System and method for selectively controlling a solar panel in segments

Abstract

A control system is provided for a solar panel. The control system includes a plurality of control elements that are individually connected to a corresponding segment of the solar panel. The control system also includes control logic that is structured to individually signal each of the plurality of control elements in order to cause the signaled control element to either switch-off or after performance output to maximize the over all output of a solar panel or solar power generating system utilizing such panels.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A control system for a solar panel, the control system comprising:
 a plurality of control elements that are individually connected to a corresponding segment of the solar panel, each segment comprising only a portion of the solar panel; and   a control logic that is structured to individually signal each of the plurality of control elements in order to cause the signaled control element to either switch-off or alter performance output.   
     
     
         2 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the control elements correspond to a control and switch component that is structured to (i) adjust an electrical output of the associated segment independent of an electrical output of other segments, (ii) cut-off the associated segment without affecting an output of other segments that comprise the solar panel. 
     
     
         3 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of segments are interconnected in parallel, and wherein the control logic individually signals the control element associated with each segment connected in parallel. 
     
     
         4 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of segments are interconnected in series, wherein the control element associated with each segment is structured to implement a bypass to remove dependency of an output of that segment by another segment connected in series, and wherein the control logic individually signals the control element associated with each segment in order to implement the bypass at that segment. 
     
     
         5 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the control logic signals anyone or more of the control elements in response to detecting a predetermined condition. 
     
     
         6 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of control elements include a detector that detects a predetermined condition that is specific to the segment that is associated with that control element. 
     
     
         7 . The control system of  claim 6 , further comprising a network interface that is coupled to the control logic in order to receive information corresponding to the predetermined condition.