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Glossary of Solar Terms

Alternating Current (AC)

The type of electric current that changes direction periodically, typically used in residential and commercial power grids.

Array

 A group of interconnected solar panels that work together to generate electricity. 

Balance of System (BOS)

 The components of a solar power system other than the solar panels, including inverters, wiring, and mounting hardware. 

Battery Storage

 A system that stores excess electricity generated by solar panels in batteries for later use when solar production is low or during power outages. 

Bifacial Solar Panels

 Solar panels that can generate electricity from both sides, capturing sunlight that is reflected off the ground or other surfaces. 

Direct Current (DC)

The type of electric current that flows in one direction, generated by solar panels before being converted to AC by an inverter.  

Efficiency

 The ratio of the electrical energy produced by a solar panel to the amount of sunlight it receives, expressed as a percentage. 

Grid-tied System

 A solar power system that is connected to the electrical grid, allowing for the sale of excess electricity back to the utility company. 

Inverter

 A device that converts the DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity, which can be used by appliances and the power grid. 

Kilowatt (kW)

 A unit of electrical power equivalent to 1,000 watts, often used to describe the capacity of solar power systems. 

Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

 A unit of electrical energy equivalent to the consumption of 1,000 watts for one hour, commonly used to measure electricity usage and production. 

Monocrystalline

 A type of solar panel made from a single crystal structure, known for its high efficiency and uniform appearance. 

Net Metering

 A billing arrangement that allows solar power system owners to receive credit for excess electricity sent back to the grid. 

Off-grid System

 A solar power system that operates independently of the electrical grid, typically using battery storage to provide electricity when solar production is low. 

Photovoltaic (PV)

 The process of converting sunlight into electricity using solar cells, which are often made from silicon. 

Polycrystalline

 A type of solar panel made from multiple crystal structures, known for its lower cost and slightly lower efficiency compared to monocrystalline panels. 

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

 A financing arrangement where a third-party company installs, owns, and maintains a solar power system on a customer's property, and the customer agrees to purchase the electricity generated at a fixed rate for a specified period. 

Solar Cells

 The individual components of a solar panel that convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic process. 

Solar Irradiance

 The amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth's surface, typically measured in watts per square meter (W/m²). 

Watt (W)

 A unit of electrical power, commonly used to describe the capacity of individual solar panels or solar cells. 


Glossary

Feel free to revisit this glossary whenever you need a refresher on solar energy terminology. We hope it serves as a helpful resource in your solar journey. If you have any questions or need additional information, don't hesitate to reach out to the SolarWise Institute team. We're here to help you succeed in

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