[001] Present disclosure generally relates to the field of photovoltaic power generation.
Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to photovoltaic panels. Further,
embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a modular photovoltaic panel to regulate the
5 amount of solar radiation passing through a base of the photovoltaic panels.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002] Generally, photovoltaic panels such as solar panels are used to generate photovoltaic
power using a solar radiation, i.e., sunlight. The generated photovoltaic power may be used for
various purposes, such as, heating water, charging electrical equipment/devices, powering
10 illumination devices, pumping water, and among others. Further, to meet the current demand
for electricity, large solar parks are set up usually in common lands from where the photovoltaic
power is generated and transmitted across distances. Furthermore, for the operation of such
solar parks large tracts of land is to be acquired, and such acquiring the large tracts of land may
result in displacement of local livelihood, whereby adversely impacting local ecological
15 systems.
[003] Further, land adjacent to the solar panels where complete shades are absent may be used
for growing crops. Moreover, the crops in an agricultural field require certain amount of
sunlight for photosynthesis. Therefore, conventionally the large tracts of land are utilized solely
for either generating photovoltaic power or to grow crops. During noon time, particularly in
20 summer periods of year, the plants may receive higher intensity of sunlight than required,
which may result in lower chloroplast, wilting of plants, loss of yield, and among others.
[004] Hence, there is a necessity to utilize large tracts of land for generating photovoltaic
power as well as to grow crops. In other words, to minimize wastage of such large tracts of
land, solar panels can be intermittently installed above crops in the agricultural land.
25 [005] With advent of technology, efforts have been made to facilitate production of both
photovoltaic power as well as to grow crop in the same land. Such may be achieved by
installing a series of solar panels above cultivated crops and by maintaining required distance
between adjacent solar panels, which ensure sunlight reaches the cultivated crops. Such
technique is generally termed as “Agrivoltaics” or “agrophotovoltaics”. However, in
30 conventional technology, the series of solar panels tend to create complete shade on the
cultivated crops below, which may restrict falling of direct sunlight on the crops that are below
the series of solar panel. In other words, the cultivated crops that are under the solar panels may
3
receive minimal to no sunlight when compared with the cultivated crops beyond such shade of
the solar panels, and the cultivated crops beyond such shade of the solar panels receives excess
sunlight, particularly in the noon time. This inherently affect yield and/or growth of the
cultivated crops in the land.
5 [006] The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques
explained in the background section are just for exemplary purpose and the disclosure would
never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that
this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome
the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured
10 above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[007] The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the device/assembly/
method as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the device
/assembly/method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are
15 realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of
the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[008] The present disclosure discloses a modular photovoltaic panel. The modular
photovoltaic panel comprises a base. Further, the modular photovoltaic panel comprises a
plurality of photovoltaic modules disposed within the base in a predetermined pattern.
20 Furthermore, the modular photovoltaic panel comprises at least one coating applied to at least
one surface of the base to regulate the amount of solar radiation passing through the base.
[009] In an embodiment, a predetermined gap is maintained between the plurality of
photovoltaic modules.
[0010] In an embodiment, the modular photovoltaic panel comprises a frame adapted to
25 accommodate the base and the plurality of photovoltaic modules.
[0011] In an embodiment, the base comprises a plurality of slots to accommodate the plurality
of photovoltaic modules.
[0012] In an embodiment, the plurality of photovoltaic modules is displaceable within the base
to achieve the predetermined pattern.
30 [0013] In an embodiment, the base is made of transparent material or translucent material.
[0014] In an embodiment, the at least one coating is a combination of:
4
i. part a: 2 to 25 weight percentage of at least one of a porous carbon aerogel, a
graphite aerogel, a silica aerogel, ceramic oxide or their composites,
ii. part b: 10 to 35 weight percentage of an acrylic aqueous binder resin of hydroxyl
group with no pigments,
5 iii. part c: 10 to 20 weight percentage of alcohol based thinner, which is a
combination of 2 weight percentage of curing agent, 4 weight percentage of
dispersant, and 0.5 to 2 weight percentage of foaming agent, and
iv. part d: 10 to 15 weight percentage of poly isocyanate hardener.
[0015] In an embodiment, the base and the at least one coating is configured to selectively
10 reflect the Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in a range of 280 Nm to 380 Nm.
[0016] In an embodiment, the at least one coating is configured to generate a thermal
resistance.
[0017] In an embodiment, the base and the at least one coating is configured to scatter a lower
wide band of the solar radiation.
15 [0018] In an embodiment, an air gap is maintained between the base and the at least one
coating.
[0019] In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a modular photovoltaic panel is
disclosed. The method comprises disposing a plurality of photovoltaic modules within a base
in a predetermined pattern. Further, the method comprises accommodating the base and the
20 plurality of photovoltaic modules in a frame. Furthermore, the method comprises applying at
least one coating to at least one surface of the base to regulate the amount of solar radiation
passing through the base.
[0020] The modular photovoltaic panel (also referred as “panel” interchangeably) may provide
various shade to light transmittance ratio, i.e., 30% 40%, 50%, 60%, etc. depending on the
25 Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) required for the crops below/underneath the panel.
Also, the panel of the helps in maintaining intensity of solar radiation reaching the area below
the panel. The panel facilitates in arrangement and re-arrangement of the plurality of
photovoltaic modules within the base in a predetermined pattern to achieve desired shading for
area below the panel.
30 [0021] Further, the panel filters predetermined frequency range of the solar radiation passing
through the panel thereby regulating intensity of solar radiation passing through the panel. In
an embodiment, the panel may reduce intensity of solar radiation passing through the panel.
5
Furthermore, the panel creates a thermal resistance to absorb the heat in the solar radiation and
thereby, keeping the area underneath the panel cooler than the top side of the panel and the
surrounding. Furthermore, the panel may provide complete shade, i.e., 100% shade, during a
juvenile phase of plants lifecycle and decrease shading gradually upon growth of such plants.
5 [0022] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described
above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments
may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0023] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.
In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
10 aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the
following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0024] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended
description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further
15 objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following
detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the
accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like
elements and in which:
20 [0025] Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a modular photovoltaic panel, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the modular photovoltaic panel of Figure 1, according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] Figure 3 illustrates exploded perspective view of the modular photovoltaic panel of
25 Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a plurality of solar modules in the
modular photovoltaic panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] Figure 5 illustrates another exemplary arrangement of the plurality of solar modules in
the modular photovoltaic panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
30 [0030] Figure 6 illustrates a line chart of an intensity of solar radiation received by crops under
various shading condition vs time, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
6
[0031] Figure 7 illustrates a bar chart of an intensity of solar PAR vs crops under various
conditions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0032] Figure 8 illustrates flow chart of a method of manufacturing the modular photovoltaic
panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
5 [0033] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One
skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative
embodiments of the test apparatus illustrated herein may be employed without departing from
the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
10 [0034] One or more shortcomings of the conventional solar panel is overcome by a modular
photovoltaic panel, as described and claimed. Additional features and advantages are realized
through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the present
disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0035] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and
15 alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by the way of example in the
figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to
limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to
cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure
as defined by the appended claims.
20 [0036] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present
disclosure and modify various features of the modular photovoltaic panel and a method of
manufacturing the modular photovoltaic panel, without departing from the scope of the
disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure.
Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the
25 embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will
be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description
herein.
[0037] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the
disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device, assembly,
30 mechanism, system, and method that comprises a list of components does not include only
those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such
system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system/assembly
7
proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of
other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system.
[0038] In the present disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an
example, instance, or illustration”. Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject
5 matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other embodiments.
[0039] Unless the context of the disclosure describes or indicates a different interpretation, any
reference to an object in the specification that is preceded by a definite or indefinite article,
such as 'the', 'a', or 'an', should be understood to encompass both the singular and the plural
10 forms of the object. Accordingly, “a” means “at least one/one or more”. The phrase “a/an X”
may be construed as “at least one/one or more X”.
[0040] The terms like “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably or in
combination throughout the description.
[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a modular photovoltaic panel. The
15 modular photovoltaic panel comprises a base. Further, the modular photovoltaic panel
comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules disposed within the base in a predetermined
pattern. Furthermore, the modular photovoltaic panel comprises at least one coating applied to
at least one surface of the base to regulate the amount of solar radiation passing through the
base.
20 [0042] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following paragraphs describe the present
disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In Figures 1 to 8, the same element or elements
which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. With general reference
to the drawings, the modular photovoltaic panel is illustrated and generally identified with
25 reference numeral (100).
[0043] Figure 1 illustrates modular photovoltaic panel (100) in accordance with one
embodiment of the present disclosure. The modular photovoltaic panel (100) (hereafter referred
as “panel” interchangeably) includes a base (2). The base (2) may be made of transparent
material or translucent material. Further, the modular photovoltaic panel (100) comprises a
30 plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) disposed within the base (2) in a predetermined pattern.
The plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) is configured to generate photovoltaic power using
solar radiation. Each of the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) comprises a plurality of
8
photovoltaic cells (3). Further, a predetermined gap (16) is maintained between the plurality of
photovoltaic modules (4). Such predetermined gap (16) allows solar radiation to pass through
the base (2) of the panel (100).
[0044] The plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) may be coupled to the base (2) using at least
5 one fastening, press fitting, cotter joining, welding, soldering, riveting, adhesive agent, and
among other coupling methods. The base (2) may include a plurality of slots or channels or the
like, to accommodate the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4). The base (2) may comprise a
plurality of slots to accommodate the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4). In an embodiment,
the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) may be displaceable within the base (2) to achieve
10 the predetermined pattern. The plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) may be displaceable
within the base (2) manually or by means of a mechanism (not shown in the Figures). The
mechanism may comprise at least one motor and each motor comprises a shaft, wherein each
shaft is coupled to the corresponding photovoltaic module (4). Further, the mechanism may
comprise at least one of a ball screw, slider crank, rack and pinion gear, and among others, to
15 convert rotational motion of the shaft into a translatory motion of the corresponding
photovoltaic module (4). In an alternate embodiment, the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4)
may be displaceable within the base (2) by linear actuators. However, such disclosures of
displacing the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) within the base (2) cannot be construed as
a limitation of the present disclosure.
20 [0045] Referring to Figure 2, an air gap (10) is maintained between the at least one coating (8)
and the base (2). In an embodiment, the panel (100) may regulate the amount of photon density
per square meter passing through the panel (100) as per the requirement. Further, referring to
Figure 3, the modular photovoltaic panel (100) further comprises a frame (6) adapted to
accommodate the base (2) and the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4). The frame (6) may be
25 made of conductive materials and non-conductive materials such as, aluminium, cast-iron,
steel, copper, glass, porcelain, ceramic, plastic, dry wood, rubber, and among others.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4)
may be a solar panel. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of
photovoltaic modules (4) may be algae biomasses. In another embodiment, the plurality of
30 photovoltaic modules (4) may be a combination of solar panel and algae biomass or any other
alternate element/device/material which is capable of generating photovoltaic power using the
solar radiation, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
9
[0047] In addition, the modular photovoltaic panel (100) comprises at least one coating (8)
applied to at least one surface of the base (2) to regulate the amount of solar radiation passing
through the base (2). The at least one coating (8) may be a paint (12). The at least one coating
(8) may be a combination of parts a to d, wherein “part a” comprises 2 to 25 weight percentage
5 of at least one of a porous carbon, a graphite, a silica aerogel, or their composites. “Part b”
comprises 10 to 35 weight percentage of an acrylic aqueous binder resin of hydroxyl group
with no pigments. “Part c” comprises 10 to 20 weight percentage of alcohol based thinner,
which is a combination of 2 weight percentage of curing agent, 4 weight percentage of
dispersant, and 0.5 to 2 weight percentage of foaming agent. “Part d” comprises 10 to 15 weight
10 percentage of poly isocyanate hardener.
[0048] In one embodiment, the at least one coating (8) may be achieved by methods such as,
but not limited to, powder coating, dip coating, spraying, hand layup, vapour deposition, UV
coating, optical coating, thermal coating, adhesive bonding, and among others. The at least one
coating (8) may be configured to selectively reflect the UV radiation in a range of 280 Nm to
15 380 Nm. In one embodiment, the at least one coating (8) may include another paint (14)
configured to generate a thermal resistance. In another embodiment, the at least one coating (8)
may be configured to and/or scattering solar radiation in a lower wide band of the solar
radiation. In an embodiment, the lower wide band of the solar radiation may be infrared and/or
visible range. The visible range may be 400 Nm – 500 Nm.
20 [0049] Figure 4 illustrates exemplary arrangement of a plurality of photovoltaic modules (4)
in the modular photovoltaic panel (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) is arranged in a (4*4)*2 manner. Such
arrangement of plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) as depicted in Figure 4 provides 40%
shade to the area below the panel (100) and this arrangement is referred as “ST2” hereafter.
25 Further, Figure 5 illustrates another exemplary arrangement of the plurality of photovoltaic
modules (4) in the modular photovoltaic panel (100) in accordance with another embodiments
of the present disclosure. The plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) is arranged in a (5*4)*(4*2)
manner. Such arrangement of plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) as depicted in Figure 5
provides 50% shade to the area below the panel (100) and this arrangement is referred as “ST1”
30 hereafter.
[0050] Figure 6 illustrates line chart of an intensity of solar radiation received in μmol/m²/s
by crops under various shading condition vs time, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The time duration considered for measuring the intensity of solar radiation near the
10
crop and below distinct types of panels (if applicable) is between 06:01 to 18:31 of a day. The
crops in an open field/site would receive maximum of about 1950 μmol/m²/s at noon time. The
noon time refers to the time around 12:15. This amount of solar radiation is extreme for most
of the crops, which may result in lower chloroplast, wilting of plants, loss of yield, and among
5 others. However, in case where the crops are entirely covered with the photovoltaic/solar panel,
the crops would receive less than 50 μmol/m²/s at noon time as well as during majority of the
daytime. This amount of solar radiation is trivial for any crops to carry out photosynthesis.
Further, the intensity of solar radiation is measured by installing the modular photovoltaic panel
(100) of the present disclosure. The measurement is carried out using the arrangements ST1
10 and ST2. For ST1 arrangement, the crops underneath the panel (100) would receive maximum
of about 975 μmol/m²/s and for ST2 arrangement, the crops underneath the panel (100) would
receive maximum of about 1075 μmol/m²/s.
[0051] In addition, the intensity of solar radiation received by the crops can be represented
using a solar photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). The PAR indicates the type of light
15 required for photosynthesis, particularly wavelength of light falling within the visible range of
400 nm - 700 nm. Figure 7 illustrates a bar chart of a solar PAR vs the crops under various
conditions. The solar PAR received by the crops in the open field/site is about 1200 μmol/m²/s.
This amount of solar PAR is extreme for most of the crops, which may result in lower
chloroplast, wilting of plants, loss of yield, and among others. In the case where the crops are
20 entirely covered with the solar panel, the solar PAR is around 50 μmol/m²/s. For ST1 the solar
PAR is around 200 μmol/m²/s and for ST2 the solar PAR is around 300 μmol/m²/s.
[0052] Moreover, a Day Light Integral (DLI) is measured for the ST1 and ST2 arrangements.
The DLI is a total number of photons of solar radiation having a wavelength between 400 nm
and 700 nm received by the crops for a period of 24 hours. For ST1 arrangement, the DLI is
25 about 8.5 and for ST2 arrangement, the DLI is about 13.2. Further, the crops underneath the
panel (100) would not experience more than 45 minutes of shade in ST1 arrangement and 30
minutes of shade in ST2 arrangement. All the parameters achieved by ST1 and ST2
arrangements would be ideal for most of the crops to achieve maximum yield. For instance,
the solar PAR is around 300 μmol/m²/s and DLI of about 13.2 would be optimum for the crops
30 such as orchids, nursery, and flowering plants to achieve maximum yield.
[0053] Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method (200) of manufacturing the modular
photovoltaic panel (100). At step 201, the method (200) comprises disposing a plurality of
photovoltaic modules (4) within a base (2) in a predetermined pattern. The base (2) may
11
comprise a plurality of slots to accommodate the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4), and the
plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) may be displaceable within the base (2). The base (2)
may be made of transparent material or translucent material. The plurality of photovoltaic
modules (4) is configured to generate photovoltaic power using solar radiation. Each of the
5 plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells (3). Further, a
predetermined gap (16) is maintained between the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4). Such
predetermined gap (16) allows solar radiation to pass through the base (2) of the panel (100).
[0054] Further, at step 202, the method (200) comprises accommodating the base (2) and the
plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) in a frame (6). The frame (6) may be made of conductive
10 materials and non-conductive materials such as, aluminium, cast-iron, steel, copper, glass,
porcelain, ceramic, plastic, dry wood, rubber, and among others. Furthermore, at step 203, the
method (200) comprises applying at least one coating (8) to at least one surface of the base (2)
to regulate the amount of solar radiation passing through the base (2). The at least one coating
(8) may be a paint (12). The at least one coating (8) may be a combination of parts a to d,
15 wherein “part a” comprises 2 to 25 weight percentage of at least one of a porous carbon, a
graphite, a silica aerogel, and their composites. “Part b” comprises 10 to 35 weight percentage
of an acrylic aqueous binder resin of hydroxyl group with no pigments. “Part c” comprises 10
to 20 weight percentage of alcohol based thinner, which is a combination of 2 weight
percentage of curing agent, 4 weight percentage of dispersant, and 0.5 to 2 weight percentage
20 of foaming agent. “Part d” comprises 10 to 15 weight percentage of poly iso cyanate hardener.
[0055] The at least one coating (8) may be configured to selectively reflect the UV radiation
in a range of 280 Nm to 380 Nm. In one embodiment, the at least one coating (8) may include
another paint (14) configured to generate a thermal resistance. In another embodiment, the at
least one coating (8) may be configured to and/or scattering solar radiation in a lower wide
25 band of the solar radiation. In an embodiment, the lower wide band of the solar radiation may
be infrared and/or visible range. The visible range may be 400 Nm – 500 Nm.
[0056] In an embodiment, the panel (100) may include at least one sensor to sense various
parameters, such as, but not limited to, solar radiation intensity, temperature, photosynthetic
photon flux density (PPFD), frequencies of solar radiation, and the like. Further, the panel (100)
30 may provide various shade to light transmittance ratio, i.e., 30% 40%, 50%, 60%, etc.
depending on the Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) required for the crops
below/underneath the panel (100). Also, the panel (100) of the helps in maintaining intensity
of solar radiation reaching the area below the panel (100).
12
[0057] In an embodiment, the panel (100) facilitates in arrangement and re-arrangement of the
plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) within the base (2) in a predetermined pattern to achieve
desired shading for area below the panel (100). Further, the panel (100) filters predetermined
frequency range of the solar radiation passing through the panel (100) thereby regulating
5 intensity of solar radiation passing through the panel (100). In an embodiment, the panel (100)
may reduce intensity of solar radiation passing through the panel (100). Furthermore, the panel
(100) creates a thermal resistance to absorb the heat in the solar radiation and thereby, keeping
the area underneath the panel (100) cooler than the top side of the panel (100) and the
surrounding. Furthermore, the panel (100) may provide complete shade, i.e., 100% shade,
10 during a juvenile phase of plants lifecycle and decrease shading gradually upon growth of such
plants.
[0058] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a modular
photovoltaic panel (100) for achieving desired shading of similar configuration without
deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may
15 be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended
that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come
within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.
EQUIVALENTS
[0059] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those
20 having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to
the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural
permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[0060] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of
Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby
25 described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[0061] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments
disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the
true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
30 [0062] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and
especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended
as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited
13
to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be
interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within
the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent
will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is
5 present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the
introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular
claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such
10 recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at
least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be
interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite
articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an
introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such
15 recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare
recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations,
or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to
“at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense
one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a modular photovoltaic panel
20 (100)) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to the system that
have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or
A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one
of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having
skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a modular photovoltaic panel (100)
25 having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to system that have A alone,
B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive
word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description,
claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of
30 the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be
understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and
embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes
14
of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated
by the following claims.
REFERRAL NUMERICALS
Numerical Particulars
2 Base
4 Plurality of photovoltaic module
6 Frame
8 Coating
10 Air gap
12 Paint
14 Paint
16 Gap between the series of solar cells
100 Modular photovoltaic panel
200 Method of manufacturing a photovoltaic panel
201-203 Step

15
I/We claim:
1. A modular photovoltaic panel (100), comprising:
a base (2);
a plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) disposed within the base (2) in a
5 predetermined pattern; and
at least one coating (8) applied to at least one surface of the base (2) to regulate the
amount of solar radiation passing through the base (2).
2. The modular photovoltaic panel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a predetermined gap
(16) is maintained between the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4).
10 3. The modular photovoltaic panel (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a frame (6) adapted
to accommodate the base (2) and the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4).
4. The modular photovoltaic panel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base (2) comprises
a plurality of slots to accommodate the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4).
5. The modular photovoltaic panel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
15 photovoltaic modules (4) is displaceable within the base (2) to achieve the predetermined
pattern.
6. The modular photovoltaic panel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base (2) is made
of transparent material or translucent material.
7. The modular photovoltaic panel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one
20 coating (8) is a combination of:
i. part a: 2 to 25 weight percentage of at least one of a porous carbon, a graphite, a
silica aerogel, and their composites,
ii. part b: 10 to 35 weight percentage of an acrylic aqueous binder resin of hydroxyl
group with no pigments,
25 iii. part c: 10 to 20 weight percentage of alcohol based thinner, which is a combination
of 2 weight percentage of curing agent, 4 weight percentage of dispersant, and 0.5
to 2 weight percentage of foaming agent, and
iv. part d: 10 to 15 weight percentage of poly isocyanate hardener.
16
8. The modular photovoltaic panel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base (2) and the
at least one coating (8) are configured to selectively reflect the Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
in a range of 280 Nm to 380 Nm.
9. The modular photovoltaic panel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one
5 coating (8) is configured to generate a thermal resistance.
10. The modular photovoltaic panel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base (2) and at
least one coating (8) is configured to scatter a lower wide band of the solar radiation.
11. The modular photovoltaic panel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an air gap (10) is
maintained between the base (2) and the at least one coating (8).
10 12. A method (200) of manufacturing a modular photovoltaic panel (100), the method (200)
comprising:
disposing (201) a plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) within a base (2) in a
predetermined pattern;
accommodating (202) the base (2) and the plurality of photovoltaic modules (4) in a
15 frame (6); and
applying (203) at least one coating (8) to at least one surface of the base (2) to
regulate the amount of solar radiation passing through the base (2).