Power line and wireless communication in solar systems

Abstract

A transmitter may include an oscillator configured to generate a clock signal. A transmitter may include a modulator configured to generate, based on the clock signal, first signals to be transmitted on a power line or wirelessly. A transmitter may include a control circuit configured to adjust timing of the first signals, transmitted on the power line or wirelessly, by randomizing a phase of the first signals and the second signals.

Description

PCT Application Attorney Docket No. 108144-213001 / WOPOWER LINE AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATION IN SOLAR SYSTEMSRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Pat. App. Ser. No. 63 / 700,520, filed Sept. 27, 2024 and entitled “POWER LINE AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATION IN SOLAR SYSTEMS,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] At least some embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to communication in solar systems. More specifically, at least some embodiments relate to signals transmitted over closely disposed power lines or wirelessly to multiple groups of photovoltaic panels in a solar system.BACKGROUND

[0003] Rapid Shutdown Systems (RSS) have been used in power generation systems involving photovoltaic panels (e.g., solar panels).

[0004] Rapid Shutdown System (RSS) can be implemented by configuring a transmitter at a location away from the photovoltaic panels to control the photovoltaic panels. Each photovoltaic panel can have a Local Management Unit (LMU) that controls the operation of the photovoltaic panel. Based on the signals from the transmitter, or the lack of signals from the transmitter, a watchdog of the local management unit can selectively turn on or off the photovoltaic panel.

[0005] For example, a string or array of the photovoltaic panels can be connected to power a direct current (DC) power line to provide the electric power generated by the string or array to an inverter that is configured at a convenient location away from the installation site of the photovoltaic panels (e.g., a rooftop). A power line communication (PLC) transmitter can transmit signals onto the power line for transmission to local management units configured on the photovoltaic panels. Or wireless communication transmitter can transmit signals to local management units configured on the photovoltaic panels. Each local management unit can decode the signals from the power line or wirelessly to perform requested actions, such as turning off the photovoltaic panel, continuing power generation, etc.

[0006] For example, the PLC or wireless transmitter can transmit a keep-alive message to a Local Management Unit (LMU) to instruct the Local Management Unit (LMU) to continue the normal operation of its photovoltaic panel in generating and / or outputting electric power for a predetermined period of time. After the predetermined amount of time, a watchdog of the LocalPCT Application Attorney Docket No. 108144-213001 / WOManagement Unit (LMU) is configured to automatically turn off its photovoltaic panel if another keep-alive message is not received to continue the normal operation of its photovoltaic panel.

[0007] Alternatively, the transmitter can transmit an accelerated shutdown message to a Local Management Unit (LMU) to instruct the Local Management Unit (LMU) to immediately turn off its photovoltaic panel upon receiving the accelerated shutdown message.

[0008] Thus, when the communication path between the transmitter and the Local Management Unit (LMU) can be used to transmit the accelerated shutdown message, the photovoltaic panel(s) can be turned off rapidly via the transmission of the accelerated shutdown message. However, when the communication path between the transmitter and the Local Management Unit (LMU) is damaged, the photovoltaic panel can be turned off automatically for the lack of the keep-alive message by the watchdog of the Local Management Unit (LMU) within the predetermined period of time.

[0009] For example, remote shutdown can be implemented using watchdog techniques disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,884,278, 7,807,919, 8,271,599, 9,124,139, 8,854,193, 9,377,765, 10,063,056, 8,933,321, 8,823,218, 9,397,612, 9,813,021, 10,256,770, and 10,312,857, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0010] A large installation of photovoltaic panels can involve multiple sets of power lines connected to multiple strings or groups of photovoltaic panels respectively. The power lines of the different strings or groups may be disposed in a vicinity of each other, such as sharing the same conduit or run next to each other in parallel over a distance.

[0011] Or alternatively a large installation of photovoltaic panels can involve multiple sets of wireless transmitters in proximity to each other. Such arrangements can result in crosstalk, where changes in the magnetic field caused by a signal transmitted on one power line or wireless transmitter induces a corresponding signal on another closely disposed power line or wireless transmitter. The induced signal may cancel, weaken, or disrupt the signal transmitted in the parallel power line. The interference from the induced signal can result in errors in decoding signals and / or unintended behaviors.

[0012] As such, what is desired is an improved power line communication system with reduced interference between signals conducted in adjacent power lines and without the need to synchronize between different transmitters.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be further explained withPCT Application Attorney Docket No. 108144-213001 / WO reference to the attached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ one or more illustrative embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a system configured to show transmission of signals over power lines connected to photovoltaic panels according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a transmitter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a system including a plurality of photovoltaic panels, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Like reference numbers represent the same or similar parts throughout.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an exemplary technically improved power system which includes a transmitter having: an oscillator to generate a clock signal and synthesize frequencies used to modulate a message and to generate first signals to a first direct current power line; and a second signal transmitted in a second direct current power line disposed in a vicinity of the first direct current power line, by transmitting the first and the second signals in separate time windows (at least from time to time).

[0019] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an exemplary technically improved power system which includes a transmitter having: an oscillator to generate a clock signal and synthesize frequencies used to modulate a message and to generate first signals to a first wireless transmitter; and a second signals transmitted in a second wireless transmitter disposed in a vicinity of the first wireless transmitter, by transmitting the first and the second signals in separate time windows (at least from time to time).

[0020] The present disclosure relates to a power line or wireless communication. Various detailed embodiments of the present disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a system configured to enable transmission of signals over power lines connected to photovoltaic panels, according to some embodiments. In general, there are differentPCT Application Attorney Docket No. 108144-213001 / WO approaches to avoid interference due to crosstalk. In prior approaches, a same signal can be transmitted, in phase, at the same time; signals can be transmitted according to a synchronized time schedule at different time instances such that crosstalk does not interfere with each other; or the signals can be transmitted by different transmitters synchronized for sequential actions according to coordinated timing.. The prior approaches can be complex and accordingly difficult to implement.

[0022] Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to alternatives that enable the transmission of signals over power lines connected to photovoltaic panels without requiring synchronization of signals.

[0023] The system of FIG. 1 has multiple panel groups (111, 113, 115, . . .) of photovoltaic panels. Each of the groups (111, 113, 115, . . .) of photovoltaic panels can include one or more photovoltaic panels. The outputs of the photovoltaic panels in each group can be connected in parallel and / or in series to power a direct current (DC) power line. The DC power lines (131, 133, 135, . . .) of the panel groups (111, 113, 115, . . .) run from the installation sites of the panel groups (111, 113, 115, ...) through a centralized location where transmitters (101, 103, 105, ...) are configured. The DC powerlines (131, 133, 135, . . .) run through the centralized location to their respective loads, such as inverters, battery chargers, a combiner, or combination thereof, that combines the power from the different power lines into a single output.

[0024] Each of the photovoltaic panels in the panel groups (111, 113, 115, . . .) can have a Local Management Unit (LMU). In response to an accelerated shutdown message received via a power line, the Local Management Unit (LMU) can turn off the respective photovoltaic panel by reducing the voltage in the photovoltaic panel and / or its output to below a threshold, and / or deenergizing the photovoltaic panel. In response to a keep-alive message, a watchdog circuit of the Local Management Unit (LMU) can avoid turning off the respective photovoltaic panel for a predetermined period of time in absence of the shutdown message.

[0025] Each of the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) is exemplarily coupled to a common ground (109) and configured to generate and transmit a keep-alive message for the watchdog circuits of the Local Management Units (LMUs). The keep-alive message is transmitted onto a power line (e.g., 131, 133, or 135) or wirelessly. For example, an inductive coupling between the transmitter (e.g., 101, 103, or 105) and a power line (e.g., 131, 133, or 135) can be used to induce signals on the power line (e.g., 131, 133, or 135) to transmit the keep-alive message. Alternatively, the transmitters can be configured to transmit the keep-alive message into the power line (e.g., 131, 133, or 135) via direct connections or wirelessly.

[0026] The signals of a message transmitted by a transmitter (e.g., 131, 133, or 135) can be generated via spread frequency shift keying (S-FSK). For example, a continuous wave signal ofPCT Application Attorney Docket No. 108144-213001 / WO an intermediate frequency (IF) can synthesize a first frequency (Mark Frequency) and a second frequency (Space Frequency), which are modulated by a state machine through a multiplexer to implement S-FSK and form a message (e.g., containing 33 -bit data in the form of three, elevenbit words) that is transmitted over a first time period (e.g., 168 ms) (transmission period) followed by a second time period of transmission silence (e.g., 901 ms) (silence period).

[0027] The transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) can be configured to transmit different messages having different data encoded using S-FSK. The messages can include keep-alive, accelerated shutdown, permission to operate, having permission to operate, and / or having no permission to operate, and / or proprietary messages in proprietary formats and / or proprietary modulation methods, etc. In some implementations, the lack of a keep-alive message for a period of a predetermined length (e.g., 13 seconds) can be considered a shutdown message.

[0028] In FIG. 1, each of the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) can be configured to transmit signals according to a different duty cycle. In some embodiments, the duty cycle can be randomized. In some embodiments, the result can be that the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) generally do not transmit at the same time (at least in some instances), and thus crosstalk can be avoided (at least in some instances) and the signal prevented from interfering with each other. It is to be appreciated that there may still be occasional times in which a plurality of transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) transmit at the same or an overlapping time. However, because of the randomization or a shift in phase, frequency, or time, occurrence of such collisions can be reduced (or at least eliminated for periods of time). In some embodiments, the randomization or shift in phase, frequency, or time, be set for a period of time that the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) are silent as opposed to randomizing the active signal.

[0029] In some embodiments, the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) can have a different clock frequency than each other, causing the clocks of the different transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) to have different oscillation frequencies and, as a result, to cause the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) to transmit at different times. It is to be appreciated that there may still be occasional times in which a plurality of transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) transmit at the same or an overlapping time. However, because of the randomization, an occurrence of such collisions can be reduced or at least eliminated for periods of time.

[0030] In some embodiments, the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) can randomly be assigned different time slots in which to communicate. It is to be appreciated that there may still be occasional times in which a plurality of transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) transmit at the same or an overlapping time. However, because of the randomization, an occurrence of such collisions can be reduced or at least eliminated for periods of time.

[0031] In some embodiments, because the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) are not requiredPCT Application Attorney Docket No. 108144-213001 / WO to be synchronized, the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) do not include any control lines to electrically connect the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) together. In some embodiments, this can simplify an overall complexity of the system.

[0032] In some embodiments, the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) are not programmed to “listen” to each other to then adjust transmission times. As a result, the system can be simplified relative to prior systems in which synchronization is required.

[0033] In some embodiments, the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) can transmit every 1 second. In some embodiments, the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) can transmit more frequently than every 1 second. For example, the transmitters (101, 103, 105, ...) can transmit every 160 milliseconds, every 160 microseconds, or ranges varying between the stated values. It is to be appreciated that the exact values are examples and the transmission timing can vary beyond the stated values in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary transmitter (101), according to some embodiments. For example, the transmitter (101) of FIG. 2 can be used to implement each of the transmitters (101, 103, 105) in the system of FIG. 1. The transmitter (101) of FIG. 2 includes an oscillator (210) for generating a clock signal which is supplied to a frequency synthesizer (220). The clock signal is then modulated to generate a first signal (141) to be induced to the first DC power line (131). The transmitter (101) also includes a controller (240) controls timing, frequency, or phase of the first signal (141). In some embodiments, the controller (101) is configured to randomly output the first signal (141). In some embodiments, the oscillator (210) for various transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) can be configured so that different transmitters do not generate the same clock signal. As a result, the clocks of the different transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) can have different oscillation frequencies and, as a result, to cause the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) to transmit at different times. It is to be appreciated that there may still be occasional times in which a plurality of transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) transmit at the same or an overlapping time. However, because of the randomization, an occurrence of such collisions can be reduced or at least eliminated for periods of time.

[0035] In some embodiments, the transmitter (101) can randomly be assigned different time slots in which to communicate by the controller (240). It is to be appreciated that there may still be occasional times in which a plurality of transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .) transmit at the same or an overlapping time. However, because of the randomization, an occurrence of such collisions can be reduced or at least eliminated for periods of time.

[0036] In some embodiments, the transmitter (101) is not connected via any control lines to electrically connect to another of the transmitters (101, 103, 105, . . .). In some embodiments, thisPCT Application Attorney Docket No. 108144-213001 / WO can simplify an overall complexity of the system.

[0037] In some embodiments, the transmitter (101) is not programmed to “listen” to other transmitters (103, 105, . . .) or adjust transmission times based on the other transmitters (103, 105, . . .). As a result, the transmitter (101) can be simplified relative to prior systems in which synchronization is required.

[0038] In some embodiments, the transmitter (101) can transmit every 1 second. In some embodiments, the transmitter (101) can transmit more frequently than every 1 second. For example, the transmitter (101) can transmit every 160 milliseconds, every 160 microseconds, or ranges varying between the stated values. It is to be appreciated that the exact values are examples and the transmission timing can vary beyond the stated values in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.

[0039] The techniques described above can provide a simplified communication scheme relative to prior schemes. In some embodiments, the techniques can reduce an amount of crosstalk or interference caused by multiple transmitters communicating at the same time in a solar system.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a system 300 including a plurality of photovoltaic panels 302, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] The system 300 includes the plurality of photovoltaic panels 302. In the illustrated embodiment, six photovoltaic panels are shown. It is to be appreciated that this number is an example and that the actual number of the plurality of photovoltaic panels 302 can vary below six or above six. In some embodiments, a single photovoltaic module may be present.

[0042] The plurality of photovoltaic panels 302 are connected in electrical communication with corresponding local management units (LMUs) 304. The LMUs 304 can include a rapid shutdown device, an optimizer, a monitor, other electronic devices, or any combination thereof. It is to be appreciated that in some embodiments, the corresponding LMUs 304 may be optional and not included in the system 300.

[0043] The corresponding LMUs 304 are connected in electrical communication with a plurality of string monitors 308. Each string monitor can be electrically connected to a plurality of the corresponding LMUs 304. As a result, there may be fewer of the plurality of string monitors 308 than the corresponding LMUs 304.

[0044] The plurality of string monitors 308 can be disposed in a housing 306 to protect them from the ambient conditions such as, but not limited to, sun, rain, snow, wind, combinations thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, the housing 306 can include one or more additional components such as, but not limited to, a wireless transmitter, a power source, or the like.

[0045] In some embodiments, the plurality of string monitors 308 can be snapped into anPCT Application Attorney Docket No. 108144-213001 / WO existing system. For example, an existing system 300 may include the corresponding LMUs 304 connected to the inverter 310 without the plurality of string monitors 308. In such embodiments, the plurality of string monitors 308 can be retrofit into the system 300.

[0046] In some embodiments, the plurality of string monitors 308 are configured to monitor a communication signal. In some embodiments, monitoring communication signals may be in addition to monitoring irradiance, solar, or power performance. Based on a quality of the signal (e.g., strength of the signal), one or more determinations may be made regarding the operation of the system 300. Prior systems generally monitor irradiance, power, or solar characteristics. Embodiments disclosed herein can rely upon the monitored voltage and current to identify any operation variability, regardless whether the system includes the corresponding LMUs 304. As a result, the plurality of string monitors 308 can send an alert to a user. In some embodiments, the plurality of string monitors 308 can cause a shutdown of the system 300 if a potential issue is identified.

[0047] In some embodiments, the plurality of string monitors 308 can monitor a signal amplitude, quality, or combination thereof, and whether a message has been sent. As a result, the plurality of string monitors 308 may also be able to reduce crosstalk between management units of the system 300.

[0048] The plurality of string monitors 308 are connected in electrical communication with an inverter 310. In some embodiments, the plurality of string monitors 308 and the inverter 310 can be connected via one or more combiner or fuse boxes. The inverter 310 can be electrically connected to the power grid 314.

[0049] In some embodiments, a transmitter 312 can also be present that is capable of communicating via a power line communication.

[0050] In some embodiments, a transmitter, including: an oscillator configured to generate a clock signal; a modulator configured to generate, based on the clock signal, first coded communication signals to be transmitted on a power line or wirelessly; a control circuit configured to adjust timing of the first coded communication signals, transmitted on the power line or wirelessly, by randomizing a phase, timing, or frequency of the first coded communication signals.

[0051] In some embodiments, a transmitter, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to randomly modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals.

[0052] In some embodiments, a transmitter, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals based on a radio frequency identification device (RFID) or thePCT Application Attorney Docket No. 108144-213001 / WO transmitting component.

[0053] In some embodiments, a transmitter, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals based on the location of the transmitter.

[0054] In some embodiments, a transmitter, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals so that the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals is different than the timing, phase, or frequency of a second coded communication signal of another transmitter.

[0055] In some embodiments, a transmitter, further including a plurality of frequency synthesizers, wherein the control circuit is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals by resetting frequency synthesizers and the modulator in response to the timing signal.

[0056] In some embodiments, a transmitter, wherein the first power line and the second power line are coupled to different photovoltaic panels.

[0057] In some embodiments, a transmitter, including: an oscillator; a frequency synthesizer coupled to the oscillator; a modulator coupled to the frequency synthesizer to generate first coded communication signals representative of a message to a first local management unit of a first photovoltaic panel; and a control circuit coupled to the frequency synthesizer to modify timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals, induced wirelessly or into a first power line connected to first photovoltaic panel having the first local management unit, independent of second coded communication signals transmitted wirelessly or in a second power line connected to a second local management unit of a second photovoltaic panel.

[0058] In some embodiments, a transmitter, wherein the control circuit is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals, the second coded communication signals, or a combination thereof, randomly.

[0059] In some embodiments, a transmitter, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals based on a radio frequency identification device (RFID) or the transmitting component.

[0060] In some embodiments, a transmitter, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals based on the location of the transmitter.

[0061] In some embodiments, a transmitter, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first codedPCT Application Attorney Docket No. 108144-213001 / WO communication signal so that the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signal is different than the timing, phase, or frequency of the second coded communication signal.

[0062] In some embodiments, a transmitter, further including a plurality of frequency synthesizers, wherein the control circuit is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals or the second coded communication signals by resetting frequency synthesizers and the modulator in response to the first timing signal.

[0063] In some embodiments, a transmitter, wherein the first and the second power line coupled to different photovoltaic panels than a second transmitter.

[0064] In some embodiments, a system including: a plurality of photovoltaic panels; an inverter; and a string monitor electrically or wirelessly connected to the plurality of photovoltaic panels and electrically or wirelessly connected to the inverter, a transmitter, or a control unit; wherein the string monitor is configured to measure quality of a communication signal.

[0065] In some embodiments, a system, wherein in response to identifying the quality of the communication signal is indicative of an error, taking an action

[0066] In some embodiments, a system, wherein the action includes at least one of sending an alert to a user or shutting down the system.

[0067] In some embodiments, a system, wherein the communication signal is a wireless communication signal.

[0068] In some embodiments, a system, wherein the communication signal is a power line communication signal.

[0069] In some embodiments, a system, further including a plurality of rapid shutdown devices electrically connected between the plurality of photovoltaic panels and the string monitor.

[0070] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this Specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0071] It is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This Specification and the embodiments described are examples, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. PCT Application Attorney Docket No. 108144-213001 / WOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A transmitter, comprising: an oscillator configured to generate a clock signal; a modulator configured to generate, based on the clock signal, first coded communication signals to be transmitted on a power line or wirelessly; a control circuit configured to adjust timing of the first coded communication signals, transmitted on the power line or wirelessly, by randomizing a phase, timing, or frequency of the first coded communication signals.

2. The transmitter of claim 1, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to randomly modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals.

3. The transmitter of claim 1, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals based on a radio frequency identification device (RFID) or the transmitting component.

4. The transmitter of claim 1, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals based on the location of the transmitter.

5. The transmitter of claim 1, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals so that the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals is different than the timing, phase, or frequency of a second coded communication signal of another transmitter.

6. The transmitter of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of frequency synthesizers, wherein the control circuit is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals by resetting frequency synthesizers and the modulatorPCT Application Attorney Docket No. 108144-213001 / WO in response to the timing signal.

7. The transmitter of claim 1, wherein the power line is a first power line, and further comprising a second power line, wherein the first power line and the second power line are coupled to different photovoltaic panels.

8. A transmitter, comprising: an oscillator; a frequency synthesizer coupled to the oscillator; a modulator coupled to the frequency synthesizer to generate first coded communication signals representative of a message to a first local management unit of a first photovoltaic panel; and a control circuit coupled to the frequency synthesizer to modify timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals, induced wirelessly or into a first power line connected to first photovoltaic panel having the first local management unit, independent of second coded communication signals transmitted wirelessly or in a second power line connected to a second local management unit of a second photovoltaic panel.

9. The transmitter of claim 8, wherein the control circuit is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals, the second coded communication signals, or a combination thereof, randomly.

10. The transmitter of claim 9, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals based on a radio frequency identification device (RFID) or the transmitting component.

11. The transmitter of claim 9, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals based on the location of the transmitter.

12. The transmitter of claim 9, wherein the control circuit, or a controller executing instructions, is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signal so that the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signal is different than the timing, phase, or frequency of the secondPCT Application Attorney Docket No. 108144-213001 / WO coded communication signal.

13. The transmitter of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of frequency synthesizers, wherein the control circuit is configured to modify the timing, phase, or frequency of the first coded communication signals or the second coded communication signals by resetting frequency synthesizers and the modulator in response to the first timing signal.

14. The transmitter of claim 8, wherein the first and the second power line coupled to different photovoltaic panels than a second transmitter.

15. A system comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic panels; an inverter; and a monitoring device electrically or wirelessly connected to the plurality of photovoltaic panels and electrically or wirelessly connected to the inverter, a transmitter, or a control unit; wherein the monitoring device is configured to measure quality of a communication signal.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein in response to identifying the quality of the communication signal is indicative of an error, taking an action.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the action includes at least one of sending an alert to a user or shutting down the system.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the communication signal is a wireless communication signal.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the communication signal is a power line communication signal.

20. The system of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of rapid shutdown devices electrically connected between the plurality of photovoltaic panels and the monitoring device.

21. The system of claim 15, wherein the monitoring device includes at least one of a string monitor, a local management unit, or combination thereof.

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