Solar cell, module, array, network, and power grid

A solar array comprising a structure configured to resemble a palm tree comprising at least one trunk portion and a plurality of solar modules, each solar module being configured to resemble a palm frond including a stem portion and a blade portion, said stem portion extending from said at least one trunk portion, said blade portion having a top side, a bottom side and an edge, said blade portion including at least one solar cell having a working surface area for capturing sunlight and for providing an electrical energy output, wiring coupled to said plurality of solar modules for conducting said electrical energy output, at least one mechanical fastener for securing said solar array in an upright position, said solar array operatively coupled to means for electronic control, said means for electronic control including a controller configured to monitor the activity of individual solar cells, or groups of solar cells which are present in a solar module, as well as the activity between different solar modules, and then appropriately turn off, isolate, or otherwise control the current either flowing from or being drawn towards a given individual solar cell or solar module in order to optimize the operational efficiency of said solar array, said at least one trunk portion comprising a plurality of receptacles for receiving and coupling with the stem portions of said solar modules configured to resemble palm fronds, and said receptacles providing points of access to said wiring.

A method of making a custom solar array resembling a palm tree comprising the steps of:

• providing a plurality of trunk portions having different configurations and lengths;
• selecting at least one of said trunk portions for use, said at least one of said trunk portions comprising a plurality of receptacles that provide points of access to wiring;
• providing a plurality of solar modules configured to resemble palm fronds, each solar module including a stem portion and a blade portion, said blade portion having a top side, a bottom side, and an edge, said blade portion including at least one solar cell having a working surface area for capturing sunlight and for providing an electrical energy output;
• selecting at least five of said plurality of solar modules configured to resemble palm fronds for use;
• connecting said selected at least five solar modules configured to resemble palm fronds to said at least one selected trunk portions such that said stem portions extend from said at least one selected trunk portion, said selected at least five solar modules comprising a layer and being equally spaced about the circumference of said at least one selected trunk portion in a non overlapping configuration;
• receiving and coupling said stem portions of said solar modules configured to resemble palm fronds within said plurality of receptacles such that said electrical energy output is conducted by said wiring;
• and,
• installing said solar array.