Glossary
Solar Panel (Photovoltaic Panel): A device that converts sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
Inverter: Converts the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) for use in homes and businesses.
Photovoltaic (PV) System: The entire solar power setup, including solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, and wiring.
Net Metering: A billing arrangement where excess electricity generated by a solar PV system is fed back into the grid, and the customer receives credit for it.
Solar Array: A collection of interconnected solar panels designed to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.
Solar Efficiency: The percentage of sunlight a solar panel can convert into electricity.
Off-Grid System: A solar power system that operates independently of the electric grid, typically using batteries to store excess energy.
Grid-Tied System: A solar power system that remains connected to the electrical grid, allowing for the exchange of electricity with the grid.
Solar Incentives: Financial incentives or rebates offered by governments or utility companies to promote the adoption of solar energy.
Solar Photovoltaic Cells: The individual units within a solar panel that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight.
Solar Racking System: The mounting structure that supports and positions solar panels for optimal sunlight exposure.
Solar Shingles: Photovoltaic-integrated roofing materials that serve both as a protective roof covering and as a source of solar energy.
Battery Storage: A system that stores excess electricity generated by solar panels for later use, often during periods of low sunlight.
Solar Monitoring System: Technology that tracks and records the performance of a solar PV system, providing real-time data on energy production.
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): A contractual arrangement where a third party owns, installs, and maintains the solar system on a customer's property, and the customer purchases the generated electricity at an agreed-upon rate.
Solar Panel Orientation: The positioning of solar panels to maximise sunlight exposure, typically facing south for optimal efficiency.
Solar Energy Audit: An assessment of a property's energy consumption and potential for solar power integration.
Solar Charger: A device that uses solar energy to recharge batteries or power electronic devices.
Solar Thermal System: A system that uses sunlight to generate heat, often for space heating or hot water.
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs): Tradable certificates representing the environmental benefits of generating electricity from renewable sources, including solar power.
Solar Array: A collection of interconnected solar panels designed to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.
Inverter: A device that converts direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) for use in homes and businesses.
String Inverter: An inverter that is connected to multiple solar panels in series (string), converting the combined DC electricity to AC.
Power Optimiser: A device connected to each solar panel to optimise energy production and improve overall system efficiency by mitigating mismatch losses.
Hybrid Inverter: An inverter designed to work with both solar panels and energy storage systems, allowing for the storage of excess energy.
Three-Phase Inverter: An inverter designed for three-phase electrical systems, commonly used in commercial and industrial solar installations.
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT): Technology in inverters that optimises the operating point of solar panels to maximise energy production.
Inverter Efficiency: The ratio of output AC power to input DC power, indicating how effectively the inverter converts solar energy.
Inverter Monitoring System: Technology that allows users to remotely monitor the performance of inverters and the overall solar PV system.
Inverter Surge Capacity: The ability of an inverter to handle temporary increases in power demand, such as during the startup of electrical appliances.
Islanding Protection: A feature in inverters to prevent the generation of electricity during a power outage, ensuring safety for utility workers.
Battery Management System (BMS): An electronic system that monitors and manages the performance, health, and charging/discharging of individual cells within the battery pack.
Battery Pack: The assembly of interconnected battery cells that store electrical energy for use in various applications, such as electric vehicles or solar energy storage.
Thermal Management System: Components that regulate the temperature of the battery to optimise performance and prevent overheating.
Charging Port: The interface on an electric vehicle where a charging cable is connected to replenish the battery's energy.
Onboard Charger: The device within an electric vehicle that converts AC power from a charging station into DC power for the battery.
Thermal Management System: Components that regulate the temperature of the electric vehicle's battery to optimise performance and longevity.
Electric Vehicle Controller: The electronic control unit that manages various functions in an electric vehicle, including energy flow, acceleration, and regenerative braking.
Regenerative Braking System: A feature that captures and converts energy during braking into electrical energy, which is then fed back into the battery.
Battery Management System (BMS): An electronic system that monitors and manages the performance, health, and charging/discharging of individual cells within the battery pack.