A Beginners Guide to Solar Terminology
Having the ability to convert sunlight into clean energy is something anyone should be excited about. This excitement can quickly turn to frustration when you're researching solar power and start seeing solar terminology that you don't understand.
What is a photovoltaic system? What does "tied to the electrical grid" mean? What is a bypass diode, and why does it matter?
If you're just starting out on your journey learning about solar power, we've put together a categorized solar glossary of terms to help you out.
We hope this helps with your research on solar power and brings you one step closer to empowering your life by using renewable energy and lowering your electricity bills.
Common Terms Relating to Solar Power
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Energy generated in ways that do not deplete natural resources or harm the environment, especially by avoiding the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power.
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A series of interconnected networks which delivers electricity to users from a producing source such as an electrical power station.
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A solar system that is connected to the electric grid and uses solar energy to supplement or replace electricity from the grid.
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A solar system that is both tied to the power grid and has the ability to store excess power in lithium-ion batteries for later use, such as when power outages occur.
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A unit of energy used to measure the amount of electricity produced or consumed over time.
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A solar system that is not connected to the electric grid and relies solely on solar energy for electricity production.
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A system that converts solar energy into electrical energy through the use of photovoltaic cells.
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Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as from a solar energy system.
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A collection of solar panels used to generate electricity.
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An individual cell within a solar panel that converts sunlight into electrical energy through the use of semiconducting materials.
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Energy derived from the sun's radiation.
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The process of removing dirt, debris, and other contaminants from solar panels to maximize their efficiency.
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A device that converts solar energy into electrical energy through the use of photovoltaic cells.
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an all solar electric power system designed to supply usable solar electricity by means of photovoltaics
Solar Terms related to Financing and Financial Incentives
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A billing arrangement where excess energy produced by a photovoltaic system is fed back into the grid, and the owner is credited for the energy they contribute back into the electrical grid.
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A financing option where a homeowner leases a solar panel system from a solar company, paying a monthly fee for the use of the system.
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A financing option where a homeowner takes out a loan to pay for installing a solar panel system and pays the loan back over time.
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A financial incentive provided by local or state governments or utility companies to promote the use of solar energy.
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A federal tax credit available to homeowners who install solar panel systems, providing a percentage of the system cost as a credit against their tax liability.
Residential and Commercial Solar Terms
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The components of a solar panel system other than the solar panels themselves, including inverters, mounting systems, and electrical wiring.
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An agreement between the homeowner and the local utility grid or company to connect a solar panel system to the electric grid.
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a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity from solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity for use in homes or businesses.
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A record of a homeowner's energy consumption patterns used to design a solar panel system that meets their energy needs.
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A solar panel system installed on the rooftop of a residential building.
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A device that stores excess solar energy generated by a PV system for use during times when the sun is not shining.
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A device that regulates the flow of electricity between solar panels, batteries, and other electrical components in a PV system.
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A professional who installs solar panels and PV systems on residential or commercial buildings.
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A system that tracks the performance of a solar panel system, including energy production and system efficiency.
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A document required by local government agencies to install a solar panel system.
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A guarantee provided by the manufacturer of a solar panel system that covers defects or malfunctions.
Other Solar Terms
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A type of solar panel that can absorb light from both sides, increasing its energy output.
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An electrical device that allows alternate electrical current when a cell on a solar panel becomes shaded or blocked by debris.
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The quality of the sunlight solar panels absorb as opposed to the total time solar panels are exposed to the sun.
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Solar systems with solar panels on structures that have room underneath for other uses, such as a parking lot or carport.
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The percentage of sunlight that is converted into usable energy by a solar panel or PV system.
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A large-scale installation of solar panels used to generate renewable energy.
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The amount of solar energy received per unit area over a given period of time.
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A small inverter that is attached to individual solar panels, allowing for more precise energy production and better performance.
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A type of roofing material that doubles as a solar panel, allowing homes to generate electricity without traditional solar panels.
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A device used to test the performance of multiple solar cells or panels in a controlled environment.
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A device that adjusts the orientation of solar panels to maximize the amount of sunlight they receive throughout the day.
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A type of solar cell that is made by depositing a thin layer of photovoltaic material onto a substrate.
Now That You're an Expert on Solar Terminology...
An expanded solar vocabulary will certainly help with your research, but if you're still curious about other aspects of adding solar power to your home, you can peruse through the rest of our blog to learn more.
We strive to be a resource of information for all things relating to the solar industry, not just our own solar panels. Whether you're looking to add solar power to your home, an accessory dwelling unit, or even an off-grid tiny home, we have articles to get you started.
