WO2019086454A1

WO2019086454A1 - Modular solar energy supply system

Info

Publication number: WO2019086454A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/079709
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Francis Butler; Jeannette Marcia Evans; Gerwin Johan JANSEN; Douglas Ivan Jennings; Andrew Macleod
Original assignee: Unilever Plc; Unilever N.V.; Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date: 2017-11-03
Filing date: 2018-10-30
Publication date: 2019-05-09

Abstract

A modular solar energy supply system comprising: a. a rigid solar array comprising an array of modular solar panels rigidly mechanically interconnected and electrically interconnected; b. one or more energy storage (battery) modules electrically coupled to said modular solar panel array, whereby the battery can, in use, store electrical energy generated by said solar panels c. an electrical connection device coupled to each respective solar panel, and all of said electrical connection devices having a common input and output connector design for electrically interconnecting the panels in the solar panel array; wherein the solar panels are interconnected in a pre-determined array.

Description

MODULAR SOLAR ENERGY SUPPLY SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a modular solar energy supply system. The invention more particularly relates to a modular solar energy supply system comprising separate but interconnectable solar devices and energy storage devices for intuitive assembly / disassembly at home by consumers living in rural settings without connectivity of their households to a public electricity grid.

In certain parts of the world, many households are excluded from a public energy supply due to a lack of connectivity of their households to a public electricity grid. Most consumers rely on kerosene, battery torches, and solar lanterns for lighting. For other energy requirements, such as providing power to television, mobile phones, etc., pay-as- you-go (PAYG) in-home solar systems are available however, many consumers cannot commit to such PAYG systems due to low/fluctuating incomes.

Photovoltaic (PV) or 'solar' cells are known, however they must be placed outside in direct sunlight to absorb solar energy. For many consumers, externally charged solar devices are at risk of theft and they therefore bring them inside every night. For such daily assembly/reassembly/transportation, known PV solar panels or cells present problems.

Most known systems are designed with high specificity for a fixed installation or portable use. Fixed installation systems tend not to be easily or readily disassembled/reassemble. Highly portable systems are designed with occasional use in mind, e.g. for camping, outdoor recreation, hikers, hobbyists etc., and can be less robust.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved modular solar panel system for home use by a consumers without connectivity of their households to a public electricity grid, allowing freedom for daily removal / disassembly and reassembly.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular solar energy supply system comprising:

(a) a rigid solar array comprising an array of modular solar panels rigidly mechanically interconnected and electrically interconnected; (b) one or more energy storage (battery) modules electrically coupled to said modular solar panel array, whereby the battery can, in use, store electrical energy generated by said solar panels

(c) an electrical connection device coupled to each respective solar panel, and all of said electrical connection devices having a common input and output connector design for electrically interconnecting the panels in the solar panel array;

wherein each solar panel of the array comprises at least one mechanical connector and is mechanically interconnected in a pre-determined position relative to an adjacent panel in the array by rigid mechanical interconnection of respective mechanical connectors on adjacent panels each mechanical connector extending along a substantial length of a side of the respective panel.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular solar energy supply system comprising:

(a) a modular solar panel that is rigidly mechanically connectable also electrically connectable to at least one further, adjacent like solar panel;

b. one or more energy storage (battery) modules electrically coupled to said modular solar panel, which battery can, in use, store electrical energy generated by the solar panel

(c) an electrical connection device coupled to the respective solar panel, said device comprising an input and output connector,

wherein each solar panel of the array comprises at least one mechanical connector and is mechanicallyinterconnected in a pre-determined position relative to an adjacent panel in the array by rigid mechanical interconnection of respective mechanical connectors on adjacent panels each mechanical connector extending along a substantial length of a side of the respective panel.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided modular solar panel for use in a modular solar array comprising

(a) a rigid mechanical connection device

(b) an electrical connection device connectable to at least one further, adjacent, like solar panel, said device comprising an input and output connector wherein said panels are rigidly mechanically connectable directly to an adjacent solar panel

wherein the solar panel is directly connectable to said further, adjacent like panels in an array in a pre-determined position relative to an adjacent, like panel by means of at least one mechanical connector which extends along a substantial length of a side of the panel and which is connectable to a corresponding mechanical connector on an adjacent like panel. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a solar array module comprising a modular, rigid array of solar panels, each panel comprising

(a) a rigid mechanical connection device

(b) an electrical connection device coupled to the panel,

wherein all of said electrical connection devices of said panels have a common input and output connector design for electrically interconnecting the panels in the solar panel array;

wherein adjacent solar panels each comprise at least one mechanical connector and said adjacent panels are rigidly mechanically interconnected by interconnection of respective mechanical connectors in a pre-determined configuration to provide said array, each mechanical connector extending along a substantial length of a side of the respective panel.

With the arrangement of the invention an affordable system is provided that may be purchased as an initial but robust 'starter' kit, which can be expanded as and when the consumer can afford so as to build up a full aspirational solar home system with ceiling light, phone charging and power for radio/torches etc. The arrangement has the further particular advantage for those situations where the panels may need to be transported (e.g. carried by hand) to a secure position e.g. in the home overnight. Advantageously, the panels have a construction so as to remain connected during transport. The rigidity of the connection of panels facilitates ease of this transport. Alternatively, they may be separated and re-connected when next used e.g. the next morning. Rigid mechanical connections which incorporate connectors extending along a substantial length of a panel side assist here as it provides robustness for repeated separation/connection.

By substantial it is meant that the connector extends along at least 80%, more preferably at least 90% more preferably 95% of the length of the side of a panel.

Panels

Preferably, each panel has electrical connection devices which are connectable to one or more energy storage (e.g. battery) modules. The modular system may therefore comprise a single solar panel or multiple solar panels and solar panels may be easily replaced without having to order specific types. So a 'starter' system (or 'kit') may comprise a single panel which has a common design and features add-on panels which can be purchased later. Preferably the panels comprise non-glass backed crystalline silicon panels. Standard silicon panels are glass backed but whilst these have slightly higher efficiency and longevity, they are less robust and heavier. "Non-glass" material for the backing include plastic materials such as (but not limited to) polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), Polyimide, fibreglass, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP) and Polycarbonate or metals such as aluminium. Preferably the backing is PET. Preferably each solar panel is generally a planar, rigid structure. Preferably, the solar array module is such that each panel fits to an adjacent panel when placed adjacent one another in a generally planar edge-to-edge manner.

Preferably, the solar array module comprises a rigid structure by means of rigid mechanical interconnections of the solar panels.

Preferably the panels comprise a housing. Preferably the housing comprises at least a peripheral frame. Preferably the frame is made of rigid plastic which may comprise polypropylene (PP), rigid polystyrene (PS), tyrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC) and preferably Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Preferably the plastic of the housing and/or the backing comprises a recycled plastic, for example any of the above plastics which have been recycled, more preferably polypropylene (PP), rigid polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC).

Preferably the plastic of the housing and/or the backing comprises a recyclable plastic for example any of the above plastics, more preferably polypropylene (PP), rigid polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC).

Preferably the plastic of the housing and/or the backing comprise a bio-resin. In some situations, the panels may need to be transported by hand to a secure position e.g. in the home overnight for safe keeping. Advantageously, the panels have a construction so as to remain connected during transport. The rigidity of the connection of panels facilitates ease of this transport. Alternatively, they may be separated and reconnected when next used e.g. the next morning. Rigid panel connections which incorporate connectors extending along a substantial length of a panel side assist here as it provides robustness for repeated separation/connection.

The panel size and power output has been selected to be the minimum to provide enough electricity to fully charge a basic feature phone and to provide lighting for 4-5 hours. The power output is preferably 2-10W and more preferably 2-4W, most preferably 3W.

Consumers have an expectation of the amount of energy that a panel will capture according based on its size. Accordingly, crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, or a photovoltaic technology that provides a similar efficiency, are preferred for optimum efficiency versus panel size. Frame

Preferably the frame comprises rigid plastic designed to withstand heat, rain and dust. The frame also helps to protect the solar panel and its electrical connections from general wear and tear and any accidental damage caused during handling and installation.

Interconnection Preferably the solar panels interconnect by sliding interconnection. This allows the consumer to physically connect panels together simply by sliding.

Preferably the sliding interconnection consists of a projection on one panel which slides into the recess of an adjacent panel.

Accordingly, the connector may comprise a recess and/or projection on a side of the panels.

Preferably the solar panels rigidly mechanically interconnect by means of interconnection of respective panel frames. Preferably each frame is configured for sliding

interconnection with a frame on an adjacent panel.

Preferably, the sliding interconnection of the frame comprises a mutually corresponding recess and projection, whereby a projection on one solar panel/frame interconnects with a recess on another, adjacent solar panel/frame. Preferably the projection is rigid, and the recess is formed in/ defined by a rigid material. On each panel, preferably there is one recess and one projection, each preferably located on

opposite sides of the frame such each panel fits to an adjacent panel when said panels are placed in side-by-side configuration, adjacent one another in a generally planar edge- to-edge manner, and connected by sliding a projection from one frame into a recess of an adjacent frame.

Some or all of the panels may comprise multiple pairs of recess and projection, for example, if a panel is held upright there may be on one pair on the vertical opposing sides and a further pair on the horizontal opposing sides.

The or each projection may comprise an elongate ridge or tab, which preferably extends along the length of one side of the panel frame.

Preferably the length of said elongate ridge/tab is substantially equal to the length of the or each elongate slot on a common panel and more preferably on all panels in an array. Preferably the projection and/or slot extend a substantial length of the respective side of a frame.

By substantial it is meant that the projection/slot extends along at least 80%, more preferably at least 90% more preferably 95% of the length of the side of a frame. This enables for a secure connection between panels and resists twisting in e.g. windy conditions or during transport of the erected array at night This is especially advantageous in the case of daily transportation of the erected array in/out of storage indoors.

The or each recess may comprise an elongate slot.

In some cases, the tab may be centrally located along the length of the side. However preferably the slot extends to one end. This allow one panel to slide down to engage with another simply by holding one panel and bringing the other panel downward directly (without angling laterally ) so that opposite sides with respective recess and projection, engage. Preferably the tab and/or slot are circular in cross section, so that the tab is a form of cylindrical bead and the slot a similar shape (but slightly larger) but with longitudinal opening to fit the tab. In this way, the tab may be slidable into the slot in a single direction, and this is aligned with plane of the solar panel and planar array, but locked in place by the mutual geometry.

The projection and/or recess may comprise one or more surface projections e.g. lugs, beads, ribs, embossments, debossments etc. so as to offer frictional resistance for a friction fit, snap-fit or other such secure fitting of adjacent panels. The surface projections may be tapered, wedged to offer greater resistance. There may be such surface projections on the projection and recess and they may be mutually interengaging to provide a ratchet mechanism such that the removal of the projection from the recess is resisted. There may further be a locking member or mechanism to prevent further sliding and disengagement of the panels.

Preferably the or each corresponding recess and projection is colour coded such that from the front, at least said tab is visibly identifiable from the rest of the frame. This provides give a visual cue as to how the panels connect and to the modularity/expandability of the system.

Preferably all panels in an array have uniform frames, and more preferably they have uniform interconnection structure via uniform connector construction and location (on each panel). Array

The array may be a planar array. With this configuration the solar panels may all be located in a common plane, all have a common orientation toward the sun.

Alternatively, the array may be such that the solar panels are oriented in different e.g. inclined planes so as to present a three-dimensional array, for example a cube, tetrahedron, octahedron, a pyramid e.g. a square pyramid, a prism e.g. triangular prism etc. Accordingly the panels may be generally square/rectangular or triangular or any suitable shape.

Electrical Connection Device

An electrical connection device is coupled to each respective solar panel by an electrical connection and all electrical connection devices having a common input and output connector design for electrically interconnecting the panels in the solar panel array.

Preferably the panels are electrically connected using electrical connection devices which permit chaining the panels in a one-way connection, such as so-called 'daisy-chain' connectors. Preferably this are located on the rear of the panels. The length of the cable is preferably sufficient to reach and connect with an adjacent connector, allowing for the consumer to require room to use their hands to connect the panels, but short enough to prevent excess length which might be inconvenient. The ratio may be length dependent on panel size. The combined length of the exposed cables/connectors is preferably approximately 1.2-1.3 time the length of the panel including frame and split in a ratio between 5:1 and 3:1 , preferably 4:1. The input and output cable lengths do not need to be the same and this may be the method by which the consumer identifies the differences between the leads. There is preferably a moisture and dust protective connector added to each lead. The connectors may differ (one being a male connector and the other being a female connector) thus ensuring that inputs and output connections cannot be connected incorrectly. Preferably panel comprises a further recess, located in a rear face. This allows accommodation of the connector leads and to allow the panels to lie flat and stable when placed on a surface. Accordingly, the panel preferably comprises, in storage position, a rear recess with said electrical connection device nested in said recess.

Preferably the frame comprises apertures e.g. eyelets to help with attachment of the panel to the roof or other suitable surface (using cable ties or elasticated bungees or clamps). This allows the consumer to mount the panel to a more sunlit position but prevents the panel blowing away in windy condition and may also provide a degree of deterrence against opportunistic theft. Owing to the intrinsic rigidity of the system of the invention, an additional frame is not required. There may be any number of solar panels to suit the energy needs of the consumer.

Battery Modules

The battery module is electrically coupled to the electrical connection modules of the solar panels to store electrical energy generated by the solar panels. Preferably a single panel/single one of panels in a solar array of the invention is connectable to a battery module. All remaining panels are connected to the battery module by means of connection to this connected panel.

The battery module may be part of a power module. The power module may further comprise a maximum power point tracking device (MPPT) or the like necessary electronics for controlling battery charging. Such a device this will track the power obtained from the solar panel and adjust the voltage and current so that the maximum power is taken from the sun at any time. The consumer can thereby feel assured that their system will work optimally and protect all their devices in the event that sunlight strength changes e.g. a cloud passes over the sun and the voltage/current drops.

The power module may comprise one or more connection ports e.g. universal serial ports (USB). Such ports that can be used for radio, or mobile phone, or to charge up an external power-pack, or additional USB lights / torch The power module may comprise one or more connectors or 'jacks' which connect the battery module directly to custom LED lights.

Preferably the power module comprises a charger controller to i) control the input voltage and current from the panel and ii) the voltage and current going to the battery, preferably designed according to the chemistry of the battery).

The battery could be, but is not limited to, lead acid, nickel cadmium (NICd), nickel metal hydride, (NIMH), lithium ion, preferably the battery module comprises a lithium ion polymer battery.

Preferably the power module comprises a voltage regulator to regulate the (5V) voltage going out to any USB port.

Power module

Preferably a single panel/single one of panels in a solar array of the invention is connectable to a power hub. All remaining panels are connected to the power module by means of connection to this connected panel. The power module may be a single unit, contained in a unitary housing. Preferably this is a rigid plastic to allow cleaning and for safety. This allows the module to be small and portable, so that, even whilst the consumer only has the starter kit, he/she can move the unit around and use it for lighting in different parts of the home (e.g. the kitchen which is, in some regions a separate hut from the main living/sleeping area) or to share the power with other members of her family (e.g. in-laws living in an adjacent dwelling).

The power module preferably comprises a solar indicator light which illuminates when energy is being captured by the solar panels. The power module preferably comprises a visual indicator to indicate the battery voltage, available power etc. The visual indictor preferably is in the form of a fill level. This helps consumer management of the available power by presenting in a familiar form similar to e.g. fuel gauge. Preferably the power module further comprises a temperature sensor and controller to monitor the temperature of the battery. Preferably the system is configured such that the system stops charging if the temperature of the battery reaches a predetermined level e.g. too high, as a safety precaution. Inverter Module. The invention may further comprise an inverter module that is connectible to the battery module and includes a 'multi-standard' socket configured to receive any of a wide variety of electric plug configurations to provide a source of AC electric power. Flexible connections

Whilst rigidity is desired in the panel construction and interconnections, certain parts are suitable flexible. For example, the invention may comprise flexible electrical conduit/cable connecting at least one panel to the power hub unit inside the house. Our target consumers may need to move the panels around their property to keep the panels in the sun throughout the day and sometimes this requires quite a length of cable - 5m was found to be appropriate. The Cable preferably has an IP67 rated connector to connect to the panel and a simple push in style barrel connector jack to connect to the Power Hub.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the apparatus aspect of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a modular solar energy system according to the

invention

Figure 2 is a front and rear view of a panel of the arrangement of Figure 1

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a power module of the system of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings, a modular solar energy supply system 1 is shown, comprising a solar array module 3 comprising a modular array of solar panels 3a, 3b, 3c each rigidly mechanically interconnected and also electrically interconnected. The system 1 also comprises power module 5 electrically coupled via single cable 21 to said modular solar panel array 3, and in use, stores electrical energy generated by said solar panel array 3 in a battery 20 in the power module5. The power module 5further comprises power/charging controls as described below.

Each individual solar panel 3a, 3b is generally a planar, rigid structure and also the solar array module itself is a planer structure. Each panel 3a, 3b, 3c fits to an adjacent panel 3 when placed adjacent one another in a generally planar edge-to-edge manner. The solar array 3 is a rigid structure by means of rigid mechanical interconnections of the solar panels 3a, 3b, 3c.

The modular system 1 may therefore comprise a single solar panel e.g. 3a or multiple solar panels and solar panels 3a, 3b, 3c may be easily replaced without having to order specific types. So a 'starter' system (or 'kit') may comprises a single panel 3a which has a common design and features as add-on panels e.g. 3b, 3c.

Preferably the panels 3a, 3b, 3c comprise a housing 25 and the housing provides peripheral frame 27.

Preferably the panels comprise non-glass backed crystalline silicon panels. Standard silicon panels are glass backed but whilst these have slightly higher efficiency and longevity, they are less robust and heavier. "Non-glass" material could be plastic materials such as (but not limited to) polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), Polyimide, fibreglass, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and Polycarbonate (PC) or metals such as aluminium. Preferably the backing is PET.

The panels 3a, 3b, 3c may be transported to a secure position e.g. in the home overnight. Preferably, the panels remain connected during transport. The rigidity of the connection facilitates this. Alternatively, they may be separated and re-connected when next used e.g. the next morning.

Each panel 3a, 3b, 3c has an electrical connection device 33 as shown in Figure 2. All electrical connection devices 33 have a common input and output connector design for electrically interconnecting the panels in the array 3.

The frame 27 comprises rigid plastic designed to withstand heat, rain and dust. The frame 27 also helps to protect the solar panel 27a and its electrical connections from general wear and tear and any accidental damage caused during handling and installation.

The solar panels rigidly mechanically interconnect by means of interconnection of respective panel frames by sliding interconnection. This allows the consumer to physically connect panels 3a, 3b 3c together simply by sliding relative to each other. This is achieved by a mutually corresponding projection, here a tab 29 and recess, here a slot (indicated at 31 ). The tab 29 and the material defining the periphery of slot 31 are rigid being formed in the rigid plastic frame 27. The tab 29 and slot 31 are located on opposite sides of the frame 27, such each panel e.g.3b fits to an adjacent panel 3c when said panels are placed in side-by-side configuration, adjacent one another in a generally planar edge-to-edge manner, and connected by sliding a projection from one frame into a recess of an adjacent frame as can be shown in figure 3 with panel 3c sliding down relative to panel 3b. The tab 29 extends a substantial length of the respective side of a frame as does the slot 31. This enables for a secure connection between panels and resists twisting when the array is being moved each day. The tab 29 is centrally located along the length of the frame side however the slot 31 extends only to one end, the top. This allows a panel 3c to slide down to engage with another panel 3b, simply by holding panel 3b and bringing the panel 3c downward directly, so that opposite sides with respective recess and projection, engage. Both tab 29 and slot 31 are circular in cross section, so that the tab 29 is a form of cylindrical bead and the slot 31 a similar shape (but slightly larger) but with longitudinal opening (not shown) to allow fitting of the tab. In this way, the tab 29 is slidable into the slot 31 in a single direction, and this is aligned with plane of the solar panel 3a, 3b, 3c and planar array 3, locked in place by the mutual geometry.

The tab 29 and slot 31 may comprise one or more surface projections, lugs, so as to offer frictional resistance for a friction fit, snap-fit or other such secure fitting of adjacent panels. There may further be a locking member or mechanism to prevent further sliding and disengagement of the panels The tab and slot are colour coded such that from the front, at least said tab 29 is visibly identifiable and distinguished from the rest of the frame. This provides give a visual cue to the consumer, to cue how the panels connect and to the modularity/expandability of the system.

There may be any number of solar panels to suit the energy needs of the consumer. Consumers have an expectation of the amount of energy that a panel will capture according based on its size. Accordingly, crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells are preferred for optimum efficiency versus panel size. Panels are preferably between 10-20 cm in length/height, with corresponding area 100 - 400 cm² . This size is fine up to 5W but a 10W would be approximately twice the size. The panels are electrically connected using electrical connection devices 33 which permit chaining the panels in a one-way connection, such as so-called 'daisy-chain' connectors located on the rear of the panels. The length of the panels is preferably sufficient to reach and connect with an adjacent connector, allowing for the consumer to require room to use their hands to connect the panels, but short enough to prevent excess length which might be inconvenient. The combined length of the exposed cables/connectors is approximately 1 .2-1.3 x the length of the panel including frame, split in a ratio between 5:1 and 3:1 , preferably 4:1 The connectors 33 are located in a panel recess, located in a rear face as shown in figure 2. This allows accommodation of the connector leads and to allow the panels to lie flat and stable when placed on a surface. Accordingly, the panel preferably comprises, in storage positon, a rear recess with said electrical connection device nested in said recess.

The frame further comprises eyelets 35 to help with attachment of the panel to the roof or other suitable surface (using cable ties or elasticated bungees or clamps). This allows the consumer to mount the panel to a more sunlit position but prevents the panel blowing away in windy condition and may also provide a degree of deterrence against opportunistic theft. Owing to the intrinsic rigidity of the system of the invention, an additional frame for the array is not required. The battery module comprises a lithium ion polymer battery and is electrically coupled to the electrical connection modules of the solar panels to store electrical energy generated by the solar panels. A single panel/single one of panels 3b in a solar array 3 of the invention is connectable via electrical cable 21 to a battery module 20. All remaining panels 3a are connected to the battery module by means of connection to this connected panel 3b The power module is shown in figure 3 and is a single unit, contained in a unitary housing. Preferably this is a rigid plastic to allow cleaning and for safety. This allows the module to be small and portable, so that, even whilst the consumer only has the starter kit, he/she can move the unit around and use it for lighting in different parts of the home (e.g. the kitchen which is, in some regions a separate hut from the main living/sleeping area) or to share the power with other members of her family (e.g. in-laws living in an adjacent dwelling).

The battery module is part of a power module 5. The power module 5 comprises a maximum power point tracking device (MPPT - not shown) or a device with the necessary electronics for controlling battery charging. Such a device this will track the power obtained from the solar panel and adjust the voltage and current so that the maximum power is taken from the sun at any time. The consumer can thereby feel assured that their system will work optimally and protect all their devices in the event that sunlight strength changes e.g. a cloud passes over the sun and the voltage/current drops. The power module further comprises:

- a connection ports being a universal serial port (USB) 7, for charging e.g. radio, or mobile phone, or to charge up an external power-pack.

- two connectors or 'jacks' 9 which connect the battery module directly to the LED lights. - a charger controller (not shown) to i) control the input voltage and current from the panel and ii) the voltage and current going to the battery, preferably designed according to the chemistry of the battery).

- a voltage regulator or 'buck booster' to regulate the (5V) voltage going out to any USB port. - a solar indicator light which illuminates when energy is being captured by the solar panels

- a visual indicator to indicate the battery voltage, available power etc. (not shown) The visual indictor preferably is in the form of a fill level. This helps consumer management of the available power by presenting in a familiar form similar to e.g. e.g. fuel gauge.

- a temperature sensor and controller to monitor the temperature of the battery. Preferably the system is configured such that the system shuts down if the temperature reaches a predetermined level e.g. too high, as a safety precaution.

The system is configured for a power output of 2-1 OW and more preferably 2-4W, most preferably 3W.

Inverter Module.

The system may further comprise an inverter module (not shown) that is connectible to the battery module and includes a 'multi-standard' socket configured to receive any of a wide variety of electric plug configurations to provide a source of AC electric power.

Flexible connections

Whilst rigidity is desired in the panel construction and interconnections, certain parts are suitable flexible. For example, cable 21 is a flexible electrical conduit/cable connecting at least one panel to the power hub unit inside the house. Consumers may need to move the panels around their property to keep the panels in the sun throughout the day and sometimes this requires quite a length of cable and the applicants have found that 5 m is optimal. The Cable has an IP67 rated connector to connect to the panel and a simple push in style barrel connector jack to connect to the Power Hub. The system further comprises a ceiling light rather than a basic torch or portable lamp with multiple settings -e.g. different levels of brightness, a high level and a lower level according to their activity. The light is an LED light is used for efficiency. Flexible, plastic is used for the top and base of the lampshade - both can be wiped clean from dust. The lampshade is light weight and can be provided in a folded configuration, sufficiently to be 'flat-packed'. The base plastic can be clear or can have a frosted cloudy appearance so that the light is more widely diffused.

The system may power a solar light. The system may further comprise various connectors e.g. a Spider Connector which has a USB connector at one end and a variety of connectors at the other, so that a variety of phones and appliances can be charged.

It is to be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to a person skilled in the art and are included in the spirit and scope of the invention and the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A modular solar energy supply system comprising:

a. a rigid solar array comprising an array of modular solar panels rigidly mechanically interconnected and electrically interconnected;

b. one or more energy storage (battery) modules electrically coupled to said modular solar panel array, whereby the battery can, in use, store electrical energy generated by said solar panels

c. an electrical connection device coupled to each respective solar panel, and all of said electrical connection devices having a common input and output connector design for electrically interconnecting the panels in the solar panel array;

2. A modular solar energy supply system comprising:

a. a modular solar panel that is rigidly mechanically connectable also electrically connectable to at least one further, adjacent like solar panel;

c. an electrical connection device coupled to the respective solar panel, said device comprising an input and output connector,

3. A modular solar panel for use in a modular solar array comprising

a. a rigid mechanical connector

b. an electrical connection device connectable to at least one further, adjacent, like solar panel, said device comprising an input and output connector wherein said panel is rigidly mechanically connectable directly to an adjacent solar panel in an array in a pre-determined position relative to an adjacent, like panel by means of at least one mechanical connector which extends along a substantial length of a side of the panel and which is connectable to a corresponding mechanical connector on an adjacent like panel.

4. A solar array comprising an array of modular, rigid solar panels, each panel comprising a. a rigid mechanical connection device

b. an electrical connection device coupled to the panel,

5. A modular solar energy supply system according to claim 1 or 2, or modular solar panel according to claim 3 or solar array according to claim 4 wherein the or each panel fits to an adjacent panel when placed adjacent one another in a generally planar edge-to- edge manner.

6. A modular solar energy supply system according to claim 1 or 2, or solar array module according to claim 3 or modular solar panel according to claim 4 wherein the or each panel comprises a peripheral frame.

7. A modular solar energy supply system according to claim 1 or 2, or solar array module according to claim 3 or modular solar panel according to claim 4 wherein the or each panel rigidly mechanically interconnect by sliding interconnection.

8. A modular solar energy supply system according to claim 1 or 2, or solar array module according to claim 3 or modular solar panel according to claim 4 wherein the or each panel is electrically connectable to the battery.

9. A modular solar energy supply system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein only a single one of the panels in an array is connected to the battery module.

10. A modular solar energy supply system according to claim 8 wherein further panels of the array are connected to the battery module only by means of connection to said connected single panel/single one of the panels.

1 1. A modular solar energy supply system according to any of claims 1 or 2 or 8-9, comprising a maximum power point tracking device (MPPT).

12. A modular solar energy supply system according to any of claims 1 or 2 or 8-10 comprising a power module, said power module comprising a voltage regulator.