Solar Terminology

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Solar Electricty

Solar Power: The output of devices converting sunlight into electricity.

Solar Energy: The energy and radiation emitted by the sun, harnessed by your solar system to generate power.

Solar Efficiency: Your system's ability to convert sunlight into electricity, typically ranging from 15%-22%.

Daily Peak Sun Hours: The hours when sunlight can best be absorbed by your panels, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Off-Peak Solar Hours: Times outside of peak hours when solar generation is lower, often mitigated with battery backups.

Direct Current (DC): Electric charge flows in one direction, the type of power created by solar panels.

Alternating Current (AC): Electric charge changes direction periodically, used in homes for long-distance transmission.

Photovoltaic (PV): The process of converting light into electricity using semiconducting materials.

Photovoltaic Effect: Voltage generation in a PV cell when exposed to sunlight, creating a conduction band that generates electricity.

Volt (V): The pressure with which electricity flows from a source to a device.

Amp: The constant electrical current from one point to another.

Watt (W): A measure of power generated by electricity, calculated by multiplying volts by amps.

Kilowatt (kW): A measurement of 1,000 watts of energy, used for larger solar arrays.

Kilowatt-Hour (kWh): Power measurement in kilowatts over time, indicating how much energy your system generates or your appliances consume.

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Solar Panel Installation

Solar Installer: A company that offers solar panel installation services, managing the process from selling to designing and installing your system.

Site Survey: Evaluation of your property, roof size, and energy needs to determine the optimal number of panels.

System Design: Planning the best layout for your solar system considering financial situation, rooftop angles, and local requirements.

Permission to Operate (PTO): The final step before connecting your system to the grid, involving permits and inspections to approve your solar setup.

Solar Monitoring: Tools that allow you to track your system's energy generation in real-time, often through apps.

Solar Battery Backup: Stores excess energy produced by your system for use during off-peak hours or power outages.

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Solar Hardware & Equipment

Solar Cell: The basic unit of a solar panel, generating a small electrical charge when sunlight strikes it.

Solar Panel: A collection of solar cells arranged on a flat plane, typically about 5 feet by 3 feet.

Solar Array: Multiple solar panels wired together and mounted on a rooftop to turn sunlight into energy.

Solar System: The complete set of equipment needed to generate DC electricity from sunlight, convert it to AC, and power your home.

Monocrystalline Panels: Made of pure silicon wafers, offering high efficiency and long lifespan, up to 25 years or more.

Polycrystalline Panels: Made from fused silicon crystals, less efficient but cheaper to produce, often used in large solar farms.

Thin Film Solar Panels: Newer, made from materials like cadmium telluride, lighter but less efficient, with a lifespan of 10-20 years.

Inverter: Converts DC electricity from your panels into AC electricity for your home.

Microinverter: Small device on each panel optimizing its energy production and allowing for panel-specific monitoring.

Racking: The framework that mounts your solar panels, ensuring stability and safety.

Junction Box or Combiner Box: Protects the connections between your solar panels and the rest of your electrical system.

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