 o 2 storage element. switch within the solar monitor is coupled ina shunt configuration withthe designated solar device and ‘ith subsequent device inthe array. The switch selectively couples the charge storage clement tothe designated solar device to vary an operating euerent that flows between the ‘designated solar devi and th subsequent sola device, The solar monitor inchides a current detoctor to measure the cu rent ofthe designated solar device, and a voltage detector to ‘measure the voltage ofthe designated solar device BRIEF DESCRIPTION OP THE DRAWINGS. The present invention can be better understood with refer- ‘ence to the following Figures. The compontcats in the Figures ‘are not necessarily to scale, Emphasis is instead placed upon ilhustating the principles and elements of the present inven- ‘ion, FIGS, 1-4 show examples of block diagrams of « solar monitor according oaltemative embodiments ofthe present FIG. 5 shows an example of « low diagram of a solar monitor implemented according to a method, seconding to ‘ltemative embodiments ofthe present invention FIG. 6 shows an example of current-voltage (-V) char. acteristie fora solar devi, established using the solar moni- tors acconding to embodiments ofthe present invention, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of a solar monitor 100, according to embodiments of the present inven- ‘ion, coupled to asolar device2, withina PV system 200. The solar device 2, typically inlndes one oF more solar panes, suel as photovoltaic panels, solar cells or other deviees, ele- meals or systems that are suitable for converting incident sola radiation RAD int electrical power In this example, the PV systom 200 includes an aray 4 of two or more solar devices 2,-2, that are coupled in series. Each ofthe solar devices, in tura, may include one or more sdvices, elements, orsystems ina series and/or shunt arrange- ‘ment. The PV system 200 may altematively include two oF ‘more of the arrays 4 in a series or parallel arrangement During operation of the PV system 200, an operating eurent Top flows between the wor more solar devices 2,-2, that are ‘coupled in series. la this example, the operating eureat lop flows between the solar device 2, and a subsequent solar vice in the array 4. The subseguent solar device may include the solar device 2,, addtional solar devices in the may 4, the inverter 6, or any of one or more elements ofthe PV system 200 that are coupled in series with the solar device 2, or with any other of the designated solar devices in the Aatvay 4. The operating cureat lop typically refers to currents that are provided by the Wo or more solar devices 2-2, ia respons tothe incident solar radiation RAD, The operating ceurrent Top may also refer to substantially smaller currents, Such as “dark” currents that may be provided by the to oF more solar deviees 2,2, in the absence of the incident solar radiation RAD on one or more ofthe solar devices 2,2, Alternatively, the operating. current lop may refer 10, or include, uy other current that may flow between designated solar device and a subsequent solar device inthe aay 4 of ‘to or moresolar devices 2,-2, when the solar devices 2,-2, ‘within the array 4 are coupled in series or otherwise config: ‘red for operation or se in the PV system 200. “The output ofthe last solardevice 2, inthe ary’ 4s shows, coupled to an inverter 6. Ina typical “gridetied” PV system 200, the inverter 6 is coupled to a uty power grid (notUS 8,610,425 B2 3 shown) Inaltemative examples, the PV system 200 includes ‘change controller that delivers power provided bythe solar ‘devices 2,-2, toa battery bank or olher type of energy storage system (not shown). While the inverter 6 and the change ‘controller ate shown included within the PV system 200, the PV system 200 may include nether the inverter 6 nor change ‘contol 8, o just oneof the inverter 6 and charge controler ‘depending onthe application ofthe PV system 200, The PV system 200 may inchide other types of devices, elements or systems that are suitable for interfacing tothe array 4of solar devices 2,-2, that are coupled in series, “The sola monitor 100 is configured to monitor the elects ‘al characteristies at fist port 1 ofthe fst solar deviee 2, in the amay 4. In other examples, the solar monitor 100 is con- figured i monitor or measure eletrcal characteristics of any clher of the solar devices 2,2, inthe array 4 by coupling the solar monitor 100 o another solar device 2, or subset of solar “devices in thearray 4. The subscript "x" ian integer variable that designates which solar devie 2, in the any 4 of solae devices 2,-2, is monitored by the solar monitor 100, where Tzxen and where n represents the number of solar devices in the amay 4 “The solar monitor 100 includes a switch SI that has first, ‘contact Sta, a second contact SLA, anda contol pot Ste. The fist contact Sta is coupled to the frst por I ofthe solae device 2,, which couples the switch SI in shuat coafigurae tion with the solar dovice 2, and with the subsequent solae ‘device in the array 4 of solar deviees 2y-2, tbat are couple in series In this example, the first contact Sta ofthe switch ST 's coupled tothe first port 1 oF the solar device 2, through an ‘optionally inchaded fuse F and a curent detector II. The ‘Witch SI may be implemented using high current switeh- ing tmnsistor such as an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (GBT) provided by MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC, an electro- ‘mechanical relay, mechanical switch other typeof semicon- ‘ductor device, of series of devices, The switch S1 is alterna tively implemented using any other type of device, element, ‘orsystem suitable for providing switching atthe currents and voltages presented atthe contacts Sla, SL. In an example ‘wherein the solar monitor 100 s configured to monitora solar device 2, that inclides single solar pancl, the voltage present between the first contact Sle and the second contact SID of the switch $1 typically does pot exceed one hundred wotsand the current between the first contact Sa and the second contact S15 of the switch SI typically does not exceed ten amperes, However, in examples wherein the solar monitor 100 is configured to monitor a solar device 2, that incles rniiple solar panels in a series configuration, the voltage present between the frst contact Sta and the second contact Sib of the switch SI may’ exceed soveral hundred volts. The type of device, element or system that is used to implement the switch ST may be selected according tothe configuration ‘ofthe PV system 200, or according to the coupling configu ration of the solar monitor 100 tothe PV system 200, “The solar monitor 100 includes a charge storage element C that has fist terminal 3a eoupled to the second contact SU ‘of the switch SI. A second temninal 3b ofthe change storage ‘elearent Ci coupled tthe second port 2 ofthe solar device 2,. The change storage element C i typically implemented Using one or more electrolyte capacitors The capacitance of the charge storage element C is typically lager than the ‘capacitaice that s associated with cach of the solar devices 2,-2,, which enables the charg storoge element Cto provide sufficiently lage voltages and corresponding curren to the solar device 2, upon activation of the switch St. “The solar monitar 100 inchides a charger 5 having an ‘output O that is couple tothe first terminal 3a of the charge 0 o 4 storage element C. The charger 8 is typically implemented ‘sing a DC-DC converter or other power supply that ss able to provide voltages and currents to the charge storage ‘ovice C that are sufiienty igh to perform meastirements ‘ofthe eleerical characteristics of the solar device 2,. The fcurent thatthe charger § provides to the charge storage element is sufcintly large to enable the solar monitor 100 to perform measurements of «solar device 2, ata designated ‘measurement interval. Inone example, the charger provides ‘current a the output O of approximately 100 mA, whieh enables the solar monitor 100 fo perform a measurement of the solar device 2, at least every several seconds. Through internal switching, or by including two power supplies of ‘opposite polarity the charger 8, typically under contol ofthe processor9, provides either positive charge on the terminal Sao thecharge storage element Cora negative charge on the terminal 3a ofthe charge storage element so that a positive vollage ora negative voltage, respectively. may be selectively provided between the terminals 3a, 3) ofthe charge storage clement C “The solar monitor 100 includes a vohage detector VI coupled between a ground or other suitable voltage reference land's node N. The voltage detector V1 typically inches @ voltage probe (not shown) and an analog-to-digital converter, voltmeter, data acquisition system, or other type of device, ‘clement or system suitable for measuring or otherwise deter ‘mining the voltage atthe node N. The node N is typically located in a signal path betwoen the first port 1 oF the solar vice 2, and the first temninal 3a of the charge storage element C, or at any other designated position in the solar ‘monitor 100 othe PV system 200 that s suitable to provide ‘anindication ofthe voltage Va present atthe portone Lof the solar device 2,.In an example wherein the node N is pos tioned between the fuse F and the switch S1, voltage mea- surements acquired atthe nodeN may be compensated forthe voltage drops that may oecur across the fuse F duet inherent resistance of the fiseP. In an example wherein the node N is positioned at the fist terminal 3 of the charge storage ele- ‘ent C, voltage measurements acquired at the node N may also he compensated for voltage drops that may occur across the switch SI duc to the inherent “on” resistance associated ‘with the switch SI when the switch SI is closed. Compensa- tion is typically provided by the processor 9, which typically interlaces with the contol por Stcof swite S1, the charger 5, the current detector I, the voltage detector VI, and other ‘devices, elements, or systems associated withthe solar moni- {or L00orthe PV system 200. The processor 9 typically hasan associated memory (not shown). “The solar monitor 100 also includes a cureat detector that i coupled tothe fst por 1 of the solar device 2, and configured toindicatethecurrent Id that x presenta the frst port 1 of the solar device 2,. In ane example, the current ‘etevior IL is implemented with « Hall Effect Sensor (not shown), as disclosed for example in US, Pat. No. 7,164,263, issued on 16 Jan. 2007 to Yakymyshyn et al. This type of ceurent detector Ii typically elamped on or otherwise posed about one or mare conductors H1 that carry eurents between solar devices 2, within the array 4of solar devices 2,-2, within the PV system 200. Because the Hell Effect ‘Sensor isnot interposed in te signal path of the PV system 200, failure of this ype of eurent detector typically will rot induce a failurein the PV system 200, ortypicaly will not ‘otherwise impair operation of eneray production by the PV system 200, FIG. 2 shows another example ofthe solar monitor 100 ‘wherein the current detctor I1 is implemented using the voltage detector V1, a voltage detector V2, and a resistiveUS 8,610,425 B2 5 ‘element Rm. The vollage detector V2 typically includes 3 voltage probe (not shows) and an analog-to-dgital converter, voltmeter, a data acquisition system, or oer type of device, ‘element or system stable for measuring or otherwise deter- mining the voltage ata terminal oF the resistive element Rin that is opposite from the terminal that is coupled to the node IN. Theresistive element Rm in one example isa temperatire- stable, low value resistor. The resistance ofthe resistive cle- ment itm is typically less than one ohm or is otherwise sul ficiently low so a to not dissipate sulicient power to imps ‘operation ofthe PV system 200, The resistive element Rin is ‘alternatively implementedusing a designated length ofoncor ‘more of theconctos 1 that connect the solar devices 2-2, Within the aray 4 or that are otherwise associated with the solar device 2, In this implementation, the resistive element Rm isestablished based on the eross-sectional ara, the mate- Fialtype of the conductor 11 and the length ofa portion ofthe ‘conductor 11 that is defined by the physical separation between the voltage detectors VI, V2. The voltage detoctors Vi. V2 and all ofthe elements of de solar monitor 100 that ‘coupled in shunt with the PV system 200 typically have high input impedances, so that operation of the solar monitor 100 or even a failure of one or more elements of the solar ‘monitor 100, typically will not induce a corresponding failure nthe PV system 200 or otherse impair operation oF enersy produetion ofthe PV system 200. To further isolate the solar ‘monitor 100 from the PV system 200, the voltage detectors V1, V2 may each be optionally coupled to teminals of the resistive element Rm throwgh a corresponding series fse(not shown). This implementation of the curent detector It iso- Tates the PV system 200 frm fares that may coc in the solar monitor 100 aad enables the elements ofthe solar moni tor 100 tobe located remotely ftom the stringent envioamen- tal conditions of the installation sites ofthe PV system 200, hich typically increases reliability ofthe solar monitor 100 ‘To acquire a first measure MI of electrical characterises ‘of the solar device 2,, such as a portion ofan I-V character- istic 7 (shown in the example of FIG. 6), the processor 9 sctivates the conta port Seto open the switel SI, which ‘establishes a high impedance between the fist contact Sha land the second contact SUP, With switch SI open the proces- sor 9 configures the charger § to provide a negative charge, and corresponding negative voltage, between the fist temni= ral 30 and the second teainal 3b of the change sloraue ‘element C. The processor 9 thea decouples the changer § From the charge storage clement C. typically by opening an option- ally ineluded switch SC or by otherwise providing a high Impedance atthe ouput O ofthe charger 5, The processor 9 then activates the control port Ste to close the switeh SL ‘which establishes a low impedance between the firs contact Slaand the second contact S1bf the switch SI. Closing the ‘witch SI decreases the operating current lop between the solar device 2, and the subsequent solar device in he array 4 in response t0 the negative charge provided to the charge storage element C ‘With the switch SI closed, the voltage detector VI moni tors the voltage Vsd a the node N and the current detector 11 ‘monitors the current Isd atte fist port Lof the soar device 2, by acquiring a set {Isd. Vs}, of corresponding measure- iientsof the current Isdand measurements ofthe voltage Vad, respectively, over a fist designated time interval, While the ‘curent [sd andthe voltage Vs are typically analog currents and voltages, respectively, the acquired set (Isi,Vsd}, of ‘corresponding measurements of the current sd and measure= ‘ns othe voltage Vsd includes samples ofthe current Id and samples ofthe voltage Vsd, acquired by the curentdetce- tor land the volage detector V1 respectively, at designated 0 o 6 ‘mes within he frst desipnated time interval. The samples the set (Isd,Vsd), of corresponding measurements of the current Isdand measuremenis ofthe voltage Vs ate typically foguired in the direction defined by an arrow AL shown in FIG. 6, The processor 9 typically uses the acquired set {Id ‘Vs of corresponding measurements of the cutent scl and smeastements ofthe voltage Vsd in this fist measure MI of the electrical characteristics to establish a portion ofan characteristic 7 forthe solar device 2, that includes the short circuit current Isc and the operating voltage Vop of the solar device 2, as shown in FIG. 6. Series protection diodes (not shown) within each of the solar devices 2,-2, or the inherent electrical characteristics of the solar devices 2,-2, typically prevent current from other solar doves in the array’ from flowing tothe eurent detce- torI1, which could otherwise influence the frst meastie MI of the electrical characteristics ofthe solar device 2, To acquire a second measure M2 of electrical character ties ofthe solar device 2, such as nother portion of an I-V characteristic 7 (shown inthe example of FIG. 6), the proces- sor 9 activates the contr port Ste to open the switch SI, ‘whieh establishes a high impedance between the frst contact Sla and the second contact S1b. With switch SI open, the processor 9 configures the charger § w provide positive charge, and coresponding positive voltage, between the fst terminal 3a and the second tenninal 3h the change storage clement C. The positive voltage provided 1 the charge stor ‘age element Cis suficent o establish a voltage at the port 1 ofthe solardevice?, that exceeds the open circuit voltage Voe of the solar device 2,, The processor 9 then decouples the charger § from the charge storage elemeat C; typically by ‘pening the optionally ineluded switch SC or by otherwise providing a high impedance a the output O of the charger 8 The processor9 then activates the contol por Stew elosethe switch SI, which establishes a low impedance between the list contact SLa and the second contaet Stbof the switch SI Closing the switch SI inereases the operating current lop between the sotardevice 2, and the subsequent solar device in the army 4 in response tothe postive change provided to the charge storage element C. With the switch SI closed, the voltage detector VI then ‘monitors the voltage Vsel between the relerence andthe node Nand the curent detector I monitors the current Isat the fist port Lof te solar deview2, by acquiring ase {Tsd,Vsd}2 of corresponding measurements of the current lsd and met surements of the voltage Vsd, respectively, over a second designated time interval. The acquired set fIsdVsd} of cor responding measurements of the eurent Isd and measure ‘ens ofthe voltage Vid includes samples that are typically Acquired in the direction defined by an arrow A2 shovsn in FIG. 6, The processor 9 typically wes the acquired set {Ind ‘Vsd} sof corresponding measurements of the cutent Ise and meaturements ofthe voltage Vid in this second measure M2 ofthe electrical characteristics o establish portion of an LV characteristic 7 forthe solar device 2 that includes the open circuit voltage Va and the operating voltage Vopof the solar ‘device 2,8 shown in FIG, 6 Series protection diodes within each ofthe solar devies 2,-2, or the inherent electrical char acteristics of the solar devices 2,-2, typically prevent the ‘current Id from being neyative and may prevent acquisition ‘ofa measurement of the open circuit voltage Voe ofthe solar {device 2,_ at which the current Isd is zero the acquired set {Isd,Vsd} of corresponding meesurements ofthe current sd And meastirements of the voltage Vad inthis second measure (M2 may be used t extract the open eicuit voltage Vie and efine the portion of the I-V characteristic 7 where Isd-0, based on etive fitting or other data processing tecniqnes.US 8,610,425 B2 7 ‘While the first measure MI and the second measure M2 typically each include sets {Isd,Vsd},, {Isd.Va} of eore- sponding measurements of the current isd and measurements ‘of the voltage Vsd that are acquired at discrete times within the first and second designated time intervals, respectively, ‘curve iti techniques. interpolation techniques or extropo- Jatin techniques may be used t establish the FV character istic 7 or ther electrical characterise forthe particular sol device 2, thats monitored using the solar monitor 100. The first measure MI may be performed before the second mea- sure M2 is performs, oF View versa, Alternatively, the fst measure M1 is performed in the absence of the second miea- sure M2, or the second measure M2 is performed in the absence ofthe first measure MI The designated time intervals during which the measures MA, M2 of electrical characteristics ofthe solardevive 2, are performed are of shoe duration, s thatthe sola monitor 100 has nepligible impact on the energy production of the PV system 200. The shor-duration time intervals ofthe measures MA, M2 also provides for a low duty eyele forthe solar ‘monitor 100, hich results in low power diss ‘lemons ofthe salar monitor 100, Lower power dissipation typically provides corresponding increases in relisility of the solar monitor 10, IG. 3 shows an example of a block diagram of a solar present invention. In this example, the current detector I, the Switch SI, and the charge storage element C of the sole ‘monitor 102 are alin a shent configuration with the sol ‘device 2, andl with the subsequent solar device in array 4 of the solar device 2-2, that are coupled in series and incised inthe PV system 200. The coupling ofall the elements ofthe solar monitor 102 inthe sunt configuration as shown in the ‘example of FIG, 3 isolates filures of the PV system 200 fiom failures that may occur in the solar monitor 102. The ‘optional includes fuse F futher isolates the PV system 200 ftom failires of the solar monitor 102. The shunt configura- tion ofthe current detector 1 and tho rst ofthe elements of the solar monitor 102 also enables the solar monitor 102 0 be Jocated remotely fom the stringent environmeatal conditions ‘ofthe installation sites of the PV system 200, hich typically Increase reliability ofthe solar monitor 102 The first measure MI of electrical characteristics of the solar deviee 2, is performed similarly when using the solse ‘monitor 102 as when using the slur monitor 100, Using the solar monitor 102, the first measure MI also provides the ‘acquired set Isd,Vsd}, of corresponding measurements of the enent Island measurements ofthe voltage Vsd, which may be used to establish the portion ofan IV charactevste ‘or other electrical characteristics fr the sola device 2, that Jnchudes the shor circuit current Isc nd the operating voltage Vop of the solar device 2, as shown in FIG. 6. The series protection diodes within each ofthe solar devices 2,-2, or the Inherent electrical characteristics ofthe solar devices 2,-2, ‘ypieally prevent current from othe solar devices 2,-2, inthe may 4 from flowing to the current detector IT, which may ‘otherwise influence the frst measure ML of the electrical ‘characteristics ofthe solar device 2. Accordingly, the eurent Isd at port 1 ofthe solar device 2, lows through the eurent ‘detector 11 during this fist measure MI of eletical charac teristics, Performing the second measure M2 of the solar device 2, using the configuration shown in FIG, 3 involves additional processing of eoresponing measurements ofa curentIdet measured by the eureat detector IInd measurements ofthe voltage Vsdl by the voltage detector VI to determine the ‘eleczial characteristis of the solar device 2, The processor 0 o 8 9 activates the contol port Stc to open the switeh SL, whieh ‘establishes high impedance betwoen the fist contact Sha ‘and the second contaet $1, With switch SI open, the proces- sor configures the charger o provide positivecharge, and corresponding postive voltage, on the fist terminal 3a ofthe charge storage clement C. The positive voltage provided to the charge storage element Cis sufficient to establish a vot- ‘age at the port 1 of the solar device 2, that exceeds the open circuit voltage Vocof the solar device 2, The processor 9 thea ‘decouples the charger § from the charge storage element C, ‘ypically by opening the optionally included switeh SC or by ctherwise providing «high impedance athe ouput O ofthe charger. The processor then etivates the control port Sto close the switch SI, which estalishes a low impedance between the first contact Sla and the secon contact SIb of the switch St, The eurrent detector I monitors curent Idet and the voltage detector VI then monitors the voltage between the reference and the node N by acquiring a set {idet,Vsd} of corresponding measurements of the current et and measurements ofthe vollage Vsd over a designated time interval, The processor 9 typically processes the acquired set {Idet.VSd} of corresponding meastrements of the current Idet and measurements of the voltage Vsd in this second measure M2 ofthe electrical characteristics to estab- lishthe portion of the I-V characteristic 7 forthe solar device 2, tha inchides the open crent voltage Voc and the operating voltage Vop ofthe solar deviee 2,. With thecurrent detector IT in the shunt configuration, the current Is. provided by the solar device 2, is the difference between the current ys that is provided tothe solar devices 2,-2, inthe aray 4 and the cctent Idet that is measured by the’ current detector I, as shown in equation (1). dt er o nome example, the processor9 detennines the current sys asa funetionof the output voltage Vout of the array 4 based on ‘measurement ofthe -V characteristic 7of the entire aay ‘of solar devices 2,-2, in the PV’ system 200, typically acquired upon installation ofthe PV system 200, as shown in equation (2), Ine-tos(Pou) @ ‘The postive voltage provided to the change storage ele- meat C results ina voltage Ve equal to the sum ofa voltage incremet delta and the operating voltage Vop ofthe solar ‘device 2, which may be measured by the voltage detector VI atthe node N. The processor9 then ses equation (1) and the rmeasuee of the I-V characteristic 7 of the array 4 of solar ‘devices 2-2, in the PV system 200 showin in equation (2) t0 determine the current Isd according 10 equation (3) edt VndOPa et o ‘The tem VautOP in equation (3) represents the out volinge Vt ofthe army 4 of he solar devices 2,2, ros bpeation ofthe PY system 200, which may bemassoted with ‘ontoring ciety (ot shown hats pally info theiimentr 6. Equations (1-3) enable the set (s,s) of conespondng mersiemensof the corte sd and measre- vo the voltage Vado be established fom the acquired set {dead} ofconesponding measurements ofthe cuent Tet and meeturemens ofthe voltage Ved. The processor ‘ypialy usc his esting sot (IVs to establish the Futon ofthe -V characterise forthe solar dvi 2, that Incest open eit velioge Vee andthe operating v= age Vopof thes devie 2, a8 shown in IC. 6 Tn amher cumple the processor 9 establishes the st {isd Vad) zoteoresponding mesnirementsa thecurent IndUS 8,610,425 B2 9 ‘and measurements ofthe voltae Vid from the acquired set {Ide Vad} of corresponding measurements of the current ‘det and measurements ofthe voltage Vsd based on desig- nation that estimates each of the solar devices 2,-2, in the array 4 10 have equivalent electrical charaeteristis, With this, ‘designation, the positive voltage provided tothe charge stor age element C correspondingly reduces the operating voltage \Vop of each of the solar devices 2,-2, in the aay 4 by an ‘equal amount. The positive voltage provided to the charge Storage clement C inthis example das not reduce the oper ating voltage Vop of the solar device 2,. The reduction in ‘operating voliage Vop of each of the solar devices 2,-2, results in voltage V's for each ofthe solar device 2,2), a8 shown in Equation (4) op datari@-n) oy The current Isys ofthe PV system 200 may then be estab= lished as shown in Equation (5), s-taop-seaiv)) “The cutent Isis then obtained from equation (1) using the measured curreat Idet and the current Isys established ia ‘equation (5). FIG. 4 shows another example of a solar monitor 103 according to alternative embodiments of the present inven- tion, Inthis example, the solar monitor 108 includes a multi plexer MUX in addition to the other elements that are ‘included inthe solar moaitor 100 oF the sokae monitor 192 ‘One of more switches SI-Sn-I are included in the mult plexor MUX to provide for seletive conpling of the change Storage clement C to a comesponding one of more solar devices 2,-2, in the array 4 of solar devices 2,-2, that are ‘coupled in series. The multiplexer MUX enables each ofthe solar devices 2,2, within the aera 4to be monitored through ‘clctve activation ofthe switches SI-Sn-1 that areincuced inthe multiplexer MUX. To monitor the frst solar device 2, inthe aray 4 the switches S2-Sn-L in the multiplexer MUX ‘are opened theough setivation by the processor 9. With the ‘witches S-Sn- open, the measure MI an the measure M2 ‘are typically performed as inthe examples ofthe solar moni tors 100, 102, using the charger 5, the charge storage element the current detector I, the voltage detector V1, and by scloctvely activating the switch SI to establish the IV’ chare ‘acteristic 7, of other electrical characteristics for the solar ‘device 2, To monitor the sev solar device 2, inthe array 44the swiich SI and the switehes S3-Sn—1 inthe multiplexer MUX are opened through activation by the processor9. With the switches SI and switehes S3-Sn-1 open, the measure ML ‘and the measure M2 are typically performed as in the ‘examples shown for the solar monitors 100, 102 using the ‘charuer§ the charge storage element C, the current detector 1, the voltage detector V1, and by solectvely activating the switch S2 1 establish « cumulative LV characteristic 7, oF ‘ther electrical characteristics for the series combination of the solar device 2, and the solar devi 2,. Based ona deter ‘ination ofthe -V characteristic 7forthesolar device 2, the TLV characteristic 7 of the salar device 2, may be isolated from the cumolative I-V characteristic 7 established for the series combination of solar devices 2,,2,. To monitor the third solardeviee 2, in the aay 4, the switches S1,S2:nd the switches S4-Sn-1 in the mullplexer MUX are opened through activation by the processor 9, With the switches SI, ‘Zand the switches S4-Sin-1 open, the measure ML and the measure M2 are typically performed as in the examples showin forthe solar monitors 100, 102 using the changer 5, the ‘chargestorage clement, the current detector I, the voage detector V1, and by selectively activating switch 83 to estab 10 lish the cumulative I-V characteristic, or other electial char acteristics for the series combination ofthe solar device 2, the solae device 2, and solar device 2,, Based on a determi. nation ofthe -V characteristic 7 for the solar device 2, and the solar devic 2, the FV characteristic Zot the solr device 2, may be isolated from the eumlaive I-V characteristic 7 ‘established for the solar deviees 2,-2,. This sequential set- vation of the switches SI-Sn-1 inthe multiplexer MUX may be continued to establish the I-V characteristic 7 for other solar devices 2,2, in the array 4, Alternatively, the switches SE-Sa-1 in the multiplexer MUX may be activated secording to different sequences oF activated in isolation to monitor other combinations of one or more af the solar devies 2,-2, inthearray 4. The output wotage Vout and current sys, whieh ‘may be measured using the monitoring circuitry that is cally included in the inverter 6, my provide a cumulative ‘measure of electrical characteristics for the solar devices 2)-2,, including the solar device 2, in the aay 4. In the example shown in FIG. 4: the current detector 1 is show ina shuatcoafiguraton with the solardevices2,-2,. 1a fn altemative example, the current detector Il is coupled between the solar devices 2,-2, in a series configuration, positioned at the output port Lathe slaedevice2, as shown Jn the solar monitor 100 of FIG. 1 and FIG, 2 In.an example wherein the PV system 200 includes mul- tiple arrays 4 of solar devies 2,-2,, the PV system 200 may also inchide one or more combiner boxes 10 bus or otherwise consolidate the outputs or other connections inthe multiple nays 4 to simplify the interface between the arrays 4and the inverter 6, In this example, the multiplexer MUX may be integrated or otherwise incided in the combiner boxes oF other type of junction box. Tis type of integration typically ‘edices the number of interconnections between the ml plexer MUX and the other elements ofthe solar monitor 103. FIG. § shows an example of a How diagram of « solar ‘monitor implemented aevording to a method 104, eeording to altemative embodiments ofthe present invention, In the ‘method 104, the measure MI includes coupling a negatively charged charge storage clement C in a shunt configuration ‘with the solar device 2, and with the subsequent solr device inthe aay 4, 19 decrease the operating eurent lop flowing between the designated solar device 2, and the subsequent solar device inthe aray (18), and measuring the cureat and voltage of the solar device 2, over a frst designated time interval in response to the coupled negatively changed change storage element (17). Coupling the negatively charged charge storage element C to the solar device 2, (18) typically includes opening the switch St to establish high impedance between the change storaze element Cand the sola device 2, (10), providing a negative charge tothe charge storage ele- ‘meat C (12), and closing the switch SY to establish a low ‘impedance between the charge storage element C and the solar device 2, (14), Measuring the current and ihe oliageof the solar device 2, over the fist designated time interval in response to the coupled negatively charged charge storage clement C (17) typically includes acquiring the set {Isd, ‘Vsd}, of corresponding measurements of the eurent Island measurement ofthe voltage Vsd (16) and establishing a frst portion ofthe I-V characteristic 7, o athe electrical carae- teristic forthe solar device 2, (18). In the method 104, the measure M2 includes coupling 2 positively charged charge storage element Cin a shunt con- Tiguration withthe solar device 2, and with the subsequent solar device in the amay 4, to inerease the operating erent Top flowing between the designated solar device 2, and the stibsequent solar device i the array 4 (25). and measuring the ‘current and the voltage of the solar device 2, over a sevondUS 8,610,425 B2 u ‘designated time interval ia esponse tothe coupled positively ‘anual charge storage element C (27) Coupling the post tively charged change storage element C tothe solar device 2, (25) ypicllyinclodes opening the sich ST to esaish & high impedance between the charge storage element Cand the solar device 2, (20), providing a postive charge to the ‘ham storage element € (22), and closing the swith SL to ‘stblsh low impedance between the charge storage ele- ment andthe solar device 2,24), Measuring the eure and the voltage of the sola deviee 2, over the second designated tine interval in exponse to the coupled positively charged ‘change some element C (27) peal cludes aogiring the st (Isd,Vsd} of corresponding measurements of the ‘bret Isd ad measurements of the voltage Vid (26) and ‘establishing a portion of an I-V characte 7, or ether ‘eutical charatteristi or the solar device 2, (28) The meastre MI and the measure M2of electrical charae- teristics ofthe solar device 2, are typically performed inthe ‘operating environment ofthe PV system 200, daring operae to of the PV system 200, Daring operation, the opemiting ‘corrent lop flows between the solar device 2x andthe sss ‘quent solardevioein the aray 4 te solar devices 2,-2, that fe coupled in series. The operating current lop ie typically Provided hy the two or moe solar devices 2-2, and ews ia Series through the solar devices 2-2, in response to the nc ‘ent solar radiation RAD. Altematively the measures Ml, M2 are acquired in the absence of incident solar radiation RAD on the solar deviee2,forexample by blocking ins nation tothe solar device 2, to estblsh the"dark” eurent- ‘oltage measurement forthe solar deviee 2, The measures MMI, M2 may also be acquire inthe absence of incident sone radiation RAD en one or mote ofthe solar devices 2-2, to ‘stablsh "dare current-voltage measorcment forthe onc or tore ofthe solar devices 2,-2,. Dark curet-oltage mee ments, a described in “Dark CurrntToltage Measure iments on Photovoltaic Modules asa Diagoste or Marufac- turing Tool by D-[- King ot al, presente at the 26" TEER Photevotaie Specialists Confernce, Sep. 29-0es. 3, 1997, Anaheim, Cali, enable dstemnination of series resistance sunt resistance, diode factor, diode saturation curens oe ‘ther parameter that dictate performance, etalish o ind ‘ate perormanee, or otherwise influence performance ofthe solar device 2, "The elemenis of the solar monitors 100-104 are shown separa from the PY system 200 in FIGS. 1-8, According wo allerative embodiments ofthe present invention, the proees- sor 9s implemented sing computer or other procestor and associated memory present within the inverter 6, The eorent ‘tector the vole detectors V1, V2 ay also Be imple mented using circuitry, o medications of circuitry that is included wihin the inverter 6. Oncor mereof the elements. oF the fmetions of ane oF more elements, ofthe solar monitors 100-104 may be Tilly inteprated, partially intewratd.o ot ‘enwiae included o distributed within the inverter 6 or within ther elements ofthe PY system 200. In aditon, coupling borwoon th elements of the solar monitors 100-104, oF cou pling between clemeatsothe solar mentors 100-104 andthe PY'spstem 200 typically refers to direct connections ingest ceomcetions, connections though interposed devices, oF ‘ther arrangements or configurations of elements thst pace the elements that are couple in signal communication with ‘och othr The IV characteristic 7 obtained using the ok monitors 100-104 is shown as an example ofan clerical ‘characteristic thts sitable to monitor or otherwise indicate the performance of one or more ofthe solar dviees 2-2, AAnvoter table clocrical characters sequin sing te ‘current detector, the voltage detector VI, or other elements 0 o 12 of the solar monitors 100-104 is altematively obisined oF ‘stalished according to the embodiments of the present invention, ‘While the embodiments ofthe present invention have been itlystated in detail, it should be apparent that modifications ‘nd adaptations to these embodiments may occur to one stalled in the aet without departing from the scope of the resent invention as set forth in the following elas The invention claimed is 1A solar moniter, comprising: switch having first contat coupledo a first port ofa fest solar device, the frst port being disposed between the first solar device and a subsequent solar device con- nected in series within an arrey of operating solar dovices, wherein the switch is coupled to thefts por in shunt configuration between thefirstsolar device andthe subsequent sola dovce, the switch varying-an operating ccurent flowing between the frst solar device and the subsequent solar deve; ‘a charge storage clement having a first terminal coupled to 'e second contact of the switch and having a second Terminal coupled to a second port of the fst solar device: ‘acharger coupled tothe first terminal ofthe charge storage ‘element; voltage detector having fst lead anda second lead, the rst lead being coupled to a node located between the first terminal ofthe charge storage element andthe first port of the first solar device, and the second lead boing coupled to one of a reference or ground, the vollage dletctor being configured to meastre a voltage of the first solar device 1 current detector configured to measure a curent through ‘the fist port ofthe frst solar deviee; and a processor, the processor associated with atleast one of: the switeh, the charger, the current detector, and the voltage detector; ‘wherein the solar monitorisadaptedto monitor currentand ‘voltage characteristics of the ist solar device. 2. Tho solae monitor of claim 1 wherein the switch is coupled to the first por af the fist solar device through a fuse 3. The solar monitor of claim 1 wherein the charger estab lishes a voltage onthe change storage device when the switch isopen, 4 The solar monitor of claim 1 wherein the site is open while the charger provides a negative charge to the first ter ‘minal ofthe charge storage element, wherein the swith is closed while the voltage detector measures a voltage at the ‘ode and while the eurret detector measures the creat at the fst por ofthe fist solar device, and wherein varying the ‘operating current flowing between the frst solar device and the subsequent solar device includes decreasing the operating ‘current in response lo the negative charge when the sviteh is closed. ', The solar monitor claim 1 wherein the switch is open ‘while the eharger provides « positive charge to the frst ter ‘minal ofthe charge storage element, wherein the swith is closed while the voltage detector measures a voltage at the rode and while the eurreat detector measures the eure st the fist por ofthe first solar device, and wherein varying the ‘operating current owing between te frst solar device and the subsequent solar device includes inereasng the operating current in response to the positive charge when the switch is close. ‘6. The solar monitor of claim 4 wherein the switch is open ‘while the eharger provides a positive charge to the frst ter Jnl of the charge storage element, wherein the switeh isUS 8,610,425 B2 13 ‘closed while the voltage detector measures a voltage at the rode and while the current detector measures the cient st the fst por ofthe first sola deviee, and wherein varying the ‘operating current flowing between the fist solar device and the subsoquent sola device includes increasing the operating ‘current in response tothe positive charge when the switch is closed, 7. The solar monitor of claim $ wherein the postivecharge ‘establishes a corresponding positive voltage on the charge Storage clement that exceeds an open circuit voltage of the first solar device 8, Thesolarmonitor of claim 1 whereia thecurrent devetor Includes resistive element interposed between the fist port ‘ofthe frst solar device andthe subsequent solar device, fist voltage detector coupled to a fits teminal of the resistive ‘element, and a second voltage detector coupled to a second, terminal ofthe resistive element '9, The solar monitor of claim 8 whereia the resistive ele- ‘ment is established by a designated Iength of conductor thst ‘couples tothe frst port of the frst solar deve. 10. The solar monitar of claim | wherein the eurent detec- tor is ina shuot confignration with the fist port of the fst solar device and the subsequent solar device in the atray of ‘operating solar devices tht are coupled in series 1 The solar monitor of laim A wherein theeurentdetec- tor isin a series configuration with the fist port of the first solar device and the subsequent solar device in the array of ‘operating solar devices that are coupled in seri 12, A solar monitor, comprising: charge storage element; charger coupled othe charge storage element to establishat least one ofa positive voltage and a negative voltage on the ‘charge storage element; switch adapted to coupe in shunt ‘configuration between a frst solar panel and 8 subsequent solar device in an array of operating solar devices that are ‘coupled in series, the switch adapted to selectively couple the ‘charge storage element o the fst solae panel and 0 vagy ‘operating curent flowing between the ist solar pane andthe subsequent solar device in response to the at Teast one ofthe positive voltage and the negative voltage: a voltage detector adapted to measure a vollage of the first solar pane; and a ‘current detector adapted to measure current ofthe frst sola pane! 13. The solar monitor of claim 12 whercin the switch is ‘included in a multiplexer that provides for selective coupling ‘the charge storage element Lo a corresponding ane or more solar device inthe array of solar devices that are coupled in 14, The solar monitor of claim 12 wherein the current dtecior is in a shnnt configuration with te first sola panel and the subsequent solr device inthe aeay of operating solae ‘devices tha are coupled in series 14 15, The solar monitor of claim 12 wherein the curr detector is ina series configuration with the fist sola panel ‘and the subsequent solar device in the array of operating solar devices that are coupled in eres. 16, The solar monitor of claim 12 wherein the switeh is adapted to selectively couple the charge storage element t0 the first solar panel through a fuse. 17. A solar monitoring method, comprising: coupling @ ‘switch a a shunt configuration with a fist solar device and a subsequent solar device in an aeray of solar devices that are ‘couple in series, the switch being further coupled to at least ‘one ofa positively charge and a negatively charged charge storage element, wherein the switch, andthe at least ane of a positively charged and a negatively charged charge storage Clement are adapted to vary an opemting current Nowing ‘between the first solardeviee and the subsequent solar device: ‘and measuring wcurrent and a vollage ofthe first solar device ‘vera corresponding ime interval in response to the at least fone of the positively charged and the negatively charged charge storage element 18. The solar monitoring method of claim 17 wherein coupling the nezatively charged charge storege element includes establishing a high impedance between the charge storage element and te fist solar device, providing a nega- tive charge to the charge storage element. ad estab Jw impedance between the eharge storage element and th Tint solar device, wherein ovary the operating current fv ing between the fst solar device andthe subsequent solar ‘device includes decreasing the operating current i response to the negative charge, and wherein coupling the positively charged charge storage element includes establishing a high impedance between the charge storage element and the frst solar devie, providing a positive charge othe charge storage clement, and establishing a low impedanee between the charge storage element and the fis solar deviee and wherein to vary the operating current owing between the frst solar device and the subsequent solar device includes increasing the operating current in response tothe positive change. 19, The solar monitoring method of claim 17 wherein measuring the current and the voltage of the first solar device ‘over a corresponding time interval in response to the at least fone of the positively charged and the negatively charged charge storage element includes acquiring a set of eorre- sponding measurements ofthe curret and the volte ofthe solar device to establish an electrical characteristic for the solar device 20. The solar monitoring method of elaim 19 wherein the clectrical characteristic ineldes an -V characteristic for the fist solar device.