Power conversion and connection for photovoltaic (pv) panel arrays

Abstract

A solar energy collection and power generation element is described. The solar energy and collection element includes: a photovoltaic (PV) panel having a set of DC outputs; and a power management module coupled to the PV panel. The power management module includes: a base module having a connector adapted to receive electrical energy produced by the PV panel from the set of DC outputs; and a removable inverter that is able to be coupled to the base module via the connector, the removable inverter adapted to receive a DC voltage from the connector, generate an AC voltage, and provide the generated AC voltage to the connector. A solar energy collection system includes: a support structure and multiple PV panels mounted to the support structure. A method of manufacturing an integrated solar panel product includes: retrieving a panel body; retrieving a power module; and attaching the power module to the body.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.