Solar Glossary
Going Solar Glossary
Delving into alternative energy can be daunting without a grasp of the industry's language. Below is a solar glossary providing definitions for common solar terms, empowering you with knowledge as you consider the transition to solar energy. At Wing Solar & Wood Energy, Inc., we aim to enhance your understanding of the essence of 'Going Solar.'
Balance of System (BOS)
Refers to all components in the solar system, including wiring, nuts, bolts, etc.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
Utilizing photovoltaics (PV) in new construction, replacing traditional building materials with BIPV modules, which act as both building elements and power generators.
Charge Controller
Regulates electricity entering a battery, safeguarding the battery charge during off hours.
Disconnect Switch
Serves as the 'off switch' for the solar system.
Electrical Grid
The system delivering electricity from suppliers to the public, composed of generating stations, transmission lines, and distribution lines.
Energy Audit
An assessment evaluating energy usage in a home or business, providing insights for enhanced energy efficiency.
Escalator
A rate increase, important to consider in leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Federal Tax Credit
A 30% federal tax credit currently available for residential solar installations.
Feed-In Tariff (FIT)
A pricing policy encouraging renewable energy use, allowing utility providers to buy excess energy from customers using FIT-eligible resources.
Grid-Connected System/Grid-Tied System
Operates concurrently with a utility grid, allowing excess power to be fed back to the grid and drawing energy when needed.
Interconnection
Allows power transmission between two parties, facilitating energy exchange.
Inverter
Converts direct power to alternating current electricity for home use.
Kilowatt/Kilowatt Hour
Measurements of power (kW) and power expended over time (kWh).
Megawatt/Megawatt Hours
Larger units of power and power expended, with one megawatt equaling 1000 kilowatts.
Meter
Monitors energy production of the solar system.
Mounting System
Holds solar panels securely in place.
National Electrical Code (NEC)
Guidelines for electrical installations set by the National Fire Protection Association.
Net Metering
A billing system allowing users to send unused solar energy back to the utility grid, resulting in cost savings.
Peak Sun Hours
Units of measurement for effective sunshine, vital for understanding solar energy production.
Photovoltaic (PV)
Derived from 'photo' (light) and 'voltaic' (voltage), refers to solar cells, modules, and panels.
Photovoltaic Conversion Efficiency
Percentage of solar energy a photovoltaic cell can convert into usable electric power.
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
A contract selling solar energy to customers at a set cost, usually after installing the system at little to no cost for the customer.
Real-Time Pricing
Time-varying rate based on actual electricity prices, encouraging users to adjust energy use during peak or low-demand times.
Smart Grid
Digital technology-based electrical grids designed for increased energy efficiency.
Solar Array
Another term for a solar system.
Solar Cell
Also called a photovoltaic (PV) cell, the basic component of a solar panel.
Solar Farm
An area covered with solar panels, providing community benefits without individual system installation.
Solar Insolation
A unit measuring solar radiation energy.
Solar Lease
Payment option allowing monthly payments to a solar provider.
Solar Loan
Financing option enabling solar system benefits without upfront costs.
Solar Panel
A group of solar cells wired together to generate power.
Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC)
A return system based on the current market value for solar energy production.
Time of Use
A rate-varying pricing model encouraging energy consumption during low-demand periods.
Tracking Mount
Moves solar panels throughout the day to face the sun continually.
True South
Not to be confused with magnetic south, it refers to the direction when the sun is at its zenith, casting shadows perfectly north-south.