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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Keith Johnston

This inventor holds 14 USPTO granted patents and 3 published patent applications and 5 EPO patents, primarily in Photovoltaic Systems. Top assignee: Sunpower Corporation. Active years: 2013-2018.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Keith Johnston. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/keith-johnston

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

Calculating rank
USPTO Granted Patents = 14 

% Patents Active = 85.7

 

Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.7

ph-index = 6

Forward Citations = 136(Granted Patents)


Location History:

  • Palo Alto, CA (US) (2013 - 2018)
  • San Francisco, CA (US) (2018)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal14 out of 854 
 
Sunpower Corporation
 patents

Years Active: 2013-2018

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Areas of Expertise:
Photovoltaic Systems
Maximum Power Point Tracking
Open Circuit Voltage
Optoelectronic Device
Diode
Heat Spreader
Interconnect
Solar Module
Current Shunting
Circuit Limiting
14 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 9927827 - Electrical independence of tracker rows (2018-03-27),
2. 9923374 - Photovoltaic systems with local maximum power point tracking prevention and methods for operating same (2018-03-20),
3. 9735729 - Circuits and methods for limiting open circuit voltage of photovoltaic strings (2017-08-15),
4. 9710005 - Parallel bus (2017-07-18),
5. 9685573 - Diode and heat spreader for solar module (2017-06-20),
6. 9537036 - Interconnect for an optoelectronic device (2017-01-03),
7. 9472691 - Device for shunting current from photovoltaic circuit near the open circuit voltage and/or disconnecting solar module of a solar system (2016-10-18),
8. 9397611 - Photovoltaic systems with local maximum power point tracking prevention and methods for operating same (2016-07-19),
9. 9190839 - Circuits and methods for limiting open circuit voltage of photovoltaic strings (2015-11-17),
10. 8809671 - Optoelectronic device with bypass diode (2014-08-19),
11. 8786095 - Interconnect for an optoelectronic device (2014-07-22),
12. 8630077 - Circuits and methods for limiting open circuit voltage of photovoltaic strings (2014-01-14),
13. 8563849 - Diode and heat spreader for solar module (2013-10-22),
14. 8426974 - Interconnect for an optoelectronic device (2013-04-23),

Title: Keith Johnston: Innovator in Photovoltaic Technology

Introduction

Keith Johnston is a prominent inventor based in Palo Alto, CA (US), known for his significant contributions to photovoltaic technology. With a total of 14 patents to his name, Johnston has made strides in enhancing the efficiency and functionality of solar energy systems.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovations is a patent titled "Electrical independence of tracker rows." This invention allows photovoltaic (PV) systems to include trackers with multiple rows of PV collection devices that can operate independently from one another. Another notable patent is "Photovoltaic systems with local maximum power point tracking prevention and methods for operating same." This technology involves a photovoltaic system that includes solar cells and an inverter designed to convert direct current generated by the solar cells into alternating current. The system features a maximum power point (MPP) tracking module that detects shading on the solar cells and adjusts its tracking to avoid local maximum power points, enhancing overall efficiency.

Career Highlights

Keith Johnston is currently associated with SunPower Corporation, a leader in solar technology. His work focuses on developing innovative solutions that improve the performance and reliability of solar energy systems.

Collaborations

Johnston collaborates with talented individuals in the field, including Zachary Steele Judkins and Ryan J Linderman, who contribute to the advancement of solar technology alongside him.

Conclusion

Keith Johnston's work in photovoltaic technology exemplifies the innovative spirit necessary for advancing renewable energy solutions. His patents reflect a commitment to improving solar energy systems, making a significant impact in the field.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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