Localized power point optimizer for solar cell installations

A solar cell installation coupled to a load the solar cell installation comprising:

• a first solar module including:
• (a) a first group of serially-connected solar cells having a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal,
• (b) a first local power point optimizer coupled to the first positive terminal and the first negative terminal, the first local power point optimizer including:
• (i) a first transistor coupled to the first positive terminal,
• (ii) a power point controller configured to control a voltage of the first group of serially-connected solar cells by modulating the first transistor to electrically connect and disconnect the first group of serially-connected solar cells, and
• (iii) an output stage configured to alter a voltage output of the first local power point optimizer,
• (c) a second group of serially-connected solar cells having a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal,
• (d) a second local power point optimizer coupled to the second positive terminal and the second negative terminal, the second local power point optimizer including:
• (i) a second transistor coupled to the second positive terminal,
• (ii) a power point controller configured to control a voltage of the second group of serially-connected solar cells by modulating the second transistor to electrically connect and disconnect the second group of serially-connected solar cells, and
• (iii) an output stage configured to alter a voltage output of the second local power point optimizer,
• (e) a third group of serially-connected solar cells having a third positive terminal and a third negative terminal, and
• (f) a third local power point optimizer coupled to the third positive terminal and the third negative terminal, the third local power point optimizer including:
• (i) a third transistor coupled to the third positive terminal,
• (ii) a power point controller configured to control a voltage of the third group of serially-connected solar cells by modulating the third transistor to electrically connect and disconnect the third group of serially-connected solar cells, and
• (iii) an output stage configured to alter a voltage output of the third local power point optimizer,
• wherein the first group of serially-connected solar cells and the first local power point optimizer, the second group of serially-connected solar cells and the second local power point optimizer, and the third group of serially-connected solar cells and the third local power point optimizer are connected in electrical series;
• and
• a maximum power point tracking module configured to adjust an operating point of the first group of serially-connected solar cells of the first solar module, the second group of serially-connected solar cells of the first solar module, and the third group of serially-connected solar cells of the first solar module to maximize the overall output power to the load as determined by the maximum power tracking module.

A solar cell installation coupled to a load, the solar cell installation comprising:

• a first group of serially-connected solar cells having a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal;
• a first local power point optimizer coupled to the first positive terminal and the first negative terminal, the first local power point optimizer including:
• (a) a first transistor coupled to the first positive terminal,
• (b) a power point controller configured to control a voltage of the first group of serially-connected solar cells by modulating the first transistor to electrically connect and disconnect the first group of serially-connected solar cells, and
• (c) an output stage configured to alter a voltage output of the first local power point optimizer;
• and
• a maximum power point tracking module configured to adjust an operating point of the first group of serially-connected solar cells to maximize the overall output power to the load as determined by the maximum power tracking module,
• wherein the output stage of the first local power point optimizer includes a sensing circuit adapted determine a current output of the first group of serially-connected solar cells and the voltage output of the first group of serially connected solar cells.