Common Solar Terms

The solar world can be confusing and at times a little intimidating. You start hearing terms like photovoltaic, string inverter, dc optimizer, but what do they mean? Here we put together a list of terms to give you a better understanding of photovoltaics. 

AC

AC stands for alternating current. This is a type of electric current flow that is used in your home to power you lights and appliances.

Cell

Solar panels come in 60 cell and 72 cell versions. When you look at a solar panel you will be able to see the individual cells that make up the panel.

Converter

 A device that changes DC voltage to another voltage.

DC

DC stands for direct current. This is the type of electricity that a solar panel produces. It must be inverted to AC to use inside your home. Electric vehicle chargers run on DC as well as some other appliances.

DC Optimizer

A small device that is connected to individual panels. This is to help your solar array with shading. If a portion of a panel is shaded only that portion of the panel is affected. A micro inverter does this as well.

Electrical Grid

A system to distribute electricity usually over a large area.

the Grid

The system that electricity is distributed through in your area. Most likely your home is connected to the grid.

Grid Connected System

A solar array that is connected to your local electrical grid. Usually able to push any unused power back into the grid.

Hybrid Systems

A solar array that uses other sources of power such as wind turbine or diesel generator.

Inverter

A device that converts DC to AC power.

Kilowatt (Kw)

A standard unit for electrical power that is equal to 1,000 watts.

Kilowatt Hour (Kwh)

1,000 watts acting over a period of one hour.

Load

The demand on a energy producing system.

Megawatt

1 megawatt is equal to 1,000 kilowatts or 1 million watts.

Megawatt Hour

1 megawatt is equal to 1,000 kilowatt hours or 1 million watt hours.

Micro Inverter

A small device that is mounted to individual panels. This converts the the DC power from the solar panel to useable AC power.

Module

The technical term for a solar panel.

Panel

The more common term for a solar panel.

Parallel Connection

A way of connecting solar panels together by connecting the positive to the positive and the negative to the negative. This is done to increase the current but not the voltage.

Photovoltaics (PV)

This is the direct conversion of light to electricity.

Photovoltaic Array

This is the technical term for a solar array.

Power

The amount of electrical energy that is used for doing work, measured in watts, horsepower and btu per hour.

Rated Module Current

The current output of a solar panel at standard test conditions.

Rectifier

A device that converts AC power to DC power

Series Connection

A way of connecting solar panels by connecting the positive connection of one panel to the negative connection of another panel. This is done to increase to voltage.

Solar Array

This is the technical term for a complete solar panel system on a home. This includes your racking and mounting for the panels, the panels, wiring and inverter. This can include more devices like dc optimizers.

Solar Energy

Electromagnetic energy transmitted from the sun.

Stand-alone System

This is a solar array that is not connected to the electrical grid. They may or may not have batteries for storage.

String Inverter

This is a single device that your solar array is wired into. This converts the DC power from the solar panels to useable AC power.

Transformer 

An electromagnetic device that changes volts of AC power.

Voltage

The amount of electromagnetic force, measured in watts, that exists between two points.

Watt

The rate of energy transfer equal to one ampere under an electrical pressure of one volt.