Ronald B Mcclintock

US Patent:

20060237058, Oct 26, 2006

Filed:

Apr 21, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/379728

Inventors:

Ronald McClintock - Novato CA, US
Leif Pettersson - Novato CA, US

International Classification:

H02N 6/00

US Classification:

136244000

Abstract:

A combiner box is used to collect direct current from solar panels or other energy sources. The combiner box integrates all means necessary for ground fault detection, current monitoring, voltage monitoring, and power monitoring. The combiner box may include a communication interface suitable for Web enabled monitoring, electronic notifications of system status, and/or remote control of system functions. In one embodiment, the combiner box uses integrated circuits and printed circuit board technology to achieve new efficiencies in manufacturing, installation and system analysis at the string level. A separate hand piece may be used by installers to test the performance of the combiner box, installation of the solar panels, performance of the solar panels and connections between the solar panels and the combiner box.