Solarcabulary
Solar Photovoltaic (PV): The technology that converts sunlight into electricity using solar cells.
Solar Panel: A device made up of solar cells that captures sunlight and converts it into electrical energy.
Solar Array: A collection of interconnected solar panels.
Inverter: Converts direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) for use in homes or the electrical grid.
Net Metering: A billing arrangement that allows solar panel owners to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid.
Solar Efficiency: The percentage of sunlight that a solar panel converts into usable electricity.
Solar Insolation: The amount of solar radiation received per unit area at a specific location and time.
Off-Grid System: A solar power system that operates independently of the electric grid, often using batteries for energy storage.
On-Grid System: A solar power system connected to the electric grid, allowing for the exchange of electricity between the system and the grid.
Solar Thermal Energy: Using sunlight to generate heat, often for heating water or producing steam to generate electricity.
Solar Concentrator: A device that focuses sunlight onto a small area to enhance the intensity of solar radiation.
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs): Tradable certificates representing the environmental attributes of electricity generated from renewable sources, including solar.
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): A contractual arrangement where a third party owns, operates, and maintains a solar power system on a customer's property.
Solar Tracking System: Mechanism that adjusts the orientation of solar panels to follow the sun's path, maximizing energy capture.
Solar Shading: The impact of obstructions, such as buildings or trees, on the amount of sunlight reaching solar panels.
Thin-Film Solar Cells: Solar cells made by depositing one or more thin layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate.
Solar Incentives: Financial incentives provided by governments or utilities to encourage the adoption of solar energy, including tax credits and rebates.
Solar Irradiance: The power per unit area (W/m²) received from the sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
Solar Lease: An arrangement where a homeowner leases a solar power system from a third party.
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