Covert smart solar power system and method of use

Abstract

A covert smart solar power system for use with a covert data collection device, the covert smart solar power system having a power storage device, a power source coupled to the power storage device, and a power transmission interface configured to couple the covert data collection device to at least one of the power storage device and the power source. The power source includes a natural object enclosure, a power generation apparatus embedded in the natural object enclosure, and a failure mitigation aspect coupled to the power generation apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A covert smart solar power system, the covert smart solar power system comprising:
 a power storage device;   a covert data collection device;   a power source having a natural object enclosure and a power generation apparatus, the natural object enclosure having a top portion formed of a first potting material and a base portion formed of a second potting material, the top portion having a light transmissive portion, the power generation apparatus being at least partially embedded into the light transmissive portion; and   a power transmission interface configured to couple the covert data collection device to the power storage device.   
     
     
         2 . The covert smart solar power system of  claim 1 , wherein the power storage device has a battery or a capacitor. 
     
     
         3 . The covert smart solar power system of  claim 1 , wherein the natural object enclosure includes a camouflaging layer disposed along the light transmissive portion. 
     
     
         4 . The covert smart solar power system of  claim 1 , wherein the light transmissive portion is at least one of a urethane, a polycarbonate, a transparent aluminum armor, an epoxy, or a silicone. 
     
     
         5 . The covert smart solar power system of  claim 1 , wherein the power transmission interface has a first cable and a second cable. 
     
     
         6 . The covert smart solar power system of  claim 5 , wherein the first cable couples the power storage device to the power generation apparatus and the second cable couples the first cable to the covert data collection device. 
     
     
         7 . The covert smart solar power system of  claim 1 , wherein the light transmissive portion is configured to refract off axis light onto the power generation apparatus. 
     
     
         8 . A covert power source, the covert power source comprising:
 a natural object enclosure having a first potting material configured to be a top portion of the natural object enclosure and a second potting material configured to be a base portion of the natural object enclosure, wherein the top portion has a light transmissive portion;   a power generation apparatus having a solar panel, the solar panel at least partially embedded in the first potting material; and   a power transmission interface configured to couple the covert power source to a covert data collection device.   
     
     
         9 . The covert power source of  claim 8 , wherein the first potting material comprises a refractive material whereby off-axis light is directed onto the solar panel. 
     
     
         10 . The covert power source of  claim 8 , wherein the first potting material is at least one of a urethane, a polycarbonate, a transparent aluminum armor, an epoxy or a silicone. 
     
     
         11 . The covert power source of  claim 8 , wherein the top portion is formed entirely of a light transmissive material. 
     
     
         12 . The covert power source of  claim 11 , wherein the base portion is formed entirely of a light transmissive material. 
     
     
         13 . The covert power source of  claim 8 , further comprising, a camouflaging layer disposed along the top portion. 
     
     
         14 . A covert power system, the covert power system comprising:
 a power generation apparatus, the power generation apparatus having a power generation apparatus enclosure and a solar panel;   wherein the power generation apparatus enclosure is formed at least partially from a potting material, is shaped like a natural object, has a top portion and a base portion, wherein the solar panel is configured to be embedded within the top portion;   a covert data collection device; and   a power transmission member configured to connect the power generation apparatus and the covert data collection device.   
     
     
         15 . The covert power system of  claim 14 , wherein the covert data collection device is a camera. 
     
     
         16 . The covert power system of  claim 14 , wherein the top portion is formed of a light transmissive material. 
     
     
         17 . The covert power system of  claim 16 , wherein the base portion is formed of a light transmissive material. 
     
     
         18 . The covert power system of  claim 16 , wherein the light transmissive material is configured to refract off axis light onto the solar panel. 
     
     
         19 . The covert power system of  claim 14 , wherein the power transmission member is capable of connecting to a power meter while the covert power system is operating. 
     
     
         20 . The covert power system of  claim 15 , wherein the camera is configured to capture still photographs.