This solar glossary contains definitions and technical terms related to solar power and photovoltaic (PV) technologies and the systems that support their use.
What is a solar energy glossary?
Our solar energy glossary offers a collection of key terms and phrases, explained simply and concisely. A type of electrical current that circuits and appliances in most homes utilize. Expressed as a sine wave, the current of AC passes through zero when it changes direction, which makes it a safer electrical current.
What is a photovoltaic solar system?
A Photovoltaic solar system. A linked collection of solar panels on a roof is called an 'array'. Power density is the amount of power per mass. PV inverters are measured by power density. The higher the power per mass, the better the inverter.
What is a photovoltaic (PV) cell?
Photovoltaic (PV) Cell: The smallest semiconductor element within a PV module to perform the immediate conversion of light into electrical energy (direct current voltage and current). Also called a solar cell.
The following is a listing of terms used primarily in the PV industry, but some general and solar heating terms are also included. absorbers --Dark-colored objects that soak up heat in thermal solar collectors. active solar heater --A solar water or space-heating system that moves heated air or water using pumps or fans.
What is the difference between solar thermal and photovoltaic?
Solar Thermal Also known as solar water heating, solar thermal uses energy from the sun (absorbed by collectors) to heat water. Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Collecting and converting energy from the sun (solar radiation) into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then inverted into alternating current (AC) for use.
What is a photovoltaic panel?
Panel: See photovoltaic (PV) panel. Parallel Connection: A way of joining solar cells or photovoltaic modules by connecting positive leads together and negative leads together; such a configuration increases the current, but not the voltage.