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Array: One or more solar panels that creates electricity when exposed to sunlight. Batteries: Used to store the energy created by the solar panels, so that power can be used when the sun isn't shining. The batteries also are there for times when more power is required than the solar panels are producing at that moment. Some systems do not use batteries. Charge Controller: A device that prevents the solar panels from overcharging the batteries. Batteries can hold a certain amount of power (rated in amp-hours). If you try to put more energy into the batteries when they're full, they are damaged. The charge controller disconnects the solar panels when the batteries are full. Energy payback time: The time required for any energy producing system or device to produce as much useful energy as was consumed in its manufacture and construction. For PV the energy payback time is 2 to 4 years. Grid: Network of transmission lines, substations, distribution lines and transformers used by central power systems Grid tied system: Inverter: PV panels produce, and batteries store, energy in the form of DC current. Common household and business appliances use AC current. The inverter changes low voltage DC to high voltage AC. Kilowatt (kW): Kilowatt-hour (kWh): Unit of energy (power expressed in kW multiplied by time expressed in hours) Load: The amount of electric power being consumed at any given moment. Also, in an electrical circuit, any device or appliance that is using power. The load for a utility company varies greatly with time of day and to some extent with seasons. Megawatt: Module: Monitor: The monitor displays everything you want or need to know about the system. Net-metering: Nonrenewable energy: Photovoltaics (PV): The process that produces electricity from sunlight. "Photo" refers to light and "voltaic" to voltage. Photovoltaic array: A mechanically integrated assembly of modules and panels together with support structure to form a DC power producing unit. Photovoltaic cell: A basic photovoltaic device, which generates electricity when, exposed to a light such as the solar radiation. All photovoltaic cells produce DC power. Photovoltaic module: The smallest complete environmentally protected assembly of interconnected photovoltaic cells. For crystalline silicon cells, after testing and sorting to match the current and voltage, the cells are interconnected and encapsulated between a transparent front, usually glass, and a backing material. This 'module' is then typically mounted in an aluminium frame. Modules are normally rated between 50 and 200 W, although several manufacturers now offer modules above 200 W. Photovoltaic panel: A group of modules fastened together, pre-assembled and wired, designed to serve as an installable unit in a photovoltaic array. Photovoltaic power system: Set of interconnected elements such as photovoltaic modules, inverters that convert DC current of the modules into AC current, storage batteries, and all installation and control components with a photovoltaic power capacity of 40 W or more. Point of use: PV: Abbreviation of photovoltaic (adjective) or photovoltaics (noun). Societal Benefits Charge (SBC): an unavoidable surcharge imposed on all BPU-regulated electric and gas public utility customers. Renewable energy: Solar array: Solar cell: Social Benefits Charge (SBC): Therm: Watt (W): SI unit of power. Symbol is W. In this website it is understood power under standard test conditions (STC). Also written Wp (peak watt) by PV professionals to mean peak power at STC. Multiples like kW (one thousand watts = 1 000 W) or MW (one million watts = 1 000 000 W) are also used. |
